AllyJo's Erudition

Sun Tea in the South

2011-05-20T08:09:00.006-04:00

Good morning from Florida.

My son's chore everday is to make the sun tea. When he forgets, we really miss it at dinner and he gets a good brow beating.

This pitcher with the strawberries belonged to my mother-in-law. I love seeing it out in the garden working for us now. It was a cookie jar. Cookies don't last long enough around here to be put in a jar, so it's perfect for sun tea.

Make sure your jar is sterile. Bacteria can be an issue if your pitcher is dirty or your tea gets old. Don't make more than you can drink in a day. We drink so much tea, leftovers aren't a problem. When we do have leftover tea, I just throw it in the garden as soil loves the sugar. :)

We live in the south, so naturally there's gobs of sugar in our tea.

"Ecstacy is a glass full of tea and a piece of sugar in the mouth."~ Alexander Puskin

Be blessed and be a blessing.

"Talk and tea is his specialty," said Giles. "He has come along inside....We'll see if tea and buns can make the world a better place."

~ The Wind in the Willows

May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains."

2 Timothy 1:16

Little Boy has the Flu

2011-01-24T20:39:00.003-05:00

My 6'2", 215 lb,
15 year old little boy
has the flu.

A really bad flu.

Princess Peach has the flu as well, but she's 30 minutes away at school and I haven't had as much opportunity to baby her, as I have my boy.

Is there anything more pitiful than your sick child? My son never gets sick, so it's been a long time since I've felt that helpless heartache. *sniff* There is nothing you can do but wait and watch as the virus runs its course, hoping the fever doesn't get too high and doing your best to comfort with Jell-O and juice. Crackers and cool rags. Coddling and quilts.

His fever was so high one night I was afraid to go to sleep. I know he would have been fine, but what if he needed me? Sure my kids can be sick alone, but it's just not as much fun, is it? I always feel so guilty when I wake up in the morning to find my child was sick through the night and they were too afraid to wake us up. What? That's what I live for...to take care of my family. No one is to ever be sick alone in this family. :)

Love begins by taking care of the closest ones - the ones at home.
Mother Teresa

Be Healthy! Be at Peace! Choose Joy!
((((((group hugs)))))))

Book Mountain

2011-01-20T09:50:00.004-05:00

You can tell a lot about a person by the books they read and the messes they make.

What do you see in us by looking at this honest mosaic? LOL Wait...nevermind. Not sure I wanna hear an honest answer.

This is a before picture of the "Library", also known as Book Mountain. My daughter began calling this room Book Mountain after a notorious incident in our home...the day frustrated homeschool Mama dumped all the books out of their boxes, searching for a specific science book. It took me forever to gather the courage to get in there and clean my temper tantrum up.

And I still haven't found that book.

All the books have been removed from the room. The walls are painted. 4 bookshelves will be decoupaged with pages from my antique books. My back is killing me and I'm sick of being slimy and icky with liquid starch all day, but I'm determined. I'm not quiting until the job is done. Hopefully by the end of next week, I'll have it the way I want it.

A book reads the better which is our own, and has been so long known to us, that we know the topography of its blots, and dog's ears, and can trace the dirt in it to having read it at tea with buttered muffins. ~Charles Lamb, Last Essays of Elia, 1833

Be blessed and Be a Blessing.
Hooches and Smugs.
((((((Group Hug))))))))

Didn't mean to take a break

2011-01-17T08:16:00.005-05:00

But sometimes life happens and before you know it, you haven't blogged in months. Don't know if I can commit to keeping this up, but I'll do my best to check in more frequently. I've missed my friends.

I started my blog to keep in touch with family and friends, so they could see our life 1000 miles away. Now we're all on Facebook so I've been lazy about keeping my blog when status updates are so easy.

We went to Texas in August and my daughter has supposedly met Mr. Right. I'm in love with him and told her if things didn't work out, to please marry him anyway. She said she would take one for the team. :)~

She's on the last semester of her sophomore year at her little college. She'll have an AA in a few more months. I thought when my daughter went to college, I would be down one kid with one still left to raise. Not the case. She still needs me and I'm more than willing to drop everything and run some cupcakes down to her and all her friends....or whatever they need from a "Mommy".

I've got a sophomore in high school still at home and he needs a lot of motivation (kicks in the butt) to get his homeschooling work done. He's not like his sister who would take her work to her room and come out when she was finished. This one needs his mother........which I really shouldn't complain. There aren't many 15 year old boys who still like having their mom around. He also has a dog sitting job. 5 days a week we have 4 dogs in this house instead of just 2. I have extra dog hair to clean up. FUN!!!!

Did I mention I was working on 4 different quilts last fall? And I crocheted a bunch of scarves for Christmas. And I've been decoupaging and decorating the house like a maniac. We've been in our new home for over a year now and it was time to commit to some paint colors and ideas I've had in my mind for years and make this house our home.

I gotta run and get busy with my day. We're working on the book room right now. I'm decoupaging bookshelves with antique books. It looks glorious.

Here is a photo from yesterday afternoon....my life on the corner of the table.... my glasses, my Bible, my Kindle and my cell phone are the only things missing from this shot. LOL

Hi

2011-01-03T15:57:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year.

I'm in Texas with my sister and her kids. We will be returning to Florida this coming Saturday.

Have a blessed new year and be a blessing to others.

Well hello there

2010-09-07T06:22:00.004-04:00

Just a note: I'm not dead. I'm alive. Incase you were wondering.

Went to Texas for 2 weeks.
Had to get my daughter off to college.
Had to get my son started on his Sophomore year (yes, we're still homeschooling).
My husband is in Pennsylvania 2 weeks out of every month.

Have had one of my daughter's friends who has an 8 month old baby stay at our home for 2 weeks now.
I'm busy. Working hard on the house, cards, and Christmas presents.

I miss my blogging friends.
Take care.
(((Group hugs)))

Dorothy Belle Seitter Woodruff

2010-07-30T09:31:00.004-04:00

This is my grandmother. Isn't she beautiful? I miss the way she answered the phone. She had a sweet, original "hello". I loved her strawberry Jell-O salad. She was gentle and meek. I thought it was sweet when she sat in Grandpa's lap. Grandma invited Grandpa to church and he said he would go for a kiss. :) They were high school sweethearts....and the rest is history.

Does she look German? :) A sweet blessing is, some of her daughters, granddaughters, and great granddaughters have pieces of this face in them. Ally and I have her nose and lips. Other cousins and an Aunt have her eyes.

I found this on Amazon today. Cool, huh?

Read this story about my grandpa serving with JFK in the Pacific

GET OFF MY STUFF!!! (part 2)

2010-07-29T09:52:00.005-04:00

So I'm talking about my cat again...Mufasa, Moo Moo, Poopee...his name changes everyday, depending on my mood or his behavior. I guess my blog should be called "My life as a Kitten Wannabe" or "1001 Ways to Show Off so my Master (my pet) will think I'm cute"....something clever like that and just start posting only pictures of my cat.

I'm either talking about one of our pets our my dead mother-in-law. Boring or depressing, either way.

So I'm working away right? Super busy on cards. I DO NOT want the cat on the table and I DO NOT want him touching my stuff or the product.

I keep a bag of tiny pieces of paper which I can't throw away, which I actually use. He loves this bag. He climbs up and lies in it. Something about plastic and paper is so much squishy fun!!!

I gently placed him back on the floor. I move the bag to an uncomfortable place, trying to make it look less inviting. 8 seconds later, he climbs back up and snuggles into the cozy nesting spot.

AAAAAAAUUUUUUUGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!

GET OFF MY STUFF!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm super annoyed and aggravated by this time, ready to punch a kitty...(not really). I'm trying to think of the most evil, the most cruel, the most vengeful retaliation I could quickly come up with.....

All I could think of was to tickle him with scraps of paper. THERE! That will show him! It will drive him nuts and he will leave me alone and keep his nasty fur off my stuff.

Oy vey! Forget it. You stay here, and I WILL MOVE. You win.

(You can see in the last picture, he is REALLY bothered. He rolls over and blinks at me...then goes back to sleep).

Dirty, Nasty Dog, that I LOVE so much

2010-07-22T09:19:00.004-04:00

So why do dogs like to drink dirty water? Ewwww.... It just grosses me out when she tries to help load the dishwasher. I know she thinks she's helping me, but my gag reflex is weak.

I have always liked dogs, but I was more of a cat person most of my life. Now I love them equally and no one feels left out or second wheel. :) At night on our bed, there is barely room for my husband and me. Lee Lee thinks she's a cute little lap dog puppy and the cats like to push me off the bed!!!!!!!!

The saddest thing about Lee Lee: she was originally adopted from a shelter and has a chip in her shoulder. We found this out when I took her to the vet. By then we had bonded and my heart was broken. I figured the owners would want her back, she was so wonderful. They were contacted. NOPE. They didn't want her. Praise God for our sake, but I also wanted to go punch them in the face. I think they just turned her out and let her go.

Click on the link below to see her story and see how skinny she was when she came to our back door. JUST MAKES ME SICK to see those pictures, bless her heart. I'm so glad and angel had her back and sent her to us. She's my girl.

Story of finding Lee Lee

SPAY AND NEUTER. RESCUE THE DEFENSELESS AND HOMELESS!!!
With today's economy, shelters are full as people can't afford their pets any more or they are abandoning them as they are having to leave their homes.

"RESCUE POEM"
Arlene Pace
September 18, 1998

Once I was a lonely dog,
Just looking for a home.
I had no place to go,
No one to call my own.
I wandered up and down the streets,
in rain in heat and snow.
I ate what ever I could find,
I was always on the go.
My skin would itch, my feet were sore,
My body ached with pain.
And no one stopped to give a pat
Or a gently say my name.
I never saw a loving glance,
I was always on the run.
For people thought that hurting me
was really lots of fun.
And then one day I heard a voice
So gentle, kind and sweet,
And arms so soft reached down to me
And took me off my feet.
No one again will hurt you
Was whispered in my ear.
You’ll have a home to call your own
where you will know no fear
You will be dry, you will be warm,
you’ll have enough to eat
And rest assured that when you sleep,
your dreams will all be sweet.
I was afraid I must admit,
I’ve lived so long in fear.
I can’t remember when I let
A human come so near.
And as she tended to my wounds
And bathed and brushed my fur
She told me ‘bout the rescue group
And what it meant to her.
She said, We are a circle,
A line that never ends.
And in the center there is you
protected by new friends.

It's "What's on your Fridge Wednesday"

2010-07-21T09:30:00.008-04:00

I bet you didn't know that did you? I just invented it. :)

I was digging through some stuff and this turned up. I thought it was so sweet and funny. Don't you just love finding old surprises from your kids? I think my daughter made this card for me years ago. I can tell it's her handwriting.

My son is (was) a great little artist and drew dozens of pictures everyday for years and I would find them all over the house. I miss that.

Kinda sad when your little ones grow up. You miss all the little things they used to do.

It's ok I guess....*sigh*.... Now I'll just enjoy all the NEW little things with my BIG kids. They don't fit in my lap any more, but they're still just as sweet.

If you like the little magnets, they are from my friend, the most amazing artist and human being. Here is one of her websites. Journal Junk

You can buy her collage sheets of her "inchie" work on etsy. Lia's Collage Sheets

Hot Spot Decorating

2010-07-20T08:41:00.003-04:00

This Etsy gig is demanding a great deal of time away from cleaning, my favorite hobby. Shux y'all. Wish I had more time to play with my rags and orange oil... HA! (whatever)

I thought maybe I would give you my favorite decorating tip.

Take your most noticeable Hot Spot in your house, throw a bunch of crap up there, and hope it all works. If it works, leave it there. If it isn't working, give it two weeks, then move it around again. You'll get the hang of it.

I love helping people, so if you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Hooches and Smugs!

Choose Joy all my little Lovelies!!!

Be blessed, Count your Blessings, Bless others.

Pink is my signature color

2010-07-19T01:29:00.002-04:00

Quick...name the movie that quote came from. Or rather, the play, then the movie.

Or I could have titled this...."How I Spent My Summer Vacation"...

I'm not burned out on making cards yet, but I haven't quilted in about 2 weeks and I'm starting to miss it...PLUS...the house is a wreck and even though things seem to stay messy, at heart I'm a neat freak (virgo) and my insides start vibrating if things aren't tidy and clean and I get real irritable and basically just absolutely no fun to be around.

SOOO...I guess I better put away my messes and scrub some toilets this week. YEEHAW!!!

Go over to Little Red House for Mosaic Monday. It's a beautiful blog, btw

((((((((((group hugs)))))))))))

Hooches and Smugs

Choose Joy and live like there's no tomorrow. :)

Friends Forever

2010-07-13T19:27:00.006-04:00

"And summer's lease hath all too short a date." ~ William Shakespeare

These are friends of Allyson. They were friends when they were little. They are still friends now.

It makes me happy to see their loyalty and unconditional love they have for each other. They don't have to be anyone but "themselves" for each other. That's the way friendships should be. You love the person for who they are and don't ask them to be anyone else. My heart is joyful witnessing how these little girls have become women...who still care for one another.

"Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with the world." ~Ada Louise Huxtable

***********************************************************************************

Be sure to join my Facebook page over on the left. I just put it up today. :)

Be blessed.

Choose Joy in every moment

Hooches and Smugs!

((((((Group Hug)))))))

Mosaic Monday ... Strawberries.

2010-07-12T08:40:00.004-04:00

I finally unpacked my box of strawberry things. A lot of it is mine and other things I inherited from my mother-in-law. I don't really buy for this collection any more unless something amazingly wonderful and old jumps out at me with a bargain price. :) I have too much stuff anyway. I treasure what I have and am content.

I've been collecting strawberries since I was in the 8th grade and eating them since I was a baby. :) They are my absolute most favorite food....my whole entire life.

You can visit the Little Red House for Mosaic Monday, plus it's just a gorgeous blog to mark as one of your favorites. :)

(PS: I know my Jonah Salt and Pepper shaker isn't really a strawberry...LOL...I just love him so, so much and his on the same shelf. It just seemed cruel to leave him out).

Be blessed.
Choose Joy Today.
Hooches and smugs
((((((group hugs)))))))

Weekending

2010-07-11T17:32:00.003-04:00

What did you do this weekend?

Did you stay out of the heat or did you go out and play in it?

I worked on a rag rug...oh so cute. It's white, aqua and red to go with my kitchen.

We ate blueberry pie and napped with cats.

That's about it.

We have a good life, don't we?

What greater gift than the love of a cat? ~Charles Dickens

Did you see "Waitress". Allyson and I love that movie. She invents pies and gives them great names now. This cream cheese blueberry pie was named

"This Is So Much Better Than Math Homework Pie".

"Baby don't you cry, gonna make a pie, gonna make a pie with a heart in the middle/Baby don't be blue, gonna make for you, gonna make a pie with a heart in the middle/Gonna make a pie from heaven above, gonna be filled with strawberry love/Baby don't you cry, gonna make a pie, and hold you forever in the middle of my heart"

Cats On Quilts

2010-07-09T08:28:00.003-04:00

Check out this cute site Cats On Quilts. I thought my obnoxious narcissistic cat was the only one who liked to harass people who sew!!! The first picture is funny. The cat is sticking out his tongue. Soooo CAT!!! All attitude and stuff.

Here is Moo Moo and Me on a really bad day. LEAVE ME ALONE!!!

And just because it's Friday...and I love "Owl City" and this video is fun and I like it and it makes me feel young again, back when MTV was actually GOOD!

(What's this world coming to? MTV is awful...or am I just getting old?).

((((((((((((((GROUP HUGS))))))))))))))))

Choose Joy!

Be blessed and have a good weekend....woooooo Doggy!!!

And the WINNER is....

2010-07-08T17:32:00.005-04:00

People, people, people....once again, my blog post is disorganized and unprofessional.

My daughter is at a friends and took the good Rebel with her. I've got my Canon, but I can't get it to work, even after changing the dad gum batteries.

I can't wait any longer to announce the winner as I wanted to do it this morning. I put an entry with your name on it for each entry you earned. Thank you so much for helping me out and leaving me some good feedback.

Sooooooooo.........check out this picture.........my son will be 15 tomorrow. I'm about 5'3" and look how tall he is. This was on July 4th. :)

Since it his birthday, I let him draw the name out of a basket........and without a picture of the glorious event, you'll just have to trust me and believe we are telling the truth...

Honest...

Plain Jane

Plain Jane is the winner and I'll send you some good stuff. I made lots more cards. Please email me your mailing address so I can send you a yummy package.

Thank you all for being my friends. I really appreciate all of you and the gifts you bring the blog world.

((((group hug))))
HOOCHES AND SMUGS!!

Baby Birds left home

2010-07-05T11:00:00.004-04:00

Our babies left. Aren't they beautiful? The parents stayed with them for a day or two until we finally lost sight of them, teaching them to fly in the thicket behind our house. It was a sweet thing to witness.

Be blessed everyone!

Have a blessed weekend

2010-07-02T13:29:00.004-04:00

We're going to Jacksonville, FL for the weekend.

I have some really sweet pictures to show you of our baby birds leaving the nest. *sniff*

I also took better pictures of my giveaway in DAYLIGHT. I've been working hard on our cards all week and have more to upload. Pricing is so difficult, we are finding. Each card takes almost an hour to make with all the steps we use, plus the paper is over 170 years old. I don't know how to fairly price our work, where the person is getting something special.....but also a nice deal. *sigh* It will come... It gets easier right?

So don't
forget the giveaway below. Share with your friends and I'm so grateful for the feedback you are giving me. I'm already using it.

BBL, hopefully tomorrow. You just GOTTA see these baby bird pictures. Sooooo sweet!!!

Hooches and smugs.
Be bless y'all.

Finally...My 1st Giveaway...

2010-06-30T10:28:00.005-04:00

We've been working so hard all week on more Etsy things, trying to fill our stock back up with good stuff. We had 5 sales this past weekend and some of the best things sold. Yea!!!! I hope we're always this blessed.

OK, for my 1st giveaway. Tomorrow is my wedding anniversary. 16 Years! Way to go us!! I love every anniversary we have, because it means we made it "one more year". In a world where divorce is common and marriage is dadgum HARD, I'm always glad we're still together and that we actually still like each other. :) He's the best thing that ever happened to me.

And the month of June is my blogging anniversary. 4 years! Woah. Can't believe I stuck it out this long.

So forgive me for the un-fabulous, awful pictures. We were so busy yesterday and missed the sunlight, but I can't wait any longer. I gotta get this up and running. :( The items in the pictures don't seem as bright or dark to me. The items are actually lighter and more pastel. If you look at our Etsy site and see the colors of our stuff, you might get a better idea of what things will look like. We will also keep making things in the coming days, so this stack of stuff will probably grow. There might also be more than one winner. Hmmmm.... :)

Each request you fulfill will earn you an entry, so you can have up to 4 entries in the bucket. What you have to do for me is:

1. Introduce yourself. Tell me your name and and leave a blog link or an email address for me to reach you if you win.

2. Share a recent blessing with us or a recent joy filled moment.

3. This is more or less market research for us. Visit our new Etsy shop and pretend you were planning on being a customer. Tell me what your favorite color is, or what color you would like to buy for someone else. Do you like a vintage, shabby, cottage look, or a clean, contemporary, brighter, fabric look, etc. Do you like blank cards or thinking of you, gift tags or get well, blah, blah, blah.

4. Please leave word about this giveaway on your blog with a link to our Etsy store.

This is a group, family effort to raise some money for my daughter's sophomore year in college. We want to borrow from Sallie Mae a little less this year (because debt makes you a slave). If we could just earn enough to pay for her books for both semesters, we'll be happy. :)

Thank you so much for
1. Being my friend.
2. Your support
3. Being kind and blessing me with your good hearts all year long.

The first item are these little handmade gift, note cards about 2 1/2" by 4", with homemade envelopes made from a 1954 dictionary. I'll make a bunch more and stick them in your box. :)

The second item are 4 embellished envelopes, lined with paper from the 1830's.

The third item are these handmade cards we make with very old pages out of a book printed in the 1830's. I use every tiny bit of my fabric scraps. Hardly any of them go in the trash.

The last two items are a set of fabric coasters and 1 yard of vintage lace. The coasters are more feminine and shabby, but could also pass with more primitive or neutral decor. I will finish them up today. You won't get half finished coasters. :)

Good luck and best wishes to all
Hooches and Smugs
Choose Joy
(((((Group Hugs)))))

I will stop taking entries for this giveaway at midnight, next Wednesday night on July 7th. I will announce the winner on Thursday morning.

Etsy Grand Opening

2010-06-27T09:03:00.004-04:00

Hey y'all. I've only got a second here. Pant, pant, pant...

Gotta take my husband to the airport today because he goes to Pennsylvania once a month for work. Gotta get to church at least once today. Pant, pant, pant...

My daughter and I have been working our hiney's off....how do you make hiney plural? LOL

We've been making some of our scrappy, shabby cards all week, trying to raise money for her mega expensive private Christian college...oy vey!

Of course, I'll make other stuff besides cards too, and hopefully at some point, get some quilts up there. But for now, all we have are our cards....

So check us out and tell your friends.

Sweet Woodruffs Etsy Store

We've made 3 sales already! Woohoo!

TOMORROW, I'M GOING TO START A GIVEAWAY TO CELEBRATE OUR OPENING, PLUS IT'S MY 4 YEAR BLOG ANNIVERSARY!! DON'T CHANGE THAT DIAL!!

(Wow, I've been blogging for 4 years and I can hardly remember most of what I had to talk about. Who really has that much to say? Really?)

Really???

Hooches and smugs!! Be blessed. Choose Joy!

((((((((((((((((group hugs)))))))))))))))))

My Blog...the red headed step child

2010-06-23T08:16:00.003-04:00

Poor baby! I took one or two days off to get my sewing room straightened up. It was nice and neat until I unpacked my mother-in-law's sewing stuff and it trashed the place. That wasn't smart of me to unpack her things without a place to put it, then I couldn't bear to through anything out yet. I had to sit on it awhile before I could force myself to throw the junk fabric away.

The reason why I forced myself to clean that room was because I was going on a quilt retreat with my old friends from The Olde Green Cupboard in Jacksonville, FL and I had to dig out something to take...a UFO...because I don't dare start anything new right now. Had a blast and got a lot done and saw many wonderful old friends. Good, old, treasured friends makes one feel so overwhelmingly renewed.

THEN...when I got home, I was on a roll, and had to keep sewing and sewing and sewing. The quilt is STILL not finished. It's a Bonny Hunter mystery quilt, which explains a lot. Oy Vey! I've got all the blocks done and a few rows sewn together. Can't find one of my needed rulers to finish the border...throws tantrum...puts it aside for the time being until my temper cools off and maybe the ruler will show up. Grrrrrr!

THEN...my daughter can't find a job so or "sew"...we've been making tons of greeting cards with my left over quilt strips and scraps to sell on etsy for college money we BADLY NEED. They are gorgeous, shabby chic, cottage looking. We even made some flags. I can't wait to show you. Hopefully we'll get to pictures today or tomorrow. Probably tomorrow since Allyson starts summer school today....which means we need more CASH for books. Oy Vey!

SEE...we were almost debt free...owing just a smidgen here or there. Cars paid off and no credit card debt. UNTIL...Allyson started college. We are a cash only family and a kid going off to a private Christian college is hard on a cash family who has no cash. School loans are a necessary evil and I absolutely HATE it with a ferocious passion. Oy Vey!

OK, so I'm gonna stop right here before I start a new paragraph and talk your ear off more than I already have. I miss my friends and my favorite blogs when I go AWOL...darn it.

I love you all. Hooches and smugs. Blessings and favor all around! xoxoxxo (((((group hugs)))))

Mother's Day story...OK, OK, I know it's late

2010-06-07T06:57:00.003-04:00

I probably should change my blog title to "Missing my Mother-in-Law" or something official like that, since she's all I ever talk about...mostly. Let me tell this quick story, then I'll change the subject for a few weeks. :)

My Mother-in-law had planters around her pool full of flowers every summer. She liked to grow Moss Roses. We got one of her vintage planters, which I just love, except it has a nice big crack down the side of it. Oh well. It's still pretty and usable. Now mind you, it came to our house empty...just a plain old pot with a crack. I put one of the plants we received from her funeral in it, but it died this winter (ok, I probably killed it...ugh). If you want a house plant to live, don't give it to me. :)

It's been on the back porch this spring...just a pot with dirt...sitting there waiting for me to do something with it. A few weeks ago, something started growing in it. I thought it was a weed, although a pretty little weed and decided to let it grow to see what it would turn out to be.

Low and behold, I went outside Mother's Day morning and found a Moss Rose in bloom. Holy Cow...ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? Mother's Day...of all the days of the year, it could bloom, it bloomed on Mother's Day?!!! The more I thought about it, the more impressed I was. I decided she came to see us, to tell us she loved us. Logically, she probably didn't...it was just God showing us a sweet bit of grace and tender love on this special, yet difficult day.

The facts are that the pot came to our home empty and out of no where, a year and a half later, a Moss Rose bloomed on Mother's Day. I figure maybe a seed was trapped in the crack or something and finally took root. Who knows....but I'm not gonna look a gift horse in the mouth. It was the sweetest thing that has happened to us in a long time.

I don't believe in coincidences.

Show and Tell Friday~Jonah Salt and Pepper

2010-06-04T08:43:00.003-04:00

This is one of my top 10 most favorite things ever. My Jonah and the Big Fish salt and pepper shaker. When I find them on eBay I usually snag them up and give them to someone in the family, just because it's such a unique item and the name and story of Jonah is so special to all of us. This was my mother-in-law's set, which I made sure we got when she passed away. She loved it and had it front and center on her china hutch for all to see.
You may or may not know I have a Jonah. He's my 14 year old almost 6 feet tall baby/mama's boy, otherwise known as Little Bear, but I am not allowed to call him that any more. *sigh* My husband and I wanted a Bible name for our son, but wanted something different. We couldn't think of anything unique enough that wouldn't be difficult to pronounce or "strange", if you know what I mean. There are some "interesting" Hebrew names out there. We watched "Sleepless in Seattle"...we both looked at each other and at the same time said..."JONAH"....that's it!!!

Visit My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday.

Great Golden Digger Wasp as a Neighbor

2010-06-03T09:05:00.007-04:00

I think my 2nd favorite part of homeschooling all these years has been our nature studies (because first is our read alouds). You never know when fascinating nature will be delivered to your home or yard. You've got to be flexible and relaxed enough to drop everything to enjoy the observation process, live in the moment, take time to smell the roses, or in our case this week...take time to watch the Great Golden Digger Wasp work her little persistent heart out. She's beautiful and she is AMAZING!!
Cumulatively I think we've all spent hours this week watching her. She chose to build her nursery a few feet from the porch so we could sit in the shade and admire her work ethic. She. Never. Stops. I wish I had that much energy as a mother. Nothing much seems to bother her. She's very content focusing only on her work. She noticed me once and turned to look at me (gave me the evil eye, she did) but went right back to work.
She goes down in her hole forward, but exits backing up with a perfect dirt ball with her. She piles them up neatly behind her landing strip. :) We saw her take down 3 green grasshoppers which she will lay her egg in.
Be kind to beneficial insects. These wasps are non aggressive and will keep your grasshopper population down, plus they pollinate. Let the good guys live. :)
I tried to get some good pictures for you. I did the best I could. To obtain perfect pictures would have involved lying in the dirt and I wasn't in the mood.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Charlotte Mason says:
All this is stale knowledge to older people, but one of the secrets of the educator is to present nothing as stale knowledge, but to put himself in the position of the child, and wonder and admire with him; for every common miracle which the child sees with his own eyes makes of him for the moment another Newton.
(Vol 1, II, Out-Of-Door Life For The Children, p.54 ) Children should be encouraged to watch, patiently and quietly, until they learn something of the habits and history of bee, ant, wasp, spider, hairy caterpillar, dragon-fly, and whatever of larger growth comes in their way.
(Vol 1, II, Out-Of-Door Life For The Children, p.57 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Golden Digger Wasp info

Wish this was better focused, but I can't believe I caught this shot. I was so excited to witness this. (poor grasshoppa)

See her backing up? We would make "Beep Beep Beep" backing up sounds to cheer her along. Had to be there I guess. LOL It was funny when it happened. :)

Here she comes with a handful of dirt rolled up in a tidy little ball

Psalm 50:10-11: “For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the hill, and all that moves in the field is mine.”

Blessings to you!
Group Hugs!!
Hooches and Smugs

World Filled Wednesday - Joy Captured

2010-06-02T09:54:00.004-04:00

Click on the Link to read more Word Filled Wednesday

One of the sweet, tender moments of childhood. Captured is their gregarious, joyful spirit, playing in the backyard without a care in the world. Whenever my mind or heart isn't focused, I look at these pictures of my niece and nephew and am reminded of where my heart needs to be.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Be happy and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually." 1 Thessalonians 5: 16

Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise. Psalm 33:3

“And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.” 2 Samuel 6:14

"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness." Psalm 30:11

"But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits. Psalm 5:11"

To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. Psalms 30:12

"Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." Luke 18:15-17

Treasure, Booty and Loot

2010-06-01T05:32:00.012-04:00

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures." ~Thornton Wilder

(Oy Vey! HTML and I got in a fight this morning and HTML won. I'm sorry this post is such a mess. I'm tired of messing with it. HOLY COW...yep, it's a mess. Ugh!)

My sister-in-law and her husband were here last week visiting us from St. Louis. They are sweet people and tremendous fun to hang out with. One thing they like to do is visit thrift stores...how did I get so lucky??? I married into a thrifty family. I took them around Tampa to hunt in some of my favorite haunts. This is most of the stuff I found. I try to only buy what I will really use or what we need.

My daughter and I are basically the same size...well, sorta. We wear mediums to large and we need new shirts something fierce! Husband works from home and we homeschool so we're together 24/7. I like to look nice, neat and feminine while at home and I don't want to wear a frumpy t-shirt everyday. Somedays you know you're gonna get dirty so frump is acceptable, but when my family has to see me all the time and live with me, I want them to remember a pretty mama, know what I mean? :) So we stockpiled some nice shirts for $1.50 each. I also found 3 skirts and a new pair of pajama's with the TJMax price tag still on them for $2.50.

I needed some rugs for my kitchen and found 2, plus a few more vintage sheets. I actually use the sheets and when I get tired of them, I cut them up and put them in a quilt. They make the best pillow cases, cause they are super soft and broken in. Yum!

I love red, I love flowers and I love drinking glasses! Score! And I found a piece of yellow Pyrex, which I almost always will buy unless the price is outrageous. I actually use my Pyrex, and guess what happens when you use your stuff...it get's broken. Arrrggghhh! So I will always keep a fresh stock of Pyrex coming in. :)

I haven't bought a new lamp in 15 years. I only buy old. I'm picky and they are becoming more of a challenge to find. My husband rewires them for me. Finding lamp shades I like is a whole nother story. Ugh. There are some U-G-L-Y lampshades out there. ewww!

The oval white platter is McCoy, probably 1971 give or take a few years. I never pass up a white oval anything! I use them all the time.

I love old suitcases and actually use them in my sewing room. They are hard to find and I found 2 last week. Woah. Woohoo! Woohoo! I was so excited. The blue one was $3.50 and is the nicest one I've found so far.
I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love and I don't care who knows!!

Wish I had taken a better picture of this but it's my new spice rack which will be painted white, I'm sure. I was so happy because I've needed one for 5 years. Yay!!!

Junk odds and ends: A little white creamer, a faded old table cloth...I'll find a use for it some where. 2 old patterns which we love! And I LOVE these little footed or stackable 'havenoideawhattheyarecalled' coffee mugs made in Japan. I haven't found any in a very long time! I was so excited. I like the fish one!

And our favorite find of the week was this little Delft creamer. My daughter has loved Delft for years and has always wanted a blue and white kitchen, so we have collected a few pieces for her hope chest. I'm a little sad because she won't let me keep it. She said I could have it until she moved out and got her own place. LOL Isn't she generous? The spout is a little chipped but guess what??? I DON'T CARE!!! Delft at the thrift store...AWESOME!

I looked up the marking on this and it was made around 1890 or later. My guess is a little later.

"If a fellow isn't thankful for what he's got, he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get." ~Frank A. Clark

Hooches and Smugs!
Group hugs!

Remembering on Memorial Day

2010-05-31T08:08:00.003-04:00

It's a very real and sad day for us in our family.
Although no sculptured marble should rise to their memory, nor engraved stone bear record of their deeds, yet will their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored. ~Daniel Webster

Here is a picture of my dad and me. I think I'm 7 or 8 here. He was hard at work in the Soviet Union fighting the cold war. Check out my Matryoshka doll. He was always bringing me sweet treasures.

Dad's remains are at Arlington. The sad thing is, we don't really know what happened to him, or why. We have ideas and guesses or what they "told" us, but we'll never know. Sometimes I wonder if I really want to know, but closure has been hard.

My son with Daddy's flag. Dad never got to meet my son. He only saw my daughter once. I'll miss him forever and ever and ever and ever...it never gets easier.

He and my brother look exactly alike.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. ~From a headstone in Ireland

Random Dozen

2010-05-26T07:38:00.003-04:00

I've never done the "Random Dozen" thingy before, but I like the idea, as it's a fun way to communicate without having to think of something creative. It's like hitting an "easy" button

Here are your questions for this week:

1. Would you rather host party or simply attend a party?
I think I enjoy the creative process of going all out for a party here at home. I think and plot for weeks (sometimes months). I enjoy the challenge of throwing a huge bash for pennies (ok, maybe quarters).

2. Tell us about the most memorable party you've been to.
Hmmm...I think it was probably a "Second Chance Prom" my friends and I put together. We had a DJ, pretty dresses, a photographer, good food. It was fun to actually go to prom with my husband and not some stupid boy. LOL After the party was over, we went and toilet papered our friends house because they didn't come to the party. We were real immature like that. Yep.

3. What is one thing you hope for in the after-life?
I know I should say something righteous and Biblical like seeing the Lord, peace or no more tears, but I'm stuck in flesh mode these days and really just want to see my dad again.

4. What do you enjoy most about sunshine?
When it comes up in the morning.

5. When you attend a bridal/baby shower, do you prefer to bring your own gift or chip in with others to buy a larger gift
Bring my own because I like making my own gifts.

6. Would you rather have a FREE week of having your house cleaned or all of your meals cooked for you and your family?
Meals for sure. My house is clean enough. LOL

7. What song describes your mood today?
Alice Cooper's "School's Out". :)

8. What is something you received for your own bridal shower/wedding that you still use? If you own or are not married, feel free to sub a gift you received a long time ago.)use?
Our ice cream maker.

9. Your favorite flavor of ice cream is?
Blue Bell Vanilla Bean (boring, eh).

10. When was the last time you felt "tested?"
Probably last week when I was angry.

11. "[Fill in the blank] is a food that once I start eating I find really hard to stop."
Funny, cause I'm not a big chocolate person, but I can never eat ONE M & M. Ugh. Get those things away from me!!!

12. "-----" is the best motivation.
This one is difficult... probably "love" is what motivates me the most.

Loads of Linky Love

2010-05-21T11:35:00.007-04:00

We've got company from St. Louis here. We've been doing a lot of "blog shopping" lately, if that's a word. There are some wonderful blogs out there and it's time consuming to weed through them all. Here are some cool links I found last week.

If you click on over to Frugal Home Living, she's having a $50 giveaway for a gift certificate to CSN stores. I hope I win. I need some new Fiestaware.Frugal Home Living

Boston Creme Pie Cupcakes...yum-yum-yum-yum

I'm a glutton for charm bracelets.I love this Charm Bracelet!

Walking On Sunshine is the sweetest woman. I've always got strawberries on hand and I think they would go well with this recipe for my chocolate loving family. Easy dessert

I make cupcakes at least once a week during the school year and take them up to my daughter's college or my son's homeschool co-op. I'm so buying some of these. Seems like a lot of unique cupcake liners are expensive and I thought these were sweet and affordable.Cupcake Liners

I really want to make this. Should I buy a ruffler for my sewing machine? Ruffled Table Runner

I loved this quick and easy ribbon ruffle tutorial!! Awesome! Ruffle Tutorial

Miss Gracies House is one of my favorite blogs ever. I have a pattern for one of these types of pillows but I've been too lazy to make one. This is soooooooo much easier. I love her "feminine with a touch of glamor" style. I'm gonna make a bunch of these. Pocket Pillow

I'm picky about Christmas quilts, but I love this one. If you get started now, you can have it by Christmas. Christmas Packages Quilt at Moda Bake Shop

This is the coolest thing ever!!! I have a huge bag of vintage zippers I've been keeping for a someday project. I found one!!! Zipper Flower

Bath time! This looks delicious, easy and cheap. I'm going to make some up and give it a try. Lemon Honey body scrub

Always on the look out for frugal, easy meals. As a homeschool family, fixing 3 meals a day has been a constant issue for us. I love this idea and recipe. Burrito Booty Load

Choose Joy!
Blessings and Favor!
Hooches and Smugs!
(((group hug)))

...but then again, maybe not...

2010-05-21T09:55:00.004-04:00

(Wow, when I'm typing, I try so hard to be brief and the paragraphs never look that bad until you hit "publish post". Ugh. Sorry I talk so much. LOL)

I've been pretty weepy the past two days and haven't been able to sleep at all, which only makes me want to cry more. Boo hoo. I think it's because two of my husband's sisters are coming and it's stirring up a lot of emotions for me I've tried burying for a year and 5 months.

I thought maybe it was hormones and this morning I thought, "...but then again, maybe not..."

Can a woman have a really good cry without anyone assuming something's wrong with her body????? (yes, I kinda just yelled that!!)

Sometimes I just really miss my Mother-in-Law. I always miss her and think about her, but there are moments when it hits hard. I miss her. I just really, really miss her.

Well meaning and Biblically correct comments are made, "she's better off" or "she's with Jesus"... or "she's not suffering"....Yes, I know that!!!!!! But I'm selfish I want her here.

There is this big empty spot in my life that no one can fill. This morning I realized how easy she was to love and be friends with. I think she's the only person in my life I ever had, where the relationship didn't require "work" to take care of and make it right, etc. That makes me sound like a selfish, lazy relationship type person, who is not willing to put in the years of loyalty and unconditional loved required to make relationships function. I'm not that way at all. I'll love you to the death just out of spite...LOL...I'm the last one to walk away. LOL

But she was so easy. If we could all be so easy to love and get along with, wouldn't life be happier? She never required or demanded anything of me. She just loved me. She smiled with me. She goofed off with me like a silly young friend would. We stayed up all night watching old movies and quilted. We ate dessert first together. We went garage sale shopping and "went Ninja" on cool vintage bargains we always found...plus, with her age, she was my automatic junk "dater". LOL She never scolded me or made me feel like a loser of a wife to her only son. LOL I miss being loved without all the hard work required. LOL Does that make sense? I'm making a fool of myself here because I can't articulate what my heart is feeling.

She was my Naomi and I was her Ruth. That's what she lovingly called me. It was so sweet. While not in a hurry to get there, I can't wait to see her again and run into her arms and smell her. After the Lord, I'm running to her next, then I'm going to go looking for my dad and my grandma.

Here is a sweet, poor quality, older picture...1995. LOL Jonah is about 2 months old here and it was after church...his schedule was messed up and he was ONE. MAD. BABY. That's my sassy mother-in-law with the big Texas hair she had done every Tuesday. That's my baby girl, all grown up now. That's me at 25...one tired mama!

"But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God." Ruth 1:16

Her First Re-Entry

2010-05-20T09:13:00.006-04:00

They move out - they move back in. They move out - they move back in.

Girl Child has returned from her first year in college. Um, sure she was only 30 minutes away but what's that to a Mother? She might as well be on Mars - cause she's my baby and the home was missing her light and presence. We're all going to enjoy the "friendship" she brings to our family. She's a delightful companion to have in your life. And did I mention she's a hard worker? We're kinda like tag-team home makers. Maybe that's not healthy, but she's been such a big help (a God send...thank God for my good daughter!!!!) to me all these years since my back was ruined 4 years ago in a fender bender. I'm so proud of the woman she has become...she's such a wonderful, happy, witty, faithful joy in our life.
3 months with her, then she'll move back out - hopefully to move back in, again and again....cuz it's gonna be hard to let her go. Awwww...as I type this, I hear her foot steps over head just waking up...what a sweet sound to hear the feet of your child creaking across the floor upstairs...
I just read this page on my Kindle, a free Grace Livingston Hill download, and it made me smile at this familiar feeling. The context is a Presbyterian minister watching his just returned daughter sweeping the front porch:

"...as he wrote an article..... he was more keenly alive to the song on the lips of his child, who had but lately returned from college life in one of the great universities for women. He smiled as he wrote, and a light came in his deep thoughtful eyes. She had gone and come, and she was still unspoiled, mentally, physically, or spiritually. That was a great deal to have kept out of life in these days of unbelief. He had been almost afraid to hope she would come back the same." "The City of Fire", 1922

Just thought it was interesting that parents were worried about the same things for their daughters back in 1922. As Solomon said, there is nothing new under the sun.

Hooches and Smugs

(((group hug)))

Call me white trash...BUT

2010-05-19T22:23:00.001-04:00

At least I've got good taste...in trash. I know good trash when I see it and I'm not too proud to stop and pick it up. I love antiques and vintage things, but I'm super, super, super cheap. FREE from a generous trash can is the BEST price. Score!!

(Sorry my pictures are so big. I'll work on that. I'm still playing with picnik and photo editing. Thanks and have a good day).

It was trash night over by Tom Daniels Elementary in Kerrville, Texas. I talked my friend into driving around with me. It was so much fun laughing with her (she's been my best friend since 6th grade), digging through "safe" trash. We didn't touch anything that looked scary....ewwww.

Hey...and the way I see it...God loves us and gives us the desires of our heart, plus the Bible says every good and perfect gift comes from above. I know that's shallow and worldly, as the Lord has more important things to see to in our life on this earth, but every once in awhile, He sprinkles me with sweet treasures and I always, always thank HIM for it. (Do you think God knows my love language is "Gifts"?)

Funny thing about this fan. I have wanted one for years and years but was too cheap to buy one. I saw one at an estate sale last year and it was marked ridiculously low. Someone grabbed it before I could. Snap! (Look out....cat fight at the estate sale....no, not really, I would never do that...really!) A cheaper one will come my way, I just KNOW it. Hahaha...well I found this one. I'll make my husband clean it up. I doubt we can get it to work. Anyhoo...I was stoked when I found it.

No needlepoint goes to the landfill on my watch. This was on a chair and the chair was beyond salvageable, so I pulled the seat off. Don't know what I'll do with this yet, but it will become something pretty in our home, I'm thinking maybe a pillow or I'll frame it.

Heaven help me, I'm drawing a blank. What's this white metal stuff called? I have several pieces and I can't for the life of me remember it's proper name. Anyway, it's a big huge bowl. The apple in there is a large Granny Smith. It was filthy but cleaned up perfectly and sparkly and shiny. Yes!!

I love, love, love vintage garden stuff. I haven't figured out what I'm going to do with this rake piece yet. My immediate thought was to use it in a window treatment I need. Now I'm changing my mind. Hmmmm... Check out those cool pots in the background! One almost looks like a turnip. LOL I love the green one the most though. Pot with the green chipped paint....I LOVE YOU!!!

James 1: 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above

Matthew 7:11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

Psalm 34:10 …But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing.

Hooches and Smugs!!
(((Group Hug)))

Florida College Blog

2010-05-19T17:17:00.003-04:00

Don't forget to follow my daughter's college blog, if you're interested (and not a freak or a weirdo, because I WILL find out and hunt you down). It's silly stories about her tiny little Christian college here in Florida. She's pretty funny actually. It makes me feel young again as I wistfully remember those days...*sigh*... (ACK...remember those days?????? NO WAY would I EVER, EVER go back!!! I like being old now. *cough* Hey, I'm only 41. That's not too old. Right? :)

Florida College...We Should Probably Be Studying

I never laughed so hard in my life

2010-05-18T20:07:00.004-04:00

If you like to laugh or need to laugh, you have GOT to go visit GloZell on YouTube. All her videos are wonderfully funny....as in, you can't even breathe....like when you were little and your uncle was tickling you until you were dying and you were begging your Uncle Mark to STOP!!!!! Yea, it's that kind of laughing.

I don't know which one is my favorite but this video is in the top 3. I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. I couldn't breathe. I was crying like a baby and snot was going every where...I think I was even spitting on my computer screen. I don't know what it is about her, but no one ever made me laugh till I cried with a dripping nose included.

I also appreciate how she doesn't have a dirty mouth and my kids can watch her. Alot of her humor is adult humor, subjects kids aren't necessarily going to understand...but my kids are able to watch most of her videos (not all). She's a trip. Check her out. ETA: She makes fun of people. She uses a lot of satire so if you don't like satire or don't get satire, you probably won't like her. Anyhoo...she's a genius. I love her.

We're Broke - What's for dinner, mom?

2010-05-18T16:27:00.004-04:00

Nothing is as inspiring or challenging as being broke as a church mouse while trying to feed 4 people breakfast, lunch and dinner. You have to work with what you have in the freezer and pantry until the next paycheck. Oy!
Did I mention my oven is broken? My only tools are my BFF crock pot and the stove top.

My helpful friend is All Recipes. At the top of the home page, you'll find an "Ingredient" search link. Click on this and you'll find an "Ingredients I want" and "Ingredients I don't want" option.
For example today, I had some frozen chicken breasts. Too many chicken recipes were coming up including sour cream, which I don't have now and can't/won't go to the store to buy. I had to refine my ingredient wants/and don't wants list.
I found two different bottles of opened Salsa in the fridge, plenty of brown sugar and mustard (because I'm really good about keeping staples around). We've got plenty of rice on hand. So this is what we're trying tonight...Picante Chicken. I'll have to let you know how it goes. Looked kinda strange actually, but you'll never know until you try, right?
There's a life lesson in here some where, right? Maybe not being sad over being broke but counting your blessings because there is still a bag of rice in the pantry, right? Working with the gifts and talents God has given you, encouraging industrious activity and brain storming to better care and serve our family. Whatever the lesson was or is, it encouraged me today and I feel good about being broke tonight. LOL
Hope today's adventure provides something helpful. Today I thought often of Elijah and Widow of Zarephath...in other words - fear not!!! God is good and He is faithful. :)
Hooches and Smugs.
((((Group Hug))))

Cathedral Window Quilt - hand piecing

2010-05-17T08:13:00.013-04:00

I have always had ants in my pants and I'm wound out tighter than a $2.00 pocket watch. You know the person who can't be still, whose foot is always shaking and the knee is always bouncing? That would be me. You should see my BRAIN! Ouch! It doesn't stop.
Handwork is perfect for me and has been since I was about 5 years old when my grandma started teaching me all the domestic arts. It forces me to sit still like a good girl, while yet still being able to keep my hands busy. It takes me away to that warm safe place, where as a child I'd hide...and pray for the thunder and the rain, to quietly pass me by...Huh? Oh wait...see what I mean? My mind is all over the place. LOL What does Guns and Roses have to do with Cathedral Window piecing? Oy!!
We live in a busy, overstimulated world. Hurry, hurry, hurry! Handwork is a disciplined patience trainer. It teaches you to respect time, rather than forcing the clock to respect you and your goals. You are at the mercy of the slow pace set by your handwork. Any handwork I do centers me, helps my spirit focus on what I should be thinking about, pray about or clear my mind of...a literal mind sweep for me.
I love how hand piecing work is portable. My worst aggravation is actually having to sit still while reading a stupid,inconsequential magazine in a doctors office. I go prepared with a project and/or my Kindle. I take two things in case either one starts to bore me and I get restless. :)
Sadly, or maybe not, when you consider there are seasons in our life...*sniff*...I am finding it very painful to cut out and machine quilt right now. Even though I have a perfect set up to cut, for weak back needs, it's mostly the cutting out that hurts my neck and shoulders so badly. This too shall pass as I get stronger, but at least I get my quilting and fabric fondling time in (can I use the word "fondle" if I'm talking about fabric?). A day without touching fabric or yarn for me, makes for a very sad, frustrated mama.
I'm really digging all the gorgeous, machine pieced, nicely pressed windows out there. I might give it a try. But I'm also a big fan (or maybe just lazy) of the humbled, muslin, primitive, less than perfect look. I hand pieced all my muslin squares and no matter how hard I tried, none of them were perfect. Oh well. Who cares. It doesn't need to be perfectly gorgeous for me to love it.
One nice little trick I'm using this time is I had a ton of Moda Petit Four sample collection I have 1,000's of 2 1/2 squares precut, but I thought it would be fun to use up my Moda sample squares. It gives it a nice "matching" look, so if you're a matching kinda person, get you some of these. I prefer the scrappy look, but I'm sticking with what I started here.

Hyena-in-Petticoats I like how she pieced this with the machine and also stuck a tiny piece of batting under the 2 1/2 in square for extra warmth. Each little square becomes a tiny pillow. My Florida cathedral window quilt will not be including batting, however. :)
Making Ends Meet I love how she used colored background. Love, love, love the grey! My next cathedral window will use a colored background, when I finish this one in 20 years.
Sometimes Crafter A nice tutorial, lots of links and pretty pictures!! Oh my!
Warm In The North CW pillow tutelage!

My little brother is in England right now and posted this picture last night on Facebook. I stole it. *grins* Enjoy!

"You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3

For the Children

2010-05-14T07:40:00.003-04:00

These are my children, as of Friday, May 14th, 2010. Girlchild - ALLYson - just turned 19, on May 6th. Boychild - JOnah - is 14, will be 15 on July 9th.

What wouldn't you do for your children? Where does the time go?

And when Esau lifted up his eyes and saw the women and children, he said, “Who are these with you?” Jacob said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.”
Genesis 33:5

Party Decoration Idea

2010-05-13T16:26:00.007-04:00

Here is a great way to decorate your table for a party. Buy a can of peanuts and set a candle on top. I hope you've been inspired in your visit to my blog today.
((((group hug))))

Such a great response. I never expected so many questions. As you can see, I purchased the peanuts at Publix and I believe I used salted, as salt adds to the glittery elegance. I also used a Party Lite candle purchased at a garage sale, so not only does this make a beautiful table display, it's economical as well...which means you'll have more money to spend on.......PEANUTS!!! A display for peanuts...or of peanuts.......

Please feel free to email me with any more questions. Blessings and Peace! Blessings and Peace!

Anna Maria Horner - Study Hall Skirt

2010-05-12T07:00:00.002-04:00

Here are pictures of the finished skirt I promised.

I found the pattern to be easy, once I got started. The wording on the cut out instructions confused me, but I don't think it was Ms. Horner's fault. I'm kinda spacey and easily confused. I decided to just go with what I knew, and it was right. :) It has an invisible zipper, which I can't remember ever putting in before, so I was intimidated and nervous. Went right in!!!! Super easy. (I watched some You Tube videos on the subject to give me some visual confidence). The pleats were VERY easy. All in all, I have no complaints and it went together quickly.

Incase you don't, I'm going to start making muslins. I had a little trouble with this fitting my daughter's body shape. I had to make some adjustments, even after measuring her carefully. My daughter is pear shaped with a long back. I also lengthened it by 2 inches so she could wear it at her Christian school with knee length requirements. However, I feel the length in the pattern is appropriate and long enough, so don't get the idea from me that the pattern is too short. It's not. Also, I had originally cut a blue band of fabric for the bottom edge, but I found it cut her off and made her look plump so if you've got big hips and want to look slimmer, go with the same fabric instead of a contrasting band.

Clear as mud? Of course, the girl wearing the skirt is what makes it so pretty. I can't wait to make more. It's such a flattering skirt and shows off gorgeous fabric so well...this will be a staple pattern in our wardrobe.

Study Hall Skirt

2010-04-28T12:10:00.003-04:00

Been working on this skirt for Allyson with some new Amy Butler fabric. Will post pictures as soon as I take it up and it fits her. I made it too big. Son of a gun!!!!! I also had to alter it to make it Christian college "legal" that being at the knee or below. I don't think this skirt is actually short though. I think it depends on everyone's body shape and the way we are all built. She has a long torso and semi longer legs (than me), so everything is shorter on her. I would strongly suggest making a muslin of it before hand before you cut into your deliciously expensive fabric. I think the pattern runs pretty true to size, if even a little small. Don't quote me or I'll deny it.

Anyhoo......been busy. Just wanted to say hey! (((((group hug))))))

New Blog for Girlchild

2010-04-28T12:01:00.002-04:00

My daughter and her friends have a really funny sense of humor. She's on the year book staff at school and takes her camera with her every where. I've been telling her all year to start a blog for her college days, just for memories sake. Now that there are only two weeks of school left this year, she decided to start it. She'll keep it going all through the summer though. She's got plenty of pictures stashed away for rainy days.

Check her out. She's a good Christian young lady at a Christian school so don't expect crazy party pics or anything distasteful. If you follow her blog, you better not be a creep or I'll hunt you down.

Florida College...We should probably be studying

Willow City Loop, TEXAS

2010-04-20T07:08:00.003-04:00

I'm home in Tampa, y'all. Sad that I had to leave "home" to get home. We got home last Tuesday night. Wednesday we rested (my back...ugh) and did laundry. Thursday we were in a freak car accident...we're fine...but our windshield was smashed to pieces. Oy Vey...it takes me forever to download and edit pictures. I envy people who blog everyday. Where do they get the time?

My son and I had an amazing time together. We hadn't taken a road trip by ourselves in ages. We had a blast seeing America and singing every song on the radio for two days there and two days back. He's a good kid. Never once complained about the time in the car or the family we had to visit. These are a few of my pictures. I've got more coming. I didn't have the good camera with me, only my small little Nikon. Wish my photo's showed more respect for the beauty and awe of the Texas landscape in spring. I think these pictures were taken on Willow City Rd, between Llano and Fredericksburg.

Bluebonnet Blizzard

2010-04-07T10:15:00.002-04:00

It's a Bluebonnet Blizzard down here in the Texas Hill Country this year. I've been once up some hidden back roads between Fredericksburg and Llano. I'm going again in a few days. There's still time if you haven't seen them yet. Y'all get down here and smell the air and see the gorgeousness of it all. It's the best I've ever seen.

TEXAS...home sweet home

2010-04-02T07:20:00.009-04:00

I'm fixin' to head out. The hardest part about going home, is I don't want to come back to Florida. I'm so excited to be going home to my COUNTRY and my PEOPLE. I miss my Texas people the most, I think. No people like them on planet earth.

Ingram is my hometown. It used to be population 1,200. I guess it's grown since I was a kid.

One of our many swimming holes.

Cousins

Another swimming hole in Hunt, Texas

The famous Boot Fence in Hunt

This is a picture of the Guadalupe taken on some old family property in Ingram.

Ingram Dam, where we swim and slide. There is a road back behind the dam and we used to have to run up that hill for track. It was painful. Ugh.

A quilt for a widow

2010-03-31T06:21:00.005-04:00

I purchased a Jelly Roll of Verna by Katy Spain via Moda and made this strip twist for a friend It was way out of my comfort zone as I've been far too thrifty to buy them in the past. They seem pricey to me for just a little bit of fabric, but the convenience and speed sold me (sort of). I think I'm going to get a baby blanket out of the scraps. So two quilts for $35.00 seems ok to me (sort of). Better than paying $100.00 for a fat quarter stack (sort of).

A member of the church in our community lost her husband on Christmas Eve in a skiing accident. Her son is a friend of my daughter's. They've gone to summer camp together all these years and now they are in college together at Florida College,, here in Tampa.

The hardest thing is making a quilt for one widow, when there are so many people out there that I love, losing someone close to them. I have made some quilts for people who had terminal cancer in the past as well. It's a difficult decision for me to decide who gets a quilt because I want to make one for everyone. Everyone needs a quilt during the most painful times of their life.

One other thing I do when I'm making a quilt for someone is I pray for them the whole time during the process. By the time I'm done, the person has been prayed over for hours. Who doesn't need hours of prayer invested in them? I hope you don't think I'm bragging; I'm just offering a tip. K? :)

This is Bonnie's Strip Twist pattern. It really does look better if you have stronger contrast between darks and lights. Half way into this pattern, I realized all the mediums and lights weren't working well enough for me, so I raided my strip stash and tried to contrast it up some. I think it turned out cheerful and happy.

I have loved vintage sheets for decades...they make life feel like grandma's house, all cozy and snuggly. Now they are popular and harder to find in thrift stores. :( Anyhoo, I love using them as backing because they are super soft and broken in. If you do use them, go over them with a magnifying glass and make sure there are no holes. I found 3 teeny tiny ones, so what I do, is cut out flowers from the sheet and applique them over the spots. Hopefully extending the life of the quilt and backing. I gave it to her with a life time guarantee...if anything ever happens to it, give it back and I'll fix it.

I like the imagery in these scriptures. It's a beautiful feeling to feel God's wings covering you, sheltering you, protecting you, loving you...

I'm never going to be able to sell quilts on Etsy. I give them all away. *sigh*

Busy with spring

2010-03-25T22:11:00.004-04:00

Hey y'all.

Checking in with my family and friends so y'all don't think I'm dead. Boo hoo! You know you would miss me. :)

We're planning and plotting our first gardens in 8 years. When I'm not busy with homeschooling and spring cleaning, I'm snuggling with ice packs and cuddling my Kindle...my new BFF.

I'm going to Texas in about 2 weeks. YEEHAW!!! I can hardly wait. I haven't seen the wildflowers in 8 years. I can't stand it!!! I'm so excited.

Love you all. ((((group hug)))) Choose Joy!

Be back soon

1887 handwritten proposal letter

2010-03-15T09:00:00.008-04:00

“Handwriting is civilization's casual encephalogram.”
Lance Morrow, American Journalist and Essayist, b.1939

I often lament the loss of personal handwritten letters and finding the handwriting of people I love in my mail box. Most people say they hate their own handwriting, but you must realize your own handwriting is like your signature smell or your unique fingerprint to your loved ones. They don't care how bad it is. Seeing your handwriting on the front of an envelope is an instant comfort. When is the last time you wrote a note or a letter to a loved one?

Nothing says "I love you" better than your own handwriting. It speaks care and thought. You cared enough to send the very best...no, not Hallmark...YOURSELF. You cared enough about them to stop what you were doing during your busy day to jot down a quick encouraging message...it takes time to dig out the stationary, find a pen, lick the envelope, put a stamp on it, walk to the mail box....it's so much easier to send an email, isn't it?

I found the quote above this morning and it's choice of vocabulary struck me. Encephalogramis a graphic record of the electrical activity of the brain as recorded by an electroencephalograph. Being as most of us type now, what does this quote say about our culture? Endeavor to write more in your life, and embrace your handwriting. Trust me, your loved ones cherish it. If your handwriting is atrocious...then maybe you can work on it. My kids are almost grown and we still work on our handwriting in our homeschool.

This is a family treasure...who would guess a handwritten proposal letter would be so treasured by generations afterwards. These are my husband's great grandparents. William Foster and Emma Jolly (I think...I need to double check her last name). This is one of the most valuable things we own (except since Grandma died, no one can find the original yet...we have copies, but the original has yet to turn up).

How could any woman say no to a man with such artistic handwriting and such a poetic mind. I married his great grandson, who is JUST as beautiful a person. It runs in the family.

Also, Mr. Foster had a growth on his ear and my mother-in-law remembered sitting in his lap. She would reach up to touch it and he would make monster sounds and make her laugh. From what I know, he was a sweet man.

Yours in suspense...I love how he signed it

Wasn't that beautiful? Did your heart melt?
Be blessed. Choose JOY. :)

Green Depression Glass

2010-03-14T12:54:00.004-04:00

“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
- William Morris (British craftsman, designer and poet, 1834-1896)

This is all I've been able to find, thus far. We're still unpacking. My mother-in-law got me started on this collection and I add to it when I find an affordable piece. (Oh, how I miss her!!!)

Visit Tracey at A Cottage Industry for more Weekly Words to Live by...plus, viewing her beautiful blog will lift your spirits.

Birth is a beautiful thing

2010-03-12T20:12:00.004-05:00

Spring is coming!

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade. ~Charles Dickens

HELLO WORLD!!!

Psalm 22:10 From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God.

Godspell season

2010-03-11T09:08:00.005-05:00

My daughter is part of a theater school here in Lutz, Florida. Every year they pick the play, get the script in August and perform in February and March. It's a dedicated, talented group of kids who have basically grown up together. I wish everyone could see their performances. The directors are amazing!!!! I love these people and what they have done for my daughter.

Before the first performance, I went back stage and took some pictures. I love this one. This is Allyson, putting make up on "Jesus", her friend Michael. He's a meek, sweet soul and a the perfect person to play Jesus.

Here is my sweet beautiful actress...she can even cry on cue. LOL

If you're interested in theater for your child or teen in the Tampa area contact the The Acting Studio.

Cowboy Cousin Rusty

2010-03-09T06:43:00.009-05:00

These photos were taken by Rebecca Torres of Iowa and they belong to her. Please don't take them without her permission. The last one of my muddy cousin was taken by me and you can have it if you absolutely must! :)

This is my first cousin Rusty. In a lot of ways, he's like my brother. We've always been close and he just happened to marry the greatest woman in the world...Dee, a Brit, who is the class and joy of our family. I love her. She's become a BFF over the years. I love it when marriage brings someone wonderful into your family.

I can't get to my pictures right now, so I stole Rusty's off his Facebook. LOL He used to be a model, went to Milan and all that other stuff. No, he is not too sexy for his shirt...he's humble and loves the Lord. I LOVE YOU RUSTY!

Rusty has a degree in Accounting from Harding University, but is a Cowboy by choice. Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life.

He's at Racho Cortez in Bandera, Texas now. I hate him for it. He got to Texas before me. At least I have a place to stay when I want to go home....the glorious Texas Hill Country, the most wonderful place in the world to live.

This is one of my favorite pictures of him because it's a great memory. We had big fires at night where we would sit around, chat, share family stories, make redneck jokes and tell TALL tales. We ran out of wood one night, so he loaded up the kids in the truck, they went mudding, hunting for the wood, got stuck in the mud...the kids had to drive the truck, while Rusty got out and pushed. LOL It was hysterical. The kids loved it...it was the greatest night of their life...getting stuck in the mud with Rusty. LOL Isn't making family memories the best thing in the world??? I love this about Rusty...he's patient and loving with my kids (with everyone's kids) and is loads of fun. If you want to have a good time, hang out with Rusty.

I got a new computer

2010-03-07T07:43:00.002-05:00

That would be...... MY OWN computer...that actually works when I sit down. I no longer have to share a computer with a homeschooler who needs the computer to do his school work, but is more interested in Facebook and games....

It's a good thing.

Been super busy, super sick, super lonely (husband is out of town all the time), super cold, super quilting for a widow who needs some love....

I know I'm missing something in there...

Just wanted to say hi.

(((group hug)))

Valentine....introduce yourself

2010-02-12T08:40:00.003-05:00

I have several "followers" who are unknown to me. I would really like to meet you and know who you are. Please say hi and tell me where y'all are from and all that other sweet stuff. You'll hurt my feelings if you don't say hi. Naaaa...I won't be sad...I just like new friends is all. :)

Me in a nut shell...

I'm a Christian. I'm an open minded, free spirited, independent Bible student and although I worship at a particular "church", I prefer to be called only a Christian. I follow the Lord and no one else....ever. I'm strong willed and the Lord is continually trying to break me. I've cried uncle more times than I can count. I'm always grateful for my salvation, redemption, His long suffering love for me and my continual rescue. I'll add here, people don't often get "free spirits" and it's not always easy, but the Lord gets me and loves me for who I am. I like that about Him.

My name is Michal (pronounced Michael) and yes, I am a woman and no, my dad didn't want a boy, and no, my name is not really pronounced Michelle (at least not in America).

I love my husband and have been married almost 17 years. He would do anything for me and I'm so grateful for him. One of my favorite things about him is he is dad gum funny! That's the real reason I married him. I wanted to laugh with someone the rest of my life. LOL For real. Oh, and he had some really cool antique furniture I loved and I wanted it, so I married him. HA!!! True Dat!

I have a daughter who is almost 18 and a son who is 14. My daughter is a homeschool (Sonlight) graduate at a private college in Tampa right now. My son is still homeschooled and is a secret mama's boy. Shhhhh... My kids and I (and husband too) are very close. They say it's bad to be "best friends" with your kids, but we kinda can't help it. We just get along and actually like each other's company.

We're all from Texas, but we're in Tampa, FL for the time being. We'll move back HOME some day because I intend on dying in Texas....plain and simple...yep....mmmmhhhhmmmm....if I die in Florida, I'll be so flippin' mad I could spit nails. I pray God in His mercy, will let me live long enough to get back home. If you're going to be stuck some where, Florida's not so bad, but it "ain't" home. I try to feel "it" and be content, but it never happens. I MISS TEXAS and my PEOPLE!

When I'm not sewing, I'm reading or studying. I love learning and growing, thus the word in my title "Erudition". It was one of our vocabulary words years ago and I thought it was the coolest words I ever heard.

I'll stop there, but those are the basics. (((group hug))) Be blessed y'all. I sure do love you...if I know you, that is. Not in a creepy, stalker way, but with sincere "agape" love. The Lord has always brought sweet people into my life and I'm so grateful for that! :)

Choose JOY & LOVE

Peace y'all!

Pieces of Beautiful (log cabin and other thoughts)

2010-02-11T07:56:00.008-05:00

"The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel. He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." Psalm 147:2-3

"When I am working on a problem I never think about beauty. I only think about how to solve the problem. But when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong."
Buckminster Fuller

How is quilting with a big pile of hopeless, crazy cut, ugly colored, unmatching mess a metaphor for our life? As I've been working on my abominable, ferocious piles of crumbs and scraps this week, I kept looking at the mess and felt overwhelmed, sometimes to the point of tears, but also hopeful, as I knew they would become something beautiful in the end. Didn't really know what it was going to look like, but I had faith that it would be pretty. I looked at the piles and laughed sometimes thinking how uncanny the picture was because it could have been a picture of my life about 20 years ago.......(or last summer when I thought I was gonna die, but lived...praises to the most high!!!)

It took me 3 days to make this mini log cabin. It will probably take the Lord more than 3 days to fix some of our messes, but it's exciting to think about the blessings that will come out of it on the other side of the "fabric, rubbled covered mountain". Sometimes, it takes a long time, but you just have to trust. What choice do we have? Trust or not to trust....I'll choose trust.

Sometimes, there are messes which will never be fixed and I'll never have peace about it...like my father's death. But you know, life goes on and I'm so grateful for the blessings God has given me to help ease the pain and help me take my mind off it...know what I mean? Just some things can't be fixed...plan and simple...but there is beauty and joy to be found every where you look and you have to focus on the good. I'm mostly preaching to myself here. I have to see beauty, love those around me and CHOOSE JOY, or I'll literally go crazy thinking about the hurt.

OK, enough of that....picture time now! :) Look at the pictures and think hard about life and pray when your done. God is good. (((group hug)))

You know.....I've given up trying to be tidy while working with scraps. It's impossible. Life has to get messy sometimes before it can get beautiful again.

Looks like Moda barfed Thanksgiving all over the place...

A 4 inch block

This mini quilt is around 22 inches. This picture doesn't do it justice. It's so beautiful. I can't stop looking at it.

Knitting Lessons

2010-02-09T10:01:00.005-05:00

Methinks it is a token of healthy and gentle characteristics, when women of high thoughts and accomplishments love to sew; especially as they are never more at home with their own hearts than while so occupied. ~Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Marble Faun, 1859

So last year's New Years resolution was learning to knit. With the help of books, lots of You Tube videos & practice, we did ok. My daughter did well and picked it right up. While I enjoyed it, I was ready for my crochet hook by the time all was said and done. I still want to learn more, but I want to take a class so I can watch someone do it. Books are hard for me. I'm a hands on learner, which is always inconvenient as you have to wait for a patient teacher who has time to deal with you to come along and save the day.

This is "photo essay" of our first knitting adventure. Wow! Using the words "photo essay" makes you feel so smart and artistic. LOL

Getting started...

I loved this picture because my dog's nose is trying to get me to pay attention to her while I'm trying so hard to concentrate! Geeze! Someone always wants mama...give me a break!

She is a natural! She loved it, which made me very happy. She needed a craft outside of what her mother loves, to call her own.

I'm TRYING!!

Had to take a mental break....scream....add a fake eye ball impalement for dramatic effect

LOOK! We invented something. A toe blanky. We're going to make a million $$$'s off this pattern some day. LOL For realz!

I surrender. Give me my crochet hook!

Look at her go! She's a genius. I love this kid!

If you want to teach yourself to knit, there are some great books out there, but we learned the most from You Tube videos. I hope to eventually move on to hats and socks.

Be blessed! Choose Joy! Love you all!

Wish we had snow to play in

2010-02-08T10:34:00.002-05:00

I know, I know...those of you with snow are hating every minute of it while wishing you lived in Florida, where it's always sunny (when it's not raining) and we never get snow.

The grass is always greener, eh?

It's a good thing our permissive parenting hasn't resulted in any broken bones, as of yet. I found this old picture today looking for something else and it reminded me of how much fun we had sledding down our stairs in Texas. LOL At least I made my kids put on a helmet. See! I tried to be a good parent. Really!

Mufasa, the Narcissistic Cat...

2010-02-04T08:39:00.004-05:00

Hi. My Christian name is Narcissus (hey...wouldn't that be my Greek name?), but they call me Moo...or rather Mufasa, you know, like in "Lion King". Sometimes I'm Poopie, sometimes Poo Poo Head, depending on my behavior. OK, this isn't fun any more...just what the heck IS my name anyway? No wonder I have identity issues.

Where ever my mom goes, I must follow...because I love her so much and have to make sure she knows it, in case she forgot, since the last time I rubbed myself all over her and her things. I think it's kinda funny to torture her and pester her and get my golden, beautiful, glorious, luxurious fur all over her work. I think she loves fabric more than me, therefore, I must passive aggressively pay her back with my "affection". Have a nice day Mama. I know you love me, no matter what you say or do to me. ***wicked Cheshire cat grins***

Yummy Thrifty Loot

2010-02-02T08:08:00.007-05:00

I don't buy or find a lot of cool magazines, but this one had a bunch of sweet crochet patterns. There is a small granny square head band pattern I can't wait to make.

Pure, glorious, serendipity. I collect art books because I love art and art history....as in...I REALLY love...super, crazy love art history!!! We use them in our homeschool and having books on hand for various time periods always helps paint a context for history studies. Even if we didn't homeschool, I would still buy them up when I find them. If you ever get tired of looking at the book, you can always rip them up and collage the pages to the wall. :)

My daughter is going to Greece and Rome in May and we had just left a meeting with the woman who is leading the group. We walked into the thrift store and found these massive, perfect, brand new books and had a good laugh. I swear they weigh 40 lbs together. I could do curls with them and have beautiful arms...if I wanted. It was an exciting find. We only paid $1.00 a piece for them.

I saw these two pictures and my heart melted. Aren't they lovely? We are re-doing my daughter's room and she wants them, but if I can talk her into changing her mind, I might put them in my sewing room. I love the frames too. This has got to be one of my most favorite finds lately. Just too sweet! I LOVE SWEET THINGS!

Winter Sunshine

2010-01-29T07:53:00.007-05:00

The days are short,
The sun a spark
Hung thin between
The dark and dark.
(by John Updike)

Let's warm up a little, shall we?

First you must open the windows (of your heart) and let the sun light in

Lie on the floor in the sun light and let someone pet you

Or snuggle with someone who loves you

Bundle up and go for a walk with your family...and breathe

Look up and open your eyes. You'll see the beautiful architecture of creation and promises of warmer times, which you can't see during the other seasons in your life

On your walk, look for something lonely, like this summer bench on the beach and comfort it with the warm body heat you've worked up from your walk. :)

Before you go in, look up at the sun with closed eyes and let the sunshine waltz on your face, as you dance in the rays of warmth...like a little child and you don't care how stupid you look or who is watching. :) (These pictures were taken a few days after Christmas when it warmed up a little. Ahhhh...the sweet radiance of children playing...

If you have no sunlight this weekend, you can always stare at a street light and concentrate very hard...it might warm you up.

Make your own SUNSHINE. Choose JOY. Be BLESSED.

***Pictures taken by my daughter***

Feeling Green...

2010-01-28T07:21:00.001-05:00

I had a big old jar with nothing in it and my green depression glass cups fit through the hole. :)

Fabric Bits and Pieces

2010-01-25T12:48:00.012-05:00

Whatcha been up to?

First let me say, I'm a jerk of an ungrateful friend. I didn't publicly thank Allie for the quilt I won from her. If you want to make a new friend, who is always cheerful and has some neat hand stitchery to share, go over to Allie's at Allie Oops Sweet Happy Life. She's amiable and lovable and I hope we're friends forever.

I'm enjoying this quilt more than I ever thought I could. Mostly because the fabric and colors are so happy of course, but also because it's been a long time since I've allowed myself to purchase a stack of something happy. I think I'm getting bored with scraps. I need to add cheer to my stash a little more often, don't you think?

I draped it over the banister for the picture. Say hello to Mu Mu, the narcissistic cat who had to be in the picture, as always. I love her simple quilting technique and the weight of this quilt is perfect for Florida...not too hot...not too cold.

Next....

Completed "Where the Wild Things Are" baby quilt

I finished binding this baby quilt. I've posted pictures of it before, so you're probably getting tired of seeing it. I love it so much, I can't help myself. I used a brown botanic Thimbleberry fabric for the binding which at a distance could almost read "animal print". I didn't put any animal print in my quilt on purpose, as you won't find any in the book. I only used fabrics with texture, as you'll find in the illustrations within the book.

Oh yea, and my signature trademark piece of "Texas" fabric in the quilt was also added. Not really part of Where the Wild Things are, but it wouldn't be a quilt from me, if Texas wasn't in it. Plus, my friends who get this quilt are from Massachusettes and they call me Tex. LOL Do you have a "trademark" for your work?

I loved this process so much, I can't wait to make another baby quilt out of another children's book. Patricia Polacco is my favorite children's book author. I might try one of her books. Do you have a favorite children's book, with great color and illustrations which would make a nice quilt?

Next....

I've been working on Bonnie's next mystery quilt called Carolina Christmas. It's going a lot faster than her other mysteries and I love the finished pattern. I think it's going to be one of my favorites of hers. She used a yellow/gold as her accent with her reds and greens. I'm using an aqua as my accent. I think it's going to be pretty as our bedroom is Robin's Egg Blue and I didn't really want a red, green and yellow quilt in there. I think aqua, red and green will go better. It's beautiful so far and I can't wait to show you better pictures

Bonnie has a new book out now so go get your copy. Support small business and support Bonnie. She works so hard and has always been generous with her free patterns

Next......

Been thriftn' and looky what I found... First, let me preface by saying, I love, love, love, love ticking. I love old ticking and any new ticking you might see in newer fabric collections. My eyes are always drawn to it and I somehow manage to collect a lot of it without realizing what I'm doing which is FINE BY ME. Check out this old pillow case...oh my gosh, I love it! It's in need of long soaking bath, but it's gonna be gorgeous after it gets it's scrubbing...It will be my new best friend, as soon as I decide what to do with it.

And lastly, I am crazy about my latest vintage sheet. It's a huge, perfect, no fading, no holes...QUEEN. I'm going to use it as a backing for something wonderful. I'll have to add around it to make it a king for my room. Giant husband = giant bed = giant quilts = lots of work...*sigh*

Happy New Year....uhhh...a little late

2010-01-12T11:08:00.004-05:00

Hey there folks. Been busy here in Florida trying to keep warm, reading, quilting, cleaning and snuggling.

All our Christmas company (we had 11 people here at one time) went back home to the great state of Texas (without me). Boo hoo. This is my mom with 4 grandchildren. Who is ready to open presents and is sick of taking pictures? LOL

My daughter left for her second semester at college. This is her in the green. She's the oldest grandchild and everyone's right hand girl. Our home doesn't glow nearly as bright when her light is gone.

My husband left to work in Pennsylvania. I'm um....pretty certain he's coming home at the end of this week...Lord willing. :)

My son and I are working hard on his school, and started back to co-op last week.

I've bound 4 quilts, started a new one and my fingers are super sore. Ouch. No, I can't use a thimble. I try, but I can't. "Tex" is what I'm called by the people who will receive this baby quilt. I guess if your going to be called something other than your name, Tex is at least a kind endearment

...But the real reason my poor blog has been abandoned is because I got a Kindle for Christmas and I've read 4 books. Time to put it down and get the house put back together. I still need to put Christmas away. Yikes! Look at my domesticated "shadows". They go every where with me and they think they own the place. They're always invading my body bubble!

Colored Pencil Wraps

2009-12-16T13:04:00.004-05:00

I saw this on Pink Chalk Studio a long, long time ago and now you can find the pattern in Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts, which I've really enjoyed and recommend to others.

My nephew Hay Hay is getting one and maybe some other children if I'm in the mood to finish them. :) My things to do list is long and time is getting short.

My tip for this pencil roll is to use the walking foot as is suggested. I can't find mine since we moved and I thought I could get by without it. I did, but it doesn't look near as pretty. Hoooo Boy! Hayden won't care, in the end. :)

Robin's Egg Blue Kitchen/Dining Room

2009-12-14T21:17:00.005-05:00

We're not quite finished with the decorating but here is a late evening snap shot of the eating area. We were exhausted after painting all day but I was so excited over how it turned out, I had to take a picture before bed. It's a spa blue paint from Home Depot. When I first began with the cut in work, I thought, "oh no...what have I done???...I hate it!"....wishing I had gone yellow or something else for the kitchen. Robin's Egg Blue is my favorite color (it's already in the master bedroom). It works almost as a neutral, as everything seems to go with it, especially browns, yellows and reds...especially reds! Yummy! In this picture, it goes nice with the greens I set out for Christmas.

I need to figure out a Christmas window treatment in the next week. Hummmm...

It turned out so pretty and it's sweet during the day when the sunlight hits it, giving it a peaceful, cozy glow.

I love allowing my inner rebellious child write on the walls of my house. I wrote a quick blessing behind the fridge. Now I have to go and hunt down more secret places to write more messages. LOL It's so much fun.

PS y'all

2009-12-14T13:30:00.003-05:00

I owe Allie 2 and public thank you for my quilt. I took a picture of it with the good camera, which is now back at college for finals week with Ally 1. I'm not sharing my quilt with anyone, not even my cat or dog. I love it so much, I can hardly say.

Sorry I wasn't around last week. I need to de-Thanksgiving my blog. Ugh.

My husband and son were sad, so I was trying to take care of them. Tim left for Harrisburg last night, so I had to help him get ready. We painted the kitchen Robin's Egg Blue and it's beautiful. We've been unpacking and hanging up pictures. My whole family is coming in from Texas to be with us this year. I haven't even put up Christmas yet, since we've been "playing house" all week trying to clear space so they can have room to sleep and play. The house is looking GOOOODDDD!!! I'm so happy and blessed.

I hope to come soon (maybe even today) and post Christmas pretties and family recipes. Yeehaw! Tell me what's been goin' on with y'all. Anything good? How can I pray for you now?

Y'all take care.

Choose joy. It's all good.

((((group hug))))

Joy, no matter what

2009-12-14T12:07:00.005-05:00

Ruth 1:16 But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me."

I have no idea what this blog is about. I've thought about it for a couple of years now and there is no way I can come up with a suitable label, definition or goal.

This blog for me personally is one I share with my family and friends so they can see how life is treating us in Florida, so far away from Texas and St. Louis where our loved ones are.

But mostly, after thinking it through, this blog is about the life of a God fearing family, finding joy and sharing it with friends, no matter how horrible it feels when life stabs us in the chest. Christ lives in me, and I'm going to be happy and rejoice and count my blessings. No kicking dogs when they're down around here. We're gonna put a smile on our face, a melody in our voice and our big girl panties on...hold our heads high and let our lights shine.

So as depressing as my blog has been this year....a full head of gray hair for my poor husband now...I'm still going to share the good, the bad and the ugly. I am, with great anticipation, looking forward to a new year, hopefully filled with as little heartache as possible. If it can't be avoided, I'm still going to rejoice, albeit, probably faking a lot of it. LOL

For you to have a complete understanding of why my mother-in-law meant so much to me, would require an epic novel of the tragedy, sickness, abuse, dysfunction, heartache...blah, blah, blah...which was my life for the first 24 years. Let's just say...it was as bad as it could get...pretty dog gone bad. I don't really ever want to go there again, and certainly not in public here. Let me just say that my mother-in-law was God's greatest mercy shown to me, these last 15 years. Through her, I saw what REAL fruits of the spirit were. I saw what it was like to live without bitterness, even when wicked people did mean things to you. I saw how she lived exploding with joy and love for everyone. She never spoke ill of anyone. Read her Bible everyday, all the way through, year after year. She was far from perfect, but she was a saint. God showed me what being a healthy, saved Christian was all about, contrasting her with what I grew up with. Does that make any sense?

I thought I would post a picture or two about where I was exactly this time last year. I was sitting with my mother-in-law...my precious Naomi...in ICU. I would not leave her side and didn't want to go home that night. I was mad to leave around 11:00 pm and looking back, I wish I had done what I wanted, which was to spend the night with her, instead of letting people boss me around...me the people pleaser...those days are over. I wanted so badly to curl up in bed with her and love on her, but didn't want to get in trouble with the nurses, as it was ICU and all, and you want to be on your best behavior. If I had known she was going to die, I would have done it. One last cuddle. I miss her sweet smell and her cheerful smile and her tender, delicate manicured hands when she held my hand in return.

By tomorrow morning, around 10:30 am, she'll leave us and my sister-in-law and I will be with her.

I'm the family historian and I'm notoriously guilty of taking pictures of the worst times of our life. I don't offend my family, hopefully, but I discreetly take pictures of the sad or bad (not the grotesque), just for history's sake, but also as a memorial, so we can look back at the blessings we received during that pain.

Looking at pictures today, I remember something so special and so tender. I hadn't thought of it once, since last year and it made me feel good this morning.

Allyson made a scrappy stocking using up some of my Christmas scraps to hang in grandma's room. We convinced ourselves she was going to make it. There were pictures of all the grandchildren and great grandchildren hanging on the wall in front of her so when she woke up she could see the love. Ally hung her stocking there too. Grandma woke up and pointed at the wall. We all pointed to different pictures trying to understand which one she wanted. She couldn't speak. Lastly we pointed to the stocking and that's what she wanted. Being a hand piecer and a hand quilter forever, we should have guessed the stocking first. LOL She wanted to hold it.

She snuggled with it like a child does a stuffed animal or a treasured blanky all night. It was in her bed when we got there the next morning. 20 minutes later, God called her home. I'm so glad my daughter had thought to make something so last minute and silly for Grandma's Christmas ICU room. Turned out not to be so silly after all.

This is one of my favorite pictures. It's sad I guess, but I love it. I sat and crocheted for 12 hours, watching her chest go up and down all day, thinking her little body suuuuuure was fighting hard and thinking, this doesn't look so good, BUT she's gonna make it, I just know!!!! I watched her heart beat on that monitor all day long, until family came in and told me it was time to leave. I also was crocheting with my own grandma's hook, the one I first learned on. I was hoping it was going to be a lucky crochet hook and pass blessings on to my sick mother. Ho hum.

Watching her fight to live all day, I kept thinking, "My sassy native Texan mother-in-law is going to be mad as a wet hen if she dies in Illinois." She wanted to die with her boots on, dadgummit. I guess it doesn't matter where you physically are when you die, as long as your spiritually in the right place. *sigh*

I love this picture because I see her heart beating on the monitor. She was alive, God love her. It was a beautiful day I spent in silence with her and my God. I'll forever be grateful he let her live long enough for us to get there and be with her one last 24 hour day.

So I'm sorry if this was depressing or made no sense. I wanted it to be more articulate than this. My mother-in-law is deserving of better prose. My mind is fuzzy with rambling thoughts and grief. I just felt a need to pour my heart out a little. Posts get better after this. After all....it's Christmas. We're gonna be happy, even if it kills us.

Oops. I take that back.

No body better die this Christmas

2009-12-05T09:45:00.003-05:00

My Papa died New Years Day.

My Grandpa died Christmas Day.

My mother-in-law died last year on December 15.

I am unpacking her things today trying to get the house ready for all the company that will be heading our way this holiday season. My whole family is coming. :)

Seeing the things we got from her house (I had no idea what my husband brought home) makes me sick with sorrow. It's bitter sweet. I haven't cried yet, but I probably will before the days over. Her sweet things are such a comfort. It's sad to be so materialistic, but I love her things. We got a couple of very, very old bowls she always used for side dishes and mashed potatoes. I almost burst into tears when I saw them, remembering the 100's of times we ate at her table. I swallowed it. No time for tears. Gotta get through this.

I miss her. I'm never gonna stop missing her. I was with her when she died and I can't stop thinking about her last 5 minutes. She didn't suffer. She went peacefully to God's arms. You always wish you had said more, loved more, spent more time together. She knew I loved her, but you can't help wishing for more time.

So no one else better die during the holidays. I'm pretty much sick of Christmas and funerals going together in our family.

It's going to be a good year this year. :)

Hall Gallery

2009-12-03T08:02:00.005-05:00

Like I said I few posts back, I collect stitchery. I have a mixture of things I've done and what I find in thrift stores. I left a lot of holes while hanging these up, because I think I have more still in boxes. I like them all clumped together like this. Usually I have them spread all over the house, but this time I hung them up as friends.

The bad thing about this arrangement is I have an obsessive compulsive need to straighten pictures. If I walk into a room with a crooked picture, I literally cannot function until the picture is straight. These will be straightened several timed a day. Or maybe I'll leave them and learn to deal with my OCD. Or maybe not.

I'm working on unpacking and decorating before my perfect sister gets here. She thinks I have too much junk and I think her style is cold and boring. LOL We used to share a room. She used to be dirty and I was the neat freak. Now guess who is the neat freak?

Awwwwwww....sweet memories of sitting with my grandma while stitching this one up. I spent the night with her on Friday nights and she would always teach me something domestic. This was my first cross stitch. I had already crocheted my sister a sweater by this time. I started it when I was 6 and finished when I was 7. If you look closely, you can see where the 6 was erased and the 7 replaced it. This picture makes me a little sad too, because I see I'm a Craig by now and no longer a Woodruff, meaning my step dad had adopted us and my Daddy was no longer allowed to see us. Long story for another day...or maybe never. I don't like to think about it.

This one was in my mother-in-laws house forever. It's a P for our last name. Since my husband is the only son, guess who got all the "P" stuff. LOL I love it. I think it's the only needlepoint I have.

This was on my mother-in-law's dishwasher forever too. The kids grew up with it there and always wanted to turn it back and forth telling us if the dishes were dirty or clean. They asked for it when going through her things, and they got it. I thought it was so sweet...of all the many beautiful things they could have asked for (and they did get some cool stuff) this was the sweetest request. I think if you give a child a choice over gold or memories, they usually pick the memory. My kids didn't ask for anything valuable...just stuff that reminded them of Grandma. She was so dear to them.

What's your favorite color?

2009-12-02T11:27:00.004-05:00

It's to your advantage to answer

Then tell me what your quest is...since I already know your name.
*grins* Don't make me have to explain that one....

Facebook

2009-12-01T14:43:00.001-05:00

So who is on Facebook? Anyone? Anyone?

I love Judy

November Lusterware

2009-12-01T10:09:00.005-05:00

I have an old corner hutch covered in white peeling paint that I cherish. White makes every color of dish in my china hutch pop out, so we can enjoy it. I change it out at the beginnning of each month to go with the seasons.

I'm in the process on unpacking my green depression glass. I think I'll go green and white here this December and leave the ruby glass for February.

This was my mother-in-law's lusterware, which the kids and I have always loved. We lived around the corner from her for years and we would go over for morning or afternoon tea. The tea cups are petal thin. I don't know what was in the mud when they were making these, but a cup of tea in one of these cups taste unbelievable. Maybe it's my imagination or the love we shared during our tea parties with the kids, but I never had such a wonderful cup of tea in my life.

I'm so glad when they were dividing up the house, my husband got this set for us. We have lovely memories of enjoying Red Rose tea and toast with homemade jams we had made with Mom. Gosh I miss her. She'll have been gone a year in a few weeks. It's been a painfully sad year. I guess it gets easier, but you never stop missing them. Everyone says she's with the Lord, but I WANT her here. I guess we can be selfish, can't we? She was my best friend. Really. She was.

I'm still unpacking her boxes. I was grateful for the excuse to leave her boxes in the garage until we moved. I just couldn't deal with it and everything smells like her still. Now we are in our new house and I'm slowly pulling her beautiful things out to grace our home. It's a bitter sweet time.

Oh, and I LOOOOOOOOVE this "cheese cover dish" (I don't know what they were called, only what it was used for). I guess that's what it was. I asked for it and it's one of the things I got. We all wanted the same things (she had a lot of beautiful things) so I feel lucky (and blessed) having received a few things I've enjoyed over the years, which have been in Tim's family for generations.

Use your pretty things and make memories with them. Don't hide them under a bushel. :) Let your children enjoy a piece of beauty in such an ugly world.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T08:55:00.003-05:00

You all are a blessing to me. I'm so grateful for friends made and kept while blogging. You're a sweet group of people. Some how, God always brings the nice ones to me and I appreciate Him keeping the creeps down to a minimum.

I wish I had time to poignantly type up a beautiful Thanksgiving Day post full of prose and sentiment. I've got to finish my cooking and finish folding laundry.

I thought it would be nice to hear, rather than the standard "I'm thankful for health and family, etc"........We're all grateful for the same things I'm certain of it, because I do not run in a blog crowd of ungrateful people...

So I want to hear about your most unusual things you are grateful for, something you never think about on most days.

Humor me. :)

I'm thankful for indoor plumbing. If had to get up and go to the outhouse in the middle of the night, I would be belly aching all the way. NO THANKS!

I'm grateful God saved my life this summer.

I'm grateful I can read.

I'm grateful for thumbs.

I'm grateful for air conditioning, living in Florida. Ugh.

I'm grateful for laughter. We laugh all day in our home, no matter how bad things are and I'm so glad God gave us the ability to giggle.

I'm grateful for color.

I'm thankful for blood oranges, which will be coming into season any day now.

I'm thankful my husband has never called me a dirty name, even when I probably deserved it.

Attempted Murder of a Betta

2009-11-25T07:01:00.009-05:00

Allyson brought her Beta fish home to be "fish sat" during Thanksgiving. She's now on the road to the North Carolina mountains to visit her grandmother and grandfather. Pray for safe journeys for her.

At 4:00 AM this morning I heard a horrible, earth shattering (at the very least, a home shattering) crash. My first thought was someone came to kill us! Eeek! Upon further investigation, I find the Beta and his bowl spilled all over the living room carpet, along with a large bowl filled with acorns (a very large bowl).

I've got wet carpet, fish bowl rocks, acorns every where....where's the fish? I FOUND HIM. He was dying. It was breaking my heart and I hurried to put him back into some water as fast as I could, carefully studying his color so I could run to Wal Mart and buy another fish just like him so Allyson wouldn't be mad at me. I killed her hermit crab once. :(

After mouth to mouth and a few tapping's on his chest, he started swimming again. Thank you Lord. Then I had to clean up all the mess. It was every where.

The violent perpetrator of this crime was non other than...you guessed is....Mufasa, the narcissistic hungry, spiteful cat....also known by his alias...Moo Moo or Poopee...which ever one fits giving the circumstances of the time. I think today he is Poopee. JERK!

He has been banished to solitary confinement, until the Judge wakes up and sees the wet carpet in our brand new house. I have a feeling the Judge will sentence him to death. I'll have to be the best defense attorney to ever live, and try and save his life. Our plea will be entered as "Not Guilty by reason of Curiosity" and hope curiosity won't kill the cat this time.

The fish has been placed in a witness protection program and is safe from further harm (keeping fingers crossed).

Poopee's mug shot
He's a complete sociopath, totally at peace with the world, as he sleeps with his mouth open here, probably waiting for a bird to fly in. He is an evil kitty today.

"Where the Wild Things Are" Baby Quilt

2009-11-24T09:11:00.004-05:00

My daughter's close friend from childhood is having her first baby. She's 19 now and it's a BOY! We're all excited and exceedingly proud of her.

You see, this young woman is fiercely pro-choice. She hates the pro-life tags on cars and always made negative comments about them. Anyhoo, after she found out she was pregnant, on her way home, she saw a billboard sign which said, "Don't worry, God will take care of everything." (or something to that effect)

So she kept her baby who is coming into our world in January. We're all so excited.

She wanted to do a "Where the Wild Things Are" theme for the baby (she adds, BEFORE the movie made it popular again!!). I am making her a baby quilt of course. All babies should be celebrated and cuddled in hand made quilts, don't you think?

I couldn't find WTWTA fabric, which suited me fine. I decided to go "rogue" and do my own thing, which is what I prefer anyway. I pulled my WTWTA book out and then pulled colors and textures of fabric to match the art work. It was a brilliant idea because I love it so much more than if I had found themed fabric. Plus this way, the quilt is less easily outgrown. He can love it for years instead of just 5 or 6. Know what I mean?

Another nice thing about doing a more traditional baby quilt is a mother can use it as a wall hanging or a furniture cover/table runner later, instead of packing it away with other baby things.

Here are some pictures of the fabric. I have finished the quilt top and I'm now hand quilting it like a maniac, as fast as I can. I quilted 12 hours yesterday. Ouch. My fingers are super sore.

Sore and calloused fingers remind me of my mother-in-law. She hand quilted everyone in the family a quilt. Calloused fingers means "love" to me. I sure do miss her.

Anyway, I'll post a picture very soon of the finished quilt as it has to be finished by tonight. Wish me luck.

Wow. After viewing my post, the pictures just don't to it justice. Wait until you see the REAL thing. It's gorgeous. I need to stop making quilts I love, because they are too hard to give away.

Moo Moo the narcissist cat, approves. He's my biggest fan

Kerr View Ice Cream Container

2009-11-11T17:52:00.005-05:00

Just one of my many frivolous, favorite things. Who would think a piece of card board could make a silly woman so happy?

I bought this for .25 cents at a garage sale off Goat Creek Rd., Ingram/Kerrville, Texas. It's the road my grandparents lived off of for decades and decades. I was so excited to find this little treasure. It's been in my kitchen for years and it makes me happy every time I see it. I smile real big and remember "HOME". I get real homesick for Kerrville, Ingram, Mt. Home, and especially Hunt, and ok, let's not forget Fredericksburg and Llano and Leakey and Inks Lake and the Guadalupe River in general.....and...and...and...yeah, the Texas Hill Country is THAT GOOD.

*sigh*

Lilly Pulitzer Fabric find....Score!! Go me!!

2009-11-09T17:08:00.004-05:00

Well, I didn't actually find Lilly Pulitzer yardage, but I found 4 pieces of clothing at a garage sale. They wanted $20 but all I had was $17.00. They didn't want to go down, but I guess they knew I would love them more than anyone else and finally gave in. I want to cut these pieces up, put cool whip on them and eat it for dessert. Or juice it and drink it in a smoothy.

I bought them thinking I would cut them up and make a small doll quilt for my niece for Christmas, but now I can't bring myself to go through with it. I'm greedy and it will have to be a very small quilt, if I do it. I want it all to myself. Like the Seagulls in "Finding Nemo"...mine mine mine mine MINE!!! I always buy clothing thinking I'm going to use it for fabric, then end up wearing it instead. The good thing (or sad thing) about the 4 pieces of clothing is they are size 4 and 6 and....um....that's not my size. Shux! (Life's just not fair is it? Who is a size 4 anyway!?!? Grrrrrr)

Aren't they delicious? I can't stop looking at them.

Charleston, South Carolina cemetery

2009-11-08T05:58:00.003-05:00

I finally got my hands on our pictures. I thought I would show you some of my favorites first. Yes, the atmosphere and architecture were amazing, but for some creepy reason, my favorite place is always going to be the cemetery. I've been in many across America, and I think this one is a favorite. I could spend hours in any cemetery, but I'm always with people who are in a hurry. Someday I'll go by myself and spend the time I would like.

The headstones were like nothing I had seen before. They are rich with character, religion and history. It always breaks your heart to see children's graves, especially family plots with lots of small children who died. It makes you count your blessings to be alive in 'such a time as this'.

Allyson took these pictures. She's getting better with her Canon Rebel.

They were listening for ghosts. LOL

Laundry on Weekends

2009-11-02T09:39:00.005-05:00

I've always done laundry and changed sheets on Monday, like my mom did, like her mom did, like her mom did...la la la

Now with a daughter in college only 30 minutes away (praise God), I'm doing laundry on weekends.

I'm usually in the "Mean Mother" category as in "do your own laundry!"...but with Allyson coming home so extraordinarily exhausted from severe sleep deprivation provoked by college, then having to write papers and study for tests on the weekends, I'm feeling particularly generous.

I have discovered a new urgent need to be a servant to my family. The joy of servanthood is not a feeling I have felt towards chores in awhile.

I never knew how much I treasured my family's dirty laundry. Having a child out of the home makes me so happy to see her dirty clothes again. They are covered with her signature scent, her natural delicious self. It's such a comfort to smell her once a week.

***Having dirty laundry means my child is alive and well.

***Having dirty laundry means she still loves me enough to come home on weekends and hasn't kicked us out of her new "adult" life. I don't know how much longer this will last, as maturity brings change, but for now...she still wants us in her life.

***Having dirty laundry means we have clothes on our back, provided by the good Lord and my husband's very, very hard work everyday. (I love him)

***Being able to do dirty laundry is a marvelous blessing. It means God has healed my back just enough to be able to wash and fold again, which used to kill me and put me to bed for days. Thanks to my Great Physician, who, in His time, blesses me continuously.

I'm gloriously happy on weekends to do my families dirty laundry.

I'm not kidding.

I love my family. Praise God for dirty laundry.

Christmas Gift Ideas

2009-10-30T09:26:00.000-04:00

I've been Christmas shopping. No silly, not that kind of shopping and spending. Shopping for ideas. I hand make all my Christmas gifts with what I have on hand at home. I usually get an earlier start, but this year has...ummm...been a wee bit busy for me. I hunted around Moda Bake Shop the other day and here are lots of cute ideas for you.

Most of them seemed pretty easy. And for those who don't know how to quilt, but want to learn, start with a baby quilt. If you mess up, you can call it a primitive quilt and the little child won't even notice, I'm sure. Just remember exact cutting and 1/4 inch seam. That's all you need to know to get started. :)

Jelly Towels

Lil-zipper-bag

Travel Mug

simple pincushion

Doll Quilt

Vintage Brick Doll Quilts

Fabric Covered Frame

Quilted Binder Cover

Fabric Lamp Shade

Grocery Bag Despenser

Sweet and Shabby Woven Pillow Cover

Fabric Strawberries Love them.

Patchwork memo board

Ribbon blanket and block

I'm still looking around for the perfect gift for everyone. I'll report back if I find some good stuff. The hardest is making things for men, it seems.

*******still waiting on my Charleston pictures sigh*******

Fabric and Ribbon giveaway

2009-10-30T08:01:00.003-04:00

I am excited about this giveaway. The fabric is beautiful and the ribbons are delightful. I love this company and can't wait to make my first purchase from Holland Fabric House products. I gotta get some of that ribbon for sewing on niece and nephew clothes.

Here is their etsy site: Holland Fabric House Etsy Store

HFH is a sponsor of Sweet Tidings, another nice blog. Check it out. Sweet Tidings

Meriwether Lewis quote...I love

2009-10-29T11:30:00.003-04:00

"I had in all human probability existed about half the period which I am to remain in this Sublunary world ... I had as yet done but little, very little, indeed, to further the happiness of the human race, or to advance the information of the succeeding generation. I viewed with regret the many hours I have spent in indolence, and now sorely feel the want of that information which those hours would have given me had they been judiciously expended ... I resolved in future, to redouble my exertions ... to live for mankind, as I have heretofore lived for myself."

- Meriwether Lewis, August 18, 1805, on occasion of his 31st birthday

Poor Meriwether. What a beautiful name he had. It rolls off the tongue, doesn't it? I want another son so I can give him that name, but I'm sure my husband would put a stop to it. If only I could get to the birth certificate before he did......

I make my children memorize quotes, and I think this will be Jonah's next assignment.

Sweet Giveaway

2009-10-29T08:37:00.003-04:00

A sweet friend who also loves stitching, Allie Oops mentioned this sweet blog and sweet giveaway.

I love her sweet Japanese fabric pendants. I think I want some. Maybe for a sweet Christmas gift, yes? Her name is Melanie so go say hi and check out her sweet, lovely things at Kimono Reincarnate.

Perkiomen Daydreams and/or nightmare of an insane quilter

2009-10-27T09:54:00.006-04:00

While we patiently wait on Charleston, South Carolina pictures to be uploaded, I thought I would share this with you.

This glorious quilt is only for the truly manic, obsessed, tenacious, has nothing better to do than sew 1 1/2" squares together....person. Do not attempt this at home unless you are sincerely committed. Of course you could always make this as a mini-quilt and save yourself a lot of work, but would I choose that? Noooooooo...I always commit to the biggest quilt possible...jump in with both feet...and finally finish it 10 years later. I think having a giant for a husband is only one reason why I have a tendency to think in "BIG" as far as quilts go. This quilt could honestly take 10 years to make and never once be admitted in the UFO category.

I have some strange personality traits and one of them is I can concentrate and focus on ONE thing for long periods of time, and yet I'm easily bored. Go figure! I never, ever, ever, quit...even when common sense and wisdom calls for it. I like obnoxiously monotonous chores which ask for repetitive motion. I can work on one thing and finally look up 14 hours later and realize the sun went down 3 hours ago and did anyone make anything for dinner???? It's like I'm hypnotized or something. I get into my zone and I guess some things have a zen like affect on me...who knows.

My kids tease me by saying a tornado could come and I wouldn't even know it. They are absolutely right.

My strange ability to concentrate on a sewing project or a good book never helped me in school, doesn't keep me from losing my keys all the time, doesn't keep me from jumping all over the place in my conversation (or my mind, God help me!!!).... I have ADD and I totally don't care. It's one the best gifts God ever gave me.

Someone emailed me one time and said they liked my blog but I jumped around too much. Gasp! How dare they? LOL

Behold...the beautiful Perkiomen Daydreams from Bonnie Hunter's book Scraps and Shirtails. My book is still packed as well as the entire sewing room. My fingers were itching to sew, but I couldn't find anything. HOWEVER, I did know where my sewing machine was and I knew were my box of 1 1/2" squares were. Whenever I know I won't be missed, I sneak off to my pink cave and work on this quilt. It actually goes pretty fast, surprisingly.

These pictures are just layout play. Since I can't find my book, I don't know how Bonnie has it laid out. I might do my own thing anyway. I never know what I'll do until the end. My random/abstract personality keeps me from making plans and yes, it gets on my own nerves as well as everyone else. No apologies. This is who I am. Take it or leave it. :) ***BIG cheesy grin***

We're home from Charleston

2009-10-26T16:51:00.004-04:00

I'm waiting on my girl child to download our pictures, since she's the one with the good camera. She's back at school and busy as ever. I hope I get to see them soon. I stole this one off my friends facebook. This is just a little bit of what we saw. As a history lover, I gotta say...Charleston, SC has been my favorite city so far (and I've seen a lot!!). I didn't know what to expect and it was more beautiful than I had imagined.

It was sweet too to be alone with my daughter for a few days, although we were with close friends. We needed some mother/daughter time. I love traveling and experiencing the world, especially America, with loved ones. It's a shared memory that stays with you forever. Plus, driving you get to see the beauty AND sing your heart out along with all the different radio stations you find along the way.

Time to plan my next trip...where to now??? Hmmmmmmm

This is a pic of Rainbow Row. I've decided I want a pink house some time before I die. LOL

Guess where I am

2009-10-24T09:25:00.002-04:00

I'm in my new favorite city. I'm visiting a friend in Charlestown, SC. We've been walking around downtown for 2 days and I can't get enough. We found a quilt store down there this morning so I'm going for a 3rd day. I don't want to go home. This place is gorgeous. I can't wait to show you some pictures.

BBL

Lucky garage "sailing"

2009-10-19T08:34:00.002-04:00

Howdy folks. My poor little blog. It's been a crazy 5 months. I'm really missing spending time with all of you.

All week long I'm doing school with my son and unpacking (and sneaking in a lot of reading when I'm resting with ice on my back). My weekends have been belonging to family and especially my daughter, who comes home from college with hugs, snuggles and laundry. I haven't been quilting as much as I would like, but the past two weekends I've fit it in, while my daughter sits across from me writing papers or studying. We're up in my pink quilting room, spending hours together, doing our own thing. :) It's nice and I like it that way. I have not enjoyed her absence and it's a joy to have her near me.

My husband and I used to have our dates on Saturday mornings while "Garage Sailing". :) We're very careful and don't bring home junk (too much) but I've decorated our home with vintage stuff for mostly quarters found at garage sales or the thrift store. I also love to get my books this way...which I have way too many right now, and yet they all end up being used, referenced or read eventually....as we are a family of erudites. :)

One thing I collect are vintage cross stitch pieces and other needle works. I've built up a sweet, humble collection over the years. When I unpack them all and get them hung up, I'll show you. This is what I found this weekend for $2.00 a piece. They are fabulous...gorgeous...delicious. I think they are my new favorites. I'm going to hang them over our bed...I think. I want them some place where I can see them all the time.

OK, now this is funny. Mufasa, the narcissistic, stalking cat who has to be in every picture and is ALWAYS touching my stuff, couldn't resist rubbing his whiskers on the camera. He follows me EVERYWHERE. And the really weird thing, since Allyson went to college, he's really, really, really following me everywhere. He's worse than a codependent dog.

God's blessings and favor on you all. ((((group hug))))
Hooches and Smugs

I Spy (on my kitchen table)

2009-10-09T08:40:00.003-04:00

Awww...how sweet. A table only Fly Lady could love. This was my kitchen table a week before we moved to our new home (two weeks ago). I looked at the unholy mess and decided to laugh instead of cry...then I cleaned it all off and packed it up. I hated to pack up my quilting and sewing mess. I knew it would be a long time before I could get to it again. I put it off as long as possible.

As you can see I used to sew at the kitchen table. Not any more. I have my own sewing room now. Yippee! I'm so excited. In our new home, the kitchen table is cleaned off every night for our peaceful, sweet talking family dinners. Yes, I'm even cooking every night again. Things are looking up. I'm feeling so much better these days (very tired after the move though) and I am so grateful to my Great Physician who, with His great bedside manner, healed me this summer.

So now for the fun part...play I Spy with all the JUNK that's up there. The pictures are mostly the same, but each one has a little something different in it. :)

Y'all have a blessed day. I have to go finish painting my son's room.

eBay or Etsy and I need a new Longarm quilter

2009-09-03T08:39:00.003-04:00

I'm going to sell some of my quilts...somewhere. Should I use eBay or Etsy?

First of all, I don't really like eBay any more, but maybe my quilts would have a chance of going higher than I had hoped. It also seems to me, home made quilts don't go very high unless it's a vintage or antique quilt.

With Etsy, you get to name your price and wait for it to sell. Has anyone had luck selling their quilts on Etsy. I look everyday, and with the prices so high, I wonder if they sell.

I guess the trick is to price it high enough to get your money back and hopefully some profit, but low enough where people would actually buy it.

All the money I make will go straight to Allyson's college bills. I can't work outside the home right now to help her, but I can make quilts. I just hope they will sell. We're trying to do this college thing as debt free as possible, per Dave Ramsey style. (debt free college...what a joke).

AND.......I really need a wonderful Longarm quilter who is affordable. If I'm going to sell my quilts, I can't afford a $100 to $300 longarm bill. I have a super cheap quilter right now, but her work is super cheap. It's not bad work and will do in a pinch, but I would rather have nicer work done, since I am selling them.

AM I ASKING TOO MUCH? Beggars can't be choosers, eh? Give me some feedback on the ebay/etsy thing. I need to make a decision within the next month.

This is my next finished quilt I am going to sell. Half the picture will be cut off due to my blog layout, which I'm too lazy to fix right now. I hope you get the idea.

License Plate Art

2009-09-01T08:06:00.003-04:00

My awesome and ever so amazing brother-in-law (the saint of the family) makes license plate art. I know he was inspired by another artist who does this as well, but since I don't know which one, I can't name him at this time. I'll have to ask Jerry, so we can give credit where it's due.

He made this map of America for his own collection. They travel a lot and where ever they go, he looks for plates. He picked up a few on eBay too I think. The hardest one for him to find is a black Oklahoma truck plate. If anyone knows where I can get one for him, let me know.

This is a quick peek at some of my living room art. Ginger, Jerry's wife and my husband's sister is an artist and did the skull in blue pastel. The middle photo is a picture of my Papa's gate, the one we climbed over all the time as kids to get to the tree house and pasture.

The new Texas plate star is one Jerry just did for me (us, but really for me). :) I can't tell you how much I love it. When my husband showed it to me outside, before it made it into the house, I screamed with JOY. Jerry said I could hang it in the garage if I didn't like it. Is he a fool or what? I LOVE IT!!!!!! It's going to hang in the living room in a place of honor.

********************************************************

I'm tired of my layout but don't have time to fix it right now. I don't like how I have to crop my pictures so small, you can't see anything. Ugh.

PS: Thank you all for your kind words and friendship this summer. There are a lot of creeps on the internet, but some how the good people always seem to find me. :) I have way too much to do today and this week, but I hope to be able to pop over to your blogs for a visit too.

((((((((((group hug))))))))))))

Report card

2009-08-31T08:37:00.004-04:00

I didn't mean to take a summer break but that's the way it worked out.

*I got off 3 different medications this summer. I lived to tell the tale. Yeah! Praise God. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. I wasn't alone even though at times it felt that way. I buried self everyday and put on Christ...at least that was my focus. Can't say it was easy. God is good to me though and I love Him all the more today, more than ever.

*I got my first born off to college. She's my first homeschool graduate. I can't believe we actually pulled it off. LOL She's only 30 minutes away, but our house is so much more empty than I realized it would be. I'm really not enjoying this at all, but I'm doing my best to leave her alone and let her be her own person. Her first week was hard until classes began and she is LOVING THEM! I'm so excited for her.

*We are buying our first house in 8 years. It's a big house with 6 bedrooms for $133,000. I'm sad for the people who were quick selling it, but I'm happy for us. We would never be able to afford a home in Florida on one income. We've been renting this whole time and I'm excited about decorating my own home again.

*Today, my son and I start his Freshman year. We started slowly last week, but today is our first full day. Can I just say???? I'm already burned out. Finishing up with the youngest is going to be hard to follow through, and yet I'm determined as I see no other option for him. He wants to be at home. We're still using Sonlight, my trusted best homeschool friend. It binds us together and we have grown as a family through our shared books and joy in reading.

Here is a picture of what a day is like for us. He does his school across from me, while I sew. Can you guess what he is thinking?

New Quilt...Boxy Stars

2009-08-09T08:12:00.004-04:00

This is one of Bonnie's free patterns over at Quiltville.

I had a really hard time getting a good picture of it inside. I took a bunch, so maybe you can get a good idea of what the blocks look like. I'll have to take it outside and do a better job.

I used Asians and Batiks. This was my first time using Asians. I found I really liked them, as it allowed me to play with bright fabrics, which I don't usually buy. The colors are rich and jeweled. I loved it. I didn't have enough of either fabrics to make the quilt completely Asian or Batik, so I used them together to achieve a scrappy look, which is my favorite look anyway. I think it turned out so pretty. It looks like a jeweled bracelet or a bag of Jelly Bellies. :)

I'm going to sell it on Etsy after I quilt and bind it. I'm going to use all the money I make for Allyson's college. Our goal is to accomplish her education as debt free as possible. I can't really work outside the home right now, so I'm going to quilt. :) Hope it works and they sell.

Figuring out how to price a lap quilt has been the hardest part, believe it or not. Seems like quilters charge a lot for their quilts. How much should I charge for this? The fabrics are more expensive too, and this is for my daughters education. Advice or thoughts are welcome.

Going through fire....ouch...it's hot in here.

2009-08-06T12:00:00.004-04:00

Beth Moore said:

1 - He can deliver us from the fire.
2 - He can deliver us through the fire.
3 - He can deliver us to the fire.

.....................................................

Daniel 3:16-18 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
.....................................................

Sometimes, we have to go through fire. That doesn't mean we aren't going to be delivered. We don't always receive the deliverance we would prefer. It doesn't mean God doesn't love us, either. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had to go through the fire, but the Lord saved them from burning. Would God still be God if He had allowed them to burn? These men used the word for God "who is omnipotent and all powerful".

How was God glorified by the end of the story?

Daniel 3:28 [Then] Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed [be] the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.

I love this story. They basically say, "Whatever Neb...you can throw us in the fire if you want. Our all Powerful God can save us if He chooses, but even if He doesn't, He's still Alive, Great, All Powerful, Loving, Merciful...and we'll never bow down to your un-powerful, un-alive/dead god.

Oh, to have faith like that. Even if God doesn't deliver me, I still love Him and believe that He is real. No matter how painful life gets for me, God is being glorified. Maybe I'll never live to see it. Most of the time I have. There have been some horrible things in my life, for which I'm still waiting to see God's glory in that incident. Secret things belong to God and we aren't going to know or understand everything and according to Job, who are we to demand an answer? Just TRUST. Shut up and wait. Be still and listen.

Hey....I'm just saying. I'm preaching to myself today. Sharing what I need to hear and cling to at the present... Life can be agonizingly painful and I have to (sometimes force) hang on to what I know to be true.

Blessings and favor to you all... :) I'll be back later to post pictures of my newest quilt top.

I'm not dead yet

2009-08-05T13:33:00.007-04:00

God is my healer.

Just wanted to let everyone know I'm still alive. I'm still in a lot of pain, under doctor's and chiropractor's care. I'm off the Fentanyl Patch. I did it cold turkey and decided while I was doing it, I for sure didn't want to go hell, because I found out what it's like before hand. It's a very dark, lonely, agonizing place with no comfort, no help and no promise of ever seeing light again. I don't really think I hallucinated satan, but I could have sworn he was there. I could hear him repeating tormenting lies in my head and it was horrible to shake myself free.

I told my husband out of the top 5 stupidest things I've ever done, getting off the Fentanyl Patch by myself was ranked at #4. Good God, don't ever try that alone. I ended up in the hospital with dehydration. The good thing about cold turkey is it was over in two weeks, instead of dragging it out for months.

That's the kind of person I am though. (I call it crazy faith, like Gladys Alward had) I grab the bull by the horns and refuse to let anyone or anything control my life. FOR ONCE, being strong willed (cough...self willed) and stubborn paid off. I really, honestly and truly thought I was going to die though. I kept praying for God to let me live just long enough to see my grandchildren born. I was making all kinds of crazy deals with him. LOL I hope He didn't take any of them too seriously....I have no idea what I promised him. Yikes.

I kept telling myself, I can do this, I can do this, I can do this...I felt the presence of my mother-in-law who loved me so much and would have died to have seen me like that...she was the love of my life and my sweetest cheerleader. I also tried to pretend my dad was holding my hand and my grandmother was holding the other....

I figured if Jesus my savior can die on the cross in agony without Fentanyl (or any other narcotic) I can do this. I offered my body as a living sacrifice...hahaha....ugh. Not really, but I tried to think of it that way. I put on my big girl panties, gathered up what courage I had left and just DEALT WITH IT.

The hardest part has been eating. I couldn't eat. I had no appetite and when I did eat, I would throw it back up. I've lost weight. Yeah!!! I'm excited to fit in my skinny clothes again...just wish the process had been a little healthier. I'm still losing weight, but not as fast. I'm able to eat a little now, but very little. My chiropractor says my body went through shock and I'm a walking toxic waste cesspool It will take a long while to feel normal again; that my body doesn't know what to think or how to process anything right now.

I'm still taking a small amount of Percocet because my spinal injuries are still present and they hurt like a son-of-a-gun. I'm just trying to get my pain level down naturally, with the help of my chiropractor. I'm slowly weaning myself off. My goal is to be off by October completely. Actually, I want it sooner, but for sure, by October...I'm done with this garbage. I'm sure my liver is shot to pieces and my right kidney hurts sometimes. Yea, too much Tylenol is bad for your kidneys, in case you didn't know.

Things I have learned during 4 years of Chronic back pain:

1. Drive carefully and pay attention. One small fender bender can ruin someones life.

2. Research your prescriptions before you believe your doctor and get them filled. Trust but verify. Once you're on a strong narcotic, you're enslaved for a long time. Yes, sometimes they are necessary, as in my case (or yours), but I wish I hadn't put that patch on. It was almost the death of me (or so it felt).

3. When it comes right down to it...Jehovah Rapha - LORD Who Heals...is all we've really got. Cling to Him and cry out to Him. He has healed me of many things in my life which the doctors can't explain. I know He'll heal me of this eventually, but He's doing it in His time (which is frustrating). He has chosen not to remove the thorn for now, and His grace is sufficient. Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Moses, Joseph, David, Daniel, Esther, Nehemiah, Jesus, the apostles...you, me...we all had to wait. I can handle it.

I've got more news to share, but I've got to run. My daughter starts college in 2 weeks and we have a 3:00 appointment.

The best part of camp last week

2009-07-11T13:06:00.002-04:00

Someone sang this song on talent show night and we all died laughing till we wet our pants. Is that too much information?

HEY THERE, DELILAH
Words by Tim Hawkins

Hey there, Delilah
This is your ex-boyfriend Samson
I know you thought that lifting weights
Made me so buff and handsome
You were wrong
It’s cause I let my hair grow long
That makes me strong

Hey there, Delilah
You came in while I was sleeping
And I couldn’t feel you cutting
And I didn’t hear you creeping out the door
You left my hair piled on the floor
While I just snored.

Oh, what you did to me
Oh, while I was asleep
Oh, I’m a Nazarene
Oh, but you shave me clean
Delilah you’re so mean

I killed a lion, big and mean
And slaughtered many Philistines
all with a donkey's jawbone
that’s no lie.
Now I’m chained up to the wall
And I can’t cry no tears at all
Because they came and gouged out both my eyes.

Why’d you grab your clipping shears
And shave my head like Britney Spears?
And now I’m standing here in total shame
You’re to blame

Hey there, Delilah why did you have to deceive me
And it’s hard for me to think not long ago I wanted you to be my bride
But you took too much off the sides
Hey there, Delilah when you die
Just tell the Devil I said, "Hi,"
he’ll know why

Oh, it’s what you did to me,
Oh, now I’m up a creek.
Oh, now I feel so weak.
And Oh, I look like a freak.
Delilah, you’re a geek.
Oh, oh, oh
Source(s):
Godtube: Hey There Delilah Samson Version

Fibro-car wrecks-narcotics = bad life sniff

2009-07-10T06:31:00.006-04:00

I have some confessions to make and also a great need of prayer.

I was in two car wrecks in one year back in 2005. The one that did the most damage was when I was hit from behind by a man who was driving with a revoked licence and no insurance, thus all the burden has fallen on our own finances for my health care. Our own car insurance has long been milked by a quack Dr. Feelgood - pill pusher - needle spine puncher. Some times we spend up to $1,200 a month on health care between everyone in my family for various needs, etc.

There's no justice in this world. I get so bitter sometime. If this wreck had been in Texas, the guy who had no insurance and who caused the wreck whould have gone to jail and the guy who actually hit me because he was following me too closely, would have been ticketed. HE had insurance. The other dude didn't. But since the wreck was in Florida, I got screwed.

OK, so I have had severe fibro myalgia since around the age of 21. It took a long time to find a doctor who believed me and who diagnosed me. I learned to live with it. I used to garden 6 hours a day, then come in and start lunch, can 2 dozen batches of wild plum jelly which I hiked into the wilderness where my secret plum thicket was, then I would do laundry, play with my kids, clean the house perfectly, go outside and climb ladders and clean windows, all in one day...with bad fibro. I also had good money coming in with my antiques business. My mother-in-law and I would hunt every Thurs,Fri,Sat for stuff, and once a month I went to Canton, TX at 4:00 in the morning. I was making a killing.

I learned to live with it as I say...stay hydrated, keep moving, pray, pray, pray, keep moving, hot baths, massage therapy, chiropractor care, water, water, water...stay busy, keep moving...

LOL

I hurt all the time though, but my soul and spirits were good.

Then came the wrecks. I have soft tissue injuries which are basically a crock. You can't prove you're damaged for life. We saw a lawyer, but since I didn't lose a limb, he wouldn't take our case. Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. It for sure, has ruined 4years of my life now....what hurts most is the butt hole who ruined my life, also ruined the lives of my family. I wouldn't say ruined maybe, but my children and my husband have not had the wife and mother they once had for almost 4 years now. So many parties left un thrown. So many holidays with crap decorations and no cookies. So many homeschool lessons left ungiven. My kids love me and are very patient and they are good about teaching themselves, but the ever present thought of public school is on my mind, because I feel like Jonah is missing out.

I'm rambling here.

Basically I've been on strong narcotics for 4 years. I have hated every minute of it. I don't abuse them. I take them as directed. They help, but the side effects are crap. You always feel bad, no matter how much the pain pill nips the pain in the bud for 6 hours until it's time to pop another.

I never drank. I never did drugs. OK, I did smoke some, but I was a good chemical free person all my life. My parents put the fear of God in me about drugs, etc. I can't believe who I have become.

I changed doctors at the beginning of the year. He put me on the fentanyl patch. it was awesome because it blocked all my pain and I was able to get work down around the house and be a little happier person, even though I was crying all the time because Mom died. blahblahblah...

then all of a sudden, in May, it kinda stopped working out of no where. I build up tolerance quickly and I think doctors grow impatient with me, that they can't keep me on one drug for long periods of time. I went to my appointment in June and he upped my dose. It wasn't working. I called back and said something was wrong. He put me back on percocet, but I was too scared to get off the patch cold turkey and start popping pills again. I used up all my patches over the holiday weekend and went...cold...turkey.

Listen honey, you don't want to go to hell, because it's a dark, lonely, painful place...a place of no comfort...never ending suffering. How do I know? Cause I visited hell last weekend. I went into convulsions and everything. It's terrifying. You think you're gonna die and you don't want your kids to see you like this and you love so many people you haven't said good bye to yet, but at the same time, you are begging God to take you NOW...swiftly...take me home.

I was so stupid, I wouldn't go to the emergency room because I'm ashamed of my pain meds and I don't want anyone to think I'm at the emergency room begging for drugs. So I suffer at home, alone. My husband is the sweetest, most paitient care giver in the world. I would be dead if it weren't for him.

So Tuesday, he changed my meds AGAIN. It was making things worse. The new meds were making me more sick. My body was rejecting them and I was having a reaction. I finally went to the emergency room yesterday and told them I have been sick for a week and please admit me so I can be stabilized under a doctors care. I was severely dehydrated, so they gave me fluids and sent me home. I'm supposed to call my doctor today. HA! I'm so sick of this crap.

I haven't eaten anything since last Friday, except one nectarine, a bit of watermelon, a bit of an egg, two bites of a grill cheese sandwich and some milk. I can't eat. I can't sleep. I can't sit still. I can't walk around.

OK, so I'm miserable. I guess you get the picture. The good news is, each day, I feel a touch better. I think it's going to take a long time. I think my body has reached it's limit with pills and it's rejecting everything. At this point, I'm really scared and worried about my future, which is a sin, I know....but I'm so sick and tired of being sick and tired all the time.

I feel at this point, I'm done with pills. It's going to take some time to get off them, but I'm determined. This is not who I am and I don't want any part of it any more.

I just need a lot of serious prayer right now. I've got to change my life while still dealing with chronic pain. It's a painful process. My brain has to get used to feeling the true pain, not the pain you think you feel because you're coming off a pill.

Please don't judge me. I'm the sweetest, nicest, most loving person you could ever meet. I live to love people and be a great encourager. The sad thing about pain is it keeps you so self focused. You can't think about other's any more. I don't want to be like this.

One thing I have to say about people who judge pain pill addicts is this......THERE, BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD, GO YOU!!!!!!!!!!! You never know when a fender bender is going to ruin your back or your life. Take care. Drive carefully. Don't use your cell phone. Have insurance.

I'm exhausted. Please pray for me. and for my family.

I might take this down soon. I don't want the whole world to think I'm a pain pill addict. I guess I am, but it's under doctors care. I wish they had never started me on it. You're in so much pain and your so desperate for relief, you'll believe anything they say.

Tutorial Links for weekend projects

2009-06-26T13:03:00.009-04:00

I did so well, making alllllll my Christmas gifts by hand with what I had around the home last year, and I didn't spend any money. Christmas cost me $.00 last year. ZERO It's time to get busy my sweets on your elving...elfing...HUH? You get me, right? People who love me, get me. The rest I can't worry about.

I thought I might help all my friends here by giving you some ideas this year, starting early. Christmas in July. Maybe it will cool us all off. These are some things I've found lately. Check them out and if you really like something, don't be afraid. Go for it. You can do it. Honest. I believe in you.

Don't you dare be intimidated by sewing projects, thinking you can't sew. You're a smart cookie. This is so easy and so cute. Everyone in your family could use a pincushion. Even little girls. You need safety pins to dress yourselves sometimes, don't you. Pincushions aren't just for those who sew.

Sweet Pretty Little Purse Pincushion Tutorial

Super easy and charming garden markers. I see terracotta pots for pennies all the time at my favorite thrift store. If you don't want to break any of yours up, because they are expensive, keep an eye out for them. People throw them away too, so don't be ashamed to dumpster dive on trash night.

Darling Garden Markers

Not really a tutorial, but what if you look for thrifty, lovely plates every time you go junking and deliver a huge box of plates to your favorite gardener in your family. This garden is breathtaking.

Plate lined garden pathways

I think this is cute and would look sweet pinned up with a vintage brooch. I can see kids and mom's alike really having a good time making these.

Fabric Necklace

Not your grandma's grocery bag dispenser. This one is so cute. I'm gonna make me a couple myself.

Grocery-Bag-Dispenser tutorial

Do you have a cross stitcher or an embroiderer in your life? These are so clever and useful. I have a lot of higher end quality embroidery floss and they aren't wrapped around anything. These are easy. No sewing involved.

Fabric Covered Floss Bobbins

Cute idea for those who take lots of lunches and snacks every where.

Reusable Snack Bag Tutorial

Want a lunch bag to go with your little snack bags? These are cool. I've never sewn with oil cloth before, but I can't imagine it would kill me. I'm going to make these for my mother, who takes her lunch to work.

Luscious Lunch Bags

OK y'all...get busy. Have fun. No tears either. There's no crying in making Christmas presents. If you get frustrated with something, there are plenty of loving people in the blog universe to help you. :)

You know you're getting old when...

2009-06-26T04:15:00.006-04:00

People you have loved all your life start dying.

I was so sad when Ed McMahon died. Really. I was. Because he was a great patriot. A good man. And I grew up with him. Jay Leno is a kind and tender man, who is obviously funny, but he just...wasn't....Johnny. It's so weird to me that my kids have grown up not knowing about the Johnny Carson show. You knew you were being treated like a "big girl" when your parents let you stay up to watch Johnny with them. It was always exciting to spend the night with Grandma, cause watching Johnny with her was such a treat. You felt so special. That was our special night time thrill. Papa went to bed and Grandma and I had the TV to ourselves. He only let us watch channel 4. LOL

Ed and Johnny were like family. They come in every night and gave us the giggles to help us sleep better.

NOTE: I am a hypocrite. I do watch a very few reality tv programs. My daughter and I are hooked on American's Next Top Model and more, I'm sure.

Something I've thought about for years now, throughout this decade of reality TV is that it's such a tragedy for family TV television time. Not that we watch that much anyway, but remember when we were kids, you had long term emotional attachments in a way, with people we invited into our homes week after week, season after season. People who made us laugh or cry. If the show was really good, like All in the Family or The Cosby Show, it lasted forever, so after many years of seeing them on TV, you have developed an emotional attachment to these characters and they almost become a part of your family.

It's seems reality TV is lonely for kids. Who have they grown up loving? My kids only love cartoons and LOST. But they never had their own generational characters to love, like Mary Tyler Moore, Andy Griffith, Lucy, Archie Bunker, Tom Selleck, Fonzy on Happy Days, Little House on the Prairie which came on Monday nights or the Waltons which you could catch on Thursday nights.

I'm not encouraging a love of TV or a love for an "idol". I'm just noticing how lonely TV is now. There are very few programs which entertain us with intellectual honesty, universal human themes with examples of morality, no families to love, no wives who are good to their husbands, without yelling at him and berating him in front of everyone for a laugh. No sweet kids, who occasionally mess up and have to honestly face thier problems in 30 minutes, like Mike Seaver or the Brady Bunch kids. or Theo Huxtable, who wanted to move out on his own, and his parents made him shop at "Furniture City". LOL That was great.

Reality TV is over in 15 weeks, or whatever. Your bond with a character only last till the next season when you've picked your new favorite person to win.

It's 4:30 in the morning and I couldn't sleep tonight. I'm just prattling along here. I'm watching the news about Michael and Farrah, and certainly I am sad today and my kids don't really understand it. I'm not grief stricken, just sad to watch people grow sick and change to people we don't know any more.

I have tried to tell my children for years, JUST HOW BIG Michael Jackson was and how EVERYONE loved him and how EVERYONE had a copy of Thriller. When my son was little and saw Michael J for the first time on Television, he was horrified, like he had seen a monster. He screamed, "Who is that"? I had to explain to him how Michael used to be wonderful, but he has had a hard life and he's done a lot of strange things to his face for reasons only Michael knew. My kids just don't get it, how someone so strange could be so loved. I tell them, they just had to be there.

My first album of his I bought was "Off the Wall". It makes you wanna dannnnncccccee!! I remember hearing "She's outta my life" in the dressing room at Bealls and cried because Michael was crying at the end too. LOL I was only 11.

And Farrah, God love her. I loved Charlies Angels and we always played it on the playground. I think I got stuck with being Sabrina all the time. I wasn't pretty enough with my dark hair to be Farrah.

Farrah was my best friend when mom would excuse me from my chores and let me play. We went into the bathroom close to the sink and I would make her very beautiful with rollers and makeup. I felt so sophistacted and mature because I knew what would look best on her. I think a sister finally got ahold of her with a pair of sisters and gave Farrah a Dorothy Hammel hair cut. That was the end of my Farrah joy.

Fabric Buying Co-Op (I think)

2009-06-24T20:36:00.004-04:00

I just recently joined a nice group of fabric lovers on Yahoo. The Yahoo Group is called "Cut From the Same Cloth". Being as I have recently met the list owner, the very lovely Judy, I'm not sure if I know the whole story. I think she buys and sells fabrics online on eBay and other places. I could be wrong, and I'll have to ask her for clarification, but I think that's correct. She sells the rest to her group. She will also try to order lines of fabric we ask for, which I think is very sweet of her.

She has Japanese, Michael Miller, Jennifer Paganelli, Cloud 9 organics, Kaufman, Free Spirit, Katie Jump Rope, Tina Givens, Kaffee Fassett, Martha Negley, lots of Clothworks on sale, and my favorite...Barefoot Roses.

We need more members so the bolts will fill faster and more easily. Prices are fair, but she's not giving it away. I think most of it runs $6.50 and under. I also like how she will offer half yards on some bolts (not all). I love this, because so often, I don't want a whole yard, nor do I want to spend that much money. All I want is half a yard please. Her Japanese fabrics run around $9.00 a yard and up. It depends on what the manufacturer charges her.

Anyway, if you looooooooooooooove fabric like me and spend a lot of time shopping online for it, looking for the absolute lowest price on what you want, check Judy's group out. There are not many fabric stores close to me, and I can't afford $9.00 a yard any where. I buy everything on clearance. I never buy anything at full retail. Wish I could, but I can't.

Cut From The Same Cloth Yahoo Group Here is the link to Judy's group. If you join, tell her Michal sent you. You will really love her too. She's on the ball and answers emails quickly and is as sweet and friendly as can be.

If any of my fabric loving friends see this post and like what they see, would you please mention it on your blog? I am trying to help Judy out. There are about 83 members and only a dozen+ are ordering. I have found this to be an affordable way to keep up with my swaps. I thought I was going to have to stop swapping, but her group is helping me stay in with my swap hobby.

Sew much I wanna do, but...

2009-06-23T21:54:00.008-04:00

I sat down at the table to take a mental break from our chaos, looked up at my design wall and day dreamed.

Day dreaming about this quilt I want to finish by May (ummm...isn't it almost July?). Dream about free time to quilt without the added pressure of someone needing clean underwear or someone needing a healthy meal (why isn't peanut butter and jelly enough?).

Awww, these little blocks be needin' a friend or two. *sniff*

Day dreaming about how to make this quilt better. What does it need? What colors should I use in the few blocks I have left to stitch? What color of sashing is needed to frame the blocks perfectly? What colors need to go--permanently? What about texture and movement? Where should a different color be placed to move the eye around better? Too many clumps of brown, I think.

Day dreaming about keeping this quilt because it's growing on me and I like it more and more as it hangs on the wall and wonder if the person it was meant for would ever really miss it since she never knew she was getting it. :) But then again, I can't keep them all and it was meant to cheer someone up because she's missing Mom. But I'm missing her too. I need something to cheer me up. Where's my quilt?

Speaking of Mom (I miss you so much Mother, you can't imagine), the bright green strip in this block was from one of her dresses from the 70's. :)

Day dreaming...wishing I had more time to just sit here and think about things I like to think about. Thinking...this is wonderfully nice to just sit here and stare at the wall and BREATHE for a change. How long has it been since I stared at the wall and BREATHED. I need to do this more often.

MAMA!!!??!!

Brutally awakened, my day dreaming is over. Someone is looking for me. Uughh!! I gotta stay busy.

I'll be back, my sweet quilt. We'll go on a little date, just you and me, and I'll give you a make-over and you'll be so proud of yourself when you're completed. You won't be able to stop looking at yourself in the mirror. LOL