Catiean & Co.

IT IS OFFICIAL!!!!!!!

2011-03-08T16:33:00.000-08:00

Okay so this it...... it's official........I am a college student!! I have not visited this arena in 40 years!! That number sounds so BIG............The 40th anniversary of my college graduation is the 21st of this month---how ironic.

I am now enrolled in our local community college and my goal is to earn my assoicate degree in Fine Art.
It is something I have wanted to do all my adult life but never thought I had the talent to follow through.
I signed up for three classes and then after registering realized it is for 13 credit hours!! So much for starting out slow.

John always worries about me and I try to NOT. I take one class art appreciation for one hour four mornings a week. Two evenings a week I take fundamentals of drawing and two afternoons I have sculpture.

So I have two days a week that I am at school for quite a few hours for me. I am going to make it through the day but am sure will be very tired. It will be a challenge.

I am so thrilled to be exposed to so many different mediums this course has to offer.

My first big day is April 4th!! WOO HOO

Just taking the english placement test was fun.....I was the oldest in the room by far but the kids talked to me just as much as everyone else around by me. I am so looking forward to interacting with others on a daily basis.

I hope you all have big and little challenges you are looking forward to as well.
<3

CHRONIC PAIN AND DEPRESSION

2011-02-09T13:54:00.000-08:00

Hi Family and old friends. I have been missing in action for months now. I have shared before the ups an downs with my neurologic condition called RSD/CRPS. It is a constant battle trying to force the chronic pain to the background of my life. The last 9 -10 months, it has been winning. Some days it takes all of my effort to even get out of bed with the pain. I do not take pain pills because am allergic to almost all of them.

These pictures above explain the constant types of pain those with RSD endure. The stabbing in different parts of your body, if yours is widespread like mine.....or just in one affected area. The burning literally feels like someone has set you on fire and you cannot put it out. It takes a lot of will power to push it away but some days I am just completely out of gas.

This is the MCGILL PAIN SCALE...it is used in medicine to rate levels of pain for different "ocurrences".

I often tell people, that ask, that I would rather be in labor all day, than have this stabbing and burning crap.

But then I had four babies and four very easy labors...even having number three at home--had 6 contractions at home and there she was!!

One thing that happens whether you want it or not is the chronic depression due to the chronic pain and isolation this disease wroughts.

You feel just like this......HELP I AM TRAPPED IN MY LIFE AND I CAN'T GET OUT!!!!!!!

Some days are much easier to get up and out of bed than others. More days than not, it would be so easy to just pull the covers back over my head and stay there and pretend life was just great.

I have SO MANY BLESSINGS in my life that I am so greatful for. I thank GOD for such a loving and supportive family......John is the best. I know he gets worried about me and I worry about me as well.
It is so easy to smile on the outside and ruminate in a rut on the inside.

This sign says it all.......except the LOVE is NOT cancelled.......John and I are heading toward our 40th wedding anniversary and are in as much love as ever...if not more. This illness has brought us much closer.
For many people, it tears their relationships apart and they end in divorce. Makes me so said and angry at the person who doesn't have the strength or enough love to stay when the going gets tough.

I was never one to take any medicine in my life.....even went to great lengths to avoid aspirin, etc.
Now am on medicine to help me sleep.....the RSD affects the sleep center of the brain....and causes chronic insomnia. It also affects the emotional center so when depression starts from the chronic pain, it just builds.

Drugs help me sleep and 'lift' my mood.....I used to go to work and sing and hum my way through the day so am trying to get back into that effort.
So in order to MOVE ON   and quit spinning in the mud   I am making notes here to try to be more positive and with LIFE in general. To do that I have set up some goals for long term as well as just every day.
Once out there in print.......it is easier to make myself more accountable.

1. start classes towards an art degree( i have been in some aspect of nursing since age 15 and after 32 years as a real nurse am ready to feed my creative side) I have never taken art in school or otherwise just a few classes here and there.

2. make art every day   whether it is an hour on a sketch or a quick sketch or some project

3. sew something every day    have tons of ideas and patterns as well as granchildren to sew for!!!

4. visit my elderly neighbor at least two evenings a week   she calls me her best friend and is 87
Angie has known me since I have been about 12. She moved across the street from us 7 years ago.

5.when spring shows up   and it will soon we are safe from all the snow the rest of the US is enduring
make outdoor projects.......cement, glass, gardening etc.

Okay my art project for today is painting the pantry door in chalkboard paint.
I am happy to be back and will be visiting your blogs soon.
Thank you John, Ryan and Lehua, Sarah and Ryan, Bethany and Bryce, Brianna and Jason;
Nakiah, Tovijoi, Sydne, Lauryn, Rylee Joy, Nai'a and Elijah.......you are my life and make it so SWEET!!!!

WHEN IT RAINS......................................

2010-03-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

Last week was just one of those weeks......one thing after another!!

First, I was working in my studio... for a change... and was singing along and heard this 'beep beep beeep' noise from the computer........like when something sits on it or the cat walks across it and it stands on one key.

I looked over to tell the cat to get off and much to my shock I see my WATER bottle glug glugging all over my open laptop!!! I had knocked it off without realizing it.

My laptop sits on a lower table than my main working table. I grabbed it up and drained as much water out as possible. I called the geek squad at Best Buy and they said to take a hair dryer set on cool and see if that would help dry up the water.............................don't try it ...........it doesn't work. The computer went black and would not even turn on.

I went out to see my honey. very sad face on, and I was SAD and P'OD at myself. I love my computer.

He looked at me and said 'What's wrong?" me said "I just fried my computer with a bottle of water."

"oh no!!" Oh yeaah"

What a sweetheart. He said' let's take it over to the Office and see if they can help'.

Definitely deep fried.........John told the tech I thought it was thirsty an gave it a drink. I think she thought we were both nuts but that's okay.

I only have a thousand or so pics on there so have to take it in to get them removed....

IN the meantime.................we bought a new laptop for me.

Thank you sweet John!!!

I have a larger screen and windows 7 so am up to date on that.

I am having fun figuring out the stuff on the computer.

The very next day I dropped my small digital camera and it broke!!

Aye yi! So I took it into the same store. Thankfully I had a warranty.

The tech said 'oh did you decide to bathe this one?' HA

smiling here

My warranty provided me with a new camera to take the following pics.

that's number two.

John said to me I hope this isn't where things come in threes!"

But alas it certainly was!!!

Saturday night I decided to go down the stairs to see my honey. I usually have to scoot up and down on my butt if there are more than a few. So am trying to get in that mode when my rsd knee gives out and I fall forward and down the stairs I go hitting my chest and knees all the way down.

I could hear John running across the family room yellling OH NO NO NO!!!

When I reached the bottom I was in shock and the adrenaline was covering the pain.

We weren't sure how we were going to get me up the stairs----John ran to a neighbor to get him and they both decided to call 911. Then John put a folded towel around my neck and taped it in place to keep my neck immobile.

The first to show up was the local fire dept and their EMTS.

Three very cute young men..........probably all my son's age.

They were very professional and did their job well. I said john look at all these cute guys you should take a picture for the 'girls'...........He was embarassed to and didn't think it was ethical so we didn't.

But i thought there was definitely something wrong with the picture---nice looking young men and ME an overweight 60 yr old!!!

The first thing they did was put me on this back board and neck brace then did the fireman carry up the stairs.

Our stairs are narrow--older house----and they would have to navigate a sharp corner at the top.

Now I am on the gurney(stretcher) and off we go. Comb my hair honey? HA

Here is my carriage.....waiting for me!! Thank you Patrick emt with the ambulance for being so nice.

They run the lights over head the entire way and it has NO SHOCKS

Take a breath in.....HOLD IT......................breathe

Peek a boo!!!! The adrenaline is starting to wear off and I hurt here and over here and down here and on my!!

My loving Knight---SIR JOHN

I am ever so blessed

Talking about what is going on!

Epilogue:

No broken bones...........multiple strains, aches, and bruises.

I have spent the last few days laying around sleeping and reading and sleeping with the muscle relaxants.

I have been thinking about how blessed I am with John and my family, our caring neighbors,

living where medical treatment is right around the corner and pills to make the pain less!! HEE HEE

MERRY MONDAY

2010-02-23T02:59:00.002-08:00

Today's activity was ASSEMBLAGE ART. I am known for walking with my head down, scouring the ground or haunting thrift stores for ''found objects' to be reused in my art or for the kids.

They were all excited to do this project. I surprise them every week with something different and always try to make it interesting so they want to return.

I brought out some of my containers of 'stuff'. The only rule was to use one doll head.(I was lucky to get a large jarful at a garage sale for a nickel a head---wooohooooo!)

The rest of their body had to be composed of other 'objects'. I also had a jar of plastic arms

they could use. They were not to copy anyone else but to use their imagination when diving into the 'stuff'.

The jar of doll heads, wire cutters etc

I love to see their creativity 'unfold'

Mikey is almost 4 and is my little "bud" he comes with his big sister when his momma is at work.

He picked out the parts he wanted to use and his sissy helped him glue them together. He was so proud of himself!! He was done an hour before anyone else.

This one is on a stick and wrapped in lace.

This one was mounted on a stick and inserted into a bejeweled candle holder and adorned with fabric

and lace.

Mikey's big sis---did a great job using different 'stuff'

C here is usually the slowest one--today she made two 'dolls'

one starring in a horror movie on the left and the one on the right is talking to her boyfriend

smiling here

another cute use of 'stuff'
I didn't get all the pictures taken..........a lot of the girls were leaving while I was helping some still attach parts.
I am always worn out after they leave so try to have leftovers for dinner..... Or something in the crockpot.

I sincerely hope each of you has a child in your life who loves to create art in any form.

AND THE WINNERS ARE..............................................

2010-02-16T12:04:00.001-08:00

Of course I am a day late...........due to technical difficulties and the fact I was not home all day yesterday!!

But the randomly drawn winners are..............drum roll please...............................

This little cutie.....We all NEEDLE little love..............flies off to DIANA of Energize your Creativity

This fairy "The Mixer of Enchantment" will be stirring up a lot of mischief at DONNA'S house. Donna

does not have a blog due to arthritis.

This little fairy is raring to go! Have You Kissed a FROG today is flying off to finishing
school in England. Her Headmistress is Dawn of My Thoughts My Life My Art

THANK YOU SO MUCH TO EVERYONE WHO VISITED ME AND LEFT SUCH NICE COMMENTS!!! Please come back and visit often.........

MERRY MONDAY--a little late

2010-02-11T10:29:00.000-08:00

Good Morning!! Every Monday here is MERRY MONDAY---I am just a little late posting.

The kids range in age from 5 to 13 and show up immediately after school. I find myself repeating the same mantra I do every week: "Please wash your hands before touching the food." ".)

I thought I would surprise them with a little Valentine table. Each week someone shows up with treats or something to drink. I always throw in a protein of some type.

After the snack is finished (ahem when are kids ever done snacking?) we get down to business.

I have a general 'theme', throw supplies on the table, and let them do their thing.

I have learned, thru past experiences of taking my own art classes, to let their muse take them on their own journey.

I collected candy heart boxes and we always draw numbers so kids can choose.

I had imagined the girls would collage the fronts of the boxes but it went inside as well.

Here is one top of the box and another inside design in progress.

I collect supplies at garage sales and thrift stores and never turn down donations.

The kids pay nothing...they just need to show up.

This is for an older brother who is in college.

This is for MOM

Another MOM will smile opening this.

Or this............................

A favorite teacher receives a lot of art from one smitten little girl!!!

I am so blessed to have these young budding artists in my care. It is so life affirming for me!
I also know the kids always have a 'safe' place when needed.

I HOPE EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU HAS A CHANCE TO SHARE YOUR ART WITH A LITTLE ONE.

VALENTINE GOODNESS

2010-02-09T23:22:00.001-08:00

Last month I entered an art swap through the group alteredart.

There were 14 of us from everywhere!! These are the ornaments

I received.

This is the ornament I sent. I took a small plastic type heart then accordian pleated vintage wallpaper strips around it. The pink ribbon draping was spontaneous and I had this vintage looking jewelry and small sprays of white beads. I cut out dictionary definitions from an old dictionary. I had no real plan when I sat down but knew I wanted it to look victorian

This gorgeous heart was crafted by ANGIE It is flat and the picture of the couple is perfect to depict romance. the ribbon trim really adds flair.

You can jump over to her site to catch sight of her other work

This paper heart is made with some sort of gluing process and covered with a sheer tulle and holds in the definition and love and hearts

then machine stitched in a circular motion. It is made by SANDEE she explains in detail the process

this is made by martha and is another gorgeous heart done with fabric paper and sewing and stuffed!

Tamara made this lovely. It is so old fashioned and the ribbon skirt is too sweet. Even my little girls loved her.

This beauty was made by Theresa--it is covered in wonderful fabric. She put our names in the rusted heart down below the tag.

This pretty hand felted bird was done by the lovely mija

it is a perfect valentine tree topper.

this dear valentine reminds me of the era I grew up in

where you usually got candy AND roses or else!!!!

This was made by PEGGY.

This bookmark is so pretty. It was painted in a painstaking process and it has my favorite thing-- Hearts on it. Made by CHERI

SANNA made this little beauty. She started out as a beaded napkin ring.

She sculpted the hands holding the heart.

This altered domino was made by the clever DAWN.

I love the color pink so it is perfect!

This little valentine jar was made by Barb our swap leader and the 'brainchild' of this swap!

the jar has gold confetti in the bottom and a dangling heart from the cork stopper.

she sculpted the face.

This Dolly Dingle cutie was made by Heather

she is so adorable stitched and beribboned. She has a dangling silver heart.

Paula made this pretty from a baggage tag!! I love all the different fabrics/ribbons and the rusty heart and other embellishments.

I have them displalyed on my white feather tree. Next week it will move into a special spot in my studio.

Thank you everyone for your goodness. These pretties definitely made me smile and my heart a lot lighter.

THE DINER ON WALL STREET

2010-01-31T12:27:00.001-08:00

John and I don't go out to dinner a lot but we love breakfast. So we are going to try to find little 'mom and pop' eateries around town.

This past week we took Dad (his) out to breakfast. We are trying to keep him occupied and get him out of the house since Mom's recent death.

This diner has been at this location since 1949--It is not very big space wise but makes up for any wait time with extra fast service, abundant servings and tasty food.

The menu cover has been the same as well I Love the vintage look.

this is the front of the diner which is actually one big room behind this entrance area

The walls are covered in wood an the plate railings are full of vintage photos, paintings and plates.

I was entranced with this old podium. It is so beautiful in person.

this is the front 'bar' area where people sit on stools

The outside of the diner. It sits on a corner and is surrounded by houses.

How fun to walk here for coffee or breakfast whenever you want.

This is Johns choice....chicken fried steak with gravy----I used to 'tsk tsk' about this but it is his choice and he loves it. The over easy eggs are perfect and john said the gravy was delicious

Dad opted for ham steak which was 'just right' and not salty. He loves his eggs scrambled.

My choice--a vegetarian omelet that included sprouts, spinach, tomatoes, onions

and green peppers SO MUCH FOOD

SO this is what I boxed up for home

John and Dad--My two most favorite guys!!! (for some reason it is blurry)

Maybe there is a diner or restaraunt out there that you have wanted to try. There is no time like the present.

A Tribute to My Mother in Law

2010-01-28T22:34:00.001-08:00

The holiday season was very difficult for John and I and both our families. It all went by in such a blur.

On Dec 18th My mother in law, Norma Jean, who I lovingly called "Mom" was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.. Being a heaving smoker since she was 14, she was not surprised. She had such a great attitude when she got the news. She wanted to die at home, she wanted to be out of pain an she wanted a lot more laughing instead of crying.

We were able to give her all the above in the most loving manner possible.

Norma died Jan 17th, 29 days after her initial diagnosis.

As mother in laws go, we have had our differences over the past 39 years---but they were far and above not that significant in the overall scheme of life.

Shortly before she died I was laying on her bed with her and we were talking 'honest'. She wanted me to forgive her for hurting me at times.

It was so easy to say it didn't matter because it didn't matter to me. What mattered was the best death I could give her. Her kids all worked so I was there during the day and the last week at night as well.

One of her daughters and another sister in law and myself would all work together to get her all bathed every night. WE LAUGHED SO HARD.....................all her inhibitions were gone due to her morphine and it was a hoot.

Three days after Norma was diagnosed, my mother was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. She has always been a non smoker along with my own father.

The dr wanted us all to see her before she died. Myself and 5 other siblings flew to hawaii on christmas day to get there in time. My parents own a condo there and winter there all winter.

I was there for two weeks then came home to tend to Norma. I still have siblings there helping with her care.

They have now done more tests and aren't sure what is going on with her lungs.

So we are praying for answers and care that will help her feel better.

John's mom is survived by 5 of her 6 children, Dad, and her 82 yr old twin sister.

I am so blessed to have had her in my life. She has been more of a mother to me as an adult than my own mother could.

So miss NORMA JEAN where ever you are here I am thanking the good Lord for you in my life all these years with your amazing son.

I LOVE YOU

Can you say 'identical" ha

ONE WORLD ONE HEART GIVEAWAY

2010-01-26T08:49:00.047-08:00

http://awhimsicalbohemian.typepad.com/a_whimsical_bohemian/

The amazing creator of this world wide event is Lisa Swiftka She created this event four years ago and it keeps growing by hundreds of participants. Thank You Lisa!!
It's purpose is for anyone and everyone to read blogs, meet new 'friends', find 'kindred spirits' and learn about life far from one's own home.
,Everyone is offering a giveaway. I have two and if time avails, I will add more fun items so check back often.
I chanced upon two Jim Shore fairies at a liquidation store for 80% off the original price.

The only problem is that they found out they have until Feb 15th to run amok and play around the house.
I made the mistake of taking them out of their boxes for a photo shoot and off they went.

You might as well pull up a chair, pour your favorite beverage and see if we can't spot them around the house.

Oh there one goes---she is hiding in the vase of pussy willows.......

and here she is again, frolicking around the bathroom mirror!!

Oh these two!! They love getting into everything in my studio!!

Oh this apple cheek darling is playing hide and seek in the philadendron plant. The perfect place for little fairies.

This one is hiding in another potted plant. I wonder who is counting?

The sewing machine is very intriguing to this one.

She LOVES the kitchen and all that goes on in here.

This is the lushest garden! I think they both sleep here at night.

all these jars of interesting things have the 'girls' intrigued

over the rainbow------isn't that where some fairies meet up with the little leprechauns?

both of them floating on their little 'pink cloud'

and here they are playing with a few of their new friends.

I don't think I will ever get them to sit still again so here is what they actually look like:

Any seamstress or quilter will love this little darling.

"WE ALL NEEDLE LITTLE LOVE"

this little 'cook' is so sweet. the "MIXER OF ENCHANTMENT"

Please leave a comment to be entered into the drawing. Winners will be picked on Feb 15th. If you are only interested in one or the other please also leave your preference.

Now fly off to meet new friends

*************SINCE I HAVE SO MANY NICE ENTRIES I AM ADDING A THIRD JIM SHORE FAIRY.

This one is called "Have You Kisse a Frog Today Fairy Princess"

Now all three are flitting around here teasing the cats. The other two fairys are wanting to ride the frog and someone keeps

hopping off whenever they get close!!!!!

COME ON IN FOOD'S ON!!

2009-12-08T22:46:00.001-08:00

Life continues to move at warp speed for some reason. Is it just in my little 'corner' or do others feel like this as well?

John and I have a great group of friends that have been through 38 plus years of ups and downs and in betweens for each of us. They know more about us than our parents and most siblings.

They are our "PEOPLE" the 'go to friends' when we need an ear, to share great news or devastating news.

We have been there for weddings to each other, babies, graduations and then graduations, weddings and babies of our children. We have been there for deaths of parents and siblings. The love and comfort, joy and sadness we share makes us our own 'family.'

Life seemed to keep us separate from each other with jobs and childrern and grandchildren. About 8 years

ago I decided we needed to start a new phase of our lives together. John and I were in Hawaii for one of our children's weddings. We were at an outdoor market and found a coconut with 6 surfboarders

painted on it. We bought it and sent it to one of our friends with the note that we were going to start a new tradition. I dubbed us the "Old Farts" and we now have monthly potlucks with each other.

Each of us takes a turn to host the evening dinner. We ask the others to supply the side dishes and dessert.

It works so nicely. We follow dinner with clean up and good conversation and sometiems games.

On occasion we have all gone to a restaurant instead of each other's home but we usually stick to the intimacy of each other's homes.

Sadly the original coconut with all of our names on it, represented by the surfers, perished in our house fire.

One couple took a trip to hawaii a year later and returned with a new coconut. It is always present at dinner and taken home by the couple who hosts next.

I love hosting and entertaining and we got elected to always do the December dinner. I love the festive time and usually have a very formal table set. This year I wanted to mix it up. After a trip to New Orleans last spring and being treated to a home made 'shrimp boil' I had to serve that here last week.

Imagine everyone's surprise when our friends all arrived and instead of a formal table complete with holiday

centerpiece, the table is covered in newspaper!

They were all a little taken back but I reassured them it was the right night and 'no, we aren't doing crafts."

Ha!

They understood when John poured dinner directly out on the table. It was so yummy. Corn, potatoes, onions, peppers, sausage, shrimp and garlic.

We supplemented with a beautiful fruit tray, green salad and garlic bread. Dessert was a huge chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream.

If you have special friends in your life or even family that you want to get together with on a more regular basis this might be a way to start a new tradition.

NATIONAL RSD/CRPS MONTH

2009-11-11T15:21:00.001-08:00

Some of you have often wondered just what it is that I have. Since this is National RSD Month, I thought I would explain it in full. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy or CRPS complex regional pain syndrome is a chronic neurologic condition where your automatic nervous system runs amok for whatever reason. Nerves misfire and constantly send the wrong messages to your brain.

Scientists/Drs still do not know what actually triggers it and there is no cure. Up to 6 million people in the US alone suffer from this.

It causes unrelenting severe pain, burning, tissue swelling, joint immobility, muscle spasms, paresthesia (numbness), sleep disorder and depression from the never ending pain, One can also have bone changes like osteoporisis in the affected area. Many complain of mental changes like memory and difficulty getting a word to the tongue from the brain. This latter one upsets me the most. I can be talking and a simple word like many or a personal name is in my brain and i can see it but for some reason it will NOT come to my tongue so I can speak it.

It has been related to traumatic injuries, following surgery, infection and sometimes there is no incident found to have been the cause.

Mine started after a devastating knee injury when I was working in the hospital. Six long years and 35 physicians later I have RSD/CRPS and am a survivor. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to a possible remission or prevent of spread. I was not so lucky as mine wasn't diagnosed for almost a year and a half.

Parts of my life as I once lived it are no longer. Through the grace of God and a few great drs I am doing okay.
My family is the center of my life and that has not changed. I thank God for them and a few very special friends for keeping me focused and always watching my back.

Blogging helps me keep focused on the positives and keep moving forward. The friends I have made from
this blog help me to remember the goodness that comes in small ways every day.

I thank every one of you who are there in my life and who openly share the ups and downs in theirs as well.
We are all here to meet people and socialize in different ways but the underlying theme is about sharing...ideas.....art....family...culture.....faith.....health.....illness......joys....hardships.

Isn't it just amazing and truly wonderful?

this video spot is put out by the austrailian support group for rsd but it explains how our lives are affected every moment of the day. I wanted to share it with you for a basic explanation of what RSD is.
I also ask that if you know of ANYONE enduring a chronic illness or in chronic pain that you pray for them and their families. You might even do a small generosity that will reach far beyond its measure.

A Month In Review

2009-11-08T19:48:00.000-08:00

This past month of Merry Mondays have been very 'merry' and fun. The kids were so in to making 'stuff' for Halloween so we did just that.

Here the kids are making little pumpkin people. My 'example'

is lying on the right here. I show the kids what we are going

to make then let them have free rein. I love what comes out of their

imagination and creativity.

I remember taking an art class to make a greeting card. A woman and her mother presented

it together. I decided to change mine up a little more to my 'own'.

When the mother came around to check on each project she saw mine and said "Oh No.

You didn't make it right. That is not what it is supposed to look like. Mary we have a problem here."

She motioned her daughter over to my table and they both 'tsk tsk'd' and told me how 'wrong' it was.

When I explained to them that I made it on purpose to be different, they could not be more perplexed.

"But it is SUPPOSED to look just like this one." The daughter held my card up to the class and said

"Please tell me none of you other women did NOT follow directions and did her own thing."

She promptly made another 'card' the exact image of the original and gave it to me and said

"I won't charge you for extra materials but if you take a future class with us you HAVE to follow directions 'exactly' or you won't be allowed in any other classes.

You know I did NOT ever attend another 'art' class they held. This was only a few years ago but I learned a valuable lesson. True Art comes from one's heart or inner vision. If you HAVE to make something exactly like someone else's then you are not honoring the creativity or vision within. That 'art' piece instead is a copy of someone else's inner vision.

I love it when the kids go their own direction and do what their heart tells them.

Here are a few of the girls and their 'pumpkin person'

It isn't fall or holiday season without homemade caramel apples is it? Here I am helping some of them

dip their apples into the melted caramel.

No matter what we are decorating .... sprinkles of all shapes and colors are always a favorite!

forget the nuts

These were so yummy. Here they are 'cooling/hardening' for the trip home. The rule was ONE lick before dinner!

Today we are making 'ghosts' out of white fabric scraps and polyfil with ribbon embelllishments.

meet 'ninja' ghost

a 'girly girl's' ghost

Here we are decorating their baked cookies---note the 'icky' colors the girls are mixing for their halloween

fare. And note the bottles of sprinkles! They love the baking projects most of all.

some of the finished 'art'. I used a homemade sugar cookie recipe that was my grandmothers.

MERRY MONDAYS!!

2009-10-21T15:42:00.000-07:00

Through the summer months we continued to have Merry Mondays as often as there were kids to show up.

This is one of our messier, longer projects.

Paper mache pinatas!

We started with the blow up punch balloons...thank you jason and brianna for helping me blow them all up--16 in all!! phew!! Then started adding strips of newspaper to make and outer shell.

While those were drying we came inside out of the wind for lunch. A few girls were not speaking, so crowding everyone together and making them pass things and use their manners, it was quickly resolved!!

Then it was cutting strips, cutting them and gluing to

the pinata shell!

Lots of color and back outside after lunch!

Some of the finished results!!!! On a recent 'pinata check' most of the kids still have them hanging in their rooms. One of the boys saved his until his august birthday, filled it with candy and then invited nakiah and tovi joi and brianna and jason over for the big 'bash'.

several sported big sunglasses and happy face smiles!!

Lots of personality!! This took a few weeks of gatherings to finish up but was well worth the fun and the smiles on the participants!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OPA!!!

2009-10-12T05:03:00.002-07:00

Opa (John) celebrated a major milestone recently when some of us were able to vacation together on the

Oregon coast.

Here granddaughters, 6 yr old Sydne and 2 yr old Lauryn, decorated opa's cake.

M and M's colorful and fun!

Sorry about the pink frostening honey but the girls LOVED IT

yummmmy supposed to melt in your mouth.............................not in your hands!!!

Oma I HAD TO EAT SOME!!

such a pretty cake decorated with much joy and love

I'll help you blow them out Opa!!

SEASON ENDING GLORY

2009-10-06T15:36:00.004-07:00

I want to say HELLLLOOOOO to everyone who has wondered where I have been and welcome you all back.

The last 8 months have been full of LIVING LIFE !!

We have mourned losses, gone through financial setbacks, welcomed new life, and most of all have CELEBRATED friends and family.

I have missed everyone and have missed being in the blogging world staying up to date with family, friends and fellow artists/moms/women in general.

We are winding down from an Indian Summer and know that Old man winter is just around the corner.....and if not him, then his little 'jack frosts' waiting to paint the gardens/lawns with their frosty confections.
I LOVE hummingbirds. These two were spotted at one of our feeders a few days ago. Am sure now that freezing temps are in the forecast they are no longer close by.

We planted gourds this past summer and they are just NOW producing. Not to self:

plant much earlier next spring!

Last bloomings of my 'brown eyed susan's or 'rubedeckia'
my 'fourth of july rose ...blooms in late june/early july and again in the fall.
my perennial favorite: bachelor buttons
we tried this new corn: sweet red corn and it PRODUCED!!! Hooray! Sweet and pretty!
Our childhood home was sold this summer and this planter is the shovel blade from a big back

hoe.....my dad drug it home and made a planter out of it. We brought it to our home and I can think of Dad and special memories growing up whenever I see it.

corn stalks all in a row.
sunflowers

I still have my girls and boys come from the neighborhood. We met most of the summer then I had to take some time off. Each one planted sunflowers around their garden spots.

Our kids brianna and jason and tovi and nakiah grew plenty of produce as well. They had to relocate to alaska for jobs!!!!!! I am sorry you aren't here to enjoy the bounty from your endeavors!!! We love you!!

2009-03-05T17:06:00.000-08:00

2009-03-05T17:04:00.000-08:00

Our First Grandson!

2009-03-05T15:59:00.001-08:00

We are the proud grandparents of a little BOY!! Our first grandson! Here is Opa... our proud son..... AND Landon Elijah....three generations of males! Landon Elijah joined the world on feb 18th. He tipped the scales at 9# 2oz!
He joins his big sister and five very special girl cousins!! tovi joi 3, sydne 5, holding little sis Rylee
almost 4 months; Nakiah 7 holding cousin Lauryn 2, and Landon's big sis Nai'a 3!!!
Proud mommy and daddy and oma and opa!!
Oma and opa already thinking of ways to spoil this new little one! I think all our kids will agree that is not difficult for us !
ISN'T HE THE MOST HANDSOME LITTLE BOY?

JUST MONKEYING AROUND

2009-02-16T08:02:00.012-08:00

What is brown and white and fuzzy with big red lips and over 100 years old? MY FAVORITE COLLECTIBLE!! I was visiting central nebraska with a dear friend. We had stopped in this little town and I could 'hear' a sock monkey calling my name!!

We went to every thrift, craft and antique store and it was no where to be found. We did hear a story from every sales person we encountered . Each one had a special memory of a childhood 'monkey' that saw them through the roller coaster of life.
After three hours of slogging through the heat and humidity we had lunch and decided there was nothing else to see and it was time to drive on.

That sock monkey was out there on Main street. It's plaintive cry was louder than ever.
I told this to Patti with a straight face .....I am very serious when it comes to my sock monkeys....
and she said we have to walk back down the street to the car. If it isn't in sight that's it.

We walked down the street and all of a sudden I saw IT-----this poster in a small quilting store tucked back from the street.
We rushed in and asked how much the poster cost. She kept saying "I am sorry it is not for sale....then kind of threw her head around. Neither of us caught on she wasn't having a tic.

She was waiting on customers and Patti kept pressing her with the story of searching in the heat,yada yada....she kept repeating herself and only when she almost threw her neck out of whack did we GET IT.

After the shop was emptied of customers she said "OK I am sorry. I didn't want to set a precedence of selling all my posters." Of course we understood. She had to climb on a ladder and move a ton of stuff but gave me this poster for $1!!!!!!!!!

This is a brand new coffee table book given to me by Nick and Sue when they visited last month!! I LOVE it. Thanks kids.

These are my flannel pj bottoms......how sweet are they?

Shannon and Nat sent me these for christmas two years ago and I still wear them a lot!

Doesn't every one have a sock monkey room of their very own? I had sock monkeys all over the house before our kids left home. Then eventually they all moved away to their own apts/homes etc.(the kids, not the monkeys.....they like to 'loiter' as oppposed to 'working'.

I turned one of the bedrooms into my sock monkey room. It was a red and white circus of a room. Then we had the fire. The old red and white room is now my studio and one of the guest rooms downstairs houses my monkeys. I haven't put much of myself in this room as yet but it is on my to do list.

Last count was over 100......every one old and much loved, hand sewn and has many 'monkey tales to tell."

My love for them started when my AUNT DOLLY made one for her guest room when I was little. When I stayed with her I would sleep with that monkey. She would keep my favorite doll of the moment company and wear her clothes and sleep in her stroller.

I received my dear sock monkey long after we were married but she is the one that started the family downstairs. I would look for them at thrift stores, antique stores and shows, garage sales etc.

We could be driving down the street and I would say "Honey turn in here I hear a sock monkey!" John would want to ask the clerk where one might be and I would just want to wander around the shop, waiting for it to jump out at me.!!"

I know I have embarassed him , my kids and friends when I am on the hunt and no one is in the vicinity. I have been asked "do these monkeys always talk to you? or do you hear other things talk to you?" Once we had spent an hour in this antique mall and I KNEW it was there. I kept looking and John growing more impatient, asked the clerk if there was one even there.

He thought there was but it must have been sold. All of a sudden I saw this long brown/white tail hanging below an open newspaper. I pounced on it and found the sweetest monkey.

"Oh Honey, look. No wonder he was crying so loud, he's blind."

Customers around all looked like I was contagious and whispered among themselves but that is ok........I knew it was waiting for me.

I always thought I would dress them up. Many had little outfits made out of felt or lots of pom poms. They removed the monkeys after the fire and before I could tell them NO... the cleaning company threw them all in the laundry without removing them. They all came back pretty much back to normal. The company also included a large bag of 'monkey parts".

I resewed legs/arms/tails on a more than a few. Some eyes did not return. But they are still alive and well and home.

The kids have given me little furntiure for them to sit in.

These winter sledding buddies hang out on John's sled from his youth.

I opted to hang these instead of curtains. I have to find some sock monkey fabric for those.

aren't they adorable? So sweet and much loved.

These hang around the closet so I have more floor and bed space.
more little furniture

a sock monkey throw from debbie mumm.

my raggedy andy I found swinging from a flag pole outside a thrift store watches over them.

Our granddaughters love the monkeys. So do other little children. When they come to visit these monkeys are carried, dragged, dressed and undressed, rocked, pushed and loved.

Once in a while the cats will drag one around. The neighbor kids that come love going down there and every time a new child shows up to join our group, someone always wants to take them down to see the monkey room.

We have grown children that do NOT want to sleep in there. I am amazed at that but I can't blame them if they were made without a 'sock monkey' gene!!

To know that the little ones love them is fine with me. I hope the girls will always remember being at Oma's house and having as much fun with the sock monkeys as I did when I was a little girl.

This is in our kitchen. I was given some little tiny monkeys and they sit in my red and white enamel ware along with raggedy ann and andy's. Whenever I see these I pick them up.

They are housed here because they are at eye level for the littlest ones. They aren't breakable and they can be played with at will.

I keep thinking I should make sweet and funny outfits and start posing them around inside and out to sell as cards etc. I know there are those out there but my stuff would be using MY monkeys and my scenes so would definitely be 'different.'

Have a fuzzy brown red lipped day!!!!!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

2009-02-14T18:13:00.004-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!!
John and I are having a very close low key day. We are relaxing and enjoying each other's company.

This past week the girls and I got together for old fashioned valentine making!! These girls are prepuberty and some can only talk about boys when they are here. It is so cute to listen when they get all wound up.
I was asked to keep several valentines until friday morning so they could pick them up on the way to the bus stop!! How funny is that?
This one is made by a 7 yr old that is madly in love with her best friend ALEX. She said her dad would be really upset to know she likes boys!!

Tiffany is all excited about giving her valentine, complete with closing pearl clasp, to her main squeeze.....her DAD.

Korbyn says she will 'never tell' who she likes but HE knows

And daylon is one luckly boy to get this beauty!! It even had an envelope of heart candies to go with it.

The girls love pulling out containers of 'finds' to decorate anything and everything .

DId I mention I LOVE garage sales/thrift stores?

The usual game plan is to have everything they need at their disposal and let them just go for it.

A year after we have started these get togethers I see interesting things.

One girl is so sweet and so solicitous of me. She wants to hurry through her projects and cuts corners and is always left with poorly constructed or sloppy art work. Most of the others have evolved and have taken their work more seriously. At least they take their time and try to make their projects nicer. Since our main rule is we cannot criticize our art or anyone else's I have to tread lightly around One to encourage her to maybe take a little more time. I suggest maybe gluing gaps closed, trimming messy ribbon etc etc.

I say everything short of 'why settle for a sloppy end result.' I do pick times that everyone is busy and talk about the taking pride in one's work even if no one else will see it. I also tell them when they work on 'quality rather than quantity' when making art it will spill over into other areas of your life.

So we will plod on. I will stay positive for them and support and encourage the best I can.

I have learned so much about each of them. I know their family stories more intimately and the bonding is so special. They all know without saying that this a always a safe place .

I was so touched a few weeks ago when two of the girls stopped by to 'talk'. One was really quiet. I could tell she had something on her mind. So we grabbed sodas and lounged here in the living room. I finally said H why don't you tell me what is going on. Her response was she had started her monthly 'hell' as her mother put it.

She wanted some straight answers because they were not forthcoming from her own mom.

I was happy to answer and offer support. I know now that I am making a positive influence on these girls. It goes without saying that they are making a positive influence on me as well.

ONE WORLD ONE HEART WINNERS!!!

2009-02-12T20:41:00.007-08:00

This morning when my housekeeper Donna was here, we printed out the comments/names of the giveaway entrants.

I divided then in half and Donna picked two names from each bowl. Mato (above) was overseeing the drawing in case there was 'subterfuge' .

The Winners for one of my handmade journals are::

Mahala @ simply sage and Ariane @ stempelwerkstatt

The winners of the vintage chenille garland are:

Trisha @ easilyamusedhardtoffend and Patti@7rosepetalpath.

They have all responded to my emails telling them they are winners so the giveaway stands.

Thank you one and all for visiting my blog and and entering my giveaway.

There are some amazing artists out there and I will continue to wander around this blog universe checking them all out.

Monday Gatherings

2009-01-27T23:34:00.004-08:00

The first two weeks of this month I had to cancel my "Monday gathering of the lil artists'.
John and I said 'good bye' to three special friends. We mourned with their families and friends and remembered the goodness of each.
We were able to reconnect with old friends and relatives and enjoyed hosting many of them in our home.
Last week the kids had a holiday from school so were able to come from 10 am-2 pm. We usually meet right after school until dinner time.

The kids are so comfortable in our home and we love that. It is so nice to have young voices and
interesting topics of discussion. Yes Bethany Sarah Brianna and Ryan it takes us back to when you were running around and bringing all your friends home. It was a special time in our lives.
We LOVE YOU!!
The girls are here making their own lunch......it always takes more than two to do any job.

The girls decided on grilled cheese sandwhiches and the boys in the background opted for peanut butter and jelly! They all have to learn to cook and prepare lunches when we have them here.

Some never get the opportunity at home.

We spent the day making special treats for ourselves! Jody is 'cooking' her vanilla lip balm mixture. We poured them into tiny mini plastic eggs and they were perfect sizes.

We also made bath salts. It was an easy...albeit.......messy project but very satisfying when all was said and done.

The girls mixed their own colors with food coloring and their own scents with essential oils.

Interesting colors galore!!

We have such a wonderful time together. Some of the girls come and visit me during the week and some sunday afternoons several come and help me set up the dining room for that the next day. They all participate in clean up!! They rotate bringing snacks.

Recipes for your own gifts!!

VANILLA LIP BALM

1 tablespoon petroleum jelly

1 tablespoon aloe vera gel

1 1/2 tsp coconut oil

1/2 tsp vanilla ( or you may use 1 drop essential oil of your choice)

Heat ingredients together.. mix well and pour into small containers with lids.. let set completely before putting lids on.

it mixes very readily and takes about two minutes is all. you have to mix it and pour quickly and remix with each pour or the vanilla separates out.

the girls all used up their lip balm by this week!!!

BATH SALTS

2 cups epsom salts

1 cup sea salt (fine or coarse -your preference)

1 tsp glycerin

1-2 drops of essential oil.. or more to your liking

1-2 drops of food coloring.. or more if you like brighter colors

pour all ingredients into bowl and mix loosely pour onto lined cookies sheets or something with sides. Mix all ingredients by hand until very well blended.. spread out as thinly as possible and let dry.....it takes several hours......in high humidity may take up to six hours to completely dry.

pour into jars or plastic containers with lids. These make nice gifts. Food coloring.. no matter how dark.. will lightly tint the bath water... but will not stain the tub or THE SKIN.

Enjoy!!!!

ONE WORLD ONE HEART GIVEAWAY

2009-01-27T23:16:00.002-08:00

One World One Heart GiveAway was started by the amazing Linda "oceandreamer" Swifka of whimsical bohemian. IT IS A WORLDWIDE GIVEAWAY!
The premise is to have a chance to meet artists and visit blogs from all over the world and have a change to win a gift or two along the way.
There are currently well over 500 participating artists. Just click on the link at the right to go to the official site. There you will find the directions for joining and the list of all the participants.

My giveaway includes:

1). Two drawings for a handmade journal by me.
The front and back covers are edged in ribbon and/or lace. The front cover is collaged with a mixture of random 'doodads' and 'whatevers'.

A multitude of colored ribbons flow from the spine. The ends are embellished with doodads.

The pages are made with a mixture of water colored papers and other textured papers

with random ribbon embellishments.

2). Two names will also be drawn to receive a small box of vintage chenille garlands in green and red. I scored these at a small community wide garage sale for pennies!!

Don't forget to include a way for me to track back to your blog or to get a hold of you in case you are a winner.

The worldwide drawings will be held on FEB 12th!!

Catiean

WELCOME 2009!!!

2009-01-06T12:15:00.005-08:00

Dear Friends and Family
I have been missing in action for several months now and have missed you all. I want to send warm wishes for the NEW YEAR and the best ever!

The last few months have seen us travelling to be with family and enjoying ourselves to the max.
Our children and grandchildren mean everything to us.
We are so thankful we can spend this quality time together.

Here I am celebrating another birthday with three of our grand daughters; lauryn, sydne and Nai'a and her mommy Lehua. ----Tovi and Nakiah mommy and daddy we miss you and love you so much!!

John and I taking a moment..............I hate my picture being taken but promised John to put more of ME out there.

Myself with daughter Bethany, lauryn in the corner, and sydne. Their gift to me for my bd was a ticket to the Nutcracker!! It was a beautiful production. It was just that more enjoyable with the two of YOU. Thank You for such a special birthday. We hope to make it an annual event with more granddaughters joining us every year.

When we arrived at Ryan and Lehua's home they asked if we saw Nai'a's snowman out front.

"Oh no we didn't. How could we miss that?"

Mr snowman is about three inches tall and the most adorable little snow man! His raisin eyes are so sweet.

Here's Nai'a with her little guy. She had to carry it everywhere when she was outdoors. The guys took her sledding and he came along only to meet his demise along the way.

This is our newest granddaughter and the biggest event of 2008! Rylee Joy was born in November to Bethany and Bryce. She is so precious. What a great family.

Here she is with her big sisters sydne elise and lauryn elliott!

We spent time playing and baking and just being together. We missed our family in New York and all decided that will be the last time we spend the holidays without all of us being together.

I hope all of you have wonderful memories that you will be able to share in the future and that the New Year finds you all well.

halloween swap doll and stuff about me

2008-10-27T09:27:00.003-07:00

I was in vivonawhim's doll swap for the halloween Ball and this is who I made for
carla at carlafinley. I deided to use the hands feet and head made from ceramic. I found these at a thrift store in a box for $2. I have two more sets.
I had a set of short miniature pumpkin lights and she lights up when you plug here in.

Barbara at 123lavenderlollipoplane tagged me for random things about me.

I think there is not a lot left to know about me but I will go for it.

The rules are to name 7 things I like and then name 7 others to post on their blog.

1.). my nickname john dubbed me with when we were first dating is

"squeek'.

2). my nickname through school was 'hatrack' (last name hattenburg)

or 'stretch' because i was tall and skinny. much taller than the boys at that age except for a few.

3). I love to cook and bake

4). I love to sew.

5). I love tweety bird I always wear a gold tweety necklace john got me years ago for valentine's day.(i got a small tweety tattoo when I turned 50).

6). I am NOT much of a chocolate person. Give me good and plentys any

day.

7.) I am embarassed with compliments

Okay 7 others I am tagging:

1) paula

2) viv

3)vallen

4). connie

5).kai

6). karen

7).susan

I am off to do my laundry and pack my suitcase. I fly home tomorrow.

it is leafing! It is leafing!

2008-10-23T04:07:00.005-07:00

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."- Albert Camus

I knew I would have a wonderful time here with the kids and Nakiah and Tovi Joi. I was not prepared for the beautiful autumn and the amazing colors every where I looked.
I think the kids got tired of me saying, "oh my it is beautiful, amazing, glorious but it is!!!

Nakiah likes to take me to the cemetery. It is truly beautiful here.

look at all the rustling leaves. We have fun walking through these every

day on the way to the coffee shop. We haven't been there in a few days

because of the rain and cold but today we need to get our 'lattes'.

The girls have chocolate 'wattes' as Tovi joi calls them. The people are so nice. The girls want to be like oma and they fix theirs with warm milk and whip cream and chocolate topping.( no coffee). So we walk down the street and nakiah says "I wonder if people are mad at you for letting us drink coffee Oma." HA

This lady is about five feet tall and stands on top of a gravestone.Nakiah tells me that a man's wife died and he loved her so much he put this lady

there to watch over her. Isnt that romantic? We go to her site every day.

This is one of the main roads thru the cemetery.

On our daily walk....walking on top of this little wall has become a ritual.

we found this toadstool among the fallen leaves and it is so pretty. In person it looked irredescent. That doesn't show up in the photo.

When u look around eastern washington it is more evergreens.

here the leaves are falling on us....

Their back yard. Salem the cat in the back is my foot warmer at night.

He disapproves of wiggly feet though and bites them in the middle of the night! OUCH
Hope you are all having a beautiful autumn wherever you are.

Now Who Can't Use a Good Laugh?

2008-10-17T04:54:00.002-07:00

Good Morning every one!! you know how it goes when you travel and are going to be away for a month. Every thing you think you might need goes into the little 'must have and may be necessary' bag. Then you get to your destination and every thing stays in said bag for convenience and space constraints.
Some mornings are kind of 'that kind of morning' and I had myself one last weekend. I was slowly starting my day, visiting with nakiah and tovi joi and their mommy and reached for this:
onto my purple toothbrush it went. I merrily started brushing away....up down up down, 'blech this toothpaste has got to go. Maybe it is just getting old or something.' brush brush brush some more 'oooooh bad stuff.' Time for the tongue. gag gag gag WHAT THE h IS THIS?

I rush to my bag and pull out none other than this:
Brianna and Jason have a great laugh. Jason decides my mouth or tongue will not 'itch' all day. We laugh while I rinse and gag and taste all things good like REAL TOOTHPASTE, mouthwash, licorice, coffee and still the after taste lingers and lingers and lingers!!!

In the meantime brianna starts brushing her teeth and then starts spitting madly into the sink......................you guessed it!! She was so busy laughing at her mom she picked up the wrong toothbrush and got to have the same 'rush of gynecort' to start HER day.

It wasn't long before we were at the store for new toothbrushes!! Let that be a lesson to all travelers.
Must haves and 'maybe necessaries' should never visit in the same travel bag!

FAR AWAy FROM HOME

2008-10-12T19:47:00.004-07:00

A lot of you know that I flew to the east coast last week to stay a month with our youngest daughter and her family. I am in upstate New york and it is absolutely beautiful here. The weather is very warm for Oct and I am enjoying every minute of it.

Mommy is doing her internship this month for her masters and daddy is working so Oma gets the girls all to herself!! I am 'homeschooling' almost 7 yr old nakiah and 3 yr old Tovi Joi has been telling every one that she is 6 since her birthday in APril!!
She likes to 'play school' as well

This first week has gone rather fast but it has been so full and fun. Mommy and Daddy help cleanup after dinner and put the girls to bed with their bedtime stories etc and Oma gets the rest of the night to herself for rest and relaxation.

I will never tire of 'Oma you are the best Oma in the big town" or those beautiful little hugs. I have to laugh every time I hear the 'big town' because it is a little village.

Several blocks away a new deli/restaurant/bakery/coffee shop opened.

The girls and I have taken a 'recess break' for a treat and a walk and friday we had lunch here. I LOVE it ....this is definitely ME. Brianna told me on the phone when it opened that she thought of me when she walked in. I love old stuff like this.

The deli/bakery section

Old advertising signs
an orginal phone booth that was here from a previous store started in the late 1800's.
Hot chocolate..................... sinful looking huh?
Oma this muffin has bootiful sprinkles and is so nummy
part of the seating area
front counter....... all old original wood cabinets/counters/display cases
candy section
I have been here three times for a latte and since brianna has school off tomorrow we just may have to walk down for breakfast.

GARAGE SALE FINDS

2008-10-10T19:07:00.008-07:00

A few weeks ago I was driving to the grocery store and saw this sign for an estate sale. How could I NOT GO JUST TO LOOK right? No harm in that...........ummm never..............sure.

Actually it was about ten blocks away and the driveway was uphill---took a few minutes to think about walking up that baby with my cane.....once up I would have to come down as well.....both hard for me...........
Several people were walking away with small boxes or even large pictures bedding etc......all smiling................alright................a very good sign.

Up the hill I trudged feeling wonderful fun things calling out to me.
"Hurry come get me before someone else does. "

I was offered free lemonade or iced tea ...so nice ...and did the 'slow scan and walking from table to table.............of course chatting with the homeowners. "Moving?" No actually cleaning out closets and drawers and getting rid of stuff we never use."
I see................... .
u looking for anything in particular ma'am?
Well some times I don't know that I am looking for something until it calls my name but always looking for vintage craft supplies/jewelry
etc."
"FINALLy" popped up one daughter......I bet you want grannie's two boxes!"
I was led to two small carboard boxes crammed with craft looking stuff. How much ...of course is the leading question.
$20 each .......this is the last day and we cut the price in half .
SOLD .
They even carried the boxes to the car for me chatting as they
went.
No one in the family really makes stuff unless it is fishing flys."

So off I went to the store hoping I had something worth that kind of money in there.
I got home later and did the HAPPy dance and this is what I found:

bottles of gems including opals and probable birthstones.

like these including individual rhinestones of all sizes in GLASS bottles.
more gemstones and beads some very vintage looking.

these pretty colored drop glass beads with holes in the top

vintage trims as well as large colored glass prisms
even more beads and stones and trims
all these pearl necklaces and bracelets
even more vintage trim how did it all fit in one small box?

glass bottles of tacks and nails and clips and little necessities in a studio
more and more trims
interesting paper trims
more vintage beads and old pins hat pins etc
vintage doll parts lots and lots for assemblage art!!! woo hoo

jewelry findings
a vintage box of rings some with set stones a lot more without
vintage mercury glass beads unstrung perfect
more trim in this box
and enought rhinestone jewelry to 'bathe' in...............well almost!!

Lucky Lucky me!!

Halloween FUN

2008-10-09T17:50:00.004-07:00

This was the last project I was able to do with the kids that come to the house each week. We had a ton of things we wanted to do this month.
I am now in midstate New york until the end of Oct.
These were hanging up the street the day after we made them.

Just little old paper stuffed garbage bags tied or rubber banded under the heads and painted with much DELIGHT. Tie or band off ears for
a sweet cat. Use tall kitchen bags for the ghosts and pumpkins and large black ones for the cats.
cut the bottom parts of the " halloween critters' into thin strips, draw a string through the head
and they make fun windsocks!!

DID I SEE THAT?

2008-10-08T04:20:00.004-07:00

Since it is now officially fall I had to post these two pictures. Last month we were at the Lake with friends. These guys backed up to the boat launch with this washer and dryer and misc items. It seemed very
amusing to every one on the beach.
"Do they float?" "How many horsepower?" glib remarks barked out from the crowd were met with smiles and shoulder shrugs.

They eventually loaded every thing up on their boat and off they went albeit at a very slow speed.
Did you ever see something that didn't quite fit the scene and wished you had your camera to capture it on film?

Fun swaps and stuff!

2008-09-30T17:24:00.009-07:00

Good afternoon every one. Here in the Northwest we are again having record high temperatures for this time of year. It is absolutely beautiful.The weather forecast calls for cooler temps plus some rain by the weekend but still much warmer than usual. I for one think it is 'lovely. I hope wherever you are you are enjoying 'perfect weather'.

I have actually been creating the last few months but haven't taken the time to post to the blog.

I have decided to go back to making every gift from now on. When the kids were little John and I would make almost every gift we gave. We both enjoyed it but found that some of the friends and family didn't appreciate the talent and time that went in to said gifts. As we grew a little more affluent and busier in our lives we gave more 'store bought' items and enjoyed it less.

With the national economics being what they are and the fact I have stashes that cry out to me on a regular basis, I am taking an oath here and now to MAKE every gift from now on.

I had to come up with a baby gift on Saturday. John wanted to just go buy a dress or something. It is for a girl. I held my ground and went into my
studio and voila. I found a poem online about little girls that was so sweet. I found paper I had that seemed to fit the poem and printed it out on the paper. I made a small box out of chipboard--though one could use cardboard etc. I taped all the sides together with duct tape. I made the opening 5 x 7 so I could place a picture frame and glass on top.( so the sides of the boxes were 5 x7 as well.)
I covered the four sides of the inside of the box with matching paper I used for the back. I used ribbon to cover the seams that showed between the bottom/back inside of the box.

I started pulling out all sorts of doodads that were mentioned in the poem: angel wings, snowflakes, cinnamon stick for cinnamon, pearls, daisies etc etc. I had enough to embellish the sides and bottom of the box.
When the inside was all complete to my satisfaction I placed the glass and picture frame on top of the box opening and secured it down with duct tape.

I covered the outside back of the box with felt and took wide plush ribbon to cover the sides. I used some pretty lace to cover the seam between the ribbon and the picture frame and then embellished that with some ribbon roses. I added a ribbon hanger when I glued the back felt on as well.

The shadow box can be hanging or sat on a shelf.

The couple that received this gift truly was delighted. They said 'oh it is so nice to have something unique and not another pink dress.'

This summer I was in a pinkeep swap hosted by the delightful Vivian @Vivswhimsy. I was paired with Fran from dollsthecanvasofmysoul.

She is very talented. Please go to her site to see her beautiful dolls.
She sent me this adorable pinkeep. I love her. I smile every time I use her. Fran also included some beautiful hand dyed lace. Thank you Fran I sent Fran this pinkeep. I used some of my cutter quilt stash to make this heart. I joined it together with ribbon using the blanket stitch. I then added lengths of ribbon with buttons/beads/doodads tied to the ends.
I then attached it to a brass candlestick and added a vintage brooch to finish it off.

Sarah from Gypsymermaidlife hosted The Witch's cupboard swap. (Please go to Sarah's site. She lost her home and everything in Hurricane Ike. If you want to help out she has information listed.)

My partner was Julie @CupcakeDD . She makes the coolest stuff! She loves vintage stuff as much as I do.

I had a vintage punpkin made out of orange yarn. I separated his head, arms and legs and glued them to this vintage Hershey's chocolate bar box. I thought it was fun and quirky.

I thrifted the metal sign.

I visited a liquidation store and halloween goodies like this below were 90% off. I filled it with some goodies for Julie.
I made the following basket out of vintage fabric stash. I lined this basket and then added a ruffled edge. I covered the outside with black coat sued

and added a vintage crocheted doily to the bottom portion. I embellished it with a few little halloween cats and spiders.
I thrifted this small black ceramic shoe and thought it would be perfect for a witch to have in her cupboard. I found a ghost design and glued it to a toothpick and added letters to spell out the B O O. A bat pin finished it off.

When Julie's package arrived it was so fun to open. She topped the box with long lengths of white and black wide ribbon and had wrapped everything in newspaper with great trim.

This crow sits on a tissue paper trimmed platform and looks very cute in front of my black halloween tree. His little witch hat is so cute.

Julie sent me a package of frosted gum drop garland that adorns the same tree.
SHe filled glass jars with bits and bobs and labeled them as 'eye of newt' 'naughty nymph dust use sparingly' 100% organic spun spider's silk' So clever! She also took a small plastic skeleton and broke into parts and labeled it 'bag o' bones'It was all wrapped up so sweetly.

My favorite item was this framed saying:
Home is where you hang your broom!

Thank you Julie! I have had lots of comments on the items you sent!!

I am off to hang some pumpkin lights to add a little more halloween decor to the place.

Make a Gift and give part of yourself.

A CENTURy OLD!

2008-09-22T20:43:00.004-07:00

Happy 100th Birthday Great Aunt Irma!!

This is john's brother Bob Aunt Irma and John at her birthday
celebration. We had a great time. Irma is a delight and always has been.
In her lifetime she has gone from a horse and buggy to an airplane.

She has lived through world wars, the depression, real estate booms, the wright brothers flying the first airplane to sputniks to america landing on the moon, people flying around the world and adding alaska and hawaii to the US. She has been through 20 plus presidents, the deaths and births of her three children, her spouse (after celebrating 50 yrs together), her parents and 5 siblings.

She grew up on a farm without electricity or indoor plumbing. She said the best thing ever invented was indoor plumbing and the doing away with the outhouse and bathing in the creek.

She was a little girl when the first motion pictures came to the screen, the first black and white tv's when she was a bit older, she watched loved ones die before the erradication of smallpox, diptheria and tuberculosis found a cure, add in polio vaccines and the discovery of penicillins.

Cornflakes was a big thrill as well as frozen food and freezers. Model fords, the car radio, band aids and the modern zipper all were new inventions in her early adulthood. Scotch tape, teflon, stainless steel, the telephone and infamous party lines were a novelty.

Irma grew up on a farm and married a farmer and stayed in farming until her husband's death. She was also a 'modern' woman and got a job as an x ray technician. She worked at the hospital I took my nurses training at. I knew her long before I ever met her great nephew at a local dance club.

Aunt Irma still lives in her own home and cooks and cleans for herself.

She is getting hard of hearing and is losing her vision but still has 6 art students from her church. She is a beautiful aritist and has an artist's soul. Gardening is her past time.

When asked how she got to be so old she said "you don't take up knitting when you retire." Perplexed others didn't understand. She continued,"What I am saying is MOVE, pick up a basket ball or croquet mallet or tennis racquet, bowl do whatever it takes to keep moving every day."

So today I hope you are all moving to your own ryhthm.

"LIL ARTISTS continue

2008-09-21T15:07:00.005-07:00

The neighbor kids have continued showing up once a week all summer for our activities. The gardens have been the most fun. The kids were not very excited at first. Once we started harvesting the produce they couldn'nt wait to see what they could pick next.

Believe it or not in that garden bed hides peas, carrots, squash, peppers,
lettuce and pumpkins.
Each week the kids took baggies of produce home with them.

We made all sorts of things. Interestingly enough, we talk about individual tastes and 'not worrying about what others are doing/making' and some days they all copy each other picking the same colors etc.

The kids started back to school and we are now meeting on Mondays

once again.

The day before school started I took each of them a red rose and a note wishing them a great first day. They mean the world to me. I asked them if they were getting bored with the whole thing and they were emphatic about continuing. Several will not be able to as they have dance or something else five nights a week after school. I will miss them but they are always welcome.

We also have a few new members and that is always fun.

These boys are busy making stuff out of clay. collage work is very popular
clay animals as well as space creatures
more collage.

I love fall and the beginning of the school year tends to make me want me to set new goals and get busy on christmas ideas!!

I hope all of you are settling in to new school years with your kids and new beginnings with your own goals.

Our Kittens!!

2008-09-14T15:49:00.005-07:00

Hi family and friends. I have been so busy this past month enjoying life. Our weather has been so beautiful. I recently stubbed my big toe and when it kept hurting I went to he dr. I figured I had broken it and X rays confirmed it!! Sighing. I have to slow down and that is a good thing. I hope to catch you all up to date on the going's on around here.
Earlier this summer our cat, Anna, got out and was gone for days. I thought she was lost for good but she eventually came home. We had been waiting to spay her and soon realized it was too late. I could not abort her. My belief in the sanctity of life transcends all species . Okay I lied just then........I do not like spiders. If they stay out of my house I will leave them alone. But when they make themselves at home inside then it is all out war! But I regress.

Anna delivered three babies.....in the middle of the night........ she was acting so loving and kept butting my face. I was too tired to pay attention until John rolled over and said 'why is my arm wet?' I immediately knew what was up. We got up and changed the bed and put her in her little birthing box. I had to put it in bed with me and keep petting her while she delivered the babies.
Nakiah and Sydne named them.
This is Sallie. She has attached herself to John and follows him around or sleeps on or near him. Every morning she joins him in the bathroom while he shaves and lies on his feet. He decided we need to keep her. Now we are a family with three cats!!!
Here at a few days old.

This one is Dottie or "dot'. She is afraid of her own shadow but is getting much better about being held. I call her mouse.
This is the only boy. He is Davey. He is so sweet and has beautiful markings. I think we have found him a home. His mommie to be will let us know tomorrow.

Now to find 'dottie' a home. Aren't they cute?

Memories in the Making

2008-08-11T08:12:00.005-07:00

Hi Everyone
I Have been so busy lately. We had three weeks of company that we thoroughly enjoyed and now I am visiting my youngest daughter and her family in New York.
Brianna is the youngest of our clan and has two beautiful daughters and a very wonderful husband.

In this area, what we would call small towns are either villages or hamlets. So many original houses from the mid to late 1800's every where. I love it here. It is so peaceful. The architecture in the buildings, houses, and even the cemetery stones are so intricate.
Our oldest grand daughter Nakiah has taken us on walks all over town to see her favorite places:
the cemetery, her school and playground, the pizza parlor and the local grocery as well as the 'libary'.

I brought 5 yr old Sydne bean with me to surprise her cousins. They are having the best times together. Her mommy and daddy put a lot of faith in me to bring her along. I know they miss her terribly. Thank you Bryce and Bethany for putting your trust in me. Sydne is a great 'travel buddy'.

brianna nakiah and tovi joi
we went to a small town fair and had so much fun. Tovi is such a ham
Sydne and Nakiah are more like sisters and best friends than cousins
we stopped at a small park to picnic and feed the left overs to the ducks. This picture really tugs at my heartstrings. It reminds me of my three girls when they were these ages!!
Oma's trio!! We miss Nai'a and Lauryn who were left back home!!
Nakiah has lost her two front teeth this was taken right after she went on a big ride all alone!!
Oma helping sydne bean dig in the rocks..........what a cute toy.
She loves dresses and hats....I brought her this outfit.
WHEEEEE this little monkey comes down the bannister every time she comes down stairs!!
climbing off part way down shaking my head
another picture on the midway.

I will be back home on aug 17th and will have to bring you up to date on the neighbor kids gardens as well as our three new kittens. When I left they were three weeks old and when i get back they will be five!!

I did not bring my computer as I wanted to minimize what I was carrying and checking in so I have no pics or anything on brianna's computer............just what we have taken here.

It has been humid here..........something we don't get back home..........and we have had incredible thunder storms and lightning shows..............this morning early the rain was a huge down pour.
I got out of bed to sit and enjoy it.

I am reading some books we bought at the local library and the girls and I have been reading every day to each other. I love hanging out with all my girls.

Happy august days to you all!!!!

Where There's Smoke.......

2008-07-14T14:26:00.002-07:00

These pictures were taken from our deck. The smoke is from a huge fire five miles away and farther. It started in 'the hills' and burned over 1300 square acres/ burned down 13 houses and various out buildings and a very large picnic hiking preservation area.

Our niece and nephew were at the lake for the day and their parents had to evacuate their pets and save family photos. The fire burned right up to 200 ft from their house before the wind abruptly changed direction.

Two neighbor houses no longer exist. It stirred up all those old emotions from our house fire a few years ago. It also brings the California fires and other disaster areas to the forefront.

We are all so thankful that the kids and their house are safe and that there were no lives lost in the fire itself. My heart goes out to all of those every where that have endured overwhelming hardships.

It brings us to being thankful for our blessings...........and being able to endure the hardships that come our way.

I know first hand that we could not have gone through the emotional devastation of our own fire without our children and our friends. They stood by us and helped us and listened to all the tears and grief as we went through the rebuilding and replacing process.

If you know some one who is enduring a hardship of any measure right now, please reach out a helping hand. A simple hug and I care what can I do? goes miles in making someone feel better.

I hope today all of you are having good things happening and no hardships. I also want to thank all of you who have been here the last year to support, celebrate, and just share your lives with me.
God Bless all of you.

Meet 'Albie'!!!( please don't be alarmed)

2008-07-06T15:54:00.003-07:00

Happy Belated Fourth of July to everyone! I hope the day/weekend was spent with family and friends making special memories!
Sarah was in town to visit with us for the weekend. Her new hubby is in Alaska fishing for the rest of the summer.
We spent the first part of the 4th visiting one of Sarah's best friends and her new daughter! Octavia joins 2 yr old big sister Avianna and is just as beautiful.

We shared lunch and I entertained Avi while Sarah cleaned the kitchen for Shalena.
Then we joined my family at my brother's for a very laid back afternoon.
The kids went swimming and we bbq'd and played horse shoes.

John was on call and worked most of the day but did get there in time to eat and visit. We were in bed before 10 that night. No fireworks for us!

Okay this is 'ALBIE' my caucasian/european female skull. I started an online forensic sculpting class last week and am so excited to really get into it. Our first assignment will be to sculpt a male skull. She will show us a picture at the end of the month to see how close we came to the 'real guy'.

Of course this a mold of a real skull---not an original. They are available but are like $1000.00! I don't anticipate having one any time soon or ever for that matter.
here is a side view of how lovely we look without our 'muscles and skin.'
ALbie comes with a few of her own vertebrae and ALL of her teeth.
This is the frontal view. We are studying the skull bones and muscles and their functions this week. We will start the actual sculpting process next week.
I will keep you updated as we go so you can see the development along with me.
see ya !!

A Community Garage Sale! So Fun!

2008-07-01T14:50:00.005-07:00

This Past Saturday the guys were in a golf tournament so my friend Joan and I took off in my new rig to break her in 'just right." It had to be christened for garage saling. We went to a small farming community about an hour away. It was so fun. Lots of individual family sales as well as the grange.
On the way back home we stopped at a Barn Bazaar. I forgot my camera....but what a lot of booths, entertainment and food etc.
It was almost 100 but we were having so much fun we barely noticed.
I am still resting up from the outing.

I found these red and white enamel ware plates to go with my other pieces all from family. They were very reasonable. I hesitated and the lady came down $4 immediately!! I think they wanted to get out of the sun!!

These goodies were all 50 cents apiece!!! napkin holder, vintage sifter,
and princess house steamer.

these bed posts were only $2 for the lot and I know they will make something great for the yard.
I have always wanted a horse collar and had ideas to put a mirror inside. This one is pretty worn but was only $1. It will probably get a clock inside and it will hang on the deck. For some odd reason we ended up with a few horse shoes from John's great aunties. Now if we ever see any we pick them up. So the horse collar will go with that decor!!!
This was a favorite find at the grange sale. A trellis arch! I am going to paint it white and have john put it up in the front where I have two climbing roses that need something to grow up.
For another buck I got a box of misc stuff and here were 14 vintage chickies on little green twigs made in japan stamped on the bottom! Woo Hoo I was so excited.
These doilies were a dime each so I had to bring them home.
Bags of buttons for 25 cents each were a great find as well.
several bags had rhinestone buttons too!!
These are vintage prints and will be a december birthday gift for someone in my family.
This box was in the grange as well and for ten dollars I could have it.I have a penchant for collecting vintage christmas supplies to make my reproduction ornaments. I saw a few pieces on top of the box. So I grabbed it up and lo and behold................the entire box was FILLED with this vintage chenille rope garland in green and red.

It took me several hours to get it all untangled and put in other containers. This was THE BEST find of the entire day. I know it would fetch a lot on ebay but I have lots of ideas for it!!

boxes of fabric all vintage came home for $1 each. The fabric came in lengths from several yards to quarters and eighths. The lady was a quilter and said she would call me with more goodies in a few weeks.
These are all quilt pieces for the drunkard's path. I am not sure if it will make a full size quilt but I will take it out and look and if nothing else can use them for a small lap quilt, wall hanging or framed art.

I also was given tons of quilt templates because the lady 'liked me'.

She was a dear heart and was happy that I was so happy to find her stuff and take it home with me.

Now that I have a vehicle to drive and the weather is nice I am looking forward to the garage sales. I hope all of you have the the chance to get out and look for your treasures as well!!

Mosaic Madness!!

2008-06-30T09:05:00.005-07:00

A few weeks ago I said I was off to mosaic our mailbox. This is my first attempt and I was pleased with the outcome. It was a lot of work but in the end was very worth it.
This is the side that faces out into the neighborhood and what people see when they drive up.

close up of broken pieces of whatever
this was the BEFORE.......so a very nice change dontcha think?
The girls wanted to mosaic as well. I found some dishes at a garage sale for $1 for the lot of them and here we go!

SAFETY FIRST.......ALWAYS! GOGGLES GLOVES AND SHOES ON FEET......NO EXCEPTIONS! dISHES TO BREAK INSIDE PAPER BAGS LAYERED BETWEEN NEWSPAPER.
creating their masterpieces. Old shirts over their clothes and cementing

pieces to their dishes.

Going very well. Always lots of 'chatting' while working....number #1 rule is NO GOSSIPING so we have great conversations most of the time. Oh yeah....that is my coffee in the picture not the girls! HA
all cemented and drying.................how cool are these?
this one is finished and all grouted. Some made theirs to hang on the wall
some for their gardens and some to put in their rooms to hold 'doodads'.
This was a great two week project.
We all bring something to share for lunch and so far we have managed to always have a protein, fruit, grain and veggies!!! We also sit down at the table outside 'as a family' and say grace and remember our pleases and thank you's!!!!!

IT'S HERE!!!!! WOO HOOO

2008-06-24T11:45:00.002-07:00

OH MY!! After waiting 6 months and researching and trying out used and new cars we finally bought this!! I picked it up last night and we are both like little kids!!
This is a 2008 Toyota Rav 4 mini suv. The color is a green called everglade.

The interior is very roomy....we can haul our grand daughters three at a time....hint hint mommies and daddies!
It came with a sun roof which is something we can live without but it is fun just the same.

The back is very accessible for me. The door opens out....much easier for me than lifting. I can get my walker in and out easier than a car. Of course I can haul my loot when I go garage saling!!!!!
There is a hidden compartment under the carpet as well as a shelf that folds out to make a double layer storage for costco trips etc.
I drove it off the lot with a BIG 6 miles on the odometer!!!!!

I just wanted to share with everyone our new transportation. I am thrilled. I can't drive the stick pick up and so this is mostly mine......I laugh when I tell john that. He is so happy to have a dependable and very comfortable ride!!
I am breaking it in with my mom as my first passenger. We are heading off to see Debbie Reynolds in a matinee performance along with lunch!!
My Mom adores HER!!!
see ya!!!

SLOOOW DOWN

2008-06-23T09:33:00.004-07:00

"Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast -- you also miss the sense of where you are going and why."~~the late Eddie Cantor....comedian and musician.

I am sure all of you can relate to the above message.
Every day we rush through the things we THINK we must accomplish before writing a new list of "to do's" for the next day.
Lately I have been guilty of just that. I do not go out to work, I do not have children at home and I don't have grandchildren living near.
At the same time I keep myself BUSY.

I was born with the gene that makes me 'not able to sit still' and the other one: I HAVE TO CREATE!
Not sitting still can lead those around me to become nervous but I am compelled to 'do do do'.

With RSD these two genes are very important to posess. I can't 'cure' it so I have had to learn to 'calm' it. DOING makes me forget the pain and short circuits I experience.

I have always lived in the fast lane---when kids were home I would get up at 4:30 and write on my novel or make something, go to work for twelve hours then come home and cook and do laundry and run the kids here and there or try to spend some time with everyone.
Or I would work 12 hours and John and I would go over and play raquetball for at least an hour before swimming laps in the pool. You get the idea.

The kids aren't close by but now I have adopted 'half' the neighborhood.
Those 12 and under love coming here to spend time with me.
We have our art class day and now they come knocking at other days to just 'hang out' or help me with chores or 'make something small' ha.

I have to confess I LOVE the company......it breaks up the monotony of all our friends still working full time and not available....and insures my vocabulary and communication skills move beyond trading meows with the cats and kissy kiss noises with the fish!!!

I don't sit in front of the tv and watch 'sporting events' to vent my frustrations like 'what is he thinking?' 'oh sure drop the ball idiot'
The HGTV craft shows don't lend themselves to the same venacular.
Can you imagine.............."What the heck is she doing painting the wall like that.' "Who wants to watch her have fun in that beautiful studio?'
HECK I CAN MAKE THAT Hey what do you know? It actually DOES work......HA!

I have been feeling better because the weather is more stable.....our last snow was June 6th and after all the rain it is warm and sunny. I have been weeding and cleaning.........today I decided to show some of the pics I took over the last few days 'taking time to SLOW down and enjoy the little things in life!!

I do know where I am going but I don't have to do it at 100 miles an hour EVERY minute of every day!

I am amazed at all the honey bees in my gardens when the bachelor buttons are in full bloom. You can actually just sit in the grass nearby and 'hear the hum' as they move from blossom to blossom.
Callie came running onto the deck with this little baby bird. I praised her and she opened her mouth and dropped it........and I picked her up. I hope the little one made it back to the nest. I put her in the flower bed where she could run and hide under lots of 'greenery'.
HMMM Anna has the right idea......just stretch out and NAP.
This is my exercise ball.....but to the kids that come for class.......this is the best kick ball ever....we always take a break from intense crafting to run and squeal and get the kinks out. Callie is in the back ground..she walks the fence every day looking for mice in the field.
I love this picture. I walked out early saturday morning and lifted my face to heaven to 'give thanks to our maker' for granting such a glorious day. I noticed the criss cross of two jet streams and ran for the camera.Within minutes it was dissipated!
Hoping you can all slow down and notice the minute details of the 'fabric' of your lives.

MONDAY CLASS"S BIGGEST PROJECT

2008-06-05T13:49:00.006-07:00

This has been an ongoing project for our monday class. Back in April we started planting seeds. I always think I have everything well organized.

Everything is set up for the girls when they arrive. We have a snack and then get right down to the activity. We often have a 'play break' and they go outside to play kick ball with my large exercise ball.

Planting seeds was more frustrating than I had anticipated but nonetheless got accomplished.

The girls always talk about their days at school but the biggest rule is NO GOSSIP at my house. I think it is not the place for it. I want them to focus on other topics. They have even got so that if someone starts to talk in that direction one or more will pipe up and say "no gossiping'.
I filled bowls with potting soil and had plastic cups with holes in the bottoms for drainage. I told the girls one or two or maybe three seeds per container at THE MOST!. oh well................
a few times i would look up and see an envelope of seeds pouring into a cup at will!! They were also supposed to plant BOTH flowers and veggies.
Later I heard " I only like flowers so that is all I planted." I don't like vegetables" "I only planted peas. " Ha they ALL have veggies in their gardens and we will use my flowers for art projects. I am thinking this summer later when produce is appearing that we should have a luncheon for their mothers using what we have in the garden plus a few other things.

I have been making John save old lumber from our fence. When we had the house fire he removed the fence separating the back yard from the front. They needed to drive trucks in the back as well as the front for various restoration. I told him to save them for me because I had a project in mind. At the time I didn't think I would be 'disabled' and dealing with this intimidating illness. So four years later the wood is being put to use and John is all for it. He made the project happen. I just had the ideas.
Here the wood is being laid out to get an idea of what we want:

John taking care of the measuring and putting together:
This is the side of the yard that is crying for some 'beautification."

The girls dragged the boards from the side of the house and hosed them down to get the dirt and mildew and "EEK a bug a BIG bug' off!

They all had turns to help screw the boards in place:
We have four 12ft by 6 ft raised beds:
We have an ongoing theme of 'recycle, make do and reuse' when we do any project: So we have been saving newspaper and our grass clippings to put down for mulch and to choke out the grass:
Add a dump truck full of dirt: ( oh yeah I didn't think a thing about the sprinkler heads in the yard and he ran over two of them that have to be replaced: ) sorry honey!!

We piled dirt into each garden box and got it all spread out then the girls planted their seeds and the plants that did actually grow: John and I bought them each a tomato plant.
Callie has to be a part of everything we do. She thinks the girls come to play with her!

I also saved a bin of these dreamsicle angels. They were ruined with the heat/smoke from the fire so I salvaged them with the idea of using them in the gardens outside. They too still sat in their bin. Each girl got to pick an angel to wash off and put in her garden area:

Some of the left over dirt for other gardens in the back:
I want to put gravel or rock around each box and in front so we will probably put that on our to do list next pay day. I will take pictures again when that is all done.

Now I am off to start a new project: mosaicing!!! My first project is our mail box.

I will be back to show you before and after pics so cross your fingers for me that it turns out the way I envision it!!!!

MONDAY CLASSES

2008-06-03T09:57:00.004-07:00

Okay I am back with no 'big events' upcoming. We have been back from Hawaii exactly one month. I have no idea where the time goes anymore.

The first two weeks back we were trying to spruce up the yard for Sarah and Ryan's back yard reception. That was two weeks ago and went very very well. We were excited to meet more of Ryan's family. The weather wreaked havoc the entire two weeks preceding this affair but two days before, the sun emerged and the temps went from 50's to 90's in a short three day span!!!
Ever since the weather has been fluctuating between calm and sunny to rain and wind and much cooler temps.

The ever changing barometric pressure is making me crazy. My pain levels are all over the board. Couple that with my need to 'appear and act normal' I have over done it. Today is a day to catch up on blogging and reading or anything 'quiet' until the girls arrive at 3:30.

These are a few of our activities I haven't talked about.

Here we go with 'our' trusty leader...........me.....who got a few blocks into the walk to collect 'found objects' and one of the girls yelled out....."You are wearing two different shoes!!! Every one come look." Ha They WERE both black but definitely not a 'pair'.

my 'little buddies' armed with large ziplock baggies and wearing protective gloves. Tiffany is carry water for everyone in her back pack.
The rules were: no bottles with liquid, no straws, spoons or really 'icky' junk. We walked a mile circuit and I was amazed at how much junk we all collected.
We brought it home and then each girl dumped her loot and selected what she wanted to keep. We then 'washed' stuff off to store for warmer weather.
The girls were so gung ho and we had a few laughs over 'finds'.

We are going to glue or just lay the found objects on a cardboard and then mix plaster of paris and pour over them to make a 3 D relief picture. Before it dries we will add other 'stuffs' on the outside of the plaster. Once that is dry we may add paint or frame them the way they are,

A very easy and fun project was this one: The girls took glue and squirted it out all over their paper (cardstock)

in globs and squiggles. We helped those dry with the aid of a hair dryer or three actually.
Then we used pastel pencils and chalk and crayons. The girls then drew a picture incorporating the glued areas. It was fun and went quickly, depending on how detailed the girls were.

ten party questions

2008-05-25T01:20:00.000-07:00

this is where I do most of my blogging in my studio with all my "stuff'.
I love having a window to look out as I work here.

TEN QUESTIONS :

1.RELATIONSHIP: Married to John. We will celebrate 38 yrs in July.
He is my one and only!
2. CHILDREN: The greatest Joy in my life is being the mother of these wonderful Kids: Ryan 32, Sarah 31, Bethany 29, Brianna 28. They have given us four beautiful and special "other kids" (their spouses Lehua, Ryan, Bryce, and Jason.) The most amazing gift of these children are their own: Nakiah, Sydne, Tovi Joi, Nai'a, Lauryn and the new baby .
John and I love being OMA and OPA. What a special privilege for us.
WE love all of you sooooooo much!!!!

3. PETS: my babies are Callie a calico cat who is my second shadow and Anna a gray black and white tabby who is coming into her own.
I also have a Beta fish: Ben met a premature death while we were gone on vacation. It was not the cats but overfeeding by the neighbor watching him. I now have another beta named by sydne: Gil. He still hides in the bottom of the bowl and hopefully will swim more freely when he is used to me moving around.

4. AGE; I am a 58 yr old. I don't feel that old most of the time and my mind definitely is not that age. I agree with the old 'adage' you are only as old as you let yourself be. I try to stay active as I can within my limitations.
I always stretch my brain matter.
5. STAR SIGN: capricorn.....stubborn as a goat for sure!! heh heh
6. Fave Food: bq'd ribs
7. Fave Drink: flavored coffee, ruby squirt
8. House decor: vintage, shabby chic some victorian mostly a mix of 'fun' arsty stuff.
9). Collections: vintage linens, buttons, jewelry, hands of any material,
hearts, sound objects for art.

10).How did you get into blogging?: I started a blog about living with my RSD and tried to be humerous and light. I then started finding all the blogs that appealed to me at my 'spirit' level and my muse found much more in all the artists and women with such similar interests. I decided that it was more 'live giving' to me to blog about my interests and my art and focus on the most positive aspects of my life rather than about my RSD. I am not my disability.

Thank you Rose for this fun idea for your blog anniversary. Hi to all you new readers. NICE TO MEET YOU.

IT"S A PARTY!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-24T15:59:00.003-07:00

Rachael@ the rose room is having a party!! It is to celebrate her 100th blog entry and gives us all a chance to meet new 'friends'.
Go to her site to get the button and the info.
I will be posting a pic of where I blog from as well as answering the ten questions she has asked us to answer.
This girl knows how to throw a 'great' party so hurry on over. It is going on for 100 hours!!!

KNOCK KNOCK...... WHO'S THERE?

2008-05-20T10:12:00.004-07:00

Last post I mentioned that the first few days back from Hawaii were pretty bizarre. Evander had been here about an hour visiting. He left and we were watching TV when the doorbell rang once again.

Standing there was a young lady---late 20's or 30---- a tall blonde greasy hair, tear stained face, ultra sheer top, baggy jeans and dirty bare feet.

She looked at John and the conversation was like this:

blonde: I want to talk to my husband

John: Ummm he isn't here.

blonde: Oh yes he is. I followed him over here and saw him go in.

John: I am sorry but it is just my wife and I in here.

blonde: you're lying I know he is in there.

Me at the door now: Hi does your husband come here often?

blonde: no but he went in here.

John: You are welcome to come in and look around. No one else is here.

she keeps looking toward the field by our house and acting so strange. She looks like she is going to burst into tears.

blonde: I came here because I saw your pretty cat and she looked well cared for. I thought it would be safe here.

John and I: come in please. IT is safe here. It is really okay.

After much encouragement she came in. John introduces us and asks her name.

'stephanie' then she gives two different last names.
john: what's your husband's name?
stephanie: ryan no............ adam................
we can smell no alcohol on her breath. Her top shows every 'little' mole and other appendages through it. She keeps covering her breasts with her hands.

me: please come in we can help you call someone to help you.
she tells us she was outside and a man was following here and grabbing at her. She bursts into tears now.

We lead her into the family room and john offers her a glass of water.
I grab the phone and head to the bedroom and call 911
911: state your emergency
me: I am sorry but an adult lady showed up at our door and she is either high on drugs or is mentally ill and hasn't taken enough! She needs to be somewhere safe and we do not know where that is. She looks and acts very confused.
911 then asked for a description, asked for my full name and patched me through to a deputy. They are on their way.

Back to the living room with a sweater for 'stephanie'.
John looks relieved. We start talking again and then we get out of her that she was at a nearby restaurant. She again starts talking about the man following her and grabbing for her.
John grabs a jacket and goes out the door.

me: how long have you been married stephanie?

stephanie: a few months well we aren't married but we have been together a very long time.
me: how long is that?
stephanie: a few weeks
me: I see. where do you live?
she tells me she lives on the corner of two parallel streets that do not intersect anywhere.

I have her call her 'husband" She picks up the phone and dials three numbers then lays the phone down on the table.
See? they aren't answering me. They know it's me. They never want to talk to me.
The door bell rings and the deputy sheriff shows up.
Stephanie is visibly upset to see him
what the hell is he doing here?
me: stephanie this is my friend mark. I called him because you need to be some where safe and I do not know where that is. He is going to help me find out where we can take you.

She moves closer to me and he sits down across from her.
I explain we know she came from the rancho viejo down the road. So she has walked through muddy fields to get to our house.

officer: where are your shoes?
stephanie: they took me outside and kept them
officer: who is 'them"
stephanie: the mean people. I couldn't help it. I went into the bathroom and you have two chains you can pull. I must have pulled the wrong one.
I pulled it and the sign came down that said ; you are now pregnant.
I started crying a lot. I don't want to be pregnant. I'm not even married.

me: do you have a husband stephanie?
stephanie: yes you know I do. I already told you that.
officer: what is his name?
stephanie: uhhhh ryan
officer: did they cut you off at rancho?
stephanie: I didn't even have a drink. I came out of the bathroom crying because I didn't want to be pregnant and they made me leave.
me: do you have a purse or wallet?
stephanie looking around the room: Yes you took it away from me.
me: stephanie you had nothing with you when you arrived here. could it be at the restaurant?

stephanie: no yes maybe

officer: stephanie we have to take you somewhere safe. This nice lady wants to go to bed it 's late. Where can we take you?

stephanie: can't you just drive up and down a street and if i see something familiar you can let me out?

officer: no ma'am I can't do that.
me: do you have family here stephanie?
stephanie: yes my father lives at newman lake.
officer: well that is a little out of my area but I guess I can take you to your father's.
stephanie starting to get up.
me: why don't you call your father and make sure he is home. That way we know it is okay to take you there.
stephanie takes the phone from me and dials two numbers and puts the phone down. She picks it up and dials two more and then again lays it down on the table.

she looks at both of us and says: see he is home. He just doesn't want to talk to me. I only call him when I am in trouble and he knows it's me.

The officer looks at me and rolls his eyes!!
about that time John walks in, the officer is guarded until I tell him it is my husband.

John: I went outside and all around the yard then went to the end of the drive at the fence and there was a guy standing there just watching the house. He is Mexican and about your size. He saw me then quickly walked off. I followed him through the fields and down the street to the rancho building. He turned down one side of it and stopped when I still followed.
He did not seem to understand or speak much english.
He said no when I kept asking him if he had been following that girl and he had a rancho shirt on. He said he bought it and did not work there.

He kept pointing to a red car in the parking lot and the license plate number is. and then he recited the number.
he also had a sack with him. He said he went into the restaurant and asked about the blonde girl. Everyone wanted to hear what had happened and where she was etc.

They told john she was alone and never was with anyone when she entered. She went into the bathroom and then came out crying and yelling and then started stripping right there in public. She said she was pregnant and had to get rid of it.

They tried to calm her down and get her to stop. They got her sheer top back on her and then escorted her out of the building.

The police officer called for back up and then for a trace on the license plate number.
officer: tell me your name
stephanie: ummmmmmmm stephanie
last name?
stephanie: i don't have one that i remember
john" wasn't it hodgkins?
she shoots john a glare and agrees.
officer: i need your birth date
stephanie gives him one that makes her 24 she looks much older so am thinking she has had to have had a pretty rough life to look like this at 24 or she is just lying.

The officer mouths something to me and I shake my head. He then writes 'warrants!" on a piece of paper. auhhhhhhhh i get it now.
officer: Stephanie we are going to take you to a safe place to spend the night. Let's go.
she goes with him out side then half way across the grass. Another unmarked car barrels up with out headlights and parks behind the first car.

She panics and wants to come back to me "she is safe i feel safe with her."
I tell her it is okay to go with mark. So she does. The other officer gets out and towers over them both. He says something then she gets angry and he must have read her her rights. They hand cuff her and start yelling at her to give them her 'real' birth date.

John and I go inside and when we check in a half hour both vehicles are still parked there. An hour later they remain.
90 minutes later they are gone.

The next afternoon the neighbor's daughter shows up at the door
come and tell Mom and ryan ( her grandson) who that woman was.
I go across the street with Maria and enter Angie's house.
Her great grandson is 17. They listen as I relate the story.
ryan: did she have a package of cookies?
me: what? cookies?
ryan: yeah I was moving stuff from the pickup to my new car and I left my door unlocked. I went back outside and everything had been rifled through and thrown all over the car. The only thing missing was a package of cookies I bought for my mom.
me: nope no cookies barely all of her clothes no crumbs on her mouth.
angie 80 is spanish and grew up in spain. She still has a very thick accent. she is about 4 ft tall and a spitfire.
angie: I tell ryan he no change cars in the dark. Some one think he steal and they call the cops. He goes back outside and then I go to the door.
angie: Ryan Ryan you should not do that at night. Some one gonna call the cops on you!
IN the meantime ryan notices the cops and the yelling about a birth date and thinks someone called the cops on him. He is talking to his mom on his cell phone.
his mom tells him to walk over to the police and she will talk to them.
in the meantime angie yells again

angie ryan come in before you get in trouble and they call the cops.
ryan: it is okay grandma the cops are already here.
cops: who is that
ryan: my great grandmother
angie: You leave my ryan alone he is a good boy.
ryan: grandma it is ok go back into the house.
the police tell him he is fine and this has nothing to do with him. He asks his mom to call great grandma and calm her down.
so that was the second night we were home!!! can you believe it?

At one point it crossed both of our minds that this could be a 'setup' to be robbed or worse but it was nothing like that. Our adult children were all'
'why didn't you leave her on the porch and call the police?"

John and I are not like that. I think we are so helpful we just go into 'action' and do what needs to be done. She looked and acted so lost and confused we couldn't just leave her out there.
One of the neighbors offered to come over the next night and ring the bell at bed time and see if he could keep us 'in the swing of more events'.

We asked several friends and family members how they would have responded. Not one of them said they would have had her come in to heir house. They would also not go looking to see if anyone was following her let alone follow the guy.
Has this ever happened to any of you? How do you think you would have reacted had it been someone at your door?

WHILE YOU WERE OUT!!

2008-05-12T12:45:00.003-07:00

HI everyone! We have been back from hawaii for a week. The week back has been one of reacclimating from 85 degrees and high humidity to 40's and 50's with rain and wind!! Too much of a change for me. OUCH!

This coming saturday... May 17th... we are hosting a Spokane reception for Sarah and Ryan for all those friends and relatives who were unable to join us in Hawaii. The weather has thwarted our mad rush to make our yard presentable. The weatherman is prediciting temps in the mid to high 80's by friday. Today it is 52 with rain for today and tomorrow. I am weeding between rain sprinkles. eyyych.

The past week has been very interesting and most bizzare. The second night we were home a few friends wanted me to join them at a nearby casino for dinner and celebrating a fellow nurses' 'divorce'. John had mowed the lawn for three hours it was so high and we have a large large yard. He was too tired to move.

My friends said they would bring me home if I could find a way there so we decided I could just take a taxi cab. No problem

He arrived to pick me up and I jumped in the front seat. The conversation was as follows.

:hi i am larry.
Hi thank you for picking me up.: I was just here last week. This is beginning to become a habit.
THIS HOUSE? LAST WEEK?: Yep You have a beautiful daughter. I am not sure which one she was but they were all beautiful!
: AT THIS HOUSE?:Oh yeah it was this house all right. I am sorry to tell you though there were five girls and they were drunk on their asses.
UMMM (trying to compose myself) We have been on VACATION the last two weeks in HAWAII. ALL of OUR daughters are married and some with children.: hooooy boyyyyy some one is in deep doo doo. Sorry but I can't lie. My super was on a ride along with me for my eval. Let me get her on the phone.
::Hi i am larry's supervisor. He just told me you weren't home when we did the pick up? Yeah five girls a few russian... dressed for the prom but sorry to say drunk as all get out.
:Yeah see I told you I wasn't lying.
Oh ummm man alive.
::Oh yeah did he tell you the call came for a pick up down the street from you?
But when we got there the house was all dark and there were a few boys down the street hooting and whistling and trying to flag us down.
: Hey we are going to drive right by it right here on the right. This one with all the cars..............the kids said they gave their buddy's address because they had no idea where they were staying. It was almost 4 am.

with a sinking feeling I looked at the house of our neighbors. Evander...17....visiting us since he was 7, eating dinners with us as often as he can..... wonderful parents and two of his sisters come to our house every monday for 'art day'. Evander the young man we have followed for ten years and attended games and what not in his activities. We had discussed with him and his parents if he thought he could feed our cats every evening and Ben the beta fish.

No problem. well I am now really upset with the news.
We had talked about just talking to evander about the incident but then we thought it should be discussed with his parents. It wasn't something little enough to disregard their knowledge. So i talked to his mom that next day. She was so devastated and embarassed. His Dad works out of town. He called us long distance and was also disappointed and embarassed.

John and I felt so bad for them. We didn't want them to feel like that but as all parents know, our kids aren't perfect. We as adults aren't perfect. We still make wrong choices and have to be accountable. None of us are exempt from a lapse in judgement.

Our kids know we had a few 'incidents' in their teen years. We can laugh about them now at least most of them. But we had to 'parent' within the scope of our values and skills and hope we were handling it the right way. Only they can say if we did or not.

That was Monday. Both parents asked us to wait to say anything to Evander until his dad came home this past weekend. They wanted to handle it as a united front and in person. So we had no problem with that.

Monday night Evander showed up and John paid him. He then joined us for dinner. We had a great visit sharing the wedding and vacation in hawaii and he caught us up on his track and field efforts. It was the usual when he is here. He said he had hoped it was okay his sisters were here playing with the cats while he was here. No that was fine. He said he hoped it was okay he watched tv while he was here. That was fine too.

When he left we laughed to each other and John said 'that pooooor kid. He will be completely 'blindsided'. hmmm tooo much 'survivor"? HA

This Saturday afternoon Evander walked into the yard---all 6'4' crying. He was here to apologize and talk to us. We brought him in the house away from prying little sisters and other neighbor kids. None of them know about it.

He was so sorry and so upset. He tried to give us back the money we paid him and John would hear none of that. He said evander you did the job we asked you to do.
You keep it."

He explained that his cousin and best friend knew he was house sitting and it was prom night. A bunch of them wanted to go somewhere and 'hang out'.
He kept saying 'no' then they were all egging him about 'no one will know etc.' He said he gave into the peer pressure.

He said all they did was come here and watch movies. The kids that were drunk had been drinking all night and they did not drink here. One boy brough a bag of liquor and evander said they couldn't drink here so they went outside.

Evander and his cousin both signed a no drinking /drug contract with the high school because they are both athletes. IF you break the contract your out of sports.

He takes his sports and his promise to not drink to heart. He told us everything they did or didn't do and we believe him. There was no reason to lie now. He said he had wanted to tell us a million times that monday night but he was too afraid.

We agreed he broke our trust and hurt us by not telling us. we just tried to encourage him to be honest with his parents, to seek their forgiveness and really show them he was sorry and would regain their trust.

We assured him things had not changed with us. We still love him and his family and we always know he is a very good person inside. We talked about our kids ... sorry kids... ha ... and how we know how it is to take advantage of not having parents (or neighbors) at home and how easy you can fall into making a not so wise decision.

It was such a random thing to call a cab and have it be the same one who picked the girls up. OH yes they were mostly exchange students. We told Evander that he was supposed to be found out. We also said that parents are supposed to teach their kids and each other about accountability. He said he was so glad he was 'caught'. He was having a terrible guilt problem and he felt so much better that his parents and us knew.

I tried to make a joke about how 'I was going to hang a whip on the front door because your Dad came by this morning and talked with us. We knew you were coming today.'

He lookead even more stricken and said "I was so scared walking down here that would have scared me even more." I told him Evander, you have to look for the humor in anything and everything no matter how awful it seems at the time. It may not feel funny but it helps you cope. (That is how I have coped with my life as a nurse in the field I was in. It is how I am coping with my disability.)

He offered to come down and help with the yard work before he goes to regionals this weekend. We gave him hugs and he cried even harder.

Evander is still a kid with great substance. He reminds us of our own children. He has a good heart and he tries so hard. He will turn out like ours.......very productive honest caring adults. ANd he will teach his children to be the same.

If anything we have strengthened our bond with him and his family. But isn't that what we are supposed to be about in the first place?

A Beautiful Wedding

2008-04-29T23:37:00.003-07:00

On Saturday April 26th our Oldest daughter and last child was married to her best friend!!! We are still in Hawaii.
Here are four of the five flower girls---all of our sweet grand daughters.
I was so happy to be able to make their dresses and think they turned out very well! Ryan and Sarah!!
Sarah with her bridesmaids and flower girls. The last two on the right are our daughters Bethany and Brianna.
Mom and Dad with the Bride!!
The day was cloudy and there is a lot of "VOG" which is smog from the active volcano's eruption of gases. The locals say this hasn't happened since the early 20's. But all the sunshine was on the beach anyway!

The ceremony was beautiful and very special. Ryan's family all made it from Alaska and all of our children and spouses and girls were here as well as my Mom and my sister in law.

We keep saying "all our children are married" Each and every one of them have all married such amazing partners. They all complement each other so well. . We are so very blessed. Then you add in the grand daughters and we can't say enough about how much we love them.

We spent the entire first week all together in a big house across from the beach.
I will post more on our family week together and preparation for the wedding.
In the meantime we are enjoying the last few days of our vacation and are relaxing and enjoying each other's company.

No ONE GOT SICK OR BURNED!!

2008-04-09T11:59:00.004-07:00

Monday was our weekly gathering of the "Li'l Artists". They get to choose a project once a month. They wanted to bake their own cakes and cupcakes and decorate them.
Okay, in my mind's eye, I saw pretty decorated cakes with lots of pretty trim and flowers etc made from icing. I have had to keep reminding myself this is the kids' work. They need to explore and do what they need to do.
keeping up with the rule "this is YOUR ART you need to make it the way it feels right to you. Don't worry about what anyone else is doing." So off we went.
There were nine members this week--we have picked up another girl who changed the dynamics drastically with her presence. She needs a lot of TLC so I think she is in the right place.

I had plied the table the day before with my little helper's aid. We had icing, icing tint, decorating tubes and tips, a gazillion sprinkles, dum dum suckers, candy melts, walnuts, coconut, almonds, choc chips etc.

When the girls and Cameron arrived they all rushed to the bathroom to wash their hands. We had two mixers going constantly and lots of chatter. I had everyone remember to read the directions before they did anything!!
I let everyone do their own measuring and mixing and helped a few with pouring. There were some interesting color tints to the batter and lots of color tints to the cans of frosting they brought!!!
Winter did not want any frosting at all on her cupcakes. She said most of her family did not like it or if they did she would let them frosting them themselves.........she did one for herself.
Macey was making her cake for her mom and did not want to ice the sides.
She is an only child and everything is for her mom. In the end her friends encouraged her to add frosting to the sides.
these two cakes were very trying actually. Tiffany wanted a double layer cake. Sure we can do that. She mixed and measured and put her cakes in the oven. Ten minutes later she was telling me about how one is cherry chip and one is strawberry. I caught the fact she had made TWO separate cake mixes and poured each batter into just ONE 9' inch round pan. About that time half the girls were in the kitchen yelling "There is a fire in the oven!! Quick it is pouring smoke!"
John was home by now and he rushed in and I met him at the oven. I hit the fan and someone opened the slider and kitchen window. The batter was spilling over onto the oven elements and catching fire sending smoke out.

So we carefully turned the pans away from the elements so they would drip onto the foil lining the bottom of the oven. We tried to keep it cool and calm and also remember Tif's feelings. I think she felt really bad.
Her Mom had told her to make them that way. After we got that taken care of she remembered she had forgot to spray her pans!!!!!!!!!! I felt so bad. I had no extra cake mixes to let her start over.

Then while I was helping someone else she decided her cakes had cooled enough. She was in tears when half her cake lay on her carboard base in pieces and the rest was stuck to the pan. So we worked it out as best we could. We managed to make two separate layers......not the two layer she had really wanted. We sort of used the frosting to glue the crumbs together and then she decorated them with chocolate icing and other stuff. Someone had decided to not use their strawberries they brought so she used those.

It was a good lesson to pay attention to the directions and to try to repair what went wrong. She is such a hard worker and supporter of everyone else. I loved how they all rallied around her buoying her up with ideas and stories of their own 'not so perfect baking incidents.'

John is the greatest. He cut out cardboard and covered it with foil so the kids had something to put their cupcakes and cakes on to get them home.
He is sooo supportive of the kids and especially me.

It is cute when he pulls up from work. There will be a call that echoes around the house "John's home John's home" They all think he is great too.
He talks to all of them and always complements whatever they are doing.

These are Tiffany's cakes.

When they had all left John said he hoped the parents would appreciate all the work the kids did and eat their stuff no matter what it looked like!!

Serena made one batch of cupcakes and one small cake. Everyone loved using the dum dum suckers!
Mikyla made an M for herself. She is very withdrawn and when her parents show up she stops any talking at all.
Everyone busy at work.
yellow cake mix is disquised with icing tint to become turquoise.
they are topped with blue coolwhip and pineapple frosting and a dum dum of course.

Cameron is the only boy right now. He is a 'let's get to and get it done kind of guy".
His cake got frostened on the top and then he added a liberal 'dump' of chocolate sprinkles and said I'm done can I go home now?" His grandma lives across the street. So I carried it over for him.
Big sister Gabi wanted a sheet cake and she tinted her frosting coral.
serena couldn't quite get the hang of filling her cupcake holders 2/3 full but she was very proud of them!!

IN two and a half hours we baked 6 cakes and 3 double sets of cupcakes.

They were decorated and iced and out the door. I wanted to change my name half way through and I remembered the good old days when it was 'mommy mommy mommy' and it made me smile so big. Serena always likes to pat my arm while she is trying to get my attention.

I was proud of the fact girls could put their cakes in the oven and remove them without anyone getting burned. It is three days later and I HAVEN'T heard that anyone got sick from their baking. I know they all had a good time. I was exhausted but I keep smiling when I think about the fun and the stuff that went out the door.

Adding New Dimensions To My Life!!

2008-04-06T17:18:00.006-07:00

HI Everyone!! I certainly hope that Spring is showing up in some parts of the world!! We have had snow almost every day this past week. It is wet and melts by the end of the day and then starts all over again.

I wanted to share some photos with all of you.

I have missed working with children so much since I haven't been able to work. It has taken me several years to come to terms with the fact I won't be returning to gainful employment.

I LOVE kids and our grand daughters are all so far away. I miss them terribly. There are some neighbor kids who seem to keep flocking to my door to visit. They always want to 'make something'. But they were coming several times a week and staying several hours. I was gettting tired but I Loved every minute of it.

Bethany, one of our daughters, suggested I have an art class one specific day a week. Every Monday for the past 6 weeks I have been holding 'ART DAY here at the house. I have 8 children from 6-11. One boy comes with his sister. They are very familiar with our house and myself. They spent all last summer playing with our two grand daughters when they were living with us.
The kids picked their own name... Li'l Artists.......and we wrote up a list of rules. They decided on most of them....... like....... don't criticize your own art; don't criticize someone else's; be respectful to each other, don't waste supplies, respect ME and my cats--and always be nice to John when he comes home.......isn't that cute? We have about 15.

The parents got a list of the rules as well as rotations for who brings a snack when.
I love each and every one of the girls. I have some who are very artistic/creative and some who want to make a bunch of something and hurry through their projects not caring what they really look like.

I truly think two of them are in 'at risk' families so I am happy to be a "new ear' for them.
Every week I have a new project and no one has complained about anything we have done yet. My big goal for the summer, when they will come longer hours, is that they have a garden in our back yard. Our yard is huge and I am going to make a big area for them. Tomorrow we are planting flower and veggie seeds indoors. Then when we come back from Hawaii, we will plant outdoors. Each child will have their own area in the garden. They will weed for 15 minutes each week when they arrive. When their flowers bloom they can come and pick them any time. We will dry some of them for future projects.
When the veggies are ripe they can also come and pick them to share with their families.
This past week the kids were on Spring Break from school. They brought pictures of their Moms or themselves to give their Moms a gift for Mother's Day. I copied the pictures then we glued them to card stock. I had several dress patterns for them to trace. Then they picked out fabric and doo dads and what nots. In between we took a break and made brownies.
Macey did her family. Isn't that sweet?
Everyone got a turn in the kitchen.

We spent one class working with fimo and sculpting animals.

Pretty paper flowers were this project. Many of them p icked the colors of their rooms so they could put them in there.

Two weeks ago it was actually nice out and no snow!! They love taking a break and running laps in our back yard!!! Go figure!!
We decoupaged cigar boxes and the girls really liked that. My motto is "IF you aren't making a mess, you aren't having enough fun!"
Oscar came with his two cousins and made this doll of his mom. He drew the heart on her chest and said "my mom's heart is full of love for me."

I wanted to cry he was so emphatic. He will visit occasionally in the summer.

I supply all the stuff that is needed for projects and sent a list parents could donate if they want. Or they can send cash donations for 'stuff'. I have received $5 so far and two moms sent small bins of useful 'what nots'. I know several cannot afford to pay and I do not need the money. I am doing this to give something back to my community and to work with the kids. I am getting as much out of this as they are.

The girls work hard when they are here and hate to go home. Every Sunday since we started there is always someone who comes over to help me set up for Monday. They all help with clean up.

Tomorrow everyone is bringing a cake mix or ingredients to make a cake or cupcakes and frosting. I have decorating tips and all kinds of sprinkles and choc chips and lollipops walnuts, etc. I also have icing tints so they can color some of their frosting to put all sorts of fancy stuff on their baked goods.

I am also taking pictures as I am able every week. We are going to make our own scrapbooks and I will make copies for each of the girls to put in her own book.
John tells me I am much more animated on Mondays and that is a good thing. I have this to look forward to every week. I also have to make a sample of whatever we are doing to show the girls so that keeps me experimenting.

I have several mother tell me in person or over the phone that their kids LOVE being here and taking part in so many fun projects. They think it is wonderful to have a place to come and be creative. Their schools have cut way back on art.

Last week we went for a long walk--me with my walker and slow gait--but they just take it for granted and it isn't a big deal. We picked up 'found objects' came home and washed them all and will make a special project with those items and plaster of paris next week.

I will keep you updated on how it is going. I am especially excited about the garden. I will be sure and post pics when it is all planted.

Robins are chirping in the trees and I had John put up three birdhouses.
SO far they are unoccupied. We have had a wren family in one of them every year the past three years so I do hope they will return once again.
Sending Big HUGS to all of you!!!

I think Mother Nature is really in Bermuda and other things

2008-03-29T12:06:00.008-07:00

Last week we actually had grass and NO SNOW. Spring sprung ten days ago with snow flurries and cold cold temps.........not nice. Then the snowfall melted every day for three days after it snowed all morning. Where the heck is Mother Nature? I honestly think she is bathing in Bermuda where it is very warm and relaxing. I picture her by the pool side or lounging on the beach with a drink in one hand. Young handsome men are waving large palm leaves above her to stimulate a nice cool breeze while even more handsome men feed her succulent fruit.
What about us in the upper half of the US??
Instead of lounging by the tropical ocean we are mired in fresh fallen snow!! It dumped 4-5" in our yard last night!!! Who cares if it is now melting? It is insulting to say the least.

I want to go out and rake pine needles and leaves off my rose bushes and clean out my flower beds!! I want to take a walk in the sunshine instead of huddling inside watching the wind carry debris down the street and swirling snow over the tulip leaves!! My sweet little crocuses are now buried under the snow. IT is actually supposed to snow the next three days and warm up to 50 plus by mid week.

poor tulip leaves and where did the crocus go??

I have done some swaps in the last few months so thought I had better acknowledge my partners and show what I have been making as well.

Vivian of vivoutonawhim held a "Beat the Winter Blues" Doll swap.
I sent this little garden angel to my partner Melissa. She knew I loved hearts so sent me this 'heartfelt' sweetie.! Thank you Melissa.
I also got some very pretty buttons from Melissa. I can't wait to use them.

YOU LIGHT UP MY LIFE SWAP sponsored by Kai was a lot of fun.

My partner was Courtney. She made this beautiful quiltet wall hanging for me. A lot of work went into thread embroidery, beading and ribbon embroidery. It is hanging here in my studio. Thank you once again Courtney!!!
I made this doll for Courtney.... SOL SALLY. I had fun making her and her little sun faces!!
She has a clay face and cloth body with different adornments.

Then there was the Sweet Little Nest Swap by Heather from the speckled egg.

My partner was Kai from the partyinkai'shead. She is so fun and energetic. I happened on this brand new bird cage in the local goodwill!!

It still had the original tags on it. There is a battery and a button on the bottom that you turn on. The bird is then voice activated to sing and tra la la as often as you want.

At the same good will I found these darling little resin garden fairies and branches of leaves and flowers. Of course the red and black (kai's fav colors) came from thrifting. Everything happened to be on the same two shelves!!!!
I painted a candle stand and glued the feather boa all around the base of the candle and the base of the bird cage. Then I attached the fairy and leaves and berries as well.

The blue and black and white bird turns as it sings. The fairy is offering him an extended hand holding a berry.
I can't even begin to list all the stuff Kai sent me. She sent me baskets inside more baskets. Each and every one so sweet!!!!

She sent me a big bright pink basket that held all the goodies. I got lots and lots of pink ribbons!!
a sweet lamb bowl--it is just so cute .

a small bird nest with a heart!! oh shucks!!
another small basket of goodies and nesting things. She also made me a beautiful book for journaling with a clay face on the front. I think I opned packages for a good half hour. THank you Kai!!! Your gifts were perfect and so generous!!!!

EASTER is EARLY

2008-03-20T10:44:00.004-07:00

I am really alive here in the northwest. I had the beautiful privilege of spending about ten days on the coast visiting our children and grandchildren. What a blessing that always is.! Sydne Bean is almost 5. She is enjoying a strawberry while working on the birdhouse she spied at Oma's house.
Opa is pink heaven with all his little girls. We are missing Nakiah and Tovi Joi who are in the northeast for a few years. We miss all of you!!
Lauryn is 14 months; Nai'a brought her mommy and daddy back from Hawaii to live on the coast again!!! WooHOO we are so happy to have them back!!! Nai'a is 2. Then Sydne again.....she loves to hold her daddy's and Opa's ear lobes!!!

Lauryn is eating hardboiled eggs and lemon! Forget dyeing!
Projects with oma. They love doing things with me!

whEE This 'painting' eggs is fun!
The egg hunt in progress.

I think I can fit one more in here!!!
Look auntie sarah!

Yum Marshmallow Hello Kitty!

Found another one!
Look Oma! How fun is this?

Digging into the loot!

What a great time...we shared family dinners and family talks, lots of stories with the girls, playing, laughing, projects, movies, working on wedding stuff.... I was in heaven !!! Thank you everyone for letting me hang out with all of you.....Opa too. You know what a JOY you all are!!

Oh My!! I own a fish!!!!

2008-02-28T10:44:00.002-08:00

EEEK as of last week I now am the 'mother' of a fish!!! Thanks to my dear friend Megan!! She decided I needed one. Then she had the nerve to tell the fish that I was going to give it a very good environment; that I was a 'wonderful' fish mommy etc.

How can I decline the fish now?? I don't want to lose my credibility in the 'fish' community. How would that look? 'Hey did you hear about that lady that refused one of 'ours' a place in her home? Who does she THINK she is? She can eat our cousins but she can't give any of us little guys a place to live free of harm?"

That is a tough one for sure! I had to keep my good standing --who knows there may be a special 'pet fish owner' award! You know how I like awards. I told Megan that John would freak when he realized he is 'parent' to a fish. Her comment was "I am not afraid of John."
You all know what a tough guy he is!! HA!!

I called our oldest grand daughter Nakiah. She is 6. It was her turn to name a new pet. Her first choice was Lenny Nettix. "Then Oma we can call him Ben for a nickname."

So please meet Ben the Blue Beta!!
John told Megan he is looking for a new Housekeeper.....one who IS afraid of him!! He just shook his head and said he was not cleaning the bowl. I think I said the same thing. Megan said she will do it when she cleans once a week.
Anna LOVES LOVES LOVES Ben

she pats the sides of the bowl when the fish is swimming trying to get him.
She will put her head and face in the bowl but hates to get her whiskers wet so that doesn't last long.
this is her favorite viewing position. Freaks John out but I see she can't stand to put her face or paws in the water so so far it's just a game.
Hmmmmmm I am thinking here that the pet fish community will place me on the bottom of their popularity polls after they see these pictures. If there is any award given out after these pictures get out there, it will be more like: WANTED WELL BITTEN OWNER OF BEN THE BLUE BETA. HE HAS BEEN IN THERAPY FOR POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER. THAT #@!!* fish owner subjected poor Ben to the daily cat and fish game......that has to be the cruelest activity since the legendary Cat and Mouse game!!

hope this brings some smiles today!!!!

IT IS FINISHED WAHOOO!!!!

2008-02-24T11:55:00.005-08:00

Good Morning friends and family! At last! My studio is done done done.
you might want to grab a snack and drink of your choice to read this post!
John helped me empty my studio ...............most of it in the dining room...the table is covered, not to mention the floor around it!
Empty now and ready for the beautiful table!!

oh yes...can't forget all the junk piled on the kitchen table as well!
and the floor! John keeps telling me I need a separate building.

Here is one wall.....I took old apple boxes that belonged to John's great auntie and uncle and made them into bookcases. The shelf on the right my brother Neil made in jr high. He has traveled most of his life for his job so it is in my safe keeping until he retires now.

I made the throw pillows for the grand daughters when they come to visit.

They are also for my little neighbor friends that come to the door and ask if they can go in my studio and 'make art'.

This is a close up of the hearts and paper dress swaps I have participated in. I will keep adding to it until it is full. It hangs over my table.
My beautiful work table. John built it from wall to wall. It is ten feet in length and four feet wide. I have room for all of my drawing supplies plus some of my jars of 'junk' or 'stuff'.
another wall under my small tv. When we moved back in after the fire John insisted I get one so I can watch the hgtv and diy channels when I am in here working away. We also attached it to the wall so I would have more work or storage surface. It is perfect. I can always watch my shows in here when sports are on the big screen in the family room.
John bought me this cabinet and shelf unit and then put it together. I have all my big stuff in here like pasta machine for pressing clay, my hair dryer, small electric tools, light box etc. The drawers are full of my vintage doilies and lace etc. More pillows............

A view from the doorway. I bought the fabric for the table skirt but all the trims came from my stash. Remember when I would reorganize and rearrange my studio every month? I would tell John every time I LOVE it this way and he would just groan and say, 'yeah you do......until the next time you take everything out and put it back together again.'

This time I am sort of prevented to do that any more. With the table built in I can't do much moving around ha!!! Besides I really really really like it the way it is.....................all those other rearrangements were practice for the final arrangement. REALLY!!! I PROMISE!!

another view of 'stuff' the dog painting on the left was a commissioned painting of my special aunt and uncle's dogs. They were their 'children' and meant the world to them. They have long been deceased and I miss them still. My aunt's best friend and I go to lunch or coffee every month and Gwen gave this to me the last time we met. My aunt had given this to her before her death. I am very touched to have it in my posession.
My table top is 36" high so it provides so much storage underneath. I have organized and sorted lots of 'stuff' in rolling drawers. It is so easy to just roll them out to get to what I need. I have them three deep under here and am in the process of making labels with my dymo gun.
I love the skirt. It looks like ticking with small roses. All the trim was from my stash.
I had bifold doors on the closet and had John remove them. Then I took an old chenille bedspread from my stash and attached it to a shower curtain spring rod, added trim and cut it up the middle for a very nice closet curtain. I have wall to wall shelves in there as well for more stash.

I found an adjustable chair at Staples that will go high enough for the table. I ordered it in PLUM more of a pinkish than true plum but it will be perfect in here!! I can't wait to get it. Because it wasn't black or blue it is considered a special order item so may take another week to get it.

I am content to wait. I will have to put my sewing machine foot on a small stool to sew at this table but it will be fine. I also have the dining room table or kitchen table to sew on as well. Doing it in here confines the mess to just this room though.

I orginally put liquid acrylic on the top of the table. The first section dried in two days and I love it. The middle section I put on in all the snowstorms. It did not dry in some areas!!! two months later it is still wet!!! I called the manufacturer and was told it was because there was too much humidity and now it might not ever 'set'. I could 'scrape' it off and start over. Forget that. First of all it would destroy some of the pictures and notes from my grand daughters and John. Secondly, it would be a huge mess and a huge hassle.

I called the local glass shop and ordered a piece of glass 3ft x 5ft. It is a perfect surface and a big enough area to work very well in.

I think John is as excited as I am that it is now all put back together and I am working in it. I absolutely love it and him for being so involved in my creativity. He wants it perfect for me. He keeps saying 'now if you just had your chair honey....." isn't he the sweetest?

Of course all my 'art and creative stuff' is not just in this room. Oh no, I am sure I am like many of you. We have so much 'STUFF" we have to find other places to store it. I am using bins on shelves in the laundry room and one bedroom in the basement houses big bins of fabric, old cutter quilts and old clothing meant for dolls and vintage reproduction victorian ornaments. Most of those were salvaged when we had our fire. They were in one of the two rooms that were not damaged. So that was an extra gift to have those still.

When I finish the latest swaps I am in then I have to get serious about sitting down and making 'STUFF" to try to use up most of the stored

stash I have in the basement. I promised myself I cannot buy anything more like that until I make what I have up into saleable, swappable, or gift -able items. Hmm is that really a word giftable? I think if you consider yourself an artist of any medium you can make any word fit your need. Right? Ha!!

ahummmm...and that last comment about not 'gathering' any more of the old quilts, clothing etc .......................I am sure if I see a REAL bargain I just CAN"T pass up I will have to make an exception and buy it!

I mean......after all.......how could I just leave it for someone else who might make the most beautiful things out of the item? AND garage sale weather is coming soon so I have to keep that little option open.

okay I am off to 'create' beautiful things in my beautiful room. I hope today brings all of you sunshine......from without.....or within......and happy creating.

Bug Bug Go Away Plus a Tag & An Award

2008-02-18T17:42:00.006-08:00

Hi Everyone. I have missed you all and am way behind in blog visiting.
I have had a nasty 'bug' for the last 6 days and have really felt punk. While away from the computer I received a TAG as well as an AWARD so I will start with those.
Alison from Creative Art and Craft has tagged about swaps so here goes:

1. What was your first swap?
My first swap was the 'bits and pieces' swap. We took a 9 x12" canvas and marked it into 12 squares. Then we filled the squares with 'bits' and 'pieces' of 'stuff.' I had the lovely Natasha from Artistic Creations for my partner.

2. What has been your favorite swap and why?
I honestly don't have a favorite swap. All the swaps I have been in have been fun. They have pushed my creative abilities to new depths and they have brought me so many new and wonderful friends. I actually am disappointed now when I miss a swap I didn't see until too late!!!
I think you can call it being a 'swapaholic'.

3. What has been your least favorite swap and why?
I don't have a least favorite yet. I have enjoyed all of them and don't think there will be a least favorite. I look at each of them as a challenge and a chance to learn something new.

4.What have you tried for the first time as a part of a swap?
I have tried a lot of things for the first time--the bits and pieces swap, the tussie mussies, paper dresses, altered art, tiaras, etc. With each swap I have been so excited to have learned a new technique and to make a new friend!

5. What would your fantasy swap be?.
Hmmm I would really have to think about that one. I am not sure. I think it would have to include victorian emphemera, the color pink or red and lots of doodads.

This has taken me so long to answer and put on my blog I won't pass it on but if anyone wants to grab it and go for it you are very welcome!!!

AWARD:

Barbara from 123lavendarlollipoplane made this award up herself:

She LOVES glitter and will glitter anything that does not move!! No I take that back------------she will glitter ANYTHING grandchildren included.

I SPARKLED someone's day! Pass this award on to people that have sparkled your day...as we all know...playing with glitter is contagious...just touch it to your day and it adds glints of light to every facet of your life and spreads throughout your being! No outfit is complete until you add the glitter!

Thank you Barb!! I am supposed to pass this on to ten deserving people: You are listed in no order of importance since you are ALL IMPORTANT to me......tee hee

1). Paula from onarainynight always sparkles my day. We grew very close in the three month 'sister' swap from the sweet goodness swap.

2). Dolly from mycherryheart sparkles my day with our shared love of hearts and the color pink!

3). Karen from Bluemuf'scorner who sparkles my day with her special friendship.

4). Marie from Marie'smuses who sparkles my day with her wonderful blog. She shares so much of her life and her DELICIOUS food recipes.

5.)kai from thepartyinkai'shead who sparkles my day with her beautiful sense of humor and zest for life.

6). Susan from Blackeyedsusan'skitchen sparkles my day with her love of hearts and her family. I love reading her blog.

7). Mica from garboodlesoup sparkles my day with her immense talent. You have to visit her blog to appreciate her art dolls.

8). Viv from viv'swhimsy sparkles my day with her enthusiasm and her beautiful bears!

9). Connie from roseporchdesigns sparkles my day with her creativity and my beautiful QUEEN tiara!!

10). Alison from creativeartandcraft sparkles my day with her sincerity and sharing her children and grandchildren with me.

PHEW it was sooo hard to pick just ten of you if anyone else wants to join in and add this to their blog and tag others please do so. Barbara would be very pleased!!!

stay tuned for pics of my studio yahooooooo it is almost DONE!

more winter storms and PRETTY MAIL!!!!!

2008-02-08T15:05:00.000-08:00

Okay this is a verrrrrry loooooong post with lots of pics so grab yer coffee or tea or 'drink du jour' and set a spell. You need to take a break anyway!

Good Morning!!!! Today it is actually warming up and the snow is melting......melting...... mmmmmeee............................heheh I took these two nights ago after another big snowstorm dumped an additional 3-5" of snow. Until this morning many outlying communities were literally 'snowed in' and unable to go anywhere on state highways and secondary roads. The drifting and additional snow was just too much. Thursday night they actually called off the sanders and snow plows because of the terrible driving and icy conditions.
This was sooooo pretty and even blue sky earlier in the day!!
This was the night the storm showed up . A few hours before...... the snow plows showed up to actually plow our street out. the snow was 1-2' deep where people don't drive.
I took this picture and had to keep the lens open so it is blurry sorry.

But you can see the mounding snow against the fence.

MORE SNOW!!!!
My metal hand molds along the front pathway.
a very long icicle-----------------------just wanted to share. How many of your rememeber when you were younger and we would break icicles off as long as we could get them and pretend they were popsicles or better yet have sword fights with our friends and siblings?? This pretty icicle reminded me of those days.
the snow is actually about two feet deep in our back yard They say this is the LAST winter storm and the temps for the next four days are highs in the 40ish range so..... who knows.......................spring may be at the end of the 'big thaw'!!!!

NOW FOR THE MAIL IN THE LAST TEN DAYS OR SO>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> what can make a person happier than having the mail lady ring the bell and say..................another package for you today!!!!!?

These hands are from my dear friend Shannon and her daughter Nat.

They are carved and have a very pretty finish. She knows how I love hands and sent these for a late bd/christmas gift. I can't wait to display them.

I am thinking they would be very pretty in the bathroom with a small picture of grandchildren hanging from the fingers and nestled in the palm????? maybe that is the perfect thing!!!

The " altered heart box swap" hosted by Maria @ the junkkdrawer brought my partner Kim from vintagemehemmedinprayer to my life. What a fun lady and great Mom. She took this metal heart tin and decorated it in such a fun way!! I love it!!! She really picked up on what I love. Then she filled it with all these wonderful 'treasures'. Thank you so much KIM!!!
This swap had us making a recipe 'page' and sending them to Karla and Beth who made covers for 42 booklets. Then they put them together for each of us participants and mailed them off to us.
All the covers were different and that is mine. Here are two pages of the recipe booklet. All the recipes look sooo yummy and it will be so fun to try each of them out. PLUS we each have 42 pages of art from everyone!! What a special gift!!!
My friend Shannon included this beautiful heart in her package with the hands she sent me. It is hanging in the kitchen where John and I can see it every day. THANK YOU SHANNON AND NAT. We LOVE you so much.
IN the Hanging Heart Swap sponsored by the Sweet Goodness Swaps
I had Anina from twiddletails for my partner. If you are a quilter or just love quilts you have to look at the work on her site. She is AWESOME.

She made this hanging heart garland for me and it incorporates all the colors in our main family room. I am NOT going to take this down after Valentine's day but will keep it up. Hearts symbolize love to me and I like to have them 'hanging around'.

Anina also hand made this pretty pink heart out of wool. The dark pink is the same wall color here in my studio so it will hang in here. I am going to hang all the fun small things from swaps on a garland chain across my window above the work table.
Dolly from mycherryheart sponsored a vintage valentine swap that was supposed to incorporate hearts. My partner for this was Connie from connielivingbeautifully. She made me this QUEEN tiara!!It is so sweet. John was home the day I got it and we were picking up around the house and I put this on to 'cheer the chores'. He loved it and wanted to get a picture of me wearing it so..... take a close look......I don't like my picture taken.
Connie also made this very pretty hanging 'rose' for me. It is so pink and so me!!!

Here is another view of the altered heart tin from Kim. I got the pictures out of order when downloading all of these!!! whew. I will post pics of the 'art' I sent my partners when I know for sure they have all received them.I don't want to spoil their surprise!!!

THANK YOU all of you lovely ladies for your beautiful art. They all have special memories of new friendships and I will think of you often when I am admiring them time and time again.

happy art!!!!!!!

A STATE OF EMERGENCY!

2008-02-01T21:53:00.001-08:00

This past week brought three major snowfalls. Our schools were closed for and entire week. Thursday (yesterday) the governor declared much of the state an emergency. In our fair city all state highways were drifted closed and people could not travel far due to the terrible road conditions. Not only did we have snow and more snow, we had winds and drifting as well. They couldn't even get snow plows out. These are pictures of after one snowfall and before. You don't see the flowers but the day before you did.

Here is Callie walkingON TOP of the snow. It was pretty iced over and of course she is not so heavy. You can click on it for a close up of her prowess.
This above picture was taken this afternoon. The temps warmed up to almost 40 today after several weeks of near to sub zero weather at night and teens to 20's during the day. Snow was melting from the bottom and lowering the snow level. The first sunlight in several weeks.

more before one snowfall and after. We are supposed to get another 4-6" this weekend with falling temps so whatever melts today will soon be replaced. This is the first 'normal' winter we have had in a decade.

I actually ventured out today with John to run errands and took my handy dandy walker with me. Most parking lots were full of several inches of ice under slush and snow. As long as John was there to help me get to the bare sidewalks or store entrances I was okay.

I hope those of you who are yearning for snow get enough to 'wet your whistle' and not and over abundance. For those of you who have more than enough like us please take care when out and about........some people do not realize that ice plus snow +wind= poor and dangerous driving conditions and many DO NOT stop for yellow or even red lights.

Sighing.......... four wheel drive or just a bigger vehicle does NOT give you immunity from accidents. I think some people are missing the 'common sense' gene. hee

YOU'VE BEEN TAGGED

2008-01-31T21:43:00.000-08:00

I Have been tagged once again to reveal more stuff about myself!

Thank you Kai from The Party in Kai's Head.

So............... five things you couldn't wait to learn about me:

1). I grew up with five brothers--we were all a year or less apart. We used to play Roy Rogers and the bad guys. The thing that I hated most was I ALWAYS had to be Dale Evans.....the 'girl'. My brothers all took turns being Roy Rogers. Part of me was the biggest 'tomboy'. I had to be the best and always win or at least hold my own and not let the 'team' down.

I have carried that into my adult life and remained very competitive in work and play. In work it was more like I pushed myself to be the best nurse. It wasn't competition but the fact that I could not do anything less than the very best for each of my patients.

2). In jr high I was 5'8 by 7th grade. I weighed about 100lbs. I didn't have an eating disorder. In fact I could easily out eat any of my five brothers. My Mom would get phone calls and letters from the school about my weight. She finally took me to our family Dr who did an exam and then listened to what I usually ate in a day and he laughed and wrote a letter to the school to leave me alone. I had grown five inches since the previous year and my weight hadn't caught up yet. Our family genetics was for very lean 'people.' My nicknames were 'stretch' and 'hatrack'.

They were given to me by a boy who I knew from 4th grade on. His adult height was a full 5'2". But I remained those nick names by the boys until I graduated High School.

3). . One time I was talking to a lady from our church. I had been sucking on a lifesaver and I opened my mouth to say something and it fell out on her arm with a gob of spit. I was soo shocked I picked it up and wiped the spit off and put the lifesaver back in my mouth. I think the lady was so shocked she didn't know what to do so kept on talking. I could have died.

I barely knew her so it wasn't like it was a close friend and you could laugh.

4). I am addicted to cross word puzzles. My favorite aunt was a very smart lady. She would time herself in doing a crossword puzzle and then
challenge herself to beat her time the next day. When I got to be old enough, I would try to beat her time. Of course I never did but I did improve my vocabulary and it was something the two of us shared through most of my childhood and continued in to my adulthood.
I still do the crossword puzzles every day in the paper and often think of my dear aunt.

5). I LOVE garage sales!!! One day I was off by myself for half a day. I had visited every garage sale on my list and was heading home when I saw a full garage and all sorts of items lining both sides of the driveway.
A lady and two teenagers were walking to a car ,parked at the curb, carrying boxes and brown bags.
I was thrilled to find one more good sale. I casually strolled up the driveway and was in the garage when the homeowner came out.
Me: How much is this quilt on the wall?
him: it's not for sale.
me: oh darn it is so pretty are u sure you won't sell it?
him: ma'am it is our 'picnic' quilt and it is NOT for sale.
me: oh well how much is this table umbrella?
him: it's not for sale ma'am.
me: darn okay
moving through the garage i picked things up and put them down
and then spotted some old junk stuff that would be great yard art.
me: I don't see any prices on your stuff. Are you just taking offers?
him: ma'am can I help you? what are you doing in here?
me: isn't this a garage sale?
him: Hell no! I am cleaning my garage! Why would you think I am having a sale?
me: well everything is out in the yard and the driveway and I saw those people leaving here with boxes and sacks.
him: Ma'am that was my family. They were on their way to the church POTLUCK
me ohhhhhh I see. Well thank you for your time and If you were having a garage sale you could make big bucks..........
I could NOT get to my car fast enough! I was thinking I was lucky he didn't bring out a gun or call the police when he saw me out in his garage handling his belongings!!!! HEEEEE!!!! WE still laugh about that one.

Okay now that you have had a few chuckles for the day.......I am supposed to tag five other people to list five things about themselves:
1). Rhonda @Rhondamum
2). Vivian @ Viv's Whimsy
3). Sarah @ gypsy mermaid life
4). Kim @ Vintage me hemmed in prayer
5). Natalea @ Kandeland