MAGGIE GRACE CREATES

notes on an eventful weekend

2012-02-21T10:10:00.000-05:00

Warning - This begins with a bit of a rant. I have serious issues with irresponsible people. Much of it is learned behavior and really to me stems from complete disregard for authority and a lack of respect for anyone.

On Saturday, I was the passenger in a vehicle involved in an accident. A serious accident. One that could have resulted in much more devastating results. A young couple, not from our area, saw a stop sign too late (one that is easly visible for at least a quarter mile) and skidded into the road in front of us.

Once everything stopped, I was convinced the injuries would be devastating.

This is the vehicle I was in.

We were only driving between 45 and 50 mph. Well within the speed limit. The reaction was to try to get behind the car coming into the road. This resulted in a corner hit by us but the impact was still centered on her car.

Leaving it looking like this......

I called 911 - we jumped out - upon seeing that the young lady was trapped we start dealing with her passenger who wants to move her. There was no gas spill - no smoke - no danger - so to avoid possible spinal injuries, we convinced him to just comfort her until the responders arrived.

She was injured, but has now been released from the hospital (a fact that I am thankful for). Neither of us was injured in any way.

As the responders and officers arrived - I start taking in details. There is no tag on the car. (I searched the area looking for it being knocked off - nope) This was a Nissan Maxima. The officers started searching for details -- finding a tag in the rear window area they ran it (it came back belonging to a Ford Escort). Then they ran the insurance cards (they came back as invalid). Each of the individuals had a police record. And on and on it goes. Multiple prepaid cell phones were found in the car. Along with an AA record for the young driver.

Fact is - now the driver of the vehicle I was in has to pay his deductible for repairing his vehicle. He has to be out of a vehicle for however long this takes. He has to pay his towing bill. His insurance will incur the initial hit in the coverage and have to sue the owner of the car for getting that money back. There will be increases in the premiums because of this fact. A complete lack of respect for the laws of the state will result in more issues for everyone. A complete lack of self respect will result in long term issues for the young lady involved.

I am angry ---- I am annoyed ---- I am tired of losers causing issues for everyone.

Now --- soapbox rant all over.

There was some fun stuff over the weekend. I found my kind of junking heaven --- More on that in a later post.

And I finished something ------

My College Girl is modeling some fingerless gloves. I made the pattern up. They are long and skinny like the arms they are designed to cover. But the pattern can easily be made for more "normal" sized arms or even for "fat" ones like mine.

These are a warm and yummy chocolate brown color. (they actually match a cowl I completed earlier).

I made them extra long because gloves and such are never long enough for her.

Unfolded, they almost cover her fingertips. I am loving the little scalloped detail around the end.

They also fold over nicely. She immediately folded them because that's the way she liked them from a looks and wearing point of view.

Notice --- The really gorgeous dragonfly was painted by Perry McCrackin, an Athens, Georgia artist. I love Perry's work.

Now if anyone is interested, I will post a tutorial / pattern for these. Just leave a request in the comments.

Have a wonderful day.

Trash or Treasure

2012-02-08T13:23:00.000-05:00

Funny even Tipper has been talking trash of late.

Not only did I score big on that shelf Saturday, I found more treasure. (maybe it really should be referred to as trash) WHATEVER.

The cedar Christmas Tree trimming were still on my front porch and, while I had people there, we decided to haul them out the the tree line. As I was tossing them onto the pile, I spotted what looked like a galvanized bucket out in the woods. Next thing I knew, two of us were digging in an old trash pile. YES - you heard that right - digging in a trash pile.

Old cans, rusted into a crunchy mess - buckets - bed springs - and glass. Lots of bottles and jars. I dug a huge armload out and brought it to the house. I'll clean them up as much as possible and be featuring them along, but here is my favorite.

It is a Gordon's London Dry Gin bottle. The bottle is cool on its own. No chips or cracks to be found, but my favorite part is the moss and ferns growing in it. Seems conditions were good for a naturally occurring terrarium. It sits nicely on flat surfaces. I'll keep it sporadically watered and hope for the best.

Of course "I have GOOGLE and I am not afraid to use it." So I googled said bottle for information.

FACTS I DISCOVERED ABOUT GORDON"S LONDON DRY GIN

1. In the UK, the bottles are green. Clear bottles like mine are "import" designation.
2. My bottle says LINDEN on one side and NEW JERSEY on the other.

(see the block text on mine)

3. The logo mark on the bottom looks like a wolf and has 56. Actually it is a wild boar's head and the 56 is for 1956.

4. The bottle itself has some value. I found the one pictured below on ebay -- dry gin bottle. 9.99 will buy this very cloudy one. You can see how cloudy in the second picture. Mine is completely clear - no hazing at all. A light green (UK) one of the same era is valued at 45.00 I could not find any good quality clear ones valued at all.

5. The trademark is listed as DEAD at trademarkia.com. It was registered in 1982 and cancelled in 2003.

I give these facts just because I think it is fun to learn stuff.

I really won't consider selling this bottle - unless the danged moss dies (insert giggles here).

I more than likely will keep this and add it to the stack of other really cool crap I have at my house.

Or like my mama might say -- I'm giving my children a whole of of trash to go through when I die.

What do you think ---- is this one in the TRASH or TREASURE category?

From my childhood -----------

2012-02-06T10:26:00.000-05:00

I was born in a small town. (yes now you may sing the Mellencamp song - I did.) I grew up in that same small town - Royston, Georgia - Home of Baseball's Immortal TY Cobb. And from the time I was born we shopped at a local shop called Philips Variety Store.

I have searched and search for images of it as I remember, but this is the only one I can find.

Agnes Shipp ran the store -- And yes it was one of those Inconic things. She carried Dixie Bell Lingerie - also known in my house as little girl and old lady panties. This store was piled high literally with clothing and such. She never clearanced anything either. She simply piled new stock in on top of the old stuff. Tables and racks and shelves of "stuff". I so wish I could find pictures of the interior of the store as it really was. There are no words to describe it - one of those "had to be there" kinds of places.

My mom and I have often talked about buying it and continuing the business - from the time I was a teenager until recently.

Then Miss Agnes was killed in a car wreck. Her family closed the business and sold a lot of the stuff out of the building.

Fast forward to Saturday - January 28, 2012.

I was in Royston with a friend - headed to my Mama's. Cell phone rings and indicates that we have been spotted, so on the way back through town, we stop and visit with more old friends. They have purchased the building and are in the process of renovating. As I walked in I remarked - I would love one of those shelves..... and just look what happened.

An 11' 11" long by 6'2" tall shelving unit that was site built in that building landed on a trailer -- (that's billy in the picture)

and.......

Rode to my house.

Yes - that is a massive item - and it is one section too long for anywhere in the house.

There was measuring and pondering and such.

It has been determined that chopping off one section will make it work.

There are fun little details that I hope I can keep --- I plan to clean it up, do a tiny bit of sanding and then simply seal/protect it.

Apparently some things were just a quarter.

Saw marks from the rough cut lumber

Medium Maybe???

No one has figured out the "y" it appears to be random.

I know these pictures look fuzzy and all white washed out. That is actually years of dust and crud. Got a ton of cleaning to do.

One end of the shelf has been painted - look at the picture of it on the trailer at my porch - and you will see that there are two colors on it. Gonna try and get this back off and just have the wood tones.

I cannot wait to start filling it up with my stuff.

Now for the fun part of being in the right place at the right time ---- an early 1900's site built shelf out of a building from my childhood, an items representing a place from my past. All of this coming to my house to live. Money is not important on this one, but I paid less than a 100 buck for this bad boy.

Love love ---- happy girl. I'll keep you guys posted as I get this in the house.

gifts and gratitudes

2012-02-03T11:08:00.000-05:00

Picnik.com is closing. Craziness. But I discovered www.befunky.com and I think that one will be my go to replacement FREE online editor for now. They have some neat effects.

This is an edited photo of a page bit from my GIFTS AND GRATITUDES 2012 journal. I have chosen those as my words this year. And right now I am assembling quite a few records of those words.

Funny, I make altered composition books to sell. I have all the stuff to do just that and I have chosen to carry an unaltered, plain, black and white, composition book. I picked it up from the stash and fully intended to alter the cover, I even selected the papers and such.

Then I started recording - and never got around to it. (similar to the mechanic's car and the cobblers children's shoes I guess.)Now after thinking about it, I probably won't alter it.

I like that it appears unassuming. Not calling attention to all the beauty that it contains. And it really does have a huge amount of beauty in it. Tiny little beautiful moments. Moments like Cheddar biscuits - yes at that moment I was thankful for those. Not really just the biscuits, but the fact that at last I made a freaking biscuit that really was edible. (ask my family - they can explain why that is a really big deal) I was also sharing those biscuits with some beautiful people that I love so very much. so those two little words are a tiny record of a wonderful thankfulness.

I am recording three gratitudes every single day. There are clippings and cards to be taped in. I may hand it off to someone to add a "Guest" gratitude occasionally. It will be fun at the end of the year to have a journal with nothing but beauty reflected.

Now you may ask about recording gifts - one will be recorded each day. A record of something I INTENTIONALLY gave. Not to track it for recognition - not for pats on the back - not for being able to say "look what I did". Not for any of those kinds of things. Just a reminder to share those blessings with others. Just to remind myself that no matter how tough life gets, I can intentionally give to others with my time, my prayers, my gifts, and my service.

See this little book with have NOTHING UGLY in it at the end of the year.

How is that for a WOW moment of recognition.

Life can be full of ugliness. Full of negative things and moments. Intentionally looking for ways to be grateful and to reach out to others, intentionally focusing on being thankful changes our perspective.

Intentionally focusing on gifts and gratitude changes us.

I look forward to being changed.

It's not too late to start your own journal --- how about you join me.

How about I send an altered composition book to the first three commentors on this post? ANd I'll make the very first entry in each one --- by being thankful for you all.

Have a marvelous weekend.

Please.....

2012-02-02T12:20:00.000-05:00

This man is my friend.

I am so thankful I have had an opportunity to have him in my life.

On Tuesday, he suffered a stroke.

His speech is affected.

Swallowing too.

Walking, balance, all of that.

His sense of humor remains well intact.

He is still teasing me.

Calls me the "hard-headed one."

That will be "the pot calling the kettle black"

The medical part of his care is stable.

The hard parts start now.

He learns to talk again (we hope)

There will be speech therapy.

He learns to walk again (we hope)

Physical therapy.

He learns to eat real food again (we hope)

Supervisors will monitor all eating and drinking.

He regains an independent life again (we hope)

Occupational therapy.

For now we pray - we encourage - we help - we learn - we love.

Most of all -- we are reminded that life is very fragile.

Live fully.

Count the blessings.

Love hard.

EVERY SINGLE MOMENT.

EVERY SINGLE DAY.

Please, if you will, pray for my friend Dorsey and his entire cast of characters (family and friends).

and by all means - tell yours how much they mean to you.

Inspired by a pin....

2012-01-23T11:44:00.001-05:00

Ok - I never really got into the Facebook games. Not a big fan of WII games. Online Poker - nope. But I have found a serious way to waste time on the internet. It is the creative girls' version of internet P O R N. And its called PINTEREST. Uh - huh.

My College Girl has one too and she requested a cowl -

Well via text and pins and email and facebook - we discovered this pin.......

Source: elletrainknits.blogspot.com via Teresa on Pinterest

I read the pattern and read the pattern then I bought yarn --- On sale at hobby lobby (this week Hancock Fabrics has Lion Brand on sale for 30% off)

I crocheted this adaptation in two evenings about three hours of work. I did mine in all double crochet. In a rich chocolate brown and very bulky yarn.

Then I dug in my stash for buttons......

Here they all are laying on the sofa. I definitely had a preference for me. Those to the far right are vintage bakelite buttons from The Man's Grandmother's stash. (I have stuff from a long line of hoarders - just saying.)

But the College Girl has her own ideas. and....

These golden ones won in her mind. I sewed them on and tried this lovely on myself......

With buttoning and twisting you can vary the way this fits on so many ways. Personally I would wear it most often like this. I tend to wear my jackets open in front and this is so freaking warm. but you can twist it up to fit closer to the original picture. I am loving this so very very much.

For the record - the College Girl was a bit ambivalent about it when she saw it. However - this will not be a wasted project at all --- if she decides she not likey --- I DO.

Last but not least if you want to have a look see at my pinterest boards -- traipse off over here. But you cannot say you have not been adequately warned - major time wasting possibilities exist on this site.

Love......

black and white

2012-01-19T10:58:00.000-05:00

and brown all over ----

I've been painting canvases - black and dark brown. For days.

Now I am cutting and gluing word art. Yup - the "normal" on this is a tad crooked. I was working when I was tired.

This is my current favorite......

What think????

At a loss....

2012-01-17T11:28:00.000-05:00

I just got word that a long time customer and friend passed away suddenly last night. He was close to my age. I am sad. I am reflective. I am reminded again that NONE of us is guaranteed that we have tomorrows.

Please hold your loved ones tight. Please do not settle for a mediocre life.

I have big plans for tomorrow - Sure I'll do that next week - I can't wait for the weekend to get here.

We all do it. Then something like this happens and the priority is front and center again.

So I'm not gonna say too much about these pictures. But MaggieGrace is working on stuffs.

Vintage Lace - glued to Bible pages from a "free" box seriously damaged Bible. A page from Psalms is being used. It always amazes me to see God work. The Psalm that shows through this wing is Psalm 30. Specifically this verse

"weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Psalm 30:5

I glue and trim and they now look like this.

I think this angel's name is going to be "Memory"

Hug a loved one --- tell the you love them.

Have a blessed day.

disappointed again........

2012-01-09T11:43:00.001-05:00

Last night in northeast Georgia it was foggy. The kind of fog that many would describe as pea soup.

I drove home from the grocery store in awe of how the landscape changes with that kind of fog. Not able to see many homes from the road, just a glow from the security lights.

I worried about the Softball Princess driving back to school. (she made it just fine).

There was also a big ol' moon glowing through the trees.

I took this picture through my pecan trees when I got got home and sent it to my friend with this description "horror movie foggy in georgia, big moon and skeleton trees. Beautiful night in an eerie way."

You know what I am describing - the kind of foggy night you see on the big screen like the picture below that I blantanty swiped from a google image search.

So why the post title of disappointed --- well --- it's like this. I sat and I waited and waited for what seemed like hours and

He damn well never came out of the fog......

Have a wonderful Monday --- Oh and Mr. Depp --- I'm still waiting.

Just Breathing

2012-01-06T10:46:00.000-05:00

There has not been a crisis.

There is no huge announcement pending.

I have just taken a few steps back from the stresses in life and am taking care of "mama" - that would be me.

I'm breathing. I'm cleaning. I'm focusing on some really great things in my life right now.

Please be patient with me --- I'll be back.

let's twist

2011-12-19T10:26:00.000-05:00

So there is this property in middle Georgia. A hunt club property. Near the Ogeechee River. I love this property. You make the turn onto the dirt road and something magical happens to your stress. Like some sort of net captures it and won't let it go any further.

There is lots of exploring to do. Several weeks ago we explored into the bottoms close to the river and there are these vines --- massive -- amazing --- vines.

Yes the one that takes a dramatic hard turn to the left there is a vine.

and this "curves ahead" configuration too.

How about an "s" spiral -- headed toward the tree canopy.

We got off the 4 wheeler and traipsed through the woods into and around these massive vines and I spotted some closely spiraled twists that I wanted --- but we were not prepared to get them.

Well, the Crusty Old Guy went back hunting and he went to the woods prepared to get me those twists. Now I have these wonderful wooden shapes. (he is so freaking good to me)

I wear a size 9 womens shoe - so there is your size reference.

Now I have these - they are amazing - and I have no idea what I am going to do with them.

Any ideas?????

Have a happy Monday people.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-15T09:43:00.000-05:00

Been a busy little crafting bee at my house.

This one is my latest canvas ---- it's an 8x10 sized one.

I finished it last night and also completed these ---

They are pendant drops - made from Miss Deborah's Grandmother's silverware. She did not have the complete set and wanted to gift the daughters and granddaughters with a remembrance item. I chopped them off and mounted them with really secure double jump rings. I am really happy with how these turned out.

Hope your Christmas preparations are proceeding nicely.

Much Love -- Teresa

pinterest -- yes people I am addicited

2011-12-13T12:13:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I pinned this image

Source: maggiegracecreates.tumblr.com via Teresa on Pinterest

I've been making snowflakes -- like the ones on my blog header -- for weeks. I have these little 3-3/4 x 1/2 strips of hymnal pages stacking up because I have serious hoarder issues and cannot possibly toss these small scraps.

So last night I created a pile of these.

A headpin - two beads - ten paper strips.

All from the magical mystery stash -------

I think they are cute --- how about you guys?

I had a VERY good weekend

2011-12-12T14:40:00.000-05:00

My weekend started out with a trip to the tree farm for the annual trek to stroll around ALL morning, then cut down the very first tree we looked at. Complete with jokes and ribbing about "that one's not shaggy enough" --- "that one's an ugly color" ---- and "that one's too skinny". This is as much a part of our Christmas as Santa Claus.

But something happened this year on the way into the farm. Driving down the dirt road - something we have done for some 35 years - I spotted this tree.

Looks like it has been damaged by weather or something ---

I just happened to know what this tree is. Why did I know this? Why is this the first time I had noticed this one? And what the crap is the siginificance of this formation?

Well the tree is a TRAIL TREE and I knew this because I had seen the formation before on the Crusty Old Guy's hunting property in Taliaferro County, Georgia. I was googling for information on something else on the property and discovered the information on the trees. The significance is that these were deliberately formed by Native Americans to mark various trails and/or significant locations of their culture. The link above will take you to a website that is mapping locations of these trees and the history of them. I just noticed this one after all these years, because I now know about the history and the project.

Cool - huh?

Molly - the College Girl - thought so. There was a photography session of course.

I also finished some things. Here is my latest word art canvas. This is not an accurate coloration - I hung it on my barn and took the picture. Then I edited it in picnik jsut for fun. It actually is a very dark brown spritzed with gold glimmer mist and has parchment paper lettering. Sized 16 x 20. I'm selling this size for $25.00

Honestly though - I really loved how this looks hanging on the barn.

More varieties of the canvases to come.

Then there was this ---- I have it pinned at pinterest. Have had it on my tumblr archive for months too.

I also have a hellacious stash of accumulated stuff ---

http://pinterest.com/pin/79235274663728552/

So Sunday, I ran across the little butterfly pins that I had gathered up. I scooped the skeleton keys from the kitchen windowsill (isn't that where you keep your skeleton keys?) grabbed my cutters and the E6000 glue. And went to work.

It took me about 4 minutes to assemble these babies and MOST of that time involved cussing the damn tube of E6000 since the cap was securely glued shut. Then when I got it off, I still couldn't unseal the glue. I did what all rational creative geniouses do. I poked a freaking hole in the side of the tube and squeezed the glue out that way. (ok NOW you may laugh hysterically at how stupid that was - but it worked - just saying)

My little ol' versions of these pendants.

I only had three butterflies -

I am wearing this one right now --

But ---

This blue one is my favorite.

I'm thinking $12.00 for each of these.

I also did a holiday market on Saturday evening. It was great fun - not a huge monetary success but it was fun to visit with friends new and old.

I hope you all are having a wonderful Christmas season. I have had a blessing filled year and I am celebrating the season by living and loving as fully as I can.

Much love --- Teresa

A DAY OFF.....

2011-12-09T12:06:00.000-05:00

The picture is for my buddy - MaryAnn. She will appreciate the humor in there.

I took the day off Wednesday. The only thing I HAD to do was a doctor visit.

I turned off my alarm. I slept in. I really want to know why the bed is so much more comfy and snuggy feeling after the alarm goes off. I got up. I glued. I went to doc visit. I went to eat some lunch.

I took a LOOONNNGGG snuggled in afternoon nap. I SNORED.

I had Mexican with one of my most favorite people in the world.

It was a good - good day.

5K ----

2011-12-08T12:16:00.000-05:00

Good morning all ---

I've been MIA but absolutely nothing is wrong. I am just busy.

I did run a 5k with my daughter last weekend. My goal was 45 minutes and I did 44:38 so I was happy.

Her boyfriend took these for us.

Getting the music going ---- yup I am still fat

Confession - Molly won her age bracket - and I was crossing the halfway point as she crossed the finish line.

Coming up the hill to the finish -- I did pass that guy in green and those girls in white and red. Molly was seriously yelling and encouraging me to pass "some body"

Finish line - I was looking at my time -and I forgot a clip for my hair -- that was horribly aggravating. I hate having my hair in my face.

Actually this one is staged. I was really ok at the end of this 5k.

I'm so proud of who she is.

She is very encouraging to me.

Have a great day ---- Teresa

We are there ----

2011-11-23T11:45:00.000-05:00

I took off from my grown up girl job yesterday and zipped across the street to Junk in the Trunk and set my cute little space up. A quick and simple background of book pages (ya'll know I love 'em), kraft paper and some rusty tin.

Got it all together --- what do you think?

Spoon bracelets and pendants.

I added a padded background of flour sack material to the drawer -- I love how the little shelf looks.

here is an overall view of the area - the boxes you see under the table are extra nativity set I left at the owners request.

Now for my favorite thing. The snowflakes really "pop" against the tin background. I think I gasped audibly when I hung them up. I'll make more of these over the weekend because I sure hope they sell well out of the booth.

Have a great Thanksgiving. I am blessed.

love, t

Junk in the Trunk

2011-11-22T10:47:00.000-05:00

I am taking pictures of rusted metal. Actually this is just the view into the very back of my vehicle today.

This is the view out my rear view mirror --- book page backdrops for my booth piled on top of a crapload of other stuff.

But i am so hoping the hanging of this works out like I want it to. An old drawer I've been hoarding for years. No more.

I am setting up my booth today at

Junk in the Trunk
Olympic Drive
Athens, Ga.

More pictures tomorrow ---

hey ya'll - it's the weekend

2011-11-18T09:59:00.000-05:00

I've got a full schedule myself. Tonight there will be frosting made and some seriously good baked sweet potatoes for dinner.

I'll also be pondering exactly how to do all of the background stuffs for this....

My booth space at Junk in the Trunk. The new Antiques/craft mall on Olympic Drive in Athens, GA. I committed to a 4x6 space. I have some rusty tin and plenty of craft paper and book pages and I am thinking that will be used on these walls.

Stay tuned, I'll be updating on that new venture here, regularly.

I'm off to Chateau Elan -- EARLY in the the morning for a fundraiser 5K. See the elevation in this picture - Seems the last 3/4 mile of this run is up this LOOONNNGGG hill. But just look at the view we will have as runners.

Then I'm off to get ready for this concoction to be dinner --- Low Country Boil with a group of friends.

There will even be a drive on what is know as the "dirt road to heaven."

Saturday night's dinner gonna end with some of this - Fresh apple cake. I simply cannot wait.

Sunday will include church nursery - then a nap - then actual work on the booth display materials.

Yup --- full full weekend.

Hope yours is wonderful too.

Show time.

2011-11-15T11:06:00.000-05:00

Friday night found me doing final prep for the Holiday Artist Market.

It was a really long long day and evening.

A minor little twist on Friday evening gave me a wonderful helper.

Luke came to hang out with me -

We made signs. He helped place things on my mock up display.

He even came back on Saturday and helped and hung out with me ALL day. We had so much fun.

Mind you it was 29 degrees F when we were setting up on Saturday morning. But he didn't complain.
Later in the day - several of my Sunday School kids showed up and they all played in the crepe myrtle tree. I know several kids who slept really well on Saturday night.

My spoon pendant display was made from the lid off an ammo box. Now - I had great help adding those tacks across the top. Gave Luke the hammer and he hammered while I held the tack with some pliers (finger protection). I am a firm believer in enabling kids. Yes, often it would be SO MUCH QUICKER and maybe even SO MUCH EASIER to DO IT MYSELF, however allowing a child to take ownership of part of a project is way too important to geve into the other feelings. I try really hard to never use the phrases "that is the wrong way to do it" or "you didn't do it right". If there is danger in the way something is being done, simply show them the "better" way.

Kids need to be involved. Kids need to learn to do things and they can't if the adults in their lives constantly get in the way. Kids also need to climb trees and run laps and swing on a rope and roll around in the dirt. They need to make messes and clean them up and they need to learn responsibilty for how to accomplish things, from planning, to processing, to completion. As adults we are to make all that learning fun.

Now having Luke to help was so much fun for me. He was eager to help, he listened and followed directions as we did things. I got to play. He got to help. and I got to see the expressions on his face as he learned and accomplished things.

THAT PEOPLE - IS A SERIOUS WIN - WIN SITUATION.

I'm hoping I get to spend a lot more time with that kid.

Now more show pictures - I had a 10 x 10 space, but I only used part of it. Here is my display.

The painted nativity scenes were the popular ones.

I still like the stained ones too, but in the future the painted ones will be the production ones.

My friend Marilyn posted a picture of hers. I love the quilt hanging in the background.

I had a very good show. Now to decide how to complete my new booth display at the antiques/handcraft mall across the street from the store.

Have a wonderful day everyone.

Where I was.......

2011-11-11T10:40:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted a BootCamp update in forever.

I have let some unhealthy eating habits slide back into my life since my surgery last spring. Partially because of one of the lifestyle rules - No artificial sweeteners. But I am still exercising regularly and I have not gained any of my weight back. Haven't lost any more - but still.

I am much more able to run distances now. My 5K time is still much like the plodding of a tortoise, but hey, I am out there and i just keep doing it. I say - I am doing better than that person sitting in front of the tv.

The time change has made it difficult to get the long runs in. We use a cross country trail at a local private school. I have purchased a lightweight LED light wand. Last night I tested it. Carrying the light like a relay baton was very effective and will allow me the ability to continue my running.

I use my smartphone as my running playlist. Pandora is my choice for variety - last night I set it to the Drivin' and Cryin' station and left out. As I emerged from the woods and started across the first field, I noticed the moon - oh how stunning - so I planned a stop on top of the dam at the lake. I snapped that picture with my phone.

It was a beautiful run. Crisp fall air. Clear sky. Full moon reflecting off the water. Breathing just right. Mentally let the junk of life go and just put one foot in front of the other. I have discovered that I really do like to run.

I am not sure when it happened because this is how it used to be.

I am grateful for my health. I am grateful for the fact that great medical care was available. I am grateful that I didn't die from an internal hemmorage. I am grateful for the tiniest things. I am grateful.

I am grateful that I have now decicded that I do like to run.

lots of snow.....

2011-11-10T09:15:00.000-05:00

I hang them from the light fixture --- my work light at the table got dimmer and dimmer. These are all for sale.

I am pretty well complete on making things --- tonight I do displays, tagging, and packing.

let it snow ....

2011-11-09T11:50:00.000-05:00

Go here for more info including a link to the tutorial I used.

The prep for my art show continues. I'll be ready just in time. Isn't that always the way it works.

Here's the latest of the items......

It all starts with the visits to the thrift and junk stores. I poke around and poke around and buy up things that I plan to work with.

I love paper - old paper ephemera - books - stuff.

I also love the internet - and all of the inspiration and instruction available there.

I learned how to make these in a tutorial I found online. I have LOTS of old paper. So here we go.

These pictures are of the huge batch of these I (we - I had help) just finished.

First - I suckered the help into cutting an entire Baptist Hymnal into 4.5 inch squares.

Then fold all of those in half to make triangles.

Repeat - Repeat - Repeat ---- until you are simply sick of it - then finish the last of them. (note the baby wipes are what I keep handy for wiping glue stick off my fingers.

Then you cut and twirl. Cut and twirl. Cut and twirl.

Again repeat repeat repeat. Think you are all done. Fine ONE more stack of those danged triangles. Say UGLY words. Repeat repeat some more.

Those nice little folded triangles fluff up and become ------ this.

Big piles of this. Like boxes and baskets full.

Then - if you get really really lucky - some one will help you glue and glue and glue all those little twirls into snowflakes and pile them on top of the spoiled dog's big old crate - and the desk and the sofa. You get the picture.

At the end of all this repeating - and smoke breaking - and coffee and Coke drinking - and laughter (never forget the laughter) - you will see several of these.....

So - if you are in the Danielsville, Ga area on Saturday, please stop by the old courthouse on the square. I'll send you home with one of these for a mere $7.00.

Have a wonderful afternoon.

special places

2011-11-07T10:08:00.000-05:00

We all have them. Those places that make you feel like all is completely right with the world. Well look at these --- the colors are stunning.

Turn off the road on what I now refer to as the dirt road to heaven. Funny thing is - you can hear the traffic from the main road as you make your way down here. Still - it is beautiful.

Looks like this tree is glowing -- I love the fall light -- and the colors -- and the cool mornings -- and the sunny, warm afternoons. It is all beautiful to me.

Celebrate one of your special places.

Happy Friday

2011-11-04T13:49:00.000-04:00

These two are my pride and joy.

Abby - aka - softball princess - is embracing college life and I miss her.

She rejoins us at home occasionally.

Can I say again that I miss her?

But allowing kids to grow and expand life experiences, that is what parenting is really all about.

College Girl - my oldest - she is applying to grad schools - some a long long way from home.

I miss her too

But allowing kids to grow and expand life experiences, that is what parenting is really all about.

Oh and that random kid up there -- she's really cool too.

She's not mine, but I would take her.

I love these two.

They make their mama so very emotional.

Imma keep on lovin' 'em.

That's what Mama's do.

Friends

2011-11-03T08:51:00.000-04:00

These two are friends. Have been for many years. There were stories being told at this moment. I slipped my phone out and snapped this.

The really cool part - they are both my friends. They are both special to me. I am blessed to have them and so many others in my life.

This morning I sent out a block of text messages to several friends. There is an email waiting in my draft folder for several more.

Today I am thankful for my friends.

So much love -- so many blessings.

thankful for inspirations

2011-11-02T11:56:00.000-04:00

I read a lot of blogs. I love my blogging friends. I am closer to one of them than I am even my sister. And the inspirations I find there really help keep the creative muses dancing.

I also have a pinterest account --- OMG how much inspiration is there? --- And it is so easy to use.

This image is from one of my pinboards. I cannot get the link to work, so here is the direct link to Melissa's blog post. I love the same kinds of things she does and I pin her images over and over.

Today, i am thankful for the internet and all the fun inspiration and information that is out there.

BEWARE - I have google and I am not afraid to use it.

Have a wonderful day.

Thanksgiving Month

2011-11-01T09:29:00.000-04:00

It's November - wow. As we speed into the holiday season, November shows up with beautiful colors and wonderful foods and celebrations of Thanksgiving here in the good old USA.

I'm going to spend my November recognizing some things that I really am thankful for ---

Starting with this -----

I love coffee - however; I rarely made coffee at home because no one else loved coffee like I do. Then I was gifted with this beauty.

That's a Keurig Mini Plus single cup coffee maker. I cannot express how much I love this. It was my birthday present. I now say ALL the time. I LOVE MY COFFEE MAKER.

Hot chocolate - no problem - daughter uses it for that.

Hot tea - got that one covered too.

Plain old coffee - yes - I keep the Millstone Coffee Breakfast Blend for that.

But I do have an absolute favorite. It's....

Wild Mountain Blueberry from Green Mountain Coffee. Wow. Love this stuff. Just enough berry flavor to make me a happy girl. It is rather difficult to find locally, so when I do, I stock up. But you can order it directly from Green Mountain. Being a true southern girl, I'm also going to try their Southern Pecan as well.

I'll brew a big cup - add my creamer - grab a blanket - and head for my porch swing. What a great start to my day.

Just so you know - None of these folks have any idea who I am nor do they know that I am seriously in love with their product and singing their praises. I'm simply sharing this because I am so very thankful that I was gifted with this coffee maker. I am also celebrating the way a nice cup of coffee adds beauty to my life.

Have a great day --- why don't you help me celebrate some things this month.

yea - that's the good stuff

2011-10-26T10:00:00.000-04:00

I posted on using the good stuff just a few days ago. I am diligently taking my own advice, although at times that damned HOARDER DEMON gets a new tactic going. I found myself chanting "use the good stuff" over and over last night.

I am in serious crunch mode on this art show, but I wanted to share two of my favorites from last night. I edited these in picnik and added some notes on the first one.

That copper toned metallic paper facinated me from the beginning. I really have control issues in a true scrapbooking store - you know - ones that have the individual sheet of paper in row after row of racks. This paper has a brushed finish appearance and I bought one sheet ------ used it.

Responsive reading 15 - cut from the back of a hymnal - now this is not hard for me to use because I have gathered several hymnals from thrift stores. I readily cut these.

I thrifted a stunning little bedside clock for next to nothing. Brass framed and this brushed metal face. I took it apart and knowing there would not be another one in my near future - glued that baby on. (there was an audible groan)

Then the picture. This one and the next one came from MaryAnn's etsy shop. Go on over there she finds the coolest stuff. I bought a pack of pictures from her to use in my artwork and then I have a problem using them. I do not know these people. I have no sentimental attachment to the subject. So I took a deep breath and a glue stick and, as the Crusty Old Plumber would say, "here we go."

I do hope you like these.

I do all of you are having a wonderful week.

Much love --- T

101 ways to make yourself nuts.

2011-10-25T12:27:00.000-04:00

Well not really that many - but I am an expert at the process.

1. play hooky from life when you really should have been working on artshow items.

2. fight the little demon in your head saying let it go.

3. keep working on something that clearly has you befuddled about what to do next.

Having admitted to these three - let me tell you the lessons learned.

1. life really happens in the hooky moments. I took the weekend off to play. really play. it was wonderful it was beautiful. I will be doing it again. i now understand why hunters go to the woods and let me splain - it ain't all about shooting things - the solitude of that activity and the exposure to the great outdoors is VERY VERY good for the soul.

2. some people will never learn. I handed the money to buy a very important car part to someone nameless in my house. the money was piddled away on some other things. (like barbeque tickets that we couldn't use because we were out of town) Now the same person STILL needs the part for the car. I am letting it go - I already bought said car part - I AIN'T BUYING IT AGAIN.

3. I shoulda given up on that altered book and just rested - because the right answer to the "thing that makes it perfect" is now completely clear. Time wasted - 2 hours - now let it go.

Spoon ends waiting for collages and and bending.

What if I die?

2011-10-20T10:31:00.000-04:00

I know. That's a creepy post title. And, I wish I could take credit for it. But I stole it from Mary over at the green paper blog. Mary collects and shares vintage ephemera and scans of her things. It is a beautiful blog for us paper hoarders.

There you go - I said it. I am a hoarder. I collect stuffs. If you read through MaggieGrace from the beginning, you will spot the "i really need to get rid of stash stuff and use what I have and quit collecting and and and" pattern.

Well, without the actual cost of some serious couch sessions with a qualified therapist I may never get well. Just joking. In the last 18 months there have been some major changes in my life that have made me really pay attention to things. (cancer is a fine perspective builder)

Then reading Mary's post yesterday really resonated in my soul. Go on - click over and read what I'm speaking of.

I have stuffs. Lot's of stuffs. And I KNOW my girls will not hesitate to chunk it in the dumpster if I were to die. Hopefully some of you crafty friends will show up to rescue some of it. There's a list of names and numbers if you want to sign up for a phone call "just in case."

I'm getting ready for a Market and I went and grabbed a box of "GOOD STUFF" last night. I took a really deep breath and jumped in.

The results of using the "one of a kinds" out that box were wonderful. See the oriental girl in the center - thats a bookmark. The heavy textured paper in the background - a composition book sized piece was right there in the "nice papers" stack. Some stamps I was saving - a piece of Chinese Joss Paper - a textured die cut.

And then it all sang. See!!!

Now I was off and running - On the next one I determined to use all "one piece left" of my paper stash. I love this one. Let me repeat --- I love this one.

Now for a huge thank you to my buddy Tipper. Tipper blogs over at The Blind Pig and the Acorn and she is just a super nice lady. I love it when you meet a blogger friend in a "for real" setting and they are just as nice or even nicer than you expected.

Well several weekends ago, we took a little trip to the John C. Campbell fall festival and I took some stainless flatware to Tipper's daughter. She has been making rings and since I don't use the stainless for my bracelets and pendants, I was looking for a way to use the ones I had accumulated. Yesterday the most perfect and wonderful spoon ring showed up on my doorstep. I love it. It fits my index finger perfectly and has a wonderful reminder on it.

A "D" - Now I know there is no obvious reason for me to wear a "D" monogram, but Tipper chose it as a reminder to me. See the "D" stands for "daring" and she wants to remind me to be daring enough to go for the kind of life I want to have.

Thank you Tipper and Chitter. I love it.

I am blessed - I am loved - I am sure of both those things in my life.

stuff......

2011-10-19T10:39:00.000-04:00

warning - lots of poor quality cell phone shots because i was simply too lazy to go get the camera.

I'm working - on a lot of things - getting ready for the art market -- coming up fast (NOVEMBER 12)

There are notebooks ---

The one above is my favorite for right now.

But this one is fun too.....

There have been nature walks - and this little heart is being sent to my buddy MaryAnn who is facing some medical challenges right now. OBF - I freaking love you.

The above photo (spookified at picnik.com) is the scuttle door that leads under my house ----

On Sunday, I discovered a leaky water heater under the house. Yay, that's some fun money to spend.

Thank goodness this guy, also known as the Crusty Old Plumber, is my friend. He scurried under - well not exactly - he took the door off, and chiseled out the stone from the bottom of the hole (my house foundation is solid granite), then scurried under and hooked up a new water heater under there.

Public Service Announcement and Sarcastic Statement Warning - I sell plumbing. The correct terminology here is WATER HEATER, not HOT WATER HEATER. When I answer the phone at work to the question "do you sell hot water heaters?" I answer it " no, we sell cold water heaters." No reason to have a heater for hot water. (smarta$$ remark moment over.)

The Crusty Old Plumber took the time to visit with me last night too. He polished all the silverware for bracelets and collage spoon pendants while I was working on composition books. He is so good to me and I am blessed to have people in my life that make me do this.......

I'm talking the kind of laughter that often leads to a phenomenon that we even laugh about. I have two kids - other mama's or ladies of my age can probably relate to this statement.....

Sometimes I laugh so hard the tears run down my legs.

Yesterday that laughter was hard to come by, because this precious boy left us.

His name was Licorice (Ikish) and he was old old old. He came to us an abused, adult dog about ten years ago. He never lost his fear of men, but me and my girls were always loved by him. For the last several days, he had quit eating and drinking and just lay around. Crusty Old Plumber used his backhoe yesterday to bury him when he found him dead in his pen. I'm gonna miss him.

I hope your life is full of very special people. Mine is.

She wanted to include ME as a profile in courage?????

2011-10-18T10:00:00.001-04:00

This is a post about courage - and also about discovery.

Let's talk about courage for a moment. My girls are so fortunate to have good friends. We have been surrounded by some wonderful people and their children (most of these kids are now young adults). I have loved many many of these kids a whole bunch.

The picture below is of two of these kids. Brittany (left) and Renee (r) Ellisor. BB is College Girl's friend and NayNay is a friend of the Softball Princess.

BB graduated high school as Valedictorian and off to college she went. She was to play softball and soccer in college. But God had another plan for her - this vibrant, beautiful, smart athlete started having problems and is now wheelchair dependent. She has been diagnosed with DYSTONIA.

Let's talk about courage. She REFUSES to give in to this disease witch has robbed her of much of her mobility. She has changed her major to something her body will allow her to do. With her determination and powerful witness, BB has changed my life.

BB IS A PROFILE IN COURAGE.

So imagine my surprise when NayNay called and wanted information about my cancer experience. Why? Because she wanted to include me in her Profiles of courage. I was so moved by this request, especially with the knowledge that her sister is so much more courageous than I am.

This message is for Renee - Sweetheart, I love you and I am so honored that you considered me for your project. The only thing I can say is that God will meet your needs at the places you lean the most on Him. You are special and your phone call made me so very happy. You are beautiful and special and loved so much. (oh - and I blatantly stole these pictures from your facebook)

For the rest of us - I can't stop thinking about the deeper meaning of that chat with NayNay. Everyday, people are watching us. Watching the way we interact with others. Watching the way we handle the good things. Watching the way we handle adversity.

Courage is not looking for confrontation. Courage is not about being all big and bad and all that. Courage is very often quiet. It is about choosing to get up and recognize the blessings of every day. Courage is about realizing that you have another opportunity to celebrate your life and the impact of the lives of others. Courage is trying to make the best of every situation. Courage just keeps trying again in spite of the situation at hand. Courage keeps reaching out in love when there is such potential to be hurt. Courage is honest in the fact that I will do my best - realizing that some days my best may not live up to other expectations. Courage just keeps trying. Listen peeps - at some level and in some way - we can ALL have a moment worthy of a Profile in Courage.

I want to keep living courageous.

Have a wonderful day.

For my Mother-in-Love

2011-10-14T12:21:00.001-04:00

I (we) have not dropped off the face of the earth.

The girls are doing their thing and we are driving all over the world (southeast) supporting them. Rome, GA ---- Spartanburg, SC ----- etc and so on.

I took a softball through the windshield of my vehicle -- 19 years of softball involvement with the College Girl and the Softball Princess and too many to count before then with the Man -- guess my luck ran out.

And I am officially working towards getting ready for the Artist Market on November 12th.

Here's the proof that I am working.

I have these altered composition books spread on my new (recycled) rolling table that the Crusty Old Plumber modified for me. Love it. The plywood top is removable and the table can be used in multiple ways. Whoo hoo. Handy to have a man in your life with really fun tools to work with ------

I have them all covered and spread out and now I am working my way through the embellishments stash to finish them. There are thing like Lace and Melted fabric flowers.

While we are here - lets just say - Damn these things are fun and quick and easy to make ------ AND WAY FREAKING ADDICTING. Cut circle of a fabric that will melt -- hold over candle flame -- you don't even get the fabric in the flame, the wave of heat just above the flame works wonderfully. LOVE THE WAY THESE HAPPEN AND LOOK.

This one is finished. I actually did it. I cut the original picture from a vintage poise book and used it instead of scanning it. The background of the picture is a button card - sans buttons. Time to move on from the hoarding that has been so prevalent in the last several years.

In the past I have been picking the paper and all the embellishments then created the book. This time I just grabbed the papers and covered a stack of books, now picking embellishments and such to do the surfaces. I'll just have to see which way I actually prefer. So far, I like this way, because I can often add an embellishment to the pile on a book as I run across it. This is a good thing.

Let's just say -- I'm busy, happy, and bursting at the seams with creative energy. I'm not buying nearly as much crap to fill that empty place in my soul and that feels so good. I am ever so slowly working on some home projects and my finances in order to be in better shape so very soon.

I do hope this finds all of you happy and ready for a beautiful weekend -

Much love. ---- Teresa

Something I had never seen

2011-10-05T10:44:00.000-04:00

Saturday's trip included a stop at an antique market. One that actually had a sign on the door asking us to "LEAVE YOU PURSE IN ONE OF OUR LOCKERS OR RETURN IT TO THE STORE."

I hate to say it, but that sign tells me immediately that I won't be spending too much money in this place. gonna have to be a really special thing for me to go back to the car for my purse. Just Saying.

Anyway - we spotted THIS.

Now I am a Ford girl through and through. My daddy had a 65 FastBack mustang. First boy I dated drove a california Special 1968 model.

My personal vehicle now is a Ford product.

(Rare political note - the fact that Ford did not take bailout money is a plus as far as I am concerned.)

Anyway - We spotted this little gem and it was WAAAYYYYY to expensive for the condition it was in.

Now I am scouring ebay for one - even if I have to restore it. Yup - I want one.

AMF Mustang Pedal Car - estimated mid - to late 1960's maunfacture date. The front logo on the ones I have found is the horse and not the name so I am not sure if that is orginal or not.

Again I say --- I WANT ONE.

I hope you guys have a great day ----

Happy Fall Y'all

2011-10-03T09:39:00.000-04:00

It was a glorious fall weekend. I slipped off to the mountains for the John C. Campbell Folk Festival. Had a wonderful time.

Met up with Tipper from The Blind Pig and the Acorn Blog and Dana from Old Red Barn. Enjoyed those visits so much. We will make this an annual fall tradition. Just a nice, fun day trip.

Both College Girl and Softball Princess were home on Sunday. We ate lunch and I cooked supper and the two of them and their boyfriends. College Girl and Her Boy brought their new dog over to play with Rusty.

Now that was a load of fun.

These are blurry because those two just would not cooperate with being still --- they wanted to play.

And play ......

And play .......

Rusty slept all night, because Tyson wore him slap out.

October we should be back to some MaggieGrace goodness. Gotta a show to get ready for - so I am in hunker down mode.

Have a wonderful day.

SIMPLY SIMPLE SEPTEMBER #15

2011-09-29T16:25:00.000-04:00

Hey there - it's me, Rusty.

Just wanted to let you know that my mama has been super busy.

She is out enjoying her Simply Simple September activities.

Me, I'm just hanging here on the run enjoying the nicer cooler temps and watching the Crusty Old Guy drive that big blue tractor around the yard.

Don't worry about my mama or me - we had lot's and lot's of snuggle time this morning when I jumped on her bed. (No one told mama, but my job is to keep her from being late to work because she hit that snooze button one time too many.)

She wants me to give you a SIMPLE ASSIGNMENT FOR TODAY --- give your pets an extra treat.

Oh and be sure to say nice things about Rusty when you see her.

SIMPLY SIMPLE SEPTEMBER #14

2011-09-26T13:28:00.000-04:00

The venue was beautiful. People were all gussied up. That's me and the very emotional Father of the Bride - just before he got his first glimpse of his beautiful baby girl. I think he cried for the next four hours.

He left his hat home for the day --- and that's a pretty big thing.

This is my favorite picture of the day - of the ones I have seen so far.

A surprise father daughter dance --- She forgot to remember to tell him that was planned, but in his words "there was no way I would tell that baby girl no today." He adores her - she adores him.

They make a striking young couple - don't ya think.

They left in a 1930 Model A -- it belongs to a family friend. Fun stuff.

Here's a front view from earlier in the day.

And a just for fun edit of it - Kinda looks like something from a silent movie - doesn't it.

Best wishes Chip and Aimee - I wish you SIMPLY the best of love and wishes as you start your life together.

(I will add more pictures as I find them - these few were blatantly stolen from facebook)

I hope all of you SIMPLY CELEBRATED something this weekend.

SIMPLY SIMPLE SEPTEMBER #13

2011-09-23T15:01:00.000-04:00

This sweet couple gets married tomorrow. While a wedding is not exactly a SIMPLE activity to pull together, the heartfelt love behind this event is.

I'll be celebrating the beginning of a fine adventure with them tomorrow.

So the weekend activity action is to SIMPLY CELEBRATE something or someone.

Have a wonderful weekend.

SIMPLY SIMPLE SEPTEMBER #12

2011-09-22T10:28:00.000-04:00

Today would have been his 70th birthday.

Tomorrow will be the 31st anniversary of his death.

I often wonder what he would think of who I am today.

I ache to hear his laughter again.

Happy Birthday, Daddy.

SIMPLY SIMPLE SEPTEMBER activity today. Tell someone that you love them and that they make a difference to you. You may not get that chance again.

Love

SIMPLY SIMPLE SEPTEMBER #11

2011-09-21T15:50:00.000-04:00

We all do it.

I think it might be for self preservation or something like that.

I know I am one of the worst about it at my house.

Look at the picture below - no not at the fact the bench needs painting - but that the screen door is propped open behind it. I don't know why - because the screen is torn out of the door anyway.

It is propped open and needs repairing. Been that way for so long I really didn't even notice it anymore.

There - I said it - actually I typed it. IT HAD BEEN THAT WAY FOR SO LONG I REALLY DIDN"T EVEN SEE IT ANY MORE. I know for a fact it has been over a year.

How many things at your house are exactly like that?

I had mentioned it to The Man and apparently it was not on his list of important things to do -- He has even said there is nothing to do at the house except watch tv and sleep - but that is a separate issue all together.

Well - I have been enjoying the cooler weather by swinging on the porch swing and now this front porch and all the work it needs is "bothering" me.

What to do?

HIRE IT OUT? (two girls in college - need I say more about disposable income for projects?)

REMIND THE MAN GENTLY THAT IT NEED DOING? (let's just say that was not gonna help and let it go at that OK?)

WHINE (nah not my strong point)

GRIPE (okay, if any of my other married ladies have real success with this tactic, please let me know when the classes you need to teach are starting)

REALLY OPEN UP THE ALL OUT B*&^% MODE (I have of recent time decided there is no bigger waste of my energy than this one)

What did I do?

I took the door down - really ladies it was easy. Then (using just the perfect tools for the job - now that's funny) I removed about 50,000 tacks and staples. Removed the molding and the hardware. Decided what brackets I needed for strength on the door.

Run to the big orange box store and buy the few items I needed. (argue with man about what I am buying) Inform same man that I am doing and paying for project and that it wasn't on his very important project list. (Spent $38.00)

Now I am in the middle of sanding - and sanding - and sanding - and sanding off the old cracking, chipping, and peeling paint.

I'll let you know in a few days just how this one turned out.

Today's SIMPLY SIMPLE TASK - find something small that bothers you or been broken for so long you don't even notice, JUST FIX IT.

I'm gonna enjoy leaving my "big door" open for the breezes to blow throw the screen door -----

Happy fall Ya'll

SIMPLY SIMPLE SEPTEMBER #10

2011-09-16T10:46:00.001-04:00

THERE are a lot of nice people out there who think good thoughts -- why not share them?
Alexandra Stoddard

Today's SIMPLE act is brought to you by my Ohio Best Friend -

I go to the mailbox - I open it - I sort through the pile of junk mail and bills - I spot the handwritten address on the envelope - I smile.......

I got a letter --- A real handwritten letter.

I get others - cards - invitations - even my local bank hand addresses my deposit slip mailer (I use the night drop). EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THOSE WITH HANDWRITTEN ADDRESSES GETS MY ATTENTION FIRST.

I am not nearly as good at it as MaryAnn, but I try - and today I got two of them in the mail.

Go ahead, send a smile. it can be a letter - a postcard - a card -- even a clipping you think someone will be interested in. If you want a smile from me - drop me an email to teresahome@juno.com with your snail mail addy.

Another plus from this - the USPS employs real hard working American people - their jobs are in jeopardy too. More mail equals more job security. We all could use that feeling now and this is a simple way to help that for a few people.

SIMPLE YES ----

TRY IT ....

SIMPY SIMPLE SEPTEMBER #9

2011-09-14T15:04:00.000-04:00

I spotted her on Sunday morning. During the opening hymn. I was behind her and to the right, so I really couldn't see her face, but the motions of tears being wiped away were easy to see. I know her - I love her - she lost her husband - her partner - her lover - her friend. I miss him too. For what ever reason, she was struggling. So right then - right there - I put down my hymnal - I stepped out of the pew - I answered a gentle tug on my heartstrings - I walked the aisle - I wrapped her in my arms - and I just held on. Not a single spoken word between us.

It was beautiful - it was special - it was love.

Do this for someone today ---

SIMPLY SIMPLE SEPTEMBER #8

2011-09-13T16:03:00.000-04:00

PICTURE BLATANTLY STOLEN FROM TUMBLR.

Today's Simple action - L A U G H.

I laughed a lot when I saw the following pictures. WHICH I BLATANTLY STOLE FROM FACEBOOK. The Softball Princess and her dorm roommate Cort - PRANK WARS ON.

Post it notes - - covering the Princess car.

However. they did leave a hole for her to drive by.......

This prank was followed by .........

Cort's entire side of the room being dismantled and reassembled in the hallway --------

The comments from Abby included "I did sweep under your missing bed."

Ok people --- Abby and Cortney got laughter -- I got laughter.

YOU????

SIMPLY SIMPLE SEPTEMBER #7

2011-09-12T10:54:00.000-04:00

As part of my SIMPLE SEPTEMBER activities, i am spending time completeing projects around home. I am spending TIME with family and friends. This weekend included two road trips - some major porch swing time - remembering 9/11 - cooking dinner for a friend - and meeting some wonderful new friends.

As a part of all that road trip time - I have been working on ......

A crochet car seat sized blanket.....

It is a wonderfully textured orange sherbert colored yarn.....

A SIMPLE granny square about 36" square.

Machine washable and dryable ----- Loving this a whole bunch.

FINISHED __ SIMPLY FINISHED

Now for something from the road trips - I have a THING for old chimneys. Coming home yesterday I spotted this one - Gonna work on this image in PICNIK and frame it.

Are you having a great September?

--- I am

SIMPLY SIMPLE SEPTEMBER

2011-09-09T16:51:00.000-04:00

Fall is beginning to arrive........

Have a wonderful weekend.

Remember 9/11

SIMPLY SIMPLE SEPTEMBER #5

2011-09-08T15:29:00.000-04:00

This pretty little spot is just a few minutes from my work. More amazing is that you cannot hear the traffic when you get there. Feel isolated, but it is so easy to get to. I can escape there at lunch and just be outside. I actually go here often since I discovered it a few weeks ago. There are beavers building their winter home - I've seen turtles - all kinds of birds. It is quiet and I find myself much more centered when I have taken the time to just breathe.

Another part of my Simple September is getting ready for the Holiday Markets.

I blogged about a simple wood block nativity that my girls had as a child here.

I wanted to make and sell some, so I am smack dab in the middle of doing just that.

I also have found that I am quite happy while I am doing creative things.

I also have a great friend who has stepped up and is helping with so much of this. (big thank you to my Salt and Peppah)

Simple - tedious - but not difficult --- wood block nativity production site.

It is such a simple thing really ---

Now for the question -

Should I include a little story about my girls set in each box?

Or just the Bible verse References to the Christmas story ---

Simple September prompts for today --- share a favorite spot of yours.

Teresa

SIMPLY SIMPLE SEPTEMBER #4

2011-09-07T10:14:00.000-04:00

"Home is where the heart is."

"There is no place like home"

"take me home, to the place I belong"

What exactly make a house become a home?

Well - it's simple to me - living well is the answer. And at times I have not done that. Unfortunately, I have spent many years of gathering stuff (crap) trying to fill some kind of void in my life.

This is my home....it is quite often in full disarray. But things are improving and lving well suddenly feels attainable.

My youngest just left for college - and the most amazing part of that is - - - - I don't just have empty nest syndrome because she and her big sister were suddenly gone. It is the full effect of the girls AND ALL THEIR FRIENDS being gone. See my house was open for all of them - they came and went as if they lived there. I LOVED IT. Coming home to the yard looking like a used car lot meant that I knew where my children were and what they were doing.

I look through Abby's facebook pictures and I realize that she is doing exactly what she grew up with - so - it's a basic dorm room - no worries - great memories are not about big spaces and fancy decor. The great memories are inviting people to share your space to live, work, and play.

So there -- SIMPLY SIMPLE terms. Home is where they love you.

I think you could live well in a house such as the one below. (photo from Tipper).

No - actually I KNOW you could live well here. I grew up in a house heated with wood heat. Cold Bedrooms in the winter. No air conditioning in the summer (where you flip the pillow to the cooler side). We were loved - we welcomed friends - we lived quite well.

Think of homemade ice cream shared around that picnic table. Friends gathered to fry fish ---- or grill hot dogs.

Yes - that is living well.

But you can live well anywhere -

Take this home --- sure looks like they are doing well - I hope that is true. because in the current economy - there are many who appeared to be doing quite well - then lost all their dreams because the money simply wasn't there any more.

Were they really ever living well????

And then there is the next level -- I grabbed this picture from the southern living website. But think of reality tv shows - the Kardashians - real housewives -

Are those very wealthy people really living well?

Today - in my SIMPLY SIMPLE SEPTEMBER - I am celebrating the fact that I really am living well. I am healthy, I welcome people into my life to share, I have a roof over my head, my children are well adjusted.

Last night I crocheted - I prayed for the person who will receive the gift I am working on. I was happy and I realized just how simple living well really can be.

Share a living well celebration with us.

Have a beautiful day.

Simply Simple September #3

2011-09-06T11:24:00.000-04:00

My assignment to you was to notice. Just notice. I did just that on Saturday. A nice long afternoon of noticing.

Dappled sunlight through the trees.

A pine burl - the real cause for burls is unknown. But theories include freezing damage, parasites, insects or tree injury. This one is massive.

A random heart looking at me.

These are seeds from the blackberry lilly. I snagged them with the idea of germinating some - we will see.

Fall color is beginning to show.

Well - what did you notice?

This is really simple and inexpensive fun --- for a simply simple september.

SIMPLY SIMPLE SEPTEMBER #2

2011-09-02T10:09:00.000-04:00

You would think that simple would be easy.

But as we all know - anything really worth having is worth the effort it take to get it.

I live in the Southern USA - North Georgia. I can tell fall is coming, just a hint of it in the evening air. The light has started that color change that speaks to many of us - often as a whisper - "hang on, cooler weather coming. " No real fall color yet but if you pay attention you can see and feel the signs.

Yesterday afternoon included a walk. Just a few minutes from work is a hidden gem. A path, that leads to a secluded feeling pond. I took my camera (muttering something about being a blogger and that I wanted to grab a few pictures)

Somehow when I look for details that I would otherwise miss, my mind settles into a more simple frame of reference. The busyness of the day falls away with that shift in my focus.

I uploaded the pictures - you will be seeing them over the next few days.

This morning I edited this one - a close up of some Alder Tree Catkins.

Look at the detail I didn't notice until I started color shifting things in PICNIK. There is a tiny spider web in and around these.

So today I am terming - THINGS AREN'T ALWAYS BEST VIEWED IN COLOR - AND THEY ARE DEFINITELY NOT ALWAYS BLACK AND WHITE.

Today's SIMPLE SEPTEMBER thing is to notice details. Just notice. And then let me know what you notice.

A SIMPLE SEPTEMBER

2011-09-01T12:34:00.000-04:00

I read a lot of blogs - I mean a lot of them. I also read a lot of books and magazines. A very favorite writer of mine is Dominique Browning. I have a folder of her Editior Letters from when she was editor of, no longer being published, House and Garden magazine. I have read her book, Around the House and In the Garden: a Memoir of Heartbreak, Healing, and Home Improvement, over and over. Her writing appeals to me on many levels.

Well, several months ago, I discovered that Ms. Browning has a blog, that ties in with her new book and I immediately started following her. SLOW LOVE LIFE is a very wonderful, thought provoking blog and I cannot wait ot get my hands on the book.

Enough rambling. The post from 8/31/2011 contains the following quote and I read it again and again.

I like knowing that there is a way to be in a place that feels good without having to go anywhere, or spend anything to get there. That makes it possible for anyone to practice slow love in everyday life.
Dominique Browning

I knew then that my focus for the month of September is going to be on SIMPLICITY.

SIMPLE ACTIVITIES

SIMPLE PLEASURES

SIMPLE GRATITUDES

SIMPLE BEAUTY

SIMPLY SIMPLE SEPTEMBER.

Starting with a few pictures - if you are my facebook friend you have already spotted these.

I have a wonderful friend. Flowers on my desk. Not showy, grown for profitable sales, flowers. Nope.

Wildflowers, garden flowers.

Tiny daisies - in a vase from an art event I attended. These arrived shortly after a cell phone picture text saying "I saw these and they made me think of you"

The sweet smell of summer - gardenias - snipped quickly on the way out the door by our building landlord.

Hydrangeas - in a cup painted for me by a wonderful friend.

A tiny bit of sunshine - I find myself smiling as I look at these.

The colbalt bottle came from College Girl - She brought it to me from Spain. I was recovering from my Surprise Kidney Cancer Roadtrip when she brought this back. A beautiful way to celebrate - I don't have cancer any more. Filled with flowers that remind me that I am not alone on this journey either.

All very quickly put together - a very simple act - an action that makes me smile - See I find these on my desk unannounced. I know who puts them there. I adore him for this and for so many other reasons. It makes me feel like what I do in my day to day grown up girl job matters to him enough to try and thank me. Look around in the pictures - the chaos of my desk. Stacks and piles and notes are everywhere. But nature's beauty is simple to share.

Do it. Give yourself or someone else a moment of simple pleasure. Grab a few blooms. Or, if there aren't blooms, some colorful fall leaves, a branch of an evergreen, some fresh herbs, long grass stems, or even some interesting weeds. Stick them in something that hols water. Enjoy them yourself or leave them for another to enjoy.

Something to enjoy for not much more that a tiny bit of effort ---

Simply Beautiful.

Weekends are for breathing.....

2011-08-29T12:42:00.000-04:00

And that is exactly what I did. After a very tough week, I need some mental health time.

Saturday provided just what mama needed. I got up to find my Crusty Old Friend in the driveway - not only did said friend bring lavender plants the he saved from a jobsite - he showed up with shovel and planted the dang things for me - there was coffee in the porch swing following that wonderful surprise.

The man took off to the Bakery to hang with his friend and I had a baby shower to attend. On the way I stopped at an Antiques Mall that I had heard about and OH MY - I'll be going back there.

Then I got a text that said simply "DOGS A CHEWER"

I knew then that this sweet face attached to this sweet pup had done something else.

Rusty - he don't do so well staying by himself. He has destroyed his crate twice from the inside. And he did this........

Yup - he tried to eat the door.

Hard to believe that this sweetie (had him less than a week and as long as I'm around he is settled and subdued. He lays at my feet or close enough to be able to see me all the time) has that kind of bad behavior in him.

Big thank you to Crusty Old Plumber for beefing up the crate - hopefully it will work.

There was MaggieGrace goodness too.

I have a friend who is getting married in September and I have seen these all over the internet. (I have no idea who's image this is.

So I grabbed my Rustoleum Painters Touch Paint. This time in semi-gloss black. God - I love this paint and NO, the great people at Rustoleum do not have a clue who I am nor do they give me product or payment to say that - I just really, really like this paint.

I painted a canvas solid black - and yes I get close to my work and I get paint all over me.

Then I grabbed my Cricut - (again they don't have a clue who I am) and a couple of cartridges. And started cutting ------ plain white cardstock letters.

I spread them out on the back of an unopened canvas just to "kinda" plan a layout.

There were strong words and re cuts made ----- "we do mistakes" got cut at least three times in different sizes - the third time sent me into giggles just because I was cutting mistake after mistake after mistake (sorry - at the time, it was funny)

Then I ACTUALLY used appropriate tools - a tape measure and some lotack painters tape. To actually lay out the lettering.

I glued it all in place with ModPodge (the people at Plaid don't know me either)

I would like to say it all went exactly as planned - but since there was no real plan - that would just be a complete lie. I had to re-cut a few. And I glued as I went - there was no measuring and accurate detailed plans for this. I did a few lines from the bottom. Then a few from the top. Then said "oh, shit" and cut that damn "we do mistakes" phrase AGAIN in a smaller font.

Ultimately - I got all of my phrases on the canvas. All I like now is a couple of finish coats of the ModPodge and this can go live at the newlywed's house.

Note - I took this to work for proofreading . I will be making more - I'm thinking the next one will use the Espresso or Mocha paint and some patterned papers. We will see.

Even cooler - this one was completed 100% from supplies I already own.

Much love and great day wishes to all of you.

Good news and bad news

2011-08-25T11:23:00.000-04:00

I realized after a comment that I had not shared the loss of Poca with this group of people. That rotten dog was at the center of my family's world. Picture below shows just how spoiled she was. She was also quite an escape artist. From many attempts to keep her restrained.

On the Friday before the Softball Princess left for college, she managed to pull off her run and as was always her habit, she took of to chase cars. We kept her on the run or leash always when outside, but she was determined to chase certain cars. In one of the most horrible things I have ever been through - she ran out into the road and was hit by a car while we watched and were trying to get her back into the yard. There have been many tears shed over this and many swears to never have a pet again.

(Please don't anyone make negative comments about irresponsible pet owners here. We have had several dogs. All of these have lived very long and spoiled lives. We still have a black lab who is twelve and very sweet and kind. He also never tries to get out. Different personality entirely.)

On Saturday, a friend relayed to me that his mom had a dog they were going to have to find a home for, or return him to the pound. (Did you know that returned dogs are often put down immediately) Miss Lynda is 70 and lives alone. She had rescued a dog from the pound and soon discovered he was way too much dog for her. He was too strong for her and she was afraid of falling and breaking a bone while walking him. Well - All that swearing I would never get another dog went right out the window. I wanted to meet Rusty.

Yesterday I did. I went to her house and this stunner met me at the door - we visited - we bonded - he came home with me.

Meet Rusty. A boxer - retriever - shepherd mix.

Things I know already

- he wants to be everybody's buddy.

- he is already housebroken

- he is already crate trained

- he stays off the furniture (whooo hooooo)

- he loves peanut butter

- he follows me around everywhere - this will probably only be until the SoftBall Princess gets home.

- he melts my heart when he lays his head on my knee just for a few quick scratches.

- he walks wonderfully on his leash - and gives you no problem about putting it on.

One more picture - he had no anxiety with joining my family. He is already buddies with the black lab we have.

This is gonna be okay.

(Some more good news -- The Man at my Address had a skin thing removed from his face. We have been holding our breath waiting for the results - it was skin cancer, but it was a basal cell carcinoma and the dermatologist got all of it and clean margins. Only follow up will be for checkups. Maybe he will sleep tonight. )

I do hope all of you have a great day.

A visitor

2011-08-22T10:11:00.000-04:00

Saturday found me doing really fun stuffs.

First off - a radio broadcast as advertising for the store. Tim and Wendy are great fun to hang out with. Thanks to then for having me as a guest.

Then I visited with a friend.

Then headed home to fix banana bread with the way over ripe fruit on the counter.

At that point I realized that I needed to find some keys. I had put those "Just where I would remember" and apparently that was not effective. So I started looking and upon climbing on the chair in my kitchen and then discovering just how filthy all the stuff on the top of the cabinets had become. My Saturday plans took a side step into a serious kitchen cleaning adventure. I took everything off the top of the cabinet - I scrubbed and washed and reworked the display and storage ---- wow.

Then I invited a friend to stop for coffee and banana bread -

We took our drinks to the front porch - perched in the swing.

Our conversation goes like this........
He: you didn't do a very good job getting your buddy to understand.
Me: what
He: He's really close to you right now.
Me: (heavy sigh) Dammit where is he.
He: You mean you haven't spotted him?
Me: (now looking around seriously) WHERE IS HE?
He: On that big ol' tree right there.
Me: (realizing that my view is blocked by the porch post) Well damn - but he's still in his space.

Here is a picture of my buddy - previously know as Mr Black Snake - his new name is Steve (inside joke here)

I have spoken of sharing my studio space with him often - as in here.

I am not afraid of him - he just has to obey the rules and stay away from the house.

We continued our conversation and he sat and watched us for a while - then on up the tree he went.

It was a beautiful weekend - Hope you had one too.

NEVER EVER ----

2011-08-15T11:23:00.000-04:00

This beautiful girl turns 21 today at 4:01 pm. She is smart, funny, pretty, disciplined, creative, and I can go on and on. But I am biased. Oh well.

About that creative part, she paints, she sews, she makes jewelry......

And on Saturday, I broke a major rule with her.

The rule??? NEVER - EVER GO ANTIQUING AND THRIFTING WITH SOMEONE WHO LIKES THE SAME STUFF YOU DO.

Because we were in a tiny little antique store on Saturday and she spotted this.....

Ok - I'm excited just because it is old and it is a container and I LOVE OLD CONTAINERS. One reason - because you never know what is in there - right ?

OOOOOO - sewing stuffs.

I'm excited and she ain't letting me poke through them.

Buttons on cards (she pased then by - lucky me) and wooden spools (check out the blue stained spool. never seen one like that)

She wanted to poke through these ----

And then she played the ACE --- "mama - its my birthday and I'll just take a few of these and you can have this one and this and this. "

So guess what mama did ---- Yup

She bought the college girl a big box of buttons.

Happy Birthday - sweet girl ---

Well - Its called an empty nest - NOT

2011-08-10T09:44:00.000-04:00

I think they call this Empty Nest Syndrome. We moved the Softball Princess into her dorm on Sunday. The College Girl (she's a senior) moved herself in yesterday - with the help of a friend. Leaving me and a VERY silent, sulking Man at home by ourselves.

Well the reality of the situation is that - yes - the children are gone, but this house is far from empty. There are piles of crap everywhere. Read back through this blog and you will find thousands of words related to my lack of domestic genetic abilities.

As you know - I am now on a tear to get myself together. Finish up some things. Find a cleaner, simpler, better future for this house and the occupants (specifically me).

Again I say - my "Give a Damn" circuitry has been repaired.

So yesterday went something like this. Work -- workout -- quick grocery stop -- cook dinner -- make 9000 trips to the studio returning crap that we brought to the house (QUICK SECRET - THIS ACTIVITY WAS CALLED CLEANING -- shhh don't tell my brain). ---- then I found a project that I abandoned at some time in the past.

So after about three hours of domestic activity - I sat down and rewarded me with an hour of time working on this......

It is close to finished and I have no idea why I abandoned it - but I found it while I was cleaning. Gonna finish it, repaint the frame that came with the kit and be done with it. I put it beside my chair and will spent a few quality minutes at night until its done.

What about you? Are there unifinished projects at your house? Hell - my house is an unfinished project. But now I am once again focused on getting my act together.

Join me?

Have a beautiful day -- I am.

checking my list......

2011-08-04T12:41:00.000-04:00

working on old stuffs is rewarding. Finishing old projects is rewarding. Finishing old stuff and having exactly $1.21 in current money spent. Whooo Hoooo how wonderful is that?

This table will be placed in my window today. It is old, but not antique. The man built this in high school shop class. It has been living on my front porch for many years. I got excited about jumping on this project so I cannot find a before and I didn't take one.

Look at the edge of the top and you will see the original finish. It was deteriorated from the weather. It really wasn't all that pretty, and honestly, I was kinda ignoring this for a long long time.

I am also aggravated by some plants by my kitchen sink - in the way. See below.

So I broke out this espresso paint. Now just for the record - the Rustoleum people have not one clue who I am. Nor have they given me any thing to give you this opinion - BUT I LOVE THIS PAINT.

I used the black on the Princess dresser ( go here for that project). It has held up beautifully. Easy to use. Easy to clean up. Again I say ---- LOVE THIS PAINT.

Now do not tell anyone - but I actually did the steps to this project. I washed it - and shhhhh - I sanded it. Only because the finish was so uneven and I could tell it would be splotchy. Then I dusted and tack clothed the whole shebang. I taped off the top. And took out the drawer. Mind you I spray painted the hardware with some hammered wrot iron paint and it was beautiful - then I discovered that one side of the handle would not tighten. So I went to hobby lobby and gathered a new rusted iron drawer pull.

The result - a beautiful, dark brown TILE TOP table. No worries if I over water. I am so very happy with this.

A better view of the new drawer pull.

Tonight I will clean said window. I'll add a hook to raise the curtain for more light. (New curtains are a future project.) Then move table and plants into place.

Check this one off the list. Thousands more to go.

Have a beautiful day.

watching airplanes

2011-08-02T12:25:00.000-04:00

"Right now I'm sitting out here watching airplanes" Gary Allan

That's kinda what I was doing when I was distracted by a random natural heart.

I think it is so cool when you find hearts in those unexpected times or places.

See it?????

I also hope to finish this little project today so I can have a reveal tomorrow.

And the Crusty Old Plumber - who happens to be my buddy - is working for my friend Lannae. He just sent me this little picture of her newly modified furniture piece in her master bath. A sofa table cut to accomodate two above counter lavatories. What cha think of those?

Just a note ---- Although many people use the word sink here and I have also heard them called face bowls - the technically correct terminology for these is lavatory.. Sinks are found in kitchens and laundry rooms. (completely useless educational fact for today)

Have a wonderful afternoon.

Last weekend as a full time mommy....

2011-08-01T13:15:00.000-04:00

Ok - Softball Princess moves into the dorms next Sunday. She is 18 years old. I will be only a weekend mom from here on.

So yesterday - Sunday, July 31 - she filled out forms

Joined by these two clowns.... (Chance and Blake)

Waited oh so patiently

Watched the skies carefully

Suited up...

Horsed around just a bit for stress relief.

Then she hugged her daddy.
She hugged mom too. That picture is not on my camera.

Loaded up on this thing.

Took off .......

And came down from 14000 feet .... like this

Landed safely.

Just so their moms know - Chance landed safely too.

And Blake had the best landing.

On the way to www.skydivemonroe.com she said to us "if I die will you make sure my nails get painted."

After she finished she said "I felt like google earth."

Next year Mom gets to jump too.

a newly started old project.

2011-07-28T09:50:00.002-04:00

Good morning. This post is a bit of a scary post. See, I have lived in the house where I live for 20 years. I know this project has been in the project pile for longer than that, because I moved the item from the last place I lived.

Guilty as charged --

I got stuff. I got junk. I got a mess. I was coleecting and collecting and collecting stuff all these years with all the intentions of "fixing it" to use or to sell. What I have come to realize is that I am "damn near" being a diagnosed hoarder. There are reasons for this - and a large part is still being uncovered.

Anyways. Big blessings - lead to big truths - and this has led to the realization that my Give a damn circuits have been broken for a long long time.

But enough. Now I am embarrassed to admit this - I need to get a move on in clearing out the junk that symbolizes these issues.

Basically - things stacked up in the universe and my Give a Damn has been extensively serviced and is dang near in full operation again.

In the last two weeks - I gave away a piano that I have hated, did not want, nor did I have any emotional attachment to. It needed thousands of dollars worth of work, which I can't do myself nor afford to have done. But my grandmother (now deceased) arranged this to come into my house and I just kept hanging on to it for those reasons. PIANO NOW GONE.

I sold a car - the wind up car that left Softball Princess stranded.

I arranged for our boat to go stay with my brother in law. He can piddle with fixing it back up. Maybe even The Man can go play with his bro since there is going to be a huge void in his life very soon.

I dragged a table off the porch and scrubbed it in preparation for painting.

And I tackled this 20 year old project.

A sewing stand.......

Sorry about the pictures - cell phone snaps - I was on a roll and I was afraid to lose that by going after the camera.

Made of cedar - with a fabric backing. I think there were about 30,000 tacks and staples in it.

Lest you think the picture quality is really that bad, let me assure you this, when I touched this fabric it was so rotten that it crumbled on touch. It was a dirty - dusty - nasty step to the project.

The inside has these pockets. I saved these panels for a pattern but they are lying on the porch - not taking this nasty mess inside.

No idea why this is so tiny - I have all the tacks and staples out now. I'll scrub and sand and repair some issues in the wood. Then - shhh, don't tell the wood lovers about this but - I'm painting this and adding new panels to it. God knows I have fabric.

maybe it will look something like these when I finish it.

I do hope you all have a wonderful day.

Notes on the best birthday in a long time......

2011-07-18T10:10:00.000-04:00

I turned 46 on Thursday - It was a wonderful event. There was no big party. Really, no elaborate gifting. But there has been some major attitude changes in my life.

Basically - MY "GIVE A DAMN" is no longer broken.

My birthday included lunches with great friends.

It included breakfast with great friends.

There was one "liquid" dinner.

I received a very symbolic gift from my Ohio Bestie Friend.

I took the time to relax and really celebrate this year. It was good for me.

Saturday was absolutely the best. I found myself with a day to spend on me, since the man and the princess were playing ball in Atlanta and had stayed the night with his sister. I rambled around with a wonderful friend. Poked into old homeplaces, old cemeteries, and antiques stores. Played on dirt roads. Had fabulous conversation. It was one of my best days in a long time.

MaggieGrace actually worked in the studio on Sunday. She spent the morning Sunday watching the SoftBall Princess play ball and crocheting. It was a great weekend.

I also cleared out a piano. I kinda gained the piano in a roundabout way. It was old - broken - needed thousands of dollars in repairs - and my Nanny arranged for me to be the fine owner of this thing. Well - I lived with it until yesterday evening. And now it no longer takes up space in my house. WhooHoo!!!

Now for a few fun images from saturday.

I took this in one of the cemeteries. This is the image right off my camera. I do not know why I wanted this kind of "off" perspective.

Then, I started "playing" in the picnik.com editor. I will be printing this to hang in my office.

Then - using the sepia setting on my camera - I took this one too. Again, this is the image - right off the camera.

More picnik.com editing. I built an eerie - haunted appearing fire in the fireplace. Cool - huh.

I do hope, every one had a great weekend.

I did.

A long post that really says nothing.....

2011-07-11T14:59:00.000-04:00

Ok peeps - sorry. MaggieGrace has some big big life things going on. So i have been a little scattered.

Here is a post of a bunch of random notes that add up to nothingness - but mostly to let you guys know I didn't die.

I will be 46 on Thursday ------

I am now the proud parent of two adults - the softball princess turned 18 on Saturday. We are busily doing the crap that we have to to get her into college and dorm life. Busy scrambling.

I have however finished a baby blanket - a gorgeously soft one in the creamy yellow color.

Plain old double crochet stitched with a tiny variation.

Front and back post double crochet rows add a bit of a fake cable effect.

A very simple single and double crochet edge treatment finished this one off. I finished it Saturday Morning and started one in a luscious oange sherbert and white variation.

I lost my halo - but then discovered it is easily replaced - and danged cheap too. Not sure if the stray apostrophe is valuable or not.

I am sucha display geek - simple white cotton knit with grey knit words. Very effective display in a New York window.

New York work trip included time for sight seeing (and beer drinking).

I was asked to stop taking these pictures - Anthro of course.

I am letting my hair grow out - I love it longer.

But then I wear it up all the time. Go figure.

I've spend some time babysitting for these monkeys.

And I am acting like a teenager - feather extensions and some really easy laughter add to that entire midlife act like a teen image. ( I love the extensions)

There has been a road trip with the entire crew (yup I've gained a couple of boys to hang out with these girls)

Flip flops and painted toenails - serious summer attire.

A visit to Ground Zero convince me that America heals - just like we all should.

Oh and the Princess got a new back glass - not sure what happened but it resulted in a 1am phone call to my cell.

So there you have random pictures that add up to an excuse for why I am not around. I will say that something has happened in my life that has resulted in getting my "give a damn" repaired. I am slowly slowly working on finishing some things that should have been done a long time ago.

I'll sign a "do better" card about keeping this updated.

Have a beautiful day.

let's have a fitness chat.

2011-06-14T09:29:00.001-04:00

This post is about "not running away" "not giving up" "facing and conquering demons"

Hell, call it whatever you want to, I saw it in myself last night.

It was suspected that the "kidney cancer roadtrip" discovery was triggered by a particular boot camp drill.

See the picture below.......

This is a tire pull - the straps on the tires we use go around your waist. The suspicion from the doctor was that the excess pressure through my midsection during this drill was what aggravated the cancer tumour.

I haven't looked at those tires since that day. I had not avoided them, this drill just had not come up in the workout rotation. UNTIL LAST NIGHT.

I am stronger than I have ever been - mentally and physically - today. While the bootcamp workout is challenging every time, I have learned to fight my way through them. I have learned that you will not die from pushing yourself to the point of puking if needed to finish something. And the feeling of accomplishment when the workout is finished is worth every step and lift and sweat drop that wets even my underwear.

I kinda thought I had it going on --- UNTIL LAST NIGHT ---

We warmed up - We ran - We met at the practice field - We were told there were three stations - Station one for my group was abs. three minutes worth (DONE DEAL) -

Station two was a hill drill, jog down the hill then alternating lunges back up that hill - repeat three times (DONE DEAL and I FINISHED FIRST FOR MY GROUP) -

Station three was those tire pulls and on the walk to that station the irrational demons jumped on me. I was in tears before I got there and absolutely could not get a grip. The power of this emotional and mental demon surprised me - actually scared me with its intensity and power. So this sweaty, hard breathing, crazy lady, now in an irrational, hysterical, teary eyed frame of mind wants to literally say "screw this, I cannot do it." But the part of me who slays demons won that battle - I chose my tire, tossed that strap around my waist and pulled that damn tire three times up and down that field.

On the repeat of the circuit - there was a new spill of tears. Not hysterical irrational or full of fear. NOPE - this second round of tears washed away the ugly bloody remants of that demon slaying.

I finished the workout strong.

It was a physically demanding workout, but last night I learned that on this fitness journey, I cannot plan for what demons may rear their ugly head and start chanting "you cannot do this", but I can decide to silence them by simply powering on through the tears and fears.

I HAD MY STRONGEST WORKOUT EVER.

I do not run away. I do not give up. I do not allow fear to have power. These are choices I get to make. And amazingly enough - that lesson will serve me equally as well in all areas of my life.

Nope - I choose to move "only forward, never longing to go back".

Have a beautiful day ---

Missing in action....

2011-06-06T08:51:00.004-04:00

Sorry - I didn't mean to do that again. Maybe shortly, posting will return to normal. Just had some huge life things happen to us lately. Not anything horrible - just Softball Princess graduating from high school - as the valedictorian - and other good good things.

So MaggieGrace goodness is a little shy right now. But that will be changing.

But I did have a few things to share with the internet peeps.

Ernestine Cochran, a very dear friend of mine, gave me this yesterday at church. She is a talented porcelain artist and I have several pieces of her work. But this one is so very special. It is in recognition of my cancer survival.

It came with prayers for my continued good health.

But here is the really cool part...........

That's my house. I love my house.

And on the other side......

That's my big barn... all covered with trumpet vine. That vine is in bloom right now.

And my breast cancer and kidney cancer ribbons.

I literally squealed when she gave it to me.

I am so blessed by really special people in my life.

Now for those who read because they be family members......

Saturday we were invited to the govenors mansion for a valedictorian recognition reception. This picture is way out of order, because this is right after we blew off the speeches and bailed on the whole program. The Princess was the instigator. But there wasn't much discussion before we all decided that was an excellent idea.

Mom Dad and Princess outside the mansion.

This needlepoint firescreen was in the first editions library. It has been cut from the canvas and handstitched to the silk. Intricate and beautiful.

Graduation Night - College Girl and Softball Princess. These two are my life.

A word about the Princess Speech at graduation. She is not your typical really serious academic student. We were not privy to any of her speech preparation - so moms mouth dropped open when her first word at the podium was "wassup". That jaw drop was soon followed by the phrase "oh my God" as she proceeded to deliver a witty and majorly different valedictorians address - to many cheers and much applause from the packed house.

Excerps from the speech can be found here. http://www.madisonjournaltoday.com/archives/4095-MCHS-graduates-say-goodbye.html

We will be spending the summer getting ready for the transition into being a college student.

College Girl will be spending her time in the Chemistry Dept at UGA on a summer internship and collecting salamander eggs for her senior bio chem research project.

Hope this finds all of you having a wonderful day.

This Girl

2011-05-13T14:52:00.003-04:00

Graduates from High school next week.

Is going to college on an academic scholarship. Will play softball for that same college.

Was named valedictorian at the honors night services last night.

Can you guys say proud mama?

Running and counting blessings

2011-05-05T10:11:00.003-04:00

That picture is of Hartwell Dam. I grew up playing in the lake created by this dam. Camping, skiing, boating, floating, sun bathing, all those kinds of outdoor activities.

And this coming Saturday, I will be a runner. A relatively new outdoor activity for me. One that has come with sweat, tears, challenges, and perserverance.

I've lost 58 pounds - I have not taken one diet pill. As my friend Dawn Demo says "the answer is no... NO pills, NO lipo, NO bands, NO staples. It's called will power, sweat, and goals."

I'm eating better, I work out HARD, I drink my water. And slowly the pounds are coming off.

I would like to lose 25 - 30 more.

The 5K on Saturday morning will start from the South Carolina side of Hartwell Dam, follow the pavement above, cross the Dam, and end on the Georgia side of it. I was registered for this run last year when the "SURPRISE YOU LOST A KIDNEY TO CANCER" roadtrip began. The doctors were a little funny about letting me run a week after taking my kidney in a major surgery. So I sat and watched my daughter run. And I cried.

There will be hundreds of runners all with their own reason for doing this. Me - I'm running because I want to stay healthy this time. I'm doing the work every day to be that way. Making smarter decisions with eating, exercise, rest, lifestyle. I can honestly say that doing this for myself was, and still is hard. But it is so very worth the effort.

I have a 45 minute goal for myself.

I'm a little concerned, because right now, my asthma is not very well controlled. I've been struggling with that for about three weeks (hello pollen season) But I'm excited. I am healthy. My cancer recovery is now complete.

Better than that - I survived all the challenges so far, with very little negative effects mentally and physically.

So hey - lets roll - I'll let you you know next week just how I performed.

I can't wait to look down river from the top of the dam. And to count blessings. There will be a blessing with every step.

3.2 miles of blessings - that's gonna be a really big list.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Smiles

2011-05-02T10:38:00.002-04:00

Good Monday morning.

Right now - I find myself wondering if Bin Laden might be looking for his virgins.

Anyway - this is not a political blog. It is my world. It is my place of happiness and joy and beauty and creativity and all that stuff.

And it is time for a word challenge update. MaryAnn chose the word for April, and she chose the word SMILE. It was a good time for a really fun word. I smiled every day this month. My world is full of amazing surprises right now. Those make me smile. My baby girl is winding down her Senior school year. That makes me smile as she moves on to the next phases of her life. And we recently got the great news - Softball Princess was named the Valedictorian of her class and that really makes me smile.

And we are busy at work. For the first time in a long time, we have seen promise in the construction industry. That is reason to smile.

I have chosen the word for May - and that word is PRAISE. So go ahead play along with us and PRAISE in your own way this month. I promise this one will be fun.

Now for a couple more pictures of "the dress" we designed and made -

For Carrie - a super nice detail shot of the bodice. What cha think? Oh and check out that smile. I'm kinda partial to it, but I think she is beautiful.

I stole this one off her facebook. It really shows the beautiful way the grey underskirt shows through the lace. Love this picture.

I'll be back in a few with some MaggieGrace reality. Things have happened in my life that have given me some energy and enthusiasm for finishing some projects. There is a tiny bit of extra time as the soccer season has ended. Life is good - no actually - life is GREAT.

Hope all this finds you guys having a fabulous day.

I know I am.

College Girls Prom Dress

2011-04-18T15:34:00.005-04:00

Okay, she is an adult. Her boy actually is as well, but he is a senior in high school and they were going to prom together. College Girl approached me and said, "I want to make my prom dress." And she had an inspiration photo. Grey and black and a sheer overlay and check out the bodice. My response OH MY GOOD GRACIOUS HAVE YOU LOST YOUR DAMN MIND. or some other adult language version of that phrase. But being the wonderful and kind and loving mother that I am. And having an enormous amount of spare time to devote to this project ----- I said sure honey. Knowing full well that her idea of making this dress was going to involve me way more than I wanted to be involved. A pattern was purchased. Fabric. Notions. And away we go. We had a pattern for a strapless under dress. But that bodice - the really important part - well she trusted her Mama to come up with something. Mind you - that picture was the inspiration. The finished dress only kinda has that idea. But it was very very pretty. AND I FINISHED THE DAMN THING AT 2:45 PM ON SATURDAY THE DAY OF AND PICTURES WERE AT 3:15PM. There ya go. Pictures from the day. College Girl and Softball Princess. The gunmetal grey was beautiful on her.

Mom's interpretation of the bodice inspiration.

The adorable couple - All pictures were made at Watson Mill Bridge State Park.

Ben's mom made his vest and bow tie from the same fabric as the dress. Nice attention to detail.

NOTE TO ALL PARTIES READING THIS - the covered buttons on the vest, Ben did those himself.

The lace is beautiful - I have some left - it will go into the stash.

I am pleased with the outcome. A dress that she will wear once. But we worked on it together and together time is limited when a girl child enters her twenties. Really the time spent together was the best part of this project.

I am really happy I jumped in and said ---- SURE, WE CAN MAKE YOUR DRESS.

Have a beautiful day.

About the shoes - again

2011-04-13T13:10:00.003-04:00

Disclaimer - you can bail on this post - it is all about prom pictures - most likely interesting only to us family peeps. Saturday was a very important day at our house. A year ago - I was lying in a hospital bed trying not to bleed to death from a cancerous tumour. We celebrated that anniversary all day. It was also the Softball Princess Senior Prom. And yes - it was about the shoes again. Check these out. Custom order converse - to match the dress. Great aren't they. I took a similar picture last year and loved it. Love this one too.

College Girl went too - her boy is the same age as Softball Princess. More on her stuff next post.

Silly girl - I love her sense of humour and style.

See what I mean.

Me and she ---- shh.. MaryAnn please don't use a red pen here.

It was noted that Daddy matched her outfit.

He's kinda fond of her. When he told her she was beautiful in front of The Man and I, she was so horribly embarassed. I hope he tells her again and again how beautiful she is.

Handsome couple - he's smart and funny and really good to her.

I think this may be my favorite shot of the prom pictures of them. Caught them just chatting while we took College Girl Pictures.

Baby Girl, you are beautiful. Blake boy, you are handsome. Remember these days always.

It was our last prom. It was bittersweet. I am happy to be her mama. She has been joy in my heart since I found out we were expecting her. God, I love that girl.

Life is so beautiful.

Restrictions........... and some public service lists.

2011-04-04T15:42:00.004-04:00

Notice - the picture has not a dang thing to do with the post - not exactly. And it was taken some 50 pounds ago. Yay me.

I AM NOT PREACHING - PROMISE.

But in a way it does. See we are fixing food in this picture that is "healthy". That pill bottle contains my blood pressure medication -which at this time has been cut to the lightest dose made and is almost approaching being eliminated.

As I added healthy foods and exercise to my lifestyle - I did not get rid of soft drinks. I simply changed them to the Diet Dr. Pepper variety.

I was exercising regularly for the first time in years and part of that routine was two Ibuprophen tablets before a workout and then some afterwards.

As I have been completely honest about here - I also consumed tequila (and other alcohol) regularly.

Well then, life threw me onto the sidetrip now known as the SURPRISE YOU HAVE KIDNEY CANCER vacation. I lost a kidney and gained some restrictions.

1. only three alcoholic beverages per week - I can have them all in one day or space them out over a week. (the joke is I now make margaritas in a BigGulp cup)

2. No Ibuprophen or Aleve - actually all anti inflammatory meds are to be used very very cautiously. (I can take Tylenol or Acetaminophen based pain meds)

3. No artificial sweeteners. (aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, etc)

Well - jokingly the alcohol was gonna be the biggest issue.

NOPE ------- I read labels ALL THE FOOD LABELS BEFORE I EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING.

Seems artificial sweeteners - which are horrible for your brain - nervous system - kidneys and liver - show up in some of the most unexpected places.

Newsflash - I would do almost anything for a Diet Dr. Pepper.

But in reading labels I found some really bizarre locations - aspartame is in almost every chewing gum out there - Bubble Gum being an exception. Even some ketchup contains aspartame. Yup.

Here is the generic list from the ASPARTAME.ORG website. and no they do not have to be labeled as diet or low calorie to have the product in them - you have to read all that damn timy print to find out.

Breath Mints, Carbonated Soft Drinks, Cereals, Chewing Gum, Flavored Syrups for Coffee, Flavored Water Products, Frozen Ice, Frozen Ice Cream Novelties, Fruit Spreads, Gelatin, Sugar Free, Hard Candies, Ice cream Toppings, Ice Creams, No Sugar Added or Sugar Free, Iced Tea, Powder, Iced Tea, Ready to Drink, Instant Cocoa Mix, Jams & Jellies, Juice Blends, Juice Drinks, Maple Syrups, Meal Replacements, Mousse, No Sugar Added Pies, Non-Carbonated Diet Soft drinks, Nutritional Bars, Powdered Soft Drinks, Protein Nutritional Drinks, Pudding, Soft Candy Chews, Sugar Free Chocolate Syrup, Sugar Free Cookies, Sugar Free Ketchup, Table Top Sweeteners, Vegetable Drinks, Yogurt, Drinkable, Yogurt, Fat Free, Yogurt, Sugar Free

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

SACCHARINE - the original recognized alternative.

shows up in baked goods, diet drinks, ICE CREAM, and of all freaking places ----- TOOTHPASTE.

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

Sucralose (Splenda) - this is made from suger and CHLORINE (you know the same stuff as bleach) In my opinion that really needs no elaborating.

But it may occur in Yogurt, Syrup, Canned Fruit, and Ice Cream.

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

So now you see why the artificial sweeteners are my biggest challenge. I have done reasonably well at eliminating them, and still maintain my weight loss. But I haven't lost any more weight and I really do need to. So I am once again working on my diet and upping my exercise intensity.

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

I do want to add that I know many people who are regular users of these products. I am not saying they are good, bad, or indifferent in their use. (although the FDA does have a daily usage amount listed in the sweetener specifications. ) I am simply saying that they are on my NO list for some reason. So for me -- plain old sugar / corn syrup / honey have become my go to sweeteners and I really believe that used in moderation can cause no weight issues in a healthy person.

I'll keep you updated as I continue my health and weight loss journey.

Much love. (and have a margarita tonight - I know I am)

Teresa

I hope there is some information here that you can use.

Better than Planned.

2011-03-28T14:56:00.005-04:00

Go here to see the first phase of the tv cabinet story. Then here and here to learn more about the four pices of artwork. I finally finished those four word canvases. I had a blast digging through bits and bobs looking for just the right accents for the silhouettes at the top. I will apologize for the picture quality. It is storming here and has been for a few days. But hello, I needed to make some sort of post. Truth be told - this on is probably my favorite. Why? Because the duck clasp came from a watch I remember my Daddy wearing. The little pendant I picked up in a parking lot somehere. And this bit of chain is from an old cheap necklace in the "metal bits" box. This fits in with the challenge to USE THE BEST STUFF.

This ones' finish was the source of much debate.

I thrifted a decrepit Bible (actually came from the FREE bin) and waffled back and forth about cutting the pages. Note the Bible is falling apart already. It is water stained and several pages are loose. I decided to simply cut a small piece of the Harmony of the Gospel section in the back. So I held my breath and I cut it. Then I turned it over and discovered that the word Easter was centered perfectly in my belt buckle doodad. Happy Accident.

What is so amazing about Grace?

The little brass bit looked like it was black when I got it. It is a column from a German clock. One of those that was under a glass dome. I snagged the remains from a dumpster at Habitat ReStore because I saw the guy toss it and I wanted the porcelain face. When I polished the piece - this wonderful vine pattern was what I found. Love this one too.

Then Peace.

I like this one - it adds to the look of the entire set. A lock and key charm from a junk bracelet. and a vintage button.

Here they all are together. The set makes me so very pleased. These are mine - all mine and here is what I did with them........

Two on either side of the newly black painted tv cabinet door panels.

Now people -- I do not know about you, but this view is so very much better than it used to be. I hung them with Command adhesive strips.

This turned out to be so much better than planned.

Now tonight will find me working on the overskirt for the prom dress. Prom is in two weeks. I do not want to be trying to finish that dress on the day of......

Happy Monday.

the tv cabinet.

2011-03-25T09:32:00.004-04:00

We must be the last people in the USA to not upgrade to a huge flatscreen tv. But we don't think there is a need for that expense at this time. So our older - tiny little tv fits our cabinet just fine.

The cabinet is made from a cedar armoire. Now do not freak out - this was a free cabinet and the door panels were busted when it showed up on my front porch a few years back. Yes - just like a stray dog - the dang thing was on my front porch when I came home one day. Cool in and of itself.

At the time, the Man at my address converted it using shelves made from recycled wood and trim we removed from our house during the remodel. I took the broken panels out and replaced them with luan (a really thin plywood like product.) I put bookshelf wallpaper on the front of the panels and painted the inside white. In THEORY, we would keep this closed and the pretty "bookshelves" would be seen.

YEAH RIGHT - NOT.

Then dang thing stays open all the time. Just like this........

Saturday - I dragged all the crap out and cleaned it. Straightened the stuff inside. And decided to go ahead and complete a project I had been PLANNING on doing for weeks. Actually years.

Now you guys know me - I am all about the right tools - (insert hysterically appropriate commentary here).

I grabbed a hammer and a prying device ........ yes that is a flat blade frosting knife from the kitchen drawer.

And I set up an appropriate painting table on my front porch. Yes that one is a bar stool.

And this one is a porch rocker.

Don't judge - it worked just fine.

The result - a much nicer look for the cabinet door when they are open. There is even more PLANNED for these now almost always open doors.

Even cooler - I used things I already had. No money spent. WhoHoo.

Stay tuned......

Update for some faraway friends - yes, I work in Athens, GA. Yes, there is a cop killer on the loose. The main focus of the search is focused in the area around my work. Most of it less than 5 miles from us. It is an uneasy feeling to be so close to the focus area. All of us will be very relieved when it is all over. But please friends remember the Officer Buddy Christian family in your thoughts and prayers. He leaves a wife and two small children. Funeral services will be Sunday.

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend.

Teresa

I am such a packaging fool.

2011-03-14T09:58:00.002-04:00

Wow - we had a gorgeous weekend here in Georgia. temps in the 70's and lots of sunshine.

Friday night - soccer games - then some crochet time in the car while I was waiting for the College Girl and her boy to show up for a ride home.

Saturday found me running the top of Hartwell Dam. I had not done so since September, but I took almost 5 minutes off my run time - pretty significant for an old, fat lady, missing a major organ. Plus, I finished almost a half mile in front of the man (and I came from behind). Did I make sure and let him know just how I felt about this --- well - duh.

Saturday evening was a 50th birthday dinner for a friend.

Sunday was church. Then I got home and discovered a long and assertive cane from my climbing rose was invading College Girls parking place at the house. Seems the cane and the associated thorns were regularly attacking peeps getting out on the passenger side of her car. So there I was in my church clothes, pruning shears in hand, pruning roses. This led to pruning crepe myrtles. Then to pruning the Eucalyptus tree. ALL IN MY CHURCH CLOTHES. craziness. Mom was on a roll.

It was a great weekend. For all kinds of outdoor activity.

But about the title of this post.

I love great packaging. Especially packaging that I can reuse. And sometimes a surprise package will make me giddy with absolute "OMG that's awesome" delight.

We ate lunch at a local meat and 3 place called the Tanner House. I ordered banana pudding for dessert. Then I asked for it "to go". Did they bring me one of those horrid styrofoam containers of banana pudding. NO NO NO ---

Just look how my to go order was packaged.

A cute little mason jar complete with gingham print lid.

Poor Hubby - he just looked at me with that "deer in the headlights" look familiar to bloggers everywhere - as I whipped out the phone to take pictures of said little jar.

Please tell me that at least you guys understand.

Have a wonderful day.

FORGIVE........

2011-03-09T10:34:00.005-05:00

This post has been written and deleted so many times. It has been written in my mind and edited and edited. I am struggling with the words here. But I want to follow through with the post about the word challenge between me and my sweet friend, MaryAnn.

She got to choose the word for February and she chose FORGIVE. I cringed. I complained. I wanted to quit the challenge.

I have a lot to FORGIVE. Honestly people we all do.

Often it is much harder to FORGIVE the closer the person(s) are to us. And most often FORGIVING ourself is the most difficult act of all.

I worked hard on this challenge and I let go of some small things - I am still working hard on this and I am slowly letting go of some bigger things.

What I discovered about myself - sometimes hanging on to the hurt and anger becomes the comfortable way to feel. That comfy shroud becomes sort of an armour. Even a weapon. And without realizing it - I become angrier, cynical, ugly. MaryAnn pointed out that even in my blog writing of the past the sense of ugliness was there.

I went back and read many many posts. It was awful. It was ugly. I was ugly.

This is not a religious blog, but I am a Christian. I went to the scripture. I read other people's writings on FORGIVENESS. I searched blogs. I talked to friends.

I learned - FORGIVING is not a once and done thing. It is a do over and over thing. A slow release of the hurt, of the anger, of the ugly. It is an act. It is a discipline. It requires work. Focus. Determination. It allows those feeling to surface again - raw and painful - instead of being buried and covered up, tucked away to minimize the horror of it. There has even been a process very similar to grieving over some of this.

But this word - FORGIVE - this challenge set forth by my precious friend (who didn't give up on me) has been by far the most rewarding word so far.

I am still working on it.

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

Remember - the actual act of GOD'S GRACE AND FORGIVENESS was not a stunning, gorgeous piece of art or Jewelry. Like the bracelet pictured below.

It actually probably looked more like this ----

And this ....

But His act brings me closer. And FORGVING myself and others leads me closer to ...

FORGIVE - it is hard. FORGIVE it is necessary. FORGIVE it will make room for JOY in my life.

FORGIVE.

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

Thank you MaryAnn for this challenge. I am still working on it.

I have chosen an easier word for this month -- my word is PLAN.

Love -

As we going into the Lenten season (today is Ash Wednesday) Spend 40 days in the Wilderness with Jesus and know that His Sacrifice means everything to us.

Coupon Savings in my world.

2011-03-04T11:17:00.004-05:00

This post is for Nancy. I do not see her on a regular basis, but she is the Man's cousin, and thanks to the fabulous social network called facebook, we are now able to at least communicate frequently.

I posted about my savings at the grocery store on facebook and she asked me to give her some more information.

Let's start with disclaimers - I have a real 40+ hour a week job. I have an athlete who lives at my house. I am perpetually disorganized. I do not have the energy or the inclination for extreme coupon processes. I do not have anywhere to store large amount of nonperishable goods (no 100 big ass packages of toilet paper sitting around). I have no desire to purchase some 400 dollars worth of stuff for 5.00 and I refuse to run all over town because this store has a 3 cent better price on an items. So I guess this could be called couponing for the real world.

Last year I saved approximately 1800.00 using store "bonus" cards and coupon savings. That may not seem like much to the kings and queens of the process, but it was a good number to me.

Here is my process.

1. I have the following store promo cards in my wallet. Bi-Lo (my grocery store), BigLots, Ingles (the run by store on the way home), CVS, RiteAid, Barnes and Noble (I pay 25.00/year for this one but we buy so many books and magazines that this is a luxury worth having for me). I faithfully scan them and check the little coupon printers at the appropriate stores.

2. I check the following websites often.

www.bi-lo.com (my gorcery store) they have the weekly ad online, so I can plan ahead.

www.coupons.com
www.hip2save.com
www.frugalgirls.com

3. I "like" several manufactures websites on Facebook.

4. I get email newsletters from my favorites, including pillsbury and hobby lobby.

5. I collect the coupon inserts from the paper and sale papers of stores I frequent.

6. If we don't eat it - I don't clip it. If I don't clip it - I leave it in a box that my local library has just for this purpose. I do clip diaper coupons for friends with babies and I share those. If I notice a special in a store ad and see a coupon I may even note that on the coupon for those friends.

*****************************************************************
My storage and working system.

We add to our grocery list all week. I don't have a printout list - honestly most of the time it is the back of a junk mail envelope - and it may be written in pen, pencil, marker, or even crayon depending on what's handy.

This is my Coupon Keeper. I made it. It makes me happy. It appeals to the artsy fartsy standards for being visually appealing. It works for me. That last statement is absolutely the most important one.

I slide my coupons into library card pockets. Each page has a picture and a quote. The pages are divided into the various groupings that made sense to me.

My groupings - BAKING - BREAD - BREAKFAST -CANNED GOODS - CLEANING - CONDIMENTS - DAIRY/EGGS - DRINKS - FROZEN - HEALTH/BEAUTY - JUICE/PRODUCE - MEAT - MISC - PAPER/STORAGE - PET - RICE/PASTA - SNACKS - STORE - TRACKING.

Note - the STORE category is for those store specific coupons - especially the ones that print on the bottom of the receipt

Note - RESTAURANT coupons go in my misc section.

Behind each coupon page - there is a pretty piece of paper. Notes to remind me to check facebook pages for specials etc.

My tracking is where I write down the date/store/ and savings.

I shop on Sunday afternoon most often - I will check the store add online and add specials for the pantry to my list - again I say - I only buy the stuff we relly do use.

I go through my coupons and stack them up to match my list. This is when I cull the ones that got away - coupons that expired. I make notes on the list about the items that I have a coupon for. I also will add items to my list that I have a coupon for that is about to expire. I paper clip the coupons to the front of the book.

Off to the store - I mark off the list - if there is a coupon note on it showing that I already pulled a coupon for an item, I pull it from the stack and tuck it in the side of the book double checking any "rules" on the coupon - such as buying two of an item. I will also add coupons from the book when I have the "oh crap that's not on the list" moments as I cruise the store.

At the check out - I put my handy reusable bags on the counter -- cha ching -- my grocery store give a discount just for that act.

scan store card - groceries - coupons - write check - load car - sit down - write savings on tracking list. try to figure out who I can sucker at my house into putting these away.

here is my pile for clipping right now.

the newpaper inserts

magazine coupons

online printout coupons

Always check packaging - thats 1.50 in the top of a box that I bought on special already -

The whole process takes about two hours time per week. Not including the drive to the store.

I also keep the coupon book in my car all the time - so I can check when I "stop by the store" on the way home.

By the way - Dollar General in my area has huge discounts available using their online site and in store promos - always check the front rack for those.

My goal for this year is to try and save 2000.00 at least - that is 167.00 per month - right now with all my tracked goodness, I am well on my way to that goal.

Any questions - I will happily answer them. There is a ton of information on how to out there. But I will share all I know about my discombobulated process.

Have a wunnerful day.

tidbits

2011-03-02T16:40:00.002-05:00

NOTE 1: I did this to myself last night. Jumping tires doing an obstacle style rotation at bootcamp. It is just a sprain. I clear the tire I was jumping - but screwed up the landing big time. It was not pretty and I now answer to the name GRACE. Then I picked myself up and dusted off my body and my pride and finished the workout.

NOTE 2: I ran every step of the running route tonight - every freakin' step. I am tickled that the vitamin d seems to be helping not only my energy, but my stamina as well.

NOTE 3: I met some wonderful people on Saturday at an antique mall. Emails have been exchanged and I have new friends. How cool is that?

NOTE 4: I have a smart phone - some days I hate it. However; I can upload and update and check facebook from that phone. Softball Princess has made that discovery too. So last night she asked to use my phone. I told her to wait until I updated my status and checked my notifications. Her response "Mom, that it the saddest thing I ever heard you say." My response --- LOL --- as if it were a word.

NOTE 5: I do not use text shorthand at all. I type all the words and try to use punctuation and correct grammer, but the predict mode on my loverly smart phone sometimes makes me cuss. Then I send texts that read like " love you not live you - damn predict mode"

NOTE 6: If scientists discover a link between Mexican food and cancer - I AM DOOMED. Same for dill pickles, olives, margaritas, and sweet tea.

NOTE 7: Today is Wednesday. The Man and I have fallen into Wednesday night being Mexican Night. So all in one day, I will enjoy each of those favorite foods on the list in Note 6. (I had a dill pickle and sweet tea with my lunch - the rest I will cover at dinner)

Have a wonderful day.

fun stuff

2011-02-28T12:42:00.003-05:00

Wow - we have had several gorgeous days here in northeast Georgia. Temps in the mid 60's and higher. Lots and Lots of sunshine. Beautiful weather. Today they are predicting thunderstorms, but that's ok - we need the rain.

Anyway - pretty weather means not much MaggieGrace goodies. Those activities have been replaced by ---

soccer games...

looking for the softball princess a car for a graduation present ...

sitting in the proch swing with a frosty adult beverage listening to the bullfrogs at the pond across the road....

and playing dresss designer with college girl....

Yup - dress designer.

She is making herself a formal dress. We are "engineering" a bodice. Based on a picture. She bought a pattern and cut out all of the pieces on Saturday. We gathered and pinned together a mockup of the bodice design. Then the frugal (CHEAP) people that we are started working on the embellishment ideas.

The picture below is the waist sash idea we came up with......

The gun metal grey fabric is what the dress will be made of. It is a gorgeous drapery lining fabric that she is using. The skirt is cut on the bias and so far it seems will drape really well. She is adding an overlay of black lace and then the bodice inspired by the picture she had.

We found some sparkly black trim and then the silver accent trim --- it is actually a Christmas tree trim. Told you we were cheap.

Told you we were having fun in this neck of the woods.

Health update. I had a routine doc visit last week, in my bloodwork (which includes some extra panels because of the kidney thing) they discovered that my Vitamin D levels were seriously low. The doc called me in a prescription for 50000 units of Vitamin D once a week. Hello - I feel so much better after ONE DOSE. That amazed me. According to the doc - the sunscreen that I so faithfully use could be part of the culprit. Seems the human body needs a certain amount of sunshine on unprotected skin to make the Vitamin D.

Who knew? Not me.

Anyway - I'm looking forward to the dress creation. Will keep you updated as we go.

Have a wonderful day.

Love this .....

2011-02-21T09:36:00.004-05:00

MaggieGrace woke up with me on Saturday morning. I have had the idea for a series of canvases for a long time. I posted about the inspiration here.

So for the last few days, I have been painting my canvases. The red, gold, and green are house paint sample bottles purchased from a big box retailer. The purple is left over from the softball princess room redo.

First I painted two coats on each canvas. Then I took a chocolately brown color and watered it down. I scrubbed - rubbed - blotted - streaked that over the back grounds leaving this wonderful mottled look to them.

I picked papers - for the words - faith lost out - but it will still happen on a different canvas.

Then I cut my words using my CRICUT. Love that tool.

Then I looked at another CRICUT cartridge listing that I had and found a medallion that I like.

Here they all are - paint still drying, but happy I was at this point.

After the paint dried - I broke out the Mod Podge.

Detail Shots - I did the MOD PODGE yesterday and will spend my week embellishing the center of the medallions

I think this paper is my favorite.

The purple is not a favorite, but it does work in the overall scheme.

The green background is my favorite - the mottled effect just makes me happy.

I already have an idea of where these will go. Can't wait to show you that - maybe I'll get to it by next weekend.

Here they are - partially finished - lined up on a piano that I would gladly give to someone if they would show up to get it.

I love it when and idea turns out pretty much like I picture it in my mind.

Feedback??

Oh and I spent 10.00 for the four canvases to do this - every thing else was in my stash.

In other exciting news - the weekend also involved tons of laundry - absolutely NO cooking - and a serious bathroom clean out. See my life is full of rip-roaring excitement.

Have a wonderful day.

Living - loving - life

2011-02-08T16:30:00.002-05:00

MaggieGrace has had the flu......

It was a drag.......

But on Saturday, I felt like getting out and about with her.....

Sorry - he kinda comes with the package. I looked hard for a picture that didn't include him. Oh well -- he's a nice kid and he's housebroken too.

The pretty girl in the picture is College Girl. She wants to make a formal dress. We ventured out to look for fabric. My mama joined us. It was a load of fun.

We went here.....

AllAboutFabrics in Williamston, SC. Google it. They have a nice website. It is open to the public once a month. Well worth the trip.

This place is huge. These people are wonderful. Knowledgeable. Friendly. Helpful.

College Girl knew what she wanted. We just had to find it.

She is funny. Like me. When I go to any fabric store, I HAVE TO TOUCH THE FABRICS.

She does it too.

There was lace. Lots of lace.

And bolt after bolt of fabric. We touched it and compared drape. We looked at colors. We loaded things in our cart and debated. We took fabric back and got more. Trims too. Hours we spent.

Steel grey with a black lace overlay and a bodice that Mom is gonna have to figure out somehow.

Enough fabric for that boy's mom to make a vest and tie from.

There is no red in the lace - funky lighting.

I''ll keep you updated on the project.

Word

2011-02-02T10:34:00.004-05:00

Happy Wednesday All. There is a picture below here but we'll get to that in a bit.

Yesterday I said we would discuss the February word. MaryAnn got to pick. I love her, she knows this. She has been a rock and a light in my sometimes very dark and turbulent world. Texts everyday. Sometimes a lot of them. Sometimes a few. Her handwriting is part of what I look for in my mailbox. She inspires me. AND she pushes me to be better.

So I absolutely FREAKED OUT when my text came ----

FORGIVE.

I was "ticked off". Well my initial wording before the backspace key won the battle was different.

See - real forgiveness is hard for me. I get what the man calls "historical" and I can remember all kinds of screw ups from the 30+ years I have known him. This particular talent for recall is not limited to him either. If we have known each other long enough to have a difference of opinion and/or hurt each others feelings, I can and will use that in a verbal discussion - also know as a fight - or screaming match - or cussing fit - hello, I even slam doors.

This is not something I am proud of and at 45 I have learned to control at least the full blown display of this trait.

Even worse than all that - I hold myself to some pretty exacting standards and I get historical about that too.

Forgive - this word - it will be my most challenging one yet.

So there you have it - full confession of a month quite full of very difficult focus.

I'll let you know how this works out. There are some major ones that I really need to deal with --- we will see.

Now ----- about the picture below. Maggie Grace has not done a whole lot of late. But this picture has been in my notebooks for a long time.

Picture is from here.

There's a party going on here - and if you do not read The Pioneer Woman, you should. But that is not why I have this picture.

See those 4 squares on the wall - the artwork. LUV LUV LUV. I have right clicked every picture that I saw of those on her site. What the crap -----

I have zoomed in and tried to see them better ----- again what?????

4 squares of mottled color on a wall - I can't tell if they are paintings, photos, prints, I CANNOT TELL. But....

I can hack into the idea, right? That is what art is about, right?

I bought 4 canvases - smaller ones - retangular ones - cause they were on sale and I am cheap like that.

Last night found me digging color samples and scrapbook papers out as well. ( I know - why paper?) Well because I like words too.

My next MaggieGrace project will be a Pioneer Woman inspired group of 4 canvases labeled with the words -GRACE - FAITH - PEACE - TRUST.

I'll let you know how this works out too.

Have a wonderful day - how about share a link to something you find inspiring in the comments.

Celebrating beautiful moments

2011-02-01T09:52:00.002-05:00

Note - all images are from DOVER. And they are chosen as a reflection on my friend who loves this artist. She knows who she is.

MaryAnn and I are doing a word collaboration - funny when we started it was about making or doing - about not spending money - etc. Like so many projects it has morphed into something completely different. Gotta love that -

January's word - chosen by me was beauty (beautiful) and in the bleak post seaonal days that January brings, I have enjoyed looking for those moments of beautiful.

so here are some favorites of my month

The Softball Princess has multiple options for college - that is a seriously beautiful thing. College campus visits almost always include a visit to the art gallery - there is some serious beauty in each of those. In addition - every campus has its own beauty.

As I record my daily gratitudes - I find myself focusing on abundant - often tiny - beautiful moments each day.

Things like - sunshine after several grey days.

Thumbing through the mail and finding a handwritten note among the junk mail and bills.

A funny comment by a facebook friend.

Realizing that an old (immature) boyfriend did grow up and become a contributing member of society.

Good food - shared with good company - that happened this month too. It was a beautiful thing and in this particular case - needs to happen more often.

Speaking of food - broiled asparagus with balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese - yummy.

Asking my body to do one more pushup - and accomplishing that - yes people that was a beautiful moment. Bootcamp is a great thing. And the friendships made there are wonderful too.

These were moments. Moments make up days. Days make up weeks. Weeks make up years. Years make up a lifetime. Things change. Challenges happen. But in the still of each moment there is beauty - you just have to pay attention to see it.

I leave you with a quote

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play and pray in, where nature may heal and give strengthto the body and soul." John Muir

Have a beautiful day - I have a beautiful life.

MaryAnn picked the word for February - It is a hard one for me - Super hard. I'll tell you tomorrow.

Glimspes of bootcamp

2011-01-28T12:57:00.002-05:00

This is the mentally the hardest part of my workout - that right hand turn into the driveway. I always check that little sign - it gives the temperature. I don't know why I check it, the heater display in my SUV also gives the temp.

I park - gather my stuff - lift a quick prayer for stamina and strength to do this. (Funny my performance really does suffer if I skip that step.) couple of puffs on the inhaler and make my way to our starting point.

Tonight it is beautiful 50 degrees - just about sunset. This is the view we run towards as we start laps. Pretty isn't it.

Another note - even when it is super cold, I prefer being outside for our running at least.

That's Christy on the left in white - she's our fearless leader - and she is an absolutely beautiful woman inside and out. LOVE HER. That's Renee and Chris joining her - trying to find out what punishment we are paying for tonight -- she never tells. We are on an "as we need to know basis."

But look behind them. Those are cones. Little yellow cones. I hate those cones. They usually mean some interval of stuff - stuff that makes us grunt, groan, moan, complain. You got the gist of it.

And for an hour we work - hard - on the track - on the field - on the bleachers last night.

In addition to the moaning groaning part, we also learn about the challenges our day has presented. Updates on previous members. Updates on missing peeps. Just stuff. And often we laugh. And sometimes we cry.

At the end of a workout - when this is what we see - there is stretching and a time of prayer. Honestly there is no comparison to the feeling that the phrase "Let us Pray" brings to this particular group meeting.

We lift thanks that we are healthier - we lift petitions that we know of. We love each other. We push each other. We live our lives and our faith here and in the real world.

And ALWAYS - I am glad I made that right hand turn.

now - go - do something good for your health - there will be no regret.

MaggieGrace is a little stressed....

2011-01-26T12:33:00.004-05:00

Not all of it is negative though.

Softball Princess is a high school senior.

That comes with some serious interruptions in my nice creative quiet lifestyle.

We are touring college campuses.

Visiting coaches.

Preparing for prom.

Preparing for graduation.

Preparing for the next stage in my baby girls life.

Crochet occurs, because it is portable.

Meanwhile, College Girl is looking for internships (chemistry major - anybody got ideas) and beginning her process for selecting a grad school.

Work has given me some new and "heavy" goals and responsibilities.

So I may be a wee bit scarce in these parts for a bit.

Pictures are glimpses of our visit to Oglethorpe University from this past weekend. I am glad I snagged Softball Princess in the right corner of this last one.

Just for the record ---- All college campuses have their own individual BEAUTY. This one is amazing. They actually have a Hogwart's Day here and the architecture is perfect for that celebration.

Frustration being resolved.

2011-01-19T11:34:00.002-05:00

2010 was a hard year. I work in the construction industry. We all know how that's going even until now. I faced the CANCER demon head on, which resulted in some financial debt increase and some long term health issues that I'm still working through. Of course, I am fully aware of the blessings that also accompanied me through all that. But, I have been frustrated.

I chose ABUNDANCE for my word of the year. I am seriously focusing on what that means to me - IN MY CURRENT SITUATION. One thought that keeps working it's way to the front of my musings - "Teresa, why are you afraid to move ahead?"

I'm going through the series of tests that I'll will be subject to every 6 months for 5 years. Fear accompanies those tests. My facebook status from a day or so ago was that I wondered if there would ever be a day again that CANCER does not cross my mind.

Well, pondering has brought me to a point (several actually) of action. I've been holding my breath, waiting for the next thing. I have fallen prey to the negative form of "what if". Okay so

What if --- I push to do one more lap around the track - well, then my stamina is increasing and I can take a long walk to see the BEAUTY of nature provided by the Master himself. I will have more energy to get through the day. And a healthy body is much more able to handle surprises like last April tossed us.

What if - I write down three random things I am grateful for every day - well, then 45 days into that exercise, I will realize that the laughter of my Softball Princess is one of the most BEAUTIFUL sounds on earth.

What if - I choose to conciously give something (an act or an item) everyday and record that with my daily gratitudes - well, then I will find myself looking for opportunities to DO GOOD - one of the points of this past Sunday's sermon.

What if - I choose to pray for my family in a more specific manner than "Lord, bless my family, care for us, and keep us today." -- well then, prayers like "Lord, let me have a quality moment with each of my children today that I see Your hand in" will lead to phrases like "thank you Mom for helping me figure that out" and "sure me and Barefoot Boy would love to eat dinner with you and Dad."

What if - I choose to write down a tangible and reasonable goal for finishing a task today - well, then the Christmas decor may just make it back into attic storage before June - that was intended to be funny, but there really have been times that that is how long it took.

What if - looking for moments of ABUNDANT BEAUTY, ABUNDANT JOY, ABUNDANT BLESSING, ABUNDANT HAPPINESS, ABUNDANT LAUGHTER, ABUNDANT OPPORTUNITY became the way I approach each day. ------

WELL THEN - THERE IS NOT NEARLY AS MUCH ROOM FOR FEAR OR FRUSTRATION IN THOSE DAYS.

As I seriously focus on these words and the above actions, I can feel frustration and fear resolving themselves to a degree where I can move on and stop holding my breath. Turns out the blue shade my face takes on when I am holding my breath kinda makes me look dead - actually it makes me feel a little dead too.

I'm looking forward again. I'm moving ahead again. It's a good feeling.

I'm expecting moments where I fall backwards on this journey, but I already know that picking myself up and dusting off are abilities that I have. I also know that if I am struggling with that - I have friends who will help me along.

Now for some random things.

I make pecan pies...

I use the recipe off the label of this syrup -- KARO DARK CORN SYRUP.

You know the sticky sweet corn syrup concoction that makes so many things taste so wunnerful.

I bought a bottle on Sunday. I has this note on the label.........

HUH??????? how can Corn Syrup be zero grams of high fructose corn syrup....

Now that's the way my mind works.

2011-01-17T09:43:00.003-05:00

Because my weekend was full of super creative pursuits - NOT - more like groceries and Mr. Clean activities - I bring you this life commentary.

YOU GOTTA WORK HARD TO MAKE THE PEOPLE OF WALMART WEBSITE TWICE.

http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/?p=20952

http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/?p=31202

I'm just saying.

I hope you have a day where you find something to laugh about.

My life is beautiful.

Breathe...

2011-01-14T09:45:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, out there in blogland - I discovered a recipe for cheesy chicken noodle soup. It's cold and icy here, school has been out all week, there is still a LOT of snow on the ground, and this morning the temperature was 9 defees F. So chicken noodle soup sounded like a wonderful idea. Well, it was okay. Needs work for my crew to love it, starting with the phrase "leave out the cheese." I'll be working on this recipe some more.

Any way --- its cold -- we have been cooped up for days - even the dog is miserable with cabin fever.

So a little redecorating is being planned.

My word for the year is ABUNDANCE. I'll be pondering on it for the year. MaryAnn and I chose BEAUTY for January and that has been a wonderful thing.

Then he said to them "Watch out! Be on guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an ABUNDANCE of possesions." Luke 12:15

So that my friends is where pondering has found me. I have stuff. Lot's and lot's of stuff. Stuff I do not needs. Stuff that is weighing me down. I have stuff that others thought would bring a smile to my face as they gifted me with it. Stuff that clutters my attic, my limited storage through out the house, my studio, my mind.
STUFF.

Just look......
I love my day to day mantle - have for years. Family photo, artwork I made, candles. Really pretty stuff. Sometimes I clutter surfaces with things that could be hung, because I have stuff hanging that needs to be moved.

My Christmas mantle made me very very happy this year. It wasn't over the top. There wasn't a ton of things. No formality at all. Simple and heartfelt.

I packed all that away and have had an empty mantle there for several days.

Last night College Girl came in. She had a dollar store frame, and a pastel drawing she had done. She asked me to help her frame the drawing. I made me happy, reminded me that warmth and sunshine will return. SO my early winter mantel is now done. Some would say this should be a summer mantel, but I'm loving this RIGHT NOW.

Take a look.

Yes, I am very proud to display her artwork in my house.

A few colored glass bottles - a chalk drawing of the beach - a shell.. MMMMMMM.

The tall green bottle was my mom and dads, it has been around as long as I can remember. The shell I gathered myself. The blue bottle is a tequila bottle I kept just because I love it. (think I'll hang a sand dollar on that one) and the red one was a Christmas gift from College Girl.

So I cleared an ABUNDANCE of stuff off there and gave this arrangement an ABUNDANCE of breathing room.

I'm thinking this is BEAUTIFUL to look at.

Happy Happy girl.

What cha think?

I'm planning a room redo (actually several) using the Pittsburg paints 411 series

with colors like silvery moon, veil of dusk, french grey linen, and photo grey. They are all a grey green and I am so very excited about it all coordinating through the house. www.voiceofcolor.com a slightly off white trim (maybe a pure white -TBD)

Have a wonderful day - I am looking forward to a wonderful warmer weekend.

Well hello there.....

2011-01-12T12:56:00.004-05:00

I chose the word BEAUTY for January. I chose the word ABUNDANCE for 2011. Well we have had an ABUNDANCE of BEAUTIFUL white stuff here in the South. If you live in the good old USA you are most likely aware that the southern part of our country has been virtually shut down by a winter storm. Starting as snow, changing over freezing rain, then below freezing temps - the South retreated indoors. We do not do bad road conditions well at all.

Sorry about the crappy quality cell photos. Camera was left in the car and I didn't go to retreive it. I was really content in my snug little world.

That's the smokehouse (and the dogs rear end). I see this out my kitchen and bathroom window. I am planning some springtime work on and around this little building.

We had about 7.5 inches. I measured with a real ruler (didn't trust the man and the inaccurate way lots of men measure things -- ya know)

So there has been beer drinking - and cooking - and baking -

Oh and crochet too.

There was also lots of this by all of my household occupants.

There was even snuggling and scratching of the most spoiled one in the house. (the dog - but the man runs a close second to being spoiled.)

I am back at work today - and happy about it.

Tonight finds us without the college girl - she is heading back. I'm still attacking the organization of Christmas stuff before it goes to the attic.

Have a wonderful day.