the tv cabinet.

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

Although there is no need for cooling breezes.

When the Softball Princess started her room redo, one of the requested items was a new ceiling fan. The one in her room was WHITE and POLISHED BRASS. (I do not know what I was thinking, don't ask).

The fan was one of those pushed to the side projects. (DIY buddies - you know what I mean). The exisiting one was ugly, but it functioned just fine.

Then I got a phone call. A friend was taking down a fan - a black and satin nickle fan. It didn't have a light kit. But they were changing it out and if I wanted it, I could have it. Can we all say the magic word ------ FREEEEEEEE. Yes sir I want it. Will pick it up this afternoon.

The missing light kit was on a minor issue --

The existing fan had a gloriously ugly brass light kit. I - however - own spray paint and am not at all afraid to use it.




Remove light kit - tape off inportant bits.

Save screws - also hideous brass - and poke them into a convenient holder.

Spray paint the hell out of it all - light kit flat black - screws chrome (aka silver).

Have the Man at my Address hang it all back up - wire in the light.

Looks like it all was purchased together. Whoo hoo.

The fan was free - the light kit was there already so I'm counting it free - the spray paint and tape were in the stash so they count as free too.

NEW FAN/LIGHT ------ FREEEEEE

Happy Softball Princess - PRICELESS.

Its all good.

Ch Ch Ch Ch Changes

MaryAnn and I are doing a word collaboration. My first word was Celebrate (July). She then chose the word for August (Change). I did a few repurposing projects. But we also tackled a huge CHANGE at our house.

Softball Princess and College Girl have shared a room all these years. Mind you it is a huge room. But Softball Princes requested a room redo now that College Girl is only here part time. We have been putting money aside for the project, but like so many people, the "right time" was just not here.

Then came this challenge and we all attacked that room redo --- Here is my big CHANGE project for the month of August.



This house is over 100 years old and has no closet space. Dad built these curtained enclosures in two corners when the girls were little. Check out the dusty rose panels ( twin sheets) The broad shouldered topless man is The Man at My Address. I also have to say that Softball Princess did a significant amount of the work on this one. (Fun note - that big St. Bernard dog was a gift from The Man to me for my 16th birthday - I'm 45 now. That makes this do like really really old.)

Blogger will NOT turn this picture back. The floor was cheap white vinyl. It was pretty awful. White walls and pale grey trim.

There was also this handpainted border. College girl was three when I painted this. She's 20. Can you say serious time for a redo!!!!!

I did not watch when they painted over it.

Here you go --

While there is still work to do, the hard part is done. Dark purple paint. (indigo night in the paint and primer from behr --- love it -- still took two coats) Ultra white trim.

Good quality snap together flooring in wood toned squares - cherry finish. Abby picked this out - I didn't argue - these are gorgeous. I will use this same brand in my bathroom and laundry room soon. Most likely in a plank style rather than these squares.

Since this room has two double beds, two closet enclosures, a desk, chest of drawers, dresser, and entertainment center setup, we reworked the furniture to give them more space. The entertainment center stacked on the dresser. (The room is 17' by 15')

The closet enclosures got new curtains (white twin sheets.)

The girls are happy. I am happy. Dad is happy. Thank you MaryAnn for playing these word games with me.

It is now my turn to pick a word. This still needs completion. I have other things that need to be completed.

MY WORD FOR SEPTEMBER is going to be FINISH.

September 1 brings more tests - and procedures. Thank you all for you prayer and encouragement. Keep praying - I (we) will eventually get good news. Because "my story is not over yet."

I have a beautiful life.

It was cold outside......

11 degrees on Saturday morning when I pulled out of the drive for aerobics. That's COLD. I have four left feet - dance aerobics is going to be a coordination challenge for me. It will also be entertaining for those around me.


I have a couple of tidbits to share before I get to MaggieGrace accomplishments. I teach 3 and 4 year old Sunday school - love it and I love my kids. Even when they grow up and leave my class, I still love 'em. During our worship service we have a time for sharing and greeting. Yesterday one of my favorite former students gave me a smile when I went to hug him. Walker Johnson was "tattooing" his hand (and arm) and gave me a smile to take home with me. Isn't this a great note to have on your hand?


Now - this shot is for Jen. She adores shoes like I do. Look at these tiny tiny fur boots. Wish I could carry the snow princess look - Carley was all dressed in white with a fur collar and cuffs and these adorable boots.


Now for MaggieGrace accomplishments.

My kitchen is small. Light filled during the day, but when I am at the stove or sink at night, I work in shadow. The ceiling mounted flourescent fixture is behind me. (I am begging all of you to please overlook all the clutter in these pictures. Focusing on my home this year is going to work on some of that.)

Well several weeks back, I was thrifting and saw a light fixture. It was hideous - brass chain mounted. I left it at the thrift store. But that dang light fixture had decided it wanted to live at my house. I could not get it out of my mind. I finally gave in and went back - fixture still there - and at 10.00 it was a huge bargain. It was a quality branded light and the globes were intact. It did not look like anything I would have selected. Must have been either swagged or high ceiling mounted because the wire and chains were 6 feet long. Did I mention it was hideous brass?

See......

So Saturday, I dragged it out and brushed it clean. Cut the chains off and taped the parts that did not need paint on them. I left the wires long because I had decided to use this as a lamp over the sink area. Living in a 100+ year old house makes it complicated to really wire a new fixture.

I spray painted that baby gloss black - using paint I had. I mounted a box to the ceiling. The Man at my Address wired it into a switch with an outlet and voila ----- one hideous brass light fixture now illuminates my sink and stove area. I love it......

That is condensation on the windows - they are dirty - but not THAT dirty. I swagged the two globes one lower in the back and a higher one to the front.

That shelf is next in here. The man can reach it easily (I can't) so he tends to stick shit up there. I also have a shelf purchased to make a pantry of sorts.

I loved the globes on this fixture from the second I saw them Look - beautifully frosted glass too.

Long term plans include fixing that rough spot on the ceiling (I want to put tin tiles up there.)


Last night I cooked dinner and cleaned up and was really happy about how 20.00 total including the ceiling box, switch, and wire could make such a huge difference.

Have a wonderful day ---

The first finish of the year

Baby Amelia's blanket. In a color called camo pink. Her daddy is an avid outdoorsman so the color is named appropriately.



It is a round blanket. More than likely a "church" blanket. All ruffled and girly looking. I love the ruffles and they fall wonderfully. Softball Princess wrapped a doll up in it and it is so sweet looking.

Here is a close up of those ruffles. Piles of them.

I miss my girls being little. They would never wear these kinds of ruffles now.

Last night was spent doing lots of looking at this...

It is cold here. 20 degrees F this morning. Cold for the southern US and the weather people are calling for teens and single digits by the weekend.

Oh and I am not alone in enjoying the fire.........

This is one spoiled rotten critter.

Moving the College Girl from one dorm to the other today. Then some MaggieGrace Goodness in front of Biggest Loser (and the fire).

I have a beautiful life.

There's a Light

A tiny little glow - there in the distance - Lets check it out.

Looks innocent enough -- could be fun

There's food - I see no dead bodies. Safe? Maybe.


Even the black rose is in bloom. But wait --- is that BLOOD in the vase?

Everything's okay --- Its just a tray and the house is normal. Come on it will be fun.

Did you feel something over your shoulder?

Even Dr. House thinks he may be hallucinating.

Wait - we have had so much fun. There were games. Food. Movies.

She's not ready to let any of you go.

Halloween 2009 ---

Have a wonderful Monday all.



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The view from the doorway

Of MaggieGraceWorld. This morning - way earlier than normal for me. Fog. Almost silent. Some would say even eerie. Not me - I love it. So quiet and peaceful.


Just a few minutes later. The fog was so thick you could not even see the house on the hill behind that fence. I am not a morning person, but this beauty was a gift for getting up early.

Now thrifty goodness. Dessert plates in a totally different petit point pattern than the springy looking one I have collected for years. Aren't these fall leaves stunning. 6 of these plates was 18.00. They are in pristine condition and I didn't hesitate at all. The gold rim is in perfect condition.

I finished 100 coffee stir sticks last night. Punching more tonight. I am aiming for about 300 to take with me to the market. Headed to Michaels or Hobby Lobby at lunch to look for packaging for these.

Hope this finds all of you having a wonderful day. It is a beautiful fall day here in the south.

I have a beautiful life.

Happy Friday..... And a WIP

Okay, so we will be inconvenienced by the well issue. However, one inconvenience has been offset by a huge convenience factor. Mom lives alone. She is tickled pink that she is going to see us so much. And HERE is the huge convenience ----- she has told me that if I will bring a load of laundry everynight - she will add her few things to it and have it ready the next night - dry and folded. Just how dang cool is that. I bought a bottle of laundry detergent and hauled a basket to Royston - oh yeah, call me lots of things but stupid is not one of them. We will pay the increase in her water bill for this convenience. Cheaper than a laundromat and definitely cheaper than a maid.

Recovery news - I rested really well last night - more like crashed and burned - but I needed it. Today - I feel almost back to normal but without the lethargy and fog from the medications I have been on for years. I have a tiny bit of discomfort. But nothing significant. I have a beanie hat to finish this afternoon and it is a stunning day. It is also my last 1/2 day of work - back to full reality next week - this afternoon I may sit in the porch swing and finish this hat before taking off to a basketball game.

Tomorrow will find me working on the piecing for this little lovely.

While Charles was building walls in the barn, I was doing the same on fabric. Another UWIH item as well. Those long lines in the background are designed to be boards. I will handwash this tonight and pin it out for blocking. I have the fabric selected for the rest of the item. You won't find the finished one here, but I will post it over at CIP when I finish, this is one of the projects I listed for my Sister over there.

Tonight - I'll just be stamping and gluing tags and cards and such for the CIP packages.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

The well is dry....

Literally. last night Abby drew the short straw. We have a bored well. For you city girls that means nothing, but for us rural folks - we rely on our well. The south is in a drought right now and we are officially out of water at our house. Tonight - Charles and Molly will shower at his office - Abby and I will go to my Mom's. We loaded the truck with coolers of water this morning at the church and will use that for flushing and face washing and tooth brushing. I will hand wash what few dishes have to be and my children will become familiar with the cultural phenomena called the laundromat.

The plumbers seem to think we can limp along until the spring. We will try and put back money for a new well - just in case. The well recovered but there is just not much water there at all. So we will join the ranks of those who are strict about conservation.

Now on to more fun things.


Look carefully - that is my dining room floor and yes those are sparkles - teeny bits of white glitter. Right next to the island between the living and dining rooms. I just had to have this picture before I cleaned it up.


How did the glitter get there? Inquiring minds might want to know. Well the glitter was in this bowl it was being sprinkled on things and obviously I am just not as tidy with it as I would like to be. When ever I work with glitter it winds up everywhere. Including on me. I just tell people that it's the good fairy coming out.


What was I sprinkling the aformentioned glitter on? Well ----- sticks of course. Sticks that have been spray painted silver. So far in this process I am USING WHAT I HAVE.

Here is where UWIH ended. Those red birds - I had to have them to complete the project. So I bought them and spent - 3 dollars and 21 cents. Not too bad. They were inexpensive, but they didn't have wires on them - so I improvised. Stuck a hole in the bottom with a toothpick - hot glued pieces of pipe cleaners.

Night before last I had crocheted and crocheted, using up some scrap yarn I had. 6 rows - quick and simple - round and round.

SO HERE'S THE BREAKDOWN

STICKS + GLITTER + SPRAYPAINT + YARN + PIPE CLEANERS + BIRDS =

really cute little birdies on their nests.

What cha think ya'll?????

Have a wonderful day ---- Teresa

Happy Monday

Tried it with no pain meds last night. Did not sleep well, but not uncomfortable enough to get up and take something. Just restless. I got up and saw everyone off this morning. I am listening ladies, the front porch still needs sweeping. But the craft room looks a LOT better. I need the table space, so I have piddled around getting things put away.

I am sorting and labeling and stacking etc. I will be making butterflies later today and maybe some stamp work for Christmas goodies. Tally on beanie hats for yesterday - 3 - that's 1.50 in the UWIH money box.

I really don't feel bad at all today. It is a stunning fall day too. All the doors are open and I am enjoying the sounds of Mr. Tal blowing leaves and such. He is elderly and just gets outside and putters around. He and his wonderful wife have a beautiful home and yard - I hate how the drought has browned the grass. We bought our house from them - it was his childhood home - and we have made it our home as well.

I have had time to study these walls a lot in the last few days. Photo's of family - UGA and music memorabilia. My stuff - the girls' stuff - the man's stuff. All a hodgepodge of us. Bitty reminders of people shown in a print tray. The hole in the sofa where Molly sits. Magazines. Abby's tray alongside the couch where she lays to eat. A shabby (really) table from my Nanny's house. Various cover for each of us (seems we cover up even in the summer). We live here. We love here. We fight here. We survive here. This is no showplace - life is way too important to us to keep one of those. I see Abby's ball shoes from the sofa. I see Molly's college apps from here too. Charles coat hangs on the door of the tv cabinet. My crocheting piled in the middle of the sofa. All reminders of what I am thankful for this holiday. My girls are growing up with a Mom and a Dad. My girls are important to us. My family is - his family is. Friends are welcome and the true friends really know I am a slob.

Or am I? I really would rather spend time supporting my girls than dusting and cleaning. I see absolutely nothing wrong with that. Will they remember with more affection that the beds were always made or that one of us was at every ballgame. Will they pass on to their kids that school projects on the dining room table are more important than keeping a fresh centerpiece there?

Just some things I am pondering as I bring a little order to the space. Gotta run - the dining room table is almost clear.

Have a wonderful Monday.

Flowers for You

Spring flowers for you. Snapped this as I was leaving this morning. There is a story behind this china pattern. I did not pick this out as a soon-to-be bride. I married with NO formal china pattern selected. I had been collecting stoneware dishes for several years and had a full set in my "hopeless" chest. We still use a great number of those dishes everyday.

When Charles's Mama Norvan passed away, we became the recipients of a mixture of oddities, including a single plate from the pattern that matches those salt and pepper shakers. Seems these were giveaways found in boxes of washing machine soap years ago and you could save labels and turn them in for bigger pieces. I have been a cross-stitcher for way more years than I will admit to here, and this was just the thing to trigger another obsession. Building a set of "cross-stitch" china for my formal use. From 1 plate, I have managed to build a workable set of this.

Now I could buy this off Replacements Ltd., but what fun is that. I would much rather have stories to tell about finding this or that piece. I have searched antique stores, junk stores, thrift stores. People have given me pieces. Now not all of them are the same pattern, but the similarities of the colors and the needlepoint/crossstitch theme make them work.

I believe in using my stuff. I have a serving platter in the basket pattern. It is chipped all along the edges because I took cookies to the church on it and someone dropped it when we were cleaning up. I have it on top of the cabinet in the kitchen and it makes me happy to look at it. The chips along the edge barely show.

I think people are far too quick to discard things. We buy far too many disposable things. I have really neat things in my home that I have inherited/thrifted/been gifted with. I look at the old linens with holes patched and I know that those people lived a far more difficult lifestyle thatn I do. I look at an old quilt that was made from jeans and old mens work shirts and know that it was made by a mom trying to keep her family warm using any thing she had access to. And I chastise myself for just going to buy what I want, with very little thought to what I really need. Maybe the Using What I Have is coming from a deep feeling that I have just overwhelmed myself with things that just clutter my life and seeing those things be used in a beautiful creative manner is very fulfilling.

As I continue this process, the clutter in my home is oh so slowly decreasing. I have done an enormous amount of decluttering my life and emotions as well. Thank you all for the comments and encouragement you send me to keep me on this path.

Today, I bring you flowers. A representation of the beauty of the springtime. I send them to my readers because each of you brings beauty into my life. I challenge you to send a virtual flower from your home today. Let's celebrate the beauty of this earth and be a little more concious in taking care of her. Let's encourage each other and share. If you choose to send a virtual bouquet via your blog, please link back to here and lets see how far around the world this goes.

You are beautiful and I wish you a beautiful day.

Sisters - memories and magic

This photo (winter 1969) was in the book I was snapping photos from at Mom's the other night. Tracey was 2 and I was 4. Standing in front of the fireplace at the Stars Bridge house. We moved several times when I was small. The funny thing about this picture is that the house I live in now is almost identical to that house. The day I looked at the house I live in now, I called my Mom and started asking questions. About where things were and what did the walls look like. The fireplace in my house now was pained this exact shade of russet and the walls in the dining room were dark grey blue with horizontal tongue and groove paneling. This amazed me that I remembered those kinds of details about the house I lived in when I was so young.

Now - the title was about sisters. Tracey and I at times hated each other. We fought. We made up -still do. She always felt like I set too high a standard academically. She felt like I made her dating life difficult. (at 14 my boyfirend was 23) Long story. As we have aged, we have become much closer. My Mom drives us crazy at times and she and I are the only ones who understand the wry humour it takes to deal with that situation. She has 2 boys, I have the 2 girls. We are similar and yet different. And I love her and her family.



Fast forward to Friday. These beautiful faces are the very center of my world. They are similar and yet different too. They are 3 years apart, so less competion between them. They fuss, they feud, they giggle, and share. I am such a proud Mom. They support each other. They help each other. They share - clothes. makeup, hair stuff, shoes, advice. They bring united petitions to me and Dad (how can we say no when they both plead). And I love them.

The magic here. I am a sister and I am my sister's friend. No matter what, whether we agree or not, Tracey and I love each other. Molly and Abby are building that same unending love for each other. We (they) may not always agree, but we (they) will always love.

The one place we all can say what we need to and still be loved. In the presence of our families.

The one place we can hide when the world gets too big to handle. In the presence of our families.

The one place we can celebrate all the joys of ours lives. In the presence of our families.

The one place that understands the inside jokes. In the presence of our families.

Thank you Tracey for becoming my friend. Thank you Molly and Abby for choosing to become friends. The love we share will be recognized for many generations to come.

Have a beautiful day.