I really am working on goodies

edit - charles just got his results on his procedure. they found no problems at all. now he starts with adjusting various medications to try and see if they are causing the problem. most likely culprit is the blood pressure medicine he is on. this is a rare side effect of this medicine but the time frame works for this to have been a trigger. (or maybe the fact that we are about to be parents of a licensed teenage driver.) (or could it be as a co-worker of mine puts it "he really just needs a wifectomy. ") so we received good news and continue to be frustrated by the unexplained symptoms.

I really am working on MaggieGrace goodies. It is Christmas and we are in full seasonal swing at our house. I cannot post photos right now because the items I am working on are all going to blog readers. So it looks as if there is nothing to share.

I am also in the midst of the youth Christmas program at our church. Jones Chapel UMC has to be one of the most wonderful church families on earth. I was talking to a friend yesterday who goes to church with us. She and her husband recently moved back and were looking for a church. The secretary at the middle school and several of the kids at the school suggested that they visit us. Nancy's description to me was "Jones Chapel is the kind of place that just envelopes you with love." There was a lady in the nursery with us who grew up in this church - she has a totally different perspective. Her description "Jones Chapel grew me and nurtured me at every phase of my life." I love being part of a congregation with a relationship with God and each other.

Back to the program. Teenagers. Songs. Backdrops. Telling the story again. It is a challenge every year to come up with a new program that will stimulate their best performance and lead everyone in attendance into worship. It has to challenge the kids enough for them to work and have the satisfaction of accomplishment. It has to be entertaining enough to keep their attention. And it has to have all the elements of the worship for the season.

We start in September working on this. I bring several ideas to the meeting and we listen and discuss. These are bright kids and many have grown up with me as their choir director. I trust their input and this year we chose a cantata style presentation with lots of catchy praise and worship music, a beautiful message, and just the right amount of the other elements we needed.

Now, months later, we have the songs pretty well under way (all but one) and we started one of the necessary evils last night. Backdrops. Crawl around on the floor and paint. This year is a little different. Instead of scenes, we are doing a single textured paint backdrop with a cross that will be lit from behind. I will be at the church evey night for the next week adding paint to this process. This is a massive undertaking even in this simplest form. I have help from the kids and some parents - but the planning and organizing are all up to me.

I will post some photos of the process as we complete it. I hope to hang these by the weekend this week and be done with this part. I am overwhelmed again at the undertaking of the whole program, but I have already been reminded by several people that this will all be alright.

I do know that on program night, when the lights are lowered and the music starts, I find myself worshipping with the audience every year without even realizing that the audience is there. It is always as if God sends the mesaage just to me again. Yes, I am still the director and still in charge of the immediate surroundings, but God always reminds me that I am only the worker here and in the big picture, He truly is the one in charge.

I love to share that night with my family and friends. Many of the people who know me don't know that side of me at all. My work with these kids is so important to me. And as they grow and go away into the world, I hope and pray that I have expressed God's love and mine to them. I hope I have helped them to learn things they can take with them. I pray that they will continue to seek God's presence in their life. I pray for blessings to fall on them.

If you want to be blessed by a youthful worship experience, join us. Sunday Decemebr 17 at 6pm. For those who cannot be there, we wish you a joyful holiday season. We pray for God's grace to be fully present in your life.

Today, simply, I pray for you.

Color Theory

As an artistic soul, I am aware of color and its interaction with color around it. But I really have never paid attention to how varying the color of an item really affects me.

The ladies at the cross stitch store that is my local favorite are always remarking that I adapt color in patterns. And I do. Very rarely do I use any pattern in the exact way it is graphed. I am approaching this foray into quilting the same way. I just put things together the way that pleases me. I rarely do "commissioned" items because I am sure that I would want to fiddle with the colors requested. I love to create my own designs and I am doing more and more of that.

This morning, I was scanning the new "country register" newspaper, and saw a quilt shop hop organizing for the spring. They listed all of the stops and their websites. On the www.intownquilters.com website, I found the black and bright quilt and fell in love immediately. I want to do a black and bright quilt for myself and this photo was immediately printed for the inspiration books. I love the pattern here as well as the fabric choices.

Now look carefully at the batik bright quilt. I scanned right past this. Does not appeal to me in any way. The colors are "pretty" but it is just too busy for me. I started reading the descriptions and - what the heck - it is the exact same pattern as the quilt I love. I studied the two pictures carefully and tried to figure out how to interpret what I was seeing/responding too.

What I have identified is that the mixed bright quilt -that I describe as too busy - looks and feels chaotic to me. Kind of like the life I lead. Once a long while ago, I put all of my schedules on one calendar and almost had a heart attack. There are many days that I feel like I will never get it all done. That the list will only be partially crossed off. I have a work schedule, a home schedule, a church schedule, Molly's schedule, Abby's schedule, and a craft committment schedule. (Just really glad Mr. Charles can drive himself to his schedule) There is very little room for putting other activities in. I steal every spare moment to do things just for me. I like having "stolen moments" of things and people that are encouraging to me. "Stolen moments" to just be myself - where I am not expected to be anything but me. I nurture myself in those "stolen minutes" and that time is very important to me. (I almost always leave the store at lunch or I feel like I don't get a break all day.)

Now the black and bright quilt. Has some of the same batik fabrics and I love the colors throughout. But with the black boundaries, it feels controlled. Like there is a "plan" for it. The brights are there kind of like a bright spot in the day. And, since there seems to be a "path" around and through the pattern, those bright spots bring a pleasant surprise. They seem to give you a little "reward" for completing an item and crossing it off, but then there may be several of those "side trips" within a bright area. I can see that I am trying to give my life that same kind of structure. Trying to schedule and plan and organize. But I still grab onto those "bright spots." I still will try to let the house go and spend time with my mom or my sister, or various others who are important to me. I look forward to crossing things off my list - but I also welcome those "interruptions" that almost always result in the feeling that I live a very blessed life.

There - my color theory on those two quilts. My analysis of why I like one and not the other. My own self analysis. There is absolutely no scientific basis for any of this. No self-help books required. An arrival at the ultimate awareness. Shout out loud. I LEAD A VERY BLESSED LIFE!!!!!!

I hope you are all leading a blessed life too.

My Day to be Queen

Vallen over at Queenly Things made an observation in her latest post. She was strolling through "blogland" and remarked that people seemed to be "dumping" (me) and/or pondering deep thoughts. She wants us all to just take a day to be "queen" -- to have a good day -- to relax and just enjoy. I am with her in her thoughts and thought I would jump in.

She asked what was our best day, and there was no way I could pick just one. There have been days where I have laughed so hard that I hurt. There have been days where I feel like I can take on the world and win. There have been days when I just know that I am loved by those who matter. So today I am just going to celebrate me and the fact that I am a woman with the skills and passions needed to affect the world.

Life is a banquet. I want to savor the items that make up the table. Love and laughter. Joy and pain. Giggles and grins. Hard work and the satisfaction of a job well done. Lazy days and busy days. Holidays and days you just drag out of bed and just do what you have to. Celebration and mourning. Tears. Stress. Relaxing. Trips. Fatigue and rest. Money and the lack of it. My home. My church. Times of plenty and meager times. I am feasting on my life.

Feast on yours today. Treat yourself like the royalty you are. Everyone deserves to be queen for a day or for a lifetime.

Vallen - thank you for giving me the food of life menu for today. I am filling up the banquet table and I am inviting all my friends to a royal feast. There may even be dancing later.

My friends - bring your own dishes as an rsvp to the banquet. Fill your table and celebrate your life. Share with us. If you will leave a comment and a blog link, we will all come and celebrate with you. Tagged you all are.

The photo at the top is the work of an artist aquaintence of mine. David Morgan is a nationally recognized pottery artist and he and his wife and beautiful daughter are nearby neighbors and friends of ours. (our daughters played volleyball together) David is having an open house this weekend at his studio near Danielsville, GA. (Just north of Athens) If you are in the area, try to take time to go by and see him. He can provide the dishes for our feast.

Have a beautiful day.

A much more reflective mood today

I was at a baby shower last night. This movie was discussed and it appears it is on the must see list for a lot of people.

Baby Maggie's mom was showered with love and gifts for the new little one to come. I spent hours working on the quilt for her gift. Others bought clothes and needed items. She was "showered" in the fullest sense of the word.

If you read the explosion that was yesterday's post, you know I had a tough day. I was irritable (downright mad) and in no mood to reflect. I can't stay in that frame of reference for very long. I have held what I call "prayer meeting" over myself and my attitude.

In reflecting over the holiday season that is fast approaching, and the real message of the birth of Christ, these thoughts occur to me.

Mary - the teenage girl betrothed to Joseph - was given devastating news by the angel. She was pregnant. She had no idea how. She had no idea why. She had no idea what to do. She had no way of knowing where this journey would lead. How was she going to tell her family, her friends, the man who was to be her husband? She had no options. This had to be a time of fear.

I watched April last night and thought about it this morning a lot. She and her husband, Ty are thrilled about this baby. She has has the best medical care available. Is is surrounded by people who are almost as excited as she is. What a difference that is to me.

I have tried to play the angel's words in my head as if they were directed to me. And I cannot help but put my responses into the narrative. I mean no offense by doing this, it just a reflection of where I am and as I reflect on this story for the holiday's, I hope I can grow in my faith again and have a growth in my relationship with Christ and my Holy Father this season.

What if I was receiving Mary's News?

Angel: Do not be afraid.

Mary (me): Oh, but I am. Who are you? What?

Angel: You have found favor with God.

Mary (me): Me - found favor. I don't have a clue what you are talking about.

Angel: You will bring forth a Son.

Mary (me) : A Son - there is no way - I couldn't be - what - this is just not right.

Angel: you will call Him.....

Mary: You even have names. This is crazy. What am I supposed to do.? This has to be a dream. What to you mean fulfillment of the prophesy?

That's me - disbelief that I have been chosen. That God has a place for me. That God has a plan for me. But then I really think about things and I know that some of what I am already doing is in God's plan. I know my work with the kids is a part of that plan. I also know I did nothing to deserve the grace of the cross, that I only have to accept that grace. And in accepting the grace, I have found favor with God too.

I do hope you each have a beautiful day.

Project Box - WIP

This is to become my offering for a collaborative book project. The tiny little blurry thing in the first photo caused me much stress and grief this morning. I worked on the book page last night until I made a stupid cut (because I was tired). I put the page away and decided to make the charm that goes with the project. Again, I have not purchased anything. Using a flat washer, monofilament and mixed seed beads, I proceeded to string and wrap this charm. This was tedious and frustrating work. I finished the charm and put it on the kitchen counter to show Molly and Abby this morning.

I am not nuts people. I knew where I put the charm. And this morning upon arriving in the kitchen, there was no charm. Mr Charles is putting lunches together. Question - did you move that charm that was laying there? The resulting discussion (fight) leaves me feeling like I am unsupported in the creative work that is so important to me. He honestly thought I had put the stupid charm somewhere else and left without helping me find it. I dumped the kitchen trash can out in the floor (yup - pissed off and slightly desperate feeling) complete with the dregs and really appealing juice that collects in the bottom of the trash bag. I found the charm in the bottom of the trash. (I really don't think he tossed it knowingly) He thinks I am mad because it got thrown in the trash. Not so, I KNOW crap happens. What ticked me completely off was the feeling that he could care less that it was missing and that he thought I had not left it there but somewhere else. Then it was not important enough to really help me look. When I found it and called to report the whereabouts of said charm - there seemed to be no real enthusiasm about the discovery. Are all men clueless - or just the one who lives at my address?

The part that baffles me is the completely wrong assumption of why I am upset. Mistakes happen - all I wanted was help to find the charm - I didn't expect anyone to say how neat or pretty or cute or whatever. I just hate the feeling of him not believing that I put it where I said I did - I am not in the habit of making things like that up. I don't expect anyone who isn't creative to understand the creative process - I just need them to know I have a need to create and to share those creations. I don't expect anyone to help me string beads or paint or sew or stamp. I do want them to respect that I get as much enjoyment out of those things as he gets from a football game. I don't like football, but I damn well know that he does and I give him no problem about going. I really am sorry that the real full blown b*&^$ came out in me early this morning.

Enough about that. The charm and book page are for JoAnnA who has recently undergone a mastectomy and has follow up processes to endure. I saw the invitation for the collaborative project and jumped at the opportunity to participate. I am working through my artistic process and the story behind my designs. After JoAnnA receives her book, I will post a clear photo and explanation of the thoughts associated with the design.

The project box is one of my fetish items. I love cigar boxes - especially wooden ones - and tea boxes - and cheese boxes - and sewing machine drawers. I have a very hard time passing these things up in junk and/or antique stores. I use these as storage and as decor around the house. Buy me old wooden boxes and I am a happy lady. Fill them with mixed ephemera for my creations and I am even happier. Add fabric and ribbon and paper - even better.

Is it just me or does anyone else deal with these issues? Am I the one with the problem or am I being unreasonable? At a younger age, I would have just cried or walked away from it. Does standing your ground and requiring respect come with age or is that something that surviving life challenges gives you the courage to do? Is it too much to ask that people see you and your needs as important enough? Is it too much to ask that I be respected as Teresa, not just mom, or someone's wife? Does everyone have these days?

This certainly turned out as an ugly post, didn't it. I have read and re-read it and tried to find kind and generous words today. I don't have them. I do hope everyone will forgive this post because my life is not always nice and neat and pretty and I am choosing to share that. Sometimes I think the illusion is better and then I also think the reality is necessary.

I hope my day improves and that you are all having a better one than I am.

It's Beginning to Feel a lot like Christmas

This gorgeous photo was downloaded off the Callaway Gardens website. It is called " twin trees" and it is beautiful.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We spent time with family and friends. We rested. We relaxed. I crafted. We watched TV. We ate. And ate.

An update on Charles - we checked in at the hospital Wed morning and were home by mid afternoon. Tissue biopsy results will not be available for two weeks. He is back to normal with only a few dietary restrictions. The waiting is always the worst part. I will be calling the doctor early on the 6th of Dec to obtain those results. Thanks to all who lifted him up through this procedure.

In addition to MaggieGrace goodies this season, I plan to focus on some of my favorite Christmas decorations/traditions, which is the reason for the photo today. Since the girls were little, we have enjoyed Christmas light displays. We have driven sometimes as much as three hours to view some of the larger ones. We also have local favorites as well. Molly observed last night that I am very "picky" about what I like for outdoor decor. I do not like colored or blinking lights. I do like very understated, simple, and elegant. A magnolia wreath with some gold leaves. Tiny white lights. A single white candle in the windows of a house. A creche. Natural accents. For indoor decor - real trees, handmade ornaments, retelling the stories of ornaments. Again tiny white lights and those long silver icicles.

Christmas is a very busy season for us. I really have a hard time gearing up personally until after the church program because I am always so focused on getting that together. I don't do very much cooking (remember my kids think I don't know how), but I do my fair share of eating.

I am so inspired by all of you bloggers out there. Some already decorating. Many making beautiful items. Always sharing, always generous.

I do want to spend some time reflecting (much like the reflection of the tree in the lake) on the real story behind all the hoopla of Christmas. Remember - Jesus is the Reason for this Season and I will be telling parts of that beautiful story as well.

What would you bring as a gift to your King?

Please take time to share a tradition with me here. Share your decorating preferences. Share your favorite gift. The stupidest gift you ever received. Funny memories. I love your comments and I have met some wonderful people by backtracking through these comments.

Have a beautiful day and a blessed holiday season.

Thank You - for everything

The photo at the bottom is of a handstamped postcard. I made dozens for the Church Bazaar. Different stamps and phrases.


I had a request for embellishment on one of the funny stories. So I will tell this one.

The rooster and the raccoon.

I grew up in very rural north Georgia. Just outside of Royston. Growing up in the country affords many opportunities for unusual pets. My Dad tended to indulge my Sister and me, so we played on that to get the pets. My uncle was a chicken grower and we were at his house shortly after the company caught chickens. One of the birds fell off the truck in the driveway. Now the birds are grown for food. They are too stupid to get out of the road etc. Anyway we felt sorry for the chicken, begged, and Daddy gave in. (we were maybe 7 and 9 years old) So JB, the rooster comes to live at our house. We let him roam the yard and this chicken gained to the size of a turkey. Huge chicken. Stupid too. He would roost and point his beak straight in the air when it rained - nearly drowned more than once. But the dog never bothered him - he was bigger than the dog.

Fast forward. We have had JB for quite some time and he really was a pet. It is COLD COLD weather and we hear JB in the dark. He sounds like he is somewhere down by the pond. Tears and screams from me and Sister. My dad was nude (do not ask - we did not want to know) at the time but my Mom sent him to check on the "damn chicken" (her exact phrase) and out the door a naked man goes with a flashlight into 20 degree F weather.

A raccoon has caught the rooster and coons always wash their food so he was dunking said food into the pond, standing on the ice around the edge. The last we saw of my dad was him going down the bank, cussing and into the pond to rescue the chicken. He had to wade waist deep to accomplish this task. We laugh so hard when Mom tells that story now, because she says how rescuing that chicken ruined her entire night. At the time me and my Sister didn't understand, now I do.

This will be my last post until next Monday. I have been doing lists for my Thansgivings, but today I am going to simply say Thank You - to God, my family, friends, loved ones, and to all of you inspiring bloggers out there.

I will be sitting in the waiting room at the hospital tomorrow while my Husband has a colonoscopy and intestinal biopsy. He is a little freaked out by the whole process, so if you would remember us, I will appreciate it so much. Then Thanksgiving with our families and a little R & R for the weekend.
I will be back Monday.

I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving. Tell those around you how important they are.

20 Thanksgivings - angel words

It was a great weekend. The Church Bazaar was a success. I came home Friday night after setting up and made chili and more ornaments. I stamped a few cards and added them to the sale. I took a large box over to the church and only brought home a small sewing machine drawer full of unsold items. They relly won't go unused, I will send some as gifts and use some myself.

I was at the church all morning on Saturday, Abby had a ball game a little after noon and then Molly and I went to an open house at the florist. After that, I attended the Habitat Art Auction. A long full day. Sunday was also. Church, lunch, Molly volleyball tryout, youth choir practice, grocery store, then cook supper and relax. Add to that, I completed the crochet edging on Baby DAndra's gift and started a chunky book page.

The book page is of my own design. It has to be mailed this Friday to make it for the collaboration on time. Then I have to finish Baby Charlie's quilt. I have a rather large list of things to finish by Christmas, including Vallen's swap return. (Vallen if you look closely there is a sneak peek in the photo.)

Now for Thanksgivings. I have a wonderful friend, Melissa, who uses what she calls "angel words." Melissa is a true southern lady and I adore her and her family. What are angel words? Words that make you feel good using them and hearing them. Word that show you are listening. Word that express consideration and respect. Words that build up instead of tear down.

1. I love you.
2. I am proud of you.
3. You are beautiful.
4. Hope.
5. Faith.
6. You inspire me.
7. Please.
8. Thank you.
9. Bless you.
10. yes sir/ yes ma'am
11. Joy.
12. You make a difference.
13. You can do any thing you set your mind to.
14. I was thinking of you.
15. I need you in my life.
16. Be patient.
17. I care.
18. I will be right here.
19. You mean the world to me.
20. Is there anything I can do?

Those are just 20 "angel words" and phrases. I am sure each of you could add so many more.

The holiday season is upon us. I am planning to try and just enjoy my family and friends this year. How did we lose sight of giving our best and just start throwing money at the season?

"There's a song in the air - there's a star in the sky - the heavens tell the story of the Lord most high. " This is from one of my favorite Christmas songs. As we approach the holidays, let's remember what it really is all about.

Have a beautiful day.

thanksgiving 17 - funny stories we tell

Why does blogger do this sometimes - these are out of order - sorry ??? The ornaments above are the remaining few I need to finish for tomorrow. The picture on the left is of the finished stars. You may recognize the fabric on the hearts. Seems like toile is becoming a signature for me. These were made from the scraps of Baby Maggie's quilt. I have a ton of this left still and I keep saving smaller and smaller pieces and finding uses for them. I have to confess, I used the idea for the stars from Samantha at Plump Pudding, with her permission. Not exactly as she did hers, mine are much more primitive. I emailed Samantha and asked for permission to use this idea and received the most gracious reply. I continue to be amazed at the generous and kind ladies out there.

Molly has been trying out for a club volleyball program and that means time in the car together. Last night we laughed and giggled all the way home. Part of what was funny was the theme for the day, today. Funny stories we tell over and over. I hope every family has these. These stories are a part of our heritage and we love to retell them again and again. There are some regular readers out there who will recognize themselves here - I hope you are not offended. To my family, remember I am not laughing at you, I am laughing with you.

Here we go. 17 funny stories to be told over and over by my family and friends.

1. the damn cooler threw me.

2. will you please go get the altoids out of the truck.

3. 10 years - 20 years - 30 years - 40 - yup there's 50.

4. playing with the big boys.

5. I won't come back to this house until the Christmas tree is decorated.

6. What are we gonna get Nanny for Christmas?

7. The cabbage in the tree.

8. I thought I just uncovered.

9. I just don't get it, why are they using cows to advertise chicken?

10. Look at that baby with all that hair.

11. She don't look like no alien.

12. Give you a quarter for that gum.

13. Nanny served that tomato.

14. Naked feet.

15. Frankenboobs

16.Then Diane cut off all Scott's curls.

17. The chicken and the raccoon.

Now I know these don't mean anything to you. If you are interested (and you know you are) in the elaboration of these stories, please leave a comment here and let me know which ones. We have favorites within this group, but all are funny. I will happily share all of them in more detail. Because the reality is always better than the myth.

After tomorrow, the pressure is off MaggieGrace for Bazaar crafts and I can focus again. I am behind on some swap goodies. I have a chunky book page to complete for a friend who is having a mastectomy today. I have a package to send Vallen. One for Leslie. One for MaryAnn. And a 4x4 collage for a Winter Wishes exchange. A stocking to finish. A quilt to finish. and a baby blanket to finish. I am glad the holidays are upon us. And I am glad I saved 7 days vacation to take. Looks like I may need them.

I hope you all have a beautiful day.

thanksgiving 16 - the power of scent

More of Ernestine Cochran's handpainted porcelain ornaments.

This is the third time I have written this. My connection crapped and I lost the first one. Second one too. This may be a blessing because I have had a horrible migraine and the first post was most likely a little fuzzy.

I have posted in the past about how scent can trigger memories. Real estate sales people tell homeowners to bake a pie or cookies before showing their home to a potential buyer. Candle and home fragrance sales are skyrocketing. Scent is powerful. And today I am listing 16 of my favorites.

There is no order to these. Simply listed them as I thought of them. Some have memories some don't. I hope as you read these, you will find yourself focusing on some of your favorites.

1. Clean babies - when my girls were small, after bathtime I would snuggle them close and love and kiss on them. We so enjoyed the time and I miss that closeness. Warm, clean, and soapy smell.

2. Cooking chili - smells warm and comforting to me. I will make this for lunch at the bazaar on Saturday.

3. Paul Sebastian cologne.

4. Rain - only those in the deep south know that smell as a thunderstorm starts in middle of the summer.

5. Salt water air - enjoy wiggling my toes in the sand too.

6. Pipe tobacco - some cigars too.

7. Fresh linens brought in off the line. Does anyone think the towels dry better too?

8. Fireplace smoke hanging in the air.

9. Real Christmas trees - cedar is my favorite.

10. Old fashioned tea roses

11. Chocolate.

12. Coffee - especially southern pecan.

13. Fresh cut wood - cedar is a favorite here too.

14. Black cherry candles.

15. Eucalyptus - I have a tree in my yard and I keep a cutting in the shower all winter. Helps with the stuffiness of cold and flu season.

16. Starched shirts. Can "crisp" describe a smell?

I started this twice on the 15th but didn't finish it so I have moved it to the 16th. Hence 16 on the 16th.

I hope this triggers some scent memories for you as well. Please share. Also if you have an idea for a themed list for the remainder of the month, share that as well.

Focusing on little things has improved my observation skills. It has shown me how truly blessed I am. I have a relationship with my Saviour. I have all my senses, my health, a lifestyle that is fairly comfortable. I have family and friends. I have education. I have so many blessings.

I hope you all have a fabulously blessed day.

Showing off some of my Friends

On Saturday, Madison County hosted the 1st annual Artists Show at the old courthouse in Danielsville. This was organized by two of my friends. Not a craft festival, this was an art exhibition and all of the artists represented were from the Madison County area.

Painting, recycled art, iron works, chair caning, pottery, fiber arts, wood crafts, and porcelain painting, and more.

The paintings and folk art pieces by Peter Loose are wonderful. Bongo books were available too.

Iron work letter openers, candle holders, knives, and skewers by 2brothers caught my eye too.

The brightly painted flower hubcaps were a hit as well. So big that I was unable to get close to the booth to get the information.

The picture above is from a friend's booth. I own several of her pieces and I have commissioned some items from her as well. The lily note cards in the front were originally done for me as Christmas cards in memory of Grandma Simpson. I have had reprints done several times and now they are a regular part of her line. Ernestine Cochran and Jewel Ramirez are the artists. Miss Ernestine paints, mostly on porcelain pieces. Beautiful items. And very reasonable pricing. Jewel does wood working. Trays, chests, lazy susans. (I want that cedar one in the picture.) Both were open to me blogging about thier work. I have some favorites of both. Of course the lazy susan and Ernestine's names of God ornaments. She also has a 12 days of christmas version of ornaments. Two very talented and beautiful ladies that I am blessed to know.

The art show was a success and one of the organizers has asked me to participate next year. We will see. I still have a hard time calling what I do art.

Today's list of thanksgiving is for 13 of my creative friends.

1. Laura Bowen - a native Chicagoan. A church friend. Her children are roughly the same age as mine. Beautiful photograph, pressed naturals, fiber and pinted art. This lady also hass the greenest thumb I know of.

2. Lannae Johnson - Painted art. Her MIL goes to church with us. Mother of two young boys. An encourager. Has chosen to be home with those beautiful boys and makes domestic arts look like they are effortless.

3. Ernestine Cochran - A true kindred spirit of mine. I love this woman and her work.

4. Mandy Cochran - Ernestine's daughter. An artist as well. I have been negotiating a nude of hers for some time. Maybe someday she will let it go.

5. Jewel Ramirez - A wonderful lady too. Skilled woodwork fun to spend time with.

6. Nancy Peeples - Fiber arts - a whiz with a knitting or crochet needle. Mom of two teenagers, and Baby Addison. Married to a childhood friend of mine.

7. Margaret Whieldon - Knitter extraordinaire. Soft spoken, precious, the host of our 1st Friendship tea for all our daughters and moms. She has one of the neatest little workrooms I have seen in her victorian styled home.

8. David Morgan - potter. Our daughters played ball together. A wonderful artist.

9. Autumn Strickland - Beautiful "rooster" portraits. Her work is French Provencial in its look and she is the true picture of a southern lady.

10. Melanie Berryman - a quilter. Preserving family memories with her quilts, they contain dates and places and other memories. I am in awe of her handpiecing and handquilting.

11. Lilly Berryman - a chef (desserts are her specialty), a cross stitcher, and now she is recaning chairs to bring them back to life. ALso a church friend.

12. Molly Atkinson - my daughter. Her art is improving and as a JR in high school, she is trying to figure out just where to go with her life. I pray that she finds a way to be true to herself as well as create a well lived life.

13. Abby Atkinson - my baby girl. Handcrafted cards are her specialty. She has even collaged her work folders for schools. I hope the same things for her. That she may see success in being respectful and caring for others.

I hope you are not finding my lists boring. I was asked this weekend about how I continue to make time for creating for others. That time is my sanity. I can multitask by praying for people as I work, I carry a project everywhere I go, I squeeze as much as I can everyday. I also know that my house can wait. I have been given some talents, and I am learning that I must use those talents to glorify God in any way I can. So every stitch, every stripe of glue, every stamp, every word carries with it my prayers for those who receive.

I hope you all have a beautiful day.

Note: I will be out of town tomorrow 11-14-2006. MaggieGrace will be back on wednesday.

Veterans Day - WIP Friday

A 35 year old work in progress. These are polyester scraps and there are a few of the YoYo's made. I posted yesterday about the wreath ornaments made by Mama Norvan. This is her box of supplies for those. I remembered this and thought I would share it today. I may make a few more of the yoyo's and maybe put them together differently for Charles' siblings. I hate polyester, but I didn't want to toss this, so I put it on the shelf and take it out occasionally just for the memory of her.

Today is the observance of Veterans Day. I have been giving you itemized lists of Thanksgivings. There are far too many to list today. There are many friends and relatives who served our country giving us the rights we have. I have so much to thank these men and women for.

There are men and women out there watching their children grow up in emails and pictures so that I can have mine safely in my home at night. They are fighting for our rights, for the safety of our country and others.

There are those who gave all in this fight. There are those who came home early because of injuries. There are those in the fight right now. Every day more young men and women join the ranks of our armed forces. To all of you I give my respect and appreciation. To all of you, I send my prayers. To all of you I express my gratitude. I send my thoughts and prayers to those who have a loved one in active duty right now.

I do hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Thanksgiving - day 9 - memories of things past

Wow , you really have to look carefully to see what this is. Sorry.

It is an old decrepit school building way off the road and a large angry bull guards it to keep people out of the pasture. So being the intelligent individual I am, I took this from the road. We drive past this frequently on the way to the fabric warehouse sale. This old building intrigues me. It has not always been there. Someone moved it, but never did anything about restoration. Makes me wonder why. Like several of the projects I have started and never finished, someone will find the unfinished stocking or the partially painted canvas and wonder. Why? Did this "thing" have meaning to those who had it moved here.

My best friend has an unfinished cross stitch piece. His mother worked on it planning for it to be a gift for him before she passed away and instead of tossing it when they cleaned out her belongings, his sister kept this. She gifted him with it (unfinished with needle still stuck through the fabric). He treasures this. As a stitcher, I could finish it for him, but as the sentimental fool that I am, I realize that framing it exactly as she left it would be the more appropriate thing to do.

As I have focused this month on various things to be thankful for, I came up with "things" that others might deem worthy of the garbage, while I treasure these.

1. My Daddy's denim neck tie - he had to wear a tie to work, but he could wear jeans, so mother made him denim ties to wear with his jeans. I have this tie hanging in my living room.

2. Two pieces of costume jewelry - my sister framed these - sparkly blue "junk" jewelry from my grandmothers jewelry box for me for Christmas right after she died.

3. Boxes of childrens' drawings and projects - Doesn't every mother keep these? I look through them on occasion and am always reassured by the progress they made.

4. Christmas wreath ornaments - these were given to us by Mama Norvan. Made from yoyo pieces of polyester.

5. A tiny marcasite pin - of no $ value at all. Again from Mama Norvan. I liked it and she sent it home with me.

6. A handpainted bottle - a gift from one of the ladies at our church. Completely unexpected, she just wanted to encourage me in my work with the kids. It came with a kiss and the scent of White Shoulders as she include a hug and the words "I Love You" as she gave it to me.

7. A pair of sapphire earrings - one of the last things my Dad bought me before his accident. I never wear these because I am afraid I will lose them. I hope my girls will wear them as "something blue" on thier wedding day.

8. Crocheted afghans - my mom made some, my grandmother made some. All sizes shapes and colors. Memories the same way, all sizes shapes and colors.

9. Black cowboy boots - I wore them all the time as a toddler. Wanted to sleep in them. My mom kept them and both my girls wore them a little. I think these are the only "baby" shoe my mom kept. I still wear cowboy boots today only the current pair is brown.

There we go - 9 on the 9th. Funny when you start really looking, this list gets easier. And life really is made up of many, many little things. Celebrate today.

Have a wonderful day.

True Colors - gratitudes for today.

I specifically chose the colors from an 8 pack of crayons for today's gratitude list. I am making crayon holders for the bazaar and had this thought while I was working on that project.

I also thought and prayed for Mrs. Jane Coile as I was preparing this list today. Mrs. Jane goes to church with us and she suffers from Macular Degeneration. She was a teacher, a student of God's word, and a member of our choir. She is one of the most beautiful people I know. And Mr. Buddy her husband is a beautiful person too. Mrs. Jane can see very little - Mr Buddy takes her hand unconciously, he helps her to fix her plate at our church dinners, as people approach her he whispers who it is in her ear so she does not mistake them. An inspiring couple for me. She has an enlarger at home, which allows her to read some things, and he types the words of the choir songs so that she can read them through the enlarger. These are only some of the things we know about, I can only imagine the things he does behind the scenes. I hope to inspire younger couples someday.

The photo above was taken this morning outside my bedroom window. This is a beauty berry bush. The birds love the berries in the fall. I can see these every morning as I gather my clothes to head to the shower. Not at all showy in the growing season, but beautiful in the fall.

So having shared another view from my world, I progress to 8 color crayon gratitudes for today. For those who are new to the Thanksgiving Month gratitudes, I am celebrating seemingly small things that make up my life.

These are all things I noticed today.

1. red - my porch swing (painted by my crew as a gift), my nautilus bench (painted by Ned becuse he wanted me to buy it and I wanted a red one) , the coke crates (my mom gave me these), and the red jacket hanging on the armoire in the dining room (meaning that more people than me live here).

2. yellow - not a color I have a lot of because its not a favorite but I still noticed - the sun applique on baby Charlie's quilt, the trees on the way to work (starting to fade now), sticky notes (my preferred note apparatus, I cannot keep a daytimer at all), a yellow highlighter marker (used to mark completed items on cutomer quotes - yeah)

3. blue - the jeans both my girls wore to school today, the "sky" background fabric on Baby Charlie's quilt, some blue edged cards I have stamped for the bazaar, the blue plates I carried cookies to the banquet on last night, and my favorite shoes (blue Eddie Bauer clogs I paid too much for but have gotten that much good out of them)

4. green - my favorite color - the bathroom walls (army green with a distressed finish that looks like those old chalky metal signs), the shirt I have on (a gift from someone who knows I love to wear green), the eucalyptus tree in the front yard (a beautiful silver green and it smells good) and a bench that has it's own story to be told later.

5. orange - some of the leaves are the most gorgeous shade of pink/orange this year, the traffic barriers in the construction zone I come through right now (pray for those highway workers, they have a very dangerous work location), and the Harley Davidson logo on a coworker's shirt today.

6. purple - those berries outside my window

7. brown - - another of my favorites - the stitching in a project I am working on for Ms. Vallen, the trunk of the tree and the love letters on Baby Charlie's quilt, Molly working at the dining room table on her altered book project - i have lots of brown in my house.

8. black - the surface mount door locks in my house, the twist latches on my kitchen cabinets, the ink pads strewn everywhere (I am making the gift tags for the bazaar), Abby wore a black shirt today, the monster dog, Licorice, and the markings on the porch wall growth chart (a personal favorite)

There you have it 8 things on the 8th. Well its so much more, but 8 categories of gratitude. It is an exercise to find these kind of things - we often generalize so much and looking for tiny, specific things is sharpening my focus.

I have been crafting, but nothing I can show. I am working on Ms. Vallen's return gift in exchange for the wonderful crown she sent me. I hope to finish some gift tag packs tonight and figure out a way to display the post cards so people can see the variety.

I hope you all have a beautiful day.

Twice in one day

I have added a link to the side bar for my brother in law's blog. Max is in Houston at M.D. Anderson undergoing treatment right now. We have been praying for him and he may get to be home for the Thanksgiving holiday. I do hope that is the case. His blog is a wealth of information and humour about his treatment path for CLL (he also dicusses Ga Tech football) . I just found out about this link from his lovely wife Lynda - my husband's favorite sister. There is information there for many people and As the cabin fever takes over at times the knowledge that people are cheering him on will help tremendously.

If you would, please lift his family in your prayers. I just wish I had known about his blog before today.

Have a beautiful day.

Someone Will Love Her

A close up of the tree trunk on Baby Charlie's quilt. I embroidered the heart as if someone had carved it. A symbol of the fact that she will always be loved by God and her parents. (I don't think there is a tree anywhere with my name carved by someone else.) I finally am excited about how this quilt is turning out and I can't wait to get it finished.

Molly and I went for a drive last night - she has her learner permit only and is to take her driver test on Dec 6 so we are driving more. This is an opportunity for real conversation and we both take that opportunity. She is so funny at times - last night we ate at TacoBell and I ordered cinnamon twists. She calls them cinnamon pork skins. Too funny.

This leads me to my 7 gratitudes for the 7th of November. All are words or phrases used by people I love that have become the family way of referring to things.

1. Cob on the corn - we always say this backwards. My cousin Scott is responsible for this from when he was tiny and just couldn't get it right. Everyone thought it was so cute so now we all use it.

2. I me do it myself - this was originated by nephew Nathan as a toddler trying to become more independent. Nathan was killed in a car wreck when he was 3 and I think we may all do this just to hang onto his memory.

3. Because my name is mommy - yup that's mine. And I use it for emphasis on decision with my girls. I also use it to describe to others why I am riding at 8pm with a migraine and a teenager was ready to drive. I use it to remind myself that I wanted to be their mommy and that one day they will not need me as much as they do now.

4. Fast driver award - something we don't want or need especially with the new driver.

5. Business in the front, party in the back - generally used by the girls to describe their bedhead hair. looks okay in the front but is a tangled matt in the back. This is often accompanied by hand motions and a "booty dance" in the bathroom.

6. Mom, dad is soooo weird - okay he lives with three women. He probably has been driven to his weirdness to some degree. We all use this phrase against him, around him, and about him.

7. Bless her (his) heart - this is not exclusive to the Atkinson household. This can be a good thing as in "she is so sweet, bless her heart." or a negative like "he can't help it bless his heart." Seems to be a southern thing, but we all use it.

There you go 7 on the 7th. I hope you are playing along. Share some of your family's sayings.

I have made some changes on my blog read list. I hope you will visit some of my friends.

Have a beautiful day.

My small town.

This is the hardware store in Danielsville. I drive past this everyday. It's run by Steve and his precious wife Carol and their daughter Leanna. One of those old fashioned places where you can take in a whimy diddle and show it to Steve - he will go dig in some box in the back and come back with one. The change in the season is reflected by the displays outside the store. Right now there are bales of hay, mums, and even a pot belly cast iron stove on a cart out front. Upstairs is an antiques room full of prizes unearthed by Carol in her auction forays. If watch the movie COBB (featuring Tommy Lee Jones) and look closely, you will see this building in one of the scenes.

Not a really productive weekend for MaggieGrace goodies. We played ball all day Saturday and I did work on some cross stitch while sitting - but thats all- it was too cold to have your hands out in the open. We will be back on schedule tonight though.

Now to catch up on gratitudes.

Molly and I spent time poking around in stores on Saturday for a little while. We laughed at each other. She looked at stuff and would proclaim it AWESOME. We found a MANequin - and she danced with it. She sang to a hairbrush. I am so blessed to have a teenager who still would like to spend time with mom - yet is independent enough to be on her own too.

I am grateful for that first cup of coffee every morning. I just wish there was someone at my house who would make that coffee. Waking up to the smell would be a grand pleasure. (I know - I can set the coffee maker to start at a certain time, but knowing someone goes to the effort is part of the pleasure.)

I am grateful for the feeling of a tiny hand wrapping around my finger. I did not realize that I press my finger into the hand of every infant I hold. Abby pointed that out. There is something so touching about that grasp. Human touch is something everyone needs.

I am grateful that I do not have to yell, scream, or threaten to make sure my girls do their homework. We have always been disciplined about homework and study, and it is something they both do automatically. Very little conflict occurs over this and that makes my life better in the evening.

I an grateful for my mug rug on my desk at work. It is part of an old quilt and was a surpirse from my new blog friend MaryAnn. Something about a surprise gift from someone I didn't know a year ago lets me know that there is still a ton of goodwill in the world. I am continually surprised and inspired by all of you bloggers.

I am thankful for cell phones. (Most of the time) I can check in with the people I love at almost anytime. I am amazed by the technology. I love text messaging, although my phone is set up to text in all caps and Molly always says she feels like I am yelling at her.

There - six gratitude things on the 6th - I hope more of you are playing along in the Thanksgiving month.

Now a plea for comments. That was subtle wasn't it. I love to read your thoughts. They are not ignored. I read and absorb them all. If you have comments on your blog, I often read throught them too. I am thrilled when I see an email saying there is a new comment on my blog. I started this blog for me and then it became an interaction between me and you. Those interactions become the beginning of friendships. Then those friendships grow and that reassures me of the goodness in the world. That allows us to continue to open our hearts to each other. I learn from you all. I gain something from each and every one. Thanks to you for visiting with me.

I hope you all have a beautful day.

Thanksgiving Month - WIP FIRDAY

Works in progress. Messy work stations. Stamps, ink, embellishments. I am spread out on every available surface in my house as I get ready for our church bazaar. Right now I am making stamped gift tags packs and stamped postcards for it. Then adding beads and ribbons will be next. Then packaging. I have clear bags and I am going to use pages out of an old book to make my labeling for these.

I bought a sizzix die with the 3 tag sizes and I am doing an assortment of sizes in each package. The postcards are on blanks of card stock. and stamped with an image and/or words. Simple, fairly quick and straightforward. Trying to do 50 postcards and 50 tag sets for all occasion and holiday gifts.

Acknowledging the blessings in my life is giving me a focus that lessens the stressful feelings of the holiday rush. I have posted over and over about big things. But really focusing on small things has been fun.

Today I am celebrating -- the sound of laughter just out of my sight - we are so busy today at work and I can't be in the midst of the fun - but the laughter says that people are not upset about waiting for us to pull their orders. They are visiting with each other, drinking coffee, and enjoying today. That always makes things better.

I am also celebrating the fact that my sister and I are meeting each other tonite for a quick road trip. I haven't said much about her. She is younger than I am and has boys involved in car stuff. I have girls involved in sports. So we don't see each other as often as we would like to. We will only be away from our families for a couple of hours but it will still be fun.

We have a busy weekend ahead, but I will be back on Monday with more MaggieGrace crafts to share.

Have a beautiful weekend.

The THANKSGIVING month

November officially begins the winter holiday season at our house. I have already put the Christmas list together. I am working on a card design to scan and use for everyone and would like to have these ready to mail the Monday after Thanksgiving. We are planning the 2nd Annual Christmas Tea that a group of us have with our teenage daughters and their mom's. I have been working on the Christmas Musical at church with the youth and that is now a priority. The Bazaar will be just before Thanksgiving. Busy-Busy times for us.

The two bracelets pictured are from Silver Spoon Jewelry. This is a wholesale site only but they do have a store list. I love both of these bracelets and I have a jewelry maker in my house. I also am the proud owner of a soup can full of unmatched silver teaspoons. I bought the teaspoons years ago at yard sales and made tons of tree ornaments for teachers that year. I have now devised a way to use the handles I cut off then. (Why do artistic type people keep stuff like that?)

I will celebrate this month of thanksgiving by sharing small gratitudes in every post. We are all aware of the large things we are grateful for. I want to celebrate small things. The things we may not be aware of but that really are worth celebrating.

Today I am celebrating - the golden trail I drive to work. I noticed red and orange leaves too but today there seemed to be gold everywhere. I live in rural north Georgia. I drive about 25 miles to work on mostly a two lane road and the trees this year are absolutly gorgeous. I drive this road with a large percentage of people I know. This morning, one of our church members let me in at the courthouse traffic jam (lasts about 5 minutes every morning at going to school time) and another one waved to me and bowed his head to pray for me at the first traffic light we stopped at. How can you not enjoy the drive when it is this pretty and you share it with friends?

Celebrate something small that really is big today.

Have a beautiful day and a wonderful holiday season.

Cooking 101

Those who know me, make that those who live at my house, will tell you I can't cook. I can, but seldom do. And when I do, I choose simple, easy to prepare foods. This will never be a cooking blog. but occasionally I will share a recipe that I find easy, quick, and painless.

This apple casserole is one of those. A friend of mine was putting this together on Sunday morning for the doughnuts and devotion class. I eavesdropped on the prep and now I want to share this. We skipped the almonds. Now there are no hard and fast rules about the amount of things you use. More like my mom's little bit of this kind of cooking

You will need.

crescent rolls, apples, bottled caramel sauce, butter, sugar, cinnamon, sprite

Peel and chop the apples. Put on a crescent roll and drizzle with caramel sauce. Roll and seal. Melt spoonful of butter in square baking pan. Roll the sealed apple "dumplings " in the butter and spread in a single layer in the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Splash a 1/4 cup sprite across the mixture. We shook up the sprite and eyeballed this step. Bake according to crescent roll instructions. I just watch until they look done. Take out of the oven and drizzle with more caramel. Serve warm if at all possible. YUM - The picture shows almonds but I skip those.

Perfect for breakfast on a lazy Saturday morning. Add some Southern Pecan coffee and you have a lovely start to the weekend.

Update on Baby Charlie's quilt. Thanks to those who added their thoughts. I agonized over this for 2 hours last night. I dug through the fabric stash. (Remember I am trying to use what I have this month again.) I spread fabrics across the quilt. I begged teenagers for input on what worked. And we came upon a solution, a tiny print in a brown background that was just strong enough. Computer printout of the word LOVE. WonderUnder then zigzagged into place. The arrangement of the letters adds a little movement in the quilt and I started quilting the tree trunk LATE last night. I am really much more pleased now that I have that solved. Sorry - no picture - but I will add one as quick as I get a decent one of it. We have a ball tournament this weekend so I will have time to quilt while watching that.

Tonight is "Trunk or Treat" at our church so there will not be much crafting goodness in my life today.

I hope you get more treats than tricks today.

Happy Halloween.

INPUT PLEASE

This is the beginning of Baby Charlie's (Charlize Kate) quilt. A little more contemporary setup. Like a child's drawing. For some reason the layout seems incomplete, but I am not quite sure what it is that is missing. I put this all together yesterday and spread it out on the dinig room table where I walk past it several times a day. I keep fiddling with the placement so I know I want it to have something else added. I am going to embroider "Charlie" and a heart on the tree trunk as if someone had carved it. I plan to quilt it in circles on the tree and the sun. Vertically on the trunk and in a wavy horizontal pattern on the grass and sky.

Help - do you think it's complete looking? Or does it need something added? If something needs to be added then what? Should I quilt it in coordinating threads to their background? Help?????

Thanks in advance for your input.

Have a beautiful day.

Look at this !!!!

I just got these in the mail yesterday. They are from my partner for the textile ATC swap on Swap-bot. Made of felt and flannel and these adorable cartoon type characters. Made by Jane Rennalls. And they came with a note - apology - she was not happy with how these turned out.

I know how she feels. But Ms. Jane, I want you to know they are just wonderful. The flower one has a little pouch that I will tuck things into and my favorite - the kitty looks so smug and self satisfied.

I have completed works and not been happy. I have thrown things away. I have cussed and cried at times over items. Why. Either I did something stupid (story to follow) - was too tired to really focus on what I was doing (story there too) - or was trying a technique that I just didn't grasp (lots of those stories) - or for many other reasons. My biggest reason for being unhappy - comparing myself to some "ideal" standard that usually turned out as a figment of my imagination. I look at several blogs, I have several creative friends, I attend a ton of displays and shows, and I have created a quality code in my mind based on those ideas. Then when I really get to know the people behind the art, I find that they struggle too. That the points don't always exactly match on the quilt. That the genius item on the collage is actually there to cover a really big screw up. That the outcome was not at all what they visioned in the first place. So I have tried to learn to silence the critic inside and just wait and see what the response is before I give up. I do collect input from the trusted few and I try hard not to compare my work against others. (We all know when a piece is ready for the trash though - and I have still thrown several things away.)

Jane - your ATC are beautiful. The work is impeccable. The kitty makes me smile. And that is what art is all about. Thank you so much.

Now stories for a Friday laugh. I got in too big of a hurry and I was tired. Why do I always underestimate the amount of time it will take to finish something? Laura, my beautiful neice, was just a little girl and Aunt Teresa ALWAYS makes something for Christmas. I saw somewhere a sweatshirt with painted tree lights on it. I can do that and that's what I'll make Laura for Christmas. (Note to self - it is always cheaper to just buy the item) SO I purchase - paint - sweatshirt - paintbrush and make myself a pattern for those lights. I did read enough stuff to put something inside the shirt so the paint did not seep through to the back. And I painted the red lights, let it dry. Paint the blue lights. Dry. Paint the green lights. Dry. Paint the orange lights. Dry. Now all the lights are finished. - they need bases and a cord and a plug. New pattern. Paint black bases. Dry. Add the gold glitter paint cord. (Every little girl needs some glitter) It is now very late and I have this really cute sweatshirt almost finished. It only needed the cord plug added. Hubby was watching TV - I am at the kitchen table painting. I have been at this for hours. I should finish this tomorrow. But NOOOOO - I am this close to the finish. I place the pattern where the plug needs to go. Dip my paint brush into the black paint and proceed to leave a drip line across the entire front of this shirt. You cannot remove acrylic paint from sweatshirt fabric. I tried. I cried. I cussed. I threw things. I stomped. I gave husband the LOOK that says "you had better not laugh or say a damn word" and I threw the shirt in the trash. I bought another one the next day and finished it over several days. (learned to take a break) As of right now I know seven children passed this shirt around and wore it. We still laugh about that shirt everytime a child has it on.

I hope you all find humour in the knowledge that we all have issues with our work. that we all messed items up. Missed a deadline. Had to breakout the seam ripper. Somehow knowing that about myself and the close friends I consult, makes it all a little more normal in my studio.

I have to hurry home - I have a package from Vallen waiting to be opened. I will share on Monday what goodies she sent.

Have a wonderful weekend.

10 years ago - happy day today for me.

The journey. I have a title I did not want. SURVIVOR. For 10 years today. This day is a big deal in the medical community. Seems like by magic, my risk of having breast cancer again just dropped in half. Today. Statistically anyway. This was the very first thing I thought about this morning. I can buy life insurance again today. That's a stupid thought to have, but the insurance companies have this magic formula they use for "high risk" people. 10 years is magic for them too.

Did something in me change overnight? No. The cosmic shift in my universe happened 10 years ago. When Dr. Howard Abney said to me "you don't have cancer anymore." I don't remember much else after those words. The "C" word flew across that desk and embedded itself into my brain at that moment, blocking every other incoming words after that. In my case, the word was powerful and took much longer to get over than the surgery.

I am different though, now. I have an appreciation for life that celebrates even the smallest pleasantries. I have eliminated as many negative (and therefore burdensome) people from my life as I can. I embrace and enjoy life and love with every thing I have. I am more patient with some and less with others. My faith is stronger, in God and in myself. While I cannot celebrate having cancer, I can tell you that there were positive changes in me from the journey.

Right before my surgery was the only true "pity party" I had. We were in Valdosta, Georgia in a hotel room, my surgery was scheduled for the following Thursday and I woke up just knowing that the "feeling sorry for myself" needed to happen. I told my husband that I was going to cry and he had options. I did not care which option he chose. Those options -- #1 cry with me -- #2 watch me cry -- #3 leave me alone and let me cry. He went and fixed breakfast in the lobby. I threw said pity party and then got on with the process. This story is funny to me even today. I even planned my pity party.

Surgery, recovery, proclamation, self evaluation, positive outcome, 10 year celebration. A journey I did not choose, but made anyway and have made the best of it.


This pillow is my own design, made during the last few years, and described by me as a healing piece. For many years, everything I worked on was dark and bland, then as I embraced the small celebrations of everyday life, color came back into my world. This is a mixed media cross stitched piece. If you click on the picture, you can see the details better. I stamped the quotes on muslin and stiched them to the aida fabric. The floss was a mixture of unlabeled vintage threads and other things I had purchased. There are words of life throughout. I had no pattern and no plan except to use the vintage floss as a symbol of my past, to include the words I was celebrating as the simple things life needs, and the quilt patterns reflecting the thousands of little stitches that make up a beautiful life.

This piece has been requested for display at my local stitch shop as a celebration for the Thanksgiving Holidays. They have also asked me to put together a display of my work for the store and the girl in charge of a national magazine has expressed interest in my designs for feature in an industry publication.

I have known about this for a little while and thought about sharing it, but I wanted to include it with the 10 celebration of my new life. I have always been a crafter, but part of the changes I have experienced in my life after cancer, is that I am trusting the inner artist in me. I have done designs for me and for swaps, but putting them into a public arena is a little uncomfortable. Exciting but uncomfortable. A few of my closest friends know that my dream is to be able to teach in a shop environment - own my own shop for creative pursuits - and design some patterns for small scale distribution. I am hoping this will be the beginning of that process becoming a reality.

Life is worth celebrating. Every tiny thing is worth experiencing. Look for beauty in your surroundings, you will find it. Look for comfort in your surroundings, you will find it. Look for strength in yourself and those around you, you will find it. Look for love of yourself, for yourself, from others, and for others, you will find it. The big bad things in life are easier to deal with if you have those thousands of tiny things making up a foundation for you.

My life is beautiful - I wish for yours to be too.

Have a wonderful day.

'TIS A GIFT TO BE SIMPLE

For many years, we traveled to Kentucky every other year for the GA-KY football game. We took the girls out of school on Thursday and Friday, and would leave late on Wednesday and spend a long weekend enjoying the area.

One of my favorite places to visit while we were there was the shaker village, near Lexington. It is a restored Shaker community and I am so attracted to the simplicity of that lifestyle. Their storage solutions are incredible. Peg racks with candle holders and hanging shelves. The built in attic storage in the main building. Amazing quality of materials and craftsmanship. The quilts and other linens, the clothing, the tools.

We have been getting a barn ready for my studio space. This is a long term type of project for us because we are doing it ourselves. We both work full time and both girls play sports, plus we are active in our church. This leaves very little time for this kind of work. I can complete crafts, because what I do is portable for the most part, but I am really studying my "stash" and trying to figure out the best ways to store materials and have a work space that is user friendly. The members of the shaker community had simplicity at the heart of everything they did and I think that is what I want to achieve with this work space.

So in thinking about this today - I am using this as a list of things that are important in the space. If you guys see things missing from my list or have suggestions - please - please post a comment with the information.

Required Items -
1. Heat/AC
2. good task lighting
3. good general lighting
4. a way to look out on the area around me. (window or glass door)
5. fabric storage
6. ribbon storage
7. bead storage
8. design wall
9. inspiration bulletin boards. / magnet boards / dry erase board
10 work surface and comfy chairs.
11. a way to plug in - the sewing machine, the glue gun, the embossing gun, the dremel tool
12. paper storage
13. tool storage - scissors, glue guns, hammer, knives, paper cutters, pliers, soldering iron, dremel tool
14 easy clean floor
15 embellishment storage
16 stickers storage
17 stamps and ink storage
18 yarn/fiber storage
19 cross stitch materials storage
20 books journals magazines pattern storage.
21 misc materials - paint, glue, canvas, etc.

And all this must be pretty and easy to retreive from. Ideas ladies???? Help.

I have studied studio spaces all over and am slowly putting ideas together for this space. What is your best storage idea? What would you most like to simplify in your life?

I hope you all have a beautiful day.

What a weekend ------

Swap goodies from my pink and brown swap. This was organized by my friend MaryAnn and I got these over the weekend. There are stickers, taffy, paper, and several other goodies. Thanks Kim for the gifts.

On Saturday we had our local craft/art show in the town park. Mom came and we spent part of the morning visiting vendors and friends there. No big purchases on my part. I bought a wonderful poetry book with silhouette illustrations throughout. I also bought a wonderful, unhealthy, fattening form of breakfast --- a dutch oven cooked peach cobbler from the boy scout troop --- you know I had to support those kids. Many times I go to these fairs and they are full of cheap and quick crafts. The quality of the offerings this year was a dramatic improvement over years past. There were jewlery vendors, metal works, quilts, photography, and plenty of wonderful foods. The day was gorgeous and mother and I walked all over town checking out yard sales. Lots of fun.

After that I came home and worked on baby Maggie's quilt. It's finished. Now I have to overcome the fear of washing it and then get it wrapped for April's shower. I have this fear of it coming apart when I wash and dry it. Can't explain that either. There will be more quilts to come and the handquilting part is what I discovered that I love. So there will be more of that too. The next one is planned for baby Charley. Not as traditional - I hope my planned design works.

The pieced side.

The back.

Confessions of a fabric junkie. I have tons of fabric. On Sunday morning, I decided to work on Abby's stocking finishing. I have planned to use a green velvet dress that I wore to an event in high school. I had washed this dress and packed it up into a box of fabric. So the search was on. I emptied totes and boxes of fabric. I dug through this stuff and searched. I created what Molly called a "God awful mess" and found the dress in the last box I looked in. Then I had to put is all back. Took most of the early morning. Found some great things I had forgotten about. Now I need to figure out how to easily make a lined stocking. Then mark that off my list.

Sunday afternoon I was alone in my house. This does not happen that often. I watched a Lifetime movie about breast cancer. You all know that I fought that fight. My fight was not physically that difficult. I had surgery - no chemo - no radiation - and only inconvenient follow up. I cannot count the number of mamogram images, sonogram images, and needle aspirations, I have endured. While I am grateful that my journey was effortless compared to many, the emotional effects of the cancer words are long ranging. There is still so much suppressed fear in me. I no longer feel that so much for myself, but what if I passed this on to my children?

I found my lump through a self exam in the shower on a Sunday morning in September. I had surgery very shortly afterwards. Then you wait. And wait. And wait. The pain of the surgery was minimal - I took only tylenol. The mental pain of the wait was horrific. Seems to me that some how the medical community could find a way to shorten that wait. The medical community doesn't equip you for your husband's reaction. The medical community doesn't equip you to handle a three year old who suddenly can't be held by mommy. The medical community doesn't hold your hand during the sleepless night before the next followup mamogram. (I held my own hand through so many follow up visits.) The medical community doesn't tell you that everything changes the second you are a survivor. Many of you may read a need for pity into those statements - not so. I now know I can handle many things, mentally and physically. The man I live with has offered on recent visits to go with me. Too late. When I really needed him there was in the early times and I have had to readjust my thinking about so many things since then. I know there is fear on the spouse's part, the children's part. Everyone needs to talk about where they are in the fight. I just wish people had not been so afraid of my tears, that it had been alright to cry over the loss of my security.

The movie I watched yesterday touched on those things. When a friend was disgnosed last fall, I told her husband that no matter what she said, she needed him in the picture, close by. He has been her "knight in shining armour" to use her phrase. He has stood in the fight beside her as a partner at times, in front of her as a protector at times, and behind her as an encourager at times. Many times, a cancer patient has no idea what they need so asking is of no use. Sometimes it takes to much effort to come up with an answer, so often the answer is nothing, when they really need everything. If you haven't been through it, you may not realise that it is a family disease affecting everything.

Me - today - strong - advocating for young women to take control of their health - vocal about the unspoken needs of cancer patients - about the needs of their families. Me today - still afraid it may come back - afraid for my girls that I may have passed this genetic structure on to them - afraid that I may never have a sense of security about anything again. Me today - thankful for those who supported me through the battle - thankful that they are still around - thankful for the advances in medical care and diagnosis - thankful for those that made it okay to cry out of fear or frustration. Me today - the one thing I never wanted to be - A SURVIVOR.

Have a beautful day.

October gave a party....

From one of my favorite poems. It goes as follows

October gave a party,
The Leaves by hundreds came,
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet
And every thing was grand.
Ms. Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band.
George Cooper

I love the imagery of this and that what I tried to capture in the above ATC for the Autumn Splendor ATC swap on swap-bot. The ATC I am posting today fulfil my final swap-bot committment before the holidays. I may join some more after the first of the year.

Last night as I put the finishing touches on these, I was thinking about the party October is throwing. The leaves here are beginning to change, and one of my favorites, is on the way to work, after I drop off the girls. The tree is a brilliant orange and is breathtaking today. The Sunshine here is even a different color at this time of the year. The Weather is a fickle dance partner though, damp, cloudy, brilliant sun, cold mornings, warm days, fog, clear nights -- it would seem that she just can't decide which song she wants to move to. Professor wind brings in the band at my house with the sound of a windchime that is low and resonant, like an ocean harbour bell. The tin roof on the porch has the percussion sounds of acorns and pecans falling off the trees or of the rain falling. If you listen closely you can even hear the whisper of the background music of those falling leaves. All five senses are invited to the party. The sights of the colors, the feel of the changes in the air, the sounds of the nuts dropping off the trees, the smell of evening fires, and the taste of harvest crops in soups and stews. These are all from my celebration inventory today.

I do hope the recipients enjoy these.

The second picture is of textile ATC for Robyn in Australia. They are made from shirt scraps I have. Even the buttons are recycled from old shirts. I find myself returning over and over to textiles and fiber art when I am working. So I am starting to focus more in that arena. I will always be a mixed media artist but with fiber and textile roots.



I also received a wonderful phone call last night from Vallen, who received my pink and brown package yesterday. Thank you for sharing your excitement with me. I am so happy that MaryAnn paired us together. I can see us becoming great friends. You are so very welcome my queenly friend, Vallen.

This weekend I hope to rest, relax, rewind. Maybe get a little work completed in the MaggieGrace Studio. Finish baby Maggie's quilt and start the plan for an opportunity I was presented with this week. I need a little input from you for a part of this planning. I have an idea for a 4 letter word design. I would love to hear your favorite NICE 4 letter word. For example I have already on my list - rest, love, pray, play - please comment with two or three nice four letter words of your own.

Thank you blog friends in advance.

Have a beautiful weekend.

Looks Like Nothing is Happening at My House

From my blog posts, it looks like absolutely nothing creative is happening in Comer, GA. Not true, it's just that some of these things need to remian a secret for just a little while longer. Add to that fact, it is damp, overcast, and horrible for photographs here.

If you read the Inspirco blog, you know that she has had some negative comments on her blog about getting excited about little things. Josephine has had negative comments about her significant other. There have been many others who have had this problem. I have my own opinions about things. I have ranted and raved here. And with the day I am having, I would love to do it again. But someone would probably have negative things to say about the healthy emotions being expressed.

I love to have visitors here. I love the friends I have made through this medium. People who know me as a living and breathing person have learned even more about me through this site. I do not expect any of these people to always agree with my viewpoint. As in my real life, I will not tolerate attacks though. If you can intelligently express your disagreement without calling me stupid, or crazy, or calling me those things just because I am female and therefore not worthy of my voting rights, I will listen and respect your opinion. Otherwise - I have the power of my delete key and I reserve the right to use it. I do not have to listen to you trash me in person. I will not be treated as second class because I am female. There is a funny story here.

Me and a car dealership service department.

I was having an itermittant electrical problem with my car. The lights would go out. If I hit a bump in the road they would come back on. Now my dad was a mechanic and insisted that we learn and understand how some things work. I have a degree in Electronics Engineering Tech. I was a test and troubleshooting technician for Nuclear Submarine Controls at one time. My expert opinion - a loose connection. So to the dealership I go. More than once. Little boy technician who can plug up a dignostic computer to a connecter labeled test here cannot find a problem. After several trips abput the same issue - here is the conversation.

ME: I know you have not been able to find this problem.

LBT: Ma'am the diagnostic machine indicates nothing is wrong.

ME: It's an intermittant problem. You are not going to find it unless the lights are not working --- RIGHT NOW.

LBT: Ma'am I can only tell you what the machine says.

ME: I want the harness connection replaced. There is a loose connection somewhere and I do not want to suddenly be in the dark somewhere dangerous.

LBT: Ma'am there is nothing wrong with your car. The computer........

I have now lost all of my patience at this time and I interrupt LBT

ME: I don't give a damn what your computer says. I want the wire harness changed. I will pay for the parts and the labor. I am not leaving here without this being done. I have made several trips and I will not make another one on this issue.

LBT: Ma'am (He was always polite in his talking down to me) I cannot correct a problem that doesn't exist. And I cannot just start changing parts.

ME: Listen young man. I am telling you......

VOICE FROM THE BACK: You really should do what she asks.

ME: (thinking finally a voice of reason) Thank you.

VOICE FROM THE BACK: She probably knows more about that car than you ever knew.

ME: (now trying to put a face with this voice from the past) smirk.

VOICE FROM THE BACK APPEARS AND I USED TO DATE THE BODY ATTACHED TO THIS VOICE

VOICE FROM THE BACK IS THE SERVICE MANAGER who knew I would lose it entirely if he did not intervene. Has them change the wire harness and connectors. He was one of my dad's students and knew that I was not crazy. Nor stupid. Nor willing to give up a fight I would win.

Guess what - I was right. There was a loose connection in the harness. Damn - a female with common sense and intuition was right. LBT and his computer were both wrong. Service manager used this as a lesson to teach LBT about not talking down to a customer. The part I have a problem with - this would never have happened to a man, would it?

Any way - back to my point. You don't have to agree with me. But you do have to treat me respectfully to have a place in my world. Otherwise, as quick as you are out of my site, you are out of my mind. And I still reserve the right to hit the delete button.

More MaggieGrace creative goodies to come.

The photo at the top is the International Space Station. We watched it cross our night sky last night. What a thrill.

Have a beautful day.

AWARE

The photo is one from Flickr. If you are not already familiar wiht this site, by all means browse through. Plenty of "eye candy" available there.

Have you ever just sat and made yourself be aware? It has happened accidentally to me at times, but I am finding on this quest toward becoming fully mentally and emotionally healthy that I need to make time for this awareness. I read a lot of blogs and I have found kindred souls on this trek. Some do it with "gratitude friday" posts. Some are doing it with the "self portrait challenge". Some have embraced awareness as a part of their daily life for unknown reasons. Some have survived life changing illness that have triggered awareness. That is the category I fall into. I sporadically take part in the "blog challenges" and I am comfortable with the occasional participation.

Today, I am celebrating the awareness of my life and surroundings.

1. I love the color of candlelight through a glass of red wine.
2. I love the sound of the laughter of my loved ones.
3. I love walking in the foggy morning air. The slightly damp feeling of my hair and clothes when I come back in. The shrouded feeling of not seeing everything on my walking path. Of being aware of my breathing and heartbeat, and the strength that my body gains from this exertion. Of not having anything to sort out in my trek today.
4. I love the way a loving and comforting hand touches my face. I try to do this for my girls often too.
5. I love knowing what breathing pattern is truly asleep and what is Abby playing possum.
6. I love the front porch swing at my house. It's where I retreat to alone, I share it with friends and family, and I share it with the kitty cat when she needs it too. I especially love this swing at night, with candles and a drink in my hand.
7. I love being so insync with someone, that you say the same thing at the same time. Or you finish each others thoughts, or you respond to an unspoken need just because you sense it.
8. I love the feel of a pressed and starched cotton shirt as I run my hand across it.
9. I love for someone to play with my hair, brush it off my face, tangle their fingers in it. (I always get a shampoo when I have my haircut because my hairdresser includes a scalp massage with the shampoo.)
10. I love the feeling of losing myself in a song - just because I think it was written for me and mine.
11. I love the smell of fresh cut grass, of pine trees in the air, of suntan oil at the beach, of a fire in the fireplace, of rain in the southern summer heat.
12. I love being quiet enough to hear a leaf falling on the porch.
13. I love the rowdy sound of teenagers filling my house because I know where my children are.
14. I love the words "I LOVE YOU" spoken with heart, soul, and forgivness in them - not just because it seems like the thing to say.
15. Just so you know that I can be as shallow as the next one, I love the way a well fitted bra and panties feel.

These are some things that I am aware of today. Making myself aware brings creativity back to me. I rest better when I can slow my mind enough to just be. I appreciate my life so much more because a well lived life is never about the big things, it's about millions of tiny things recognized.

Your challenge today. Be aware of one tiny thing. Look through the glass of life and realize that some of the contents are beautiful no matter if its empty, 1/2 empty, 1/2 full, or full and overflowing. Mine is overflowing. I am loved by a select few. I am liked by a few more. Even more than that -- I love who I am right now. My life is beautiful.

Have a beautiful day.