Happy friday

This was a fun ATC to make. I sat down last night and put this together. Again -USING WHAT I HAD. I love the vintage image and the sarcastic humour of this one. The image is from a 1947 published spelling text book for eighth grade. Seems the males and females could not communicate then either.

I have signed up for three more swap-bot swaps as well. The last time through, I had much better luck so I am trying again. We'll see.

I also completed this baby blanket this week. No "new" money investment on this either. I bought these hospital grade receiving blankets at a warehouse sale for $2.00 each months (years) ago. So when the latest round of aquaintance baby showers started, these are what I am going to do. Crocheted edge, applique emblem or embroidered detail in the corner. Quick and simple. These are a great size too 30 inches by 40 inches so they can be used as lightweight blankets for toddlers too. This heart appliques was made from material I received in a swap. Feels like and older (washed many times) soft sheet. I love sheets that get softer and silkier when washed, reminds me of the cotton nightgowns I slept in when I was little.

Finally, this little bird was singing in the mailbox yesterday. A huge thank you to Dawn (4:53) for this completely unexpected surprise. I sent her a goodie many months ago and this is a return surprise. She is beautiful (like her creator) and immediately went to the fridge door. Where she will live until the studio is complete. Thanks so much my cyber friend. I LOVE her.

Sorry to post quick and run. Seems I am a delivery driver today and I have to go. Windshield time calls.

Have a great weekend.

In memory

3-23-07 update - bacterial meningitis complications have been determined the cause for Patsy's death. Please continue to remember her family at this time.

Me on the left and Patsy on the right. Taken in Chicago last spring.

We found out at lunch today that the showroom person in one of my other locations passed away suddenly. No one is sure what happened.

Patsy was a beautiful 50 year old mother and grandmother. When she did not show up at work this morning her brother went to check on her and found her not breathing.

I helped train her and she has been my roommate on business trips. I am at a loss for words about this.

As I have learned in this small and yet worldwide blog community, prayer will travel from around the world once a need is known. I hope all of you will stop and pray for this family as they deal with their loss.

Thanks in advance for your prayers.

Some Anthro Love

This image was blatantly swiped from the Anthropologie website. Their tomato wrot iron garden bench. I am in lust over this piece. I cruise through their site routinely and drool. Drool over clothes and home accents and furniture and decor - its a favorite place to play.

Anyway, when I saw this yesterday, I realized how cool my little iron bench really is.
I showed you this in a blurry photo earlier, and alluded to the fact that I would tell this story.

I found this in a antiques shop of my favorite kind. You know the one with the antiques label but really is a conglomeration of true vintage, and junk. This bench is neither. It is of fairly recent manufacture and it was that horrid verdi green finish. Well Ned, proprietor extraordinarie, knows I will love the bench and tries his best fast talk sales pitch. But the bench is green and I wanted a red one.

Fast forward 3 weeks. This bench is haunting me. I go back and ask if he still has it because I don't see it in the shop.

O yea - he has it - AND he went and bought 2 cans of gloss red spray paint AND he painted it red for me. Is he not just awesome.


So now he has a red bench for me to buy and - of course - I did. It now sits in my side yard. I visit with my girls there. I visit with my friends there. We leave packages there for the UPS guy and he and the postman leave bloggy love goodies on it from many of you guys.

Here is the comparison for some real green eyed monster action.

Anthropologie Bench 998.00
shipping to me 150.00
Sales Tax 80.36
TOTAL FOR SIMILAR BENCH 1228.36

Green Bench 35.00
spray paint and labor 10.00
TOTAL FOR MY RED BENCH 45.00

Is the look close enough to make this kind of comparison? I think so.

I think I scored here . What about you????

Have a wonderful day.

And the winner is

The Queen herself. I listed all the names from my comments and cornered a plumber to pick one. That part may have been a mistake, because now he wants to know about my alter ego. Mark drew Vallen's name, so one of my little Georgia birdies will be flying off to her house.

Is the suitcase at the top not wonderful? (Image from an older Country Home) I carry a bag with me at all times with a portable project, but occasionally I would like to sit down and create away from home. I am thinking this idea could be adapted for that purpose. Maybe for ATC creations, note cards or collage projects.

Now what would I need?

Scissors
glue stick
ribbon, string, fibers.
scraps
card stock
images
stamps/inks.
watercolors or acrylics.
needle
sequins/beads/buttons
papers
pens/pencils/crayons
sketch book
ruler
miscellaneous embellishments

I think I could easily get all this in a suitcase. Throw this in the truck for road trips. And since I travel a fair amount for work, and I have outgrown the party crowd, this will give me something to do in the early hours and evening hours. I adore this idea and have had this image and others like it in my clipping files for a long time. Even cooler - I already have a suitcase - thrifted years ago and full of fabric right now.

Perfect for a slightly more detailed time of creation.

What would you take with you?

Have a wonderful day.

Random Monday Ramblings

This is Earl. He is our mascot at work. Lives in the pasture out back. Talks to us. Greets us every morning. Kids love to feed him so we keep bread and chips and use that activity as bribery for good behavior while mom picks out her materials. Why am I sharing this? Earl gets mail here. At some point in the past Earl's name was given out to someone on the phone as the person in charge here. (We also use Seemore Butts name as well - telemarketers wear us out here) Telemarketers sell those names all the time.

Well Earl got mail last week - from CitiBank business credit card services - seems the jackasses behind the scenes at CitiBank do an awesome job of checking credit. They sent Earl a preapproved CitiBank business credit card with no credit limit. He can earn frequent flyer miles too.

I have a question for you CitiBank. Whose job is it to double check the credit rating on donkeys? Or is it that every name and address you receive, starts getting mail from you? Does this mean that all those "preapproved" credit card offers I receive have no validity either? Just questions for the Jackasses who sent a jackass a credit card.

One prom dress - check. Now for shoes. Tried on several. Knew this was IT when it went over her head. Mon Dieu she is beautiful. Need a hair and makeup appointment. It wasn't even a stressful shopping expedition. And she was serenaded all the way over to the formal wear shop. "Some boy" called her and sang to her. ("Some boy" is the nickname given current boy by her dad.) She laughed and grinned and giggled and blushed. Do you guys remember that first true romance? Not puppy love. The relationship where you are starting to form ideas about lifelong decisions. It scares me as a Mom and yet it fascinates me too. I see her making decisions based on my ideas, others ideas, and her own ideas. Is this where you start letting go? She and I are close and yet she is starting to keep things to herself. I think this is natural and a part of the separation that occurs as children go into adulthood, so it doesn't devastate me. Oh but I do pray, for her and her future mate and the choices she makes for her life.

Last but not least, we squeezed a tiny bit of antiquing in. We are buying Molly a hope chest for her birthday. And this is the everyday dishware she wants to start accumulating. Cannonberg Pottery Pattern Temporama. Aqua and Olive and a Taupe color. The shop we saw it in had it with Aqua Fiesta. Classic and yet trendy at the same time. I do hope to find some pieces of this to have in her chest. Pretty good taste - she has - don't ya think.

Did I create at all? Sure did - finished a crocheted baby blanket edging and the giraffe on my sister's Christmas gift. Photos to come.

Have a wonderful day.

A blur

This is how my life feels - a lot of the time. From the moment I get up until I go to bed. I don't just sit still ever. This is why I sqeeze crafting into the late hours or into ball games. I often sit in the car for part of my lunch hour and get a few stitches in.

I have learned that things at my house can wait.

I look from the outside into blog world and sometimes think all of you have it SOOO together. I read websites like flylady and wonder if I am just lazy, since you will find my house in disarray a lot of the time.

Then I get a dose of my reality. Last night - Dad went to a ballgame with Abby, I went to a Soccer meeting for Molly's team and I found that I am not lazy. My name is mommy and I am focused on my children - and according to the input I got last night in talking to teachers and other parents. My girls are happy, well adjusted, respectful, and committed to excellence academically and athletically. They KNOW that they are loved and supported by us. And I accept that since I work full time outside the home and I mommy full time when I get home, some things have to slide, and that's okay.

Yes - I am overwhelmed at times - and yes the dust bunny brigade occasionally has the upper hand at my house. But - guess what - my children are loved and they know it. They know that one of us will be in the stands cheering them on. They know that if they need us it won't matter what time it is - we will come. They know that - they are so much more important than dishes or dusting or laundry. And they help catch all that up when we have those blocks of time.

They also know that their friends are welcome at our house and that if someting gets broken (priceless family heirlooms included) it is just a thing.

So yes we blow through the week going from place to place - activity to activity - and it all feels like a blur. But when I do get the opportunity to sit on the bench, I am hardly ever alone. One or both of my beautiful baby girls, usually slides in beside me, and we catch our breath and visit with one another, and those moments alone are worth everything.

We don't have a single ball activity Saturday - so will we sit still - no - gotta find a prom dress.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Don't forget - I am giving awy a birdie from yesterday's post. Cruise back and leave a comment there and I will pop him in the mail Monday evening.

The bench is a thrifted find. More on that for a later post. It sits at the end of the front porch and I snapped this shot as we breezed out of the driveway yesterday morning. So you are seeing the view I see as I leave every day.

Happy Spring

So sorry these pictures are dark. I took these LATE last night in the dining room. My addition to the spring bird frenzy. I was inspired by Dawn over at 4:53 (see sidebar) and Teresa McFayden. I did simplfiy mine quite a bit.

All of these were made USING WHAT I HAD. Card stock and scrapbook paper. Embellishments and stickers. Stamps - I think this font just screams SPRING and fun.

I wanted to add a little more to the embellishments and I had some milliflora (sp?) beads that came in a grab bag from Fire Mountain. it was so much fun to pour them out and poke through them to find just the right one for each bird's personality.

To pose these lovelies I hung them from my dining room curtain. All of my window treatments are "unique" in their materials. The living and dining rooms are one big open area and there are three windows. Because I am a thrifter/bargain shopper/recycled materials user, I went looking for something different. I found these three lace tablecloths on the clearance shelves at WalMart and they are hanging from three wrot iron plate racks from Tuesday Morning. Total expenditure for three eight foot tall windows $75.00 The light filters through and leaves the most wonderful evening shadows in the room.

Now just so all of you know how "really sick" I am about saving things. The glitter on the wings of these is mixed. I have a jar that I put my glitter back into after the 3 & 4 year olds finish their projects in Sunday School. Once I started the jar, I keep even my glitter remains. I won't even throw the "dregs" of glitter away. That's bad. but I find uses for it all the time. Since it is mixed - it acts as a neutral and I can always just get that jar out at SS and let the kids go to town. I used it here - just because every girl needs some bling.

Since my comments are dwindling. I have decided to jump on the giveaway band wagon. I will draw a name on Monday March 19th at 4:00 pm est and send you one of these happy faces. Some have already been mailed to new homes but I have one left and she needs a new place to sing. So leave me a comment and I will send you a singing bird. (Maybe I'll send a tiny bag of the mixed glitter - shall we call it fairy dust - too.)

Have a wonderful day.

I got the coolest ...

The coolest blogger buds. I have been remiss in bragging about the goodies that show up at my house. So I made a pile and here are some fun mail love.

A wonderful crocheted flower from the Queen herself. Ms. Vallen. She spoils me in word and deed. And she is participating in an organized sales in her neck of the woods. Go by her blog and check out the details.

Then MaryAnn - the professor, runner, and special lady that she is sent me a complete surprise. She is participating in Relay For Life in her area. As a cancer survivor myself, I try to support these causes so I sent a donation for her team. She was running a promo on earrings at the time, and although I expected none, she sent some anyway. Cute overload - those kittycats. And she put them in a tin that I definitely will reuse. See I have this container fetish too.

And then Jen - remembering that I had fallen for a journal that she sent to someone else, sends me the cutest wrapped package containing what ........

My own "Makes Me Happy" journal. And last night I put my first entries in it. I have decided to use it as a record of quilts and such as I complete them. I have room for photos and notes. Last night I added the tree quilt and those notes.

I love these ladies and wish they all lived close enough to run by for a glass of sweet tea - or a margarita or two - and then some crafting fun.

Thank you all so much for the goodies. For the spoiling. For the encouragement. For everything.

Have a fabulous day.

Money Has been Spent

Okay, so I have spent months trying to use what I had. And I have done an enormous amount of that. The armoir in the dining room no longer threatens avalanche when the doors open. The island no longer pukes its contents unannounced. There is space to breathe. Progress continues slowly on the studio.
When there is vacant space in your stash storage, what has to happen. You HAVE to fill it up. (Just a joke) I did not spend that much money. But I did buy some fabulous wool Manos del Uraguay Autumn hand dyed yarn. YUMMY.

And on Friday, Molly played soccer in Dawson County. I have been up through there on numerous occasions and there is a quilt shop on the way. Mind you this is a two hour drive from home. I always get past there after hours, but with leaving work early Friday, I was able to stop and spend some time. And money. On Moda Fabric. And an apron book. More about this shop in future posts.


I bought a fat quarter sampler that features the fabrics I have here in the post and some others. And yardage of this fantastic Cowboy and Cowgirl photo print. Too cute. We have two baby boys coming to friends this summer and I am thinking a quilt for each. I will add some chambray shirting to the fabric mix for these quilts. I was thinking a quilt for Best Friend but that just isn't formed in the brain yet. And I have to be inspired for that to occur.

Molly and Abby played a LOT of ball this weekend, so I finished 8 scrap grannies in the wait time between matches and games. Did a TON of driving between home and those locations. Endured the time change - this one wipes me out. And made some cute little birdies (more tomorrow) and gift enclosure cards for the CIP group. Had to come back to work to rest.

So I spent time on the road and money on stash. I guess that makes for a great weekend.

Have a wonderful day.

Abstract Melodies

This is one of those skip around - random - abstract posts. You know how abstract art is - sometimes it doesn't seem to go together.

The photo above was taken at the Quilt Show I was not able to attend this weekend. This was one of my favorites of the pictures my friend Lanie sent me of the show. Bold - colorful - a stretch for this area - Athens is a very traditional market.

Randomness I just want to blurt out.

I hate stupid people. I am not talking about truly learning disabled. I will cut those some slack. I am talking about those who refuse to engage their brain when they wake up in the mornings. It took 45 minutes this morning to cash a check at a bank. The most unfriendly environment I have encountered in a service type business in the world.

Why do all the stupid people in the world get in my path when I am suffering from PMS? Because they are too stupid to see that their life may be in danger because I am ready to explode.

Are really cute shoes always uncomfortable??

Does anyone really understand why the time must change THIS weekend? Or is this just another "tax dollars at work" decision?

Why is it that when you get the giggles you cannot regain your composure without walking off?

Does everyone process phrases by conjuring up mental images or is that just me and my friend Melissa? (see question about the giggles)

Why can a man not let a situation go - and just keep on fueling the fire? (see question about the giggles)

Would you like to know what the #@&^& I am refering too? (what triggered the giggles)

Then read on - Warning - this is crude - rude and obnoxious. I told Melissa this and her husband knows she processes mental images so he kept whispering phrases in her ear at the soccer game last night.

Why do men snore when they lay flat on their back??????

Because their balls fall across their butthole and they vapor lock.......

I know - you laughed too.

Have a wonderful day. Sorry for the off colored humour.

What I did with my weekend

The local Home and Garden Show. This is what you start with. A 16' x 10' empty space. We hauled the materials out of my store over to the civic center. Then pile the stuff around and try to figure out the best way to put it together.

I had found a landscaping book from the late 40's in a thrift store. Then in surfing the blogosphere I found inspiration at www.elizabethhousestlouis.blogspot.com and decided to put up a paper wall. (note I found this adaptation this morning too www.curioussofa.blogspot.com)
I used ornament hooks and unbent paper clips for mine.



A view of the finished space. Lavatories and faucets and toilets (and a tub with a stone decing around it.) Against my "wall" of book pages. The amazing thing - almost every one slowed down to look at the pages. Many, many people asked about them. And that was a great starting point for discussing my wares. So the effect was exactly as I planned.

And apparently the judges panel for the show liked the idea too. Because I brought THIS back to the showroom with me.



If you click on this, you will see my favorite fabric in the world - today anyway. I love the oriental theme of this fabric and the color and the image of the lady. Now to decided what to accomplish with this.

Thank you Elizabeth House for permission to blatantly use your idea in my booth.

A look inside

I promised a look at my sketch for a quilt. I ALWAYS have something to sketch on and with. All three of these are quilt ideas. The top will be a baby quilt inspired by one at Pink Chalk Studio. The lower left will be an art quilt and the lower right will be a full sized quilt and could be adapted for a baby or art quilt.

When will I make these? I do not have a clue. Maybe never. Maybe tomorrow. These sketch books / journals / picture books are for inspiration and notes. They are a conglomeration of my thoughts, quotes, mag pullouts, pictures I have printed, fortune cookie fortunes, notes, phone numbers, addresses. You name it - if I found inspiration - if it was something I needed to remember - if I found it worthy of writing down (even a shopping list) - it could be in these.

They are a lot of fun to go back through too. The most amazing thing about the older ones, I can still look at the sketches and immediately "see" what I was trying to catch at that moment. I can refer to these much like an Illustrated Discovery Journal referenced many times by Sarah ban Breathnach in her Simple Abundance writings.

There are creations, decorating ideas, gift ideas referenced. The RED RECLINER that I sit in everyday is one of the things that has appeared over and over in the books. I clipped photos of red leather chairs and kept them for years. So when I found that recliner and it was sucha great deal - I knew without a doubt that this was IT. No indecision - no fears - no regrets.

What is not in these books. My dream career. Not in that format. I can see the direction my life has taken by looking at these, but there is not actual reference to my "DREAMS". I think having recognized that fact, I will focus some energy on defining that path. I have spent years slaying demons and now am ready for that serious look forward to plan my future. Pity you have to get to be 40 before you can decide what you want to be when you grow up.

Really - I want to take an active role in planning my future. I want a comfortable retirement. I want to be able to travel. I want to be able to help my children with their children when needed. I want my house to be the place all the grandkids remember spending time at. I want time to be creative and a place to work on that stuff. I want the people around me to encourage me wholly. I want to help others get on this nurturing path earlier than I did. I want a better life for all my loved ones.

I may not get all the things I want from my life. But I can identify the steps to take to try and accomplish things. Then I can blame no one but myself - that's the scary part - when you take control of your life, you have no one to blame.

So what are your dreams for the future? What do you want to be when you grow up? Are you in control of the plan? Are you ready to take that control?

Have a wonderful day.

Lenten Observation

The girls and I observe the Lenten season every year. To us this is an important part of our faith tradition. The season of Lent covers the 40 days from Ash Wednesday through Easter. The scripture readings we follow, carry us through the life of Christ and culminate Easter weekend.

One of the traditions we follow is the giving up of something important to us. It can be a food or habit - anything that makes us realize a sacrifice and causes us to focus on that sacrifice and pray or become closer to God. For a simple explanation of Lent go to http://www.sundayschoollessons.com/lent.htm

I made the decision to give up bread and bread products. Aka breaded meats and pasta as well as bread in its recognized forms. What I did not realize is what a major source of carbs bread was in my diet. I am now defined as a Carbohydrate Addict. I am suffering withdrawal symptoms. Early on, I was tired, cranky, and nauseaous. Now - I feel as if I have a tight rubber band wrapped around my midline. It is better, but I did not anticipate this. Medical advice is - stick this out and I will feel so much better. And - HUGE PLUS - this could be the jump start my body needs to continue my weight loss.

I have been a little scarce this week. Nothing wrong, just busy. Work is wide open and that Home and Garden Show is this weekend. So I am building a show booth. This does qualify as a creative endeavor and I really cannot wait to show you guys photos of the process and the finished booth next week. There will be NO crafting and creating time this weekend other than the show. But I will be back on track next week.

I will catch up on some things next week. I owe some return gifts, and thank you notes and those will be taken care of too.

Have a wonderful day.

Photo above is the interior of the Ida Calloway Memorial Chapel at Calloway Gardens in Pine Mountain GA.

When this .....

Is your constant companion for the weekend, you can see progress being made. I can see the leftovers of all that yarn being used up. I have 14 squares completed of the 64 that I need. So I define that as progress.

Busy weekend. Molly in downtown Atlanta at 8am Saturday for volleyball. Drive home and put her on the bus for soccer in Lexington, GA. Abby softball practice on Sat pm. Molly volleyball practice on Sunday pm. Visitation and funeral for my husband's uncle. Sunday AM church and lunch with just me and Abby on Sunday. I had to come back to work to rest.

For those of you who are a part of CIP - time to email me some progress shots. While I have some blogger gifts finished - it was one of my listed items- I can't post them - these ladies are the recipients - and I cannot spoil the surprise. The other items on my list are incredibly adventurous and will be year long anyway. Look for updates over there by the end of the week though.

The granny squares above are part of a use what I have project and will be a gift at the end of the road. I do have to say, my craft item spending remains WAY down, because I have been very diligent in my committment. Add to that, I am spending extra money on the studio, which is moving WAY too slowly for me. Especially now that I have seen Alicia's and Heather's spaces.

Many thanks to those who commented me on the last post. Sometimes I wonder if personal is where I need to go or if I need to stay in the "I am a creative person line." But no matter what I have put out there, you all have responded. And I really appreciate that.

Back to the granny's. I take the bag everywhere. It is big enough to drop my keys and my wallet into - so it replaces my purse. I actually made this bag from a tea towel and some ribbon for the handles. Goes into the wash easily. It is a workable size. I hang it from my chair at ballgames and sit it on the ground or floor at other events. It is in my truck all the time, so I can grab and add a few stitches while I wait. This keeps me from feeling that I am wasting time. The amazing thing about this is how many people are interested in what I am doing. The kids on my daughter's teams are all interested. Total strangers will start conversations. One of the parents actually volunteered to donate some remaining yarn she has for the project so maybe I won't have to buy any yarn for this blanket at all.

I have other plans for portable projects too. Some more cross stitch. Some fabric yo-yo projects. More crochet projects. Travel ball affords much time for this type of project.

Oh and about the lunch with Abby. She spends a ton of time with her Dad because he coaches her. I always get (have) to travel with Molly. So this is a rare treat for us to be alone together. She is much more like me than Molly and enjoys trying new foods. Yesterday was Sushi. Some things she liked - some she didn't, but we sure did have a great time. She is funny and adventurous and knows very little fear and is a delight to be around. And once we get through this I am 13 and I am awkward in my skin phase, she is going to be even more fun to be around. I love being a mother to these two girls. I take my role seriously, and yet I look forward to the friendship I can imagine us having as they enter adulthood.

I had a busy but wonderful weekend. Sure hope you did too.

Have you ever

Have you ever just responded? Heard that internal voice that says, yes, this is what you should do? Well I am finally listening. And in that listening I learned yesterday that yes I AM AN ARTIST.

The photo above is of a collage piece I completed Wednesday night. I have sporadically worked on it for the last several weeks. On Wednesday, I felt led to finish it, led by an unseen call in my innermost being. So, ignoring a migraine I finished it and put it into an inexpensive frame. I was going to let this be my first listed piece on etsy.

Normally, I have someone or something in mind when I am working on my art and craft. I didn't with this. I simply wanted to do something and if you know me well, you know there is symbolism in all of it.

Yesterday, I shared this with a friend, and that person said, "who is this for?" Choose carefully who gets it, it's special.

And then a new friend walked into my work, to make changes to her selections. She and I have developed one of those quick bonds, and we were talking. This still small voice inside, said she's the one, give it to her. So I did. Without any pomp or circumstance. Unwrapped. Impulsive. And she burst into tears. Overcome. I did not know what to do.

See - Mary is a sculptor - a REAL artist. She has had installations in high profile locations. She collects art from other recognized artists. What the hell was I gifting her with - a cheaply framed collage piece. I almost thought I had lost my mind. But she informed me that the difference in art and craft, is that art has a message to give someone. And that made all the difference in defining myself as an artist.

Mary is also a Christian. And she is struggling with some decisions and some difficulties in her life. In her prayers yesterday, she had asked for a love note from God. Just as a pointer, to affirm that she is on the right path. And I was allowed to be the one to deliver the note.

Now I understand the urgency I felt to complete the piece.

And last night I journaled these words.

My Message need not be loud

not flashly or proud.

Remember I came as a Babe

In a stinking stable My bed was made.

But through the quiet still of that night

The change for the world began

All because someone was willing

to do the work led by my Father's hand.

i am trying to send a message.

of positive thoughts and healing words.

just when i think i am losing ground.

i am given a gift myself.

the path i chose so many years ago.

to take each moment and each day

and celebrate it for the gift it is

is the path that i must now stay

for God's gifts are small and large

and he is leading my way.

Now I am not one of those "religious" people. I have my faith and am willing to share it. But I will not push my faith on anyone. But I saw God's hand in my work yesterday. And if I never see it again, I can recall that moment when I need the encouragement to continue on the path.

Next week I will share the sketch I made for my new collage as a direct result of this.

Beautiful people, you will have impact on someone today. You have the choice to make it a positive experience or a negative. Choose carefully.

Have a wonderful day.

The green eyed monster

The green eyed monster has claimed every ounce of my brain this morning. Yes that monster is envy. Not the ugly kind of envy where you are angry and sullen and ugly and raging.

This is more subtle. Soft. Sugary sweet. The kind of envy that will make me get my ass in gear to get my space ready. The kind of envy that makes me wish I lived near this because, I could sit and absorb.

I bought the Romantic Homes mag with Alicia Paulson's studio featured. I drooled. I gushed. I studied details.

I own the Jo Packham book Where Women Create. I have picked out ideas, and items, and favorites there too.

Then this morning, as I cruised my blogroll, these images appeared. I apologize profusely Heather, but I swiped an image. I am giving you full credit. I am giving you full admiration. I bow down to you. I wish you could help with mine. I wish .... I want .... I desire ....

For all of you readers who think I am nuts. Stop with my blog and go see this .


Only the most wonderful studio space on earth. With recycled and reconfigured pieces. Color that looks as if it could be one of her fabric lines. Organized. Beautiful. Even Heather calls it her Sugar Shack. I can see magazines lining up everywhere to photograph this and feature her.

And if you read through her archives, you will find that Heather is a wife and mother and creative genius and fabric designer and generous with tips and techniques. Add that she is beautiful too. I have been a faithful reader since I found her site months ago.

Take a trip. Visit with her. But I warn you - be prepared for the brain cell firing up that will occur when you are inspired. I am in some serious studio space lust with this one. I hope all of you will visit too.

Leave a comment about what you think here too.

Have a beautiful day. I think I may just use this image as my screen background, and try to keep the drool from the hitting the keyboard.

Some things should not be funny -- but

This tombstone never fails to make me smile. I know that is a little strange, hell I'm a little strange.

It reads

SACRED

To the Memory of

Polly Carithers

consort of

William C Carrithers

Died

May 24th, 1856

in the 58th year of her age

We hope she rests in Heaven.

It is in the Lystra Church cemetary near my house. The church is no longer there, it was burned by vandals years ago. But I walk the dirt road and sometimes cruise through the cemetary and read tombstones. (morbid - but me and the girls love to do this)

The very first time I saw this, I giggled and said "either he really loved her or his other wife hated her." I read "consort" as a mistress for some reason. The actual definition is - a trusted companion.

But then I read the bottom. Apparently there must have been some question about the meeting that would occur at the pearly gates of heaven.

I know - irreverent, morbid, strange, wierd. All those words and more describe me.

Now for a funny from last night. I had a meeting at the school. Abby had a soccer game and then hitting lessons. Molly had soccer practice and then a team dinner. So we were spread out all over the county. When Molly came home, her Dad's car was in the driveway, but no lights were on. This is very unusual, but he and Abby chose to ride with another team member and her Dad to hitting lessons. Molly called me and did not get me, called her Dad and he was in cell phone hell so no answer. She was a little unnerved. As quick as we each got our messages we called her back and she calmed down. When I got home later - she met me at the door.

None of that is all too funny, but what she said to me was. As I opened the door she exclaimed-------

"I thought the rapture had happened, and I missed it."

We both had a huge laughing roar and continued to laugh all night about it.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

The light at the end

At first I was going to delete this picture. The lighting is off. Or my over-sized self was in the way. Or something. Then I looked at it. Carefully.

For starters - the red is stunning. And the embossing on the cover teases me.

There is a fade to black appearance at the bottom.

I am in a good place today. I have cleaned my desk at work. Makes me feel more in control of things. I have moved all the notes written on random pieces of paper to one notepad. I have a plan for the remainder of the week and this feels good.

I spent last night working toward completion of one of those old things hanging over my head. This will be completed before the weekend is over.

Most of the house is clean. And while it is not all folded and put away, the laundry is caught up. (Thank you Molly and Presidents Day.)

I have a meeting tonite at the school. Then I can sit and relax in my red leather chair, and work on my sister's noah's ark piece. I will also be packing up some fabric bits for Gina over at LaBelleAve.

So what about this photo goes with this post???? Right now I feel like the light is slowly revealing itself into my world. And this picture seems to illustrate that thought exactly.

I so rarely let negatives creep into here. I find myself looking at other blogs and those beautiful homes and creative accomplishments and thinking - how do they do it? Is there something I missed in the time line that allows for time warps and getting more done? Do they have more options available. Money, maid service, better skills than I - what is it that allows for those accomplishments? Then there is today - and I feel like I can set a goal and finish it. Then I'll set the next one. And the next. When I can get here, I am no longer envious. I can see that those others have just put away the fabric, yarn bits, paper scraps, etc. They have worked and saved and carried those projects through to the completion. And they are no different than I am. They are real, inspiring, generous, hard working, creative, and lovely people. Just like I strive to be.

Maybe just one person in the whole blog world will have looked into MaggieGrace land and wondered if I have that storybook life. Yeah right??? There is a story here, but it ain't no fairy tale. However, it is a beautiful life and I appreciate every small grace that comes my way. And you my lovely readers, are an enormous part of that grace.

Have a wonderful day.

Whew - what a weekend

At least now I am warm. On Friday night Molly played soccer. 4 hours in the cold. Saturday morning, Abby had a softball tournament. I do not care who you are, nor how much of a softball fanatic you are, SNOW FLURRIES AND SOFTBALL DO NOT GO TOGETHER. Yes we sat in the wind and cold and snow flurries to watch 3 softball games. In other words, my normal sit still and create was replaced by go get coffee and shiver. Took me all evening Saturday to get warm.

No creating was accomplished on Saturday at all. I do however have a stack of insulation in the barn - can't wait to get that up so I can finish the ceiling and walls.

The creating on Sunday is a piece for a reader, so I can't blog about it - yet.

I can however, post a photo of the swap I mailed for a recent Swap-Bot swap. I hope I get something back for these. The swap was titled, A-R-T-I-S-T spell it out ATC. The only criteria was that the letter be on each ATC. Fiber arts being my forte, that is the direction I went, with processes and materials used predominantly in that medium. Cross stitched the letters in my favorite charted alphabet using a hand dyed floss in shades of red. I continued the entire series with bright colors. I am incredibly happy with this set. All are created on the felted poly quilt batting that I use for baby quilts. I left it exposed on all of them.

An explanation is as follows.

A - applique. Using the tiniest scraps of some fun multicolor cotton fabric. I cut the circles usng my Sizzix die cut machine. Easy peasy.

R - Ribbon. Something of a fetish for me. I cannot resist ribbon. And I save scraps of the trimmings in plastic baggies on the offhand chance that I might use them. Do I need counseling for saving even the tiniest of scraps?????

T - Trim. I used a vintage piece of needle lace. A freebie in a box someone gave me from an estate. There were lots of new lace trims in the box. But when I dumped it on the table, I found vintage trim and some adorable buttons too. Love those freebies - especially when they contain surprises like that.

I - Interfacing. This was hard for me. There is nothing fun or artistic about interfacing. So I stamped a flower pattern on, colored with oil pastels, cut them out and gave them rick-rac stems.

S - Sequins. Aren't these fun. Another of my favorite "bling" items. This looks like a sprinkling of flowers to me. Figuring out where I wanted them was lot's of fun.

T - Toile. My favorite fabric in the whole world. In any colorway. I also love toile patterned papers. This was a selvedge scrap - and I love the button - simply tied on. Yes I save the selvedges. They actually make fabulous package ties.

I am still not complete with a few projects out there. Looming over my head and feeling like a heavy burden. I really must get some of this out of the way.

I hope this finds you with sunshine and warmer weather than we have. When it's cold, I just want to burrow in with a project or a good book. Stay wrapped up and drink hot beverages.

Have a wonderful day.

I'm here for the party

Better late than never, right? This is one of those stripey blankets ala Allsorts and Posie. Alicia is making a ripple version. Others have been spotted all over the blogosphere. I am really not late for this party. I have had this and some others for a LOONNGG time. My mom made it. Single crochet, tie on a new one when you get to the end of what you have. When its big enough to make you happy, stop. How simple is this.


A detail of the stitches and color changes. This one is a small, call it "lap" size. The other one is double bed sized. Toss in the washer and dryer. Now that is my kind of care.

I live an easy maintenance kind of life. Try to anyway. No carpet in my house. Stainless steel sinks. Try my damnedest not to iron. And, I have no fear of dust bunnies, so I just step on over them and go on about my day.

Speaking of the ironing thing. My laundry room is just outside the bathroom, so EVERY day, as we enter the bathroom for our shower, we toss whatever we plan to wear into the dryer with a wet towel. That, my loves, is what we call ironing at my house. Added bonus, warm clothes during cold weather. MMMM - a really warm, fuzzy feeling.



Another view of the blanket. The edge trim. The other one does not have this.

I am fortunate in that I have family pieces in my home. I come from a long line of creativity and I have embroidered hankies, table toppers, pillowcases. I have doilies, blankets, ornaments. Quilts, potholders. A myriad of items. All passed down from my heritage. There is a comfort in these pieces. There was not a lot of material wealth in my family, but we have heritage, and I have tangible things created by those before me. The history of working class people and the way they tried to stretch everything as far as they could.

As I continue to define myself as an artist, I have found a penchant for fiber arts and mixed media. But in addition, I find myself using the smallest of scraps. Minimizing my purchases. Using found and recycled materials. Or new items destined for the dump. I recognize that I have the luxury of running to the fabric store, and I do that, and I am appreciative of that luxury. But if someone offers me a handme down, or I find things at yard sales or thrift, I am not offended at the pedigree. I am thrilled to be able to breathe some sort of new life into them. I also love the challenge of creating with things that others would toss away.

As I have cruised around the web in the last several months, I find many other creative people share these ideas with me. I love the inspiration I have found. I love the friendships I have gained. You are all very special to me.

Now - cruise on over to Vallens place at your own risk. She is showing off some of the cutest Nests. And as if I have nothing else to do, she gives directions on making them. I have wanted a NeSt from InspireCo for so long that I may just have to adapt those instructions from the Queen and make my own.

Have a wonderful day.

Good Sugar

I hope you can enlarge this photograph.

I cried tears of joy when I found this in my inbox earlier today. This celebration comes courtesy of Will and Tammie Drummond, who I am pleased to say have so much more than I do to celebrate today.

Tammie is one of the sales reps who calls on me at my "real" job. More importantly she is my friend. She is also a member of a club that neither of us wanted to join. Tammie is a cancer survivor.

Will was tiny when she was diagnosed. When she shared the news with me,I was devastated. She is young, Will was a baby, and the outlook was terminal - GRIM. I cried tears of fear for her, her husband, and little Will. This was real. An in the trenches fight for her life. Now many months later, many dollars later, many treatments later, she shares a "good sugar" Valentine wish for all of us.

She was here last week and been told now that she is stable. She will be oxygen dependent but stable. She WILL see WILL grow up. He will get to know how hard she fought for herself, and for her family. He will see the beauty of this incredible woman. She will get to share her wisdom with him, her grace, her passion, her love, AND her presence.

Tammie my beautiful friend, Happy Love Day. You are so right, that picture is the pure and inspiring definition of "GOOD SUGAR".

Sweets for Me - and Fabric for Thee

The fabric is for MaryAnn. She is becoming aquainted with her sewing machine and issued a challenge on her blog. Send her 1 yard of fabric. She is gonna make something. I though I would preview the fabric and see if her wheels start turning even before the package gets there. The photo really does not show the beautiful color of this as well as I would like. Indigo - almost purple and royal and white stripes. It's a thrifted piece too. 60" wide and I got 4 yards for two dollars. Cool huh!!!

The chocolates were on my desk this morning from an anonymous source. I like that the flower on the wrapper matched the fabric. They are Dove brand caramel filled chocolates. No grudges ever harbored against chocolate. Every wrapper contains an 'angel' message and the one I unwrapped is perfect for MaryAnn. It says MAKE SOMEONE SMILE and that she does for so many people.

It is Valentines Day. I am celebrating, not with flashy flowers and cards, but with a great appreciation for those who have enhanced my life.

Yes that means all of you readers. Especially those who have become kitchen door guests. The ones who come again and again. Who know the house may need sweeping, the beds made. Those friends who will offer to help and mean it, but would rather just visit and not worry about what else need to be done.

Tonite I will lift my glass (sweet tea of course) and toast all of my lovely cyber friends as well as those who love me in my real world too.

Happy Love Day Beautiful People.

Doors and Details - and a game to play.

Doors - do they keep others in or out? What about you - do your doors keep you in or out?

On Saturday afternoon, the girls and I went exploring, camera in hand. I will share these photo's with you over the next few posts. I am participating in an online scavenger hunt with descriptions and I take take pictures to "fit" my interpretation of the description. First photo was described as "a red door." I knew immediately where and what I wanted to photograph. It is the door of a caboose permanently parked on a siding in Hartwell, GA. Slowly becoming more and more delapidated every day. I love the chalky appearance that the paint has taken on.

I thought about many things after these were printed. Who tried to get in? Why? Why do people DEMAND entrance into a door closed? If I closed that door on you, would I have good reason? Or did I close it just because something struck me wrong? Is this door permanently closed or do I just need some time? I pondered these thoughts a lot on Sunday afternoon.

I always though I was open - but a friend told me that I am not. That I don't share my true feelings easily. So that is something I am much more aware of. I know I am way more tolerant of others being in my space than some people are. I am even designing the studio to share with others. I have a hard time closing the door and taking time just for me. I have a hard time being still. Doing nothing. I even work on something when I watch TV. Is that because I might open a door to some deep hidden emotion that I really don't want to deal with?

Deep questions - few answers - just thoughts.

The second photo is what I chose to represent "architecture". The steeple of 1st Methodist Church in Hartwell. As I was walking back to the truck from the caboose, the sun caught the brickwork on the steeple. I am 41 years old and have driven by this church often all my life. I had never noticed the brick. I hope you will take the time to click on the picture and enlarge it, because not only is there brick, it is patterned and incredibly beautiful. Whoever took the time to make these decorative tiles had to know they would be overlooked. And yet, there they are, stunning in their detail. I doubt I will pass this church again without taking notice.

How many things, people, needs, do we overlook everyday? How many objects of beauty could we appreciate even more if we really saturated ourselves in watching more carefully? How many hands and hearts could we touch if we paid attention to others around us? How many needs could we meet if we really took the time to listen and really hear what someone is saying to us?

If you are a regular reader, you know I am focused on positive things and celebrations of even the tiniest details I encounter every day. Seeing this detail way above my head really gave me a jolt. Even though I have focused on these kinds of tiny details, I missed this. I have renewed my committment to be much more observant of the people, places and things around me.

Anybody out there want to play along? Here are 5 words/phrases. Pick as many as you would like and provide a photo on your blog. Comment here and leave your link - blogger doesn't follow you back so type out your blog address. I promise I will come and look at your details and interpretation. Maybe some of my other readers will too.

1. bold and colorful
2. smile and the world smiles back
3. new life
4. reflections
5. planes, trains, and automobiles.

Have fun and have a great day. Enjoy an outing and share your area with me.

Does anyone else have this???

I think this qualifies as a WIP mess. This pile is what has accumulated on the table next to my chair. I did not show you the snippings of threads that I pile in a candle holder on that same table.

I stitch in my chair in the living room. My kids and their dad are there, watching tv or at the computer. So I can help with homework and be a part of discussions. But the result is this pile.

What am I working on? The crewel work piece on the lower right. It is to be the center of a window in a Noah's ark wall quilt I am making for my sister for part of her Christmas. I am using up bits and pieces of fibers on this.

I found the square coloring book style print of the animals online. Enlarged it on the copier and used my handy transfer pen. I don't have a light table so I open my china cabinet door into the light and tape the image to the glass. Ironed onto a cotton calico and start stitching.

The sheep's wooly coat is done with some wool yarn in a modified seed stitch. I stacked the stitches and turned them in all different directions. Love the way this turned out. I can't do a french knot, so this is how I completed this.

I really cannot wait to get this all finished and paper piece the wall quilt. I am defining myself a little more every day and I guess what I am finding is that I am predominately a fiber artist.

How do you define yourself? Tell us - tell your story about how you came to this definition. We all want to know.

Have a great day.

Some Days its just fun ....

To do something nice. Not because you have to. Just because you want to. All of these hearts are leaving and heading out to Las Vegas. All because I found out about this .......


Postcards are usually just a quick "thinking of you" message that people send during vacation. But to one local girl, they mean so much more. For Luci LaMonica, postcards are a message of hope, and a way to get her mind off a life-threatening illness.
Luci has leukemia. She is an honor student who loves to study and her new favorite subject is geography. Luci is only 8 years old, but already she's trying to travel the world one postcard at a time. So far, she's gotten about 60 postcards.
"It makes me feel better if I'm feeling really bad that day," said Luci. "It's nice to see how many people care and stuff."
You can get postcards anywhere, and they cost very little, but to Luci, these postcards are worth much more than the paper and ink it took to print them
"Some days she feels sick and tired and doesn't have an appetite - she's scared. So things like this will perk up her day," said Liz LaMonica, Luci's mom.
If you're planning on leaving the country or the state and would like to mail a postcard to Luci from where you're visiting, you may do so at the following address:
Luci LaMonica3383 W. Oquendo Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89118

The post I read was about hearts and I shared it with these ......



The kids in attendance at my youth meeting on Wednesday night. They were thrilled to share some "hearty" love with her. So we hit the supply room and grabbed card stock and glitter and paint and markers and they fired up the Ipod's and the social activity buzzed all around me. As they compared each others work, I could hear prayers being lifted for this stranger.

We talked about the project I participated in for JoAnnA. We talked about reaching out without expecting anything in return. We talked about how scary it must be for those with illness. We talked about the fears of every parent that their child may be sick. We talked about our responsiblilty as Christians to share the love of Christ without qualifying the people we share with. And while those kids made hearts, they did not even realize how much they learned about being a Christian.

I grew up being dropped off at church. These kids are fortunate. Every one of them has parents who are active in their faith and who have chosen to participate in these activities as well. As a church, we never have any problem getting chaperones, food, or financial support for these kids. Their activities are supported whole heartedly. I love the people at Jones Chapel. I really love these kids.

If you are inclined to share some love from your neck of the woods - just because you want to, please take the time to send Miss Luci a card. If you would like to send a word of encouragement to those kids at Jones Chapel, I will pass those on as well. You can send those words to Jones Chapel Youth - Attn Teresa Atkinson - PO Box 471 - Danielsville, GA - 30633.

I will also print any comments for these kids and share them.

I have discovered bloggers are kind and encouraging and generous people. I would love to show this to those kids and encourage that behavior in each one of them.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Look - more grannies

These adorable Easter baskets can be found at Inspireco. I adore Amy's blog and her online shop. I tried for a winter NeSt and missed them. For some seriously beautiful reading spend some time with her. For some seriously beautiful eye candy, spend some time with her.

The description of her listening to her husband getting ready for work was wonderful. The stuff romance novels are made of.

MaggieGrace is working on several things. But some I can't show yet.

Here is today's not so funny, funny. A co-worker of mine called in this morning. 40 years old and has the Chicken Pox. Big burly motorcycle guy has been reduced to a scratching, clawing, whining, mess. The rest of us have had them - so no danger. Just too funny that he had to be the one.

I am desperately overcommitted again, but this time it is via my children. Abby is playing softball AND soccer. Molly is playing volleyball AND soccer. I have a work conflict on the 1st weekend in March. I really need to clone me. The good thing is that I get lots of handwork done while they play ball. But right now I am feeling the pressure in a huge way.

I do hope all of you are having a wonderful day.

Breast Friends Art Collaborative

I was able to participate several months back in a collaborative project for JoAnnA from Mosshill Studios.

JoAnnA was diagnosed with breast cancer. Since I know what that diagnosis brings, I wanted to send a selection to the project.

Put together by Lelaina at Tattered Edge, the project was a book page and a charm for a bracelet.

JoAnnA starts her chemo treatments today and chose to take the book with her for the treatment time.

She is open about her faith and I chose a bible verse for my page. I also chose to create a pattern resembling a log cabin block. All stitched from threads I purchased as leftovers from Bucilla kits. Any of you who know me well know that I like to have symbolism in my work. So for those who have never walked this type of journey, I will explain.

The open area between all the colors represent the path. There are to be many turns as you progress. But even though some turns appear to be a dead end, there is always a way around or back.

All of the colors are different. No one's part in this journey will have the same meaning. Every encounter with illness brings different experience. Every person along the way brings their part to help you, support you, love you. Some of these people will only touch you briefly, others will walk a longer part of the path with you. Every thing has a place and a part and each will bring a sort of beauty on their own. At some point in the future you will be able to see that the picture is full of beauty in its own way.

The charm is recycled materials as well. The beads are the ones that fell off of dress trims when they were cut and it is wrapped around a recycled washer from my stash. Again different colors - representing all the differences in her journey and supporters.

To see more from this project go to Tattered Edge and follow the Flickr links.

I want to express my thanks to everyone who had a part in this. It was humbling to see my art in collaboration with all of these wonderfully talented and caring people.

JoAnnA, my new friend, I hope today goes as well as it can. I hope the outpouring of prayers and love from so many of us can be felt by you. We will walk along this path with you.

Have a beautiful day.

Thanks for the pointer

This image is of an Anthropologie bag. Fresh off the latest season. In a comment yesterday, one of my friend pointed me in this direction because of my granny squares.

The cool thing. I have cotton and wool yarn scraps too. May have to try something like this out of the rug yarn I have.

If you have not been to see Black Apple lately - you should - her Ophelia painting is to die for. I love all of her work and her style is off the charts for cool.

Now - I have questions for all of you friends. I know MaryAnn has Paypal capabilities and many of you have etsy shops. Can anyone help me with how all this works??? As I plan this next level of creative designs - I am feeling a need for a sales outlet of some sort.

I am working on a few cross stitch designs of my own. Once the charts have been proofed, I will be making kits. That will be the first of the "for sale" items. My local shop will be using one of my designs as their freebie for the month in March. I will also post that design for anyone who reads this blog as a free goodie.

How many of us crafters wish we could earn our income doing this all day? I can't do that. But it is my hope that I can help pay for some of college education with extra income. I just need some guidance about where to start.

I hope you all have a great day.

We are home safely

Two women - cash in hand - a tank of gas - cd's ready - snacks and drinks - a backseat full of luggage. It's a good thing no one else was along for the ride. There was no room. We are back from the tournament in Tennessee. Had a blast on the trip up there. We sang and talked and laughed. Seems my really intelligent child is learning disabled when it come to reading a map. That was a source of continual entertainment. We left at 6:15 pm and exactly 4 hours later we checked into the hotel. Slept and then played ball ALL day. We did not have a good performance, we were way out of our league there. But add it to experiences and we always take something back from it.

The tournament was on campus at Lee University in Cleveland, TN. An absolutely beautiful place. We played 8 games and won only two. So we never even got out of the pool bracket. We came home Sat night and crashed. Spent most of the day Sunday resting too.

I do have some handiwork to show for the weekend. I completed these granny squares for the scrappy afghan. There is no method to these colors. Literally scraps of yarn left overs. When I finish using up the scraps I am going to arrange with some solid black sqaures to complet the afghan. This is very portable. I have no idea how it is going to turn out. But it gives me something to do while I sit.

I made the photo against the heart pine floor in my living room. 100 year old, distressed by time. I love these floors.

I am working on some CIP things as well. I have found a Noah's Ark to embroider for my sister, that is going to be fun to work on and I am working on the sampler for my Aunt. I also have a ton of sketches for tree ornaments.

I hope you all had a great weekend.

And we're off.

Okay - so I browsed through my last few posts. And- like okay - I haven't been very crafty. After all isn't this what MaggieGrace started out to be. I have been carrying a ton of stress on the shoulders - like the weight of the world - with all of the upheaval in my life. But now I can see things improving greatly.

So "my bags are packed and I am ready to go" (anybody know who sang this in the Armageddon Movie???) Molly and I are off this evening to Chattanooga, TN - she has a tournament there tomorrow. I have a cross stitch project - complicated so I may not work on it - that depends on how intense the competition is. I have an ornament in the process of being completed - this has potential - it's easy and mindless and keeps me from screaming at officials. AND I have a bag of worsted weight cheap acrylic yarn scraps - All of you real knitters out there together say GROSSSSSS.

These scraps of yarn were in a bag of stuff I gathered, kept, inherited, multiplied like dust bunnies in the back of the storage bin. I spent two hours last night untangling and making cute little balls from this stuff. The plan - one of those wonderful scrappy afghans ALA Belladia And Posie. But I cannot do stripes. I have a problem with the proper tension so my long stretches tend to "wave" along the side. To spread out kinda like my lower half has done over the years. So mine is to be a granny square set up. I plan to literally grab a color and add to it as I go. After I have all of this mess crocheted up, I will go back with black and make up any squares to finish it out. I hope this will become a picnic blanket - a snuggle blankie - a car blanket - a tent - cover for a couple of kids at the ball field - you know that thing you can toss out and the into the washer and dryer. I will post progress photos next week.

The image above is a fun and copyright free one from Dover. I get an email regularly from them with images. Seemed to fit my post theme. You can sign up for your email and free images at www.doverpublications.com.

Hold down the fort for me - I plan to enjoy my oldest daughter's company in the car. And music - no telling what we may sing along to. If you see us - roll down the window and wave. We will turn up the radio and allow you to sing along too.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Goodies were found

I had lunch with Mom and Tracey yesterday. Some serious discussion. Some fun. The two of them were playing - they shopped - they thrifted. Then we all ate lunch and stopped at one last thrift store on my way back to work.

It was fun.

I spent a total of 4.00 dollars on a book, two wire formed paper trays, a wire mesh something, and these patterns. I am working on some compostion book covers as a part of my CIP plan, and I wanted these for the graphics, to go on the covers. These books will go in the gift drawer for gifts at Christmas this year.

We are under a winter storm warning here. Sounds dramatic. Results in chaos at the home centers and grocery stores. The reality -- 1/4 inch of messy slush that turned to rain as quick as the sun came up. What are those people gonna do with 8 loaves of bread and 4 gallons of milk? Too funny.

I spent some time on the TWO TREES blog and flickr site this morning. Her work is absolutely incredible. I especially like the wooden rounds of tree branches with images and inspiring words. Take a few minutes if you have time and look at the images.

I have to say, my Mom is improving, and we are adapting to the new schedule. With those improvements, I feel creative again. I started packing last night for our Volleyball trip this weekend. It is more important to me to carry a project than a big suitcase of clothes. Am I the only one with this kind of "problem?"

Looks like it might be a slow day here, maybe I can squeeze in some more surfing and find even more inspiration.

Have a wonderful day.