A Celebration

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Good Day all of you. I have been receiving greetings via my facebook all day, so I guess I should share with you guys too.

I am officially as old as my mother today. (that would be 29 and holding)

I snagged this picture off flickr - There may be enough candles shown here for the real number.

I plan on working out - then dinner and a margarita later.

Really is just another day though.

Thanks for being my friends.

Images for You

On Saturday, I was at my local hardware store looking for something old fashioned (aka wierd to places like Home Depot and Lowes). Steve has the coolest stuff and the store has a secret treasure as well. Upstairs contains an antiques sales floor. Steve's wife, Carol, collects stuff and resales a lot of it - very reasonably.

I did not find what I was seeking, but I did dig through a box of photographs. These were from an estate in the Gainesville, GA area. I grabbed a few. It struck me to share these two this morning.

This is labeled Anne 6 mos. She looks like such a happy baby. I fell head over heels for those crochet stockings.

This is another picture labeled Anne (1936) from the same box. She grew up to be a beautiful young woman. The hand tinting is exquisite.

You may have these for your use - by right clicking them. I scanned and cropped but did not color correct these at all.

Other things this weekend.

1. I worked in MaggieGrace world. A lot. I have 5 bags of magazines for the recycling bin. I whittled 5 boxes down to one box. I finished the front edge of my countertops. I have 10 more days before the Where Women Create Virtual Studio Tour.

2. This made me so very happy. We went to a local BarBQue place to eat on Saturday night. They were having a kareoke night. I love to watch people perform - actually I love to participate myself. One of the guys sang "thank you for giving to the Lord." He could sing. What made me happy wasn't that though - every chorus - 98% of the people in this very full restaurant joined in and sang along. What a wonderful atmosphere.

3. The painter will be ready to paint in the next few days. He has sanded the outside of the house - good grief at the dust. I have quit dusting in the house for the time being. It was just a complete waste. I imagined my house to have always been white, but in sanding and prepping it he found a layer of bright yellow paint. Not going back there - it will be white.

4. We have owned a boat for many years. For the last several we have not used it at all - the lake levels were too low and it was just too dangerous. The Man at my Address decided this weekend that it need to be completely redone. I'm good with this - the Softball Princess will be needing him less and less - she will be driving in about three weeks. I have worried about this - what he was going to do. So this will be his "pet project". I glad he has something to do. Wonder how much this is going to involve me?

I hope all of you have a wonderful day.

Thank You

Try and explain the difference between bloggers and social networking designed to hook up. Especially when you are in the middle of a Myspace generated nightmare. Impossible.

But I can explain how the people I have met here came through with encouragement, prayers, support, when I sent the alarm signal. Some even shared their own stories.

The major points of the crisis are over. She is safe and sound. She has her car back. He went to jail for previous fraud and petty theft warrants. She regained a job without losing seniority - she was demoted back to level one on the totem pole. Now the hard work starts - her oldest son feels like she needs to be chaperoned even to the grocery store. Her youngest does not have a clue how to feel and what to believe. Her husband - well if they can make it through the nightmare of her running off with some man - I will be surprised. She is defensive and my hurt and anger are bothering her. (I really call it guilt) But I can't help her with that. The hard work needs to happen at her house first.

Thank you all for you prayers and encouragement. Thank you also for the birthday wishes for the Softball Princess. We took her to dinner and had a wonderful night.


Now for some MaggieGrace goodness. A friend brought a big plastic bin of flatware they had thrifted. Some will appear as jewelry pieces, but some was not really of that quality. I took a pair of pliers to a couple of forks with a vague idea of what I wanted to do. (The butterfly box is a sneak peek of something else entirely) Yeah - I know the forks look funny.

But here is what they are for. - Two fork easels -one vintage book cover - three old fashioned pleated curtain hooks = the beginnings of my table displays. Feedback please.

I also realized I did not post about my new favorite tote. Pockets galore. The center section will hold magazines, patterns, and most important my paper cutter. It has feet and a hard bottom. Will be perfect to pack for art retreats and or display setups - etc. I bought this from Kim at Artistic Bliss. This was money well spent and there are a few more available here. I love my bag Vallen sent and I have several from MaryAnn. Each bag is used for various purposes and they all sit along the wall in my dining room packed and ready to go. Its funny to hear the references when we are getting ready to go somewhere that I know I need a bag. Vallens is - "the black bag". The Most often used one from MaryAnn is - "that bag MaryAnn sent." The funniest is a Relay for Life Bag that I keep my workout stuff in - the bag is a black zipper tote with a 1/2 inch border of purple trim - what do we call that one? - "the purple bag". The one pictured above doesn't have a reference name yet - we'll see what it becomes.

I hope all of you have a great weekend. I think I might finally get some sleep - God knows I need it.

Sweet 16 .....

There was not supposed to be a second child. I had complications with the College Girl and was advised not to repeat that whole pregnancy process. But God has a wonderful sense of humour. One birth control pill - not missed just taken 8 hours later than normal - one night of drinking - and wow - tequila causes babies. I was 3 months pregnant before I really knew - call it denial. I just remember coming out of the bathroom holding that test and saying over and over "its pink".

Well - Softball Princess was a surprise - a happy accident.

She also got here fast - really fast - 42 minutes fast. Labor induction - was most of the morning - but from the first "real" contraction to holding her in my arms - 42 minutes. My lovely inlaws missed it - they tried to be there - but they ran to grab lunch and she made this arrival while they were gone - I'm just glad they didn't talk Daddy into going to lunch with them.

I say all the time "she got here fast and hasn't slowed down since."

She also continues to surprise us every day.

In honor of Softball Princess Sweet 16th Birthday - here are 16 things for her.

1. You were never afraid to try anything. Climb a ladder as a toddler. Color John and Maria's wall purple. You always wanted to go higher and faster than everyone else. Honey - keep reaching - be the best you can - always be open to trying new things - you never know what or who you are going to love.

2. The picture above was taken during one of your Mom's stupid moments. Molly was 3 you were in a stroller and still drinking formula. Dad told Molly we would go to Disney World and away we went. You were recovering from the chicken pox. Exhausting trip - but like always and like you still are - you enjoyed every minute. Mom's advise here - never take a non walking baby to a theme park.

3. I adore your sense of humour. You function like I do. Humour is your go to for stress reduction. You use it to break the ice with others. Sometimes you use it to cover your insecurities. Honey - hang onto that - it will be a device that will hold you together when it may seem like the world is coming apart. Maybe even someday - we will share those jokes that I refuse to share with you now.

4. You are secure in who you are. Really always have been. I cannot express how proud that makes me. You are beautiful inside and out.

5. You have chosen your friends well. I love those kids you hang out with. I love being around them. They are good kids. Always trust your gut about people - you will know.

6. Forgive. I have seen you forgive me and Dad. Molly too. I have also seen you forgive yourself. We all really screw up at times. Forgiving is always a part of life. Go easy on yourself. Go easy on others. But remember - forgiving is not the same as letting others run over you.

7. Always stand for what is right. Sometimes that is hard to do, but you are strong. You also have a good faith basis - you know what is right and fair.

8. I am so glad we don't have to fight about indecent clothing. I love the very respectful way you dress. It helps that everything is beautiful when it comes in a junior size 5.

9. You have always treated others with respect and integrity. Please continue that. If you are respectful most of the time others will respect you. Above all, conduct your life in a way that allows you to respect yourself.

10. Being intelligent is not a crime. I am glad you take pride in your studies. I am happy that you are ranked so well in your class. I know it takes a lot of work to be an athlete and a good student. We are proud of you and proud that you understand the need for all that effort.

11. When you were born - your Daddy bought you a ball. Damn, there are times that I wish it had been something else. But you are a natural athlete. Your abilities and your heart for your sports and your teammates, leave me in awe. Your discipline to improving your skills amazes me. Your committment is worthy of many peoples praise. I love being there on the sideline cheering you on.

12. You take adversity in stride. I will never forget the day you had you hand surgery after that injury. Although coach had given you a reprieve, when you woke up that afternoon all you said was "you are gonna take me to practice, right?" So I took you to practice. A surgical break - not one missed practice. Sitting there in the dugout - cheering on your team. Still the loudest one. Challenges are just that to you - something to overcome - a way to better yourself - to find another task you can do - or a way to accomplish what need to be done. A wonderful trait.

13. Sweet - kind. To kids, to adults, to animals. I have no words to describe how proud that makes me.

14. You got your Daddy wrapped around your finger. And you know it. That ain't a bad thing. When you finally go away to school I am not sure what I am going to do with him. Can I send him off with you? I love the close relationship that you two have. As you become an adult, go forth in your strengths but always know that your Daddy and I are right here. Cheering you on all the way, ready to pick you up and put you back on the path. We got your back.

15. Live out loud. God I love this picture. Wide open. Ready to go. Your personality was always this big. Your personality still is. Throw yourself into loving your God, loving others, loving life, loving yourself. Don't regret - it is wasted energy.

16. Happy Sweet sixteen beautiful Abby. God blessed us with you. You continue to bless us. I hope to celebrate so many more years with you. Hang on and enjoy the ride. It only gets better from here.

Love mom ----

Note - I will pass on any comments and birthday wishes to the Softball Princess.

Trim ........

I wish I was describing myself. My clothes are fitting better. Because of my sisters little escapade, I missed a couple of workouts. I will miss tomorrow night too, because Softball Princess will be 16 tomorrow and we are taking her to dinner. But, I still have gotten a walk in and some major situps and lunges. I continue to eat like I am supposed to as well. I have lost some, it is just not as much as I would like.

Instead, the word trim refers to crochet lace trim. I am piddling with my creations right now. Trying to find my muse again. It will happen, the stress of the last 10 days is just in the way right now.

I have been so inspired by the cuff bracelets I have been seeing. Here's an example of one I like. There have also been some in publications of late too. I thrifted a ball of crochet cotton yesterday and I have been experimenting with some crochet edgings, so I dug out my book and my hook last night and made this trim.

It is a short piece - a little less than 8 inches long. It was enough for me to figure out that I love this trim, easy to make and very pretty. I think it is the jump off item for a cuff.

Tonight may find me working in the studio. I am getting ready for this party. I hope to be able to show all of you the studio about that time. I really like having the space, I just need to finish moving in and arranging things.

Please continue praying for my sister. This morning, she met with the boss of the job she quit by phone last Tuesday and we are all praying that she can withdraw her resignation and go back to work. The entire situation has me almost sick from the stress. I can only imagine what it is like to be in her house and trying to deal with it. She and her husband are trying to work through this like adults as well. It is just an ugly ugly thing. I stay mad, because she will not accept any sort of responsibility for what she has done. (Her latest is that she doesn't "remember" doing all that stuff - he must have drugged her. I am calling BullSh^* on all that)

This does however make the crisis with Molly back in February look mild.

Hope you all have a wonderful day.

Thank you...

Thank you to everyone who reached out either via comments, phone calls, or emails about the scenario with my little sister.

FYI - I am looking but haven't yet found the right outfit to wear on the Jerry Springer show (laugh people - it was supposed to be funny)

The nightmare continues. Late yesterday - I received a call from my bank - my account has been put on hold for unusual usage. See, she had wiped out their money so there was no money to retreive her vehicle from Ocala, FL. I took off and used my debit card to buy gas and food for all of us for the trip. Thus - unusual usage. I had to go this morning and verify all the charges to release the hold. Thank goodness we did not need to use that account. It makes me sick to think about all this and the anger at her for being so selfish and stupid was/is eating me alive. At least I am not in her house trying to sort through all of it. I just pray for her entire family as they struggle with this. She has an adult son and a teenage son, along with her husband who are all trying to come to terms with it. Please continue your prayers, that really is all that anyone can do at this time.

I thought about all of this as I checked my facebook this morning and found friend requests from people I had never heard of. Just so you guys know, if I send you a request on facebook, I will add a personal comment about this site so you will know it is me.

Beings stressed last night - and skipping boot camp because of dealing with things - left me NEEDING some exercise. Abby was at soccer practice. So I left to go pick her up early and walked HARD for 1.5 miles while I waited for her to finish. It felt good to physically move and get some of the stress out of my body.

Then I came home and found my center - MaggieGrace goodies called my name. I soldered and cleaned, then punched display cards for the pendant charms and mounted them.

I got new favorites......


The deer is punched from wood veneer and then stained. There is an oak leaf punch on the reverse side. I think I will do more of these and stamp a gold embossed backdrop for him. The tiny roses were cut from a piece of vintage paper from the En Le Jardin SWAG bag. This is a smaller charm (.5 x 2.5 inches) and has vintage music on the back side.

I also finished this one - designed by the College Girl for a friend of hers. It is reversible to gold paper on the other side. I like the silhouette punchout of the star that will show either skin or clothing color through. The little beaded charm is fun too.

I'll be selling these as just the charms, but people can add a knotted leather lace necklace like above for 2.00 or a stainless ball chain for 4.00. I have one ball chain that I just switch my pendants on so I would buy this as just a charm and be good to go.

Tonight is Boot Camp and then I am trying to figure out a way to make my table displays. I also have some floral china and glass candlesticks to glue together to make tiered serving pieces.

Thanks again for all your encouragement and support. This sister thing is absolutely the most bizarre thing I have ever experienced. Jerry Springer style stuff is supposed to happen to other people.

Have a wonderful day.

Beware .......

Crisis is temporarily over. My sister lost her mind - nutted up - something. She left town with some guy who promised her the world on myspace. She left her husband and children and simply walked away. He was a con artist. He took all her money. We did retreive her and her car. This has been the week from hell. The really scary part - she is 42 years old - old enough to know better - and she was a uniformed officer for the local sherriffs department. Warn your children and friends about all of this.

Her reasons were selfish. Unnecessary stress on all of the family. The outcome could have been so much worse. After 1000 miles and 16 hours in my vehicle on Saturday, we did retreive the vehicle and bring her home safely. I should be grateful for that.

Instead - I am pissed. I can't stand to talk to her. She told us lies and now is making up more lies to try and cover her tracks. I have not heard a "thank you" or an "I'm sorry." The reality is she doesn't want to talk to me either, she only wants to be surrounded by those who are buying her "sob story"

Today - MaggieGrace has nothing good to say - so I'll be taking a short break. I am holding a personal prayer meeting about my feelings and praying that her husband and children can piece some semblance of family back together.

Hope your weekend was better than mine.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh....

Hey everyone - a quick update based on some of my comments about my loss of dignity. The instructor for boot camp is a certified instructor and there are myriad medical professionals in the participants. I have not been unsafe in any way - I grew up in the south and have two athletes in my house. Me and the Man used to be athletes. I am staying hydrated before during and after my workouts. I am eating so much healthier and, while I am sore and stiff and challenged by this program, I am beginning to see and feel the "good" results of this effort.

Enough of that - we are having a really stressful time in my family right now. Not my immediate family, this is an extended issue. The kind of thing that is a result of really bad decisions.

The Man at My Address is off this week - I am working. Yesterday he put the AC in my studio --- YEAHHHHH -- now I can escape to MaggieGrace World and get some relaxation.

He also called yesterday afternoon and he and the Softball Princess had taken off to the lake fro the afternoon. They packed up the stuff to grill and we had an impromptu evening of dinner and swimming. Then Softball Princess drove home.

Oh and Happy Birthday Granddaddy - he will be 81 on Sunday.

Did you know that the best "buns of steel" workout is riding with your teenage child in the dark for the first time? The clenching of your butt cheeks on the seat = great workout. Those of you who are parents of teen drivers will know what I speak of.

I love the lake. Sunset is my favorite time of the day there. The water smooths down, the air is warm, not hot, the water temp is near perfect. We swam - then got the floats and sat in the water and watched the sunset.

Look ---


I love shoe and feet shots so I took a few. Flip flops -- live in them when I am not at work. These are my favorites today.


The result of many days of ballfield sitting. Tan lines.



Yes the shore is rocky - not great beach walking at all. At least the lake bottom where we were is the same way - I hate an icky bottom.

As we were leaving last night, I spotted this.

Love it when the universe sends its love. I didn't even edit this - the heart was really that red on this leaf. My family just shrugs and shakes their head when I grab the camera for these shots.

All in all a nice evening - good food - relaxing swim. I love the feel of lake water on my skin.

Did I alreay say --- AHHHHHHHHHHH?

Have a great day.

There is no dignity

Boot Camp - kicked my butt last night. Running hills - sounds simple enough. When you look at that hill from the football field, it doesn't look THAT bad. Then you walk DOWN to the starting location and look up to the cone that is to be the "top" of the hill - where you will do a series of ab or leg workouts at each hill crest before jogging back down the hill.

I had my babies naturally. I had both of them with no epidural (actually no pain meds). The drill instructor (her name is Kayla) tells us we will do this for 45 minutes. Recalling my girls' birth experiences - I feel like I can do anything for 45 minutes. We jog to the start - we run to the top - we do 30 squats - we jog back down. (less than three minutes) - We jog to the start we run to the top - we do 30 flutter kicks - we jog back down (less than 6 minutes) - this is where I uttered a string of 4 letter words the first beginning with F*(^. Because I am now seriously thinking that I might die before 45 minutes pass.

25 women - various ages - various athletic abilities - various fitness levels - encouraged each other to face the demons of hell and endure this punishment. I did not die - I finished - yes there were moments of walking just to survive - but the feeling of finishing it went a long way. The last 15 minutes were ab workouts and stretching - I left with a sense of accomplishment - then I lost all dignity as I pulled off on the side of the road home and puked - in public - its a small town and there is mostly only one road home - so lots of people in those passing cars know me.

Get home and the College Girl is working on this picture frame. (pretty isn't it ) Cheap dollar store frame and more paper scraps from Beth. It is a gift for a friend of hers.

I drag my sweaty, trembling body into the house. Collapse into my chair. College Girl looks up and sees what kind of state I am in and calmly says.

"Most fat people don't start with boot camp."

Thank you my firstborn - when I muster the muscle control to actually swing my arm, I may smack you.

Going back tonight for a weightroom workout.

Stupidity - or determination -- let's discuss.

Have a great day.

Sorry about disappearing

Lannae asked yesterday about me. We had serious computer issues at work and most of my blogging takes place from there. We were completely without computer service of any kind for two days. Then once we got everything back up, there was the catching up to accomplish. But we are back in operation today --YES.

Saturday found me at a craft show in Hartwell, GA. I was mostly disappointed. Out of the 156 booths only about 10 had true handcrafted wares. Another 10 were food. The rest were cheap knock off purses and cheap imported junk like plastic toys, sunglasses, hats and such.

This make me feel like juried shows are absolutely the way to shop.

Anyway - the few days of no computer have not been without MaggieGrace goodness. I am building inventory for the art show in November.


Soldered charms. The red bird features hand marbled paper (a giftie from Beth) and vintage hymnal scraps.

More of the charms - the "praise butterfly" is the back of the red bird. The grey that the butterfly is punched from is more handmade paper. The bluebird is my favorite of these. The lace one will have a button charm added to it - that is vintage lace that I picked up somewhere

I did something last night that had never happened - I broke one of these charms. I am making one for a friend of the College Girl and it broke when I was soldering it. It was late and I was tired and irritable yesterday, so I unplugged everything and just went to bed.

I have my list of inventory pared down for my booth - and I am working away at it. It is so difficult to crochet scarves and blankets when it is 90+ in the shade and 70+ % humidity. But that's where I'll focus tonight. I bought a gorgeous pale green yarn at the yarn shop Saturday for a scarf. I also need to punch some tags for pendant charms.

I do hope this post finds all of you enjoying your day.

See you tomorrow.

WE'LL SEE....

Local Best Friend calls it like he sees it. We have been friends for a long time and he is the one person who will be blatantly honest with me. He respects me, my family, my time, etc and so on. (As all best friends should) When I need an unbiased opinion, that's who I go to. We are comfortable speaking our mind and even when we disagree, it's okay. We also tease and challenge each other mercilessly.

So, when I let him in on the diet program (again) and then confided the boot camp attendance to him (another exercise plan). What did he do??? He baited me. Two simple words. Flung out in the context of here we go again. The words....



WE'LL SEE.


The result -- one pissed off woman now on a mission to prove him wrong. But how to keep that reminder in the front of my brain because you know - time takes away some of that "piss and vinegar" as my Nanny would say.

Here's my solution.



A cute little tag tied to my rearview mirror with a vintage hankie. What cha think - I'm going with the "it works for me" explanation and he will laugh when he sees it.

Now - since it has turned off hot -- really really southern summer hot - here. There has not been much MaggieGrace goodness.

I am making some of these again because they are easily completed and aren't all in my lap at the ball field. I am also working on a Christmas gift for a reader and can't show that. Maybe later.



I really like these little tags/embellishments and they really are easy to do. If anyone wants instructions, please let me know.

I did go back to boot camp last night. The fingers and toes are working, but the parts in between are seriously compromised today. Since when was the toilet deemed a torture device. I'll be back next Monday ready to go.

Have a great afternoon.

Confession is good for the soul

Way too many years of this activity (as modeled by the Softball Princess)

And eating meals like this (Zaxby's Club Sandwich basket) - 1221 calories

Have me looking like this (Rosalyn Sue took this photo at the art workshop. I do like the photo but it has triggered the subject of this post) I am terribly overweight.


Seeing that picture and being very self conscious of my weight in certain situations, finds me going on weight watchers, counting points and eating more of these - fresh fruits and veggies. (Apples on one of Grandaddy's trees.)

And making one of the most excruciating decisions of my life. Starting summer workout bootcamp at a local christian school.

When the outdoor temps are like this (factor in that sweet southern humidity too)

In the shade.

I didn't die. I didn't quit. I did sweat, and almost puke. And I am going back tonight.

Good God -- I have lost my freakin' mind.

---------------------------------------------------

TIP JAR - any of you have any great ideas for keeping my best friend from the satisfaction of seeing me quit ---- again? You know - staying motivated - good recipes - ect and so on....

Because he said this phrase to me last night ------ "WE'LL SEE"

Driving Mom (crazy)

A wonderful Fathers Day meal. Since my dad is gone, we spent the afternoon with The Man's family. Visiting, laughing, teasing, sharing, loving. It was a wonderful afternoon.

Softball Princess drove us home. This is the view from my seat in the second row of the Expedition. We only had a little issue - namely a turn taken way too fast for Mom and Dad. Even he grabbed his "oh SH*&" handle on that one. I must have been more comfy, because I took pictures and video while she drove. She still has to take her Joshua Law driver ed training before she can take her final exam.

We do have rules that go with her driving me. She can't roll her eyes and say "I got THIS" ( every mother of teens has heard that phrase with the eye roll, right?) - I can say anything I want to. The two most common phrases that I utter are "Abby - Brakes" and "YOU ARE TO CLOSE TO THE EDGE".

I also utter (scream) those phrases to the man when he drives too.

Another Mom was talking about this stuff on Saturday. She thinks we have got it all together since we have an older child. Here is an open comment for Belinda - "go ahead and start praying now, the easiest day was the day you brought her home from the hospital. We don't have any big secrets, we have just cussed more, yelled more, been scared more, and prayed more prayers than you have at this point."

Enjoy the video - have a wonderful day.

String

It is a planned publication from the Stampington Family of publications. I am so excited about this one.

I have already mailed off two small submissions. I also duplicated a submission and mailed it off to Green Craft as well.

We will see.

Didn't mean to drop off the earth of late. Summer activities, the construction business has picked up. and we are busy from early am 'til late night.

I have been creating - building stock for November.


Round do-dah pendant charms. Soft colors. Not pastel, more earthy than that. The above picture shows them with just the crochet finished. After I crochet a few, I dump the shank buttons (or marbles or round stones) out and dig. These are shank buttons.

Then I attack with E6000 and glue my baubles in. I have some woven leather buttons (somewhere) that I want to do some with. The last step is to add the jump rings. Then I need to figure out a way to attach these to some sort of card for display. Still perking that in my mind.

You saw this the other day. I have a few of these made. It is crocheted from a highly textured yarn called parfait and a few balls were in a thrifted bag. Not sure what these will be used as yet. I thought about sewing them to the bottom of some baby girl onsies, but I'm not sure. They also might work as brooches. I do know they are easy enough to make sitting at a softball game and small enough not to be too hot to work on in this heat.

I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend. I'll be at the ball field.

It's my Party.....

One of the icebreaker questions we covered at the En Le Jardin workshop was "what is your blog name and would you change it." My answer, was that No, I would not change my blog name.

MaggieGraceCreates is my alter ego. She's my muse. I am comfortable with her. I like her. I love her. She is me and I am her. I am not promoting a business here. This is a personal blog. I do not have a plan. I share things with you as if you and I are sitting down and having a meal or a few margaritas together.

I get very few negative comments and emails from here. I reserve the right to delete them if I am offended. It's my party.... You are invited as long as you want to play nice... You start badmouthing anything or anyone here and I am apt to tell you to get lost.... The problem is that often you hide behind the anonymous name... Back to the post ---- this is not a rant.

I went through some old posts this morning and I want to point you in the direction of some old favorites with explanations of why I like them.

Stroll through the memories if you choose.

I posted this list of things specifically for my girls. Every line is still appropriate.

I answered a few questions here about my ideas on blogging. I still get teased at work about being a skinny dipping bohemian.

I found a way to build myself a studio. Those posts are sprinkled through the last three years but the beginning is here. I have no debt in that project. MaggieGraceWorld is so satisfying to me. It is not this polished and chic studio, but it is mine.

The top of this chest still looks exactly like this. Damn -- that hurt.

I challenged myself. I have learned to quilt. Iwrote a tutorial. I wrote poetry for the first time in many years. I learned to solder. I submitted art to a magazine.

I vented. I asked for prayer. I have poured out my heart.

I even confessed to helping my child "cheat" on homework.

I have shared what a special friend is to me.

I have shared things about my children that you never really asked for. Sorry.

I shared advice that I found for women and daughters.

I proudly proclaim that I am a tequila drinker. I even told where the beer bottles live after they are empty.

However my favorite post ever was about one but really could apply to both my girls.

You may not always find what you think you will here. But you will find me - gritty - down to earth - sharing life as I see it happening. It was fun to go back through all the posts and see where I have been and how much I have grown.

We will talk about life. Faith. Friends. Family. I'll share inspirations. We will chat like old friends and get to know each other. I glad to call you all my friends. I won't deliberately hurt anyone here, but I also will not apologize if the truth is painful at times. This is my blog for all the different parts of my life - the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly. I hope you enjoy my company.

I thank you all for coming back again and again. Please comment today and just let me know you were here. If you do link back to the memories and want to comment - leave those here too. I love you all.

She's finished...

After being inspired by this (actually everything she has made speaks to me), I dug out a doiley pattern and some thrifted wool. The wool was vintage and had some moth damage, but no eggs, so I used it for the experiment. I simply tied it back together at the damaged spots.

I love this -


It came out about 48 inches diameter. Perfectly sized for shoulders or a lap. I'll be making more of these for baby girls too.

This one will live on my porch swing or rocker. It's mine - ALL MINE - sounds like a two year old doesn't it. Honestly, it has already been used by the girls. I finished it at the softball tournament last Thursday and one of them grabbed and used it in the car as they cooled off on the way home.

This was a very successful test run. Makes me happy and I can't wait until the painter finishes at my house, so I can work on some outdoor living spaces.

YES.

Have a wonderful day everyone......

Unintentional blog break

Sorry I went MIA. Life took over. I have a ton of completed projects to show you.

First off my pages for the en le jardin memory book.


The assignment - create 11 front and back pages in the colors of the event, but in your style. Leaving room for photos - or add ins by the final owner of the book. Not being an "assembly line" kind of person, I made 11 similar pages, just in different color combos (I did add some brown for mine - just cause).

Kim will be assembling these and making her covers.

Here is one side of my pages. Punched and glittered butterflies and three stamps from the same scrolled set, I used in my swap bags for the event. Each of these butterflies can be folded up for a dimensional effect. There is room for thoughts and adding more embellishments on the page.

The other side -- it rained on us that day -- so the cutout image of the friends chatting just seemed to fit. I made this into little booklets with blank pages for journaling or pictures. There is also enough room across the top to add a photo.

I love how the image of the girls pops against the booklet cover.

Now for the real reason I have been MIA.

Softball Princess has played 8 softball games since my last post. Winning 7 of those 8 - we did however get the crap beat out of us by what we refer to as The University of Greenbriar. This is a private school with at leat two players committed to D1 colleges.

It was miserable. 97 degrees in the shade and well below what we in Georgia call the gnat line.

The picture below is of some of the girls on the way home. These two -- Olivia and Abby -- tortured (entertained) us the entire two hour drive home. Miss Renee (asleep) had too much pain med and crashed so she missed the concert. Notice they are covered up - the AC in the car was fabulous after two days in the sun.

Tonight they have two games - I got the project bag ready.

Have a great afternoon.

btw - College Girl has adapted her behavior to be more in line with what has now been defined as appropriate. Thank you all for your comments and emails. About my parenting - I really have no idea what I am doing - I just try and react the best way I can as situations arise. I have a very wise friend and I lean on him all the time for advice from the outside looking in. It helps.

Laws of Nature (and Moms)

My morning started with this on my Facebook

Please tell me that our girl was at home this morning?!?

This entry courtesy of College Girl's Boyfriend's Mom.

She was at home when I got up late to go to the bathroom.

Seems there has been some curfew "stretching" and other irresponsible behaviors by the young couple.

I woke said College Girl up to discuss the matter(s). I expected "re-entry" issues when she came back from college for the summer. We have all been playing nice - but today - MOM HAS SPOKEN. It was time - it was not fun - it has "ruined her day". Oh well - this too shall pass.

Just like the stamens falling off my magnolia blossom, life happens. There are good days and challenging days, but the cycle must continue. Teens and young adults have to learn life's lessons. Moms and Dad's have to grow and learn to parent at each new level of maturity the child gets to.

This is a learning experience every day. It's exciting to see my girls grow and change and mature.

A later message included this comment about College Girl --

"She is perfectly well-behaved with me--respectful and helpful, and if I tell her something directly, she is compliant.And she does a damned fine job of sweeping my floors, btw! "

She may be a young adult, but it is nice to have good feedback about how she treats others.

Time and gravity have are starting to show their effects on these gorgeous blooms .(the same thing is happening to my body - LOL) They are still beautiful to me. Look at the detail in those stamens (don't they look like wooden matches?) Time is moving on in my children's growth. I'm choosing to try and enjoy every new experience (and challenge) as a mom and to remember that this is a beautiful cycle in life.

Have a wonderful day ---

Bits and bobs

edit to add: I completely forgot to add a "you rock" comment to the man at my address. On Saturday, the softball girls were in a tournament (I was not there) and they had a break. Softball Princess spent that break with other teen girls and the daddy picking out a new swimsuit at target. That gets brownie points with all the women at our address.



The view from my desk chair just a few minutes ago. A stunning magnolia blossom brought in by a friend for me. Smells like lemon and this thing is almost a foot across. I think I like having flowers on my desk a lot.

Look at the contrast in the stem of the maple leaf. I stopped and took a few snapshots over the weekend.

I want to sit at that table and enjoy an afternoon. I want to sleep with the windows open and hear the sound of running water. I want to feel the breeze change directions and suddenly fill the room with the smell of salty air. I really like the sound of the tide going out of the salt marsh.

I want ---

An embrace to become a slow dance in kitchen just because the mood feels right.

To listen to soulful music in the dark.

Flowers on my desk more often.

To be aware that these small joys are what really matter in my life.

To suddenly realize how relaxed and happy I really am when I am creating.

To remember to be thankful no matter what the situation is.

To sing with out worrying what others may think. Dance just because it feels good and my body wants to move. To laugh those deep heartfelt belly laughs. To walk and see the beauty around me.

To live this life intentionally always ready for sacred surprises like these.

I am so happy.

Have a beautiful Monday ya'll

Daisy Chain

Vintage handmade trim - I thrifted yesterday for a dime. 4 feet of it for a dime.

I follow links. It's how I met most of you that I now call blog buddies. I try to share inspiring links.

And I try to share links as well.

Whimsical - beautiful - fun. A Fanciful Twist is all those things. Yesterday when I went through my Google reader feeds, I found this post about letting all aspects of your personality out. This post resonated with me in a way it would not have 6 weeks ago.

When I left home this morning, I was angry and hurt at a situation with another family associated with the Softball Princess team. My post was entirely different in my mind then. I was full of anger and that's okay. Things have occured since then that have worked on my attitude and the above link is one of them. I felt my anger, figured out why and what my true feelings are about the situation and allowed positive energy to return around me.

Then I read Mother Teresa's words over at Andrea's, and was reminded that I fired all those negative energy drainers from my life a long time ago.

I thank both of these ladies for sharing their hearts and allowing me to look into their worlds. And I want them to know that they had a very positive influence on me today.

And to the parents who have caused so much discord in our softball program -- I bid you good riddance. But I do continue to pray that one day you find peace within yourself and realize that being positive and building others up is a much better way to live.

I am traveling this weekend. Be back on Monday.

Have a great one ya'll.