Random Ramblings

On Saturday we had a brief 45 minutes to spare in downtown Griffin. Abby was back at the field warming up, so Molly and I cruised through the Antique Mall. Miracle day - no money was spent. We did however laugh and giggle and generally draw attention to ourselves. Molly tried on every hat she saw. I snapped this in one booth and I think this may be one of my favorite pictures of her. The fun side of her personality shines in this one. I really hope that Abby and I will one day share this kind of thing.


I also snapped this picture and will put it in one of my inspiration books. Just so you know each of these squares is about 1-1/2 inches finished dimension and this quilt was double bed sized. All hand pieced and then simply tied. Also marked at a near fortune. I want to make one of these postage stamp quilts like the one Gina is making over at LaBelle . This also has inspired the final idea for my 2008 calendar. (see my CIP list) . I will be posting more of that later on CIP.




This bounty is reflective of the generosity of blogger buds. The big polkadots are from a drawing over at MaryAnns. All the rest of the goodness is from Vallen. Now I know a certain other lady wanted the polkadots, so I may have to send her a goodie in order to make up with her.

See that PopEye fabric up there. That will be part of the carrier too. The pocket for my money and keys. And the lining.



What the heck is this? Not a skirt. Not a doily. This is the only sneak peek you will all get of the beginning of my crown for the crown/tiara swap. I actually had this pattern (copied from some we had done years ago) of a halo for the angels in our Christmas program at church. I decided if I stiffen it standing up it will look like a crown base, then I can add the embellishments, beads, tulle, sparkly things, flowers etc. This is just hanging upside down over the basket that I keep fruit in. I will tie it off in the shape I need and then stiffen it with white glue type stiffener. What do you think about this ladies? Ideas for embellishing. Oh yes - I used what I had.

Those dogs go home tonight, so I can vacuum and clean up then get the quilt back out to finish the front. We don't have ball this weekend, there will be studio stuff going on.

I hope you all are having a great week. Have a wonderful day.

Inspirations

Loving this tassel this morning. Downloaded off one of those french blogs that I struggle to read.

edited to add this - I want to apologize for not noting it before. There is serious french inspiration here and I am thrilled to have found it. Thanks you for leaving this in the comments Tica . Et a part ca" is the name of the blog and the link to the photo is here:

http://etapartca.canalblog.com/albums/dans_mes_mains/index.html

I now wish I had made MaryAnn one of these for the "fabric challenge". May have to make one from some upholstry weight fabric and see if I like it.

I have pictures of my own to share, but I also have a teenager who felt it was her turn to take the camera today. (note to self - digital camera for birthdays for both girls)

I had a good weekend - Sat and embroidered on the Noah's Ark piece a large portion of Saturday. Those dogs we are sitting for have decided it's okay to crap in my floor - so that is a huge challenge. Woke up with the beginning of a migraine on Sunday so I babied myself. Clothes fit so much better, however the scale refuses to drop off any. That is my weekend in a nutshell.

Now a vent (rant) - Charles has high blood pressure that he takes medication for. He has decided - without the doctors input - on more than one occasion to "adjust" his medication schedule. In other words, some days he just don't take his medication. Then he will be dizzy and weird feeling and upon questioning I find out that he hasn't taken it. I think this is one of the most selfish things a person can do. He has children. He could do permanent damage to his body. This aggravates me to no end. My mother just had a stroke, I see that damage every time I visit her. His father has had bypass surgery in the past. Why does he do this? I asked Saturday if he had taken his medication and he had not, he just blew it off in front of others, who could not believe it either. So there now I have said it. If he could care less about his health, why should I?

So that's over. So far so good on using what I have. No purchases at all. I know it's early in the process, but it still feels great to see some finished things leaving my house and no money being spent. If anyone else is playing along, leave me a note here. It's always more fun if I know people are playing with me.

I LEAVE YOU WITH A LIST - things I would like to accomplish this week

1. finish the embroidery for Noah's ark

2. get a mailer done for CIP

3. finish piecing the front of the cowboy quilt.

Have a wonderful Monday.

Strength and tenacity

Just for the record - there was not one tiny thing even attempted in MaggieGrace world last night. The girls had soccer practice together - this is new because Abby starts high school. Charles went for a haircut and to spend some time with his brother. So Mom had the rarest of evenings. Time fully alone in the house.

I ate a nice dinner. Drank a glass of wine. Read. No artificial sounds allowed in - no tv or radio. Did my nails. Sat in the porch swing. Took a hot bath. Spend a lazy relaxed evening in my own home. I did load the dishwasher and start it just as everyone came home and shattered the silence.

I do not desire that kind of time alone as a constant. But as a rare occurance - it is an incredible treat.

Another picture from "our house". I have no idea who propped this bed frame against a tree. But over many years, the tree has grown. In my way of thinking, the bed should have been pushed away as the tree grew. Instead, the flesh of the trunk has grown around and about the metal frames. The frame is now in the tree. This fascinates me.

I think of all the things in my way at times. Things I have pushed aside. I think of times when I have firmly kept myself in a situation only to become trapped by it all. Becoming comfortable (complacent) traps me. The tree had tenacity. despite the irritation of having this thing there, it continued to grow. It possessed the strength to continue. To work around the things in its way. Has it been affected, oh yes, the tree is decidedly different from others in the same species. but still incredibly beautiful. Ponder this for a while. Look at all the thoughts you can place on this scenario and tie back to a life lesson.

Patience does not come easily for me. But what is patience - except taking the time to allow myself and others to find their path. Strength is something I know I have. Tenacity another. I have been changed by the experiences in my life. So I think I am going to choose the option the tree chose. Work around, figure out a way, continue to grow. To add something positive to the world. How many choose to be set in their ways, stubborn, difficult, theirs is the only way, and the find themselves trapped, stuck, unable to grow or be useful lke the bed now fully trapped in the tree.

Who are you in this picture? It really isn't too late to make a choice. Remember - even this bed could be removed. It would change the tree again, but it would free the bed. You decide.

MaggieGrace goodies will be back Monday.

Have a fabulous weekend.

Added in response to a comment. I will post some pictures of the old house. It is an old frame wooden house, and it was moved to the proerty when I was small. The roof had started leaking, etc and an abandoned house goes downhill fast. So yes it will have to be torn down. But I will be taking more pictures there and sharing them in the future.

Memories

This was taken at "Our House". The place I spent most of my childhood. It is abandoned now, since my Mom moved into town. This is right on the main highway, but way down off the road, so it is quiet and very peaceful. My sister got the car and the land at this location becomes mine. I can already picture a special home here. The house has been empty now for so long it will just be bulldozed in the future.

We were not well off. There were many meals of fried hotdogs. There were fish fries on Saturday night after the guys fished in the river and cleaned all the catfish. My mom makes the best hushpuppies. There was hand churned ice cream. There were frog legs, and chicken, and deer meat. Lots of cold beer, some southern comfort, and sweet tea for those who didn't or couldn't drink. But we were never hungry.

My Dad was a very generous man. He would help people or give them things with no real expectation of receiving in return. When he was killed in the accident, he died with people owing him money. He always cut those unable to pay the slack they needed. After his death, his friends helped us. We could call Jerry or Pete and things would just get done. Most of his generosity was returned after his death.

He was also competitve. He and a friend were competing to see who could grow the largest tomato. The story about that is just so funny. He built this raised bed, filled it with manure and soil, planted potatoes and tomatoes and dropped in a shovel full of worms. His pruned and trained those tomato bushes and watered and babied all of them. He plucked off the suckers and reduced the number of fruits to allow all of the energy to be focused on his prized specimen tomato.

My Nanny was bad to go down to our house. She would look through the mail, etc. Aggravating habit, but one she pulled on everyone. But she also fixed supper (southern for the evening meal) for us regularly. Dad had been babying this huge tomato for weeks. He watched it as it becan light green, then soft pink and well on its way to red and ready to pick for the big weigh in and measuring day.

Supper that night at Nanny's was to be one of our most memorable. We had sandwiches. As we sat down to eat, my Dad's face got red and then he exploded. I was little and not really paying attention before the explosion. Seems we had tomato sandwiches with our supper, and each sandwich only required one slice of the gorgeous red fruit. My Nanny served us the prized "special" tomato for supper on the night two friends were supposed to weigh and measure the fruit for the bet.

It has become a funny story now. Like most of those kinds, well worth telling over and over. Every real family has them. Characters - funny stories - family legacies.

LAST NIGHT ---- Arizona won. I finished the graph for the Names of Jesus pieces. Dog sitting for a friends dogs. MaggieGrace goodies are being created. Just at a slow pace. I tend to choose intense projects.

Have a wonderful day.

I always love surprises

A picture of the surprise flowers on my desk this morning. Gardenias from our landlord. He brings me flowers from his yard occasionally. The entire area smells heavenly. Heady. Like a summer evening on my front porch. With a tall drink and soft candlelight. He is a really funny man and practical joker, but he has chosen to treat me today. Thanks so much.

Last night I picked Abby up at ball practice, late. I got there a little early and took a book. Parked under the street lights and rolled the windows down. I only read a few paragraphs before the sounds of a summer southern night caught my attention. Kids laughing and playing close by and in the distance. Skateboard wheels in the other parking lot. Cicadas and evening birdsong. Even the drone of mosquitoes. I found myself absorbing these sounds and realizing that there is so much about my life that is special and at that moment I was fully focused on appreciation of so many things.


I thrifted this album many weeks ago at one of my favorite thrift haunts. I bought it thinking that I would take it apart and use the cover as a mount for ATC and the heavy textured papers as pages for a journal assemblage. The ribbon and the wedding picture will also find new lives in some way.

Yesterday at lunch, I picked it up from the back seat and opened it. I was looking for the best way to deconstruct it.

Imagine my surprise whenI found this........



Handwritten quotes are sprinkled all through it. Randomly. The way I collect quotes. As if the fairies decided a surprise needs to come your way today. This was fun. I smiled and then started to read all of these collected quotes. I will add these to my quote books and still use these pages, but now in a different way. Love these kind of surprises.

Last night I spent some time with my Mom who has been thrifting herself. 70's era stitching books that I will be borrowing to use the patterns from. She found yarn and fabric. All kinds of stuff. Just like the rest of us crafters, she will never use it all, so the reality is I have even more stash than I thought. (see I got all of this packrat tendency as a genetic trait) I get to go through it on a fairly regular basis. In addition to the cool stuff, I get to spend that time with her. I also stopped in at the place I grew up. Took a couple of pictures, but it was getting late. I need to go and take several pictures there.

We watched Arizona and Tennessee play softball last night (for the National Championship) and I started graphing the names of Jesus verse from Isaiah. I will be making several versions of items from this chart as part of my CIP committment. I also have an idea for my 2008 calendar as a part of CIP. I will be parked in front of the tv again tonight, pulling hard for those Arizona girls again. Everyone else in my house is pulling for Tennessee - so it could be an interesting night. I should be able to finish the charting though.

Have a wonderful afternoon.

MaryAnn - no peeking or the surprise will be ruined

I do love challenges and one of my favorite ways to work is within some kind of restraint. MaryAnn issued a "Fabric Challenge" many months ago when she wanted to become more comfortable with her sewing machine. I jumped on it and sent her my fabric. She made me a wonderful apron and purse and other goodies.

The fabric she sent was this really adorable floral flannel. Really soft and sweet. I felt it and immediately thought pillowcase. But I couldn't just do a plain old pillowcase, so I cross stitched the sweet dreams and added it to the mix. The floss is a hand dyed varigated in soft blue, green and purple. I am loving these specialty flosses. The lace is from a box my sister brought me out of her Late MIL stuff.

There is a crochet bag lined with the only big piece left. I keep one of these in the car with "girl stuff" in it, but it is also a perfect size for diaper wipes or note cards and a pen. With the remaining scraps I added some other fabric to and made a soft ball. This was a paper pieced by hand project. There will be more. My Nanny used to make these for baby gifts and I thought they looked hard. They are not.

Still had a couple of decent sized pieces and being inspired by many French blogs, I made two dragonfly silhouettes. I love these and I will be using this image again.

By this point there really were only scraps left, so I made 4 golf tee pincushions. I saw something similar in a quilt shop. A really fun Ragged Roses inspired corsage and the collaged letters wall hanging. I used one of the shelves from the stamp shelf to make the wall hanging. It will hang and then there are hooks across the bottom.

This was fun and I look forward to doing more of this kind of challenge in the future. I do hope my wonderful friend enjoys this.

Hey - I also Used What I Had too. Remember I am in that mode for the entire summer as well. I even put a reminder about it across my header.

Told you MaggieGrace would be back to normal. Now I cannot wait to see who I get for the tiara/crown swap - I have some ideas but I will wait and get my profile question answers before I start. So tonight I will finish the embroidery for sister. Take a look at it over at www.christmasinprogress.blogspot.com

Have a wonderful day.

Look a swap - still time to join

I joined this swap over at www.hollydoodledesigns.com/WordPress/

You can too.

Corners of my home

These hang in my bathroom. You know I collect CocaCola stuff and these are family pieces. The bottle shaped thermometer is from Mama Norvan's stuff. The glass thermometer is still intact which is a little unusual considering the condition of this piece. The round one hung in my Nanny's kitchen porch - I don't know why we called it a porch - it was an uninsulated utility room. The cover is broken, but to me that doesn't detract from the look at all. The girl on the round one is the same as is on the border at the top of these walls.

This room is fun in its paint colors. This chalky effect was tedious but amazingly simple. Then all the trim is a deep deep red in here. I wanted to get the effect of all that chalky look these old metal signs get after years of being outside. I really think this effect works and having all kinds of Coke stuff in here really adds to it.

How did I do this? Paint the walls that coke sign green - I have no idea what the color really is. Then using Laura Ashley whitewash finish, I used a thick round soft brush about 1 inch in diameter and randomly brushed the walls in a thin layer. Overlapping and changing directions often. Let me tell you - this bathroom grew when I started with that 1 inch brush. This has been there for several years and I still love it everytime I look at it.

I saw this technique in a showhouse over a dark blue paint on a ceiling, simulating the milky way in the night sky and then interpreted the technique myself. I think it gave me just the effect I wanted.

Comments about the weekend.

1. Be careful what you say around young people. My daughter was hurt by a comment made by another parent this weekend. The comment was not damaging in full context, but in hearing only part of it and misinterpreting, she was devastated. I have been the victim of such an instance and I still carry those scars today from something I misunderstood (probably) as a 15 year old.

2. Teenagers are not equipped for adult innuendo humour and I am a feriocious mother bear if my child is hurt by you, even if you are joking.

3. Ball field food and my new eating program are not a good mix. I will say that Hart County High School has addressed this in their football concession stand by offering apple slices as an option. But not the softball complex we were at this weekend. Glad I packed my cooler.

4. Rebecca - I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation Saturday night. God will show you why you went through the Cancer and recovery path you have trod. Keep being open to His use.

5. Forgiveness and acceptance is part of becoming "real". Learning those lessons is hard and practicing those two acts is even more difficult. Forgiving and accepting yourself may be the hardest of all. But - my precious baby girls - it is very important.

6. Guard your children and the input they are subjected to. Take parenting seriously. There is so much more to life than the score on a board and her batting and fielding average. (or whatever) The hard stuff happens around those activities. Give them a place to come. Give them security. Give them sound advice. DO NOT RUN FROM THE HARD STUFF. They need to always know that they are not alone. I know because I have handled way too much in my life ALONE.

7. God I hope I don't die first. My girls need me to hold hands and hearts through the hard stuff.

I know - random statements. They may need more expansion, maybe not. But putting them down allows me to get my arms and heart around some things. A quiet strength and sureness in my parenting is occurring. As I told Charles on Saturday night, I will fight to the death for their (the girls) emotional well being. It's too danged important long term. Demons can be created so easily and everyone needs a dragon slayer on their side. Both to teach skills and how to take care of yourself and to point out that you are on the right or wrong path.

Sorry - this got heavy this morning. I was just pondering some conversations and thoughts from this weekend and I have used this as a way to organize and categorize the thoughts. MaggieGrace goodies will be back.

FRIDAY FAVORITES

Good morning everyone. A small flickr mosaic for you. I actually have a picture for today, but dear Molly scarfed the camera on the way out the door. So I chose a few of my favorites this morning and decided to mosaic them.

If you have not been to flickr it is a great place for inspiration and fun.

I received my package from Raesha's tag swap yesterday. It is spread out on the kitchen counter and I have really enjoyed my mix of tags. Being ever the hostess extraordinaire, Raesha sent a goodie gift also. (THANKS SO MUCH) thanks to all who participated.

I chose a few tags for my mosaic from a few places and of course the quilt back. This is similar to what I want to do on the backing for the Roy Rogers quilt.

No restful weekend here. Abby has a ball tournament. Then on Sunday there will be more work in MaggieGrace world. Having lots of money would help. We are trying to do this studio and not borrow money. Knowing that Molly will be off to school is keeping money at the front of our life right now. We are hoping for scholarships, but trying to plan as well. The result, a longer time frame on finishing. Yes I am excited, and it is taking shape, I would love to just call someone and have it finished, but it will be okay. This weekend, I am going to try and get the door from the house I grew up in to use for the studio door. A full lighted french door. Should be really pretty as the entry door.

I hope all of you have a great weekend. Drink a maragarita for me.

FRIDAY FAVORITES
Originally uploaded by maggiegracecreates

A list of things I need to use ..... and a WIP

Contessa Kris had a post on her blog that I thought was a fabulous idea. I am blatantly copying the idea with my own list. She has been cleaning and organizing and doing the same kinds of things I am in using what she has. I have a ton of stuff at my house and I only use out of a portion of it. Probably because I can't lay my hands on it. So last night I kind of dug through some of the drawers and cautiously opened a few doors.

Ta-da - the list of things I bought but haven't used - and now will try to find a use for.

1. upholstry fabric - I reach for lighter weight stuff all the time so look for a few projects using some of this heavier stuff.
2. tapestry fabrics - see note above.
3. scrapbook papers - I really need to do some cards and tags. This runs in spurts.
4. Masks - ceramic MardiGras type masks. The plastic eye masks. bought for a party and never used.
5. Precut tulle circles - bought on clearance for pennies a pack. used on the crown for Nerissa
6. paper doilies - see note 5.
7. Bright colored embossing powders - found these when deciding on shelf space for the stamp shelf
8. wallpaper pieces - not a clue why I have these.
9. lettering templates - the plastic ones you use a pen or pencil through
10. tiny glass vials (i think they were called watch makers vials)
11. clear christmas ornaments
12. glass nuggets - a grocery bag full - those little round coloered things with a flat back -- ???????
13. glass finish liquid stuff??? similar to diamond glaze
14. unfinished wooden stuff - boxes, purses, birhouses, etc
15. spools of remnant upholstry yarns. bought at the fabric warehouse in all kinds of colors
16. frames - lots of picture frames - big ones - little ones - round ones - funky shaped ones.
17. various office supplies - old notebooks - sheet protectors - file jackets
18. sizzix machine and dies - I actually just broke this out for the mounted ATC but i really need to use it more often.
19. polymer clay -
20. magazines - I buy them a look at them over and over and rarely make any projects out of them. they are just "eye candy"

So, having identified that I need to utilize my magazines in a more deliberate manner, I decided to use a pattern from American Patchwork and Quilting last night for the Roy Rogers Cowboy Quilt. The Blue and White four patch quilt is stunning in the magazine - see page below.



And it looked complicated. So I drooled and turned the page many times before. Last night I actually studied the pattern and discovered only two sizes of squares. A 4 inch one and a 7-1/2 inch one. I can do this. Squares are easy - right. So I get out the Roy Rogers fabric and the denim look fabric and start cutting.

No design wall so it is laying on the floor in the dining room - note a design wall is a requirement for the studio. I did get all of the four patch squares sewn. Loving this so much.

The bright red star is not a part of the quilt. It is a die cut star that I will use to lay out the star quilting lines on the larger squares. The smaller ones will be simple quilted slightly in from the seam all the way around. I have some wonderful red and cream gingham check for the border and I will use a panel of the Roy Rogers, red gingham and the blue to do a large piecing for the backing.

So what do you guys think about it - I used something off the list above (the magazine) and tomorrow begins the use what I have summer. Do I have anyone else joining me for the summer??

Have a wonderful day everyone.

Boy - that was quick

Thank you all for the kind words yesterday about the shelf. I am really pleased with how it turned out and I cannot wait to see the studio as it is finished. We are trying so hard to not overspend on this project so I am really studying what I want (need).

Miss Molly - seems like yesterday they handed us that squirming little one and sent us home. Now she is all growed up and driving, and NOT working this summer. She was going to get a part-time job, but we looked at the sports schedule for she and Abby and realized we needed a driver - almost full time. So she's the driver and the maid. For those services, Dad and I buy gas and give spending money. She gets to chill between things. Abby is not embarassed by her sister dropping her off. The house is somewhat clean. Everybody is happy with the arrangement.

But she also gets a few special priviledges. On Monday night she said she wanted a crochet beanie hat. (see post from yesterday) I worked on this on Monday night and finished it last night. She was "tickled pink" with this. I modified the pattern from the Lion Brand yarn site. When I followed it exactly it was too small. But it is practically an instant gratification project. She was more than excited to model it last night too. Made from thrifted wool-ease yarn.

I worked on it last night at the softball game. We have several new team members - a situation that will remain undiscussed - and the new mommies were a little surprised by the site of me crocheting. The seasoned moms from our team were quick to point out that I will be working on something all the time. I hope to finish the embroidery part of my MAY CIP project this weekend - so I can post it on Monday. I can see that I will be making some adjustments to my list for the year.

Look behind Molly on the wall. The shelf over the computer is an old wooden drink crate. The one thing about my home is that so many items are used in unlikely ways. I really enjoy repurposing items. I also enjoy the recycling feeling of thrifting and scrounging through warehouses of end lots or discontinued items. Seems like I am doing a small part for the environment.

Weight loss - not a d*(& pound. I am drinking water and eating better and exercising. I feel better - clothes fit better - but scales don't reflect any loss.

Have you guys seen the Ciel d'orage blog? I found this link and I am in love. Follow this for eyecandy. The French have the most wonderful appreciation for beauty in everything. Be sure and follow the links on her sidebar for more treats. I have been reaquainting myself with my high school french - I really need to find my old dictionary in order to get all of it, but even if you can't read it the pictures are worth all of it. I can see some red cross stitch on natural linen in my very near future just because of this blog.

I have so many ideas floating around in my head. I am continually inspired by what I read, see, hear. I try to capture these inspirations in my notebooks and then share some of them with you guys here. I will continue to do that and see where it leads. I do know that right now I am not fighting demons and I am improving my work continually. I am in a good place creatively and that feels wonderful.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

A really long weekend

It was a really long weekend. There was food, rest and work. Lots of accomplishments. Lots of fun - we even squeezed in some shopping yesterday. Friday night - not too much going on. Up early Saturday morning. Breakfast, coffee on the sofa, work in the barn - the only bad thing about the stage we are at - it is all stuff you cannot see real progress on. Cut grass - de-dandelion the driveway - weed eat. Play with the baby kitties.

Sunday - church - nap - ball. Monday - sew - crochet - craft - work on the barn some more - shop. I have rested. I ate too much that was really not good for me. But it was a good weekend.

Several postings ago I mentioned a shot glass shelf I bought at the thrift store for 1.50. I had not touched it since, but decided to work on it Saturday. I brought it to the kitchen porch and deconstructed several shelves in order to make it work size wise for my stamps. It is a big shelf and it going to work beautifully for what I plan. I brushed it off and got it ready for paint.


Here it is after I took the shelves out. (Yes the truck is filthy.) I plan to put my stamps, inks, embossing powders, and glitter on this . It will hang on the back wall of the studio over a little bench that I have for gift wrap. I'll see how all this really goes together soon I hope, but that is where it is in my mind right now.

Then I recruited Miss Abby to help me paint it black. Just plain old acrylic craft paint. (Note - spray paint may have been a better choice especially for those tight shelves, but I am using what I have so I used the black from my stash) We left it in the sun to dry - that is a beautiful plus to acrylic - it dries fast and by then Miss Molly had joined us. I mixed white glue and water for the next step and left the girls to it while I handed things up the ladder to Dad in the barn. They cut an old postage stamp price guide up and covered the back of the shelf with those layered pages. Just how much fun is this.

A close up view of the shelf. Leaned against the piano and holding just a few items to see if I had made good size decisions. I am loving this. Right now all of my stamps and stuff are in boxes that I have to dig through. This is perfect for the purpose. I used what I had but even so - let's total this project up.

Old Book - Thrifted $1.00
Shelf - Thrifted $1.50
Black Paint - from stash but $1.39 originally
Glue-dollar store - $1.00
Child labor - free

TOTAL FOR A WORKABLE STAMP AND STUFF STORAGE SHELF $4.89 us dollars. I am good with it.


I also got this wonderful surprise on Saturday - from Miss Jenny. It is my mounted ATC from Vallen's swap. Too cool. I sent her the quiltlet and she sent this. It is hanging on my china cabinet door and I absolutely love it. I won't be moving this to the studio - it will more than likely hang right here for a while. Thank you so much Jenny. I adore the black offset with the touches of color. WONDERFUL.


It was very productive on the sewing and crocheting front as well. I am almost finished with the fabric challenge for MaryAnn. I finished 2 washcloths for Raesha. And Molly has asked me to make her a crocheted beanie hat. So at 11:00 last night we downloaded a free pattern and I started a hat from some scrap yarn just to work out size and gauge. Once we get that right - I will be making her a hat and I will frog this one. A little strange for a summer project - but alas.

CIP LADIES - DON"T FORGET TO SEND ME SOMETHING FOR MAY - EVEN IF IT IS A WIP OR RECIPE>

I hope everyone had a great weekend.

Have a wonderful day.

I'm Alright - Don't Nobody Worry About Me

Everybody sing along. Yesterday's visit was fairly uneventful. The cyst that has filled back in does not pose a threat at all - watch it and see if it gets any bigger. The boob smasher test will still have to be read by a radiologist and the report generated, but nothing looked any different. Remember after looking at years of my own films, I do a pretty good job of reading them myself. I am a candidate for a convenience procedure called NovaSure - whch will eliminate certain monthly occurances. But it will be only as I determine. I have all of the literature to make that decision and will study it carefully. The hormones are being changed slightly to lessen the weight issues. And yes I do need to lose a lot of weight. 40+ pounds.
Blood Pressure - okay
Cholesterol - wonderful
Mental Health at 4:45 pm yesterday - so much better.

I went to Curves last night. Met a wonderful lady who makes soy candles and lives near me. We will more than likely be on a very similar workout schedule. That will help me be more accountable to go. I drank the entire 64 ounces of pure water yesterday that has been suggested and got up to pee three times during the night.

So now in addition to the boring life you all read about here - you will be subjected to the trials of weight loss and exercise and eating healthy. For dinner last night - black bean soup and rice - with green salsa and a little cheese. It was very filling and I did not wake up starving this morning. To use a phrase form my best friend. WE"LL SEE.

There is still crafty news. I finished the first project from MaryAnn's Fabric Challenge. And started the second one. There will be at least two other creations from this fabric. The picture below is a sneak peek of these works in progress. (MaryAnn you can peek - it doesn't give too much away.) This should also show that I am using every scrap of this fabric. I was inspired by RaggedRoses corsages. It was a little fiddley and tedious but I can see keeping my scraps for this purpose and putting them together at ball games etc. The first ones are always experimental - There are things I will do differently on the next ones.

There is also a view of the "trays" I use to assemble projects. This is just the top of a box that was handy to toss scraps into as I trimmed them off. I mix trims and thread ends and other snippets as I sew. Some of it gets tossed as I clean up, but not everything - just look. It really is kind of sick to keep things this small.

All in all I am having a wonderful day. The Curves near me closes early today, but I may get a quick circuit done before they close. Hope so. As someone said yesterday to me --- Part of the discipline is going when you really don't want to. The reward is knowing that you did. That same person told me I don't eat very healthy. Me - being the slightly stubborn and competitive person that I am - will determine how to eat and lose this weight. So I hope you aren't too bored with this. There will be recipes included.

Have a wonderful weekeend.

Calm amongst the chaos

This is a terrifying picture to all of you Type "A" people, I am sure. Floss and yarn and papers piled in this box. This is the epitome of my life. Chaos - looks uncontrolled doesn't it? As my neice Laura describes, I am the artsy type. This box is full of fun to me. It actually is the result of the cleaning and organizing that is taking place in MaggieGrace world.

I save stuff. Lot's of stuff. (My mom and sister do too.) If you click on the picture you will see order among this chaos. Floss is wrapped around bobbins or looped through labeled cardboard. Remnants of past projects. Bags of floss have been pulled from this box and that, then tossed in here. Some is old - vintage shall we say. The box also contains some of Charles Grandmother's floss and the clear - hard plastic box was hers. Underneath is the ultimate score for a bargain shopper - floss organized by color (I did that) purchased at an outlet for 25 cents/bag. They are cut floss from needlework kits that went unused. This is the box I go to for fun projects, those with no charted color or colors I am choosing to change. As I have cleaned, the stuff from everywhere is becoming more centrally located - the floss and threads are no different. Mind you - I have a fully bobbined, labeled and sorted box of the DMC colors. And those charted patterns come from there. This box is the one I dig through for my designs. GO ahead - click on the picture - bet you find something you like.


This picture on the other hand is calm and complete and reflects what I consider to be one of my better moments of inspiration. This is the dining room window. I am not traditional in my choices and my window treatments are no exception. This room is adjacent to the living room and there are 3 windows to cover. Three crochet tablecloths from a discount store - three plate racks from Tuesday Morning. Soft and pretty against the chocolate milk walls. The plate racks give me a place for display and the metal picture hanging down was a dollar store purchase - Three different ones for 9.00 total. This is just a fun reflection of my personality - some people would say I am a little strange. Note - the rest of this room looks like the box in the picture above.

We have a friend and I swear there is not one place in her house that looks like the box. She doesn't even have a junk drawer. She has a cleaning schedule and there are chores on it that I would not dream of doing on a regular basis. Things like - wash the baseboards (once a month) and clean the top of the fridge (every week) She even plans a purge day for tossing outdated canned goods and medications. We love her. She is brilliant and funny and beautiful and loving and kind and non judgemental and a wonderful picture of marriage for young couples- I love going to her clean and organized house. I could never function in her world for long. She doesn't understand my world at all - but she loves me. And she buys the things I make as gifts, because she appreciates that the care given a handcrafted item is worthy of support. She is the calm among the chaos in her world. Those creations are the calm in mine.

I have a project in my purse for the doctors office today. Someone will ask what I am making. Unlike reading - which isolates you in that environment - creating seems to invite conversation. A distraction from the fact that I am about to be poked and prodded and have certain parts of my anatomy mashed flat. I like that. I like meeting others and will gladly share my brief time with them. They may be like Jean - my world may not make any sense at all to them - but for those few minutes we have something to talk about. You never know how one of those conversations may impact a person - or yourself.

That is actually how I forged the relationship with my now best friend. We worked in the same building and as I was leaving one day, I popped my head in his office to say goodbye. He seems to need to talk about something and I sat down and listened. Seems like all I said was "Are you okay?" I took the time to listen. He has taken the time to do the same. I have taken the time to talk. He has done the same. We also know will get on each others a*% for stupidity and try to keep our mouth shut when needed. Do that for some one - you will be blessed.

The man at my address probably doesn't even remember that I have this appointment today. I don't discuss the stress of it with the girls - they both would worry - but if something major is happening I will tell them. Does this bother me? Nope - I have been through most of my life's stressful situations alone. He is quiet and introverted and not really comfortable in this type of situation - Mom (that's me) handles the hard stuff. (His Mom handles the hard stuff too) I have no anger or disappointment about it at all. I am strong and capable and I have learned that there is very little that I cannot do. When my Mom had her stroke - my sister's family and I handled it. I stayed with Charles grandparents when they were sick. Many nights I went to the hospital to stay with my Nanny when she was dying - after I worked and then did Mommy stuff. As a result, I am not really comfortable leaning on anyone. (I am learning to do this more as I get older) I tend to be more than a little stubborn and self sufficient.

There you have a complete random post. Chaotic. But with an air of calm and acceptance around it. Even with the fear demon trying to push itself forward, I am in a good place. I have no anger this morning, really not a even lot of fear either. Stress - yes - fear - not really. 10 years ago the news took away the luxury of this being just another doctor visit - never again - but look how much I have gained since then. The CANCER word has given me a respect and appreciation of so much. I am truly a very blessed person. I can accept others for where they are and what they are capable of bringing to my life. I can choose to have a positive impact on theirs. I can face the walls and other obstacles know that I have a choice in dealing with them. I can celebrate even the smallest detail in life. I appreciate what others do for me. I respect that not everyone will like me or want to be in my company. Again I say - I am a very blessed person.

I hope you all will have a fantastic day. See you tomorrow.

Work in Progress

All right now. These are my latest creation. Simple. Quick. USING THINGS I HAVE. What are they??? Gift enclosure cards. Small folded cards to toss in a gift box or bag. I have purchased in the past way too many of the "scrap packs" of paper at the dollar store. (anybody else guilty?) then I use one or two peices of the paper and toss the rest in a box.

Well I needed something to include in some packages I am preparing. I decided to do some of these. Kinda sorta an assembly line type of approach, but not really. I did fold all sorts of these and separate them into packs of 6 assorted colors. Then I chopped up pages from a vintage book and proceeded to stamp them with initials. I have them sorted into a kit form - all stacked on one of my working "trays" and as time allows I will assemble them and complete them. Each set will be slightly different in the finishing. Some stamped. Some collaged. Some simply embellished.

About the stamps - they are from a set I found in an old office building we worked in. Way back in the closet not being used. The boss said take them home. I love these and have used them over and over. Add to it they are eye candy too. Stacked in that clear plastic box. There is a full set of the letters and I also have a set of numbers and punctuation marks too. Gotta love a freebie this cool.

Thanks so much for the comments from yesterday. I found a new blog buddy from those comments. Love it when that happens.

I also have almost completed all of the Fabric Challenge projects from MaryAnn's blog. When she sent my fabric, it came with the instructions to take my time, and so I have. However, now it is time to get her fabric on out of the house. I have to redo the committment list again to see where I am on things. I really can't wait to have the big board in the studio for this. I found a huge picture frame at a yard sale and I plan to staple wire mesh to it and attach those tiny binder clips to it. Then I can hang my lists and notes in a form that can be rearranged.

Now for reality news. I am fat. Shopping for a swimsuit several weeks back confirmed it and I am offcially attempting to lose this extra weight. Why blurt that here? Somehow, it makes me more accountable to share this with the cyber world. I have walked for years and still the weight creeps up. I think it may be the medication I take for the breast cancer risk. So at tomorrows doctor's appointment, we will discuss either stopping that or changing it and doing some other things as well. I also have the dreaded mammogram too. There are several reasons for this really hard discussion with the doctor. I am 10 years to the good on the cancer thing. Weight and blood pressure are creeping up (both listed side effects of the medication) My mom just had a stroke and the medication increases this risk for me too. I know there is a cyst in the same breast where I had surgery before - I have had this one aspirated twice and it continues to return. Another hard part will be the discussion of leaving it again or having it removed. All in all a stressful office visit - riddled with decisions. In my rational brain - I know the mammogram will be fine but the irrational part of me sure is struggling - and I will until I get through it and see the images. ( I can read them myself by now)

I hope all of you are having a wonderful day. See you tomorrow.

SEEING GREEN

Envy - one of the seven deadly sins isn't it. I have issues with it myself. Not all the time. But occasionally. I envy the time others seem to have. I envy the seemingly perfect family lives others may have. I envy those who still have their fathers. I envy that young woman who seems to be able to eat anything she wants to and still stay thin. I envy the lady at church who knits beautifully. As hard as I try too, sometimes I just cannot keep this green monster from creeping into my life.

Then I sit back and really ponder - my best friend does this too - he even has a certain position he sits in that I call the "ponder pose". Leaned back in his chair hands together. I can always tell when he is pondering. Personally - I "zone" - I am physically there, but not mentally. In that mode, I think hard. The time others have - what they do with it is their choice. That perfect family life - maybe they are really having a hard time with a teen - but don't feel like they can share it. Yes - my dad is gone - but I have wonderful memories of him and no one can take those away. That young thin woman - chooses more carefully than I do - what she eats and does. Beth knits - but she took the time to take lessons and I have not done that. So -I really have nothing to be envious of.

But the title of this post has absolutely nothing to do with envy. It is about yarn - thrifted yarn. Three huge leaf and lawn bags full for $12.00 from our new Goodwill store. And while part of it is wonderful, I was not really all that thrilled with some green cotton yarn. Oh the yarn is a dream to work with, and crochets up beautifully, it just this really bright (obnoxious) green. Kind of like some drunks I know. It screams. It is flambouyant. Out there. Green.

I chose to use it for some of those spa type wash cloths. Guess what, they are fabulous. I made one and gave it to Abby to try. She loves it. Wants some for her friends. This is just the kind of project to stick in my purse to have with me all the time. I have plenty of the yarn and I will make these cloths as far as the yarn goes. A super easy pattern - Chain 30. Single crochet across - chain 1 and turn and single crochet across until it is square - Mine are 24 rows. Mindless - not distracting - something to work on while I ponder. I feel good about using thrifted yarn, because it is more "green" for the environment. It is also cotton - a readily renewable resource.

No it is not a use what I have project, but at 12.00 - I just could not walk away from the pile. There are probably 30 full skeins of yarn and tons of partials. I can see that crochet is going to be my current obsession.

I will say - this will be my last supply purchase for a while. I am recommitting to USE WHAT I HAVE for the summer months - JUNE - JULY - AUGUST. Do I have any takers along with me?

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

A look at that green - this is taken on the front seat of the car this morning. One completed cloth and the beginning of another.

No peeking Jenny

Jenny - don't look all the way to the bottom if you don't want the surprise spoiled.

This actually is one of my favorite projects ever. I am loving the color combination and embellishments. I hung it on my bedroom door last night for the pictures and it could live so happily there. I am so sorry it is late going to Jenny. Life attacked and I am sending my groveling apologies on this. There are other goodies with it too. Hopefully she will take these as a peace offering.

Now for particulars. Foundation pieced on a square of high count sheeting. (From my Nanny's stash) using an assemblage of fabric scraps. The buttons are a combination of vintage and new. I love the 4 small ones across the top. Right at the midpoint on the right side is a tiny piece of sheer embroidered trim over a scrap of pink gingham.

The ATC has 3 open hearts couched down onto a piece of vintage lace curtain fabric (yard sale find 4 yards for 2.00) and ribbons in the corners. It mounts by tying to the mother of pearl buttons around the center. It is backed and bound with a new fabric that anchors and frames this beautifully. It is hand quilted using a multihued dyed floss. YUM!.

After I finished it, I decided to hang it banner style and used a piece of wire. I added tiny wooden spools on the end of the wire and wrapped them with more of the floss. It is hanging from more of the matching ribbon. While this was not a quick project, it was very simple and I am so very happy with the finished results.

All together now -- I used what I had -- either stuff I had gathered in the past or things people gave me.

I only have one more swap that I have to complete and it is MaryAnn's fabric challenge. I have some of it finished and more to come. I am happy with the outcome on this one too. Then I will spend some time on CIP items and two baby quilts I have planned.

Let me know what you think of this project. Despite the fact that a lot of my stuff in the past has been dark, I do believe this work is one if the truest reflections of me. I am discovering that it is okay to be strong and still be feminine. I think this piece reflects a variety and a strength that I have found in me, while still being soft and pretty. I mostly hope that Jenny is happy with it.

I bought the new Mary Englebreit magazine this weekend and Hillary (wee wonderfuls) has her robot soft toy featured. There are several magazines lately showcasing work and homes of various people I am familiar with through this medium. I love that angle so much. Also Victoria Magazine is returning in October - I am so excited about this - it was always one of my favorites too.

I sure am having a great Monday so far. Remember to tell someone that you love them today. Have a wonderful day yourself.

friday - WIP

I am loving how this is going. I will start by apologizing to Jenny because this is late. But I regrouped. I hope she will accept my apologies in advance.

I adore the colors and the concept here. I will post a completed photo once Jenny has received it.

Scraps of fabric and ribbon and a mixture of vintage and new buttons. Some lace trim. Some vintage lace. As my Mom would say "a dukes mixture". All from my "stash". Fun stuff. The most fun was pouring a jar of buttons out on a tray and trying them for placement on this.

It has been a tough week. Internal conflict on the ball team. The last week of school. Meeting after meeting at school and at work. I am tired and cranky and I made a huge mistake about a jobsite this morning. (Sent driver to the wrong address) So today is going to be a struggle. And in the back of my brain, the fear sits. I go back to the doctor next week for annual physical and mammogram. I don't care how far away from the "C" word I get, the fear creeps back in. I tell people that its okay and it really is, but that old demon resumes its relentless torture on my brain at this point.

The girls have a summer workout schedule that is ungodly, and gas is over 3.00 a gallon here. Molly and I will spend some weekends travelling to look at campuses, so those extra expenses for gas/hotel will have a huge impact on the budget. The academic scholarship information is starting to come, so maybe someone will help us pay for school. It is scary to think about my baby going away to college but this time next year, that's what we will be planning.

I will be at home a fair amount this weekend, so maybe I can do some additional housecleaning and organizing. It is so deperately needed.

Gratitudes for today.

1. I love my new haircut.

2. I am almost caught up on swaps.

3. Molly is number 2 in the junior class.

4. I love the colors in this WIP.

5. I scored BIG at the thrift store this week.

6. I start back to the gym next Tuesday night. I really need to do something different as my weight loss has completely stopped and I still have lots to lose.

I do hope you all have a wonderful Friday and a fantastic weekend.

may 15 mosaic

may 15 mosaic
Originally uploaded by maggiegracecreates.

more goodies from flickr. I am amazed everyday with the inspiration there. right now I am lookin ghtrough the Pretty Organized pool. for ideas in the studio.

Hope you guys are having a wonderful day.

Let's play - tag.

Not like the meme's, although you can play along with some of this.

Childhood games. We played 1-2-3 redlight, simon says, four square, drop the handkerchief, hide and go seek, tag, ghosts in the graveyard - those are the ones that come to mind this morning. I also add london bridge, here we go round the mulberry bush, and ring around the rosies. We did those crazy hand games too - say say my playmate. And jump rope. My baby sister and I spent hours on the trampoline. We waded in the creek. We giggled and ran and jumped and spent hours in the great outdoors.

As adults, too many of us are so inhibited. We don't laugh freely. We don't giggle often. We are afraid that some may be watching, making a judgement about us. When is the last time you laughed at yourself - really laughed hard because you were just funny. Can you name something that triggers the giggles in you every time? I can. Can you remember the last time you laughed just because life was FUN? I can. Do you have it in you to PLAY? I do.

Now my play is in the creative world most of the time. But i still take the hand of a toddler and play London Bridge occasionally. Tracey and I break into song - fairly often - bad song - sung poorly - causes those around us to roll their eyes - and we all laugh. I can choose a moment to snort and she will have to leave the room to regain her composure. When is last time you did the "singing in the rain" stupid body contortion song?

WHY HAS IT BEEN SO LONG? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? WHAT COULD BE THE WORST THAT CAN HAPPEN?

You are all challenged to play today? To laugh hard? To make another person laugh or smile? Remember - they may not understand or remember how to laugh or play. You may have to remind yourself and others what this is about. I have already accomplished this myself today. It was fun and it was funny. Try it - see if you really remember how to play.

About the tags in the picture.

I made these for Raesha's tag swap. They went into the mail today. Fairly large office supply tags. I always have this little catch in my throat about things I swap. I am always afraid that mine won't compare to the others. I do like these and I had a great time making them. I covered the entire tag with a vintage patterned tissue paper. Looks like victorian scrap art materials . really soft and pretty. Then I stamped some vintage book pages with the keys and the phrase "treasure the moment" - added gold embossing powder and embossed these. I tore the edges around the stamp and glued them to the tags. added lace and pearl beads. Then I looked at them and decided they needed some thing else. punch tiny holes and added the flowers - simply attached with brads. Then some velvet scraps for the hanger. (I save everything - even 1/4 inch wide velvet scraps.) These tags are most definitley feminine. Love these. I sure hope the recipients of these enjoy them. I made an extra and used it on a small gift bag for Raesha - I always like to send a hostess gift. My Love - I hope you can use some of the goodies in the bag.

Oh and by the way - I did use what I had.

Play today everyone - don't worry - the first time it's a little stressful, but you will get the hang of it.

Have a wonderful day.

Time Waster Ahead - Eye Candy

This is not my baby. But for some more "SERIOUS!!!!" photographic eye candy goto www.jonessoda.com

I can't get the link to the direct page to work. dig through and look at the label photograph gallery. You can actually submit your photo to be considered for the labels. Too cool. Take some time and cruise over.

Have a wonderful afternoon.

Productivity (and goodies)

I had a fabulous weekend. I am rested and relaxed. I spent evenings in front of a fire - gas logs and air conditioning -great inventions. I ate steamed shrimp and a wonderful layered salad - add oven roasted potatoes and a few glasses of wine. Like heaven. See I am focused on the blessings of an away work weekend. I crocheted and finished Baby Luke's blanket. I finished some cross-stitch lettering for a couple of swaps/challenges I am playing in. So it was a great weekend.

Baby Lukes's blanket does not look like a baby blanket. But the colors work with his nursery. The outside border looks black, but it is dark brown. All of the yarn for this project came from his great-grandmother's things. She passed away right after they found out about this baby coming and when they cleaned out the house, Luke's mom brought two copier boxes of mixed yarns to me. These were all in there. All acrylic, but that works for a baby blanket. The blue is called Dazzelaire and it is thick and soft. The cream is by Caron (called Simply Soft) and for an acrylic yarn it is a dream to work with, so I will use more of this in the future. There is no pattern for this blanket. Six granny squares in the middle and then crochet around until I ran out of yarn. I cannot wait to give this to Stephanie on Wednesday night.


I also had a package waiting when I got home. Goodies from AmyElise designs. This was so much fun to open. And I put some of it into immediate use on my tags for Raesha's swaps. The little purple funny shaped paper, folds up into a tiny envelope. I plan to copy that shape and make some of these from recycled magazine pages. (thanks so much Amy, this was a wonderful surprise to come home to.)

This is the last week of school. Then the summer from H*&$ starts. Both girls are going to have a lot of summer workout stuff for sports. Molly wanted to get a part time job this summer, but she will be driving Abby and herself to workouts.

I have several things going on the craft front. I have lots going on in the studio. I have way too much on my plate - still. I have to work and I have to play. I have to be mommy. The house requires my attention. Finishing the studio will have a huge impact on that - my stuff is everywhere. But I will say, that I have a much better perspective on things since I got some rest and some quiet. Even through a work weekend, Mom took care of herself. I am eating better. I am exercising more diligently. I feel so much better. I am about to have a conversation with my doctor about the hormones I am taking. Right now I am in a very good place. I have come through a bit of a blue (overwhelmed - not depressed) period and now I am ready to run again.

My Mom is doing much better and no longer requires an enormous amount of my attention. She is piecing quilts - oh my such inspiration. I really would like to focus next year on hand quilting a couple for her. She hates to hand quilt, but loves to piece. What would really be nice is a long arm machine for her, but it is so expensive and I enjoy the hand quilting - so maybe I can do some of that for her.

As always, I hope you have a wonderful day.

Happy Mother's Day

This is what I want to be doing on Sunday morning. Is this not absolutely stunning. Image from Dover in this weeks free samples of copyright free art. Feel free to click and print this image for your use.
Another image from the same sampler. I can see this inspiring some kind of artwork for me. Mirror mirror on the wall kind of thing.

I hope all of you moms have a great day on Sunday. If you have a mom/grandmother, give her my well wishes. If you have lost that special someone, I lift you up with my prayers.

Other random Friday thoughts/blessings

Amy Elise has sent me a package. Thank you my sweet CIP friend. I will open it on Sunday as I am leaving from work to go out of town today. I cannot wait to see it.

Is anyone still out there? It has been strangely quiet in the blogosphere. Both posts and comments.

Odd gifts abound at my house. For Christmas I got plywood. For Valentines - it was insulation. Mother's Day - New tires for the car. All very neeeded and welcomed as gifts. Thank you my crew for understanding that. I love being your mommy, Molly and Abby.

I can read and write. I was up late last night reading a book my mom sent home with me. She tried to warn me to be careful about what time of day I started it. She thought it was one of those that can draw you in and keep you. She was right - I read until 2am. I would have LOTS more disposable income if she had not sent me to school and allowed me to learn to read.

I am also easily amused and I live in redneck rural north ga. Yesterday on the way to work I followed a beat-up older pickup truck that the owner is trying to sell. How do I know this? - The sign across the back window - written in window chalk - in big letters = FOR CELL. ( I wonder if text messaging is unlimited) You cannot make up stuff that funny.

I do hope that I will have time to accomplish some creating this weekend. I will have some evening time and maybe that will occur. Until monday.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Remembering ... Ryen King

Ryen King - the stepson of a childhood friend of mine. 19 Years old. His Dad is the softball coach and a teacher in the high school I graduated from. Joined the army fresh out of high school. Deployed to Iraq. Came home in January and - spent time with family and friends - snow skiied with his girlfriend. Went back and instead of coming home as scheduled, his time there was extended. A suicide bomber drove a truck into the building he was in and on April 21, 2007, Ryen King was killed in combat in Iraq.

I give you no rankings on Ryen - see that doesn't matter. As far as I am concerned, he was Ryen. He was willingly serving this country of mine. He was excited about joining the army and having the structure of the military environment. He was a role model for his siblings and his friends. The Iraqi children loved him. One of those people you enjoyed being around.

While we were readying for the prom on Saturday, Ryen was being laid to rest in a grave adjacent to my Dad's grave. I stopped yesterday and paid my respects. I bumped into his mother and I had no words. What do you say when a mother buries a child? It does not matter whether you agree with this conflict. It does not matter who's war this is. None of the politics matter. A young man, serving his country, has died in that act. I respect him. I respect what he stood for. I honor his memory. I pray for the others. In my thinking - Jerry Ryen King - died a hero. Did I say that to his Mom - no - I cried. I was one mother mourning the loss of another mother's child.

His Mom gave me a website to read about her son. This quote was published in the article. It was written shortly after his visit home in January.

There is a lot of down time at the patrol base and it's impossible not to think of home. Sometimes I wonder where I would be if I had gone straight to college like nearly everyone else. Honestly, I think the Army was the best decision for me, even though it sucks not being home to protect or give advice to my little sisters like an older brother should, or being able to kiss or even tell the girl that has done nothing but support and encourage me to be all that I can be "good night and that I love her". Even missing the small things like breakfast with my grandmother are hard. I can't wait until all that I have to worry about is making a 10:10 class....

There are many more children in our miltary. They are brothers and sisters. They are mothers and fathers. They are friends and lovers. They are the members of our armed forces. If you see them, tell them you support them. If you see their family or friends, tell them how proud you are of them. You do not have to support the politics in order to support the people affected. By all means, if you have a faith base, pray for them, pray regularly, pray diligently, pray.

Ryen recognized that the small details are some of the most important. If you are a regular reader, you know that is my philosophy as well. I challenge you to really focus on what you are doing today. Be fully in the moment. Pay attention to the smallest detail. Celebrate the day. You are not guaranteed tomorrow. Live today with that knowledge. I try to do this everyday. If you do this, you will find that your perspective on irritations will change. Remember - Focus - Celebrate - Forgive.

(the flag in the photo above was painted on recycled tin by a friend of mine, Liz Lampe. It hangs outside the barn that is becoming MaggieGrace Studio. I proudly say I am an American and I also proclaim one nation under God.)

Have a beautiful day. Hug someone you love. Tell someone they are beautiful. Laugh out loud. Celebrate something - no matter how small.

I have been so slack on thank yous.

When I got home yesterday, I found this on the counter. This is a rare occurance. Not the fact that there was a package, just that it was still sealed. My monsters know the people I share with regularly, and will open a package from MaryAnn or Vallen and call me and let me know what goodies await. This one was different. They were waiting for me because they did not recognize the return name and address. It was from Ann-Margaret and it was so pretty.

A cigar box. Fabulous graphics outside and in. Oh my, this is beautiful. A card that says "just because" -- all tied up in a pretty ribbon. Now the box would have been perfect all alone. I have a "thing" for boxes. And if you look closely, you will see an old sticker. What you can't see it that it says "capacitors (non polarized)" -- now this may mean nothing to you, but I went to college for electronics engineering technology and I worked in test and troubleshooting for industrial power supplies. I wrote manuals for assembly and test and installation/operation of power supplies to cable tv. I smiled when I saw this because I knew what a capacitor was. A fun reminder of my college days.

Goodies inside the box. ALL stuff I will use and the box will be used as well. Thank you so much.

Thank you also goes to a new blog buddy for me. Innocent Charms sent a really fun bracelet to me. Jen has sent stuff and it is my understanding that I have a package at the post office that will be requiring my signature (Molly) will pick it up Saturday morning.

There are not always pictures, but there are ALWAYS squeals of joy and exclamations of look at this. I am so appreciative of everything people do for me. I thank each one of you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you - thank you - thank you.

UPDATES : MaryAnn - I should be finishing up your fabric challenge this weekend or early next week. This has been so much fun for me. I have tried to be a little outside the expected on this one - so far I like what I have done. But no sneak peeks on this. Raesha - the tags for your swap will be mailed early next week. Vallen - I am still working on the mounted ATC for my swap partner. For all of you CIP girls, a package will probably go in the mail next week too. So - I am still busy, but I actually prefer to have something to do.

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

Peeks and Plans

If you could see my house right now, you would run - screaming- from the neighborhood. The living room and dining room are one huge room and since the studio is not finished, the dining room is craft and storage central. Molly is creating scrapbook pages. Abby's ball equipment is spread everywhere. Add my creative endeavors and then a thrifting run and a fabric outlet run. Crap is stacked everywhere. And we are not at home enough to spend quality dust bunny control time on it. Scary stuff.

So what is a creative soul to do when the workspace gets completely out of control. Move to another room --- right!!!! Both of these projects are on the kitchen counter. I don't cook much so why not. Last night I worked on my tags for Raesha's tag swap I am in. Stamps and embossing and tissue paper and glue. Another intense night of creation - a little Sizzix work and they will be complete and ready to send. As I worked on those, I noticed that I had run away from the dining room already this week.

The fabrics above are on the island. A Kaufman "Happy Trails" novelty print - love this fabric and the blue cotton that was my sole reason for the trip to the fabric warehouse. This is the reminder stack for a "cowboy" baby quilt. I am desperately trying to not start it, because I am so excited about it and I know it will take over and be the only thing I work on and there are other things I need to finish.

One of those things is sneak peeked here. I don't think the recipient is a regular reader, but just in case she happens by, I do not want to give it all away. Now take a look at these two pictures and tell me, do these things happen by accident. Blues and browns - I did not even realize I was leaning toward this in my work right now, but there you have it. Another WIP is for the Christmas in Progress list - and it has these colors too.

About color - I am leaning heavily on the truck tarp tan for the studio walls. Soft and neutral - it will play well with so much of my stuff. Now if I could just get that man to wire the building so we can finish the walls - any cajoling ideas folks???

I am getting ready to be out of town this weekend. Hopefully I will get some crafting time in too. We'll see.

I do hope you all have a fantastically beautiful day.

No One Turned into a pumpkin

Preparations begin early in the day. At the time this photo was taken, Dad had already earned some gold stars. The nail tech called me 30 minutes before Molly's appointment and they were on the way to the emergency room with a sick child. I was another state away, so Dad had to step out of his comfort zone and find a new nail salon for the missy. They did and her nails are beautiful. The complicated part of nails for Molly, she has a scarred nail from an injury and it can easily become infected so we have to be very careful about who works on her nails. Finding someone in our area who speaks and really understands English is difficult. But they did.

Then off to hair. 2 hours in the salon chair. Remember too, this is the south and after weeks of no rain, it has rained for two days. An entire can of hairspray. Even with that, these ringlets were wilting by the end of the photo session.

Took off to the Unversity of Georgia campus for pictures. We were quite the attention grabbers. Walking downtown, through the Human Rights Festival in their very formal attire. This photo was taken just to the right of the arch on Broad Street. With all the cameras we had with us, there are about 700 frames to pick from.

Molly went with 3 friends. Left to right - Zack, Brittany, Brittany, Molly. From here they went to dinner, seems some lovely older ladies asked them to stand and model their dresses at the restaurant. Zack was thrilled to be surrounded by beautiful girls. Prom, then a late night movie - Spiderman 3. They got home at 3am.

Mom was up until little missy called and let us know she was at the Ellisor's safely.

Seems like yesterday, they handed me this tiny creature. I still remember being terrified about taking her home. I had absolutely no idea how to be her mom. I wanted to beg to stay at the hospital, please. But they hand you that little one and send you off. And you do the best you can. And every day, thousands of decisions, hopefully the right ones. And you teach, by word, by example. And you love, and forgive, and trust. It's scary. It's rewarding. It's the most difficult job you will ever have and the pay scale really sucks. You must understand - it is the benefits package that make this job worthwhile. Look at the smiles, listen to the words dance through your heart, remember the scent of their skin, wipe the tears, celebrate the victories, comfort through the failures, and know that "this is my Mom" is all the recognition you need.

I did squeeze in some MaggieGrace work this weekend. I will share that as the week goes on.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.