Running........

I did it. Yes I did. (and the note above was in my arm band)

On June 23, 2009, I started bootcamp. I didn't die.

I was scheduled to run my first 5K in May, but the kidney cancer side trip in April took that out of my schedule.

In September, I was released to start bootcamp again.

After a few weeks, I decided to sign up for my first 5K again.

Saturday - December 4, 2010, I completed my first 5K.

I was sick on Friday. I ran a fever Friday night and Saturday morning. LBF asked what I was going to do - my answer - "I'm gonna run."

This was a very big deal to me. For a lot of reasons.

I set a goal of 45 minutes. One minute for each year of my age.

And I ran. Away from being fat. Away from being sick. Away from cancer. Toward a future filled with brightness and blessings. Towards setting small goals and attaining them. Towards the discipline of completing things I set my mind to.

I ran.

There is photographic evidence. There is even a tiny glimpse of a smile on my face as I spotted the finish line. There were people cheering and yelling. The Man at my Address was there. Friends were there. College Girl's Quiet Boy was there. (he ran too - a helluva lot faster than I did)

See that tripod. That is the clock. 3.2 miles. I could see the time - actually the time was all I could focus on. That little rectangular box was telling me that I finished under my goal - 1.91 minutes under my goal. Actual time 43:09. 215 people ran - I did not finish last either. 101 of 215. not too bad.

It was a very good moment. - College Girl missed it, but her Quiet Boy called her and within seconds of finishing, she sent a text. Thanks to both of you.

Then yesterday - College Girl and I dragged ALL the Christmas stuff from the attic. I have not seen all of it in one moment for several years. Check this nightmare out.

That is a dining room full - a hodgepodge of boxes. Some partially filled - hell - some even empty, their contents having been piled in another box.

It is ugly - it is crazy chaos - it is gonna be better - soon. I am matching things up and repacking boxes like they need to be. Tis the season.

Poor Man at my Address - January will involve a complete and scary attic clean out. Anybody wanna volunteer to help with that project?????

Another note. My dear friend - MaryAnn - just completed a year of giving. That's right 365 days of giving something - EVERY DAY. Being of the mindset that positive peer pressure is a great thing. I started my 365 days of giving yesterday. Any other takers --- I'm thinking a tiny little NICE boost is just what this world needs and I can do it in a small way. Just like she did.

Deck the halls - Christmas is a coming - this goose is getting the complete opposite of FAT.

Friday ......

Sick. (Not serious)

Sad. (Lost a dear friend)

Sore. (last night's workout)

See you guys Monday. Have a wonderful weekend.

Just Like Me

note - picture is from here.

MaryAnn gave me the word - Grace - for December. I am going to try and do a better job of posting again. Why? Because regular posting makes me more accountable and aware of my life.

This post kept me thinking way into last night. Grace according to one of Websters definition is to adorn. Well this post covers adornments - the kind that is spelled JEWELRY - KINDA.

I had a customer early yesterday morning. She met her plumber at the store. She was a very attractive lady. Slightly older than I am. Well dressed. I knew her family - she comes from what we would refer to as "old money." The kind of money that is not seriously affected by the current state of the economy.

Oh my, and she was wonderfully pleasant to work with. Thoughtful. Easy. Trusted me as the expert in what I was doing. She is replacing a few things in her home.

As we finished her selections, I commented on her ring. Honestly, it was stunning and I had noticed it immediately when she came in.

How can I title this post "JUST LIKE ME" you might ask yourself.

Well that simple comment of "your ring is so interesting" caused her face to light up. She began to tell me about the ring and other pieces of jewelry she was wearing. She was excited about sharing the stories behind it. Again you might ask the question "JUST LIKE ME?"

She was not bragging about the cost of anything she had on - although it was fine jewelry. See, my customer and her family just closed an old family business. And this beautiful, thoughful, sincere lady was starting over in her new and more authentic life. He family operated a jewelry store here for many years. She was in sales for fine jewelry. Again I say, she was not bragging.

My customer and now a new found friend - walked away from that family business and is now designing fine jewelry. The ring I commented on was her very first newly designed and brought onto the market ring. She was excited by my noticing. She told her story with enthusiasm. She shared her fears that no one would "get" her designs. She shared her uncertainty about moving on at this point in her life into a new vocation. She sounded JUST LIKE ME. In that moment God showed me that money means nothing, things mean nothing, status means nothing. Deep down where it really all matters is where I found my new friend. Someone who is JUST LIKE ME.

It affirms me when I get compliments on my creations. I do not hesitate to share the story. I have openly shared the challenges of my life. My creations are so far from the price point of what my customer is doing, but the heart and soul of each piece is so very much the same.

And that my friends - make my new found friend very much - JUST LIKE ME.

Grace is also defined as a pleasing quality. I got to see that side of my new friend.

All that GRACE found me a new friend.

Pretty cool I'm thinking.

GATHER.... A conclusion of November's word.

Image is a scan of floss cards I picked up in a grab bag over the weekend. You are welcome to use as you would like, But if you make something really fun, please send me a picture or a link so I can ooh and ahh over your creations.

As you regular readers know, MaryAnn and I are doing a word collaboration. November was my month to pick the word and I chose -- GATHER.

Initially MaryAnn was like - dangit, I'm trying to purge. But after a few texts we went with my word.

Little did I know how profound this was going to be.

NOTE - You can look at the pretty thread holders and copy the picture and quit, but I want this recorded, and since MaggieGrace is my entire being - here we go.

I chose GATHER, because I knew my family would do just that for Thanksgiving, which we did. My family is not very openly sentimental about things, but my heart has been so full of the blessings I recognized because of the C word, I wanted more from this years days. So I GATHERED my courage and opened myself to the ridicule of those closest to me. On Thanksgiving day I opened my heart to those around my table, I poured my feelings of gratitude and love out for them to hear. I asked if anyone else wanted to share anything and I got SILENCE in return. For a moment I was stunned, then hurt, then (maybe because I really had no expectations on this activity) I was blessed by the reality that my Mom was there and healthy and active. I was blessed that College Girl was there for us to tease about her food not "touching" on her plate. I was blessed that Softball Princess was laughing and teasing and wondering why we don't have pecan pie "all the time." I was blessed that the Man at my Address puts up with all my crazy and bizarre (to him) ideas. And that even if they did not know how to share their feelings with me, I AM BLESSED TO HAVE THEM GATHERED AROUND ME.

In addition to that little experiment, I also GATHERED up three loads of donated stuff and got it our of my house.

I GATHERED all of my craft/decor/gotta keep magazines and have them all in one place.

I GATHERED all of my ideas for redoing my bathroom and laundry room area into one big folder and am well on my way to actually doing that redo.

I GATHERED what few things MaggieGrace had completed and participated in an art market.

I GATHERED pecans and put them in the freezer (yes, Softball Princess will get some pie soon).

I GATHERED my stupid moments and combined them into the stupid idea to run my first 5K. (this Saturday.)

I GATHERED a few supplies for a project into a wonderful tote and have been working on these projects (more later).

I GATHERED a lot, mentally, emotionally, and physically this month. It was a good month.

Now I have a feeling the month of December may be even more enlightening. MaryAnn chose our word.

Decembers word is GRACE. Come on - play along if you wanna

Holidays

My Thanksgiving Holiday was wonderful. Low key and relaxed. Time for the huge thanksgivings I lifted for so many blessings. Reflective heartfelt thanksgivings.

MaggieGrace has been a little absent of late. Nothing wrong - just busy. So in addition to a wonderful meal - I did a little cleaning in the studio (more like a lot) I need to paint a dresser and I had to make room for working on it.

I can't wait to show you what has arrived at our little house. It's a part of something - but I am still excited to have just these parts.

The Man at my Address and I slipped off for the day on Saturday. We took off to The Brasstown Valley Spa and Resort for a juried art and craft show. Had a wonderful time. We met up with Tipper and her friend Jackie. That was fun.

I also snagged a bag of seam binding and thread at an antiques store. I'll be scanning some of that for you in the next few days.

But I did DO some creating as well.

I had these cropped pants that I had outgrown. I only wore them once when I got them. I had a little tumble, broke my foot, and ripped the pants. I really liked them but I stuffed them in the mending pile and left them. Then I got really fat. (you know that story)



Well now I am losing all that weight and I tried these on and can wear them again. I decided to MaggieGrace fix them. That above is the little hole.

This is the pretty repair. A crocheted tiny circle (about the size of a dime) stitched on.

The bigger tear ( I seriously damaged my knee on this spill)

And its pretty little repair. Now these are hanging in the closet just waiting for warmer weather. Happy girl. Took all of an hour to make these and stitch them on. Now why do we put this kind of thing off?

I'm focusing on a nice relaxing December. Since others do the Christmas program at the church, I am really enjoying my spare time.

I hope you and your are having a wonderful day. My life is full of blessings.

Camo...

The guy on the left is Steve. (His son , Jay on the right.) He's the store manager where I run the showroom. While some consider us as equals on the chain of command, I call him the boss.

The boss is one of those sly - crafty - think aesop fables guys. Our store is full of fun and practical jokes all the time.

Well - we just finished a MAJOR showroom renovation and the boss and I had HOURS of working closely through the process....

Now let me mention - I HATE TO PAINT. I also have done ALL OF THE PAINTING associated with the renovation.

We have spent hours of this with me muttering about hating to paint. There is another coworker who dod not work as closely with the renovations. I have repeatedly said to the boss "I will not paint ______'s office unless I can paint it hot pink. However I will paint your office any way you choose." WELL................... early last week the boss comes to me with that crafty little smile and says "I know what I want in my office. A camoflage wall. " I rolled my eyes. To which he responded "need I remind you......."

Did I mention that I HATE TO PAINT? He handed me a picture and I researched and researched. Thus became the project known now as "3 COLOR DESERT STORM CAMO" I alos bought a hat at our local army surplus store.

I found bits and pieces of the pattern and put it all together in a sketch. Enlarged the sketch and cut a stencil out of poster board. Then the fun began.

Paint his office the same grey green that the other areas now carry. Lay off a grid pattern on the wall with chalk.

Look carefully and you will see the penciled stencil tracings. Trace it over and over with a pencil.

Then paint. And paint. And paint. (remember that HATE TO PAINT thing) Well ......

I really do not mind this kind of painting. This kind appeals to my artsy fartsy side. And I am somewhat accustomed to large scale background types of paintings.

It was quiet in the office - Saturday and Sunday afternoon and evening. I found myself relaxed, happy, painting, and praying. I prayed generally for our armed service personnel. I prayed specifically for my neices husband - Kevin Lucas. I prayed for Steve's son, Jay. I prayed for my buddy, MaryAnn's, daddy - Bruce. It was a good way to spend that time.

And ta-da........

I hate this wall - it is so freakin' redneck. But I am pleased with how it turned out. Does that make sense? It is exactly as I planned it. It completed the full cycle of the project. It makes my boss regret coming up with a challenge he thought I would not complete.

Now I am off to be very very thankful. To spend time with family and other loved ones. To rest. To clean my studio. There will be no black Friday shopping for me. Just a restful relaxing long weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving ---- enjoy.

Snow.......

edit - to add - the link for the snowflake instructions
http://cherishedvintage.blogspot.com/2009/12/paper-snowflakes.html

Nothing like a last minute decision. When we didn't go to Memphis this past weekend, I called Lannae and offered my help with the Madison County Art Market. Her response was "bring your stuff and set up a table."

I had not finished a single thing since I pulled out of this Market earlier.

So Friday night, I GATHERED a few things that I had made up. This was not terribly difficult, because I pack them in boxes and keep them together anyway. I loaded my table and a table cloth.

Then decided to made some of the complicated looking (yet very simple actually) paper snowflakes.


As I made them on Friday night, I hung them from my dining room chandelier. This will become more important later in my post.

I made some from an old music dictionary and some from hymnal pages. After finishing several, I cut the squares to carry with me and make more on site. (this was an excellent decision)

Here is a music note one. I sold every last one of these - quickly. I literally made snowflakes at my table ALL DAY.

The dictionary page ones were not as popular, but they did well too. I will be making more of these to sell, thus I will be looking for more thrifted hymnals. If I can find some bigger sheet music, I may offer some bigger ones as well - I made 10 inch ones and 8 inch ones this time. I also made a few 6 inch ones, they are a pain to curl and glue.

I sold out of soldered charms - and almost of spoon pendants. I also sold MAJESTY - my button angel. and several composition books.

It was a good show - even though I was far from ready for it.

Now onto the part about hanging the completed ones from my light fixture.

At some point during the evening, Dad let the monster below into the house for the night.

Dang - she's a pretty dog. Spoiled rotten too.

Well - she came thru the dining room door and screeched to a halt. Tilted her head up at the snowflakes dancing in the air from the heat blower, and proceeded to bristle from nose to tail and bark.

The heat would go off and she would calm down. Back on and the movement started and she would nut up again. It was hilarious.

Ok - we are easily entertained anyway.

This week finds me back in the studio - making some comissioned pieces from the Market and generally starting the replenishing of finished goods.

Have a great Monday.

Wading in......

this is one of those thinking posts. You are welcome to look at the pretty picture and go on. But I also would love for you to wade on in with me.

I have tons to be grateful for.

I have my job. For now. Like all Americans watching the economy, I am aware that could change.

I have my home. It isn't a huge showplace, but we love it and we are getting to sleep with a roof over our head.

The cars we drive are all paid for - used - high miles - paid for.

I have some debt. It has been bigger and heavier. I has been hard as hell digging out of the hellhole that stupidity and circumstances brought us into. I see progress everyday on getting out of that hole. For that I am grateful.

My girls are healthy and happy and seemingly well adjusted. While we have had our moments, I am blessed that those moments were really easy by comparison to what others deal with.

My mother and The Man's parents are with us. We have lost some we loved. We are planning holiday celebrations that include family and friends. There will be laughter. Maybe a few tears as we remember.

Here is where we dive on in.....

I am alive and well. Everything ain't perfect but I got to see the sun come up this morning.

Ready?????

How can I be happy? How can I have so much joy? Why did cancer not take it all out of me? How did losing Daddy, Nanny, Grandma, Grandpa, Mama Norvan, Nathan, Max and on and on - not destroy me? How does debt not swallow me whole? How is it that fear didn't paralyse me? Wouldn't it be easier not to love? Maybe easier to just sit in the chair and mope?

Because - that sign at the top represents so much.

For one - GOD LOVES ME MORE. Everyday - He gives me what I need?

Two - I LOVE ME MORE. Boy, now that is a self important statement if there ever was one. Not really. I could be that way. Selfish. All about making sure I don't get hurt. But hey - there is no fun in living that way.

I have shared laughter and heartache and fear with family and friends. I have supported them and they have supported me. And hello - I have been crazy happy and inspired in their company.

I look forward to being and sharing and supporting and praying and _____ and ______ and____, with family and friends in the future.

because three - I LOVE YOU MORE. Hiding from happiness and joy, living in fear and expecting the next disaster are just no fun.

Sure the next phone call may be bad news - but it can just as easily be great news or an opportunity to have a ton of giggles and fun.

That is who I am and who I want to continue to be. There are way too many blessings to focus on, and that my friends is exactly what Im gonna do.

The holidays are coming. I'm celebrating the fact that I get to celebrate with my loved ones. We will laugh and spread good cheer. I refuse to give too much credit to all that that almost took it away in April. Sure it was bad news - CANCER - and it was a very big deal. Very few know just how bad it was. How close I came to losing because of it. But I didn't and that alone is worth looking forward instead of looking back.

You gonna celebrate with me? Or sit in the chair and expect the next disaster.

You really do get to choose.

inspired - resourceful - easy

You never really know where an inspiration picture will lead.

For instance....


This bedding picture is hanging out in my tumblr blog.

I have been looking at the monster pile of fabric that I have managed to hoard and clipping ideas to use some of it. It is now cold weather so I was thinking a quilt would be quite fun to do. And I loved the colors. But not yet......

However.......

I did have this hideous gold frame that I took down in the showroom renovation. It has been hanging out in the way in my studio for a few months. (I really mean in the way because I had to move it to get to anything I needed off my main shelf) I had changed it from scary ugly 80s art when I redid some things in the sotre 5 years ago. I did that random woven ribbon over silk then - but it didn't work with the new colors.

I had moved it and moved it when it got on my last nerve the other night and I decided to "dammit do something" with it.

I stripped it of ribbons. Gathered a few things. Spray paint. Spray adhesive. Iron on hem tape (purchased WRONG by yours truly) and paper.

Using the same mat board - I figured a layout with my pretty papers. Attached them with spray adhesive. Hid some wonky seams with hem tape.

Spray paint the frame.

Reassemble and ......

Hang over my desk at work.

It is pretty and functional now -

Dry erase markers - mean it is a fab memo board.

Most definitely NOT in my way anymore.

Love love love.

See - I can still make things.

I'm trying ..... and GATHER is the word for November

Dang it. Trying to get back to the regularly scheduled posting here. But things are simply crazed in our life right now.

Marketing at work.

Senior Athlete winding down a season. And ramping up for the next season.

College Athlete winding down a season.

Plus doctor visit after doctor visit - damn all the waiting.

The house has suffered tremendously from my illness and then all the activity away from home. On Saturday, I literally attacked the laundry mountain and it took ALL DAY.

Let's not even discuss the state of the studio. I kinda just close my eyes or turn my head when I go in there.

I pulled out of the Art Market because we were going to Memphis to see College girl run. Now it looks like we may not go. Oh well.

I did work my way through the Nester's 31 day series to a less messy nest. Interpret that as I read every post and made notes that pertained to me. Now to apply those notes in a real true life way.

Well .... I am starting to do just that.

See this armoire...... (sorry - cell phone picture)



It was FREE. God I love that word. It is in my dining room and it was full of junk. (ehemm - craft stuff) When I moved to the studio I left some CRAP in there. Then the man started his own junk (ehemm man stuff) stash there.

Sunday afternoon I pulled it all out in the dining room floor. I put the coolers in the shed. I sorted and put away the remaining man stash and craft stuff. Leaving me a box of soccer award balls and my CRICUT cutter. WHOOOO HOOOOO!.

Now I could follow one of Nester's suggestions. "Don't put things where they belong, put them where they go." See we pile coats in the kitchen - the dining room - the living room. Where ever they land as we come in the house.

So I added hangers - and I GATHERED all the coats and jackets that were lying around. Now there is a place for them in the room where we drop them.



There have been references to Mr Rogers and his OCD sweater thing. Got some smart a$$ people in my house. Bet none of you have those.

Slowly climbing my way back to the blog world. I miss you guys.

Have a wonderful day.

Snuggly ...

It's cold and rainy here. The best kind of weather for soup. Blankets. And snuggling.


Oops - I see dust bunny delivery room activity under the tv cabinet.

Lucky for me that stunning pup in the picture above loves to snuggle.

Yes, she is allowed on the furniture. Sorry to those who are not critter lovers.

So this is where I spent some time last night. Before the softball princess booted me off the sofa. Just so you know - Poe Poke (Poca) got to keep her spot.

Snuggle somebody you love - this is a great time of year for that activity.

Beautiful way to spend an evening.

Well -it's over

Softball Princess team played their last game of the season on Friday night at the State Tournament. They took 4th place in the AAAA division. 4 out of 98 and we are the smallest school in the division.

Not only was it the last game of the season - it was the last high school game for 8 players and two managers - including Softball Princess.

Check out the red noses, swollen eyes, and tear stained faces of the three in this picture.


Yes - even the Man at our Address shed a few. As did many many more people in this crowd.

I don't have a whole lot to say about this. I'm simply in a strage place emotionally with it. After all she's my baby girl. Now we start the search for a college to call her next home.

So I'm jumping onto goodies.

I grabbed a ring of old keys at an antique mall between two of the games. Jewelry to come.

My favorite in the picture above - the "ram head" cutout one in the center.

Favorite in the ones above - the heart shaped cutout on the far right.

More to come in the next few days as my emotions settle down.

I have a beautiful life -- teresa

making things

I saw these over at Anthropologie. Fell in love with the idea of these. Especially the little scallops across the end. I have a pair of wrist warmers that Vallen sent me a long time ago. I have worn them and worn them. They are great. I wear gloves occasionally, but I like the open end of my warmers.

But you know how it is. I wanted to figure out some way to accomplish both. Wrist warmer - scallops. Thumb opening. but in crochet. I do not know how to knit.

Well on the way to Molly's crosscountry meets, I decided to figure something out. I had thrifted Lion Brand Wool Ease yarn in the travel bag, along with a number 4 hook.

I crocheted and took notes on a receipt that I had crammed into the cup holder in the car. How's that for true confession.

the notes read just like this 47 - 22 - 10- 14

means not one thing to anyone else. But here is the result

Each hand is a one piece construction from start to finish. I have changed the 10 to a 15.

For those who want to try these, here is the explanation - chain 47. then 22 rows of plain old double crochet. (determined by wrapping the block repeatedly around my own arm.) After 22 rows, I did the scallops across the end of one side of the rows. 5 dc in every other row end with a slip stitch in the alternating row end. Fold in half and slip stitch the side closed 15 slip stitches together - 14 slip stitches on just one side (makes the thumb hole) then finish closing the sleeve. At the end of the sleeve, I chained three and then did a straight dounble crochet around the end.

Here is the view of one one - sorry about the pictures - both of these pair left with college girl and I did not take pictures. She made cell shots for me.


Go back and look at that first picture - the Anthro glove. I put the scallops on the wrong end. But I still love these. As did Molly's coach and one of the other mom's - I simply handed these to College Girl and told her to give them to the two who requested them.

These are so very easy - and fairly quick. Like the beanie hats - I can make these up pretty readily. There will be more.

For those who need better written instructions - BellaMcBride sells some in her etsy shop.

The link goes to her blog - but you can link out from there.

I hope you all have a great weekend. Im gone for a few days. Softball Princess and her team are playing in the State Softball tournament.

See you next week.

I double dog dare you......

So MaggieGrace (aka Mother Teresa) is struggling. What do you do when struggling, you send a text to your friend - Very Mary. VM - is a very good friend - and she instantly reminded me to DO SOMETHING DARING.

See we are doing this word thang every month. October's word was chosen by Very Mary and she chose DARING.

I don't do DARING well. I want to. I wish I could. But MaggieGrace is a pleaser. She really wants to fit in. She wants her kids and their friends to like her. She wants her husband to be happy. Work - let's please don't wear anything that might cause scrutiny or God forbid someone to think her overly sexy- or even comment in that direction. Oh - and mortification if by some chance the attire could be considered people of Walmart dot com appropriate. That just ain't MaggieGrace.

But I am a good sport and can laugh at myself. I also am taking this word challenge seriously.

So I have dared myself.

To be honest about how I feel - with myself and those around me. No swallowing hurts - no swallowing frustrations - no swallowing irritations. This has been traumatic for some - but hey - I don't feel like a doormat. Although - the handprints on the wall over the mens room toilets at work - those have been labeled my pet peeve and much joking and fake handprints have resulted from my inquiry about why men prop on the wall.

I dared to stop waiting. If I can handle it myself, I make one request of another party, then I will just do it myself. I quickly fixed the kitchen door lock myself after waiting for months and griping about it. A little WD40 made me and the softball princess so so so so so happy.

I am working thru the 31 days series with all the ladies over at Nester's place. This has been an awesome challenge - particularly the 31 days of grace posts.

Finally - on Saturday the Princess had a Region banquet. I was really feeling blue, so I DARED do something out of character for me. I put on a black skirt - a red sweater - very softball mom attire.

Then I added really fun - RED AND BLACK FISHNET STOCKINGS. The Man at My Address freaked. I wore them anyway. They made me feel bold. They made me feel like I was doing something rebellious. Dammit - it made me feel good.


I did not wear two different shoes - I was doing the which one thing here.

And today - I ordered some more fun hose and leggings from www.sockdreams.com

I DARED be bolder. I like this feeling.

Go over here to see what VERY MARY dared do.

Oh and it is my turn to pick. November's word will be GATHER.

I have a beautiful life.

bouncing ....

Sorry - didn't mean to go mia again.

I seem to be struggling with some heavy emotions right now.

The horribly blurry picture of the poca dog was taken Saturday on the way home from the vet. She rides wonderfully, but is in steady motion the entire time. She also does not mind the trip to the vet. They are so good and she just goes right in. Good thing, because she is staying with them this weekend.

Softball Princess team made the Elite 8 Level of the State Tournament. So softball is a priority right now. Every game is emotional, because this is her Senior year and we are closing in on the end of the season.

Can we also go ahead and say - OMG what am I going to do with her daddy this time next year. He is almost a nut case right now too. They have traveled so much together for softball and travel tournaments. It is great that we (he) was able to do this, but it makes it so hard to realize that she is about to move up and on into the next phase of her life.

Last week we got the first college acceptance letter for her. I am so not ready for this.

College Girl was home this weekend and we had a surprise "date night" with her. Seems the boyfriend had to work, so we graciously stepped into being her date. It was wonderful to have her undivided attention. But, then she drops the news about grad schools she is emailing and talking to advisors about. Places like CalTech and Nebraska and MIT. You know - places a long long way from home.

All of this following very closely on the heels of my "surprise" tour earlier this year.

I feel lost - adrift - like others are okay planning for the future, but being fearful of making too many plans myself.

So I bounce - much like the dog in the car - from window to window - door to door. Reacting to the latest request for my time or attention.

I text MaryAnn about some of this on Saturday - and she reminded me that our word for this month is DARE. I'll be closing the month tomorrow with how I DARED to do some things this month and how I've been affected.

Til Tomorrow my friends - the crazy nutcase leaves you with this ---

I really do have a beautiful life. Love. More. Most. Mutual.

A stunning fall day.....

Up really early Saturday morning. A crisp 34 degrees registers on my car thermometer. It's 6:30 AM and the man and I are on the road. Heading to Spartanburg, SC to watch College Girl in her cross country meet.

She was running at the Miliken Research Park. Ok peeps - this place is beautiful. Nestled in an industrial park - it is also unexpected.

I've been pushing myself too hard - as confessed before - I suffer from the disease called OVER COMMITTMENT SYNDROME. As a result, I am running on empty.



Look over behind the trees in the picture above. That is the parking area. We walked from there all over this park to watch the race. College Girl took a full minute off her previous personal best time.

It was still cool when we arrived, but as the sun came up, the day was stunning. I was enjoying just being out in the sun, with nothing really to do. Cross country meets are not craft friendly - you walk and move about the entire time. However, I was concerned about a struggle I've been having internally.

I was committed to do the Artist Market this November. I am making things. I am forcing myself to the studio after long tiring days at work. I am sick of doctors office waiting rooms. I am struggling with the adrenal fatigue issue of the nephrectomy. I am still reeling mentally and emotionally from the entire "surprise you have kidney cancer" road trip. Fear and uncertainty disturb my sleep - a lot. Again I say -- running on empty. Plus I really really want to focus on some projects at my house. Just an exhausting internal battle.

A closer view of those gorgeous trees - more on that later.

Well - after the race - coach informs College Girl that her time qualified her to race at the regionals. She is a first year runner - her very first 5K ever was in April - and to qualify as the faster girl on the team this first year is huge. I was talking to some parents when she rushed over to tell me the news.

Dad, Softball Princess, Me, and maybe the Barefoot Boy will be taking off to Memphis, TN for regionals.


Isn't this fallen branch beautiful? I love the color of these seed pods. I want some of these trees.

God works wonderful blessings. God takes care of us even when we screw that task up for ourselves. Regionals are the same weekend as the Artist Market. In the split second that she told us the great news, I decided to drop out of the Market.

I fretted over the phone call to the organizer - and my wonderful friend Lannae. But I called her and explained the good news/ bad news thing to her. She is first a mother to her boys so she understood the reason I was dropping out.

But what about the stuff I have made / am making? Well - I am going to sell it still, just in different places etc. I'll post some here. I'll do a local farmers market table. I'll carry some in the car with me.

The amazing thing about this whole scenario, is how peaceful the decision is.

Yes the trip is a long one - Memphis is about 8 hours from here. But we will spend the morning at her meet, then the rest of Saturday just doing things. Drive back on Sunday. What is also amazing is that I made that decision, then had my most productive Sunday afternoon in the studio. Crazy.

Thank you Lannae for understanding the mama side of me. I think God worked this out for my best interest right now.

And about the trees - Chinese Flame Trees. Apparently very hardy here. I picked up that broken branch and planted a few of the seeds from these pods. If they grow I'll have these beauties out behind my big barn. To use my Local Best Friend's phrase, we'll see.

Have a great day.

A Long, Long Time Ago

There was a girl who met a man. Yup, you read that right. I was 14 the night I met The Man at my Address, he was 23. Don't go there.

The night I met him, I thought he was the rudest, most snobby, stuck on himself male I had ever met. Cute yes - but all those other things too. That was Friday night. Saturday night found me and my friends back at their campsite and I discovered that he was really just very shy - quiet - reserved. There was food and fire and conversation and an invitation to sit with him.

He can describe my outfit from that Friday night in great detail.

Fast forward to meeting my parents - man was that a fight when my Dad discovered his age.

That was June 1980. In September, I lost my Dad to an accident. I called The Man's house and left a message. He showed up at my house and has been around ever since. Every dating rule my mother issued was obeyed.

She says now that he cannot say one thing about how I turned out because he helped raise me.

On October 12, 1985, I married The Man At My Address. During Football season. Clemson and Georgia played each other that afternoon. I remember this, because the groomsmen went to the game and almost didn't make it back in time for the wedding. The man was deathly ill with vertigo.

But late that night, we found ourselves a young married couple. Dirt poor. Me fresh out of college. Him slightly better off financially, but starting from scratch in a single wide mobile home on a rented spot of property.

There have been many times I wished we could go back to those days.



Happy 25th Anniversary to the Man at my Address.

He is still very quiet. Many people think he is rude. The total opposite of me. But here we are.

There will be no big party for the silver year. State Softball Playoffs. There will be no big trip for the silver year. Surprise you have kidney cancer took all the vacation time.

Today is but one of the many days that make up a marriage. One at a time. Beautiful moments. Tearful moments. Scary moments. Moments where you lean really hard on one another. Moments where the distance between you feels like continents. Days where the choices are easy. Days where the choices are hard. Nights where you feel safe and sure. Nights where you pray hard all night.

Those all add up to 25 years of time together. 25 years of love.
We are the same couple and yet we are a different couple now than when these pictures were taken.

I am really glad he was my companion on this ride.

Happy Anniversary Mr Atkinson! May there be many more.

Much love from your little girl.

i still make things

What the crap is with blogger today?

Take a look - I do still make things. These are a couple of altered composition books.




This is a cameo detail - the cameo came in a grab bag of goodies that I ordered online. Several have been made into some jewelry, but this one - I decided he belongs on my "DEAD ROCK STAR" journal. The cover for this is from an album sleeve (remember those people) that i spritzed with glimmer mist. there is also a tiny snippet of an album cover.


These are fun RED glitter snowflakes. I love them. They are perfect for the red merry Christmas paper.

i'm struggling to get my head above water right now. too much going on. Yes - I suffer from over committment syndrome.

Have a great day.

I'm still here... Just hammered

But I want to let you in on my latest greatest idea.

Many of you are familiar with Silver Bella, I'm sure. How about Dave Ramsey? Well I am planning my own event.

I held a high level human resources meeting. I am actively recruiting seminar leaders. These leaders will be the biggest and best in their field. Marketing will be next. There are still several technical challenges to overcome. I'm thinking I will need a much larger venue for this program, because I know you will all want to participate.

See, I am planning on holding a training session for money.


I have recruited all of the dust bunny leaders at my house to teach their excellent multiplication (propagation) (fertilization) (sexual activity resulting in major family expansions) skills to the money that manages to come into my house.

Damn I hope that the money takes good notes.

What do you think? Do you want to attend?

Details to follow.......

Have a wonderful day.....

my apologies for references to legitimate groups in what is purely a fun intended message.

VeryGood

I'm starting with a scripture today, but only because I got the massage loud and clear when I heard this one.

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning - the sixth day. Genesis 1:31 NIV

I'm working my way through the 31 Days series, not realizing when I started that there would be deep personal evaluations of myself. How do my habits contribute to the chaos in my house? That is a hard ass question. But deep within I know the answer. It is painful and it is personal, but I wrote it in my notes. And naming that demon has already taken some of its power away.

One of the 31 day series is on better photos. The pictures here are just me getting to know my camera better.

Auto Setting - no flash. Too dark. Look at how chipped my daily plates are. They also do not match. However, some of these plates were purchased and put in my hope chest one at a time through a grocery store promo more than 25 years ago. They have seen daily use for 25 years of married life.

Add a flash to auto mode. This is a better picture. And I wonder just how many meals those plates have seen.

Then I tried the upclose and personal auto setting on my handy dandy pocket camera. Blurry and grainy.

Then I changed to manual mode - Still need to work on this - but you know what - I'm learning.

Now back to that scripture - How many of us are worried about getting things perfect? How much stress comes from trying to keep that appearance of perfection? How many of us worry that when someone comes to visit - they will see the imperfections in our home? How many of us keep people at arms length because they might see the imperfections in us?

Go back up there and read the words again -- God made it and he saw that it was "very good". No need for perfection - if very good is good enough for God's own creation surely I will be ok not being perfect.

Add to this - agree - disagree -

Comments - questions -

I have a beautiful life and I am gaining on having a somewhat organized home. Wish me luck.