Autumn tea on the porch

Who am I?

2010-07-21T10:19:00.005-04:00

I am who I was, only now a few years older- a friend of my sisters, the little red vase reminds me each morning of their love

I love tea and roses- though not in that order

my mom's daughter- her memory lingers on- fishing on the reservoir , a woman once young, an early home long forgotten

Inspired by colors,
Heart warmed by family and friends neither of them believe me when "I say I see you almost every single day!"

a mom who remembers little hugs, and little hands- then tears touch my eyes- I need to focus on today- and not was once was

I AM A child of God, saved by Grace and lost in His Love! Bathing me in the newness of each morning- I breathe the echoes of his plan for today and know it is good!

A time for every season

2010-07-14T17:36:00.003-04:00

Thought I would jot down some of my thoughts lately. I have never been one to be internally concerned about aging- my theory is that it is just part of life- move on! For some reason this past month I have been plagued by recurring thoughts of getting older. Perhaps it was the fact that we had to move my mother in law in an assisted living facility, or that the doctor told me I had early cataracts, my recent illness (and meds) or my joking spouse saying we are "NOT middle aged any longer, but are OLD now!"- regardless the thoughts have plagued me, and I have found myself in an emotional place that I haven't frequented in YEARS... and I didn't like it.
So I took myself by the boot straps and said- "shake yourself off! and move on!" So I am.
It is a reality that my mother, father and brother passed away in their 70's- and when I realized that my oldest granddaughter has already lived more years than how many years before I am the age they were upon death!!! OH! UGH!- I admit- I stood still for a bit and looked at it.. grieved a bit with the knowledge! BUT my parent's smoked heavily, and I don't. Also most of our relatives that didn't smoke (or smoked for only a couple of years) lived to be in their 90's plus! They didn't all eat the 'healthy' way our society screams about either. But they did live and made efforts to continue to be a productive person in their environment. Now my brother- though he might have smoked a few years while in the service, he lived the HEALTHY way of life- he was active, watched what he ate, and said what he thought! Lung Cancer was found by accident- why he got it? unlucky... who knows..but I was reminded that while my brother's children looked at their dad with bleak diagnosis- he fought, and returned to a very active life, making a difference where he could and lived for 2 full years- In the middle of those 2 years their healthy mother, 20 years my brother's junior was killed suddenly in a plane crash- would she have lived differently if she knew the end was around the corner?
I AM reminded that life is short- we are here one minute, and gone the next. People die every day, and even those who have all the fame,power, and money - they too cannot add a day to their life that hasn't been given to them by a Loving Father. None of us get out of this world alive, and none of us are guaranteed our tomorrows....
so today as I read Jabez's prayer (1 chronicles 4:10)- I read it for me, asking God that He would bless me indeed, and to enlarge my borders specifically my vision, wisdom, creativity.(and how to share that with others)... and that His hand would be with me, keeping me from evil, and that I would NOT cause pain to another.
So to those who love me and wondered why I was a bit out of sorts- thanks for bearing with me! I have faith for a good tomorrow- no matter what the day brings! I know that I know that the strength I need for the moments WILL be there!

Musings

2010-06-27T09:20:00.002-04:00

The house is quiet with echoes of "Poppa! Poppa!" ringing in the room. Suitcases gone, pack and play empty, Mac computer gone, no bright smiles to greet my morning tea.This though is life and I want more than anything for my children to move on, to grasp hold of the hope of the future, having vision and courage to step out and meet their destiny. It isn't always easy for a parent to let their children go- but my heart knows its right- their future, their lives are in the hands of one mightier than I, one who loves them more than I, and one who wants them to know all that He has planned for them- good and not bad. We are only graced with them for such a short time, we watch them crawl, then walk, and before we know it they are running. If we look carefully we can watch wings develop, and before we know it they are running to catch the wind so they can fly and soar with the breeze taking them to new heights- heights we cannot bring them to.
Oh they might come crashing down on wings made of paper, but we know how to encourage them to use the wings He is creating, and what a pleasure to see them soar again- on His wings of Love.
God Grant me the wisdom and the strength to continue to encourage all of them to soar and go places without me- to find the destiny of their lives fulfilled in your plans. Grant me peace in staying behind and watching them move on.

Things i wished my Ortho told me

2010-05-21T11:42:00.004-04:00

She had been complaining about her foot hurting, so why was she limping with her knee locked? Then I remembered we ALL do it- we silly human beings tend to compensate for pain- its normal. Abdominal pain? Knees come up, or we bend over to help relieve our discomfort. Sometimes we overcompensate- like locking our knee when our foot hurts- oh well. Let me go back to my original statement-"Things I wish my Ortho had told me!"
I have had knee pain or knee problems for years. Over the years I knew that my ever increasing weight did nothing but add to my problems, but I didn't know how I was increasingly compensating for my pain.
1. When you are walking in chronic pain- you will compensate by using other muscles- and risk inflammation of supporting ligaments, and muscles in your hips, knees, feet, and back. Remind us of this- offer suggestions of how to deal with keeping active (like remind us to remember to walk with our shoulders over our hips, not with our upper body out in front trying to pull the rest of the body forward)
2. PT is not always the answer- some people have a problem with overdoing it, and not knowing when pain says 'stop doing that' Water Therapy is something that alot of us can do without causing more problems.
3. With increasing pain and with each passing year, you run the risk of losing your core muscle strength- recommend taking Pilates classes- or something that works at maintaining your core muscle strength
4. When it hurts like heck to stand up and walk, it is not unusual for us to hold our breath for the first few steps until we can get into a rhythm and walk with tolerable pain. This eventually leads to shallow breathing- we need to practice deep breathing (something Pilates will also help with )
5. Stretching- is important...when we are in pain, especially with knee pain, our compensating may lead to partial weight bearing, and then to a contracture in the knee, because we don't put full weight in the normal walking posture- which will make for problems when we get our total knee.
6. When we are in chronic pain, we don't always know how to ask for something to help us deal with it- ask how our pain is being helped. If we are taking only over the counter meds, remind us:
what normal 24 hour dosage is,
to take at least 8 oz of water with ibuprofen.
what the long term complications can be from taking these meds.
7. Don't just tell us to "lose wt" - have someone on your staff to work with us to see where the problems are- is it just diet?, or exercise? or does stress play a factor?
8. After total knee surgery, you will need to get new walking shoes. (not immediately but when you start to resume a pretty normal life). Those walking shoes you had before surgery wore according to your compensating gait and weight distribution- things change when you have no pain.

I guess after it is all said and done- we all want to be healthy, and not just a number with a complaint , and I think experiences at our Orthopedic doctor offices can be improved to help us improve our state of well being.

A new year! A new decade! A new season!

2010-01-04T15:21:00.002-05:00

as i look in the past year, the past 10 years and the past 60 years i am content to let it all go; but first a brief glimpse
a year of pleasure, of family and love- lots of love! esp from the little people- of fun, of hope, of people that don't include me, and people that do, of sorrows, and joy, of roadtrips, and airplane trips, of health and some sickness, of laughter, of anger, of offenses, of words unspoken, of words spoken too much, of forgiveness,of grace,of releasing a thing or two,
of changing of my days, of the dawn of retiring, the dawn of the days of a different season.
10 years holds the same, only on a much grander scale... more family, more friends were gathered and a few let go... i hoped for my hiking days to would increase with the years, but symba and those trails went along with my tears...... of learning to live without family and friends near, and finding a friend and a protector right by my side, ..... new countries, new family members, new living quarters 5 times!...(and i think now final).... finding a chef in the house...now that is good!
upon reflection-now i see, and know that sometimes i struggle with so much...and it is all needless.
while i wonder about my absence from other people's minds, i am blessed with some memories and pictures too, and then i am tempered with wisdom by one full of grace- to trust it ALL to HIM- he knows my past, he knows my future, and best of all he holds me in his hand! and i trust him.!! i have to trust him,
he is all i have, all i want, and all i need-
he is wisdom- for a word spoken in season
he is strength for a weariness unspoken
he is laughter in the heart of this child
he is truth
he is balm to my aching bones
he is my source
he is my hope
he is the whisper of love when i need it the most
he is always faithful
he is my friend
he is my sight, when nearsightedness blinds me
he is the light in the grey of winter
he is... and because he is then I can trust him with you and yours!

Family and Friends

2009-11-30T22:50:00.002-05:00

Some pictures to attest to our first few weeks on the road.

our first week spent at my sister and BIL was great! their new place was open and roomy. We soaked in the hot tub a couple of nights, but spent most of the time in the sewing room. here are pictures of their dining when one stands in the living room, and the next picture is their living room height

After visiting my sister we visited friends in North Carolina- the days and nights were spent laughing or listening to these two guys laughing.. it was wonderful! and how gracious was Gail- we had a really good time

We then took a few days to travel across the states- this is a picture of Bruce at the site where Bonnie and Clyde were killed in an ambush

How faithful to speak!

2009-10-23T09:37:00.003-04:00

We are on this journey thru this new season, and sometimes I don't know what is around the next corner, and where this might have caused me stress another day, in the day of today... I worry not- for He WILL keep in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Him!- I have always believed this, and I can only speak for myself, that throughout this Christian experience, my mind is on HIM most 24/7. There have been times however, no matter how much my desired purpose was to stay on Him, it strayed into doubt, or uncertainty- but I would always come back, praying, praising, asking for guidance, worshiping, believing, and trusting- ALWAYS trusting for I knew Him to be faithful, where I might be found faithless- My God KNOWS me! He knows my heart- he knows my thoughts, he knows ME.
Anyway today I was actually encouraged by Him in the most unusual way- while reading a fiction book, the words spoke to that place where his voice echoes within...What? it cannot be!, but I know that if he can speak thru a donkey, he can certainly speak thru a book
"you chose amid doubts the path that seemed right, the choice was just... Your next journey will be marked by your given word." (jr.r, tolkien)
Now do I know what this all means... nope...but I am assured that this journey is the right thing we are supposed to do right now, maybe I won't ever know the why's, or the impact on others...it doesn't matter in the end. I know that I know that today I am where I am supposed to be, and pray that I can be all that I am supposed to be today. We are only granted the moments, and I want to relish in THIS moment- not regrets, not future plans- but this moment of today, side by side with Him... listening for the whispers (and yes there have been a few!)
And on a side note..watching my husband learn to relax is good too! Time spent with my sister and brother in law was good, Very Good- he and Ken probably spent time commiserating together about their similar wives! but I also know they had a number of laughs- though not at the expense of any person! and he blessed them with a feast on the last night, one they will eat for a few days!
We are looking forward to our final destination, but are planning a few stops along the way. He is learning to relax too, but Most importantly for the last two days he and his childhood friend have laughed til their sides ache and I honestly think they will probably do this for days! How good it is for his health!
Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

Season change

2009-10-02T23:20:00.004-04:00

During worship tonight I had a memory vision of walking through a department store- it was 23 years ago, and I was struggling in a valley and was using this shopping excursion (with my then 16 yr old) as an diversion. As we walked by the perfume counter one of us decided to try on some different scents- I walked out that day with my first bottle of good perfume, and wore it for 23 years! It became the signature smell of me- mom, gramma, friend, sister, wife. My children would tell me that when they rode in my car, they got the instant thought of me, since my scent was on the seat belt.
Fast Forward to Christmas 2008- my husband finally tells me he never liked my perfume... and bought me a new one. The new fragrance was nice, it resembled another fragrance I was familiar with, but it was different- and though I would use this new perfume -often... It wasn't me...except tonight, Oct 2, 2009... when I put it on I smiled, - odd feelings, like this was me now... I was comfortable with it, sort of like warm fuzzy feelings you get when you smell the whiff of autumn, hear the crunch of your shoes walking through dried fallen leaves or other such memories of comfort.
So then, tonight at church... after this memory vision during worship.. I realize that this vision is to remind me that who I was yesterday, my comfortable places of yesterday are vanishing,and I have been and am transitioning into this new season ...whatever that all means. One thing I am certain of is that it is a closer place with my husband, and that is good... really good. Oh he hasn't really changed, maybe mellowed out a bit..but we have grown close, and have the good sense to laugh at ourselves even in disagreements.
Anyway on to tonight... the visiting Preacher man gives his message- and boom... did it speak to me!, My last 15 years... became very clear in hindsight, not to mention what the Lord has impressed upon me this last year- getting my finances in order, leaving my position at work, and all that has been between He and I especially these last few years...It made sense , answers , understanding and things that I was having a hard time letting go....I needed to let go, let it ALL go... and move on- that is good. Confirmation..wow

I also realized that while I was recognizing truth as it lined up with my personal walk with the Lord- there were others who have watched from a distance- probably with their binoculars, stained with second hand information- who have absolutely no idea of where my heart is or where it has been, where my walk is or where it has been, and they , well meaning of course, I have no doubt they love me though they stay miles away.... they could potentially have completely different take on this whole thing. And that is sad, very sad... but that too I shall let go and move on

Changes...

2009-09-21T22:26:00.005-04:00

Okay for those of you that expect some spiritual exhortation from me today...you will be disappointed... these are the facts.. down to earth plain facts:
10 or 20 years ago Monday nights you would find me with my teeth set on edge at 7pm. Why? because of Monday night FOOTBALL- Saturdays and Sundays already made for lonely times and by Monday night I was tired of being the one who had to give up TV ..one ..more.. time!!!(not to mention the fact that I HATED football!)
Early in our marriage I tried to watch it with Bruce... but I was never exposed to the game until I was in my 20's...and I did not understand it. It was a big jumble for me. Over the years my boys got into watching the games too, and even some of the females in the fam would sit and watch, and they would even dialog with the men??? I still understood nothing! I wanted to, Bruce tried here or there- as these grown men would call out numbers, some running to and fro, then BAM! they would start smacking into each other, and goodness knows I could hardly follow the ball, much less watch what a 'tight end' did..besides by the time they ended up on top of each other it looked like...well never mind... lets just say they all looked alike from the backside.
Living in smaller quarters has been good for us. I liked having the cozier atmosphere, but it does come with the fact that the football, and other sports stuff...were going to be right in my face especially with this large screen TV- added to that the fact that Bruce has lost some of his hearing abilities (yes- probably due to that LOUD music he listened to as a teen, young adult) I was exposed to the SOUND in EVERY ROOM. SOOOOO I knew I had to just ...accept it... couldn't change it- it was just a fact...came with the territory... and I could either be miserable and stomp my feet demanding that- I (ME) - I get heard, that my life be made more comfortable OR I just yield to the inevitable and trust that my God could help me through.
I thought no more about it... and a couple of weeks ago I realized that while I was sewing (and my sewing room is right off the living room) I found I was following the game, asking questions and every once in a while standing up to see what was going on...??? hummm I found not one irritating thought or feeling in my person...wow.. HE did it again!!! HE changed ME (when I finally just yielded) and he didn't change him.. humph.... go figure... I guess my ideas aren't always necessarily the RIGHT ones.
Well that is it...one small moment in our lives...

Things I am learning and/or remembering

2009-08-25T21:39:00.004-04:00

In a house with a baby, who is toddling- toilet paper that rolls to the outside is an invitation to have fun.
People still surprise me: both good and not so good,( though the reasons are best kept to myself)
Peek a boo never grows old
Toys picked up while child is resting become new when they awake
Babies learning to walk like to have an environment they can walk around..object to object (If it isn't there naturally they will gravitate around the room perimeter and there in lies all those wires and stuff..those NO's)
you can't say "I love you" enough
I love you's need to be said and, there should be some demonstation too
Everyone needs to feel loved, important, needed and praised!
We don't need to say everything that we are thinking
Playing as a child is liberating
breakfast is good morning, noon and night!
once you've tasted the REAL stuff, those prepared meals in a jar are disgusting!
An air mattress really can be comfortable with the air leaking out, if only you can find the middle and it envelopes you
Leaving a faucet pushed back out of the way and (oops) left on with a tiny little stream on can do quite a bit of flooding in 45min
My family rules are not necessarily someone else's
small accomplishments are to be praised
Babies are squishy, and give really wet kisses- on your lips or your toes!!
God is Good! He is Alive! and He is Working in ways that are not my ways!
OH Yes! If you are sleeping in a room 10month baby be prepared for the excitement everytime her eyes open and she sees you lying on the bed next to her (and I am not foolish enough to think that bringing her over to me will allow me a few extra minutes of sleep)

Time out for a while

2009-08-22T12:23:00.001-04:00

Spending some good time in Texas watching a grandbaby ..so time out from blogging until time opens up

The times were changing

2009-08-16T12:58:00.003-04:00

(still in history mode-)
In those early days I realized that it would have been easy to live in the land of yester-years- where offense and lack of relationship built walls of defense. The protection of my heart truly wanted to stay in the safe area.
The good news is that during all those same years God had been working on my heart, and the principles of emotional health, and hearts' freedom were seared in my soul and spirit. My deceitful heart wanted to hide, but Wisdom whispered to forgive, move forward, listen and learn.

So my adventure began- little by little day by day I allowed LOVE work its miracle power. My husband became attentive to all my needs when I came home... he served me dinner EVERY single night. If I wanted a drink of water- he told me to sit...and he would get it. I won't tell you it was all rosy, or that the food was great- it definitely wasn't. He had taken over the grocery shopping, and chose to purchase prepared food items for dinner. He also was clueless as to portion sizes!
But.... he served me- this man was treating me with honor- and of course still making silly comments, or doing silly things that would make me laugh- and I was learning- learning to enjoy my time with him, learning to laugh, and learning to relax.

He thought... I thought...

2009-08-14T16:10:00.005-04:00

First- some history:
7 (or so)years ago my husband started these glorious WELCOME years of retirement.
This wonderful, faithful man went to work in a job he absolutely hated for over 30 years. In 1970, as a college graduate (degrees in Biology and Chemistry) he took a position as a computer systems analyst- thinking 'this will only be temporary!' He dreamed of working in wildlife management, or in the fisheries, or something along those lines...but there weren't many of job opportunities out there.
So in order to make a living for his growing family ( I was pregnant and not working in the nursing field yet) he took this interesting titled job in a field that was clearly new. He got on the job training for this MONSTER computer that took of an entire floor of his building. There were a couple of opportunities in his desired fields here and there. He applied for those jobs the first few years- but nothing promised anything more than temporary position. One interviewer did give a verbal promise of a long term position ...when the temporary position expired...but because it wasn't in writing, and my husband did not want to risk the security of the current job. (Anyone remember the Recession in the 70's?) Before too long the days, turned to years, and although he loved most of the people he worked with, his job was drudgery. So...when the opportunity came to retire early he JUMPED AT IT! and with my blessings- he really DID deserve it.

HE THOUGHT that life as a retiree was going to be pure bliss...get up when he wanted, go to bed when he wanted, basically do what he wanted, WHEN he wanted.

Me? I thought that he would tackle those things around the house that needed to be completed, ("to do list"), maybe take on the laundry, maybe learn to cook, DO SOME DISHES ?!!! keep up the yard.. you know lessen MY burden since I continued to work as a nurse, and came home tired.

Pretty early on I realized that he MISSED human contact! Every night I would get home, and the moment I walked in the door to the moment I went to bed- he chatted- I mean HE CHATTED!!! I thought I would go crazy! I yearned for some peace and quiet and quickly realized that I could find some quiet time as I bowed out to do the laundry, or do the dishes ( no -he never did take to doing these things!)
After over 30 years of having a non communicative husband, suddenly I was dealing with this man who I didn't know! He would joke ALL the time, giggle at me- make me angry of course- and I realized that this was the lost man- the man I knew 30+ years ago, the humor that I fell in love with- and where the Heck had he been?!!! could I REALLY live through this?? Thank goodness I was still working!!!!
I figured out then that this would take an effort on my part- he was ready to play! A wise woman once said "Take the boy out of the man, and you lose the man" (Faith Dodge- in the 1980's) I wasn't really sure if I could walk this out.
I then realized that his place of employment had taken the best part of my husband for years- I got the left over stuff - in the evening, when he was tired, when he just wanted to unwind from the office politics and stress of the job... I got the quiet, and I spent my lifetime dealing with it, and praying for a change.
NOW here was my answer! and it was pretty uncomfortable!!! and I had to Thank The Lord for answered prayer! ( I realize too that GOD HAS a sense of humor) and it wasn't easy- but I have been learning along the way!

In the beginning.

2009-08-13T12:49:00.005-04:00

In the beginning ( i.e. the beginning days of my blogging) I couldn't figure out what I really wanted to blog about. What on earth could I write about that would be remotely interesting? So with some encouragement from fam I focused on my crafts, daily life of changes of moving, setting up household etc. Occasionally I would post some meaningful personal life's lesson or encouragement- but honestly it pretty much felt flat. It was hard to really express myself out there in this new public form of journalling. I still kept up my personal journal...and trust me I would NEVER put those thoughts out here in the land of blogs- who knows who would use these words against me?

So what has changed? Perhaps it was Julia and Julie movie that I watched with my oldest Granddaughter - encouraging me to be who I am in this season of my life. I think more accurately it could be said that I have been mulling over this for a while- how to spend my days? doing what? how can share with family and friends what daily life has been in this Autumn season of life- with me drinking my tea on the back porch (aka the deck) And how to do this with a positive spin (to replicate someone I love who only talks about the positive on her blog) I still want to share my life of doing what I love in my sewing/craft studio. I love sharing my thoughts as I decorate this home in what I have finally found to be me. But I also would LOVE to share some of these daily moments of living with my retired husband- and how these moments have lifted me, and warmed me. I would love to relate the smiles, and sense of contentment that goes along with our daily efforts to blend this life of two people who spent over a quarter of a century living together on separate paths. It has certainly has ups and downs, but these days are full of joy not unlike the smile upon my soul when I walk in those country mountain paths breathing in the earthy fresh air of the forest.

Its been difficult to share some of this verbally- primarily because everyone is soooo busy these days- so much calls for our attention, demands our time, our minutes... steals from those quiet moments that we,(woman) need! To sit and chat- with other women, older or younger- Just to share life- to gain some encouragment, or to be an encouragement to others.

So today is a new beginning. An inner challenge to start sharing some of these moments- in the written word on this blog, where you the reader will be able to read on your own timetable and hopefully, prayerfully, you might find in my words a glimmer of hope, a whisper of wisdom, a smidgen of truth buried between the lines, which will make your today or your tomorrows a little brighter.

Stop by again, have some tea, and sit with me on my porch.

Making some purses

2009-07-21T17:11:00.003-04:00

okay I 've had a few hours in my sewing room and I have made 2 purses, and have 2 more cut out! The first one HAD to be the one I have intended to make for about 10 months now. I found the fabric in Virginia, and planned on making it for someone who made a nice comment about the bag I had made for Keila. (and it was in my heart to make this one)
That aside, I got a little creative and put three fabrics together ..Andrea told me it looks like shabby chic, Dee said Victorian... me ? I just liked it. I quilted all the outside pieces before putting these little treasures together. The Green one was the first one...it is regular size... about 6inches across when sides are folded. the Larger three fabric one is 8 inches across with the sides folded in... and about 12 with all open.
It was fun, and I enjoy doing it...now to get a stash to sell, so I can make a little money on the side, to buy more fabric, etc.

My days

2009-07-20T10:56:00.005-04:00

My days certainly aren't what I pictured they would be. A friend emailed me last night and said "If I only knew that retirement would be so hectic! I'd like things to slow down somewhat!" That pretty much sums it up.
My better half has really gotten into Barbequing! and it has been delicious...but I dread the discussions at 1030pm about WHAT we are going to eat the next evening.
On a more personal note I did get to visit my aunt yesterday- what an encouragement to see her- she hates to be inactive, and makes sure she takes her walks daily! Her height has decreased over the years, and now Abby comes up almost to her shoulder! wished we had a camera!

This past weekend I was able to accomplish some long awaited projects- I put curtains on my kitchen windows. Took the valance that was originally on the window, and made it into more of a swag, and after sewing up the side seams, I hung my lace curtains. Also traded out the white shelves on wheels for a black shelf unit without wheels...I like it better

whispers of love

2009-07-07T09:57:00.003-04:00

I hear in the background tears and my heart tugs with love
"Hey little pumpkin pie"- I say quietly.. "its going to be alright!
I love YOU! I miss you...give me a little kiss? "and nothing but silence whisper back in the phone... and then softly she giggles... and I know
SHE REMEMBERS! so very important for this ole heart of mine, she remembers the whispers, maybe kisses and hugs..but probably its the silly crazy things I did to liven up the day!

Life goes on to the end of the day, but soon my heart is torn in another deep way
I want to say- this is it! there will be no more pain! but my heart knows the truth, and I can only speak His Name.
I'd love to make it simple.. do this or do that...but I know a heartbreak intimately and it just needs to play each day out
He does come and move tenderly to bind up the broken wounded heart - but that doesn't mean its easy- I know that it is not
So though there will be mountains, and laughter and joy- I won't lie and say its tomorrow
Life's journey holds some valleys, some tears, and strong storms
I hope that you find some bridges, some help along the way
the journey is a lonely one, and we can only help by being here for you..what ever that means in your today
Does it help to say "He's Faithful!" for truth I know it is!
I hope you continue to call, when you need a shoulder or a friend to speak
Someday...SOMEDAY... we'll be reminiscing over these days so distant past
Someday you will know healing...and the scars won't even be seen
Someday I will whisper ... "today is now morning, and the night has since passed!"
Someday you will smile... and you will be whole...and saying to others
"This too shall pass"

Does it get any better?

2009-06-06T09:18:00.003-04:00

Sorry no picture here BUT I just wanted to mention:
Sloppy wet kisses,
Giggles and raspberries,
mad dashes across the floor to protect the black cord from getting chewed,
arms shaking, eyes crossing as the little mouth opens and she leans forward for another spoonful of oatmeal,
the swan dive on the floor which signifies "pick me up"
the jeep in motion, moving fast when it spies a desired object
attempts to save my glasses before they get sticky and pulled off
sing song girlie noises as she talks to me, and sings to me (yes the voices are different for each)
sweet picture of peace and tranquility as she falls asleep in her car seat, listening to her mom worship on a friend's baby grand
wondering what it is that she sees under the couch so deep, that she crawls at lightning speed to get it before I do (ugh those deep bends)(did I mention she has knee callouses?)
and those smiles of recognition that I get when she sees me after a good sleep
Hmmm the joys of being a gramma

Roses , roses, roses, and good buys

2009-05-19T18:23:00.003-04:00

Okay for all of you that will never visit my home:
At this stage of my life, one would think I would KNOW what I like... but most of my adult years have been spent focusing on others, and what would make them happy, so much so that somewhere I lost the ability to KNOW what I like (as in decorating my new living space.) I have a few people to thank..mostly her( Ex: what do you feel drawn to? check out these blogs!, or that looks soo you!) , but also her, and her...they all encouraged me to find me in the midst of my eclectic style. so I listened, and I found there were two things that were constant- RED, and roses.. any in the red family..pink, rose colored, and even yellow. I did not like orange very much, but very much gravitated to the Pink ladies who decorated with rose plates, bowls etc, some lace, but needing some bold red in there too... And I finally figured out that hubby REALLY didn't care, as long as I was happy (why 39 years to figure that one out?) so when we found ourselves moving again (5th time in 5 years...) I knew it was time to take the space from the very beginning and make it mine. Blues are my husband's favorite, so I attempt to bring some blue in to make him not feel over run! Luckily for me Keila had the living room and bedroom with some blues on the walls so I am able to pull things a little together.( those rooms will be another blog!)
Over the last few months I have been to garage sales, flea markets, and doing some ebay to find some new buys and here is how I am putting things together in my kitchen. Last year I started with my little red table (well old white chipped table enamel table that I painted with red, and flecked with white) then I bought some old soda fountain looking chairs with red and white checked seats I loved, and fit right in with my table ..then I bought that green hutch which sat on Ben's deck for a month.

So these are close ups of the items in my kitchen:
This is a bowl I bought in Texas, a sugar bowl from Gma, and a creamer from a garage sale in Texas- they don't match but I love them

Below is picture of two tin plates from a flea market..they have blue back ground and I thought that was a good way to bring in the blues,then there is my mother's plated Tea/coffee set in front. The next picture shows my Goodwill plates behind pics of Ben, Derek and Dee...and my hubby's old silver cup (1889) he found at lake in the 50's, flanked by my silver sugar scuttle, and my unknown metal creamer/gravy server..with beautiful flowers. The picture on right below is red tray with my yellow roses,(ebay) other two rose Goodwill plates, a silver plated fruit plate from my mother's collection - all behind a picture of my sister and I at 1 1/2 and 2 1/2...I am on left .
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Below is my wrought iron pot hanger, now used for decoration with aprons, antique towels, roses from Christmas tree shop..hanging over my new farmer's bench from the Christmas Tree shop. The red enamel plate was $2 at a garage sale, and works well with an enamel tea pot (sl hidden) I purchased on ebay...along with some oriental finds, ebay finds, flea market glasses with painted roses. the final picture is the beginning of my wall with ebay tray, and our antique tea set we purchased in texas. some day I will add more rose plates/trays etc.

Final set is a wrought iron shelf ,with red vase, two lovely old egg cups from my motherin law, and two blue cups with pink roses found at Christmast Tree shop, and finally a little area for the wonderful gifts given to me by my friends at ARC when I left my position

all in all I like my little kitchen...though honestly little finds get lost in the big picture, I have lots more to look for to compliment my look...AND I have fabric I want to add to windows... but I haven't yet gotten to organize my sewing room... but I am looking forward to being a busy little homemaker!
thanks for visiting...please leave me a comment and know you stopped in for a visit.. it keeps me encouraged

Silly Bird

2009-05-18T15:51:00.003-04:00

I decided to post the picture of the bird talking and tapping on my kitchen window this morning...silly bird! I think the windows made a great mirror effect because I haven't yet cleaned them...but this poor guy could not understand why he couldn't fly into that which he could see! His mate, or family member could be heard calling him on from the trees to the west

Making all things new

2009-05-15T09:27:00.007-04:00

Morning finds me smiling , eager to start the day. I dwell in an old, new surroundings dressed up to look like me, and I am content. Here is a peek at my 'new' kitchen.
Looking in from the front door is my tea area, tins and little box holding my daily drink packets, framed by a tray purchased on ebay, and crowned with my 25 cent at a garage sale -wire baskets (finally something to hold those onions and fruit buys) This picture is looking from the entrance way.. loving my flea market hutch- layered with old pictures, precious silver and pewter, roses painted on china and tin, colors of red, pinks and yellows- ebay , garage sales, flea markets, and from my mom's once held dearly collections- now mine to hold and smile with memories
Over my table is my new little tea set... well old, but new to me... I will take closer pictures another day- this 14 piece set (sugar and creamer on hutch) lost two of its family in the shipping from Texas, and has shown itself to be difficult to find replacements- is from Poland, and has the lovliest burgundy rose buds, and all the edges are kissed with gold... it just makes me smile
and can I forget the Lilacs from the little lilac bush I got for my birthday or mothers day 6? -9? years ago... what a little beauty it is today...and little hands now help me pick these sweet blossoms..hummm
2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new

Discards

2009-05-06T12:02:00.009-04:00

You know the adage.."one man's trash is another man's treasure" Well - I think I found some treasure in my garage sale, flea market visits- one is a creamer, and the other is a sugar bowl- they actually don't match, I bought them 100's of miles apart- but they both caught my attention, and they are now on their way to my home in upstate NY. Both have raised floral designs, and I bought them not knowing what exactly the base metal was from which they were created. The creamer was heavy and I was pretty sure it was pewter. The sugar bowl was declared to be silver plated by the store's employee, and a view of the bottom seemed to agree with that statement. It showed appearance of silver with black areas that have been chipped away. Both were dull in their appearance.
I got out the silver polish when I got back to Andrea's place, and the creamer cleaned up really nicely. I believe it is pewter and only for a couple of dollars!
Then I was on to the sugar bowl. We did pay more for this..but I have to tell you that the one thing that stood out on this common particular bowl, was its unusual shape, and the fact that it had a tiny baby scoop attached to it. The store clerk called it a 'master' sugar bowl (whatever that means) but I liked it, so my dear hubby bought it for me! When I got home and studied it further, I noted it had what looked like a coat of arms mark on the bottom. now what this mark actually means I have been unable to find out, but what I did decide to do was treat it as if it was silver, not silver plated, and I started using some muscle to rub OFF the black spots, and guess what??? the most beautiful silver did appear!! so I do believe this wonderful sugar bowl is a silver treasure- not necessarily worth a whole lot more than we paid, but certainly more of a treasure to me! (oh yes it is called a sugar scuttle because of its shape resembles a coal scuttle)
Isn't it pretty? I still need to polish it some more, but that is ok.

When I was cleaning these pieces up I was reminded of how God sees us, when we come to him... with all our potential, all that we can be, hidden by the blackness of our sins. Someone once told me that they thought another human being was the devil himself, but I think when scripture tells us we- war not against flesh and blood, but powers and principalities- it means that though the influence might be evil, the source is in the supernatural, and we can pray and believe that God's will be done- even in that influenced one. We don't always know why certain people act the way they do- whether it be an unseen wound, so deep it festers. or a weakness in their fleshly makeup- it doesn't really matter, because my God can get to the source of the problem, and he IS in the business of healing and reconciliation. So sometimes when all we see is blackness- whether it be self loathing, condemnation, or criticism of another- I remember that is NOT what God sees, and I take hope in HIS redemptive power!

2009-05-06T12:01:00.000-04:00

Bonding time

2009-04-20T22:24:00.007-04:00

Living 1800 miles away does not make for getting to know grandparents (come to think of it, neither does 200miles) . Madeleine never met her grampa, and goodness knows she doesn't remember Maama from her time of being born..so Bruce and I got to spend some time with Maddie today. (Jer had a couple of doctor appointments so we got to baby sit) I soon realized that I haven't really taken care of JUST a baby in a long time! and when there is only one- I actually don't get cranky- tired yes- but cranky , no. Anyway, after they left I got to feed her
( she really was smiling over this)

Then gave her a bottle and she dozed for a short time, when she got up she was very wet so i gave her a bath ...brought the baby tub to the kitchen sink, since there was no way I could kneel and give her a bath in the bathroom tub!
After bath, and after two changes of clothing we had some time on the couch- maama acting silly, peekaboo, silly sounds ...you know things one does behind closed doors...and then I thought of the camera! so here is a good giggle shot

a garden like no other

2009-04-01T19:05:00.007-04:00

what a great way to teach children about the Resurrection!! Took the idea from here
so I went up to Dee's and gave her a break from the little ones for a half hour or so.
Sophia and Abby picked up small rocks, and wandered around the hillside. Bannon helped find the moss, and shoveled the dirt!
and here are a couple of pictures showing my insanity and the final product! If you look close you can see that our 'rock' with the tomb already carved in it was a great find..not to mention that I used my Heart Rock as the rock to cover the tomb after the crucifixion

"what if its HIM?"

2009-03-22T20:56:00.005-04:00

And so the song goes...challenging us to hear God speaking to us, in our normal everyday lives. We all "hear" Him in different ways...no I don't have to hear an audible voice to know its God... though there are a couple of times in my life, when I have this "I know that I've know!" that He has spoken... I can't explain it, something impressed upon my inside...oh well that is not what I am talking about here... Today I just wanted to share a little on how He speaks to ME... I am not you, and you might hear Him differently... but a number of years ago I started to see hearts in pretty much everything...trees, leaves, bath water, clouds... you name it.. I saw a heart, and in it God was telling me " I love YOU!" so I never got upset that someone else couldn't see how the branches of a tree formed a heart, I knew it was a message I needed to accept, that He loved me.
One day a couple of weeks ago I saw this on the way to my car...and turned around and got my camera...who would believe me?

today there is only a plain triangle rock, a vague reminder of the message I got that morning..it looks nothing like a heart!!!!

then on my walk Saturday I saw another heart, didn't have my camera so I brought the rock home, and took a picture of the rock
I know there are probably tons of rocks out there that look like hearts! but to me each is a small miracle, and I am encouraged in that moment-- He loves ME!!!---- thanks for listening

the eyes... final

2009-03-22T20:54:00.001-04:00

Andrea did pretty good...18 was dee and 24 me... I can show the pictures to any that want to see, when I see you!
thanks for looking

family

2009-03-06T23:09:00.032-05:00

Well here is a selection of family: knefley, levendusky. Although black and white the blue eyed folks shine their color...and I think you probably would be able to identify all .. but it was fun to sit and crop, after spending hours doing numbers... very relaxing! too bad everyone doesn't look face to camera so I can crop out eyebrows. I did notice that many of us have an eye droop...some right eye, some left... and those with two colored eyes tell the tale quickly... but again it was fun....1
. 2. 3. 4.

5 6,7

8 9 10 11

12,13,14

15, 16,17

18,19,20

21
22,23 24

25,26

my flea market finds

2009-03-02T12:00:00.013-05:00

Recently I went to the one of the local antique barn/flea market places to look around for items to make my kitchen more to my liking. I don't know why I have never done it before, but with a relocation of our belongings soon to take place, I thought I would take advantage of the new space and plan on creating my environment.
I am basically a lover of the color red, so I intend to keep a thread of red throughout my little place. I also like roses, and the cottage cozy look, without so much of the shabby chic look... I like tea...so I need a tea area

I also am fond of some of the cutsie signs, and designs that probably fall into a folk art category... so I have been challenged to become focused as to how to pull it all together.. thank goodness for electronic ability to view other peoples houses, decorating styles, and daughters who encourage me to move forward...giving me their ideas, sending me to those that can inspire me, and helping me overall to purchase what I like.
So my overall intent will be to have the red thread (as I said), utilize the trays with roses...that encompass red, pink, pale green and pale blue. A little yellow thrown in for added measure.

Now to complicate things I have these ugly green metal glasses from the 50's that just love, they are great for drinks in the summer, they keep cool for the longest time...but trying to match with my reds has been difficult, and my husband would just as soon get rid of them. (he lost the argument though) I also was given a wrought pot hanger from my that sister that I like ...and since we don't use or need much in the way of pots and pans..it holds all that of the most used. So I want to keep a little of the black wrought iron look. So posted here are some pictures of my focus areas, stove, tea supply, counter, and my little red table area.

the table has a papier mache tray leaning on wall, because I can't yet figure how to hang it without injuring it ( it is most likely an old Japanese tray...does not have the words made in japan, but does have an imprinted mark of a flower on the back.)
Well that's it for the moment....and Keila...don't worry I won't move my stuff in before you get your stuff out...but it is tempting!!

Each feather is important

2009-02-18T12:40:00.010-05:00

Matt 6:26- Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

Every morning I look out our window to watch the birds that have found Dad's birdfeeder! (a gift from his oldest daughter)(we are helping God in the feeding part)
At first I couldn't see it, but my thoughtful husband took the feeder from the ground hanger, and put it on the porch railing, moved the table with umbrella, and took out screen so I could get a view while at kitchen sink.
At first there were only sparrows, and gold finches
and then came the woodpeckers... these are the smaller of the two kinds (and the other was NOT the piliated)

now for the past few days we have had purple finches
there were actually three of the these finches fighting off the other birds this morning!
the pictures aren't the best quality due to my picture taking through the dirty window...and shy birds...like this one...peeking back at me with my camera! but her is some more

tagged

2009-01-14T19:40:00.003-05:00

Andrea tagged me
So here’s the game.
1) Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer.
2) Select the 4th picture in the folder.
3) Explain the picture.

4) Tag 4 people to do the samethis picture is easy for me... it was summer 2008, and the kids were over playing outside and decided to come in for a drink and a snack...one comes they all come!! so I thought I would try a picture of all with grandpa
Sophia, Bannon, Elena, Abbie and Adriana

I tag Keila, Jen, Maureen and... I don't Know anyone else!!

Christmas

2008-12-26T18:44:00.007-05:00

Hats!

2008-12-26T18:41:00.002-05:00

Found some time on my hands, and hats I wanted for some grandbabies...and yarn just sitting there... SO I created my own patterns, and made some hats! what do you think?

Angels amongst us

2008-12-19T15:58:00.003-05:00

I know we have all wondered ..."would I ever recognize an angel if he/she was amonst us? " We know that at anytime, we could be called upon to entertain an angel. Well today, I have not doubt, that I was in the presence of a few of them... or at least the closest, purest folks that could be angels.

today I went to a Christmas concert

They weren't even standing in order! One faced left, one faced right, but most faced forward. The music came from a tape player/ karaoke player...and one song ran into the next. Oh dear they couldn't even carry the tunes well, or even know the words..but most sang enthusiastically, santa hats on, smiles lighting up the faces.

The songs were GREAT!! I think though next year I am going to ask that the 'Santa Claus is coming to town' be eliminated from the list... the lady sitting next to me, all but burst out crying when we sang about being 'naughty or nice' it was obvious that it was real to her, You could almost hear her say " I hope I've been good enough!" The way her face contorted in pain was heart breaking...someone mentioned that perhaps she was remembering her previous life, when she didn't get gifts. I don't know, but I am sure she knew what the words meant.

A few songs later the group was singing "Joy to the World"... and the young man in the front row closed his eyes, and lifted both hands up in an attitude of worship...he didn't care that he wasn't in church, he didn't care who was watching...all he knew was that the songs spoke of of having joy that the King of Kings had arrived!

After the group had performed, a request was made from the audience that one of them wanted to share a song with everyone. The thin,elderly, blind lady with shaking hands received the microphone and sang her song. While the words might not have been exactly right, the melody was on the money! and I don't think I have every heard "Oh Holy Night" sung more beautifully,.

I left there with a smile, knowing that I just had Christmas...and I had been amongst some angels. Thank You God!

down to the basics

2008-12-14T21:20:00.009-05:00

Friday morning found us without power, therefore no phone, no electronics. Morning's silence rings with the occasional resounding...CRRAAACCKKKK as huge limbs ripped from their trunks, and trees without deep roots fell with the weight of the layer of ice on them.... giving the back yard a new look

I love the beauty that this type of storm lays on our landscape- the white and dark clouds soon gave way to blue skies and the sunlight sparkled through the glassy trees...what an awesome richness displayed by his hand

the pictures don't do it justice... the landscape sparkled.
It was a time rarely experienced- the quiet reigned, and at night when you rounded the corner a mile outside of town, the darkness loomed...but it wasn't a bad darkness.. it made for family laughs, candles, games, and a good night's sleep... I think that every once in a while we should ... make the most of our moments ....

Keeping it simple

2008-12-01T17:39:00.003-05:00

To keep it simple!

Its all about HIM!

To see Him in my day... no matter where I am, what I am doing, He IS always there, softly speaking, always shining the light on my path, always loving.... no matter if I am busy with 'stuff'

busy with the clanging, and clatter that this life brings... I often find myself deaf!

but my heart yearns to hear, to quiet this clamor of noise that so often keeps my attention

and then on the way home.. the black clouds part and the skies open up a hole with beams of sunshine.... and I am awed by the beauty He displays, and I rest..

A thankful Heart

2008-11-14T07:48:00.004-05:00

I am so thankful for the blogs

I am thankful that I get to glimpse the heart of those who Love Him - He who sings over us!

I am thankful that I can be reminded of what it is all about...even if it is just pictures of your day, whether it be children, or your environment- indoors and outdoors

You have no idea on how it refreshes me.

Listening to your background music..speaks to my soul, and I am so thankful that you take the time to find or write ministering songs-

Though I might never write a comment on your blog- know I read them, they are precious to me, and give me hope.. hope of life dreams fulfilled, hope of knowing God speaks to all of us in the small and large things, hope of tomorrows, hope of healings, hope of a huge generation that will know God intimately from birth onward...because of you, because of your heart- your heart that longs, and seeks the truth, seeks to know more of HIM- right where you are, right there in the midst of your life, even sometimes just doing your thing among the 'stuff'... waiting....

and you breathe, you sing, you worship, you trust

Thank you all

quiet and waiting

2008-11-12T10:50:00.003-05:00

God's creation- freckled, a little mischievous, compassionate, creative, ... these are some of the words that I know describe me.
Who am I? Who am I in this world... why am here today? What is it HE wants me to do? Encourager, exhorter... words for this morning- I agree I am that too.
But what am I to do at work, what do I answer when they say... what job do you want? what job will bring you peace? I want to say 'NONE!!!" I don't want to work at all! I want to spend my days with my husband and family, creating little gifts, or big ones , maybe sell a thing or two for a little spending money.... but my heart hears the whisper, confirmed by life's circumstance " Not yet, just a little longer. Chin up! I will give you rest!"
So back to the questions... what answer do I give today? and my heart knows the secret.. peace will lead the way. The 'Peace' that links with the One who lays out this path laid in stone, a light shines softly on each step ahead. Regardless of who is with me, this path is mine alone!
Sometimes- okay most of the time, I want to see where this path will lead, but He shares with me only that which this day needs.
So in a short while I will meet with my boss, and coworkers, nurses just like me... and I will tell of my desire, I will tell them of 'me'... I will take a step of faith, I will take a giant leap... the unknown, unwritten future will be a future of inner peace.

tribute to a friend

2008-11-10T17:51:00.003-05:00

Friend

So much could be said, yet your picture tells it all, it radiates you in a moment of happiness. You were a woman loved and a woman that gave love.

A mother who loved her family- husband, children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, parents, and in-laws
Grandchildren were the joy of her life- she loved to spend time with them, as much as she could.
She was more than her quiet demeanor spoke- a life that was lived in the echo of mercy and grace, knowing her own weaknesses, she yielded to His strength, once wobbling, and weary, she leaned into Him and found His strength enough ... she knew the power of the resurrected life, and worshiped freely the King of Kings.

Because you were forgiven, you freely forgave and harbored no ill.
Because you were wounded and healed, you had a heart of mercy, and handed out grace
Because you knew love, therefore you loved..... without expecting anything in return

My life was enriched by the moment in time, when our lives touched.... It seems it was too short.. but I guess it was time enough.

Thank you for your love.

Thanks for being my friend.

hero and villain

2008-09-23T07:39:00.001-04:00

We had an unfortunate happening the other night.... one that ended up working out in the end, however there were more than a few moments of stress, sweating, fear, and probably a few unspoken words of questionable endearment playing around in my spouse's brain during this unfortunate time.
a little bit of supporting information... the afternoon/evening started great! I got to spend more than a few minutes on the deck, working at finishing the jewelry started by my sister and her granddaughter last weekend. An hour had gone by, Bruce was sleeping in his favorite recliner...and the weather started to get cooler. As I was organizing my 'stuff' to return to their proper spaces, I came across the tool of the night! A find that gave me great joy because I knew I could become a hero soon to my husband... and almost on que he walked out on the deck to have his 'after nap' smoke. I retreated inside and quietly pulled out my tool.(THE VILLAIN)
I took it to the lock and I was thrilled to see that it worked like a charm.... We didn't get one with his recent buy... and Bruce had expressed a desire to be able to lock his prize possessions. (the victim? )

I was a bit smug when I walked up to Bruce and tell him I had just "Made HIS day!!!" A somewhat doubtful expression was quickly replaced by a wide smile and an exclamation of delight when I handed him the tool... something that I had laying around in my jewelry extras... Confidently I walked with him inside, and watched him approach HIS desk, and insert the tool. First left, then right, then left then right... Obviously my husband had no clue how to use a skeleton key...so I offered to work my magic... turn clockwise...nothing, maybe a little bit of contact but essentially nothing...turn to the left obviously did nothing either ..why ? well because I left it LOCKED? Who would think that my tool would so soon lose its effectiveness on this lock... THIS LOCK....??? my husband's prize possession, an antique of some value.... and all his personal stuff inside? WHAT HAD I DONE??? He in all his wisdom says.. "why didn't you try the key with the desk open? that way if it didn't work we could still access things?" I don't know, I just didn't think that way! but I truly felt awful, and realized that the morrow would bring an early trip to local antique shop looking for keys. He never yelled, or said anything sarcastic...I think he was overwhelmed with shock. I did have the thought to give him hope, and sent him on to his mother's place- if anyone had a skeleton key SHE WOULD! While he was gone ...Ben came by... a son sent by divine appointment ( he had a sliver)... I told him what I did, and he echoed his father's statement " why didn't you try the lock with it open?" duhhh... But Ben prides himself on being able to open anything, and has the patience of a saint, or a pastor... alot more than his father anyway... and after a good thirty minutes, working on the drawer below lock...examining the workings of it, etc, trying some of mom's useful tools that have helped her over the years...none worked until this!! (the hero)
YOU might not have something like this in your possesion...but I have a mother in law who kindly gave me alot of her stash of 'stuff'... and this (if you look closely) is a crochet hook... the smallest...used to make fine lace edging.... but bent at this angle...became a hero!
I can only hope I learned my lesson... stop trying to be a hero!.... and if you want to see if something locks...lock it in open position.... But also something else came out of it... We told Ben he would make a fine locksmith, and since they are few and far between...why not check out how to get certified?

Productive!

2008-09-08T13:55:00.000-04:00

okay three wk plus 3 days post op, and I have actually completed some sewing projects! The purse I actually cut out and sewed the main pieces before surgery, I just had to hand sew the binding part..and now I have to pick a button. who would believe that this cost me less than $3??.. some upholstery samples purchased for less than $1 each at a fabric store closing ... No pattern, but I had a general idea of what I wanted...its not perfect... a couple of errors are noted in fitting of the last pieces but isn't that part of homemade sometimes? I used 2 samples cut in a diagonal and pieced together, and took off a 5 inch strip from the bottom of each and used to make outside pockets with three divided sections.
Inside the purse I used a complimentary fabric and made one medium sized zippered pocket (6" square), and one pocket to hold pens and narrow (2.5 inch) objects for quick access.
I also made a sturdy bottom with another scrapped upholstery sample... so the purse can actually stand on its own ... Oh and Thanks andrea for leaving that yardage of green heavy fabric in your apartment...it came in handy for the shoulder strap and binding. Now if I can only figure out which button to use..looking at these pictures does help..that oblong button looks actually blue..black is too stark, so I will probably go with the yellow or leather look brown. I will end up making a loop and button closure
Now for a couple of pictures for that last of the diapers for Dee
well actually they are for Bella...supposed to be for 10 to 20lb... she will use strappis for diaper closures and there will be diaper covers overtop. Sophia's diapers were made with soaker sewed in and velcro'd... I was hoping to use snaps on these, but need the proper equipment. And I made Bella's with pockets so the soaker liners can be added and removed... ALL of my diaper stuff that I made these last couple of weeks were from scraps that I had in my fabric stash... I tend to hate to throw usable pieces away, and I know my son in law would have gladly helped me along... but the flannel scraps, gauze material, and faux suede came in handy. Don't they look comfy?
oh those clips? they are from my quilting tools...heavy duty and they helped show the tab style of final product. those plaid flannel soaker inserts at the top are made from the fabric I had bought at $1/yd to make for Coffee Cabin use a few years back... the white soakers are gauze material scraps from a blouse I made Andrea YEARS ago. the pink flannel is left over from a baby quilt I made for Abbie, the yellow from some pj I made someone sometime, and the blue flannel- a used receiving blanket... and the white faux suede? from an outfit I made someone years ago... I have also made fleece covers...the fleece ? from left over fleece from hats I made for my kids and grandkids over the years...its funny to think that Sophia is wearing on her bottom what Ben has worn on his head (as in matching NOT that I used his hat to make her diaper cover...though humm maybe that is an idea???) and I used both my regular sewing machine (Bernina- my gem) and my serger- both invaluable in diaper making. Twas fun, but now I am looking forward to my eldest granddaughter coming over to help me reclaim my dining area, reclaim my floors, and she can help me cut out another project I hope to complete before I return to the working grindstone.

mid night thoughts

2008-08-28T03:09:00.000-04:00

2 weeks post total knee,,,and still trying to plan my own recovery... I really would like to think that I can sleep for longer than 2-3 hours , and that I won't need as much pain med as yesterday..only to be kept awake and in pain looking for the four hour mark to arrive,,, in the middle of the night...and need I tell you that time does move slowly as you watch the clock.? I thought I had done rather nicely by increasing the Tylenol and decreasing the hydrocodone amount during the day...I did do fine until evening, and then it has been catch up ever since. position changes, exercises, ice, heat, ice, ice ice...and to no avail... so up I get at 145am awaiting the 4 am pill time.. at least it gives me real quiet time... and daily reflections, scripture readings etc

Shall I ever learn? one can only pray that I learn to rest and trust in the one who IS in control... and stop trying to take the reins .... that EVERY area of my life is concern to HIM.... breathe, breathe, breathe... every area of my life has a path designed by HIM...every area...every area!

Well thanks for stopping by... On a positive note-I have dragged out fabric, and downloaded patterns, and pictures that stimulate my creative juices to make some extra baby gifts..or gifts for the mommies. And of course I ordered some fabric..... I also realized the night before surgery that I could not complete what I intended so I sent two baby blankets to my wonderful sister Mary Ellen... to quilt for me during this season of post op healing,,, then she will return so I can complete them before andrea's baby makes her arrival

No pictures- didn't feel you really wanted to see this foot long stapled incision ... gggg

standing out in a crowd

2008-08-12T23:06:00.000-04:00

Hannah giggled at me the other day, because I had two seemingly boring pictures on my camera. I had taken pictures of a local cornfield ...why? because every day when I drove by it on my way home I was mesmerized by a handful of stalks that stood above the rest. From this angle it isn't very impressing, but the message was still the same.. and it was a challenge to my spirit
"are you - who are being observed from all angles, by many passing by... are you being seen as standing above the rest? Are you being all HE intends you to be and are you seen as standing above the rest?"
obviously there are many areas that I was, and am convicted of settling for being part of the crowd, but I am truly amazed that He can take the normal boring things in life, and whisper a word of a heavenly perspective.... and reminds me that He is always there, and He cares.
thanks for listening!

pic

2008-08-06T08:51:00.000-04:00

okay this is a pic of recent (within two months) fabric buy...my intent was to buy chocolate browns and teals...hummmmm

here is my so called stash of 'browns' (oh my do I have a problem..see blog below)

and this is my greens

and last but not least.. my intent was to purchase teals...but I couldn't resist

Seasons

2008-08-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

I think I chose my blog name, because I love the autumn- just this week the air had a whiff of autumn and my heart sang- and it surprised me... how could I forget how much I love the coolness of the air, the crunch of leaves under my feet, and the spectacular beauty of the hills around me... ? one just has to look at my fabric stash and glance at my 'browns' to see that I am inclined to buy the colors that sing 'autumn is in the air' I have to force myself to buy the chocolate browns...I Love the chocolate browns...but when I am out there looking at these huge selections of colors I forget what I came in for...and the autumn colors draw me in...so I get just a wee bit for that 'quilt' I am going to make someday , for someone. Lately I have made some purchases on line...which is probably good for me- perhaps I buy less? (ha) anyway with a promise and a vision to make a quilt for my second child and spouse... i HAVE to look at the chocolate fbric to buy ( along with those of teal blue) alas, I also was looking at fabric to make some baby quilts... 4 additional grandbabies this year! and 3 hopefully will be getting a quilt made especially for them.... and in my effort to buy 'alittle' fabric to have on hand for when I create these... I found I bought one or two of the 'fall' color collections... I have a problem!!!
Hummmm maybe its because I woke up one morning and realized that my spring and summer have slowly retreated to my past, and I am alive with this wonderful autumn season! I am thankful that in the natural there is still fruit to be picked, banquets to be had, harvest to be gleaned, and things to be planted. The leaves may change color a bit, but they aren't yet dead... and they can sing in the breeze as the autumn winds blow....ummmm... a cup of tea, and sitting on the porch.... brings a smile to my face

Settling in

2008-08-03T23:05:00.000-04:00

After 4 months we are finally settling in a bit more... the last being where my sewing area is going to be set up, so I can not only access it easily but so it is inspirational, and pleasing to the eye...both for me and for Bruce. I also have come to accept that I like red, and so in setting up my area, I tended to bring the thread of red throughout each area.

Our bedroom is quite large, 14x14? and moving things around a bit have opened a bit more room. I needed to be a little creative in storing items both for the sewing area, as well as our normal other bedroom items, suitcases and the like. So I went to the second hand store found a microwave cart and another wall shelf unit for under $10 , and painted them white...I added the cabinet that was I inherited when I moved here (broken door and all) and found that it fit nicely onto my new white cart. The shelf unit was of similar design to another wall shelf, and the white suited it better than the unfinished pine look that it had. I also painted white the multi drawer /and shelf unit that I had inherited from one of my children...and brought them together. It took me the last couple of weeks to finally put away all the small stuff, take the fabric out of the plastic clear boxes- I need the visual to be inspired...this is the final result.