Debbi thinks deep

Hello. My name is Debbi. I am a bibliophile.

2011-12-31T13:39:00.000-08:00

Yes. That pretty much sums it up.

I borrowed the photo from Yesterday's Books in Modesto, California . . . one of my favorite places on Earth . . . even if they have retitled their previously Pre-1950's Fiction section, to Pre-1960's, and totally allowed that category to atrophy. I can live with that. I have Internet. But as a previous small business owner, I would really, truly, rather buy locally.

I still recall the day, gosh, a lot of years ago when after months of searching, that they finally found a copy of For Love of a Rose, by Antonia Ridge* for me! In England! Oh, my word! The wonder of it all! In England!

Recently, I wrote this little recommendation for them . . .

I might be a bibliophile, but . . . I picture the first time I walked into Yesterday's Books {100 years or so, ago} as though it were a scene in a movie . . . slowly I wandered through the aisles {which glowed with a golden light from above . . . the air is a little bit misty in my movie version}, awestruck . . . unbelieving eyes moving from row of books, to stack, to the next row . . . taking in the beauty of it all . . . ;) and the scent . . . oh, my Goodness, the scent . . . the perfume of wisdom and knowledge . . .

I have had the privilege to visit the basement of Princeton Theological Library where the very oldest tomes are held {it is the second largest theological library in the world, second to the Vatican}, and the Bodleian Library at Oxford University in England . . . I want you to know that this place shares the very same wonderful perfume of aged and wondrous books. Yesterday's Books is a little spot of wonder and wonderfulness in this world.

Would you like to see a picture of pure glee?

Princeton Theological Library, with my favorite theologian, our youngest son, Sam.

See? I'll bet you thought I was kidding!

In our home, we have 24 running feet of floor to ceiling book cases . . . and piles, and boxes, and stashes of books. Then there's our son's very large theological library, and while, technically, they don't belong to me, we are storing them {possession being 9/10's of the law, and all} . . .

I have often said that my legacy will be that I have left all of my children with a love for reading, and an entire library.

The minute that we moved into this house, my husband built window seats and bookcases in each of our children's bedrooms. A proper place to read, you know . . . with curtains that draw . . . allowing for quick transportation to Neverland . . . or Wonderland . . . or Dreamland . . .

As a child, I was often called a bookworm. I always thought it a compliment.

I have completely missed the intended mark of this post . . . {I rest my case}

I wanted to share with you the manifesto that is posted in the window of:

Gallery Bookshop & Bookwinkle's Children's Books

A World Class Bookstore in the Heart of Mendocino Village

I stood there and read it with complete joy and satisfaction!

"WE BELIEVE IN THE BOOK. We believe in quieting the noise and listening to the stories. We believe in traveling far and wide between paper pages. We believe in touching the words, scribbling in the margins, and dogging the ears. We believe in surrounding ourselves with books long finished and books not yet read; in revisiting our younger selves each time we pull old favorites off the shelf.

We believe in five-year-olds inking their names in big letters on the flyleaf. We believe in becoming someone else for four hundred pages. We believe in turning off the screens and unplugging the networks once in awhile. We believe in meeting the author, reading the footnotes, looking up the words and checking the references. We believe in holding our children on our laps and turning the pages together.

We believe in standing shoulder to shoulder in comfortable silence with our fellow citizens before a good shelf of books; we believe in talking face to face with friends and strangers in the aisles of a good bookstore. We believe that together, readers, writers, books and bookstores can work magic.

If you believe, please join us: SAVE THE WORLD. BUY A BOOK."

~much love!~

*For Love of a Rose was recommended by an article in Victoria Magazine . . . the Rose issue that year . . . which also directed me to an annual antique rose garden tour in the gorgeous hills and Gold Rush era gardens of Placerville, California . . . that Rose Garden Tour is still one of those special moments in my life . . . you know the kind . . . every time you think of it, you can even feel the feelings that you felt at the time . . . feel the heat, remember the fragrances . . . hear the footsteps on the gravel paths in the gardens . . . taste the lemonade, revisit the must and the darkness of the antique stores . . .

I'm sorry. I'm back, now. :) Don't read the reviews! I didn't know that it was a history book when I read it, although it becomes obvious . . . what it IS about, is three generations of the same family in France . . . the story of their struggles to develop and propagate some of the most famous and still sought after rose varieties, ever . . . while having their homeland and gardens ravaged, repeatedly through two World Wars. All reviews contain a spoiler! Not this one . . . such as it is . . . Since I hadn't knowledge of the end of the book, it was all the more wonderful for me . . . I remember thinking it was as much a romance as an historical account {not that kind of romance} . . . I promise . . . I still wish I could see it in movie form . . . maybe I'll write to Johnny Depp.

Two year old Fiona, deeply engrossed in a good book . . . her Mommy noticed that she was curled up with a book in my favorite reading chair. "How sweet." I asked her if she could tell which book . . . Jane Austen's Minor Works . . . that's when camera came out!

Left Brain, Right Brain

2011-12-26T10:38:00.000-08:00

I need no other words . . . Click on the photo to enlarge . . . It's a Mercedes Benz ad. Go Mercedes! It can be difficult to enlarge enough to read the descriptions . . . just for you . . .

I am the left brain.

I am a scientist. A mathematician.

I love the familiar. I categorize. I am accurate. Linear.

Analytical. Strategic. I am practical.

Always in control. A master of words and language.

Realistic. I calculate equations and play with numbers.

I am order. I am logic.

I know exactly who I am.

I am the right brain.

I am creativity. A free spirit. I am passion.

Yearning. Sensuality. I am the sound of roaring laughter.

I am taste. The feeling of sand beneath bare feet.

I am movement. Vivid colors.

I am the urge to paint on an empty canvas.

I am boundless imagination. Art. Poetry. I sense. I feel.

I am everything I wanted to be.

Remember Your Old Friends

2011-12-18T15:14:00.000-08:00

Did you see "For Better or for Worse" in your comic pages, today? Pardon me, but I have to comment . . . it's not my intent to pick on the cartoonist . . .I think this was the greater thought that she was after . . . and I would like to expand on it . . .

Eight years ago, my blessed Father passed away near the end of September. Two months later, December 2003, I was still in no emotional condition to send Christmas cards. I planned to send notes in January, I had so much to tell! We had our first grandchild! Our son had safely served our country and was now out of the service! . . . but in the very first week of January, they were suddenly able to squeeze me in for the right hand surgery that I cancelled the day after we lost Pop. No Christmas cards, and no notes went out that year.

The next year {2004} the number of Christmas cards that we received dropped to half.

That's not all! The day before Thanksgiving {also 2004} {the year we received so few cards . . .}, I had a second surgery on the same hand. For that one, I got to wear a 10 pound cast that immobilized my arm from my fingertips to between my elbow and shoulder for six weeks. . . . again, I wasn't able . . . after six weeks in a cast, I wasn't even able to hold a pen . . . sigh . . . no Christmas cards, and after having the cast removed somewhere around New Year's Day . . . no New Year's letter to explain . . . you can imagine what that did to our Christmas cards the next year!

There were so many other sad and difficult events that took place in those couple of years that it even hurts to remember those times . . . At a time when we were absolutely reeling, so many of those who we thought cared the most, dropped us from their lists. When we could most have used the greetings, the remembrances and the cheers . . . old friends assumed we were cutting them off . . . so did the same to us.

Here is my plea . . . if you haven't received a Christmas card from someone with whom you have exchanged greetings for years, Call them! Check on them! Reach out to them! SEND THEM A CHRISTMAS CARD! This year AND next year, and the one after that! What's the worst that could happen? They could know that you care? Isn't that worth a few minutes of your time, and the price of a postage stamp?

I'll step down from my soapbox now. Thank you very much.

~Much Love! Merry Christmas!~

The P.I.N.K. Method

2011-12-14T16:39:00.000-08:00

This post is definitely gonna fall in the T.M.I. category . . . and I'm embarrassed to admit this, but . . . I am on a diet. There. I said it. {They say that it's a good idea to share that . . . accountability and all . . .}

My doctor says, I am not obese. Well, that's a relief. Here's the most embarrassing part, I bought the P.I.N.K. Method. I've never been on an actual organized diet before, but I guess I've finally arrived at that place . . . you know? . . . where I am ready to do something about it. So far, in three days, I've lost four pounds.

Let's say that I'm a mature person {I am a Grandma . . .}. {Had to make sure you know where I am coming from . . .} I've read through the book, and I can tell you this much . . . prudish, Christian Grammy's are not their target market. I am completely offended by the writing, the silly visualizations, the language . . . Sexy Salad? Come on.

. . . but the diet makes sense. I bought it because I get to buy and prepare my own foods. No additional cost, and it seemed like a reasonable price to me, two $40.00 payments, or one $67.00-ish payment . . . which still came to about $80.00 with the addition of sales tax and shipping . . . que sera, sera . . .

I have certain dietary restrictions . . .{one of those health things mature people get. . . sigh . . .} I can't eat nuts, seeds and berries. These things are staples on the diet. . . you know, whole grains, strawberries {any berry, really}, nuts . . . great fibre and protein, but not for me . . . I decided to substitute as nearly as I could . . . I'm using strawberry nectar instead of strawberries, which includes a certain amount of sugar . . . this substitution displaces fibre, so I take fibre . . . what can it hurt? I will eat cracked wheat bread when it's called for instead of whole grain . . . am using dairy milk instead of dairy substitutes . . . and it is working! {If I had known it was this easy, I would have gone on it the minute I had to take prednisone!} . . . and still, for the first time in my life, I'm losing weight!

I have not yet begun the work out portion of the program, I need to stay in the first stage till I have lost 5 to 10 pounds, then the next stage including the workout begin . . . I'm loving that 5 pounds could be tomorrow! It could be right now! This minute!

I plan to partake of Christmas festivities and all of the goodies that come with it! So my start may be slow-ish . . . but doggone it! Christmas only comes once a year! And I started just two weeks before Christmas! But start I did. And so far, while I find the book to be crude, tasteless, and unprofessional {it is self published} the diet is working just fine. And I am very pleased. Thank.You.Very.Much.

Winter Wishes Theatre

2011-11-15T17:06:00.000-08:00

{photo from Gilding the Lily Classes}

Have you always hoped that someday you would be able to take a class from Colleen Moody, too? I found one that I loved, and I couldn't find a single reason not to go . . .

I can't believe it! I finally did it! Above is the beautiful project, originally designed by Colleen Moody and Iva Wilcox {this day Iva couldn't make it to teach}. Such a shame, but Colleen, I think can do anything she turns her hand to . . . it was a wonderful, if intense day long class . . .

This is not my doll, but the model that I'm working from . . . don't you just love it? Colleen is such a uniquely talented doll atelier . . .

and if I wasn't aware before, after I had the opportunity to observe her talented and capable hands form a lump of clay into a beautiful doll face, I certainly am aware now!

Colleen's sweet little snow lady . . .

And mine! Only partially finished . . . but maybe tonight her skirt will happen . . .

My lighted theatre was a only slightly more complete than this, the last photo I took of it before leaving it in Dede's tender care. :) I flew . . . didn't even try to get that on the plane, Dede Warren is shipping it to me. Bless her sweet heart! Thank you, Dede!

The completed theatre made by Colleen Moody and Iva Wilcox . . .

Mine only dreams of being so lovely someday!

Hopefully before Christmas!

I had a sweet little visitor the day that my package arrived . . . Thank you, Dede.

Now I really can't wait to finish it.

A New Heart for Tammy

2011-11-09T12:08:00.000-08:00

When I think of all the times in my life that I have uttered the words, "Bless your heart" . . .

This is a wonderful photograph of my beautiful friend, Tammy Lumpkins. Tammy made history today. She is the first person on the West Coast to leave the hospital with an artificial heart. {And one of only 22 people in the country.}

Tammy and Dale

I have been posting prayer requests {on Facebook} for Tammy and her family, especially for Tammy, for months now . . . isn't it beautiful to see the fulfillment!?

Thank you, Keck Hospital USC, and Dr. Michael Bowdish, {a cardiothoracic surgeon at Keck Hospital} for caring enough to do something about it.

I couldn't tell her story better than Anna Gorman, Los Angeles Times has: An artificial heart offers a real chance - latimes.com

Photos Borrowed from LA Times Article above ~

(Genaro Molina, Los Angeles Times / November 8, 2011)

Please continue to remember Tammy in your prayers.

~Much love!~

Another terrific article from the Hospital's website:
Home is Where the Heart is.

This article from the local CBS news includes video . . .
Tammy leaving the hospital

Hand Born

2011-10-19T16:14:00.000-07:00

I'll be at Hand Born again this year!

I'll have loads and oodles of soldered charms, each one an original . . . and some wonderful metal jewelry! I'll be introducing some industrial tie~tacks . . . so the guys aren't left out . . . It all happens as inspiration strikes, so it's just not possible to tell you what will be there . . . but I'll post pictures before the event! {likely the very day before} ;)

Hand Born . . . by the way . . . is a brilliantly conceived handmade gift faire . . . Around closing time, businesses in the Modesto's hip downtown area, push their tables back and open their doors to artisans of youthful oriented wares. How cool is that!? Always anxiously anticipated . . . this speed shopping event takes place in just 4 hours, once a year! It is hugely popular, and honestly I don't think one could possibly see all of the wonderfulness in the time allotted!

Don't forget!! November 26!

in case you wondered . . .

2011-10-11T11:34:00.000-07:00

. . . this hiatus is not permanent . . . life has intervened . . . I will be back the very minute that I find one free . . . besides this one, I mean . . . it came along and surprised me . . . caught me totally unprepared . . . so did the "life intervening" part . . . sigh . . .

~ Much Love ~

Debbi

Copper Tags

2011-07-14T23:56:00.000-07:00

What do you think? I've been experimenting . . .

. . . and I'm really pleased with the outcome.

I told somebody tonight, that I have lost more sleep over this project . . . that's not a bad thing . . .

. . . rather, I'm enjoying the challenge enough, that I lay awake planning the next step . . .

That's a good thing!

One More Shadowbox Treasury Post!

2011-07-07T14:02:00.000-07:00

I've been telling you about the Birthday Treasury Shadowbox Swap that has just wrapped up over at Inspire Co, in my last post I shared my submission . . . now I want you to see what my partner sent to me!

Isn't it wonderful? My swap partner was Heather at Speckled Egg. The thing that I am so intrigued with here, is this: If you wrote out a list of the items that we used, and a description of colors, you would have very similar lists . . . with amazingly dissimilar results! I don't know about you, but I think that sort of thing is fascinating.

Do you love that she personalized it with my initial? The D is for Debbi, silly. :)

I shot off an immediate email after it arrived, and told her how fascinated I was by the items that she included . . . she couldn't even know how these things applied to me. A small list: I sew, kind of a lot actually, {measuring tape}, I have an entire wall decorated with keys and escutcheon plates {I buy antique keys as souvenirs when we travel.}, I have a major thing for typewriters {which includes typewriter keys, natch, I even have 3 or 4 antique typewriters!} Have you noticed that a frozen Charlotte is represented? I so love frozen Charlotte's that I am, as we speak, preparing molds to cast them in sterling! I think she got me.

Thank you, Heather!

This is the shadowbox that I sent to her. We discussed that she loved nature {wasp nest, bird nest, natural quail egg} {the pennants obstruct your view of the little copper bird nest with pearl eggs on the top shelf}; she has 2 little girls {the clipboard soldered charm}; her birthday is represented on the bottle {but hidden}, ~ the bottle sort of represents a bit of me ~ her blog is Speckled Egg {self-explanatory} ;) . . . and these are her colors of choice.

I was generally going for a Natural Science sort of look {porcelain crucible and other previously mentioned pieces}, and age, and then there was my plan that these things should be able to be handled and studied and manipulated by her children. Which she tells me they are. {Yay! A win!} I loved the way the doors made the shadowbox into a tiny cupboard, and I think that makes the items stored within feel more precious.

It is only 5 1/2" X 5 1/2" overall. Don't you just love tiny things?

If you would like to see what the other participants came up with, click on the links below for the two blog posts that Amy at Inspire Co. has shared with us!

Birthday Treasury Swap

~ and ~

More Birthday Shadowboxes

Scroll down to the next post, or click here to see more photos of the one that I sent to Heather.

I would so do this again! I am, in fact! It's an entirely different theme . . .when I finish, you know me,

I'll share pictures! :)

~ Much Love! ~

Birthday Treasury Shadowbox Swap

2011-06-20T22:02:00.000-07:00

While I have a little breather, from, what I like to call our Summer Party Season, let me show you a little teenie bit of what I've been up to! I have just participated in a Birthday Treasury Swap designed by Amy Powers of Inspire Co. Wasn't it just the bestest idea!?

We purchased these Tim Holtz Configurations {this is where I bought my shadow box}, filled and decorated them according to our swap partner's taste {I hope}, and shipped them off!

I know that Amy went to a great deal of trouble to match us up with someone compatible. . .
because I gave her a little trouble . . . a result I am certain, of my usual problem, tmi. :)

I was thrilled to discover my assigned partner was somebody that I already admired! Heather from Speckled Egg . . .

You know that soldering is kind of my thing . . .

So doors came into being. Poof! Just like that!

{and the bottle and charm . . . I can't help myself!}

{The little copper nest contains pearls eggs. Of course, I made it, silly.}

and then there's that nature thing . . . I kind of think Heather and I share that . . .

I tried to personalize some of the trinkets. . .

Heather's birthday is represented here, really it is! . . . it's just in kind of . . . almost a secret way . . . ;)

I like this quote . . . it defines a part of me . . . and I suspect a little of Heather . . . Gosh, I sure hope it does, anyway!

"She was a noticer. . . for all the shelves are lined with shells, bird feathers, dried sea grasses, pebbles, eggshells. . . They're just bits that were lying on the ground, that anyone else would step over or on, but she saw they were beautiful and brought them home.". . . The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society . . .

Thank you for the wonderful opportunity, Amy! I absolutely loved this!

Thank you, Heather for playing! I have just loved every minute of it!

2011-05-23T12:23:00.000-07:00

There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other.

~Douglas H. Everett~

Personally, I believe that I live my life with one foot in each of those worlds. It's a balancing act, to be sure, but I really like it here.

Thank you, Valerie {Bohemian Season} for posting this quote for me. :) You're always inside my head!

Birthday Treasury Shadowbox Swap

2011-05-21T23:11:00.000-07:00

Oooh! I know you'll want to be part of this! Amy Powers is hosting a really wonderful exchange based on this positively scrumptious prototype that she designed for her Inspired Ideas Magazine, The Birthday Edition.

This is a one on one exchange, we'll each make one, and receive one back! Pop in on Amy to see the particulars, and sign up! It will be so much fun to see you there!

"Swap sign ups close on May 31. Swaps due to be exchanged the week of June 13."

{Which, it occurs to me just happens to be my birthday week! How do you like that?}

I can't wait to discover who my assigned partner is! This is going to be so much fun!

Taylor Swift Releases Anti-bullying Video

2011-05-19T14:53:00.001-07:00

Mean - Taylor Swift - Taylor Swift Videos

Budget Minded Bride

2011-05-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

I did a wedding last week . . . on a budget. Of course, all weddings have a budget, but I happened to know that this bride was going to try to do her own flowers . . . and she's related to my nephew {by marriage}, and I am a florist . . . I know very well how much work goes into a wedding, and I know the tears that I've shed, working on that kind of deadline . . . wedding flowers are a last minute deal, afterall . . .

I couldn't wish that on her, especially when it was an easy thing for me to do, and I had the time . . . you know? So they bought the flowers, delivered them to me . . . which is surely out of the ordinary :) . . . and here I share with you, the resulting Bridal Bouquet. The reason that this is all noteworthy, is this . . . this bouquet is made from 1 bunch of mixed Spring flowers from Costco. 1 bunch! We are talking budget here, people!

So I just want to give budget minded brides some hope. It does take a little training, but these days, doesn't everybody know someone who can teach them how to wire and tape flower stems? These are wired, then shaped, and wrapped. Oversimplified, I know . . . but take heart! It can be done! You can have beautiful flowers, on a budget . . . learn how to wire and tape, and practice beforehand with flowers from your garden. And practice, practice, practice! . . . Do not wait till the last minute to figure this out . . . it is not rocket science, but in this case, practice does make much prettier. :)
And you're really gonna love this! The centerpieces! She bought sweetpeas from a local fruit stand, and vases from a dollar store. $5.00 centerpieces. It is my intention here to be of assistance . . . to maybe instruct a little . . .

Buy flowers in season at Farmer's Markets or like this bride did, at the local strawberry stand . . . if you have time, grow them yourself {I hate to admit this, but you shouldn't depend on growing them from seed . . . it's just too risky} . . .

To arrange, simply gather them in your hand till they make a pleasing arrangement, then cut the stems off to one length. Lovely. Lovely.

My gift to you. :)

Note: Minutes after posting this, I mean really, truly . . . just minutes! I peeked in On one of my favorite blogs, Running With Scissors . . .and lo and behold, she's making a Bridal Bouquet, but she took the instructions, oh, so much further, and included how-to photographs! Run over to see! Fresh or silk flowers, the instructions are the same! You can do this! I promise! Tell her I sent you! Love!

Birthday Flowers

2011-05-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

I promised a couple of friends that I would post photos of the centerpieces from my Mother-in-law's birthday party. See!? I try to keep my promises! {I really do try. Honest!} I kinda wish I had cleared the background a little better . . . but do you have any idea how vain I looked, when the party was in full swing, and I was taking close ups of the flower arrangements . . . that I made!? And since it was family and close friends . . . I think the guests might have known that.

Awkward.

This angle was an attempt to show the butterflies . . .

I'm gonna give you a quick tutorial on those. I love them! Aren't they just the sweetest!?

I found a tissue paper that was printed in a friendly little butterfly design. Yep. The very stuff that we tuck into gift bags. I liked this particular one for it's overall design of the same butterfly, in multiple Spring-ie colors, and lots of great sizes.

I color copied the tissue paper at my friendly neighborhood copy shop. Just for you, I'm sharing that first step with you! Click on the picture above to enlarge it, then print! I hope it enlarges to full page . . . I don't know to what size it will enlarge . . .I'm only kinda geeky . . . {I surely don't know everything about this stuff. I think most of it is just magic.}

I carried my color copy all the way over to the copy desk and asked them to make three more copies on transparency film. {You know, the stuff they use for overhead projectors.} The color will be waaaaay lighter than you expect. I recommend that you start with really intense, vibrant colors.

Took those home, and sometime in the middle of the night . . . with a girlfriend that I enlisted {coerced} into helping me . . . cut them out. I think you should cut them quite close.

You're not gonna believe this, but they didn't melt when I hot glued* them to the frame, wires and nests! Instant Spring! They were kind of adorable! {If I do say so myself.} {Gosh! I hope this doesn't mean that vain thing was accurate.} . . . sigh . . . *I did use a lower temp glue gun. The truly hot ones can really cause nasty burns! And would probably melt the transparency film.

Fold your little cut-out butterflies in the middle, so they appear like . . . like . . . like butterflies! . . . and using the cool melt, hot glue gun, glue them to light weight floral wire . . . or like I did, the nest and twigs of these arrangements . . . but they would be super cute sprinkled on a table . . . used on paper goods . . . somebody even tried them in a little bottle at the soldered charms class that I taught last weekend.

They seem so delicate and ephemeral . . . I think you'll love them, too! And will very likely find a million other uses for them! Please tell me if you do! I would so love to hear!

Now. . . don't say I never did anything for you! ;)

P.S. Do I have the world's best flower suppliers or what!? I said Spring, they delivered SPRING!

Red Lead . . . Where have you been all my life!?

2011-05-16T12:28:00.001-07:00

Nest

You know how it is when you're surfing . . . once in a while you run across a site that is positively wonderful . . . I stumbled onto Red Lead this morning. EEEeeeee!

"NEST" Stamp

The following is what their website tells about them:

"Red Lead was voted "the best place to buy art supplies" and "the best place to buy scrap booking supplies" by the St. Louis Riverfront Times.

Chris and Sharon have been published in the St. Louis Post Dispatch, Mary Englebreit Home Companion, Better Homes and Gardens Holiday Celebrations, as well as several Stampington and Company publications.

Chris and Sharon are known for their inspiring art, exclusive line of rubber stamps designed by them, an eclectic mix of collage trinkets, vintage collage sheets, and artful workshops taught in the Red Lead studio. When you are in their neighborhood please drop by, they would love to meet you!

Visit Red Lead in the historic Webster Groves neighborhood of St. Louis, Mo. at 27 North Gore Ave."

So I ask you . . . why is this news to me!?

Have I been living under a rock?

{I suppose that is possible.}

Dottie and Debbie Rubber Stamp

Do you even believe this is a rubber stamp! I am not kidding you!

A super delicious collage sheet!

Vintage Elements Collage Sheet

I mean, come on! Seriously! Don't you just love it!?

Their prices are even completely reasonable, and I can be such a terrible cheapskate {I dropped a small fortune for me, there today!} . . . I suspect a lot of us creative types are . . . it's hard to buy that which you can make . . . and Red Lead will help you find some scrumptious goodies to do all that great creating with!

{Sorry about the closing preposition . . . I couldn't help myself. I'm a real person, you know?}

Red Lead Storefront

Red Lead Blog

Carla M Fox, Metalsmith

2011-05-07T15:13:00.000-07:00

This is for those of you who might wonder about those silversmithing classes that I keep talking about . . . :)

~Much Love! ~

Cool Tool

2011-05-05T20:27:00.000-07:00

Filed in the Look What I Did department . . .

;)

It is lovely, though, isn't it?

I've told you before that I take a silversmithing class . . . a classmate and her husband invented the tool that I used to make the chain . . . I just love it! It's all sterling silver and pearls . . . The crucifix and connector, I found on Etsy . . .

It's a birthday gift for a dear friend . . . I'm hoping she doesn't see it here before she she sees it in person . . . :)

If you want to know more about the tool that I used, or the Etsy supplier . . . just let me know . . . I'll get right back to you!

2011-05-03T10:57:00.000-07:00

Gosh! How've you been?! It's been ages since I saw you! I should stop in more often, I know . . . I've just been so busy . . . and I always write at night, it seems . . . and my husband has discovered the joys of sharing my computer in the evenings . . . sigh . . .

Today, I'm grounded. He has my automobile . . . {pickup, actually . . .} . . . and is out enjoying his new boat with our son, and I get to stay home and do whatever I please. :) I so love those days when I can't leave the house for some reason . . .they're gifts, absolutely . . . so . . . I've completed a bit of correspondence, edited a couple of pictures, and remembered that I have a blog. :) Here you go . . . in photos . . . a bit of what I've/we've all been up to . . . ;)

I've been . . . taking classes and giving them . . .

. . . just finished this necklace for Relay for Life . . .

. . . tried to hang out with these precious people whenever possible . . .

. . . and Rip Van Winkle . . .

. . . celebrated Easter with my family

. . . including my two favorite, beautiful, little gossamer girls . . .

{She's trying to decide whether to go near to . . . }

. . . Emily Easter Bunny! {Who happened to be in the neighborhood {because she lives across the street} and surprised us with a happy visit . . . }

We traveled a bit . . . not too far, just enough . . . to share in a celebration honoring my Mother-in-law and her milestone birthday . . .

{Mom with our eldest son and his beautiful family. . .}

. . . enjoyed the company of relatives who traveled rather farther than we did . . .

. . . and taken every opportunity to find my peace . . .

. . . here . . .

. . . in this beautiful place . . . {big ol' sigh} . . . how about yourself?

Soldered Charms Workshop/Class

2011-03-31T08:59:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, I'm teaching another Workshop/Class at The Empty Nest! Let me give you the particulars! April 2, 2011 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. You will make five different types of charms! You will learn; the copper foil method, how to cut and grind glass, and how to solder! {At least!} The Workshop fee {$100.00} includes the class {naturally}, all of your materials, and a delightfully delicious catered lunch! Tools are available for use in class! It is a good idea to bring your own soldering iron, however! There are two students who can't make it at the last minute, so there are open seats . . . just in case you need one of them. ;)

The Empty Nest (209) 847-9300

For a recent post about the last class, Click Here

Vintage Bird Collage

2011-03-27T16:48:00.000-07:00

Do you mind terribly if I repost an old one? Currently, I am recreating this for a couple of really special people who have asked . . . :) I keep opening the photos to double check details, and am so enjoying the process all over again. I am ready to attach the doors . . . just need hinges. Having way too much fun over here! Thank you for indulging me.

Originally posted July 9, 2009

This project was such a blast! The theme for the swap at The Vintage Dragonfly Studio was, Vintage Bird. The size of the collage itself is 5"x 5". I haven't received the one that is being shipped to me, yet. But this one is my submission.

The glass window panes are a whopping 2 1/2 inches square.

The edge is a page from an ancient German language book. I did not deface the book! Honest! Someone just happened to give me the page, at a class. Isn't the font lovely? A pearl rests in the gold wire and antique print nest. The little silhouette is cut from the same text. It's positively ancient and very brittle. That's a vintage locket displaying a bit of quail egg set on green velvet. Les Memoires d'un Oiseau ~ loosely translated, The Bird's Memories

Once Upon a Time {reading challenge}

2011-03-27T11:56:00.000-07:00

How's this for a bona fide grown up excuse to read the fun stuff!? A reading challenge, with these simple parameters: "Spring (March 21st to June 20th) . . . journey together into the magical lands of fantasy, fairy tales, folklore and mythology." Carl, of Stainless Steel Droppings fame is hosting this challenge for the fifth year running. I would like to know why this is the first time that I've heard! I'm saving you from the fate of waiting any longer, though! {You know that's my mission in life.} :)

Herein are the pertinent links and a little information . . . I'm not posting my Quest {level of commitment} until I've had a little time to think on it . . . but you are allowed to join the challenge if you intend to read only one book in the three month period! How hard could that be!? I'm thinking of reading The Hobbit or maybe A Wrinkle in Time, again . . . But I have Peter Pan on my to-be-read list . . .

I'll paste a bit from Carl's post about his challenge here:

Now, for the particulars:

The Once Upon a Time Challenge has a few rules:

Rule #1: Have fun.

Rule #2: Have fun.

Rule #3: Don’t keep the fun to yourself, share it with us, please!

Rule #4: Do not be put off by the word “challenge”.

If you have participated in any of the reading events hosted here at Stainless Steel Droppings then you will know that my goal is not to try to reach some preset number of books read. It is simply to take pleasure in what is read. By the same token, I do like setting personal goals for myself and I see the value in “challenging” myself not only to read regularly but also to get out of my comfort zone on occasion. We all have books that we want to read. On top of that some of us have books we are obligated to read, be that for school or commitments we have made, etc. The Once Upon a Time Challenge is not meant to be a burden, nor is it meant to coerce you into participating in something when you feel overwhelmed. That is why you will find that the Once Upon a Time Challenge is designed to cater to everyone–those that want to set a specific goal to reach and those who know that all they really have time for is to read one qualifying book and want to take part in the fellowship that springs up during this challenge.

Your challenge options are wide open . . . choose from The Journey {which is just One Book!},

Quest the First, Second, Third or Fourth, The Short Story Challenge, or Quest the Screen. The Quests aren't what I expected them to be {each more involved than the last} . . . rather they are different configurations . . . Options! He has given us completely doable options!

Do give it some thought, eh?

Spring!

2011-03-25T14:57:00.000-07:00

All of that wind and rain and hail couldn't dampen the spirit of my Grandma's violets. When it's time to bloom, it's time to bloom. Just makes me happy all over. :)

"Grandma." "Grandma." "Grandma."

2011-03-25T12:15:00.001-07:00

photo courtesy cunningba on flickr

There was a reason that I happened to think of this little story just now . . . I have all kinds of correspondence pending, none has produced a response. It's timely, and it matters. I sometimes feel like the little girl trying to tell Grandma that the horses are out. Do you ever feel like that?

When I was pretty little, maybe {likely} four years old . . . my Mother and my Grandmother were enjoying a nice little visit at Grandma's house. I can picture it as if it were yesterday. The sofa still sits where it always was, although the house belongs to my Aunt now . . . Grandma has been gone for nearly 10 years . . . it's against the longest wall in the living room . . . Grandma sat on the end, my Mom near the middle . . . they were deeply involved in a conversation . . . I was playing outside.

{Imagine the days when a little girl could play alone outside near the horse pasture, under the fig trees. . . . sigh . . .} anyway, as I played, I noticed that the gate to the pasture stood open and my Grandpa's horses were grazing on the grass in the yard! Thinking this might be important, I toddled myself right in to the house, stood at Grandma's elbow and began my song . . . "Grandma? . . . Grandma? . . . Grandma? . . ." {This went on for some time, as I recall.} I think maybe I annoyed her ;) because eventually, after several choruses of this . . . she turned to me, and you know that exasperated voice? Not loud enough to be a shout, but firm enough that I knew I was in trouble? "WHAT, Debbi?!" My shy little four year old self standing there in my little plaid playdress barely managed an answer . . . "Are the horses supposed to be outside the fence?"
Grandma, "YES, Debbi!"
Oh. Okay. Adults are so odd. Off I skipped, back to play in the garden of my childhood.

Some time later, half an hour, maybe a whole one, found me giving effort to climbing my Grandpa's orange tree {I'll bet Grandpa would have listened if he had been home.}. A young man in an open topped Jeep skidded to a stop, right there, under that orange tree, and hit the ground running! Spotting me as he runs, he yells, "Is your Grandpa home?!"
Me: "No."
Him: "Is your Grandma?!"
Me: "Yes."
Him: "I've got to talk to her! Their horses are all over downtown!"
Me: "Oh, she knows. She says it's okay."

He looks at me like I'm crazy, and proceeds to run into my Grandparents' house, anyway. :)
You can imagine the confusion and excitement that broke loose then! Every available man in our tiny rural town hopped their own horses and headed downtown to wrangle my Grandpa's horses. It took quite a bit of the afternoon {as I recall}.

Grandma should have listened to me. :)

Soldered Charms Class

2011-03-20T20:15:00.000-07:00

I've been kind of missing from these parts lately. . . I've posted very little this year . . . I apologize. I'm hoping to rectify that . . . I've just been so crazy busy!

A lot of it has been preparation for teaching this class . . . It's been in the talking stage for gosh . . . about a year . . . finally we decided to simply set a date and go for it! {Thanks to encouragement from my friend, Rhonda!} That's Rhonda in the photo above. Gamely trying her hand at soldered charms . . . she took my class, and I, her's. :) I loved it, too! She teaches Bee's Wax Coated Collage. {See previous post}

That worked, too . . . the "just going for it" . . . in no time at all I had the necessary supplies collected, contacted the interested students, the store made a classroom space, and Voila! It was all set! I can't thank the ladies who have taken my workshops enough for playing along! It is all such a blast!

The Empty Nest, in Oakdale, California is hosting these classes and workshops for Rhonda and I so far, but other instructors are beginning to line up!
I know {almost for certain} that there will soon be a Pearl Stringing Class. Classic, professional training. Really an exciting opportunity!
There is at least one other jewelry class in the talking stage.

Materials Kit

. . . this is filled with some of the neatest little supplies! Everything necessary to make five different types of soldered charms.

And lunch! I'm teaching two workshops, a half day and a full day . . . the full day workshop includes the yummiest catered lunch! That's my lunch in the photo above. Don't you love the way she did that!? Clever and delicious! The caterer and the printer are very special people to me. ;)

So you have some idea of what Ive been up to while I've been absent . . . I'm just having the best time over here! Sure hope you are, too! What have you been up to lately? I would love to know!

Collage Class

2011-03-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

I have just taken a wonderful class with an especially talented instructor {and friend}, Rhonda. She's teaching a beeswax coated collage technique . . .

Her artistic guidance and skill, are lovingly and generously shared with her students . . .

Rhonda has other classes scheduled at The Empty Nest in Oakdale, California . . . just in case you can't resist, either . . . :)

My camera decided to take a mini vacation at exactly the same moment I decided to take photos during class yesterday . . . sigh . . . I'm happy that it's back on the job today, but I don't have photos of the other class projects to show you . . . only mine. I'm sorry about that. They are really beautiful.

This collage has a definite naturalist theme . . . based, as it is on one of my favorite childhood books {and still, though childhood is kind of long behind me}, Freckles, by Gene Stratton Porter. If you have ever read it, I just know you'll understand! Oh, and Rhonda hand-painted the trees/branches for me! An extra special touch, from an extra special friend. I really love it! I'm hoping you do!

Read Freckles on Project Gutenberg.

Freckles on Amazon.

The birds in nest image is courtesy of The Graphics Fairy.

I've linked to The Graphics Fairy Brag Monday, here. {sheepish grin}

Send me deep

2011-03-16T10:23:00.001-07:00

My son, Zacharia sharing a video with precious children in Haiti {of themselves} during his recent medical mission. I think they like it. :)

Send me deep

I shared with you when my son was on this mission in Haiti, a medical one, a few months ago. He will be returning this Fall {2011}. Zach has just set up a blog to share, inform and hopefully even assist in facilitating these continued missions.

Last year, on the Monday before he left Friday, I called to ask him whether he still had needs. And he did! Boy, did he still have needs! He needed scrubs, enough for a few changes a day. He needed blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes . . . and a few other items that escape me right this minute. My first thought was to write a check, followed immediately by God telling me to share the blessing {of helping} with others. I realize that the cynical among you will think I'm just being cheap, but others will know whereof I speak.

I called my other children, and posted his needs on Facebook. His siblings also posted his needs on Facebook. I called friends and relatives who had asked me to let them know what he might need. Several modest financial donations, from distant relatives, even from his sister's Grandma-in-law flowed in. :) Even a couple of not so modest donations. I know!

Friends, family members, distant acquaintances . . . people we had nearly, or mostly lost contact with, started calling, and writing! And dropping supplies off at my house, at his sister's house, at his!

A friend who works for a medical supply company dropped by with three boxes full of medical equipment, like gloves and wall mounted blood pressure cuffs for the hospital, and a promise for things that might be needed for the next trip {with more notice}.

A hospital 65 miles away donated scrubs! This, because the father of a woman in Sister's Bible Study group works there, and she called him.

Hospitals, and specifically nurses in the city where he works as a paramedic donated scrubs and stethoscopes.

Friends who work anywhere in the medical field came through with donations, not just of the known needs, but items that they felt he might need. {Next time he wants to take soccer balls, too.}

Just a couple of days before he left, he sent a message to me, "Thermometers! We need thermometers!" I was out of town, so I contacted his sister, who posted it on Facebook. :) A couple of hours later, I received this text, "We don't need any more thermometers!" I don't even know the details of how that need was filled. There were certainly a lot of people blessed! Tjose who gave, and those who received . . . even those of us who were witness to all of it . . . how we are blessed!

Maybe after reading this, he will refresh my memory of the other wonderful material blessings that were heaped upon the effort to supply this mission trip. It was a lesson in trusting God to provide. Always enough, always in time.

Read the post on his new blog as he prepares for a return this year. I think it will touch you. :)

My Butterfly in a Jar

2011-02-15T15:54:00.000-08:00

Wanna see what I got for Valentine's Day!? I am ridiculously happy about this!

It is the Butterfly Collection, from Gemmy Industries
.

Watch the video, then when you, too have to have one, here are the two links I could find on Amazon!
Is my husband brilliant, or what!?

Pink Morpho Butterfly

Monarch Butterfly

You are most welcome!

~Much Love!

Valentine Goodies

2011-02-13T13:32:00.000-08:00

I know! It's been forever since I posted!

Let me tell you . . . it's been something around here. My New Year's Resolution, for 2012 . . .? I'm hibernating from Christmas till Valentine's Day

Today, I'm in the mood for something special and Valentine-y that will tickle the funny bones of my Dear Ones.

Pondering something special and sweet for your favorite Valentines? Let me share thse really cute food ideas that I ran across at Our Best Bites. Yep, cute food! I submit the evidence below.

I'm making the Lovebug Cookies for my own Dearests. Gotta get myself to the grocer! Valentine's Day is tomorrow!

Recipe for Lovebug Cookies

Recipe for Sweetie Pie Pops

Photographs Courtesy of Our Best Bites

I found their site a few months ago, and let me tell you . . . those girls know their way around a kitchen! Once I realized that I had shared these cookie links with my Mother and my daughters, it occurred to me that you might like to know, too!

And, AND, that's not all! They have a cookbook!

It's scheduled for release on March 9, 2011

Our Best Bites Cookbook

I told you they were good!

note, February 15th: The photo above? Mine! Neither my cookies, nor my photo are as polished as their's. In spite of thickening, I found the glaze to be too thin and runny. I think I would use Royal Icing next time. But the kids liked them! A lot! The big kids, too! {read: Daddy and Papa.}

A Giveaway! But Hurry!

2011-01-09T14:01:00.000-08:00

Would you just look at all of this wonderful stuff!?

Riki Jewelry is having a give-away! As usual I'm Johnny-come-lately . . . it's over tomorrow!

{January 10th}

I can't imagine how I missed it earlier! I follow Riki's blog, shop in her Etsy shop, and pine for her classes . . . sigh . . .

Don't let the late date stop you! Hurry, now! Rush over to her blog to throw your hat in the ring!

P.S. See that gorgeous box? I bought a few from her for Christmas gifts . . . I wonder how I managed to miss one?

~ Much Love! ~

Riki Jewelry Blog

Riki Jewelry Wearable Relics Etsy Shop

After years of wanting to . . .

2011-01-09T10:55:00.000-08:00

. . . I have actually, really, truly begun!

Not that it matters to the world one little whit, but to me . . . I've been planning for tea parties since the day that it occurred to me that my children might someday give me grandchildren! A special tea party tablecloth is especially called for . . . don't you think!?

The photo is from the {now missing} pattern book . . . Ultimately, mine should look something like it . . . I think I've altered the color scheme considerably . . . a lot of the recommended threads are not to be found. But still!

You know where you will find me these cold, dark Winter days! Curled up beside the fire with a cup of tea beside me . . .

It feels so good to have finally begun . . .

Good Books

2011-01-08T12:35:00.000-08:00

Good books, like good friends, are few and chosen; the more select, the more enjoyable.

~Louisa May Alcott

{My Louisa May Alcott Bookshelf, and beautiful bird painting by my talented daughter.} :)

Blogger Issues

2010-12-12T12:03:00.000-08:00

Here is my question, quandry, problem . . . whatever you want to call it. Blogger has a tendency to reformat my posts. Do you have this problem, too? I'll carefully space and center and position, italicize or resize . . . only to have it all randomly undone once I click on Publish. AARGH! I can't explain it, but it seems even worse when I use the Preview option. I want to put this question out to the great big blogging world . . . What can be done about this? Almost every time that I work on my blog, or edit and re~edit my formatting, one more person discontinues following. . . . sigh . . .

A few people do follow my blog. {And I think you're wonderful, by the way! Mmmwwwaaahhh!} I know that few of you actually have the time to look at it, and that's okay. I do the same thing. I love so many, that I can read only those that I have time for that day. {But if I have a sick day, don't look for me anywhere else! I'll be catching up!} I've made the decision not to discontinue following anyone. {Only on the occassion when I didn't pay close attention before I clicked on the Follow Button and the writer has a tendency toward nasty language, or some such do I }

It's probably just an issue of my ignorance of HTML code, or something such . . . but if you feel like helping a blogger out with code hints or suggestions . . . I would be terribly grateful!

White Christmas Ornament Swap

2010-12-10T16:57:00.000-08:00

Maybe I shouldn't tell you this . . . but my favorite swaps are always Dede Warren's. Her latest is simply every bit as wonderful as the others I have participated in! I don't understand how or why, but she simply attracts cool artists! You'll try to leave space for me in future swaps now that I've given up the good information, won't you?!

I was temporarily without a camera of my own when I made these and shipped them off, so I have no other photograph of my submission. These are 2" square.

The photo above is Dede Warren's work.
Yep. She's good at that, too. :)

I understand that our ornaments have been shipped! I'll show you all the wonderful handmade goodies once they arrive! Yay! Click on the links below for more photos from Dede's blog.

White Christmas Ornament Swap

Sneak Peek

Quicroix, Haiti Clinic day 02

2010-12-06T12:02:00.000-08:00

My son has returned from the Haiti Mission.

Tent Cities in Port Au Prince 11/2010

2010-12-06T11:58:00.000-08:00

My son has returned from his mission to Haiti.

Sitting beside the fire

2010-11-30T11:00:00.000-08:00

I hope I never stop seeing a glowing, crackle-y fire in the fireplace as anything other than cozy and romantic. I should think the day that it becomes purely utilitarian to me would be a very sad day, indeed.

{So, it's not exactly a roaring fire. :) I had to use an old photo. My camera is still on a medical mission in Haiti.}

It's Artsy Girls Time!

2010-11-29T23:05:00.000-08:00

Reposted from my daughter's blog: Nevertheless, Elizabeth

Please join me December 4th and 5th from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at my home.

Drop in any time to shop for charmingly displayed handmade and vintage goods from an ever-growing roster of artsy girls, {and this year: guys!} including:

Soldered charms, hand tied pearls and other jewelry by Debbi Greenlee

Beaded jewelry by Carli H

Various handmade goodies by Nancy J

Sculptural hair bows by Jill T

Refinished vintage furniture by Juls {Her Royal Highness}

Painted items by Nichole {The Painted Nursery}

Scarves, felt plushies and upcycled kids' clothes by Ellice D

Vintage inspired jewelry by Sandie D

Hair flowers and baby lovelies by April W {Maggie and Beatrice}

Vintage finds from Amy V {Beloved Bag Lady}

Gourmet fudge by Elizabeth G

Delicious cookies and confections by Tasha S and Laura F

Jewelry and handmade cards and stationery items from Tamberly H

Crocheted goodies by Renee G

Baby accessories by Melissa D {Prissy Lissy Designs}

Goat's milk soap by Shane and Catherine

Re-purposed vintage windows by Danielle B {A Vintage View}

Yoga mats and bags by Katelyn H {Yogadivas}

Felted animals, nativities and other baby goodies by Robin R

Handmade dolls and aprons (and matching aprons for the dolls!)Original artwork from Aaron V

Folk/pop art and vintage treasures from yours truly {BettyHarry}

and more..... yes, its an incomplete list, even at this length!

Truly, this will be a chance to find the unique and unexpected for yourself and the folks on your Christmas list.

bizalith@aol.com

Hand Born

2010-11-28T14:41:00.000-08:00

Wow! That was crazy! I can't even begin to tell you what a great event Hand Born was last night!

These photos sort of represent my space. My camera has taken a trip out of the country . . . without me . . . :) I know!

In the meantime, foggy, blurry cell phone photos will have to do.
I hope you're having a wonderful weekend, too!

P.S. In case you're inclined to pray; it is my son who has taken my camera with him on a medical mission to Haiti. Thank you! From the bottom of my Momma heart!

Dr. Thomas Wing

2010-11-16T12:02:00.000-08:00

{If you were hoping to reach Dr. Wing, feel free to email me, and I will forward your letter to his daughter (my mother-in-law) who very likely has the information that you need.}

This following article appeared in the Modesto Bee today. I told you, way too recently that we have just lost my Father-in-law. Dr. Wing was his Father-in-law. Thank you Jeff Jardine, for such a kind notice of a brilliant and fascinating man.

CONDOLENCES — To the family of Dr. Tom Wing, an inventor who grew up in Modesto and attended Modesto High School and Modesto Junior College. He died Nov. 9 at 95 in Southern California.
Four years ago, I wrote about his exhibit at the McHenry Museum featuring a number of his inventions and gadgets. Among them was his "minimal energy stimulator," a physical therapy machine used by Olympic track star Carl Lewis, former L.A. Lakers star Magic Johnson and others.
He invented a pager, the technology of which Motorola later used for its own, and an emergency radio control network that spanned from the Mexican border to Santa Barbara. He donated it to the American Red Cross.
And he invented a vertical-lift wheelchair for his wife, Kay, who suffered from Lou Gehrig's disease and died in 2004. He continued to work on the chair until his own death.
Wing will be buried Monday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Covina Hills.

Jeff Jardine's column appears Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in Local News. He can be reached at jjardine@modbee.com. Read more: The Modesto Bee

Son of South Mountain & Dust By Thomas W. Wing & Carolyn Wing Greenlee

This is the autobiography of Thomas W. Wing, a herbologist and chiropractic doctor for nearly forty years while actively engaging in hobbies which brought about benefits for others. In the 1950s, he bent UHF waves around the mountain for emergency communications and pioneered the doctor beeper. In the new millennium, he is still inventing, still writing, still trying to help people live better lives.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/pasadenastarnews/obituary.aspx?n=thomas-w-wing&pid=146707362

http://pitiju.blogspot.com/2009/02/anti-aging-equipment.html

http://bodytique.blogspot.com/2008/06/awarded-winning-caci-international-non.html

Hand Born

2010-11-14T19:21:00.000-08:00

It's official! I'll be here! By all means, stop by and check out the wares!

. . . and my space, too . . .

naturally!

Mr. Rosenblum's List

2010-11-13T13:56:00.000-08:00

This is a post from my Goodreads Bookshelf.

Mr Rosenblum's List: Or Friendly Guidance for the Aspiring Englishman by Natasha Solomons

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

It has taken so much longer than it needed, to finish this book. It was a very painful ordeal, during which I gave up several times. I finally forced myself to finish so I would know that something good happened to this poor man. He was mistreated and abused by his family and the people in the newly adopted country where he and his family sought refuge from the persecution of German Jews. He was misunderstood and mistreated by his wife. His daughter was an overindulged, spoiled brat, who did come through eventually, naturally.

A solid 7/8ths of this book, if not more, is misery applied liberally on top of sadness and despair. I finally managed to finish by skipping large portions of meanness and abuse.

In the end {and by end, I mean the VERY end}, there was a little upswing, but talk about "too little too late"! The author found it necessary to finally break what seemed to be the indomitable spirit of the main character, Jack, before she tossed him a crumb. I think the attempt was to feel like real life, but in reality, it was just plain painful to read. I don't know how many nights I closed the book before it could get worse.

I think there is a premise here for the wonderful, cheerful, uplifting story that I was told to expect, but if you read it, don't go into it expecting anything less than a story of sadness and a poor miserably mistreated, sweet old man.

At the time of this writing, this book is not yet available for sale in the United States. I purchased it from an English Bookseller. I have heard a rumbling that it is to be made into a movie. Naturally. It will probably be an award winner.

{I am certain that the author is a very sweet and lovely person, and I don't want to pick on her . . . it's just that this book, for my taste, went a bit too far with the sadness and misery, and not far enough pulling it out of the downward spiral. I was mislead into reading it by a professional reviewer. It is she I think, who is responsible for leading me down the proverbial primrose path . . . and myself for following her.}

Wedding Rings

2010-11-08T18:53:00.000-08:00

I lost my wedding band over a year ago. I took it off in the Summer. I set it beside the sink. I looked at it every single day. Fall came, and no ring. Couldn't find it anywhere. I searched the floorboards. I emptied the drawers. I looked every place that I might have put it. No ring. My biggest fear was that I might have thrown it away, unknowing . . .

Last night, the drawer front fell off one of the drawers. Just like that. No warning, no prior wigglie-ness, just suddenly it was hanging by a thread . . . It was very late, and I was tired. I thought I could save that project for the morning.

My sweet husband was home today, had all of his woodworking tools out for another repair job, so I quickly emptied the drawer, before I ran out the door for my class . . . speaking to him through the open window . . ."Oh, I really don't have time to do this! I'm gonna be late!" I turned back around, and just like in the movies, I spot a ring of gold on the bottom of the nearly empty drawer. It sparkled and glistened at me. I think it might even have smiled.

Me, shouting, "I found my wedding band!"

Him, "You're kidding!"

I put it on {in hind sight, I should have waited for him to do that}, ran down the stairs and outside to share my treasure with him . . .

. . . Are you ready? Here's where it gets good . . . Today is our anniversary! Our 35th. I know.

How good of God to give me back the symbol of our devotion on a landmark day like today.

Don't tell anyone . . .

2010-11-07T15:44:00.000-08:00

. . . but I am enjoying the most unbelievably peaceful day! Thank.you.very.much!

Dad

2010-10-30T13:07:00.000-07:00

So pleasant and warm and cozy and quiet beside the fireplace right this minute . . . life has been . . . well, life . . . so busy and active, and then something life altering causes it to come to a sudden halt . . . take a minute . . .

My sweet Father in law has passed away. He was such a character. A brilliant man. A staunch defender of the faith. His silliness, spirit and his faithfulness will pass down through generations forever more.

He looked just like Santa Claus. I'm not kidding you. Even had a costume made . . . If I can find a picture, I'll show you later. One Summer afternoon when Sam was about six years old, one of his buddies came flying in our front door, heading straight up the stairs . . . you could almost hear his brakes screech as he came to a stop midway on the staircase . . . pointed to the fellow napping in our living room, and yelled, "What is SANTA doing sleeping on your couch!?"

My kids thought they were the luckiest kids in the world. Santa Claus was their Grandpa!

Have I ever told you that I married the boss' son? . . . I did. {sheepish grin here} Technically, we were engaged before I was hired, but we hadn't told his parents yet . . . but still . . .
We told them the day before I started work . . . he introduced me to every single patient as, "This is Debbi. She's going to be my daughter-in-law . . . unless I can talk them out of it."

All of the boys at our high school went to him for their sports physicals. He guest lectured the science classes. This is what I first knew of the man that I would someday call Dad.

Once when I was a teenager, my parents let me camp with boyfriend's family since the girls slept in the trailer with the parents . . . {Yep. We were high school sweethearts.} I shared the table/bed with my future husband's sister. Dad woke up at 4:30 . . . 5:00, or some similarly unheard of earliness, and began to make himself some breakfast. Note that I hardly knew this man at this point, and I was painfully shy . . . he turned the gas burner on . . . remember how that sounds and smells? . . . a gas burner in a camp trailer, from three feet away? Soft, gentle memories, perfect. . . . He buttered both sides of some wonderful nutty bread, then toasted one side at a time in a skillet . . . aware that he woke me, he served me first. Breakfast toast in bed. Just the two of us were awake in that trailer. Whispering. He told me how he needed a little something on his stomach so he wouldn't be ill when they took the inflatable Avon boat out into the ocean to dive for the abalone and rock cod that we would enjoy for dinner that evening. I still love toast made that way.

That very trip, he bought a piece of property there, at the ocean and with his boys built a vacation home. We visited it for many, many years. Happy, happy memories.

Years and years later, I have a photo of Dad . . . with tears in his eyes, wearing a bright yellow "Super Grandpa" Father's Day gift t-shirt, as he held his two day old first grandson. {Who, incidentally, looks just like him.}

Twenty-ish years ago, Dad began participating in medical missions . . . with Friendships. He had such a heart for missions . . . especially for Ecuador. He brought back little trinkets and dolls for our daughter from wherever he travelled to help those in pain . . .

He travelled to China . . . carried in boatloads of Bibles.

What a beautiful legacy he has left for his children and grandchildren.

Almost three years ago, we visited him in the hospital . . . we were told not to expect much from him, he was in a coma . . . and suddenly, on hearing our voices, he awoke. . . . wanted to know all about the kids, especially youngest Grandson, who was spending a semester at Oxford. So we told him. We told him how Sam's classes were going, how he was enjoying the British Isles, and . . . that he had met a girl. A local girl . . . in England. For the next hour, periodically, Dad would shut his eyes, giggle, shake his head, and say . . . "Had to go all the way to England to meet a girl from Rocklin. Had to go all the way to England to meet a girl from Rocklin."

Dad was too ill after a stroke to attend their wedding.

We did not live near him. In all honesty, his Grandchildren had very little opportunity to know him well . . . but they dearly loved him, all . . . and he loved them. I think one of his happiest thoughts was that all of his grandchildren are faithful Christians . . . and both of our sons are finding their ways into ministry . . . Zacharia, our eldest . . . that first Grandchild . . . is part of a medical mission team heading to Haiti very soon . . . Samuel is in Seminary.

Now, in a couple of days, we will bury him. Bless his soul. Our daughter Elizabeth's four year old son, Christian . . . comforting his Mommy after the news said, "It's okay, Mommy. He's with Jesus. I bet he likes the gold streets!" I'll bet Christian's right.

Octoberfest

2010-10-23T19:17:00.000-07:00

Soooo . . . what do you think of my tent in it's proper surroundings? This means it no longer gives us that extra little shelter in the living room, but it did look pretty good out there . . .

Can you believe this is really my assigned spot!?

I wish like everything I had taken a shot after my daughter left her things.

. . . ah, well . . .

My nephew, and his wife made Goat Milk Soap. It was absolutely the most popular item there. Hooray!

'scuse me now . . . while I take this headache to bed. It has been a loooong day!

G'night!

Bird Nest Pendant

2010-10-19T19:04:00.000-07:00

Sterling Silver and Pearls . . . naturally, I'm a pearl girl . . .

. . . and I'm a little excited that I made my very first one! Watch out everyone! I think the world is about to be inundated with bird nest pendants!

My Cozy Little Office

2010-10-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

Over indulging my Autumn nesting/coziness thing, I have set a tent up in the middle of my living room . . . See? Newspaper and computer all laid out . . . my Office, if you will . . . and let me tell you, it is cozy. I kind of love it.

Fact is, it's really a temporary 'fitting room', I suppose . . . I've spent the last couple of days sewing up the cover for this tent/canopy/whatever-thingee with that gorgeous dark-chocolate-and-latte striped canvas. You can see a bit of the matching table in the first photo . . . a little detail in the next . . .

I'm sharing a booth space with my nephew {who is selling Goat Milk Soap} at Bloomingcamp Ranch Octoberfest this weekend. My soldered charms are tiny, his soaps are small . . . we might have trouble filling even that six foot long table, but our space is gonna look good!

. . . and just for fun, if you sew, you'll get this next photo . . .

. . . theoretically, this is impossible right? I can't tell you how many times it happened while I was working on these projects! Either, the thread is broken and somehow healed, or there is a flaw in that needle, but the thread should not be outside of the eye of the needle and still attached! That's all there is to it.
That's why I took the photo, so I could enlarge it full screen and see if I could diagnose the problem. And, nope. I couldn't tell.

Curious.

Candy Corn Cookies

2010-10-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

Aren't these the cutest!?

These are orange flavored. I think I'll do them correctly the first time, then I want to see what happens when I substitute Wilton's loverly Butter Flavoring {for the orange} to try to duplicate the actual flavor of candy-corn.

I'll let you know if I get that far! But sometimes, it's a matter of, "Why mess with perfection?"

I didn't create this recipe . . . it is compliments of Land-O-Lakes, I don't even get credit for finding it . . .

I happened across this beauty when Hometown Girl posted it . . . she found it on her friend's blog . . . I have not followed the virtual link trail back any further, but it might be fun to see how many links it takes to get to Land-O-Lakes . . . :)

I can't vouch for these yet, but what could possibly be wrong with them!? They're cute, they're teensie, they're sweet, they're cookies for Goodness sake! Sounds like sweet perfection to me!

Around these parts, we don't celebrate Halloween, so it's not always easy, but it is always a treat to find something traditionally Autumny to sink our sweet-tooths into!

Recipe below, but go to the Land-O-Lakes website for a printable {and properly formatted} version!

Sparkling Candy Corn Cookies

45 min.prep time 3:25total time
15 dozen miniature cookies

Ingredients:
1 cup Land O Lakes® Butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 Land O Lakes® All-Natural Egg
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 teaspoons freshly grated orange zest
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Orange paste or gel food color
Yellow paste or gel food color
1/2 cup sugar

Directions:
Line bottom and sides of 9x5-inch loaf pan with waxed paper or plastic food wrap. Set aside.

Combine butter and 1 cup sugar in large bowl; beat at medium speed until creamy.

Add egg, orange juice, orange zest and salt. Continue beating until well mixed.
Reduce speed to low; add flour and baking soda. Beat until well mixed.

Divide dough into thirds.
Press one-third of white dough evenly onto bottom of prepared pan.
Place another one-third of dough back into same bowl. Add small amount of orange food color; mix until color is well blended. Press orange dough evenly over white dough in pan.
Place remaining one-third of dough into another medium bowl. Add small amount of yellow food color; mix until color is well blended. Press yellow dough evenly over orange dough in pan.

Cover with plastic food wrap; refrigerate until firm (at least 2 hours or overnight).

Place 1/2 cup sugar in large bowl; set aside.

Heat oven to 375°F.

Invert loaf pan to remove dough. Peel off waxed paper.
Place layered dough onto cutting surface.

Cut loaf crosswise into 1/4-inch slices using sharp knife, trimming edges to make even, if necessary.
Cut each slice into 6 wedges.

Place 1-inch apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake for 7 to 10 minutes or until edges are firm and bottoms are very lightly browned.

Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets.

Immediately place warm cookies in bowl with sugar; roll in sugar to coat.

Place cookies onto cooling rack. Cool completely.

Store in loosely covered container.

2010-10-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

Every single piece of information that one owns increases the enrichment of every other single piece . . .

Framed Butterfly Art How-to . . .

2010-10-08T01:29:00.000-07:00

What do you think? Kind of pretty, isn't it?

Needing to fill a blank space on the wall, in a hurry . . . Son and his Bride were coming for a visit . . . like tomorrow {when I did it} . . . and the guest bath was a sight! This isn't difficult, or expensive . . . at all!

In this case it was free.

Here's how it goes . . . in the first photo, you can tell that I have removed the glass for the purpose of photographing . . . you can also tell that the butterflies are glued down . . . right? See?

{clicking on the photos it will enlarge them, in case you need a clearer view}

I cut those gorgeous butterflies out of a piece of really, exquisite scrapbook paper that I already had. They were even pre-glittered! Just cut your images out carefully . . .

Next . . . to disguise the white edges where you have trimmed . . . pass the felt edge of a sharpie along all raw paper edges. I liked the black one for this use, but I often use a nice chocolate brown felt tipped pen for finishing edges like this.

Lay all of your elements out carefully inside your frame . . . it helps to correct your spacing . . .

Line them up on a larger sheet cut to fit the frame opening . . . It could be scrapbook paper or any old thing with the look that pleases you . . . sheet music . . . printed page . . . map . . . burlap . . . linen . . .

Spot glue in place . . . reinsert glass, and frame!

I got really lucky and had this Target clearanced Rachel Ashwell frame in my frame pile/stash.

I just knew I would find something to put in such a pretty blue frame!

Et Voila! In practically an instant . . . a lovely piece of original framed art is yours!

Now, wasn't that cinchy!?

Jane Austen Scrapbook

2010-10-08T00:28:00.000-07:00

After Sweet Vic over at Jane Austen Today mentioned my Jane Austen Scrapbook, {and thank you, Vic, I am so flattered!} . . . I thought I might add a few more pages . . . I took very few photos, a very unfortunate misunderstanding on my part . . . but I bought several postcards, which are pretty great representations, anyway! Thank Goodness!

Above {These actual pieces are on display in the cottage!} are a few pieces of Jane and Cassandra's jewelry.

The back of the postcard reads: The topaz crosses were given to Jane {right} and Cassandra {left} by their brother Charles. Charles purchased the crosses with prize money from the capture of a French vessel during the Napoleonic War.

Actual photograph that I did take of Jane Austen's Donkey Cart! Such amazing personal possessions! I think this is a large part of those things which set Chawton College apart from a lot of other Home Museums. It is filled, mainly, with Jane's and her family's actual possessions.

This is also one of the photos that I shot . . . I am not certain, but pretty sure, that the sign said this is the cornerstone from Jane's Father's church. Please notify me if you know this to be incorrect!

For some reason . . . I have a set of First Day Covers of Jane Austen Stamps . . . dated 1975 . . . go figure!

If you happen to be inclined . . . scroll down a few posts, to see more photos from my scrapbook
. . . or follow this link. Having the opportunity to visit her house in Chawton was just one of the most wonderful opportunities EVER!

If you follow the tags/links beneath this post, they will take you to the posts that I wrote home to my family while we were in England. If you ever have the opportunity . . . by all means, GO! Go! GO!

October Morning

2010-10-07T12:59:00.000-07:00

Soft fuzzy light, a warm cuddle blanket, a cup of tea and thee . . .

Mmmmm . . . I love Autumn.

I have not been sitting around twiddling my thumbs . . .

2010-10-04T18:36:00.000-07:00

. . . but I can't tell you when the swelling will go down, and I'll have fingerprints again!

It's kinda cute though, huh?

At a recent baby shower, we were each asked to make a quilt square. Everything was provided, the iron on adhesive was already applied to the back of the myriad fabric options . . . There were embellishments, and embroidery floss . . . the squares were precut to the proper size, and templates were available to trace each person's choice of jungle creature . . . {I kind of have a thing for giraffes.}

The thing was, I couldn't get near the table to make one! Good excuse, eh? A good excuse that was thwarted by my Sister-in-law a couple of weeks later when she showed up on a family outing with all of the supplies that I could possibly need to make a quilt square. Funny girl.

All obstacles removed from my path, this is the result . . . one of the new Grammy's friends will turn this into a wonderful keepsake quilt . . . Nice. :)

. . . and a great idea, don't you think?

A Makeover and Jewelry Props

2010-10-04T14:07:00.000-07:00

Before
{. . . and very inexpensive at Marshall's, I must add! $7.99 and 24 inches tall.}

. . . and After

. . . got rid of the funny little bow . . . ground the sharp edges . . . added a nice coat of matte black paint . . . and she's a new . . . er . . . woman!

I'm collecting jewelry props for a couple of upcoming shows.

I'm kind of pleased so far . . . what do you think?

P.S. . . . The minute that I hit publish, Blogger takes it upon itself to reformat my carefully formatted post. Does anyone want to share suggestions with me . . . about how to deal with that?! And Heaven help you if you click on Preview . . . it's all a tossup after that! I have formatted and deleted this post at least five times . . . then finally gave up and accepted the closest option to my plan . . . I'm on the verge of cussing over here, I'm telling you! Help!
Somebody! Help!

Jane Austen

2010-10-04T13:03:00.000-07:00

Did you know that I'm a hopeless Janeite?

Did you know that I dragged my sweet husband and son to her home while we were in England!? I know! Darlings, aren't they?!

Did you know that her portrait and a picture of her cottage in Chawton actually hang in my home!!? And that I bought them in the bookshop inside her home?

Did you know that I have only finished three scrapbook projects in my life . . . one for my Mother, a copy of that one for my brother, and "Our Visit to Jane Austen's Home"!?

Yep . . . even bought bookplates, scratched my name onto this one with that pheasant feather quill . . . it came from the gift shop, too . . . told you I was hopeless!

So you'll understand when I tell you how excitedly I read Vic's, Jane Austen Today post, A Virtual Visit to Chawton Cottage. In it she has posted a virtual treasury of links to other blogs, as well as a few on You Tube . . . in case, you, too . . . have an interest verging on obsession . . . :) I especially enjoyed Tony Grant's blog, London Calling {this link will take you directly to his Chawton Cottage post} . . . he visited the house, photographed the interior and the community . . . I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed it . . . especially since, when we were there, I apparently misunderstood the photographic restrictions, and took only one photo inside! Can you believe that!? . . .but it was of her writing table . . .

Okay, so I have confessed . . . Hello. My name is Debbi, and I am a hopeless Janeite.

. . . but there are worse things . . . No?

P.S. I've added a few more photos on this post! Just in case, you know . . .

Cool Photo Textures

2010-10-01T23:20:00.000-07:00

Do you love them? I am crazy about the new textures on Picnik. Aren't they just gorgeous?!

The crackling makes the second photo look almost like an old master. But that first one . . .I think I might need that one printed up to use as an artwork . . . hmmm . . . maybe on a canvas?

The floral arrangement accounts for several of those gazillion errands on my list today . . . hunting/gathering . . . sometimes that's my life.

Wanna see the original snapshot?

Original and untouched.

Now what do you think of Picnik?

You might understand my crush. :)

Errand Day

2010-10-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

I'm off to run a gazillion errands! Everything from procurement of wonderful tidbits for my classes, to a quick flower order. Before I do one {a flower arrangement} these days, I have to buy oasis and a vase. That's sure a change from the old days! {for the uninitiated . . . I used to have a floral business . . . became allergic to flowers . . . I like to say, "That's one way to know you're not where God wants you to be!"}

I still do the occasional wedding or order, but I really have to like you! :)

Before I set off to accomplish my chores, I want to leave you with a work in progress for my girlfriend, Rhonda . . . It involves this! . . . her Grandmother's Brooch . . . Isn't it gorgeous!?

. . . and these elements, mostly her Grandmother's, as well . . . talk about a Treasure Necklace!

Talk to you later! Maybe I'll have wonderfulness to share!

Much Love!

Soldered Charm Class

2010-09-28T18:34:00.000-07:00

Do you love it!? I do! Oh, I do! I can't get enough of it. It's a little bit, you know . . . kind of organic . . .

but it tells a story, and it's warm and embracing . . .

each piece is a miniature work of art . . .

. . . a miniature collage . . .

a memento . . .

a memory . . .

And I will be teaching the class! I'll give the details as soon as they're all ironed out. I am currently in the hunting/gathering stage . . . assembling kits and locating suppliers . . . and I gotta tell you . . . I kind of like it. :)

This much, I know . . . the class will be held at The Empty Nest*, in Oakdale, California . . . the very minute the classroom is ready for occupancy!

This is gonna be a fun new adventure for me! I can't wait!

*Current web presence only on FaceBook

Made my deadline!

2010-09-20T16:45:00.000-07:00

I promised I would post about Tinsel and Treasures today. barely I squeaked in under the deadline! It was just the best fun! Here we are; Rhonda, Dede and me. {I should have kept that hair appointment . . . sigh.}

The incredibly talented Colleen Moodywas there. She graciously allowed me to photograph her with some of her beautiful, beautiful pieces. I really hope I get to take one of them home someday!

Charm by Anna Corba. Anna has such a warm and welcoming presence . . . You must check her website . . . she offers workshops in her studio . . . I know this because Rhonda has taken one. {jealous. jealous.} I wish I could take the one she's about to teach in France!

Reverse side of the my new charm. {The sweet little notebook that I've used in these backgrounds was purchased from Nancy Jamar of Gilding the Lily.}

My Treasure Necklace . . . I'm adding Anna's charm to this. Gonna be gorgeous!

Although I been involved in a couple of wonderful projects with Dede Warren, we had never met in person . . . we all know about that. Dede's thing was the Make & Takes. I chose her journal . . . my goal was to make sure that we could get in a little visit. I had just the best time.

The teeie tiny papier mache' box and nest nest was made by C M Geiger Designs {Charlene} {who, sadly, apparently, has no web presence . . .at least that I can find} Such a dear, lovely and talented woman, whose booth was very nearly sold out, by the way. . . . Can you tell how eensie it is?! She made the nest from antique bullion {the crinkled wire}. I picked it up, held it, didn't put it down . . . and didn't put it down . . . and didn't . . . then the goosebumps. I'm serious. That's when I knew.

My daughter, studying it, listed the qualifications that made it perfect for me . . . 1. it's tiny 2. it's a box 3. it has a nest on it 4. there is something antique in it 5. the color is perfect in my house. Done deal. :)

This darling little note book, has absolutely nothing to do with the Tinsel and Treasures event, but everything to do with my fondness for any of Michelle Palmer's art. It happened to arrive in the same day's post . . .

Tinsel and Treasures is a small, intimate event, showcasing truly amazing artists. So much talent in such a small space . . . you will definitely want to go to the website to check the artist's/vendor's links.

{Note: I tried to make the links that I have provided go directly to related posts. Once you're there, if you are interested in reading the rest of the blog, just click on the title banner.}

Tinsel and Treasures

2010-09-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

THAT was wonderful! We had the best time at Tinsel and Treasures! I finally met Dede! I just love her to bits! Left to right, my girlfriend Rhonda, Dede Warren, and me! I am so tired! I have lots to share, but tonight, I really just need to get some rest! Burning the candle at both ends eventually catches up with you . . . I'm sorry! For more information on where we've been today, see yesterday's post. I plan to do this up properly tomorrow! I'll show you what I bought, and who we met! But for now . . . Goodnight Dear Ones! Good night!

Note: I'm sorry! I didn't follow through on my promise! Asthma kicked in and knocked me for a loop today. I'll try again tomorrow!

Ooohhh, Lookie!

2010-09-17T21:30:00.000-07:00

I get to go! I've been waiting for it, imaging all of the wonderfulness and dreaming about it for months! And it's nearly here!

I was all set, had it on my schedule and everything, when they posted that Dede Warren and Nancy Jamar of Gilding the Lily were going to be there! Nancy, I've met, but Dede has allowed me to participate in two of her fat book projects . . . {if you're reading this Dede . . . I'm ready for another one! I'll do collage, I promise!} But Dede and I . . . we have never met! When you consider our history . . .

I think it's high time! {This was the project, in which Dede's is the cover photo, and mine didn't quite make the cut . . . sigh . . . but still!} {It was also Jenny Doh's last Somerset Studio before she left for other, presumably more challenging ventures.}

Anyway . . . Dede will be busy doing make and take projects . . . I'm assuming she'll be booked all day long . . . so I signed up for one. Not leaving anything to chance . . . I'm telling you!
{Look for the list of Dede's Make and Takes on Tinsel and Treasures' Blog}

Take a look at this list of participants, borrowed . . . er . . . maybe pilfered is a better word. . . from Tinsel and Treasures' blog!

2010 Show Participants
Anna Corba
Arbutus Hunter
CC's Whimsies ~ Christy Meyers
Charlene Geiger
Colleen Moody
Cottage Jewel
Dede Warren
ElementLux - Ceal Bialobrzeski
Gilding the Lily ~ Nancy Jamar
Gina Gabriell, ElevenMorning
Iva Wilcox, Iva's Creations
Judy Mackey
Katherine Webber
Lisa Super ~ Vintage Handmade
Lori Gutierrez
Sally Case
Sylvia Anderson
Tinsell and Whimsy, Sue Bartolucci

I can't wait to tell you all about it!

P.S. If you do check out Gilding the Lily's Classes, 1. know that they are located in Fullerton, California, and 2. be sure to see what Robin Dudley-Howes is offering! Robin, teaches at several Southern California locations, but I met her at Gilding the Lily. You'll love her art!

Foodie-licious-ness

2010-09-06T17:52:00.000-07:00

We spent a couple of days over the weekend tent camping for the first time in ages. I really don't remember the last time I went. Husband has an annual trip with our sons, but this was my first trip in ages. I hasten to add that I loved it. I adored slipping between ice cold sheets, tightly stretched over an air mattress, snuggling under heavy blankets pulled up over our noses. The kind of cold that. . . if you should let your arm outside of the covers for a bit, you know it when you tucked it back in, or in our case, my husband knew it when an ice cold limb sought his warmth . . . slept like a baby.

Our old angular, drab green, Coleman tent was nestled in the midst of a little community of the fresh out of the box, brilliantly colored dome tents of his family. We camped with my husband's entire set of siblings, several of their children and his folks. {Who actually stayed in town at a hotel. Age does have it's privileges.}

We traveled, some from North of Seattle and us . . . from the middle of California, the others, points in between . . . and met near Mount Shasta. It was lovely. Family members came and went, according to their work schedules mostly. Young and old. We hiked to the most beautiful waterfalls, giggled around a campfire, told stories we probably shouldn't have ;) and ate till we were sated. I think that might be what I will remember best, the food. Oh my, we are a bunch of foodies.

Driving a section of Interstate 5 while my husband snoozed, I read many a sign for The Olive Pit in Corning {California}. Not wanting to wake him, but really, really wanting to stop, enticed as I was by their tease of an Olive Tasting Bar, I resolved to make that a visit on our way home, and for once we actually did it. You know what I mean . . . the best laid plans, you know. It was oh, so very worth it. By way of apology for not taking you along, I'm sharing links with you. This is the stuff we couldn't leave behind . . . my tastebuds doing the happy dance like they were, and all . . . .

We bought: Muffaletta and Green Olive Tapenade . . . the Spreads link.
Garlic Olives . . . the link to the Olive page.
Delicious, thick, sweet Balsamic Vinegar,
and fresh, soft, ripe local figs.

Were you one of the kids who grew up with the world's best fig tree growing in your Grandparent's back yard? I was. I do so love a nice, ripe fig.

. . . and . . . I may never get over my Muffaletta sandwich! How is it that I didn't know such a thing existed? Muffaletta, ham, salami and provolone on ciabatta! {roll eyes and moan longingly here} I see now that it is a pretty traditional recipe, New Orlean, I think, and I loved it! I ate half for lunch when we stopped, half of the leftover when we got home, and the last bit for breakfast this morning! Stretched it out as long as I could . . . did not want it to end! I found this blog to share the recipe with you. I think you're gonna thank me! {This is also where I got the idea that might be a traditional New Orlean recipe.}

If you happen to be driving through Northern California on Interstate 5, and see the signs . . . it's easy off and on . . . you can spend ten minutes, or order lunch like we did, and I don't believe you'll be sorry. It's very worth the effort.

You are most welcome. :)

Tineye

2010-08-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of this yet? http://www.tineye.com/ It is a reverse image search engine. You give it an image, and the site will search to see whether it has been published on another website.

I shared the address with another blogger {Paris Hotel Boutique Journal} just today. She is hoping to find the origins of a number of photographs that she has saved . . . and who knows? It may work.

Note: She DID have some luck. Not with the original photo that she hoped, but with another. I suppose the more the word gets out there, the larger the catalogue will be. I predict/hope for a bright future for this site!

I looked up an oft searched photo from my own blog . . . and success! It had indeed been published. On my blog! Shoot! I was hoping to claim that I had been pirated. :) Oh, sometimes my vanity knows no bounds . . .

It could be really useful and kinda fun, although my son did offer a caveat in his response to my email about the site earlier today . . . "It is called tineye.com and it works well, although it still doesn't have that much of the Internet catalogued, so it takes a bit of luck for it to have seen a given picture before."

I hope you find this a useful tool . . . too!

Arabella

2010-08-07T12:11:00.000-07:00

Arabella by Georgette Heyer

Arabella is the first Georgette Heyer book that I have read. I can't imagine what has taken me so long! Perfectly pleasant, humorous in all the right places, and it was even somewhat difficult convincing myself that I wasn't reading a Jane Austen. I might be hooked.
View all my reviews >>

A Blog Party

2010-07-28T20:58:00.000-07:00

You know how it is . . . we begin with reading one another's blogs. Then we progress to swaps, personal emails, a gift or two, we visit one another's Etsy shops . . .

Eventually, bloggers . . . we are kind of a friendly bunch, would like to meet up. Play together, chat, giggle, exchange ideas, inspire one another, share a meal . . . form real live friendships, with real flesh and blood people . . . Eventually you just have to meet. We just have to! If at all possible . . .

A group of local bloggers {local for me}, calling themselves Northern California Bloggers are throwing a blog party! I am only acquainted with Sandi, who owns The Green Pea Boutique in Escalon, California. Sandi is a lot of fun, and has a really great shop, located in the old Post Office building in town. If you could make a dot in the middle of California, it would just about be directly on Escalon. It is a small, super charming little place, the picture of small town America.

It appears that they've scheduled the party to coincide with other possible entertainment events. The nearest is in Riverbank, just a few miles down the road {the annual Riverbank Cheese and Wine Exposition} and The Sacramento Antique Fair. Sacramento is, by my guess, about 50 miles.

I've copied the rest from Sandi's post, you should check! See if you think you would like to attend!

Some fellow bloggers and I are throwing a Blog Party!! Come join us!! We will be enjoying a fabulous lunch, hear from a guest speaker, and treat you to some giveaways! And get ready for a fun contest for name tags--- get creative and make up one that reflects your blog!

The party will be held at The Green Pea Boutique:Map of 1802 Main St, Escalon, CA 95320-1920

Sign up as soon as possible by emailing Dawn at
sunnyoreo@hotmail.com.
Put "Festival" in the subject line.

Please include the following:
Your name, blog name and URL, location and date you started blogging.
Also indicate if we can use your name in a posted list of participants. Don't wait, space is limited.
Please sign up as soon as possible!

Sandi from The Green Pea Boutique

We hope to see you there!

Direct link to Festival Invitation

Natural Elements

2010-07-14T08:35:00.000-07:00

I kind of have a thing for natural objects. I collect pretty-ish bits and pieces of nature on my walks. Wait! There's a quote in there somewhere . . . hold on for a sec while I go find it! . . . . do DO doo do, DOOP de dooo, do Do doo do DOOP de doodle do {hold music} . . .

. . . The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society . . .

Christian and I found the largely intact bird egg . . . another walk at the river yielded the darker blue egg fragments {which were one somewhat larger piece, until I set a book on them},

sheesh . . . My Mother discovered that gorgeous blue feather blowing about her place! The perfect tiny wasp nest was posing a hazard in my backyard . . . I suppose you're getting the idea

. . .

But, the wonderful little feather drawing on fabric?! It's from Michelle Palmer. I love her art! You knew that, though! So far I'm only up to three pieces, but I just discovered her sort of recently . . . it takes time to amass a collection.

Michelle's Etsy Shop . . . Be warned! You've gotta be quick! It's gone almost as fast as she lists it! :)

Miss Mary Hayes Challenge

2010-07-13T21:13:00.000-07:00

This is the result of a challenge over at Miss Mary's blog, Green Paper. She provided three images, with which we could do anything we want, we just had to use a portion of each image. Easy 'nuf! I printed them out and walked all around the house holding them up to potential recipients {canvases, paper mache' boxes, paper cones, bottles . . .} looking for good proportion, and for a project that I would like to keep. I guess you know by now that I settled on a journal. I kind of like it!

The images were; the woman, the envelope, and you can only see a bit of a floral cigarette ad inside that slide holder. While the envelope is mostly hidden behind the photograph, both are open at the top for tucking that luggage tag in. {See it? Poking out the side of the book? It's decorated, too, but it didn't apply to the challenge, so alas, I left it tucked away, under appreciated for the photo} . . .

You should stop by Mary's blog to see what everybody else has come up with! While you're at it, you can download the images for your own use . . . It's a win/win!

Have you SEEN this?!

2010-07-13T11:17:00.000-07:00

I already liked everything about 7 Gypsies, and then, somehow, they got inside my head and made this video of my world {. . . the way my mind works}!!! How did they DO that!?

Oh, my Goodness! I apologize!

2010-07-09T11:50:00.000-07:00

Busy as a bee! . . .

I apologize to my few, but beloved followers! I have been doing a little site maintenance, and it occurs to me, that every blog that I've edited has come up as newly published! What a nuisance! My labels are becoming kind of unruly . . . that's what I was attempting to tidy up . . . I'll fiddle with them more another day . . . {apology extended for that, too!} The upside is, that I have grouped How~Tos and Recipes under those two headings . . . It's pitiful, but it's a beginning . . .

And while I'm at this informational sort of stage . . . One of my recent weddings is featured on the photographer's website . . . Still Memories. If you click on Galleries, the first photo that comes up is the bride . . . she's just lovely . . . Thank you, Susi! {The bride's Mom, who alerted me, via Facebook.}

Copyright Free Bee Graphic compliments of The Graphics Fairy

Austen without Zombies, Watercolors, and Quiet Loveliness

2010-06-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

For weeks, I have had nary a minute to myself. Happening upon the unexpected pleasure of a single unscheduled afternoon, directly in front of me . . . I am positing myself here,

. . . lulled by the ticking of the clock, that my daughter forgot {ah, well}

{while she decides whether or not she can bring herself to sell such a treasure . . .}

. . . reading this, because I have joined this group, and I honestly can not tell you whether I have actually read Pride and Prejudice, or my knowledge is of the movie variety.

Betwixt chapters, while each petal has had the opportunity to dry, I am attempting to avail myself of all of the information in this book,

. . . as I am determined to teach myself to paint with watercolors, so that I might live out my romantic aspirations of finding myself in the most lovely of plein air situations, whilst I busy myself becoming the woman that I am inside my heart.

Pardon me, while I return to all of this loveliness! {she skips away . . .}

Pearls

2010-06-27T10:33:00.000-07:00

Could you ever tire of pearls?

Me neither.

The bracelet and necklace set, I strung as a thank you gift from my daughter's Bible Study group for their instructor. I hear she was delighted!

The baroque, double strand necklace in the bottom photograph are for a client.

Last Spring, I sat for hours and hours over the two day run of the local Gem and Mineral Show, demonstrating pearl stringing. During a shopping break, while shopping for pearls {naturally} the vendor noticing my demonstrator ribbon, asks what I'm demonstrating. Upon my answer, she selected and handed six beautiful, gorgeous strands of pearls to me, and said, "Thank you! You've sent hundreds of customers to me, and I take care of my people!"

Me, ever in control, "Wha . . .? Huh?" Looking around to be certain, asking, "Me?"

I really, really love pearls, I'm tellin' ya! My current project is a strand of opera length pearls. The thread knotted at the very end, and I have to start all over. . . sheesh . . . The client however, is very understanding . . .

cause these are for moi!

As my dear friend put it when I first began to take the pearl stringing classes,

"You'll know which one is Debbi. She'll be the one dripping in pearls . . . "

{big ol' smile!}

Brocante Home

2010-06-21T12:41:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned Alison of Brocante Home fame, in this space a goodly number of times . . . she is afterall, the match that lit my fuse . . . sat me down and insisted that I put pen to paper {so to speak} to write some of my memories for my children. {Which is the accidental path that I took to blogdom.}

First, I fell in love with her deeply personal blog, which as time went on, I discovered was a little side trip. Her blog is really about making Old Fashioned Happiness at home . . . with your own little family, within the four walls of your very own precious home.

She is old fashioned lavender scented loveliness. She's British . . . did I tell you that? I met Alison just before our own trip to England . . . and that may be a large part of my original affection. The funny thing is, I had Googled something else entirely when I found her blog . . . the thing I searched for, I didn't find . . . distracted as I was by Alison's heartfelt, heartwrenching writing style.

Personally, I feel that she is at her writing best when she speaks from her heart, I could honestly say, when she spills her soul . . . she'll cause that deep welling up in your heart . . .

However; the main focus of her blog/web site is Vintage Housekeeping. Alison will thrill you with her Puttery Treats and scrumptious bits of household wisdom, a la a lifestyle that the world forgot about the time June Cleaver left the airwaves.

All of this Vintage Loveliness is wrapped up into a pretty parcel that is also a thoroughly modern lifestyle, achieved through this wonderful, magical World Wide Web. The web site, the blog, the stories, the suggestions, the insights, the books, the downloads {some free, some for sale}, the Internet treasures that she shares with us. . . this is the way our heroine, Alison May, supports herself, and her darling son . . . Old fashioned Mommy ingenuity meets New World challenges head on . . . in the most delightful vintage way! . . . and we are the ones who reap the rewards.

When you go there, the link will take you to her web site, search around and enjoy all of the vintage images and research that she has done for us . . . then click on her Blog Link, and search to your hearts content . . . Click on the Alison link, to allow her to tell you, in her own lyrical voice, what she is about . . . "I am living proof that life only gets more scrumptious when you live to tell the tale of your worst nightmare coming true, and seek solace in your absolute belief in your own authenticity."

And search her Archives, start like I did, about two and a half years ago . . . to meet someone who I am certain will become as sweet a friend of yours, as she has become of mine . . . however virtual . . .

You are most welcome. :)

Where Bloggers Create

2010-06-19T10:31:00.000-07:00

Doesn't it? The sign for my creative space is hand-painted {by my daughter}, on a panel from an antique door. It sits on the piano, for now . . . My studio is a work in progress . . . I know . . . we all say that . . . but really . . . it's under construction, so to speak, as we, um . . . errr . . . speak . . .

Which is the reason that I'm sharing vignettes only. :) I am just too embarrassed to expose my messy mid-progress room.

I joined for the blog party largely because I wanted to use it as a self imposed deadline for the already-in-progress workspace . . .that I don't actually use.

I want to, but it just doesn't work yet . . . there is only one surface in the room, my worktable, which my husband built for me, and I love it! The problem is, it's the only surface in the room! I can't use it! It's covered with all of the paraphernalia that creativity demands!

I didn't complete it in time for the blog party . . . life intervened . . . instead, I'm afraid I have only a work in progress to show you . . . Forgive me? Please?

I have many more photos to share . . . but that thing about life intervening? It's not finished, either . . . I have to finish up a project and leave . . . sigh . . . I'll be back . . . I hope you don't mind terribly, and I hope you'll come back!

I leave you with a photo of my actual workspace . . . albeit 4 X 4 inches of it . . . :) just can't bring myself to admit it to the whole world . . .

If you are inclined to stop by again . . . I'll have more goodies to share . . .

Here's a link to an earlier post, just in case . . . Where This Woman Creates

Thank you, Karen for hosting such a fun and productive event! I've loved it . . . and I apologize for running behind!

{and don't you just LOVE her button?}

Michelle L. Palmer Art

2010-06-15T17:02:00.000-07:00

I have found a kindred spirit! I said that to my husband . . . showed her blog to him . . . and he laughed out loud! Lest you think that's an insult . . . It most certainly, is not! It was the number of common threads we weave . . . And, wow, she is talented! That's where it ends. I can't draw worth a lick!

For your viewing pleasure . . . some of her yummy artwork . . .

These pieces were listed on Etsy when I wrote this a couple of weeks ago . . . except the feather. That's mine. :) I think I'm going to frame it in a deep frame, with natural and other bird elements. I'm particularly thinking of a hatched egg that Christian and I found at the river park. And this little treasure is tiny! Less than 3 inches square! Isn't it beautiful?! I hope to finish the framing today . . . I'll come back and add a pic.

Bluebird on Antique Linen

Cardinal and Eggs on Antique Linen

These are her original artworks! Fine pen drawings on antique linens! How cool is that? I mean

. . . could they be any more wonderful?

From my few days knowledge of her art, it appears that these fairly fly out of her shop. Some that were there yesterday are not today, but she has posted more. Ooooh . . . there were some posted on her blog that made my little heart go pitter-pat. They caused palpitations for somebody else, too . . . because they've sold already. . . . ah, well . . . now that I know where to find her, I'm thinking this may be the beginning of a something beautiful . . .

You'll see samples of her watercolor work on her blog, too. My mind is just spinning with possibilities! I gonna be hovering about her Esty shop. I didn't want to tempt you with artworks that are sold . . . but then again . . . why not? I have borrowed these treasures for you from her blog {with permission} . . .

~much love!

Wedding Flowers

2010-06-04T13:48:00.000-07:00

I told you I've been busy!

. . . the arrangement above is a view of a centerpiece. These are from my niece's recent
Carnival Theme Wedding.

The beautiful Bride, Heather, and her handsome Father {my brother}.

. . . moving to the other end of the color spectrum, for another wedding . . .

although the reception was every bit as colorful as Heather's, the ceremony flowers were more sedate . . . except for a little color in the Bridal Bouquet, it was an entirely white ceremony. . .

. . . simple white roses with lisianthus . . .

Isn't it amazing that any one person gets to live surrounded by such things?

Heather's Photographer, Michelle Mahood, is showcasing both the Wedding and Heather and Kraig's Engagement Photos on her blog. {just in case you must see more}

~ much love!

Day-aayyy Trippin'

2010-06-03T17:34:00.000-07:00

We got away for an afternoon early this week . . . managed to work a single day vacation into all of the busy-ness that has kept us occupied this entire last month . . . drove to Half Moon Bay . . . hardly even left the harbor . . .

. . . couldn't imagine why we should . . .

. . . this bit of kelp was floating in the harbor . . . just looking so pretty . . .

I wanted a closer look.

Crab pots. {I think.}

They have a beauty all their own . . .

This little fellow followed a charter fishing boat in . . . he must know something . . .

. . . a makeshift clothesline drying wetsuits at the kayak rental . . .

They didn't even try to resist.

Seafood, boats, sea life, salt water taffy, coffees and lattes, beaches, kayaking . . . Can't even begin to tell you what a pleased and contented bunch we were . . . already planning the return trip. Next time I think I'll go kayaking.

Where Bloggers Create II

2010-06-02T12:42:00.000-07:00

Ooh . . . so much fun! I've been working on my space, which I, in my heart of hearts want to call my studio . . . but in reality it's really still a storage room . . . with it's previous incarnations as first our daughter's room, then after she married, our youngest son moved into the larger-than-his bedroom. I kind of have a rule . . . it's still their room until they marry . . . then I can use it. After last June, all claims are off . . . however, we now find ourselves with three empty bedrooms!

Hopefully, one will become a family room this Summer . . . I hope, I hope, I hope! It is well positioned downstairs, sharing a wall with the dining area, which we plan to remove . . . and oh, the hopes and plans I have for it. Could I but afford to hire Linda Applewhite! {click on her portfolio!} I am crazy about her designs and most especially her signature whimsy! We really are hoping this is the year it happens!

The second bedroom isn't really empty at all, it is lovingly called The Museum, especially because of the rocks, shells, twigs, bird and wasp nests housed upon it's bookcases, but it properly functions as a Guest Room. It is the room in our house where my heart resides . . . contented sigh

But Number Three married last Summer, and with high hopes of taming the creative clutter that generally wriggles it's way into the kitchen, and inhabits the dining table, we have begun the process of claiming the vacated largest bedroom, because it is the one with wood flooring, which is very practical, indeed, when one needs to clean up after cutting glass. Don't you think?

Soooo . . . drumroll . . . I am hoping to have that room as nearly finished as I can, for it's ultimate debut on June 19, 2010 when I participate in the Where Bloggers Create II event!

{Hosted by Karen Valentine at My Desert Cottage}.

You must, you really, really must hop on over to her blog to read the story of Where Bloggers Create I, and what a wonderful blessing it has been in her life! Seriously! You should go see! And stop back here, June 19th! We'll just see if I'm able to pull it off!

At the very least, it will have some gorgeous and wonderful progress! I just know it will!

~ much love!

Roses, beautiful roses

2010-05-14T12:52:00.001-07:00

Every now and again, I get to feel like I lead a blessed life.

You know it's going to be one of those gorgeous days when a trip to the grocer yields . . . seafood, cheese, a baguette, fresh strawberries, a lovely hot-off-the-presses shelter magazine . . .

and my kitchen counter looks like this.

Ahhh . . . bliss . . .

And you know what this means! Somebody's getting married tomorrow!

. . . swoon . . .

2010-05-10T16:23:00.001-07:00

I have found my perfect place on Earth!

I even sent this photo to all of my children this morning, with this message,

"Oh, my Goodness! The room of my dreams!

. . . . . . sigh . . . . . . I knew you would understand . . . . . . ."

and they did!

I can't get over it, and I keep going back to look at it! Besides the obvious . . . do you want to know the other attributes that this room possesses to make it the most wonderful single room in the world?

It's in Paris. Enough said? But there's even more! It's for rent! For holidays.

If you go, you'll inhale it for me won't you? {Click on the photograph for a link to the website where it is listed.}

Oh, and I didn't find it, I can not take credit . . . somebody else is planning a trip, and she didn't even know she was speaking to my heart . . . I ran across it here: The Bohemian Season. Smart girl. . . .

. . . and when I recreate this room in my house . . . sigh . . . I'm going to include perfectly aged objects like these, don't you think? . . .

. . . from my daughter's Etsy shop. Letter Slot from England, which makes it especially romantic to an anglophile lover of books and letters like, moi . . .

. . . I don't even know where she is finding these amazing sign letters . . . but I love 'em.

{I've included direct links in the photos, in case you wanna check 'em out.}

Meanwhile, I'm going to print that top photo and dream about it. :)

~ much love!

Unabashed DIYers

2010-05-10T10:05:00.000-07:00

My house is far from perfect, but of course, I have no intention of proving that to you. ;) However, there are parts of it that I just love. The guest {ahem} water closet, strangely enough, is one of them. There isn't a lot to it, but it pleases me.

I was unhappy with the contractor spray on wall texture that we all must endure if we buy a prebuilt home in California {it's a widely accepted disguise for irregularities, poor workmanship, and lack of pride in workmanship}. My self confidence seemingly knowing no bounds . . . I thought that certainly, I could texture the walls to a more attractive finish. And if I do say so myself, I certainly did. :) {My vanity apparently knows no bounds, either.} Into the heavy, wet joint compound, I pressed sprigs of rosemary for the look that you see in the photo above. I did a similar treatment with various leaves in the master bath . . . {maybe sometime I'll show you.} I really love the finished product. I wonder if I have the wherewithall to do it in the entire redo of the family-famous, never-to-be-finished/started family room?

On the opposite wall {directly over the, er . . . accommodations}, a cabinet is mounted, the door fashioned from an old window . . . by my Super-duper He Can Do Anything Handyman Husband. I'm going to keep trying, in different light to see if I can get a better photograph, but in the meantime, this will have to do . . . {I think you can get a pretty good idea.}

When we had our little store, just as quickly as he could finish these, they would sell.
I know!
I'm so proud of him. I wonder how many of them are wandering around our area?

Do you ever wonder that? . . .when you sell the things you make? Like, do you ever . . . say, go to the mall and see a woman wearing your jewelry? How cool would that be?

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be totally and unabashadly brag-idocious.
Ah, well . . . nobody's perfect. :)

Little Sewing Box . . . {and dear talented friends}

2010-05-08T13:19:00.000-07:00

She's a lovely little sewing box, isn't she? I've had her for years . . . and she was old when I brought her home. {sorry to say, dear . . . but it's true. You know it is.}

She is the lovely keeper of my embroidery and tatting . . . {which have been as neglected as little sewing box.}

But we think she deserves better!

She is kind, and unassuming, and practical, and there when I need her.

How many people can we say that about, afterall?

So I took kindly little sewing box to visit a dear friend of mine who is a master of makeovers!

Like most females . . . add a little paint to her face and she feels beautiful . . . just has a whole new outlook on life!

Fairly scampering about the house and yard . . . she is downright giddy!

I think she deserves it.
Don't you?

Rhonda, of Sue and Rhonda Wall Design is the friend and artist who has brought about this amazing transformation. Part of it before my very eyes over a glass of iced tea, just yesterday! I have wished for Rhonda to paint something for me for a very long time! Finally, the right piece peeked out at me from behind the overstuffed chair, and I noticed, and the decision was made. And I love it!

You will have to look at their new website! They do some pretty amazing work! If a homeowner or business around this part of the state wants gorgeous decorative painting, Sue and Rhonda are the ones they call. You'll see why! Scoot! Shoo! Go see!

May Flowers

2010-05-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

April Showers, did. Indeed they did! April showers have wrought the most

wonderful, beautiful May flowers!

And in the best old fashioned way . . . I was gifted with a paper cone filled with the most delicious pink roses.

Decorated and delivered by the cutest four year old boy! Imagine opening the front door, and there he stood, reaching up to hand deliver his treasure, delight shining from ear to ear!
{His Mommy may have had a little hand in it. But I don't know . . . he's pretty precocious!}
I wish you could have seen him!

And the roses! They are luscious and fragrant! You know how you'll sniff some rose scented fragrance, and think that roses don't really smell like that? These do! That's the scent! They smell just like childhood. I love them! I'm pretty crazy about the delivery boy, too. ;)

Thank you, Christian!

Stawberries, Lavender and Pearls

2010-05-01T23:02:00.000-07:00

I had the most perfect morning! By 11:00, I was home with my treasures. The first stop was in a barn looking over an antique dining set {which didn't make the cut }. That is not to say that it wasn't a perfectly lovely time.

I spotted a Lavender Ranch on my way out . . . and the ranch happened to open for the season just yesterday. They were absolutely swamped! The women in our community were obviously starved for some beautiful activity. They certainly found it there.

Then there was the quick stop at the strawberry stand for those luscious ripe berries {which became strawberry lemonade in the afternoon} and sweetpeas. Yup. Perfect morning. Just perfect.

The entirety of the day was spent on my first pearl commission. Oh my Goodness! I did not expect it to be so difficult! I think I made about $2.00 an hour. {Probably closer to $1.50} Ah, well . . .

It was still a lovely way to spend the day . . . and it's finished. Gotta love that.

Urgent Prayer Request

2010-04-30T16:58:00.000-07:00

My teenaged cousin (first cousin's son) is having an extremely urgent medical emergency! I don't know whether I can share personal information, but I'll try to communicate cryptically. During orthopedic surgery, everything went bad. He was taken from the surgery center to a hospital by ambulance, in an induced coma. He's in ICU . . . for . . . this is the third day, and today things aren't doing well. At all. It is really frightening. Please pray. Please, if you feel led, ask anybody that you know to pray for him! He's just 18, a strapping high school athlete. Thank you, thank you, thank you! God bless you for your willing heart!

Update: May 1 ~ Oh, Dear Ones! Finally, Praise God! There is good news to report! Here is what his Aunt has just posted on Facebook:

" A happy update....I got to go in and see him last night :-) even got to feed him some cookies & cream candy bar....his request...he is doing much better today...hoping he will be out of ICU today...things are looking up. Thank you for all the prayers and well wishes!"

How I have hoped that this is what God had planned for him! Praise God! Praise God! Thank you for your prayers, and your continued prayers! Thank you for blessing our family with your caring hearts!

Another Wonderful Update from the young man's Aunt! Also May 1:

Just got back from the hospital...He is out of the ICU and into a regular room...he is doing much better and if he had it his way he would be going home in the morning :-)

Much Love! ~ Debbi

An Exercise in Letter Writing

2010-04-17T00:19:00.000-07:00

Not so very long ago, we were known to anxiously watch the lane for the mailman, as it almost always was the mailman.

My own Great Grandfather was one. Grandpa Ambrose Brown. He delivered the mail on horseback. I never knew him, except from his daughter's telling of his life, but because of that, I feel as though I did.
As a teenager, I fairly haunted our mailbox while my future husband {although I didn't know that for a few years, yet} was in a Summer exchange program in Germany. It was a very long two, maybe three weeks before I received my first letter from him . . . International Airmail . . . {maybe it was called Overseas} in those delicate onion skin airmail envelopes . . . with red, white and blue marks around the edges.

{Later, I heard that our mailman had celebrated at the Post Office while he sorted mail. He had exclaimed, "Here it is! She's got her letter! She's got her letter!"}

It was the first of many.

I kept those missives . . . wrapped ever so tenderly . . . in a handkerchief . . . bound with ribbon, and stowed safely under my bed pillow. I would slip my hand underneath and finger the letters while I fell into slumber each night . . . feeling the nearness of the fragile paper that his hands had touched.

Selena {Apron Thrift Girl} had wistful pen pal memories of her own. Inspired by an article in Country Living Magazine, she designed a pen pal swap for this month, April, which I wasn't previously aware . . . has been deemed National Letter Writing Month.

With the enticing parameters of writing our letters on paper from a magazine or perhaps a catalog . . . using a recycled envelope, too . . . she intrigued me, and this . . . what you see here . . . is the result of my efforts.

I was assigned a pen pal across the entire country. We were instructed to read our pen pal's blogs, which really are letters of a sort . . . they are just letters to the world . . . don't you think?

I discovered from Jenny's blog, that she is a writer . . . that we had both recently {sort of recently in my case, pretty recently in her's} visited the British Isles . . . that we were both battling a horrible cough, {I was still awfully sick . . . respiratory things always take an asthmatic to their knees.}, we both love to read.
Entertaining myself online, I had that same day viewed the most wonderful vintage photo collection at this blog. Those photos just spoke to me . . . as they did most of her readers . . . particularly the picnic photos {me, personally} . . . as I was longing to be outdoors, hiking along my beloved river. {Check her newer post, too . . . she discovered more information.}

So, that is where I began. . . it was my prompt, my jumping off place . . . my inspiration, all of it . . . and so I wrote . . . I wrote a fictional letter, to my fictional dear, dear friend, whom I am sorely missing while confined to a hospital, in some unknown era, to regain my health.

I can not tell you how much I have enjoyed this project! It transported to me to another place and another time . . . and I have pestered anyone who will listen to me {or not}, into hearing all about what I was up to.

I reused a beautiful portrait page from the June 1999 Victoria Magazine. I painted out all of the words on both sides, distressed and stamped the paper, added old gold French thread . . . sewed on a few old, old buttons, and finished with a butterfly . . . a copy of Victorian scrap, really. {I can't bring myself to use the really, truly old stuff . . . but a copy is just as beautiful . . .} Then, as instructed, I hand wrote the 'letter'.
The envelope received a similar treatment, but I didn't photograph it . . . I included pressed violets, the very ones that were mentioned in the letter, and a leaf that I collected and pressed last Autumn from the grounds of Princeton Seminary, where my son is attending.

The last step was to convince the woman at the post office counter to use real stamps and hand cancel my letter. Mission accomplished . . . now I'll just wait anxiously . . . till I receive a letter from my pen pal.

{If you click on the first photo it will enlarge it enough to read quite well.}

Note to Jenny: My husband is a real Captain . . . of the firefighter persuasion . . . and I have fully recovered . . . I hope you have, too.

~ Much Love, Debbi

P.S. This sort of missive must have a post script, don't you think? I apologize for the link to the swap . . . I have written to inquire about it, but there has been no reply, and no other posts that I know of. There probably are some, but I don't kow where to find them. My own penpal, I knew, was very likely unable to complete the swap, and I was not concerned . . . but as for the link, I can't tell you what happened.
. . . ah well . . . it was always that way with letters, wasn't it? :)

Want to be part of a Letter Exchange?
~addendum July 2, 2010~
HellOOooo! Are you still there? I need to talk to you about something! . . . I plan to host a letter exchange beginning in March 2011, scheduled to come to completion in time for and coincide with April, National Letter Writing Month. If you would like to be part of it, leave a comment on this post. Make certain that you leave a way for me to reach you, and I will contact you when it's time, early next Spring! I hope you will! Leaving a comment at this time, is in no way a commitment, just noted interest. Thank you! See you in the Spring!

Dress Form Makeover

2010-04-16T14:52:00.001-07:00

Isn't she lovely? She looks a whole lot different than she did when I bought her . . .

in all her mod, brilliant green glory.
She has had a complete makeover. I've kind of been looking for one . . .I already knew I wasn't going to find exactly what I imagined . . . so when I found one at all, I just bought it.
I knew there was potential here.

Panache . . . style . . . the name of our store . . . the one we used to have . . . sigh . . .

Half way through the first coat of paint over that bold green form, it occurred to me that I should have taken a before picture . . . but I hadn't, so here's our before and a half photo . . .

I used a linen colored craft paint. . . it took three coats.

I really should have painted the base first, then the taping wouldn't have been an issue, but I started at 10:00 o'clock one evening . . . so I painted the fabric form one night, taped it off the next morning before spray painting the wooden parts {on which I used a spray primer first}. . . I may distress the wood after I let it cure for a few days . . . haven't decided for certain yet . . .
but I kind of think I will . . .

Next step . . . distressed and stamped with the same ink pad . . . ink color . . . Chocolate.

The paint is Ceramcoat, actually called Flesh . . .

et Voila!

A little bit of beauty

2010-04-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

Every time I catch some bug {not of the garden variety, I generally leave those to the boys}, and have time to sit and ponder, my mind wanders off to the river where I like to hike. The very first day that I was able, Elizabeth and her children accompanied me on a picnic there. We had the bestest time!

Whilst Christian and I carried the quilts to the shady spot, we happened across this beautiful little hatched egg! Okay, you know me . . . in my book, the day had just reached perfection! It continued on that vein, by the way . . . but those are Elizabeth's photos and stories to tell . . .

While I recovered . . . these are a few of the things that occupied my time . . . {the pen belonged to Mark's Grandmother. I've mentioned her before, as recently as Easter . . . she was born in 1898.}

Don't you love the opalescence in this old ink bottle? It is my absolute favorite, and today it holds a posy of my Grandmother's violets.

Do you like the spool photo holders? I've made them for an upcoming antiques event. {If I can bring myself to part with them . . .} I learned from Joan at Anything Goes Here! You should check her tutorial!

Finally! I have projects on deck! I've been working on the coolest swap, which inspired me to host one of my own . . . It is gonna be so much fun! More to come, soon! I promise!

~ much love!

The Fisherman

2010-03-27T19:56:00.000-07:00

He glides gracefully over our house several times a day. We live very near a river. He feeds there . . . sometimes.

Like when he's not feeding in our neighbors' ponds!

We stood outside and watched him glide from rooftop to rooftop, dipping into the backyards between. When he disappeared behind the next door neighbor's house, She says, "Honey! Go check the pond!" He ran. Sure enough, Mr. Fisherman was eyeing the nice plump froggies from safely atop the arbor.

Stinker.

Speaking of fisherman . . . do you mind if I take a minute from the usual womanliness of this space to brag on my husband?

Like my sister-in-law said, "Now that's a nice catch." Either one of them . . . both of them.

{Personally, though . . . I prefer the fellow.} :)

{It's a 40.5" Striped Bass.}

Vintage Easter Blog Hop

2010-03-27T18:01:00.000-07:00

Dated April 8, 1917

March 22, 1913

I'm playing along with Joan, at Anything Goes Here, who is hosting an Easter Blog Hop. You'll have to stop by to see who else is playing! We're showcasing our vintage Easter keepsakes. Once again, my postcards are entirely from the collection that I inherited from Mark's Grandmother, Lucile Amelia Mathilda Johnson Seastrand. Isn't that the most wonderful name? And she was a wonderful woman. She used to sing Swedish lullabies to our children, {our son was her first great-grandchild} . . . ahhh, sweet memories. Grandma was born in 1898. She collected postcards throughout her childhood and youth. This is a portion of the Easter postcards in the album. Am I a lucky girl, or what?!

The little chickie and basket were also Grandma's. I'm pretty sure the chickie is felted. His little feet are paper wrapped.

March 22, 1907

April 6, 1917

This one must have been delivered in an envelope. No postmark, but it does have a very brief message, "Please write."

You know what this is! Isn't it the most wonderful chocolate mold ever? It's a double. {Look at the next photograph}
I bought it at a local Antique Fair last Fall, which, sadly, I hear was the last year. . . . sigh.

It was used in a locally very famous bakery for years. I bought it from the owner, who had recently retired.

Want to know something special about this beautiful dove card? In two days, it will be exactly 100 years since it was postmarked. Personally {you don't mind if I opine do you?}, I think that is just amazing! Just think of it!

The message reads,

"Dear Lucile,

Just a line to let you

know that I am still here.

To wish you Joy and

Easter Cheer.

Sincerely,

L.A."

Grandma did spell her name with just one 'L' in the middle . . . "because with two 'L's' it would spell Lu-silly."

Have fun searching out all of the wonderful Vintage Easter finds!

McMaster and Storm

2010-03-20T22:25:00.000-07:00

I owe you an apology. I've been holding out on you. I haven't shared . . . oh . . . and I should have, but sometimes, you know . . . you have a delicious little secret, and you just want to keep it all to yourself for a just little while? So. Deep breath . . . here you go . . . Have you discovered this petite, chic boutique yet? Oh, Dear One, then let me tell you all about it . . . it's high time somebody did. They are hot, Hot, HOT!

I borrowed these photos from their page to share with you . . . they carry the most scrumptious delights . . . trinkets and baubles that you didn't even know you couldn't live without!

Kara and Darcy. These girls know their stuff.

I remember when their shop was featured in Country Living, and they have been much loved vendors at the Country Living Faire.

Where else do you imagine you are going to find these things? These and . . . Petite European Staplers and Angel Wings?

{spoon for illustration only, not included}

How difficult is it to find glassine bags? I don't know about you, but where I live, it's just not going to happen. They can't be found. {Believe me. I've tried.}

Because I care {really, I do!} . . . I have made note for you . . .

They sell:
{ photos from the top}
Petite Metal Rimmed Tags
Calligraphy Nibs
Teeny Tiny Burlap Twine
Teeny Tiny Envelopes

Fleur de Sel Procelain Bowl
Glittered and Grande Song Bird Tag {Which I'm drooling over!},

and . . .
Dresden Scraps
Italian labels
Petite Olive spoons, made of Olive Wood
Petite, Petite Scalloped Bon Bon Cups

. . . and, and . . . oh other goodies that you just must see! Now, I am going out on a limb . . . sharing my supplier . . . so you'll be nice to them won't you?

You will want to see what they have to offer . . . {really you will!} Go peek!

Oh! I musn't forget! Their blog! You'll want to visit their blog! McMaster & Storm

{You'll forgive me, won't you for mentioning one or two items that are currently out of stock? But they are wonderful, and really, truly worth waiting for . . . it is afterall, my favorite petite department store.}