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Stitches Galore...


I have been up to my neck in stitches...

There was blood...but not a lot!

The blood came from pin pricks and the stitches were made on my sewing machine!  I have been sewing, almost non-stop for the past few weeks.

Christmas was coming...faster and faster and faster...

so I...sewed...faster and faster and faster!

Hence the...blood, sweat, tears and yes...believe it or not... even a little laughter.

No blogging...no time...so...I have a lot of catching up to do and I will begin by showing you the aprons I've been making and selling.











I wish I'd kept count...

Maybe that needs to be part of my New Year's Resolution...


only problem there is... I never keep those either!

 

Venting!


You've heard that song, "It's my party and I'll cry if I want too!"

Well...it"s my blog and I'll vent if I want too!

I saw something last night that made me want to have a fit and I mean one of those screaming, crazy jobs!!!

It was time to (finally) begin some Christmas shopping. So, here I go, armed with list, ideas and what I think are comfortable shoes...NOT...

after eight hours of walking, I drive into the parking lot of Walmart and that's when the "fit" began. 

I'm here to tell you that the parking lot was full. Almost every space was taken.

Sounds good to you?  A sign of a better economy?  People out shopping!  Contributing to jobs!

Nope!  

That parking lot and ALL those spaces were full...of buggies. Shopping carts everywhere...except where they belong.  All of the cart corrals were empty.  I'm not kidding.  Empty...zip...nadda...nothing!

Okay, if you are disabled in some way and can't take your cart and put it up then you know I'm not talking to you...but, if you're able bodied enough to walk in the store... take a buggy...shop...then,

PUT YOUR BUGGY BACK WHERE IT GOES!

Comman courtesy goes a long way people...

Have I ever been in a big hurry and done that myself? 

Yes...I'm ashamed to admit...but, take this to the bank...

I won't be doing it again!

You just should've been there... 

Mistake...


You must be wondering why I would title this post "mistake" and then show you something so pretty!

Thought you might enjoy seeing what can be made when you don't follow the directions! 

Months  after teaching my niece a particular crochet pattern I had the opportunity to see her almost, well maybe almost, finished product.  It was gorgeous and looked nothing like what I had taught her to do.  I began to question her and found out that she forgot how many stitches she needed to do and so...just did her on thing!  Wow!  It really was beautiful.  In the spirit of "I have to have one"  I ran out, bought yarn, and began to make my own "mistake" patterned afghan.

So...when you goof on something, just take a step back, look closely and see how to make it even better!

Thank you Holly!

Lucky!


I'm lucky in lot's of ways...but this isn't about me.

I wanted to give something special to a couple who had their first child last spring!

After getting old jeans of the Dad's and a tie that belonged to a Grandfather who didn't live to see this child, Lucky was created!

Looks like Dad really liked these jeans!

Made to be loved and tough enough to be drug around!
Something old...something new!

Freebie!


Just a small reminder that the best things in life are free!


Just take a walk and keep your eyes open!


Happy Thanksgiving... from me to you!

 

Fifty-three!

Those of you who know me well might think this post is about my age. It's not!

While working on a small re-modeling project we needed to empty one end of our bedroom closet. Just so happened it was Hubby Honey's end.  I didn't notice, in the emptying, just during the putting back process, the number of caps that came off the shelf.

I counted...fifty-three!  

Now...last time I checked...you only wear one cap at a time.  And, I might also note that it takes a lot of wear and tear to need a new cap!  I have come to the conclusion that I married a "cap obsessive" person.  Should I be afraid?  He doesn't seem abnormal...most of the time...only when I suggest that maybe we need to "discard" some caps.  Then...oh boy...step back!  Really!  You'd think those stupid caps were worth money or something.

I'm here to tell you that you're lucky to get 50 cents for one at a garage sale!

How do I know that?  Oh well...let's see...!!!!!

If you're married to the same kind of cap lover that I am...all I can say is...

life expectancy on caps is "forever"...but, they keep really well in the attic in garbage bags until the opportunity to sneak them out arrives!

Have you ever??


Okay!  I've heard the expression..."how the cow ate the cabbage"!  Not entirely sure what it means and really, at this point...don't care!

Because... they didn't eat my cabbage!!!



My neighbors cows broke through the fence and decimated my little patch of " lovely, yummy" kale!!

I must confess to you that I wanted to "kill me" some cows!


But...two things have prevented that.  

First...and probably most important...I gave birth to my neighbor some 29 years ago and I believe that killing his cows as punishment would, most likely, get me NO nursing home visits...so!


Second...when you compare the price of kale to the price of cows...well! 

You may wonder why the kale patch has "runner poles" in it when everyone knows kale is a low grower! 

Well...that's my..." you stupid dogs better not lay or dig in here" preventive!  


And..it works!


Just not on cows!!!

Need I say more?

Company!


Got to thinking the other day...

OH!  I know...Hubby Honey says..."here comes the smoke...I'm gonna choke"...Ha! Ha!

Anyway...back to my thoughts on company.  


You invite someone over.  You cook.  You clean.  You get everything ready and just so.


And they come.  House is ready.  Food fixed.  Doorbell rings.  They come inside.  Holler, Hello!


And...no one is home.  No, "come on in".  No, "so glad you're here". 

Empty.  Nada.  Zip.  Nothing!


Wow...how rude!


And that's how I've been feeling about my slackness concerning "a slowness of new post"!


If you're reading this...thank-you!  


Sit down, have a brownie, stay a while and be sure to come back soon!


I'll be here!

 

Shopping Trip!


Recently I had the opportunity to go on a really great shopping trip!

You know the kind...you dress up, gather up, and head out in search of that one and only, that special little something that only you will have. You're excited, you have your friends with you, money in your pocket, the weather is just right and away you go!

Travel distance for our trip was .03 miles from my house.  Attire required was long pants (old ones)  boots, (unless you're from TN and you are crazy...in that case you wear flip flops) gloves and a cap.  Instead of money, we took along a pry bar, screw drivers, pliers and a large hammer! And...we had buckets of excitement!  We had been given permission to go through two abandoned houses that my neighbor owns and we were allowed to take anything we wanted. 


Wowzer!!



 All I can say is...you just had to be there!


When you have friends like I do...it just can't get much better!!!

Dillard's...who needs it?








It's in the Bag!!


What do you do with an old pair of jeans, a sofa pillow, leftover scraps of an old shirt, hardware from an old purse and pieces of a belt you found at the thrift store?


You make...
a...
really...
cute...
tote...
for...
 your sister in law!

My husband's brother has recently been diagnosed with cancer.  Their life has been put on an altered course and so I wanted to make her something fun and useful.  The jeans were old ones of her hubbies  and the pillow one she no longer wanted!  Filled it with magazines and things that she might find useful as they begin trips to the doctor. 


She loved it ...smiled upon opening...and that was the point of the process!
 

Cover up!


This post is proving to be interesting!  I've typed and deleted the first line five times!!  That means I need to either push the delete button...get off the computer...or just spit it out!  Don't understand the hold up.  I just wanted to share with you these really cute pillow covers that I've made for one of my sister's!

This would be sister number two...wait...there are four of us girls...(yes! I'm the oldest)...so would the sister next to me be sister number one or number two! (guess it depends on who's doing the telling) Hum!  Doesn't matter...anyway, this sister is one of two that chose a teaching career a little later in life.  ( I said...a little later...let's see...she's two years younger than me and I'm...)  She reads this so I think I'd better just move on! 


With both children gone from the nest, they decided to convert their son's room over to a home office for her.  But, wanting to let the son remain always welcome, she needed to put a bed in the room.  So, in comes a futon!
As futons go...her's is really nice!  Just a lot of brown...so...
with pieces of this and that...
 We took her office from plain and brown...to color and wow!


Don't like it?  


Cover it up!

Yipee!! I did it....


Oh wow!

It's been a year!  One whole entire year.

I know that every person on the face of this great earth has moments that they look back on and think...

WOW!  

I did...
this changed... me, my situation, my thoughts, my attitude...my life!
can you believe...
I hate that happened...
I'm so glad that happened...
I survived...

well...for me all of the above with this past year.


If you've read any other parts of this blog then you know that I used to work outside our home and now no longer do!  The job I had was one I loved more than any other ever before it and had hoped it would be a part of my life for many years. But...it didn't turn out that way.  The pain of that loss was great and it has taken a long process to get over and to go beyond.


and now...I say to those responsible for that change...


THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH! ( I mean that sincerely...I truly was done a favor and it just took some time to realize it)!

I now am the official "farm tech" of our operation and love every minute.  ( well...maybe not every single minute...the gross stuff I could do without)


but...no clocks, no boss(except for Hubby Honey), no two days ever the same, no boredom and I could go on.

So...how do you celebrate...


You splurge on a new pair of "magic shoes" and you get out there and take a really long walk...almost two miles today...yipee...and you get healthy and stay healthy so that you can enjoy this..
life...
job...
family...
home...
friends...

Here's to you and to me and to choosing that glass to be "half full"!






Ten and Time!


Wow...just had a new idea to pop into my head and am so frustrated... can't seem to slow down the new ideas fast enough to get the "old" ones done! 

Hum.....not a bad problem to have I guess....
what would really be bad is to have no ideas at all!

Wanted to share an easy and cheap re-do with you!

My sewing room is combination sewing and utility. We had an up-right freezer in there and as you know freezers put off a lot of heat,so...we moved the freezer into the kitchen!












Wanted to make the freezer match the frig so...
for $10 in paint I now have a really pretty black freezer that looks brand new!








Problem solved...my sewing room is now much cooler...


Oops...the kitchen is now warmer!

Oh well...can't win 'em all!

Bugs...Bugs...and more Bugs!


I hate bugs!  Have never...will never, ever, EVER like bugs!



Here we have a perfect example!
June bugs...
Ha!
They come out in July!
All over my fig bush...all over my figs...not one or two, not three or four...hundreds...yes...hundreds! They choose a nice ripe, sweet, perfect fig and EAT IT!  UP!

Now...if you are of the frame of mind as my Hubby Honey, then you're saying..." just go ahead and pick the figs... they won't hurt you"!  You don't understand!  When you reach up to pick a fig that's not "June Bug covered"  a gazillion fly out of the bush and it's like that old movie "the Fly" or something!

I can't do it!  Yes...I can work all day on the farm in a chicken house that contains 14,000 large chickens... sometimes they sneak up behind you and peck at your leg...that I can handle...go figure...but I hate bugs.  They are just CREEPY, CRAWLY and GROSS!

Needless to say...when we have June bugs...I don't eat figs!  I have to stand by and watch those awful bugs have a feast at my expense!

Another bug I HATE!  That sneaky, silent, costly...computer BUG!

That's why I've had no new post for weeks...computer caught a bug and went...down, down, down!

So...had to pay to get the bug SQUASHED!  Then had to have hours of phone "conversing" with my "techie BFF" and even hitched a ride to her house...5 hrs one way...was gone for only 36 hrs...so you see that not much time was left for anything but working out "bugs..."! 

Did I tell you?  I hate bugs!




I think I earned it....


Have been "computing" since just after lunch!  Had a "working"  phone conversation with my 
"techie BFF"  and now I'm supposed to be doing my "homework"....UGH!!!  I swear I'd rather pull my hair out (sometimes) than to do the work on the computer that needs to be done in order to maintain and build my blog.  Don't get me wrong...I love blogging...it's just the computer I have issues with!

And so...it"s Ben and Jerry time...Ben and Jerry time...
yes...
I'm singing...
and your point?

Hey...both my boys are gone and I've been left with 42,000 chickens, 40 momma cows, two bulls and two dogs! 

If that doesn't earn a girl some Ben and Jerry's then nothing will!


And besides...it's on "roll back" at your favorite neighborhood Wal-Mart...


Treat yourself...just don't eat a whole carton at one sitting...
spread it out and you won't feel so guilty!!!!

WORDS...$ $ $


We use them every day!  This is our primary source of communication with those we come in contact with, whether they be family, friend or foe!  We're taught from the very beginning of our life that we need to choose our "words" wisely and that words can "cost". 

Cost?  I know I'm not much of a "shopper" but I've never seen an aisle at Wal-Mart where words are sold.  Can you get them in bundle packs or at a discount?  

Okay...you think I'm being ridiculous!  Actually, what I'm trying to give you, and myself, is a gentle reminder that words can cost us, and sometimes that price can be high.  The highest price, I think, can be in the loss of, or change in, relationships, esp. with those we love and hold dear.  We throw words out like the change from our pockets and then we sometimes have to turn around and get out the "big bucks" to try and retrieve the loose change, only to find it an impossible task! 

Actions are chosen...consequences are not!

These actions also include how we respond to words spoken to us.  I can "choose" to let negative words affect me in a negative way, or not.  In the movie " Pretty Woman" Julia Roberts had a line that said..." the bad stuff is easier to believe" but...only if we allow it!  

Need " five minutes of whine time", take it!  Use it to call a sister, friend, whomever will allow you to whine and them take a deep breath, tell yourself to be true to yourself  and move forward ...If you have a dream you are pursuing...continue pursuing!

Have a blog?  Blog! 

Sticks and Stones...Yeah!  Sometimes I'd rather have that...
I think they might be easier to get over and much less costly...
at least to my self esteem...
oh yea...
and that's covered under my insurance!!!



 

Points!


I've been out of town for the past three days helping my daughter and son-n-law move into a new house!

Was this fun?  Yes!  Hard?  Yes!!!!!

As we worked, I would ponder from time to time if this would, "maybe", earn me some nursing-home points.  I'm sure that at some point in every parents life the thought runs through their head...I hope my kids will visit me if I end up in a nursing home. So...I'm thinking that maybe we should come up with a point system.  

Something like this:

Poopy diaper...10 points (each)
Bottle at 2:00am...15 points
Laundry and meals...(18 yrs worth) 5,000 pts.   
Halloween costumes & Trick or Treating in the rain...450 pts
Ball Games, Band Concerts, Parades, etc...50 pts. each
Dates and staying up late to listen for the car (or truck)...1,000pts ( each)
Painting walls and moving furniture...100 pts per time and wall
 
This list could go on and on but I'm sure you get my point!

I think I'm up to at least ...one zillion by now.

Now...divide one zillion by each visit being worth 10pts, and it looks like I'm going to be the most popular "old woman" there!


You think I shouldn't count on a point system working????

I think your right!!!!!

Done and Done!!


I told you in a previous post that I had been working on a really cute denim bedspread.  

Finished!!!!!!

I made this for my son.  It was constructed from his old jeans and shirts that, to most people, were worn out and should have been thrown away. 

I love the way it turned out. 




Go to my "memories made" page to see more and check out how you can order your own!

 

Tick Tock...Tick Tock...


WOW!  Two mornings in a row...maybe I'm on a roll...just hope it last!


I learned two things yesterday that I want to share...maybe, if you'll pay attention, you'll not only keep from getting wet...you'll also have a better use of your time!!!


1. Rubber boots will not only repel water, but will hold water.  Yep!  I'm not talking a few drops of water!  I'm talking inches of water.  And so you think to yourself, what and how would some idiot learn that???  Well, that would be me and it would happen when Hubby Honey is TRYING to teach me how to prime the pump that's been placed in the pond to water the yard and gardens.  Let's just say that I had to completely change clothes...and I mean everything...and put my boots on the boot dryer for 24 hours!  
And what did Hubby Honey do? 
As Opie would say..." he just laughed and laughed!" 


2. In a conversation with one of my sisters, I learned that she has become a "commercial" cleaner!
When she first mentioned this I thought she was going to share a new product she'd found.  But, actually, what she's doing is a really good idea. If she's watching something on T.V. she makes herself get up during the commercials and clean, put away, straighten,etc.  As you all know, commercials are long and if you aren't careful you find that you've almost gone into a comma while waiting for them to be over.  Using those minutes to be productive is a really great idea. 

 I'm going to try it...I'll let you know how it works!

" The Boy Who Cried Wolf "


NO!!!!!  This is not a new "suggested reading" page!  
This is how I feel this morning. 

As you can see from the dates, it's been a while between post.  And so.....

I feel like SCREAMING.......!  


If you could see inside my head, you would know that blogs, posting and sewing are (literally) swirling around ALL the time. My family has started telling people to be careful not to leave anything lying around or, "Momma will cut it up and make something" !  I see everything (almost) as a potential new and useful object.  I can't stop myself.  I now carry a small notebook in my purse and can be seen, most anywhere, pulling it out and either leaving myself a note or a sketch of this or that.  I've even stooped to taking pictures, on the sly, with my phone so I don't forget....I know, it's really bad!!

Here's the deal....I want to do everything!  And I want to miss nothing!  So.....!


What to do?


Just like you need to try on those shoes before you purchase them (or you might have to give them to your friend because they ended up being too big...on second thought...I did get free shoes out of that deal) anyway, looks like I need to try a new way to schedule my days.


Schedule...UGH! I really hate to do that. But that may be just the ticket to getting on track with everything.  I'm a list maker and so, I think that, starting this next week, I will make a schedule and do my best to stick with it. 

Hopefully that will work.  If not I will be open to suggestions from you....actually, if you have a better idea already please let me know!  

Schedules are O.K. if you don't forget to ...


Stop...look...listen...notice...and enjoy the beauty and wonderful that surrounds us!




 

Names!


I'm sure you're all familiar with the fact that Hurricane season is upon us and the names have already been announced.  Well...I'm thinking of coming up with a list of names myself.

My list will read something like this...

Mr. Dust Bunny
Mrs. Dust Bunny
Bunny Jr.
Bunnett
Little Bunnie
Bonnie Bunnie
Dusty
Fuzz Ball

Okay!  You get the picture. I need to vacuum my house!  But...I don't waaaaaaant too!  I want to sew. I want to make pillow covers and purses and denim bedspreads (yes...it's so cute, can't wait for you to see) and I want to blog.  So, when you think about it...it's all your fault!!!  (I wonder if Hubby Honey will fall for that?)  

Am going out of town for a couple of days with the above mentioned, so...the Bunny family is safe for a few more days.

When I return there will be new products posted on the Memories Made Page...so come back soon to check it out! 

Going crazy!


I did something today that has me a little worried!  I wonder if there's a "small" possibility that maybe, I might be, Oh...I hope not...becoming just a bit obsessed.  I went in to town today to sit and visit with my sisters while they toiled in the heat having a garage sale.  When one sister and my niece returned from Sonic with drinks in one of those little cardboard carriers, I start yelling..."I want it"!

What is up with that. I couldn't help it.  When I saw that box all I could see was a really cute, deco something to be used in my " let's get everything organized project.!!!! 


I know that most of you look at this picture and see a stack of boxes!  Not me...I see free containers that will be sooooooooooooooo cute when I get them decorated, decoupaged, or maybe even painted.  This is all just part of a change in lifestyle that has caused me to be very careful about spending money and also about having fun in seeing things in a new light!

I'll be sure to send you a follow up so that you can see ...and of course admire...my new, wonderful storage containers.  Who knows...you might even catch a little of the obsession bug yourself.  

Maybe it'll be just a "little sting"!

Having a Two for One sale today!


Okay, It's not really that kind of sale...Just a desperate need to
POST!   AGAIN!   RIGHT... NOW!

I want you to be sure and notice my new blog look (thanks again Teresa)!  Especially the counter at the bottom of the page...please pass this site on to all of your family, friends, acquaintances, co-workers, peeps and, well, you get the picture! 

When the number reaches one million...Hey! You stop laughing...A girl can dream as big as she wants...

Anyway...as I was saying...when we get a million hits...we'll have a party and you'll all be invited!!!!!

Yipee...can't wait...so...help me please!

Happy Happy Happy!


I teach a first grade Bible class and one of the songs we sing some is " I'm Happy Today".  Whenever one of the kid's chooses it I always say..." I love this song because I'm..." before I can finish the sentence they all chime in with..." we know, we know...you're so happy".  We'll...can't help it, not sorry for it, not every single day all day...just most of the time!
  
My poor brain is running 90 miles an hour this morning with ideas...things to make, thoughts to share, and ideas to try. I almost feel like someone spiked my Folgers this morning! 

I promised myself that I would NOT blog before cleaning house. 
Do you think breaking a promise to yourself is really all that bad?????

I swear you could grow a garden on my floor.  (When Teresa was here last week I made her promise to wear shoes....inside)(not kidding)!  You know, actually, when you think about it ...if we garden on the floor... Wow! What benefits... wouldn't have to go far to harvest,  no bugs, no heat, no sweat...!  Hey, I'm sure you've considered it too!

To make myself feel a little better...I did put clothes in the washer.  Yes...they are things that will be cut to pieces soon for a new project...but I still think that counts as positive progress on the laundry.

Hubby Honey may not feel the same, but... if you don't tell, then neither will I.





Under Construction...

If you've visited me recently you will have noticed a new look and pages that aren't finished!

My computer genius BFF is here and helping me to get my blog reformatted so that it not only looks better but is easier to use.

As she performs duties at the computer, I am using pieces of old quilt tops and leftover fabric of her's to make the "cutest" pillow covers you've EVER seen!!!!  I am in love with this and can't wait to share I hope that you will continue to come by and watch the progress. Save those pennies so you can shop soon!!

I moved my sewing machine to the dining room table so that we would have a larger work area and watch each other's progress.  Don't tell her but when she starts using her big words...you know...domain, tabs, buttons, HTML, monetize, code this and code that....I think "back at ya" and use my big words...thread, buttons, trim, bobbin, lace, piping....I know, it's childish, but sure makes me feel better!

Can't never could...

In keeping with the "theme" of this blog to re-use, recycle and basically re-invent, I notice (and am intrigued) when someone makes something unique and different out of "not much".


Determination...I wonder...if you could weigh that word on a set of scales...my guess is it would weigh at least a ton!  (of course, some of us weigh more than others...in determination and I'm sorry to say in pounds too...another story, another day!)


While on a recent trip to Eureka Springs, with Hubby Honey, I saw the most amazing proof that determination, in the right amount, will cause "can do to be done"

Quigley's Castle

If you've never heard of it...(I hadn't) or seen it, then prepare to be amazed!  I will tell you, and I'm being completely honest...I walked around with my mouth open the entire time.  I couldn't believe what I was seeing...it was fascinating...in case you can't tell...I loved it!!!  Can't wait to go back.  I could have stayed for hours.

When we got home and I loaded my pictures into the computer and I had taken more than 100 of just Quigley's Castle...I've never taken that many pictures of any one thing or event before...(not even my kids at Christmas...and yes I love my kids and Christmas)!  My pictures are great, but nothing and I say, NOTHING like seeing it in person!  You MUST go if you ever get the opportunity!!!




This house was built by a woman who was 33 years old and "determined" to get her new house. 
It was in June of 1943 and after her husband left for work she gathered the children around her and told them " we're going to tear the house down" and they did. When her husband came home from work, the house was gone and they had moved all the belongings into the chicken house. She had been promised a new house and she was determined to get it!


The house was built with lumber milled from their own land and it actually has bare earth inside the house coming out from the walls about four feet so that she could "bring the outdoors inside" with plants. No pots for Mrs. Quigley... she made flower beds inside the house.  As if that wasn't enough...EVERYTHING...I say again EVERYTHING... is covered in rocks.  She began collecting at the age of nine and made everything out of rocks...paths, the house, mailbox, garden borders, birdbaths, birdcages (and these are inside the house), tables, benches and I could go on but I know that either by now you're planning your trip or you've hit the delete button...


These plants, that are growing inside the house, are over fifty-five years old now! ( just realized...they're older than me!) Wowzer!! 

I am telling you...that woman's determination weighed TONS!!!


Hubby Honey was patient...sort of...he did tell me at one point that if I would be quiet he could read all the info posted throughout the house...what can I say. When I get excited about something I find it hard to be quiet...I want everyone to see and enjoy!  

I did give him the "look" when he told me he thought they needed a weed-eater...

Tales from the Junk Side...


I look at this and I think...WOW!

We had no idea...


  A day of yard sale fun...

 Turned into two full days of hard work and tons of treasure!


Yes...I found this beautiful buffet in the room you saw in a previous post, hidden completely underneath boxes, trash and other treasure!  It is now safely stored at Cindy's and should arrive here in October.  I can't wait!  Already have a spot picked out...

What I learned from this experience...don't judge a book or house by the cover!!!!

Split Second!

You know how you hear people say that their life flashes before their eyes when something tragic happens and the fear of death is great at that moment. Well, I had one of those moments yesterday as I walked back to the house from my mailbox. 

With us living out in the country our mailbox is a nice little, "I think I'll get some exercise" jaunt from the house!  So...took a break from cleaning and the dog and I go get the mail.  On the way back I hear a VERY LOUD buzzing! Look up and a swarm of bees is flying over my head.  I'm headed south and they are headed east!  

In a split second my life did not flash before me, but this did...

Should I run with my shoes on, or would I be faster with them off...
How many stings will it take to kill me...
How many beats a second that your heart jumps up to will kill...
Maybe they'll go for the dog...
Don't drop your phone, you'll need it to call for help...

If you think this is funny or that I'm must be joking...trust me, it wasn't and I'm not!  

My friend tells me " Oh! Wow...it was honey bees and they wouldn't hurt you, they're just looking for a new home. Did you see where they landed?  We can collect the honey when I come down!!

This was not the Partridge Family moving in next door and YES they would hurt me...the last time I checked heart attacks not only hurt but can be deadly!!!!

But...no stings, no heart attack (but my hands shook for about 30 minutes) and No...I didn't see where they landed ( if I did I wouldn't tell Teresa because she would convince me to try and harvest wild honey)!

Life on the farm..."it's like chocolate..." Wonderful, different and with memories to make and savor!!

Pocket Book

I wonder when we stopped hearing the term pocket book? 
I remember hearing my Grandmother and Aunts say " let me get my pocket book" whenever there was an errand to run and money and/or other essentials might be needed.

Trying to take a nap this afternoon...hey, it's Saturday... anyway, couldn't doze off because this little red "pocket book" popped into my head and wouldn't go away!   

Got up...sleep was never going to happen...went to my sewing room and came out with this!

A little red pocket book...


Made from one of the pockets of the "red coat"!  No...this is not the purse that I plan to make from the coat...just a little something extra, a little whimsy and fun!  The strap is made from part of a beaded necklace that came from the "junk house" as did the pin on the front. The body of the purse is one of the larger pockets.  Just big enough for my keys,
cell, tissues, a lipstick and (maybe) a little cash!!


Naps are great...but a little red pocket book is FUN!

Little of this and that!

 What do you eat when you're starving -or so you think- and the cupboard is bare? 

I stood in front of my cupboard this morning wanting breakfast and finding nothing...not in the cabinet or the frig!  I think it's seriously time for some grocery shopping but I'd rather take a beating than go to the grocery store...that's why I have Hubby Honey!

So...back to breakfast...

Found...whole wheat pasta, black beans, rotel tomatoes, carrots, celery, purple onion, salt, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, olive oil and mayo!! 

While the pasta cooked I drained the beans and rotel, cut up the veggies, and thought " I hope this is good because I'm STARVING!!"

Drain pasta, sprinkle with olive oil and season to taste with sea salt.  Toss all together and add two Tlb. of mayo.

I wish we had a way for you to taste this...it is WONDERFUL...yummy yummy!  Biggest problem now is not to eat all before Hubby Honey comes home for lunch.

Now I know some of you are thinking...she eats that for breakfast??  Ok, who decided it had to be bacon and eggs?  I mean really...!!!

Wisdom!!!!

As I told you in an earlier post, I'm in the age of fifty something.  One of the things that comes with age is, of course, wisdom.  I think that from time to time maybe bits of the wisdom I've accrued over the years should be shared...after all, it's just the right thing to do!

So...first tid bit...ice cream will NOT keep in the refrigerator, it must ALWAYS go in the freezer.

Saturday morning Hubby Honey was cooking breakfast - I know, you're jealous - what can I say, either you got a good one or you didn't!!  Anyway, I was asked to put the bacon back in the frig and upon doing so, something didn't look quite right.  Opened the door back up and there on the shelf sat a tub of melted ice cream.  I'm talking soup!  Well...who's job was it the night before to put the ice cream up after dishing it up...yep, ME!   

Now, you don't know this but, I'm (normally) a glass half full person.  So I show Hubby Honey and I burst out laughing. I mean...it could have been so much worse...at least I didn't put it in the cabinet!

Well...I was the only person in the room who thought it was funny.  We're talking "Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla"...you can imagine...the more aggravated he got, the harder I laughed.

So...wisdom for this week...ice cream goes in the freezer!! 
Ok! No new purse tonight from the red coat!
After washing it (hate to sew on top of nasty) I can't get it dry!! The fabric has a vinyl feel and so needed to be air dried... thought, for a second, about putting it in the dryer...but envisioned a melted mess...anyway, even after cutting the lining out it's still not dry!



But, come see me again soon...and I promise there will be a NEW (really cute) RED PURSE!



Junk House Treasure...

Whoo-hoo!!!  No chickens!  Sold them yesterday and so now I have a couple of weeks without daily trips over there. Love it...maybe I'll use the time wisely and get caught up on some projects here at home!  (maybe)

I promised you more from the "junk house"...

Believe it, or not, this is just a portion of the costume jewelry that I ended up with. (will show you more later)  After two days of very hard labor Cindy and I both ended up with awesome treasures.  Some of these pieces I plan to wear and have fun with.  The rest will be used in the making of  whatever my mind conjures up!  

Can't wait to see?  Me either...There is a red coat, from the "junk house" that is shouting purse at me.  I hope to work on it this afternoon!!!

Come back tonight and see if it's here!!!!

Started this baby gown last night and finished it up today!

Portions of the front yoke were 
made from a 
French Hand Sewn collar that I made in the mid '80s. (remember...don't throw away if there's life left)

Sent it to an auction for one of our volunteer fire departments.

Baby gowns will be just one of the items that can be ordered through my blog.  If you have a  little one (or one on the way) that needs a special gown just email me and we'll talk!!



Fabulous Fifties...

I realize that this mornings post is in a different direction than the others have been, but occasionally I will share random thoughts...mostly because I like to talk!  Chatty Cathy here!  I have a husband who will listen and let me ramble but...sometimes he gets this funny glazed look and I know I'm really talking to myself.

Anyway, to the fifties.

I was born in that era and I'm now at that age. (Well...let's say I'm in between 50 and 60) ( and on the lesser end)!!!!
What I'm trying to say is...WOW!  It's really a great age to be. 

I Love It!!  

Why? 

You almost, at this point, begin to have the same attitude at fifty that you had has a teenager!! 
You've decided you can ( within reason), wear what you want, (clothes, hair, make-up...or not...shoes, colors), do what you want, go where you want and in general just be happy because....
you WANT  TOO!!!  

If you're lucky, you've learned that what others do, say, wear, eat, have, doesn't have to be the stick by which you measure your life and /or achievements.
I once asked my Grandmother if a certain color (don't remember which one) would go with something green..I was a teenager at this time...she told me that all flowers have green stems!  It's funny, how that out of all we discussed from time to time, I've never forgotten that moment.

If you are headed towards the number fifty...don't despair...

IT'S FABULOUS...

Patience is a Virtue!!!

It seems that I did something wrong in the previous post that kept the script from showing next to the picture of the "junk house"! 

(not my house by the way)

So...my solution for now, because I don't have time to try and figure it out, is to post again and tell you to be sure and click the Read More button just under and to the left of the picture!

Hope you'll be patient with me as I try to get this figured out!!!

Complete Chaos!

I know what you're thinking! 
Wow!  
How can anyone create anything in that mess.  Well...not me...
that's why I have nothing new to show you!

My sewing room, as you can see is a complete mess as I speak.  I show this to you so that I can hold my feet to the fire to get it cleaned up and organized !  I need to get all those projects out of my head and into my hands for you to see.

I think I kept hoping that the cleaning fairy would fly by and help me out...she must be on strike!

Tomorrow, after my " farm job" the plan is to get in there and get busy!  Will take more pics to share when done!

Lot's to tell...come back to hear all about my trip to Tennessee and see the treasures found there!

I'm Back !!

Well...it's been a while.  49 days to be exact!  Why?  

That's a good question.  One I've asked myself many times. I've been searching for the answer for a while now.  I love blogging, but...so many things got in the way.  House work, yard work, chicken houses, a trip to Tennessee, short over night trips with Hubby Honey,  sick,  a sore toe....(no not really)!  What got in the way and brought a screeching halt to my new adventure  was  DOUBT.  That ugly little monster that holds us back from achieving so many wonderful things in our life!!! 
What if no one likes it, reads it, follows it, finds it funny, interesting, neat, buys anything (when I have something to sell)!!!  What if, horrors, my spelling is off, grammar deplorable, sentence structure unbelievable...  Oh! The shame.  

Today, I realized something.  OK, what if...well, I say so what.  It makes me happy, I find it fun, I want to read it and I have three sisters and a few friends that I know I count on to be followers.  So, here's to me and more to come.

I have so much catching up to do that I may have to post again tonight.  I need to share several things with you to help put myself on a deadline so that "49 days" will not happen again!  I'm an "under pressure" worker so with you has my witnesses maybe I'll get much accomplished!

If you're there, I hope you'll be back again!
Some days you might feel the need for a 
" little bit of special". 


Why wait!  Take care of you and give yourself a boost when you need it. 
Today...who knows why...hormones (or lack thereof), spring fever, being tired, or whatever, is one of those days for me.


So, I gave myself a boost!


The flowers were picked from the side of our road and out in the pasture. Lunch, was a piece of walnut crusted fish, grilled on top of the stove and a spinach salad!!  Yummy!


Not difficult and not expensive. Keep your eyes and ears open for ways to give yourself a much needed boost of your own!