Fruits and Nuts

Recently, I kept mentioning to Don that the birds are certainly loving a fruit and nut ball that we hung under in the eaves of the studio. Little did I know that the birds are lucky to enjoy any of this! A few days ago, Chaos pointed me to the little culpruit that was enjoying it immensely. Remember the squirrel in my studio that we've been attempting to capture? It now appears that I'm feeding him! No wonder he won't go near the trap filled with peanuts!

He scatters to the edge of the roof, dangles his small body over the eaves, grabs the string holding the fruit ball and pulls it up, then procedes to nibble, filling his jaws with all the fruits and nuts he can hold, before returning to the roof to enjoy them. Needless to say, this will be last one we hang up there! LOL!

Today was a bit of mix...

of activity and rest all rolled into one. I had a chiropractor appointment this morning, we ate breakfast out, stopped to pay our telephone bill, a quick stop into our Dollar Tree store, and we headed over to my parents to discuss the Jeep with Dad some more. We returned home, picked up just a bit, played with Chaos, and took a nap. It seems neither Don or I can keep up lately.... or the recent resting I've been doing has become a habit, LOL! I woke to the telephone ringing and shortly afterwards Amber and I were our shopping for shoes. Don was a sweetheart and cooked us up a nice spaghetti dinner while I was gone and before he headed in to work this evening. Feeling a little guilty... wanting something to do but nothing too strengthous, I worked on my Crazy Quilt!

Here is what I've done so far:
I had to add the classic spider web and spider, so I started off with it first. Next, I added the buttonhole stitch around the blue satin, sewed on some pink trim, added some bead trim and the pink ruffle on the right is actually a very pretty ribbon that I scrunch up with a basting stitch and tucked here and there along the seam. I'm excited to practice some new to me stitches on some adia cloth or muslin before actually working more on my actual journal cover. So far, I'm loving this and am excited to keep creating upon it and working on even more!

Whirlwind wanderings...

Our last several days have been a whirlwind, just like the beginning of March, with a lot rest breaks taken in between. I'm doing so much better (knock on wood) and am continuing to heal from the pinched nerve. Mainly we've been focusing on the house, catching up on our housework, doing a bit of shopping for life's little necessities. Every spare moment of my time within the past week has been spent researching CQ'ing online since I recently stumbled upon the brief instructions of crazy quilting in the January Country Victorian mag. I was so instantly inspired! I dove in with head first, purchased "The Magic of Crazy Quilting - A Complete Resource for Embellished Quilting" 2nd Edition by J. Marsha Michler, which I've read, re-read, and am still reading. LOL!

I was a complete goner when I stumbled upon

Pat Winter's website: and

her blog via a google search!

After several trips to JoAnn's and several dollars later, let's just say, I'm almost ready to begin
creating my first cq block. I have the muslin, the cotton fabrics --- I using the same fabrics that I used for Alexxis' quilt that I started in December; some new embellishments: threads, beads, buttons, trims, and even some silk flowers which I'll dissect for use. Some silk pins, metallic threads, a thimble that fits, and a slew of new needles later, I decided to joined a new for me, Yahoo group:

CQForNewbies to seek some advice on fabric choices, learning, info, sharing, and swapping later. I'm looking for something with some sheen to it to add to my quilt block, silk, perhaps? and in a color that will provide some contrast to the all the vibrant colors I'll be using. I have some ecru linen napkins that I may part with for quilt work, that will add at a neutral color and some addition texture. Later today, I need to make it out to the studio to gather up some additional things, as well, start deciding what I'll be taking to this upcoming weekend retreat. My mind is a whirlwind thinking about all the possibilities for this cq block! It will be a wonderful adventure as I gather my supplies for preparing and packing.

I've given that a little thought and I need to finish up a few WIP's. I have the Gothic Arch page swap to finish up, some cards that need creating, my deco to finish decorating, and now this cq block to sew up and have ready for embroidering and embellishing. That will be my little reward for working on finishing the previous commitments first. I'm certain that will help speed up the process. {smile} I'm hoping that preparing this week and that by packing up the supplies for the crazy quilt, that my totes won't be as heavy. I probably shouldn't be lugging those monstrosities around just yet. Thankfully, I've a week to gather my thoughts, purchase anything I may need, get packed up and prepared, and have an enjoyable time while there. I'm happy that Christine, Deb, and Jackie wouldn't take "No." for an answer and am actually looking forward to be going away for a weekend of crazy creating!

Studio Inspiration and recent finds....

I love blog-surfing! Visiting my favorite blogs and discovering new links to other blogs! Seeing, reading, being inspired! There is so much "eye candy" and "inspiration" everywhere you look! I recently discovered PresentPast Collection. Heather hosted a bridal shower and invited her blog readers along for a virtual party! Pretty kewl! and what an amazing attention to every little detail! You gotta check it out...

One of the things that really caught my eye was that huge Eiffel Tower! Do you remember my post last month about me purchasing one? That is it! I have that exact same one! I've been waiting to finish up the organizing effort to do some decorating before I posted my final studio photographs, yet share some glimpses of my space along the way. Anyways, after seeing Heather's amazing attention to those small details with those amazing ribbons, I thought how perfect! That is the answer I've been waiting for!!!!

Add in suffering from cabin fever, a small list of items I "need", and you have the perfect reason to go shopping. Not that I need a reason, I'm just saying... So, Don and I ventured out in the COLD to make a trip to Home Goods and Michael's. I browsed and browsed for accents for my studio. I just feel it still "needs" something, so I my mind recently turned to adding a touch of color. Nothing over-bearing; just something warm, soft, yet subtle, and inviting. Just enough to accent --- but not hinder the charm of the old world feel, know what I mean? I think a globe would be perfect!!!

So, while in Home Goods, I pour over everything; imagining how each item would look within my studio. I find a new tea cup and saucer, a bag of yummy smelling potpourri, a large pot glazed green pot with a matching coaster in the right shade of green, along with a medium sized french-style garden urn. Perfect! the cup for some tea while relaxing and reading, potpourri for its wonderful scent, the pot for a potted plant --- the perfect touch for getting me into the studio every couple of days, if only to water it, {an added bonus is that it will soften the colors of all the slat wall} and the urn, well, decorative, yet could be functional! Maybe I'll put the potpourri within it along with my watercolor paint brushes.

Our next stop was Marshall's. In search of a table to use as an end stand beside my leather recliner. I found several that would have worked but decided to keep looking ; nothing was really speaking to me. So, it was an quick exit... stage right.

Next stop, Michael's... there I bought the frame I needed for the large poster size print. Remember, I had previously cut my own frames? Well, let's just say that I made a measuring mistake so that one will need to be cut down and used for one of the other two prints. As I was approaching the check out line, it hit me. I could use some silk flowers and ribbons to dress up my very own Eiffel Tower! So, I searched and finally choose three floral stems. One for texture and color, a pale, soft pink yarrow-looking stem, a vanilla and pink hollycock, and a vanilla with a subtle hint of green cabbage rose and about 5 spools of ribbon in the same color scheme. I hesitated on several other spools, much wider than what I already had in the cart but decided to see what I had on hand first. I found one in a sheer white with silver sparkles sprinkles about that I absolutely loved but wished it had been in an off-white, so I searched with no luck of finding it. This morning it hits me, DuH! I could have tea-stained it!!! I'll grab it next time.

On our way home, Don wanted to stop at a furniture store that is going out of business. So, we ventured in only to find that they were very over-priced! We did find an amazing coffee table with matching end stands that I would love to have for my living room, but we continued looking since we really were not planning on purchasing anything of that nature; except one end stand or a small side table for my studio. So, we get back in the truck and travel on down the road towards home, when Don spots an Big Lots with a Furniture store. He asks me if I'd like to stop and look; figuring I've got nothing to loose, we venture inside.

Once there, I find some small 6mm pearl beads in packages for 50 cents each. Into the cart several packages of them go. I'd recently been thinking of creating a throw for my recliner and decided I'd like to create a crazy quilt using satin, velvet, and a variety of other scraps. It will help me to stay with the old world traveler theme. With all the aged oak on the slat wall, I believe it will help to maintain that masculine feel, while some small accents like the lace and tea cup will add just a sprinkling or femininity thrown in. The seed beads will be reserved for that.

Next, I spotted some Battenburg style lace place mats that screamed, "Buy Me!" I had been waiting to purchase a few, along with some crocheted doilies, but only after I checked to see what I currently owned. At $2 a pop, how could I resist? I found another Laura Ashley quilted place mat in the perfect colors, vanilla and soft pink, into the cart those went.

Finally, we ventured back to furniture. Looking but not seeing anything that really grabs my attention for the studio end table, we browsed some more. What??? There is the same style coffee table and matching endstands we saw in the furniture store! I am not believing my eyes... Okay, the color of the metal isn't as dark and it doesn't have the ceramic tiles but those could easily be added... and it is a fraction of the other's price. Unbelievable! But remember, we're are not shopping for a coffee table and endstand set. But that doesn't stop me from making a mental notation!!!

I also founnd an under the cabinet light for $10 that would work in my showcase to replace the one that isn't working; but decided since they had quite a few of them and I'd spent so much already, I'd wait to purchase it at another time. A reason to go back, LOL!

So, just as we are heading to the checkout, I spot something. A resin wicker patio set.... hmmm, I thought. I never thought to consider a patio style table... when what to my wandering eyes appears... No, not Santa and his reindeer... but a beautiful wicker chair and a matching round end table!!! OMG! I cannot believe my luck. The color of the end table is the right shade of brown to work with the leather, the height of the table would definitely work, and hey! you can't beat that price tag at $35.00!!! I found it! The perfect table!!! .... in my mind's eye I could see an old library with this sitting in front of a window with its heavy sun-faded curtains and an inviting, comfy place to sit with a book and cup of tea. It was wonderful! Sort of the decor I am attempting to achieve... without some of the architectual details.

A Wonderful Day...

I didn't make it out to create anything today but our home sure looks nice and smells so clean! After a quick shower and getting dressed in some fresh clothes, Don arrived home and we headed off to the grocery store. I was so psyched to finally find French Vanilla Coolwhip in stock! You see, I've had this Sara Lee Dutch Apple Pie in my freezer just waiting for the French Vanilla Coolwhip. Wanna take guess what's for dessert tomorrow? LOL! I never made it to the apple orchard this past fall so unfortunately there's been no apples in our freezer to enjoy this winter. I don't believe I'll make that mistake this autumn. Anyways, I spent way more than I normally would however I see some amazing meals in our future. Speaking of meals, I made the most delish spaghetti this evening, complete with garlic bread, a small side salad, and wine!

After eating and cleaning up afterwards, I've spent the majority of my evening blog-surfing! Following one beautiful link after another after another... and I stumbled across this: An A-Z; All about Me. I've seen it others blogs and since I never seem to get tagged to complete these, I decided what the heck, I'll fill mine out and anyone else who maybe reading can considered themselves tagged as well. So, here goes:

A-available or single? Hmm, does "taken" or "spoken for" count? We've been together for 7 years...
B-best friend? Don, without a doubt; although I've many others. Sheila, Rebecca, Lianne...
C-cake or pie? Can't I have both? Carrot cake with cream cheese icing and Amish Blackberry Creme Pie, pure heaven!
D-drink of choice? Coffee, Tea, Ice Tea, Juice hmmm, I'm rarely a soda pop drinker, and prefer ice cold water often.
E-essential item I use everyday? Pilot Pro V Black Ink pen
F-favorite color? Clear...??? LOL! The light shines through and creates a rainbow of all the others... But I'm partial to blues.
G-gummy bears or gummy worms? worms and I prefer them mixed; sweet and sour
H-hometown- Marion, Ohio
I-indulgence? Bubble baths, facial, manicure, pedicure, comfy pj's followed by a magazine or book with a comfy throw
J-January or February? February, it's my birth month! January is always hectic.
K-kids and names? Amber
L-life is incomplete without? My family, friends, and creating. Of course this depends upon whom you ask. Don would say "The 7 C's" Don't ask; it is a very personal joke.
M-marriage date? Hmmm, my previous one was July 28th; this time around - we haven't set one YET!
N-number of siblings? 6 - four brothers all older than me; 2 sisters - one older and one younger.
O-oranges or apples? Again both; but I prefer Apples!
P-phobias or fears? Fire, Accidents, and Natural Disasters
Q-favorite quote? WOW! This is a tough one... I'll get back with you.
R-reasons to smile? To celebrate everyday and Alexxis!
S-season? Autumn
T-tag 3 0r 4 people --- anyone reading!
U-unknown fact about me? I'm really a very private person in real life and can be quiet and shy in large groups. It takes me a while to really open up with people I don't know. I have a hard time trusting others and prefer to protect myself vs. getting hurt. I miss out on a lot because of that, I know!
V-vegetable you don't like? Brussels sprouts
W-worst habit? perfectionism; but as I age I'm learning to let go
Y-your favorite food? Italian --- anything... with tomato sauce, garlic and onion
Z-zodiac? Aquarius, very much an Aquarian! Head in the clouds, beautiful dreamer type of Aquarian. {smile}

In the gripe of a cold Artic blast...

Brrr! Baby, it's cold outside! Ohio, like many other states, is in the gripes of a cold Artic blast! Temps this morning: 1 degree with a Wind Chill Adversary - chance of snow flurries. It seems this will last well into the upcoming week. This recent weather really caught us off guard! So, we'll be heading out later this afternoon to visit the grocery store. I'd love to be able to go shopping! but the stores I want to go to are out of town so that will have to wait. No sense loosing all common sense now and chancing the weather.

I haven't given anymore thought to the deco... I've decided to allow the thoughts and ideas to brew for awhile. What's on my mind, cleaning house and getting back into the studio. Even though I will need to bundle up to get there, at least I will have something to fill up my time. My plan is to finish creating the second box for the surprise in a box swap --- that is the last item I need to create for it!

I received the Gothic Arch Page template from Linda in the mail yesterday. From what I am seeing, I don't believe my first Gothic Arch is too far off; in fact, I think it is perfect but I'll check it ---- just in case! Thankfully, while working in the studio recently, I worked ahead of myself so everything is created --- just awaiting assembling. Once that is completed for these two swaps, it is back to cleaning up afterwards and focusing my attention to organizing once again.

I want to line the vintage file cabinet drawers and get to actually placing all my vintage rick-rack, trims, ect. within them. Another drawer will hold spools of ribbon, I believe. I also think I will place my chipboard in them. I have it sorted by color, but it will need further broken down into alphas and shapes. I have ziplock baggies on my grocery list --- they will work perfectly as I can see into them. When I purchased the cabinet, I found within them A-Z heavy index cards. I'm thinking I'd like to use one for a template to create some for the drawers that will need some. I also uncovered a box of vintage greeting cards and some vintage photographs that I'd like to put into another drawer; maybe I can index them as well.

One day, when I get the scanner hooked back up, I'd love to be able to share them for others to use in their artwork. That will be a ways down the road as I need to focus on one thing at a time. I also need to tackle backing up my home computer again and removing some things from the hard drive. I'd hate to crash and loose it all --- been there and done that. Maybe, I could begin tackling that in small increments as time allows.

My stamp cabinet is still in vital need of organizing, right along with the studio computer. Don and I recently took the monitor out but that is as far as we've made it with it. I have to remove several screws from the slatwall gracing the front of the computer office cabinet and slide that out of the way to access the back side of the computer. Hey! It hides all those ugly computer wires {grin}.

I need to get back to creating cards soon. I'm thinking I'll tackle that big box of scraps and see what is actually inside it that is usuable for those before I venture into cutting fresh sheets of paper like I normally do!

So there it is... my agenda for the upcoming week. List-making, doing, accomplishing, all with a dose of daily life thrown in!

I spent the day yesterday relaxing and resting. I enjoyed cooking a homemade dinner for Don & I and made the necessary preparations for putting a roast in the oven for dinner today.

Friday night, I took a tumble. Returning from the Moose, Chaos exited the house as Don opened to the door to go in, he came to greet me before doing a 360 and running across the road into our neighbor's yard. I managed to stay calm and went after him. Just as I got ahold of his collar and was making my way back home, I'm uncertain if he tried to bolt again or if I simply lost my footing in the wet grass, but either way, I landed on my rear right in the gutter at the side of the road. LOL! Yep! I was soaked from head to foot, and thankfully, only managed to get a bit bumped and bruised up. Unfortunately, my left hand didn't fair so well. I got quite a scrap on the palm of my hand and I think it probably could have used a stitch or two. Anyways, I picked myself up, made my way safely back home, into the restroom to get out my soaking wet attire, got my hand cleaned up, and myself into my pj's.

Yesterday, I noticed it appeared that I had something embedded in the palm of my hand, so I tried unsuccessfully to remove it. Being too tender to really mess with, I continued cleaning it frequently throught the day. This morning, however, was a entirely different story... it is definately infected. So, I had to perform a minor surgerical operation on it. Thank God for my medical assisting experience, I sterilize everything and had to lance it back open, do a debriment, and then cleanse it good. It is wrapped up with a betadine pad and gauze now to keep anything else from effecting it and if there is no improvement by tomorrow I'll be adding a visit the my doctor's office for additional treatment and an antibiotic.

Today's agenda, with Don's assistance get the roast put in the oven while work out in the studio again. My parents will be arriving shortly to begin working on the newest installment of cabinetry. I'm thinking I'll prep the area from all the dust and get to work on sorting some things out. As I work, I want to start a list of items that I need to address storage solutions for, access what I have available for use so that I am only purchasing exactly what I need. I have a few ideas in mind... using soup cans to store and separate my color pencils, stain and paint some existing storage items, ect. So, it is still a work in process but one that I am loving! I'll share some more as we continue to work on the space... and hopefully have some photographs to share with these thoughts and ideas.

Until then, take care of yourself and I hope you are working to achieve one of your goals, if not resting up and making time for family and friends. See ya....

Why is it I talk about all this "being organized" yet cannot seem to find a darn thing?

I had to laugh at myself today when I went in search of a website that I made a recent purchase from. I had originally discovered it from a blog link, you know, how you blogsurf? Jumping from one link to another to another and the next thing you know your sitting in a dark house without one single light on? Anyways, since I placed an online order there, wouldn't you think I'd have bookmarked the site? Well, No, not me. So here I sat this morning wondering if it has shipped yet, when should I expect it, thinking maybe they were closed for inventory or some other strange reason, only to remember the crazy postal delays due to the holidays, presidential ceremony, ect. To add insult to injury, I couldn't for the life of me remember the darn websites name, the stores name... but wait, I did receive a confirmation notice from them via Paypal. So, I search through a lot of pages of emails before I realize the dates... December 14th??? Huh??? I know it wasn't that long ago.... So, back I go to the first page and begin again. Needless to say it only took me 5 or 6 tries to actually find the email, the companies name, and their website addy! The good news ---- my order has been shipped as of January 3, 2007 so it should be arriving soon, very, very soon!

OH, and if you're wondering why 2007 is highlighted. It is another reminder for me. While photographing my Lace ATC's, I realized I'd written my initials and 'O6 on them! Geez LOUISE! I really need a life!

Why am I organizing...

After dinner, I returned to the studio for just a bit. I boxed up several years worth of Creating Keepsakes magazines to free up the magazine holders so that I could sort through and organize my beloved issues of Somerset Studios magazines. {Sorry, CK!} Although the Creating Keepsakes magazine are several years outdated, I am not quite ready to part with them yet as there are too many years of collecting information, articles, and ideas that I may desire to incorporate into my current artwork and they can become a resource for my daughter, Amber, who is still learning. I placed that box back under my shelving unit along the west wall.

With the magazine holders free for storing what I want at my disposable, I set out to the task of sorting all my Somerset Studio publications. What a task! Have I mentioned this is my favorite publication? Anyways, issue after sweet issue of Somerset Studios, Expressions, Legacy, Stamper's Samplers, SS Gallery, and Take Ten became a challenge, but I overcame! and I quickly realized that I will need a few more, LOL! I have some issues here in the house that have yet to see the studio... but one day soon they will, and I will be happier person because they did.

After sorting, I placed the magazines in the holders and at the bottom of one of my bookcases. That is, after freeing up that space of a lot of my art library books! Which, by the way, are now laying flat on my stamping table. I will tackle that task tommorrow!

While in the studio, sorting through the magazines, moving my art books, I came across a few zines. Some I had forgotten I have but within them was one very special to me one, titled, "Unleashed" Unleashed was a brain child of mine that was created with a fun group of Mixed Media artists a few years ago. I became fascinated with zines after ordering the few that I own and instantly knew that at least once in my life, I desired to create one. Well, anyone who has ever created one knows what a challenge that is, so I elected to invite a few friends along for the journey and together we made it a collaborative effort --- out of a dream and into reality. Only the members of the collaborative project have a copy, with possibly the exception of one participant who had to drop out --- as a group, we decided to send her a copy to enjoy! Re-discovering Unleashed in my art library, was one of those "Oh My God!" moments as the joys, insecurities, and doubts that I had felt then once again rose to the surface. That rush of feelings was like a tidal wave that crashed upon my soul and was quickly replaced by the treasure I held in my hands! I couldn't wait to pull up a chair and re-read it. I was amazed to read an article I'd written based on some of the responses each of us had regarding, "What makes an Artist, an Artist?", read through each and every one of our artist statements, gaze upon all the artwork and instructions for re-creating each and every project that each of us has contributed. It was a wonderful journey down memory lane and I smiled proudly to myself as I set it upon a picture stand and displayed it proudly in a place of honor on a shelf surrounded by the artwork that I had created for the project. Perfect!

P.S. I promise to take a picture of its cover and its place of honor within my studio tomorrow. That is more than I can say about taking pictures of my studio in its mess! Sorry, but you my dear readers are going to have to wait until its cleaned, LOL! I don't want to embarrass myself! To quote one of my online friends, Tina: "it looks like Michael's threw up in there! LOL! {That should bring back some memories and warm and fuzzy feelings.}

Studio progress...

I can hardly believe that I've been working in my studio for over 4 hours already today!I have accomplished quite a lot although it is slow going!

I put my Dremel drill press together and in the location that it will be mounted to my shelving cabinet the runs along the west wall of the studio. Beside it is my additional Dremel cases with the tools inside. I will need to put a nail inbetween the slats of the slatwall to hang the accessory kit.

Working on the top of the shelving unit, I have moved two entire stack of printed papers and placed them in my 12x12 paper racks. Sorted through another stack, separating cardstock, glossy paper, and ephermera and determing a new location for them. An empty large basket became the new home for a box of yarn and fiber; some of which I'll be including in RAK's and hostess gifts for swaps soon.The empty box became home to scrap papers that need cut down for photo mats, ATC's, rolodex cards, and punch and Sizzix use. I have some sorting to do of large 12x12 envelopes; I need to wade through them yet, but they are are now being stored upright in an unused Pampered Chef bakeware divider while additional items are being added to them.

I am uncertain if I will make it back out there today as I just came in for a fresh cup of coffee and to begin an early dinner for Don and I. He will be working this evening, so I might just head back out there, or begin work on an ATC swap. I will definately need to push the envelope on getting them created soon since they will be going to the UK. If I work in the studio, the ATC's will have to wait until tomorrow evening or Friday evening. I haven't actually came to a decision on what to do yet, but my goal is to have them postal on Saturday!

Some "random" thoughts...

While creating the "years in review" posts, I had to browse through my blog to find the artwork and tutorials that I've added in the past several years. I apologize to those of you who visit to see what I'm up to creatively. I write a lot about our day-to-day lives to stay in contact with several out of state family members and friends which makes weeding through a bit difficult for you.

Anyways, while creating that Archive, I could see how I've grown artistically and can see how my art is sort of all-over-the-place, much like my life, LOL! So, I'm going to try making a resolution to write shorter Off Topic posts, conduct more personal things through emails, and share more artwork in the future!

I hope your New Year is equally creative! {big smiles}

Thank You!

To everyone who has email me inquirying how I am doing, wishing me a speedy recovery, and those of you who sent "Thinking of you!" and "Get Well Soon" e-cards. I am doing well, when all things are considered.

I am still experiencing some soreness and muscle stiffness in my neck, shoulders, and upper back --- between the shoulder blade area. Although, I am getting more rest, taking frequent breaks, avoiding any strenghtous activities which certainly has to be helping! My chiropractor appointments have been a tremendous help and are providing me with some relief; of course, along with scheduled doses of Tylenol. My treatments will continue twice weekly for at least the next 4 weeks, possibly up to 6 weeks. It seems I took quite a hit and knocked around more than I initially thought. The good news is the seat belt welt and burn I obtained has finally healed. It seemed no article of clothing that wouldn't irritate it further wasn't weather appropriate for this time of year, LOL! So, I've been lounging in my soft, fleece pj's a lot! Gotta love that!

The insurance adjuster was out earlier this week and completely totalled out our pick-up truck. Don had managed to get it in to a collision repair shop and obtained a $1700.00 estimate on the repairs.The good news is that the guy was understanding that this is the only transportation we have available to us, and was able to work with us on not requiring a salvage title in order to keep it. Within a few hours of being here, we received a telephone call with what we believed to be a "fair" offer and have accepted. We are considering having the motor in the Jeep repaired/replaced with it and any extra will become the start of a savings account for a new-to-us vehicle in the future.

I am so thankful that neither of us were seriously hurt; nor the fellow who hit us! Vehicles can be repaired/replaced; lives take so much longer!! More good news, is that I've spent a lot less time online recently as I cannot sit for hours on end; so I'm keeping up with the bare necessities and checking in here and there. I did manage to finish working in the last two of the Art Idea Journal RR and recently learned that my own journal is on its way home to me! Having something to do while resting has been a god-send!

I also found it quite amusing today as I sat watching yet another movie, but not really watching it... my mind was sort of wandering. I got to thinking about looking for a job recently, the repairs needed on our Jeep, how I was feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all, and praying about it. That is when it finally struck me that "No!" is an answer, LOL! Maybe I haven't gotten a call for an employment opportunity because it isn't meant to be right now. One of my main motivation for seeking employment was to gain the money needed to repair the Jeep and save for a another vehicle. What a way to achieve all that, but who I am to question or second guess God??? So, maybe all of this is actually a blessing in disguise and I am too crazed at the moment to fully realize it, LOL!

An "Anniversary"... {of sorts}

Yesterday, December 8th, marks the 7th year of Don and I's "being together". Can you beleive that we've lived together that long? {Without one of us strangling the other? LOL! Just kidding!} We have an AMAZING relationship!

I found it funny though, that last month, Don has once again "proposed" to me, several times. I know, many of our family and friends, are probably wondering, "What's so funny about that?" Well, this happens every year since we've been together... Seven years later, and I still am calling him "my fiance!"

We've strategized many times about how we'll get married. Run off somewhere romantic, get hitched, come back and throw a big party! Well, it hasn't happened yet; although there's been "quite" some speculation about us having done that in the past. Our trip to Niagra Falls; our trip to North Carolina and the Smokey Mountains.

Anyways, here we are, and "No. We're NOT married. YET..." Do you think it just may be time that we "Set A Date?" {Perhaps, I'll make him wait until December 8th, 2007, ROFLOL!}

Brrrr and Bluurrrrr....

What a title for this post, LOL! However that is exactly how my week has been. Baby, it's cold outside!!! {Not so much today, but earlier this week --- it's been freezing!} A lot has happened in the last several days, since I last posted, so I will try to post an update....

On Wednesday morning, Don and I headed over to my parents as my Dad required a ride for his last eye doctor's surgery. He has been having cataract removal and lens replacements with one repair on an older eye injury. As Don and Dad set out to get him to his appointment, my Mom and I had coffee and a good time catching up with one another. We set about to putting up her small 4 foot Christmas tree, to discover most of her lights no longer worked. Thankfully, I had purchased a few strands this year thinking I'd decorate our front porch with garlands and lights --- which BTW, isn't gonna happen! Anyways, I made a telephone call to Don asking if he'd run to the house, pick up the light strands I'd purchase and bring them over for us. Shortly thereafter, he arrived with them and Mom and I set up and decorated their Christmas tree.

Normally, my Dad, sets up a strand of gold bell garland across their entertainment unit. Knowing he probably wouldn't be feeling up to much of anything, other than resting after the surgery, I set out to cleaning the entertainment center. Dusting, washing knick-knacks, ect. until it was done and decorated.

Don and I had quite a "To-Do" list, ourselves; however, I was hesitant to tackle going to WalMart to get out a layaway. I cringed thinking about it being the last day to do so and imagine what a mess that area of the store was going to be. Another reason to put it off, is there is a dead zone for cellular telephone service in that area... sometimes calls go out and come in... at other times, nothing. I worried about being in that area in case the hospital called with Dad's release time. So, I telephoned the hospital; checked in on him and his release time. {He wouldn't hear of us sitting there waiting; so we were at Mom's} Anyways, shortly after 3 o'clock, Don gets antsy! He can longer sit and wait; so he suggests that we run home and let Chaos out. So, we're heading to our home, when a pick-up truck backs out of a driveway and hits us!!! The driver of the pick-up couldn't see us due to a tree but I still was so angry! Although, I said very little...

Anyways, we are both alright! I got thrown forward, until the seatbelt caught, and threw me back against my seat; leaving a beautiful seat belt burn across my right shoulder and neck which I didn't notice for hours later. Having very little time after filing a police report, we headed back to my Mom's, so Don could drop me off to go pick up my Dad. After visiting with him for a few, we left to get Chaos outside for a minute, and ran to pick Amber up from work.

When all you have to drive is a '91 Ford Ranger, doing all of this is a major hassle; but you do it! Don had to drive me over to Chris's parents, leave from there to pick up Amber and return. While I was waiting at Chris's mom's; I was hoping to get to spend a few minutes with Alexxis, but unfortunately, she has been sick and was sleeping. As I talked to Nancy, {Chris's mom}, I noticed I was getting some muscle spasms in my back, and stiff and sore from the accident earlier. When Amber arrived, I mentioned needing to go to WalMart to get the layaway out and she also needed to go, so back into the truck we all went. {Had I known this earlier, I could have saved us some time and gasoline, but, oh well!} By this time, I can hardly move. Every step I took became painful! Nothing serious, just more of an aggrevation than anything else.

By Thursday, I am feeling a bit better; yet still stiff and sore, sporting a large seatbelt welt across my neck. I decide to get checked out by my chiropractor --- just to be safe rather than sorry. So, Friday morning, I got checked out. My neck and back are going to be fine! I just got a bit twisted when the seatbelt caught so a neck and back adjustment made me feel a whole lot better. I have one follow up appointment on Monday morning.

Where have I been? and a Collage idea....

The last five days have been a blur... and frankly, I'm really not certain where they have disappear to, LOL! After finishing up the kitchen, I baked and decorated some Christmas sugar cookies for Don and I to enjoy. Of course, they are gone now; but there is a freshly made batch of sugar cookie dough waiting in the refrigerator for me to bake and decorate today. {smiles}

Last Saturday, I seem to have sort of just fallen out. I have not had much energy to do anything with and began wondering if I am on the edge of obtaining a cold. I sat at the kitchen table and put a 500 pc. puzzle together, took an afternoon nap, made dinner for Don and I, cleaned up afterwards, and re-discovered the couch!

Sunday, Sheila telephoned to invite us over for a lasagna dinner; so we ventured over to Galion to enjoy the afternoon just visiting and chatting with friends. In the evening we headed into Target to pick up a few household necessities; made a quick stop into Barnes & Nobles, where I acquired the newest issue of Somerset Gallery.

On a whim, I ventured back to the Craft book section and was delighted to find Sally Jean Alexander's Pretty Little Things book! I'd recently informed Don that I would love to have it for a Christmas present, so I picked it upfor myself, deciding to save him the hassle, LOL! I even had good intentions of waiting and saving it until Christmas, wrapping it up, but somehow after reading Somerset Gallery, I found myself deep within the pages of Sally's book! The book itself is a work of art!!!! I love the soft aqua, beige, and white backgrounds, the graphics used in the design, all the eye candy, and techniques to one day try and experiment with! I dove back into its pages on Monday as well, since I'm still not feeling up to par yet.

Monday and Tuesday went on by... yet, somehow I had managed to cook everyday, clean up afterwards, wash/dry the laundry as it accumulates, and even did a little bit of housework here and there --- just enough to get by! For some strange, unknown reason, I'm not sleeping very good. Either I'm tired and go to bed earlier than usual and sleep for about 4 hours and wake up wide awake; or I seem to toss and turn through the night, waking up frequently, attempting to get back to sleep before giving in and just getting up. The bad part is, I am waking up around 3:30 a.m.!!! Urgh! That certainly makes for a long day, especially when you have no energy to accomplish much of anything, then fight the desire to go to bed early in the evening.

Today was one of those days. I somehow managed to make it through the day; having cooked us a wonderful dinner {roast, beef and noodles, mashed potatoes, and corn} and doing the bare minimum of housework {dishes, dusting, sweeping, vacuaming}, playing with Chaos. Yet, tonight was one of those nights. I retired around 20 after 11, fell right to sleep, to awake at 3:30 a.m.!!!!

I do know that I was dreaming... something about assisting to solve a little girl's disappearance; seeing her collage-style encased in glass, and wrapped with wire. I remember despirately thinking, I hope that she is alright and no one finds her murdered before dozing back into a deeper state of sleep. {Too much Sally Jean reading; LOL! Maybe...}

After a while, my dream continued... I was a little girl again, only instead of dreaming --- although I was! it was like a recording of a memory was playing within my mind. Something, I haven't remembered or thought about in a very long time. I may have been 5, 6, or 7 years old at the time this took place, but I'm thinking I was in first grade for some reason. Anyways, my Dad was out on the road {he was a semi-truck driver} and mom had already left for work for the day. Several of my older brothers and an older sister had left me behind as they left for school because we were unable to find my shoes that morning. So, I was home alone, searching for my shoes and unable to find them, I sat down in a chair in the living room and began to cry.

Right about then, a lady appeared at the open front door asking me why I wasn't in school. When I replied, that I was unable to find my shoes, she asked to come in and help me look for them. Of course you can! I'm elated at this point for someone's here to help --- well, so I thought! I opened the door for her and we began searching for my shoes. I remember feeling disgust coming from her as she found a pair of shoes belonging to my younger sister; tossing them to me, and telling me to put these on. As I started to protest, she became angry with me, shouting at me to just put them on. So, as I struggled to put my younger sister's shoes on my feet, the tears began to fall. She had yelled at me and was now attempting to assist me getting these shoes on my feet. Once done, she walked me to my school that was a block away. I remember crying, saying how they hurt my feet, to which she told me to shut up and keep moving. I remember arriving at my classroom, feeling relived to finally be able to sit down, and wishing desparately that I could remove them. Somehow, I made it through the day in school with these shoes on my feet, to feeling relief at taking them off at the end of day right outside of the school and walking home barefoot with a smile on my face!

As I lay there in the throws of dreaming, I remember thinking it was my childhood spirit that was murdered! Tears began streaming down my face and I awoke to warm, wet, salty tears thinking "2 shoes; 2 small" Now that I am actually awake, I got up out of bed, attempting to regain my composure before I wake up Don and Chaos.

I'm not certain why I had this dream; why I would recall such a painful memory from my childhood? Anyways, I do know that I really feel a strong need to document it. I believe that I want to create this into a glass encased charm, wire wrapped, of course! for a bracelet, perhaps? I will definately be adding the title, "2 shoes, 2 small" a maybe a broken heart charm for my childhood spirit that was murdered! On the back side, I'll definately have to use a stamp or an image of a pair of Mary Jane's! Although, I don't rememer the style or type of shoes exactly, Mary Jane is my younger sister's name!!!! Hopefully, my gesture of creating this collage-style charm will somehow heal that awful childhood memory and repair a little girl's broken childhood spirit.

December 1st....

What a year this has been! I believe I am still in shock that December is here already. Where the hell did November go? It seems like yesterday we were celebrating Halloween, LOL!

I woke up way too early this morning. 3:38 a.m., to be exact! I went to bed early again last night; well, earlier than usual. I woke up several times during the night to the sound of pouring rains hitting the windows and howling winds. I'm a bit uncertain regarding how much of the winter storm that hit the midwest this week we will actually get as the air is still warm here. Although, it is Ohio, and subject to change at any given moment.

Today's agenda... to get out and do some grocery shopping, possibly get a layaway out. I know that I don't want to fight the crowds so I may put that off for a bit. I also need to make a run to the P.O. to send out a Christmas Mingle package; again uncertain if I'll get that accomplished today or not; mainly depending upon the amount of traffic once we are out and about.

I am thinking I'll bake supper so that while is cooking I can be free to tidy up the living room. I'm desiring to do some creating this evening while Don is working. One thing on my agenda to create is something for our living room mirror... I believe it is time to take down the Boo! Banner, LOL! It has been driving me nuts every time I have walked by it this week. Wish me luck that I'll something new to share soon!

Our evening...

After putting our kitchen back together, getting myself cleaned up, Don and I took a short road trip for a late lunch/early supper. Undecided about where to go, we ended up in Ontario at the Olive Garland having soup, salads, and breadsticks! Yummm!

Afterwards, a trip into Hobby Lobby sounded perfect --- just to walk off our meal. We browsed through the Christmas aisles, all 108 of them, so it seemed, LOL! Then, headed into the scrapbooking supplies and rubber stamping supplies. I was in shock over how much this area has grown! They definately are in competion with an area scrapbook store, Michael's, and another area stamp store! I was amazed at the selection. I wasn't too bad purchasing wise, mostly stocked up on some adhesive; although, I couldn't resist picking up a few sheets of some My Mind's Eye Bohemian papers. I've no idea if I'll use them in Alexxis's album or for backgrounds for some cards. From there we walked through the remaining sections of the store as we made our way to the cashier. Both Don & I were shocked to see that it was already dark outside and checked the time... 5:30 p.m.!!! I don't know about you but I am so ready for the time change... I don't like being in the dark so early!!!

Arriving home, I was feeling it! After taking some Advil, I sat on the couch watching Without a Trace, snuggling in a comfy throw, and enjoying every moment of not having to move.

Good News/Bad News...

Don and I had a wonderful Thanksgiving! First with a light lunch at his mom's house, time spent with his family and good friends. Next, at Dennis and Sheila's for Thanksgiving dinner, spending time with them a their family. Can you say, "STUFFED!" LOL! With all the food and visiting, I captured only a few photographs and none from their home. Maybe next time?

On Friday, while I spent time sorting through a lot of boxes of Christmas decorations, I received a telephone call for a job! $10 an hour; 2nd shift; 10 hr. workdays with mandatory overtime, with transportation provided and a 4 hour commute per day. I went filled out the paperwork, took a drug test, and was all scheduled to start on Monday! I was ecstatic!!! Now, mind you, I am not a 2nd shift person. In fact, that is my last choice of hours, however, since it is only temporary, 5 weeks in duration, I'd intended to stick it out. Not crazy about commuting to Columbus either, but hey! we need another vehicle or $$$ to repair our Jeep. Fast forward, to this morning and a telephone call, NOW if I want the job, I need to make my own transportaion arrangements. The reason, not enough interested applicants to bus us down and back. Urghhh! So, I am undecided. Do I take it anyways, in hopes that during the next week or two there will be enough interest and transportation will be provided at that point? Or do I continue to search on my own???

We only have one vehicle; the reason I'm willing to go to work in the first place. IF I take this job, we are putting more wear and tear on the truck with two round trips made with each shift I work and $20 per day spent in gasoline(which comes out or our pocket expenses until I receive my first pay.) I don't know what the answer is... but we're discussing and weighting our options.

In the meantime, I am staying busy. I put up our 7 1/2 foot Christmas pre-light tree last night. I hung gold bead strands of garland on it, along with three rolls of gold embossed burgandy ribbon, and hung all the ornaments. I loved sitting and looking at it late last night after returning from the Moose for the Friday night drawing.

Today, I wrapped the presents we've purchased to date; with the exception of a few. I created some tags for four stockings using gift tags, cardstock, printed papers, eyelets and jute. I tied them on to the hangers. I don't have enough stockings for everyone individually so I used one for Alexxis, another for Amber & Chris, another for my Mom & Dad; and the last one for Don and I. I've added a few things to Alexxis; Amber's is filled with assorted items I've purchased for her, while my parents, Amber & Chris's and ours, will be filled later with candies, fudge, chocolate and a homemade Christmas card.

After taking this break to update, I'll preparing a Handmade Christmas Mingle for an online group for mailing. Next, is to work in the two Art Idea Journals in my possession and prepare them for mailing. I'm ready to focus on more painting, decorating, and Christmas gifts that need to be made still yet. Until then... have a great day and wish me luck with whatever I decide regarding the employment opportunity!

Over the river and through the woods....

but not to Grandma's house we'll go...

We received another Thanksgiving Day invitaion. Not the first, but the fourth!!!! Talk about persistance, sheessshhhh, LOL! Our good friends, Sheila and Dennis telephoned yesterday to say, "it wouldn't be Thanksgiving Day without us!" So, we've accepted. Sheila has invited us 3 times prior to this already and simply would not take "No." for an answer.

Don and I first met them when I had Partly Paper at the Marion Farm and Flea Market. The newest one, for anyone familiar with the area. Dennis had a booth opposite from mine with the most amazing woodcrafted furniture you've ever seen in your life! The four of us instantly made that connection and bonded, inviting one another to each others homes, having cookouts, camp outs, and many parties together. You couldn't ask for a sweeter couple. Due to low sales, I was sad when Dennis decided to pull his booth and a few short months later, I pulled mine out. This freed up a lot of weekends for all of us to continue on our journey of friendship. That has been two years ago, and to this day, we've managed to stay in touch, visiting with one another often.

I've been meaning to take some photographs of them and their home. I tell you it is like heaven over there! Country life suits them and their property is amazing! Surrounded by cow pastures, small rolling hills, a creek that gently winds along beside their property, the clearing in the woods where we've camped and cooked and sung karoke around a roaring fire. So, today I'm taking my camera along! Hopefully, we will arrive with an appetite and early enough to get some outdoor shots.

I'm also excited to see Shadow. He is Chaos' father. If Chaos turns out to be half the dog his father is, we got ourselves a good one. Unfortunately, Chaos will be staying home today since we're going to Don's mother's home first. Shadow will however thank us as Chaos is still a young pup in his daddy's eyes; one with too much energy all in one place, LOL!

Whatever your Thanksgiving plans are for the day, we wish you a "Happy Thanksgiving!" May it be everything you hoped for and so much more! Be safe and don't eat too much! {*smiles*}

Blogger Beta and an update

One day last week I updated my blog to Blogger Beta. So far, so good. I've not experienced any problems and this is my first post since making that move. I figure all blogger blogs will be moved eventually anyways, so I made the move. I must admit that I was a little hesitant and concerned about losing anything, so before I did I copied my template source and all posts and pasted them into notepad! Just as a precaution! I'm am totally amazed that I fastly approaching my 2nd blog-aversary! It's hard for even me to comprehend that I've managed to keep up with it. I am also grateful that I've done this. I keep handwritten journals, however, sometimes I become too busy to find the time to sit and write all the I desire too; so this online blog helps me to stay in touch with family and friends, as well as record those little moments that may never have been documented; although my handwritten journals are a bit more personal. I used to hesitate to document some things that could controvery, but now, I no longer worry about that; I remain hopeful that whoever may read them after I am gone will realize that what I might have written is my point of view. Hell, there is even a disclaimer written there for my daughter, should she ever read them, LOL! Sometimes what I write centers around her, my frustrations as a mother, my disappointments when I know she could do better for herself, ect. I just have hope that as a mother herself, she will one day understand what I feel and the way I think.

I wonder sometimes if one day my granddaughter, Alexxis, will come to love this blog as much as I do! Will my blog even be around when she is in her 20's, 30's? Who knows, but for now, it is enough for me. And enough about this blog or my journals....

Lately, my mind has been on decorating for the holidays so I've started doing some major housekeeping that sort of gets shoved to side with the everyday cleaning. Closets, Art supplies, clearing and organizing drawers, type of stuff. Those things we put off for that "one day", which never seems to come, LOL!

I spent some time searching online for holiday decorating ideas, going through some previous years worth of magazines, going through some catalogs, thinking about what I have available and how to best utilize it. While doing so, I think I'd like to hang on to some of these older magazines and catalogs so that I can clip some of the photographs to add to a handmade scrapbook with ideas, projects, and anything holiday related. On the BHG website, there has been a 100 days of decorating ideas covering everything from Autumn, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas which I've been enjoying but I'm am not about to try to tackle one of that size! At least not yet, anyways. I'm thinking of focusing only on Christmas for now. I think I'm going to simply use sheets of 12x12 cardstock rather than cutting, resizing, ect. and leave a 1" margin on the left side. Once done I'll created some covers and bind in an easy Japanese Stab Binding, maybe using some wider red satin Christmas-y style ribbon. I'm thinking my pages will be dimensional, using paper clips, fold outs, envelopes with sample craft supplies tucked inside, fabric samples, ect. I've some 6x9 envelopes that I can seal, cut in half, add clippings and things to as I work, along with any notes and ideas, until I'm ready to start actually constructing it; which by the way will be well after the new year! I'm stressing myself out trying to accomplish it during this busy season.

Today's agenda: Get out of the house! Do a bit of shopping; list: Camera batteries!!!!! LOL! I'm dying to share my latest creations! Be back later.........