What's new?

December 11, 2014

Here is another (failed) attempt at capturing the magic of my new artificial flocked tree. This is in the evening with lamps on and no flash. Tomorrow I'll try in the daylight.

I think I mentioned last week that after 16 years of pretty much doing whatever I want I've gone to work for a paycheck. I am working for an agency as an in-home caregiver--mainly helping older women. I figured that's what I DO...between my husband and kids and grandkids. I am good at taking care of people. Deepak Chopra writes about The Law of Dharma or Purpose in Life by saying, "Everyone has a purpose in life . . . a unique gift or special talent to give to others. And when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of our own spirit, which is the ultimate goal of all goals." 

What I am doing feels right on every level but I have to admit-- I am bone tired! Think I'll go relax for a bit now :-)

December 10, 2014

Only 15 more days til Christmas!

December 9, 2014

My youngest grandchild Jaxson turns 4 today. I blogged about his birth here. (so cute!)

I told Kate I'd help upgrade his room to 'big boy' status so I bought a wood bed frame and made a quilt and matching pillowcase. Went ahead a framed a Buffalo Bill poster to while I was at it. :-)

The quilt started as just a little pile of pinwheel blocks I felt like making when I was at a retreat a couple years ago. I always knew I wanted to put his name on it. The patchwork border just kind of came to me as the way to fill it out to the required measurements. I'm beginning to notice that's how most of my quilts come to fruition--just kind of a meandering creation of sorts.

I backed it in this mottled 'grunge' black that JoAnn's sells in an extra wide width specifically for quilt backings, so that we could see and appreciate the fabulous pantograph that Tami Welch  used to quilt it. Such a great pattern!

Here's the sweet boy on his new bed. I think he's pleased!

And just for fun, here's all four kids together. Doesn't happen too often and boy, are they a handful when they all get together!

 

December 8, 2014

Whenever I used to complain about, say for instance; my age, my mother would reply "It all depends on what side of 50 you're looking at it from. Your age looks pretty good to me!" Same with weight. By the way--It's never a good idea to complain about your weight to someone who clearly weighs more than you do. It's just not good form and it likely makes the other person feel bad.

This morning I stepped on the scale and saw this.

And because I usually have the memory of a steel trap, it reminded me of this post from 8 years ago. Here--I'll put the pic but I still recommend reading that post. 

I really REALLY did beat myself up in that post. For getting to be that heavy. 

Now, the funny thing is, the "It's all relative" part of my story, is that 8 years ago I just about thought I deserved to be shot for weighing that much. This morning when I stepped on the scale and saw that number I ran and grabbed the camera and then did a happy dance. (Yeah. Nekkid. Probably wasn't a pretty sight.) To illustrate another way--when I told my daughter Melissa last week, "I'm in the 160s now!" she thought maybe it was a trap and obviously didn't know how to respond...."uuhhh. Is that a good thing?" lol. Ever the diplomat.

And the stupid thing is HOW MUCH TIME I've wasted over the past 10 years thinking about and talking about and losing and gaining my weight. 

This is really personal stuff. I was very nearly perfect for so long (of course I never knew it then) that I just took it all for granted. It's super hard to admit that I am in fact way less than the social ideal of perfect. It's just so easy to hide behind this computer screen with friends and acquaintances who haven't seen me for a long time, if ever.  BUT I do know that a LOT of good people who may be reading this could use a little "You can DO it!" nudge, or a reminder that "It could be worse!" or whatever you want to make of this post. So there ya go. :-)

(PS for whoever wants to know; I'm in the process of taking off a total of 50 pounds using Medifast. It's going really well and I plan to reach my goal in March.)

December 7, 2014

This is the tree I put up in the front room. 

It changes over time, but it's pretty much been THIS tree in the front room since I bought it a good 15 years ago. 

Right now it is understated, with vintage felt angels, sparkly bits, and bubble lights that are really bubbling.

And of course another sweet felt creation by Elona Engelke of WondrousThings on top. LOVE her work! 

Here's a cute 'throw back' shot of dear little 2 year old Madison, when the tree was a bit more whimsical. Those cute ornaments are decorating the staircase handrail this year. Pics  of that soon :-)

December 6, 2014

Here is my nostalgia tree.

Some of the ornaments, like the red embroidered cat above, I made in the late 70s to early 80s.

Gloria was always on top of my family tree in the 60s. 

Elona's wonderful felt cat ornaments that can be seen in every picture above. I've been buying them from her since I got the tuna can one from her about 15 years ago. 

My bear collection and from the mid 80s.

What I really wanted to tell you about are the lights. I found a box of OLD c7 bulbs at a thrift shop last year. I learned how to test if they work, and upon finding that they all did in fact work, I just had to buy the light strings to screw them into, right? Specialty item = $$. I got lucky and found a seller on ebay, and spent $22 per ten bulb strand for three strands it was about $75 with shipping. And the worst part is that when one goes out the whole strand goes out, and there I am with the trusty 9volt battery, unscrewing and testing each bulb. I'm already worried about what to use when my 5 remaining spares get used up. :-\ I'm sure I'll figure something out, because I do love this sentimental old tree.

December 5, 2014

I learned a valuable lesson tonight. "Never put off what you can do RIGHT NOW." 

All day long I thought "don't forget to buy Cindy's flowers." 

But I started a new job this morning. (First time in 16 years being gainfully employed). And then I had other errands to run. And then John got home from golf. And he forgot his phone at the course. So I got in the car with him to drive back out there to get the phone. We were chatting about my first day and it was raining HARD and John made a miscalculation of sorts and we basically ended up trying to drive a BMW under an 18 wheeler Safeway truck. Yeah. Someone's getting a new car for Christmas. 

So my feet are wet and I need to wind down but here's a picture of something I thought you might enjoy as much as flowers. :-\ It's the thought that counts?

The story behind Flowers For Cindy can be read here. 

December 4, 2014

This post will be a quickie...the whole day just got away from me!

One thing I've seen on Pinterest, etc. is those cute little button trees. I bought a LARGE amount of white buttons at a rummage sale recently. All the shank buttons and nice older buttons had been picked out but there were SO MANY that I just had to get them. Wanted to try one of these little trees. Plus I think I have a few more monogram pillows like this in me. Here's the tree that I made last week.

 

I should use it for a 'guess how many' contest. I'd never have thought I used so many buttons, but the pins came on a wheel of 40 each and I used 5 1/2 wheels. Yep, 220 buttons and pins on a little ol' 5.5" tree. AND it took a solid two hours to make! Now THAT'S funny. 

This can definitely  be called "one of a kind" because I won't be making another. Guess we know why you never see button trees for sale. :-P

December 3, 2014

Anyone who's ever read this blog...or talked to me for that matter...knows how very important our firstborn grandson Caleb has been in our lives. Hard to believe this blog is turning 10 years old in April and of course; Caleb was the first thing I wrote about. 

He and I have been through a lot together. A LOT a lot. I am really glad that he knows he can come to me with anything. Sometimes it's hard not to squirm when he just blurts out his questions or concerns but so far I'm doing okay. Last night he said, "Grandma. I need to shave. Will you come help me?" For the past several months people exclaim in shock, "You've got a mustache!" I think he was just darned sick and tired of hearing it. I had it on good authority (from an older woman who shall remain nameless) that the key to facial hair growing out soft and natural looking as opposed to beard stubble is to DRY shave. Plus I reminded him of a couple of other 13yo boys who wet shave and look rather goofy with their little black stubble stashes that ALWAYS look like they need to be shaved. Caleb is nothing if not lazy, plus he really does seem to trust my advice. Now; I'm sure as 13 year old Caleb gets older and his various body hair gets *manlier* dry shaving will not be an option. But I say "drag it out as long as you can!" I'm glad he agreed :-)

ps; that was my tip for today. If I wasn't too late; you're welcome!

December 2, 2014

I've been having fun with glitter and paper and anything Christmasy. For the past six months I've shared a small space in a fun new antique co-op in old town Eureka. I love the location. I love the store in general. I LOVE having an outlet for stuff that I want to make! Here's a couple not very good cell phone shots of our space done up for the holidays. 

 

I'll get better pics when we go this Saturday night for Arts Alive. I really have had so much fun decorating the little trees!

 

Another thing I've made for years and still love making are the decoupage pedestal plates. These are my favorite hostess gift--put some treats on the plate and bring with you and leave the plate behind :-)

 

 

Many layers of printed image, tissue, paint and glue go in to the final plate. I don't think people usually *get* that at first glance. A good value and guaranteed one of a kind gift for under $20.