meandering travels of mindless thoughts

Moving On.

2008-08-17T06:27:00.000-07:00

You can now find me here. It's a small blog, sweet and simple. I hope you like it.

So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersein, Good Night

2008-06-29T05:40:00.000-07:00

Over the past year or so, I have been blessed to communicate with some very special people. You! As I have written tales of things that have happened in my life, shared pictures of things I have created and stories of people I have met, you have been there to encourage me, lift me, comfort me, compliment me and be the lovely women that you are.
But, as they say, all good things must come to an end, and so Meandering Travels of Mindless Thoughts is saying goodbye for now. It may not be forever, it may come back in a new form. But for now, I am signing off, taking a break, sitting back and taking it easy. No, not really taking it easy. I will be doing those things that I have been putting off for writing.
So, thank you. Thank you for reading and laughing and taking the time out of your busy day to visit. I will miss that camaraderie that has developed between us.
Don't worry, I'll still be popping in to see what all of you have been up to, though! This doesn't mean I will stop reading your blogs. Nope, not one bit. How could I get through the day? But me writing takes thought and time and focus that I need to direct elsewhere.
Take care, be well. I will see you at the back fence, where we can chat for a bit now and then, and catch up on what you've been doing, observing and creating.

madrekarin is off for new adventures.

New Things, New Foods, New Life

2008-06-27T14:56:00.000-07:00

This has been a week of change her at our house. On Wednesday, the very nice men from our local heating and air company came and installed a heat pump/air conditioner in the family room half of the house. What a difference it makes! No more loud, blowing window unit freezing the backs of our heads as we sit watching television. No more hot little corner for the computer. No more hot, stuffy kitchen and dining room. No more sweaty cook in said kitchen.
How on earth did I live without this amazing device in my attic for ten years?! The poor men who worked through the day yesterday have my utmost respect. There is nothing worse than a Georgia attic in the summertime, and to be stuck in one for nine hours would be more than I could bear. But they did it, and kept smiles on their faces and pleasant conversations all through the day. Only when they were nearly finished did I discover that they had not stopped for lunch. How could that be? You have to eat!
guilt washed over me as I began cooking dinner for my family. The smell of shrimp and garlic wafted up to the attic and I am certain they their stomachs were rumbling.
"Would you like to join us for dinner?"
"No, thank you, ma'am."
When they left, I gave them enough extra dollars to get a decent dinner for themselves. It was the least I could do.

On Tuesday evening, I decided to make myself a little treat from the rhubarb I bought on the ill-fated trip to the Farmer's Market. I chose to stew it with sugar and make something similar to applesauce. Rhubarb Sauce.
I started with this:

Then added this:

Then I decided to add some of this- the candied ginger made from the ginger slices I used for the ginger syrup. (I just had to write ginger waa-yyy too many times.)

And I ended up with this! Rhubarb sauce in my favorite, creamy Brown Cow yogurt. Doesn't that look delicious?

Now for the new life. My oldest son, Nathan, the quiet one, has joined THE ARMY!! And I am totally okay with that. He will do his Basic training in Fort Jackson, SC. Close enough so that we can go to his graduation. Then, he will be off to California for his AIT. He has chosen linguistics- learning either Portuguese (a language that is in demand and one he can read already), Italian or Japanese.

I am so excited for him. This will give him purpose, direction and the discipline that he needs, allow him to see places that he wants to see (and some he doesn't really want to- but hey, you have to take the good with the bad), the chance to make new friends and really discover who he is.

Yay, Nathan. We are very proud of you. You have Heavenly Father on your side and with Him, all things are possible. Now go, and live your life, and enjoy the things that come your way.

A Chain of Unfortunate Events

2008-06-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a day where things go wrong and all you want to do is to climb into your comfy bed and hide under the covers? That was my day today.
It started out innocently enough- making breakfast, doing laundry, washing dishes. But then, I decided to leave the house. Not a good idea.
First stop, Goodwill with #1Son in tow. As I was looking in the skirt aisle I happened to see the woman who worked in the fabric department at WalMart many years ago. She was nearly an institution there, until her granddaughter was born and she retired to care for her.
I whispered "Hello. How are you?" across the skirts and we caught up on what had been happening in our lives in the past ten years. She remembered me bringing in my daughter and how Ainslie would sit on the cutting table as fabric was laid out and scissors slid through it. I told her that daughter was almost twenty now. "Time sure does go fast." was her reply. We chatted a bit more and with a "It was wonderful to see you." goodbye, I walked to housewares to see what treasures they might have. We met again. And again. And again.
It is one thing to have a sweet conversation with someone and quite another to have to keep fumbling for things to say as you bump into each other at every turn. Time to go.
I thought that Nathan and I would head to a few other thrift stores and then perhaps have a little lunch somewhere. I mentioned the restaurant at the State Farmer's Market and he countered with lunch at the DeKalb Farmer's Market. He won.
The entire way there I was planning what I would have for lunch. With an ever-so-colorful array of international foods, it is difficult to decide just what to eat.
I did a bit of shopping first, picking up fresh English peas, broccoli rabe, Brussel sprouts, some grass-fed ground beef and a lovely, plump roasting hen. (Don't tell the girls!)
We parked our cart and got into the line, ready to make our choices. I went down the salad side first. Onto my plate went spinach, spring greens, carrots, olives, cucumbers and thinly sliced Spanish onions. A few sunflower seeds sprinkled on the top for more crunch and my salad was ready for dressing. I chose blue cheese. Mistake. As I poured the dressing from its pitcher, great blobs of blue cheese fell out, followed by a mass of creamy liquid. Way too much. Oh, well. too late now.
I slipped across to the other side to see if they had lentil samosas. They did. Oh, yum.
You get a choice of lamb, beef, vegetable or lentil. I've not had the lamb, but the beef is good. The vegetable samosas consist of mashed potatoes filled with what look like yesterday's leftover veggies. They are not good. But the lentil is divine. Brown and green lentils, spiced with who-knows-what (but it's delicious) and enveloped in a crisply fried wrapping. Perhaps not the most healthy of things to eat, but heavenly nonetheless. As an afterthought, and with encouragement from Nathan, I ladled a bowlful of mushroom soup for myself.
Sliding my tray down the shiny metal bars of the food carts, the unthinkable happened. The corner of the tray caught up underneath the drink holder. I tried to maneuver it out and as I did, I overcompensated. The weight of the plate caused the tray to tip, which allowed the plate of blue cheese-drowned salad and the bowl of mushroom soup to fly through the air, with the greatest of ease.
I watched, helpless, as creamy broth and flecks of mushroom directed themselves towards the very bare legs of the man across from me. The salad spread itself on the floor, with dressing oozing around it like blood from a gunshot wound. I was horrified, embarrassed and unable to move.
At last gaining my senses, I offered the man my napkins to wipe the glop off of his legs, and bent down to begin cleaning up the mess that I had just made.
"No. Ma'am, no. They will clean it up." lilted across the register from the cashier, a pleasant Pakistani woman. She smiled at me and said it was okay. Not.
I looked at my tray and discovered that the lentil samosa was still there, snug in its paper bag.
I offered to pay for the lunch I had ruined, but was told it was not necessary. Accidents happen. I did pay for my samosa and Nathan's lunch and went to find a table where no one could see me.
I did my best to shrink away as I ate my lunch, which posed it's own set of problems. As I bit into it, lentils began to propel themselves out of the samosa, down my chin and onto my lap. Thank goodness my mother taught me to keep a napkin in my lap. It was there to catch the eighteen small, brown rounds of evilness.
I am not a big believer in karma, but there may, perhaps, be something to it. Maybe this was the result of me trying to dodge the WalMart fabric lady in the Goodwill. Maybe it was just a bad day. Who knows? But one thing is for sure-
I think I'll stay home tomorrow.

Finally, Pictures!

2008-06-23T12:33:00.000-07:00

After nearly giving up entirely, I found that I could load each picture individually with success.
Still a bit frustrating though. But, now you can see the treasures that I found during the last week. There are more yet to come. :)

Two Spode platters found at the shop off Moreland Ave. in Atlanta. $22 for both. Now that's a deal!

My birthday present to me! A cherry necklace kit and beautiful blue and white glass rings from the French General. Oh, my, I am in love with these!

The sweetest little doll bed I purchased at Dawn's yard sale. Can you not see this trimmed out with a ticking mattress stuffed with wool, tiny pillows, soft linens and an itty-bitty quilt?

Be sure to come back an see what it looks like in a few weeks.

The little sewing kit, with beautiful, softly colored thread, even tinier sewing kits and a package of perfect English needles. Sewing heaven!

My new screen door. For where? I don't know yet. But I promise it will be put to good use. Behind the door you can see the huge roll of grape vine. It looks like a big nest sitting on my porch.

Most of the linens and aprons from Dawn. Today was the perfect day to wash and hang them on the line, giving the sun every chance to whiten the whites and the breeze to soften the lot of them. I just love how they look hanging there, blowing slightly back and forth and making my back yard a most colorful spot.

Thank you so much, Dawn, for stuffing things into my hands, showing me your lovely craft room and being such a good friend. I could have stayed longer and bought more, but mostly I would have loved to just sit and chat. We must do that one day.

What a Week!

2008-06-23T09:16:00.000-07:00

Both of my brothers were in town this past week and we had such a good time. I love when family comes to visit. Even Clark, the brother in the middle of the picture. Is there any doubt as to why he is still single? I don't think so.

This is a picture of my parents, my son, JA, the aforementioned Clark, my brother Donald and his wife Lynne and daughter Lizzie. (They could only be here for a few days, so we tried to cram in a much fun as we could in a short period of time.)
Saturday, my mom, Clark and I hit Scott's antique market. I found a few things; a lovely, soft piece of hand spun linen, a few watch faces, and a tiny little copper tea kettle that turned out to have been made from a penny. We ate lunch there, which I would not recommend. It is very expensive. I wish we had packed a lunch and ate in the truck because then I would have had more money for stuff!
The rest of the week sped by so fast it is a bit of a blur. One day we went thrifting, finding a place off of Moreland Ave. that we had never been in before. It was....interesting to say the least. But, we did find a few things, so it was not a total loss.
Thursday, the day D and family had to leave, we spent at home playing marbles on the board my grandmother made, chatting and wishing that 7:00 pm would not arrive. But it did, and they are now home and I miss having them here. Lots.
Clark did not have to leave until this morning, so we were back to running about. Friday was a trip to the High Museum to see the Houdon sculpture and the Civil Rights exhibits. The sculptures were extraordinary. Superbly executed, life-like images of George Washington, Voltaire, Ben Franklin, Houdon's own wife and daughter and more.
The Civil Rights exhibit is mesmerizing, sad and riveting all at once. Photographs detail the anger and rage that surrounded that period of time. You cannot leave there without feeling deep emotion. I would recommend it to anyone who lives here in Georgia or will be visiting here this summer.
Lunch at Eat's on Ponce de Leon proved a hit. A small hole-in-the-wall, they serve up tasty pastas and chicken and have the friendliest staff you'll ever find. Go! Go and have their jerk chicken or linguine with olive oil and garlic, mushrooms and peppers. Mmmmmmm.
Saturday morning, through closely spaced rain drops, we drove south to Dawn's house for her yard sale. Brave girl- she put it on despite the weather and there were many bargains to be found. I purchased 7 bags of linens and fabric, an old screen door, a few aprons, a little sewing kit, a roll of grapevine and a sweet doll bed. Because Blogger has been being a bit difficult, I will have to post the pictures later. It only let me upload this one photo.
If you read her blog, you know that even though it was pouring down rain most of the morning, her yard sale was a huge success!! It was worth all of that hard work! :)
A quick trip home to drop off our goodies and we were off again, this time to pick up my #1Son and head to the Michael C. Carlos Museum for the Lost Kingdoms of the Nile exhibit and lunch at The Earl in East Atlanta. It was a long day and by the time we got home, we were all exhausted.
And so, to quote Edward R. Morrow, "that is the week that was." Fun, fast, full, fatiguing.
And I would do it all over again.

Half a Century

2008-06-16T04:32:00.000-07:00

This was the Time magazine cover on June 16, 1958, the day I was born. See that dress form in the top left corner? That would look so cool in my house. Yes, a vintage dress form would be lovely.

Vintage. I love that word. It evokes a feeling of comfort, it draws memories, it make us nostalgic for a sweeter, simpler time. Finding a vintage object means that someone cared enough to keep it, care for it and preserve it.

If you come to my house today, you will find a living, breathing vintage object- me!

You won't find me looking like Jean Thorn, the woman on the cover above. No, I'll be mucking-out the hen house, weeding the garden, hanging laundry and sprucing up the house for guests tonight, keeping those vintage traditions of long ago.

So, Happy Birthday, Vintage Me. I think fifty is going to be a very good age to be.

My Grandfather

2008-06-12T13:17:00.001-07:00

I found this picture this morning while cleaning. It's a picture my grandfather, my dad's dad. Isn't he handsome? And get a load of that baby!

Yes, that is me, in all my happy baby chubbiness in the arms of one of my favorite men on Earth, my Grampa Kimball. That lap was the place you could go to when you needed protection from your brothers or just a hug. And when you were ready to get down, you'd get a big squish and be told that you were such a "hot potato", then you would see that smile and know that you were loved, just for who you were.
On Monday, this baby turns fifty and even though my grandfather is no longer here, I know that I am still his "hot potato".
One day those arms will gather me in a hug and I will see that smile again. I hope he likes the person I've grown into. He should. A lot of who I am today is because of him.

Wonder

2008-06-10T14:53:00.000-07:00

I had forgotten what it was like to have a three year-old in the house. After all, it has been almost seventeen years since my last child was that little.
I had forgotten how busy they are, and curious. About everything.
This is my friend's daughter. I'm watching her while her mom and dad are at a horse show with her sisters. It has been a very busy day here at the S house. Very being an understatement.

We decided to go see the geese at Minnow Pond. As you can tell, we also took in the Lotus Pond as well. It is just as stunning as last year's display. Huge, round leaves on slim stems that belie their strength. Some of them were as big as B herself. Flowers of the softest cream and pink, suited her taste perfectly.
Imagine the reaction of someone so small to such a sight. A little fearful, a little curious, a little surprised. I pulled a leaf over for her to hold. She asked me if she could sit on it.
"Well, if you were as light as a bug, you could. But you are heavier than a bug and it may not hold you up."
"Oh. I won't sit on it."
"Good idea."
While we were walking around the Lotus Pond, we found the shell of a craw fish. Poor thing. His shell had been left behind after a lovely morning repast for some lucky bird.
Assuring her that it would not, could not, bite her, B decided it was interesting and began to ask all sorts of questions.
"Why is he dead?"
"Where is his mother?"
"Why did they eat him?"
"Can we take him home?"
I am sure the conversation would have lasted longer had a small trail of fire ants not decided that B's feet were too cute to miss.
Darn those pesky creatures.

We walked back to Minnow Pond to feed the geese. Today's menu was day-old wheat bread. The geese have become much more bold. They have no fear of people, even the babies. We quickly became surrounded by honking, waddling birds.
In the group is a white goose that we have named George. Living at the pond for years, he is clearly the leader, a bit like Flora. He is blind in one eye now and has to cock his head just so to see what it is you are offering. I feel a bit sorry for him. Well, I did until he decided that B's pinkie finger looked tasty and latched onto it. A quick pop on his beak released his hold.
Through her tears, B told George that he was not very nice. Good for her.
In the flock of wild geese, I noticed a small male with what could only be described as a cleft beak. The upper portion of his beak was malformed and very short. You could see his tongue trying to grab a small piece of bread to eat. He couldn't do it. Oh, how sorry I felt for him.
How had he survived so long with such a disability? I'm sure that in the water he was much more able to bring food into his mouth. Gliding along with his beak under the surface would enable him to scoop up tiny brim into his mouth.
In the picture below you can see him and the outline of his deformity. He is the second goose from the left, the one being chastised by another.

I explained to B about this little goose, that he had something wrong with him and that he may not live to be a big goose.

"He needs his mom." Yes. Yes he does.

I wonder how she got so smart?

Pecking Order

2008-06-08T06:18:00.000-07:00

These are the new girls, Blanche and Hazel. My husband , #1Son and I picked them up on Memorial Day. Two Buff Orpington sisters, a week or two older than Flora, just trying to get along in this new place. They are the low gals on the totem pole.

Flora has established herself as the Queen of the Coop. Not a surprise really, as she was the first one here and she has that spunky personality (that is probably what saved her in the "attack") .
Mavis and Pearl have been at the receiving end of her displeasure many a time and now it is these two girl's turn. I feel sorry for them.
Anything or anyone that enters the chicken yard is greeted first by Flora. Strutting her stuff, she makes sure that she is noticed. And heaven forbid if attention goes in the opposite direction from her. The wings spread, the head goes down and the legs start moving at a rapid pace. Goodness knows, she does not want to miss a thing.
It is her beak that first plunges into a wedge of soft, pink watermelon, pecks at a basil leaf or pierces a tomato. The others wait patiently, looking on with longing, waiting for her to step back and give her nod of approval. Then, and only then, do the others scurry forth to partake of a tasty treat that has come their way.
I sat in the chicken yard one day observing this behavior with amusement. The thought occurred to me that people are a lot like chickens.
In any given situation, there is always a Head Chick, a Flora. You know her. She's the one that moves right in, taking charge whether she should or not, and begins to organize things her way.
Don't try to help, because she can do it all.
But, someone always does. The Mavis and Pearls of the world, step up to do the bidding of the Floras. It's just their nature. Not willing to take on all of the responsibility themselves, they are quite content to be lead, with a nod of approval of course, to begin taking on small assignments until the Floras deem them ready to take on more.
I see that in my hens. Mavis and Pearl are always the next to move in, having been given a clucky "All Clear" from Flora. "Yes, you may pass. But you may not."
Poor Hazel and Blanche. They are always the last invited to the party. Although, I think they like to stay in the shadows, waiting for Hurricane Flora to whip through doing what she does (or thinks she does) best.
The funny thing about them is this- In the end, they are the ones who benefit the most. In all of her hurry-upness and pomp, Flora quickly loses interest. Of course she does. She expended all of her energy in trying to be the first one there and keeping everyone else at bay, that she wore herself out!
Mavis and Pearl, unable (or unwilling) to think for themselves quickly follow suit, giving Hazel and Blanche carte blanche to enjoy the spoils, whether it be a tasty treat or a little cuddle.
Don't get me wrong, there is much to love about all of the hens in my chicken yard. Flora makes me laugh at her antics. She is a bit like Mrs. Olsen in Little House on the Prairie, infuriating and comical all at the same time. Mavis and Pearl are like Cinderella's self-absorbed step-sisters- all fluff and nonsense. I cannot wait for them to realize that Flora is "not all that and a bag of chips", as my sister says.
But Hazel and Blanche have stolen my heart. Quiet and subdued, they know that they do not have to be ill-mannered to get what they need and want. It just comes to them naturally.
Low gals on the totem pole unite. Being on top doesn't make you the best. It just makes you that much harder to reach.
How's that working for ya, Flora?

Miss Bunny Says......

2008-06-04T16:33:00.000-07:00

"Try this scrumptious dessert!!"

And it is simple, simple. Spoon one cup of yogurt into a bowl (I use Brown Cow plain yogurt with the cream top. Delicious!) Slice two strawberries and place decoratively around the bowl. Oh, wait! That's only for pictures. Just toss them in there! Then spoon some ginger syrup, if you made it, on top of that and enjoy. Oh my goodness, it is so yummy! And good for you too.

I wonder what else ginger syrup would be good on?

Pop! Fizz! How Sweet It Is.....

2008-06-02T13:56:00.000-07:00

I think I am going to name this summer of 2008 Project Summer. A time of risk-taking and experimentation, giving my family the opportunity to try new things.
Some will be hits and some will not. I have already had my share of both. Herbed cheese- a hit. Fruit cheese- not so much. Steak and egg fritatta- a hit. Grilled pizza- a hit.
Well, I guess I'm doing better than I thought.
Today's experiment was inspired by an article I read in a magazine. Don't ask me which magazine, because I cannot remember. I did remember the quantities of ingredients though, so pulling this off was fairly easy. So, veg peeler in hand, ginger root, a pot of water and some sparkly sugar, and I was ready to make.....Ginger Syrup!
Why ginger syrup? To make ginger ale, of course!!
This is a pot with 2 cups of peeled and sliced ginger, 2 cups (or so) of water and 2 cups (or so) of sugar. Simple, eh?

Simmer these ingredients until the liquid is reduced by half. You can also use a candy thermometer and gauge your temperature. A syrup is made at about 200-230 degrees F.
Once the syrup is reduced, strain it into a large jar. I used a wide-mouthed canning jar. Do not throw away the ginger. You will need it for something yummy later.

Isn't that pretty?
Now, take the slices of ginger and toss them in a bowl of sugar. Lay them out on a cookie sheet and bake them in a low oven (about 200-225 degrees) for 2 1/2-3 hours. It depends on the humidity really. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Place in an airtight container.

To make ginger ale, pour 2 tablespoons ( or to suit your taste) of syrup in a glass. Pour 8 ounces of chilled club soda over the top and add a bit of ice. Decorate the rim of the glass with a slice of candied ginger.

This glass does not have its decorative ginger slice because I ate it. I couldn't help it. It was calling to me.
But still, is that not a lovely thing to behold? The taste is very different from what you buy in the grocery store. It is lighter and a bit less sweet. As it rolls over your tongue you get that pleasant bite that only fresh ginger possesses, without the heat. You may want to enjoy the candied ginger as you sip.

Another project completed today was the hanging of the tomato plants. Upside down, hanging on a shepherd's hook, they stayed in their buckets just fine. Now we just have to wait for them to begin producing tomatoes. I think this is going to be a very fun summer!!

I hope that you have one too. :)

Spudtacular Sight

2008-05-29T06:13:00.001-07:00

I took a brave step this spring and planted potatoes. I have never grown potatoes before, so I read all I could find on the subject. I would not recommend doing this, as I became more confused with each piece of information I read.
Dig deep, don't dig deep, trench, don't trench, raised bed, no raised bed, slope, no slope. Dirt? Straw? Oh my goodness! It was all just a bit much.
So, I reached for my copy of Country Wisdom and Know-How, that had sat by my bed for months, and turned to the "Growing Potatoes" section. What was recommended here seemed pretty straight-forward. Turn the garden soil deeply. Do not compact it by walking on it. Determine your rows and place a seed potato evenly spaced across the entire bed. Cover with 18" of straw, water and wait. Okay, done.
I did not hold much hope for this little potato bed of mine, as my thumb has been a rather pallid shade of green the past few years.
My son, our two intrepid missionaries (who never fail to offer their assistance for any service project) and I had dug deeply, turning the hard clay and adding amendments such as peat moss, organic garden soil and cow manure. The result was a lovely, soft mixture of soil the color of the burned sugar on the bottom of my oven. (But that's another story.) The rest was up to Mother Nature to help my little potatoes to pull through.
Well, pull she did! Take a peek for yourself. See those lovely deep green plants poking through the straw? Those are potato plants!! I squealed with delight when I saw them. Because where there are plants, there will be potatoes.

Is that not a beautiful sight to behold? The tops have now been covered with a new layer of straw, so that sunlight does not get down and turn the forming potatoes green. That is probably the hardest part of growing them this way, trying to keep the potatoes in the dark.

But I am hopeful that these sturdy little plants will produce pounds of sweet Purple Viking and Yukon Gold potatoes. My family will be delighted. Especially my meat and potatoes- loving husband.

I don't think there is anything mroe satisfying than placing a seed (or seed potato) in the ground and having it grow and produce food for your family. It is an absolute miracle.

The remainder of our garden is doing as well as the potato patch. By the end of summer, I hope to have been able to feed my family, share vegetables with my parents, along with some elderly members of our church and put some up for the winter.

That's a lot to expect from a small plot of land but I have faith that it will come through. Just like those little potato plants poking through the straw.

Not What She Wanted to Hear

2008-05-24T08:32:00.000-07:00

Husband- "Hey, dear. What are we cooking on Monday?"

Me- "Chicken."

Somehow, I don't think Pearl was amused.

What I Made for Lunch Today.

2008-05-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

I think I will be making up for lost time for a while here. One of the things that I worked on whilst I was away was cheesemaking. Not hard cheeses, but lovely, soft farmer cheese. Mmmmm.

If you have not had this tasty delight, you are really missing out.

This morning I decided to make an herbed cheese. So, I snipped a bit of tarragon, chopped some garlic and a-whey I went. :)

Here is the recipe. You will amaze your families and friends by making your own cheese. Don't be intimidated, this is super, super simple.

Herbed Farmer Cheese

1 gallon whole milk (organic if possible)

1 T salt

2 T chopped tarragon

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/4 tsp ground pepper

1/4-1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

Line a large colander with 4 layers of cheesecloth and place over a large bowl.

In a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven, pour in milk and add salt. Insert a candy thermometer on the side of the pot. Heat milk/salt mixture to 150 degrees on thermometer. Add tarragon, garlic and pepper.

Cook over medium heat until the milk is almost boiling, approximately 100 degrees Centigrade or 200 degrees Farenheit on the thermometer.

As soon as small bubbles appear along the edge of the pan, just before boiling, add lemon juice. If the milk does not curdle, heat it a bit more. You will be able to see the small, fine curds forming.

Pour your curdled milk/cheese into the colander and allow to drain. (It will take a bit of time. Be patient.)

If the whey is yellow, you have successfully removed all of the milk solids. If it is still white, you can repeat the process and add a bit more lemon juice. You will want to get every bit of cheese you can!

Once the cheese has drained, remove it to a small, covered dish and refrigerate. Serve with crackers and just a small tidge of pride at making something really cool!

Yeild: About 2 1/2 cups of soft, finely grained cheese.

Crackers, anyone?

I'm Back.

2008-05-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

Did you miss me? I just took a little blog vacation. Not from reading them, though. I know what all of you have been up to. But me? Well, I've just hung back a little bit, taken a deep breath and sorted out a few things. Good things.
This month of May has been simply wonderful. I was chosen as the Farmgirl of the Month, by my friend Tina, over at the Farmgirl Connection. How sweet was that? And because I was the FOTM, I received some wonderful wishes through the forum and treats in my mailbox.
Thank you, Tina, Pam, Bertha, Autumn, Maryjane, MaryJane, Meg, Nancy Jo, Rebekka. My goodness, I am so grateful.
I have sipped sweet herbal teas, washed my dishes with hand-crocheted dish cloths, snuggled with a Georgia Bullfrog-ette and a stuffed pear that smeels divine, tucked up a beautifully embroidered pillow in a tiny chair, listened quietly to the liquid voice of John Denver, planted seeds and placed tiny treasures in my craft room, where I can be surrounded by the love and friendship that radiates from them.

Who would not love a sweetly embroidered clothespin bag that came full of vintage trim and organic chocolate? I know I do! This came from MaryJane and Meg. My, they know me well. :)

Adding to the delight of mail love, Colleen, sent me a little care package of her own. It was full of scrapbooking supplies, and books. Oh, my! The books! Still Life with Chickens (how appropriate for this new chicken mom), A Perfect Day, Small and Simple Things by Marjorie Pay Hinckley- the most sweet, adorable woman who ever lived (other than Colleen).
I am ever amazed at the kindness and generosity of the women that I have "met" in Bloglandia.

Women with gentle voices, generous hearts, kind souls, and smart minds. They are like this flower, that grew in my back garden. Soft, full, delightful, beautiful with a heavenly scent. A joy to the eye and the heart.
Their friendship is sweet and delicious, satisfying and nourishing. A bit like the Pioneer Woman's apricot breakfast bars. (Only I made mine with homemade strawberry jam.)

The miracle of friendship that comes from women that I have never met is an amazing thing. Beyond treats in the mail, it is the knowledge that someone, somewhere is thinking about you, caring about you and wanting things to be well for you that lifts your heart, quiets your doubts and opens your eyes to the fact that there are many, many good people in this world. And I have the pleasure to be in their company on this incredible connector know as the Internet.

I will leave you with a few words by Sister Hinckley, who sums up how I feel quite succinctly:

"Who knows but that something wonderful may happen today. Have faith that it will. After all, every morning is a chance at a new day!"

Wonderful things have happened because of wonderful people like you. What a lovely thing that is.

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T05:58:00.001-07:00

Wishing you a day of rest, a day of sweetness and a day full of hugs!

(Photo by Freddy Franzella)

Happy Mother's Day, everyone!

I'll be sharing my day with my sweet husband. It's his birthday! That's okay by me, because my birthday comes right around Father's Day. Our children think it is part of an evil plot on our part. Who? Us? We would never do that.

Would we?

Jam Session

2008-05-06T14:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon, I took a trip to the strawberry farm a few miles down the road from my house. I purchased three buckets of luscious fruit, colored the deepest red with perky green caps.
This morning found me in the kitchen preparing to make strawberry jam, one of my favorite things to do in the springtime. A trip under the house yielded enough quart jars for my needs.
Every jam making session starts the same way- a sinkfull of hot, soapy water so that I will have sparkling clean jars; a clean counter top; a pot of hot water for lids and rings and the canner on the boil for processing; the big enamel pot ready for mashing fruit and the Dutch oven waiting on the stove to cook the jam; a colander for washing the fruit and my little paring knife laid out ready to lop off the tops of the berries.
I love the process of jam-making. Preparing the fruit for cooking, measuring out the sugar, watching for the boil, readying the jars and ladling the hot jam into them. A rhythm develops quickly and the entire morning becomes a dance of swirls and dips.

I have used this spoon to stir my jam for many, many years. It was a gift from my friend, Cilla. She found it in a kitchen shop in Ipswich, England, not far from her parent's house. I love this spoon. It has a little peg that prevents it from falling into large pots, and is flat on the bottom so as to gather the jam up from the bottom in a quick sweep. Don't you think I need a nice wooden ladle to go with my spoon?

After spooning off the foam, I ladled the jam into the jars using this jelly funnel. I found it at an estate sale. It is made of porcelain and is the lovliest creamy white color. I can only imagine how many gallons of jam or jelly were poured through its opening. I hope it is happy with me using it now.

(I don't know about you, but I think the foam is the best part of jam-making! I always make toast, spread it with Irish butter and spoon on the foamy bits. A little treat for the cook!)

I succeeded in making six quarts of ruby-colored jam, plus two half-pints for gifts. I am always a bit impatient when it comes to letting it set, so I made sure to put some in the refrigerator in a bowl so I can have some tonight.
I believe that I can sum up my morning's work in one word- Bliss. Strawberry bliss.
Okay, that's two words.

My Kentucky Derby Hat Swap Hat

2008-05-01T18:24:00.000-07:00

I know this is supposed to be posted tomorrow, but I won't be home.
This is the hat I made for Terisa, from Running With Scissors. Talk about intimidation. Have you seen her blog? Beautiful. And the clothes that she designed? Just amazing. And I had to make a hat for her!
The base of the hat is made from paper maché. It's a bit stiff, but still wearable. For about a minute. :)
The crown is partially covered with silk hydrangea blooms, and some of them are accented with sparkly centers. Just for the bling effect.

On the side are two silk peony blossoms and a tiny nest with a sweet little bird perched inside of it. Corkscrewed paper twists (which were easy to make ) accent the side view.

The base of the crown is trimmed with a hand-ruffled ecru twill tape. I think it gives it a nice feminine touch.

Around the brim is hemp twine executed in a blanket stitch. If you look closely you can see the staples used to keep the layers together. Don't look closely.

All in all, I'm pretty happy with the result. I like the softness of the colors and the contrast between the glossy paper and the flowers. The real test will be if Terisa likes it!!

I surely hope so.

My Farmhouse Kitchen

2008-05-01T06:34:00.000-07:00

Those three words conjure up pictures of baskets filled with warm, fluffy biscuits spread with homemade jam and fresh eggs ; shelves filled with sparkly glass jars filled with fruits and vegetables grown outside in the kitchen garden; jams and jellies glistening with jewel-like colors so rich they are fit for royalty; crocks filled with the tools-of-the-trade, worn with use yet still relied-upon to do their appointed jobs; a well-scrubbed kitchen table, spread with snowy linens and a pitcher of wild flowers; a sink full of frothy bubbles, warm water and the breakfast dishes; a wooden floor, polished to perfection, gleaming in the sunlight.
Are any of these things found in my own kitchen? Somewhat, yes. But they never quite fit the picture that is in my head.
I love my kitchen, I really do. Wide, open shelves hold my dishes, glassware and mixing bowls, along with the everyday staples of flour, sugar, rice and salt. Everything is there at my fingertips, making cooking a snap.
Across the kitchen, along the long common wall between the living room and dining room areas is a large pantry cabinet, complete with a screen door. Built by my husband and me, it holds cans and bottles and jars of food. Things have a tendency to get lost in there sometimes but for the most part, it is well-organized, with neat rows and stacks of provender.
While I do have wood floors in my kitchen, as well as the rest of the house, it is neither polished nor gleaming. Instead, it is marked with the wear and tear of everyday family life. Scratches from the dogs and furniture being shifted about, make it look a bit shabby, but I love it nonetheless.
My floors get a weekly washing with Dr. Bronner's Eucalyptus Castile Soap. The scent is clean and energizing. During the summer months, it will be washed twice a week, as the dogs and family are spending more time outside and consequently bringing more of it in with them. In between, I sweep. I do own a vacuum cleaner, but I like the rythmn of sweeping and the homeliness of it. Plus, it is good exercise.
Once things are clean, I can get to the business of cooking. It is something I take great delight in doing, and I think I do it well.
Stews, soups, casseroles, breads, cookies, cakes and pies are churned out for a family that is sometimes not as appreciative as I would like them to be. Of my three children, two are picky eaters, and their father makes the scales tip out of balance in their favor. (Hmmm, perhaps that explains the lush padding that I have accumulated!) Against better judgement, I still try to entice them with savories and sweets, and probably will until I draw my last breath.
The only thing missing from my farmhouse kitchen is a screen door, solid wood and painted white, with a spring that slaps it against the door frame with a resounding "Crack!". That would truly complete my happy little picture.
Funny thing is, I have screen doors under my house, bought at yard sales for a song, and I have nowhere to put them! The French doors in the back of the kitchen-dining area won't accomodate them. But you can trust me when I say, that I will find a way to put them to good use. In fact, one of them now serves as the entry to the chicken yard!
All-in-all, I think that a farmhouse kitchen is more of an attitude than appearance. My little suburban kitchen is as much of one as a kitchen in a true farmhouse, surrounded by fields of wheat or corn, cows and chickens. It has become that way because of what occurs within its walls- hearty meals cooked with love, canning fruits and veg to carry us through winter, jams and jellies made to give us a taste of summer all through the year, pies and cakes made for bake sales and contests as well as a hungry family.
If that is not truly the case, then I have a sign hanging in my kitchen that declares it to be such.
I've covered all the bases.

Okay, This Is the Last Chicken Post (for now)

2008-04-26T11:59:00.000-07:00

I would like to introduce Mavis (on the left) and Pearl. They are five-week-old Rhode Island Red pullets.
Both hens have very sweet dispositions, and I think will adapt very well.

Flora, however, may have other ideas. She is not quite sure of these two beautiful red-heads!

This is their first tentative meeting.

I do not think that Flora was very impressed. Do you?

But, I think she may prefer two new friends than this little kitty. Merideth is much to curious about what is happening in the chicken yard. She insists on trying to fit her head through the fencing. That would explain the frustration on her face.

I think these three chicks will get along just fine. And soon enough, they will be delivering fresh eggs for our breakfast. And the Omelet Hotel will be in business. :)

Flora Says.............

2008-04-25T07:45:00.000-07:00

Welcome to......

(after much thought and bribing with feed,

and the desire to do things her way!)

~The Omelet Hotel~

Congratulations to you, Bramble!!

You will now have a rather sweet picture of Flora to display in your own coop!

Miss Flora is really thrilled now that she has a name for her new home! And she is especially thankful to all of you who were thoughtful enough to submit names for her chicken house.

Very thankful indeed.

(Bramble, I have your address, so I will be sending the lovely rendition of Flora to you as soon as the final touches have been added!)

If I Draw Your Name, You Get Flora!!

2008-04-23T17:32:00.001-07:00

No, not the real Flora! But a reasonable facsimile of my little chicken. She is not quite finished, as I have to wait for her spots to dry before I can move on. I really do not like having to wait for paint to dry, but wait I must if I want this to be perfect for its new owner.
Who knows, maybe they can hang it in their own chicken coop!

Flora in her polka dot dress, waiting in a field of strawberries. Just for you!

The Inside Coop

2008-04-22T16:30:00.000-07:00

Do you think that the chickens will be happy here?

I Suppose That You Are Wondering

2008-04-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

What the prize will be for the giveaway. Well, tune in tomorrow for the reveal. And yes, it will have something to do with chickens. :)

This Busy Bee and a Giveaway

2008-04-16T14:06:00.000-07:00

Wow! You have come up with some amazing names for the chicken coop! I will be glad to name it any one of them. Thank you so much for your input. I cannot wait 'til Friday. :)

Do you remember the little sketch of my chicken house? You can see it here.

This week has been filled with flying sawdust, the hammering of nails and the buzzing of the circular saw. While I have had help in the guise of The Farmer's Husband and No. 1 son, for the most part, it has been me and my little hands that have been busily building Casa del Pollo, La Maison de Poulet, The Chicken House.

Last Friday we started with a simple platform and elephant feet for the base. By the end of the day, we had.....

THIS!

Which looks suspiciously like the Phantom Tollbooth.

While it may not look like much progress, we also picked up and shoveled out two truckloads of dirt into the raised beds out front. Phew! My goodness, were we tired at the end of the day. Saturday, my son and I were able to get siding on two sides of the house. It's not as easy as you would think! We had to cut the opening for the window, make sure the sides were flush and level and try not to get hurt with incredibly unwieldy sheets of siding.

Sunday (always a day of rest) and Monday were non-productive days. Cold, blustery weather prevented me from getting out and doing much at all. In fact, all I could do was to look out the window and sigh at the thought of how much I could be doing and wasn't. But yesterday and today were perfect for digging in and getting some work done.

This circular saw is one of my favorite tools. I have learned to respect it and master it over the years. At one time, I was deathly afraid of it. But, there's nothing like wanting to make something and no one being home to help, to make you forget your fears and give you the courage to try. I love my circular saw.

Yesterday we hung the door and window, installed some of the trim and my neighbor graciously made trusses to hold the corrugated metal roofing that will go up tomorrow.

Today, it was up to me. This morning found me scraping off the old paint from the door, and giving it a good coat of primer. I also painted out the trim work and the window, preparing them for their final coat of glossy white paint.

I know they look messy right now, but there is a method to my madness. The window and door are old, found at estate sales, and pretty weather-worn. I painted over the windows to seal the edges where the panes and wood meet, just for a little protection from the elements.

Inside, I cut and installed the bead board paneling, made and installed the nesting boxes (although they are not finished) and trimmed out and made a door for the pop-hole. Yikes! I am tired, dirty, and I do believe that I smell. But it's that smell that comes from a hard day's work, and it doesn't bother me. Not one bit. But you may not want to get close to me.

Here is the almost-finished chicken coop. I am thinking of naming it "La Maison du Quatre Soeurs de Poulet" (The House of Four Chicken Sisters) , or "La Maison de Fraise" (The Strawberry House) , because it will eventually have strawberry wallpaper inside. I don't know. Wait! I think you should name it! I never did get to complete the giveaway for naming the chicks because of their untimely demise. Maybe this is the perfect solution!

The name you choose does not have to be in French. In fact, I'm not quite sure why I chose French names. But then, I've been known for my weirdness.

So, leave your name for the chicken house in your comment. On Friday, April 25th, I will draw a name from my big, yellow bowl and announce the winner.

Giving things away makes me deliriously happy. So does making chicken houses.

My Farmgirl Heart

2008-04-14T07:20:00.001-07:00

Week 2 of the Farmgirl Blog-a-thon centers on the theme "Farmgirl Heart....What Being a Farmgirl Means to You." Allow me to tell you about mine.

Flora. My how you've grown!

I am not a native Georgian. I grew up on the coast of Massachusetts, in Marshfield, about an hour south of Boston.

Marshfield is a town steeped in history. Just about thirty minutes north of Plymouth, the early settlers found its location near the North River to be quite useful. The marshes, woods and ocean provided ample supplies for a burgeoning new community. Farms were quickly established and farmers went about the business of feeding families.

The house I grew up in was built in 1668. This house was moved to its present location in the 1700's and additions were made to it up until the mid-1800's. With those additions, it became a classic Colonial, stately and beautiful.

Surrounded by seven or so acres, it was perfect for providing the Hatch family, that built and resided in it, with a place to keep their horses, grow a vegetable garden, an asparagus patch, raspberry patch, a potato field, a rhubarb patch, and a flower garden. Large spruce trees grew tall to shade the house. A crab apple planted just outside the kitchen window provided shade, beauty and fruits for making jelly.

There is no wonder, given the history of the house, that my father would take up a shovel and a hoe and begin to farm.

For the first three months we lived in the house, the Brown family lived with us. Charlotte and Stuart Brown were the couple from whom my parents bought the farm. Gram Milner, Charlotte's mother, lived with us as well. When their own little house was completed, they moved away, although they were still close by. Their house was built just behind ours, at the end of the Right Field, as it was called. The dirt road to their house became one I would travel frequently, taking me to visit my new friend, Gram Milner.
Charlotte and Stuart were gracious and giving, teaching my parents the things they knew about the history of the house, and the lay of the land.

In no time, my parents discovered the areas that had provided food for generations of families. We all waited expectantly for the little heads of asparagus to crown the earth near the barn, for the blossoms on the raspberry canes to drop their petals and begin forming fruit, for the tiny shoots of rhubarb to begin rising with all of their sourness, and Concord grapes to change from green to blue.

It was a magical place for me, especially. Connecting to the things that were growing around me, I quickly developed the farmgirl heart that beats inside me still. I can still smell the peonies and lupines that grew along the edge of the field; taste the freshness of the Concord grape jelly that my mother would make; see the irises that grew over the old potato field and feel the small, round potatoes that would occasionally be dug up by my little hands. I remember gathering armloads of crab apple blossoms, lilacs and fists full of dandelions, breathing in the scent of my childhood.

Soon, animals were added to the mix. Two horses, Mergatroyd and Fiddle Sticks, galloped in the fields. A goat named Alfie, who came to eat the poison ivy I was so allergic to, along with my mother's dining room curtains, moved in. Chickens filled the coop in the back of the barn and ducks swam in a little pond made by my father. Eggs were plentiful, vegetables and fruits were abundant and fun was found at every turn.

My dad spent a year renovating an old surrey. In the summer, he would hitch up Mergatroyd and give rides around the neighborhood. Clip-clop down Union Street, up Pine Street past Stuart Brown's woodworking shop, and back again.

Who wouldn't love growing up like that? All in all, it is this kind of childhood I wish my own children could have experienced. But, I married a City Boy, and we settled in Suburbia. That hasn't stopped me from trying though!

I have felt a stronger desire as of late, to bring my family back to a more self-sustaining life style. I think it is that place in me, that formed in a little girl living on a small farm, wanting to expand and develop into something greater, to have my own chickens, grow my own vegetables, compost my own nutritious dirt for the garden.

A chance encounter with a MaryJane's Farm magazine a few years ago was all of the fuel I needed to restart that little flame in me and in the process, I discovered that there are many many women in the world who desire the very same things for their families. Women who either grew up on a farm, or have just felt that pull back to a simpler life, gather together and champion each other along, encouraging, comforting and sharing the knowledge that they have garnered through their experiences.

If gathering your own eggs, warm from a nesting box, picking your own vegetables from a garden that you tended, making something new and useful from something old and worn sounds appealing to you, then you are a farmgirl! It's already in your heart.

The Losing Battle

2008-04-10T07:38:00.001-07:00

"Why?" is a question that I have come to dread lately. "Why did you get chicks?" "Why did you buy a new rug for the family room?" "Why did you dry the clothes outside?" "Why are you making that for dinner?" "Why are you making those and what are you going to do with them?" "Why did you make the garden so big?" "Why is there no food in the house?" "Why, why, why, why, why!?" Ad nauseum.
My goodness, you would think that I don't have a single brain cell capable of making a decision on its own without first garnering permission from the masses (ie- mi familia).
So, dear family, allow me to explain the "Whys" of my actions for you, in plain English. Why? Because I want you to be able to understand, that's why.
Here we go:
1. Why did I get chicks?- Easy answer here folks. I got chicks to fulfill two purposes. Well, maybe three. First, we have an incredible insect population in our yard- ticks, ants, spiders, etc. Chickens eat insects. Lots of them. I am exercising natural pest control. Secondly, I would like to be able to feed you, my family, the freshest eggs possible, from healthy, happy chickens.I would rather that than to contribute to the sad life of a battery hen, who's only hope in life is the possibility of death as an escape from the hell in which they live. Sorry, but that's the way it is.
Thirdly, yes there is a #3, for the experience of connecting to something other than the television( or the iPod, or Guitar Hero, or even this computer), a living thing that requires our care. We are servants of the natural world we live in, with an obligation to ensure that we tend to it well. More than family pets, these chickens will in turn provide us with food as payment for their care. Well, eggs. They will live long lives in our back yard. I don't think I can fully implement the food chain here. They are symbols of responsibility. Sound familiar?
2. Why did I buy a new rug for the family room? Because I wanted to, that's why. Now take care of it. Pick up the trash off of it, wipe up your spills, and if you see dust on it, sweep it up, please.
3. Why do I hang the clothes outside? Why not? There is a perfectly lovely spot in the yard for hanging clothes. The sun shines upon it, the breezes blow about it and I can see it from the kitchen window. Practically, it reduces the amount of electricity that we use (of which we consume copious amounts), it reduces the amount of heat that builds up in the house, it reduces the amount of wear and tear on our clothes, it disinfects and sanitizes our clothing better than bleach, the list goes on. I know, your clothes are crunchy. Toss them in the dryer for a minute or two (NOT 30!) and they'll be fine. That smell you dislike is fresh air and sunshine combining together in the most heavenly of perfumes. No matter how hard they try, the detergent and dryer sheet companies cannot reproduce it. It is a gift from Nature for our efforts. Now get over it.
4. Are you making that for dinner? Yes, I am making that for dinner. If you don't like it, make your own. You know where the refrigerator is. But, you want to know why I am making that for dinner, don't you? Because I care about your health and well-being, that's why. I am not trying to poison you, make you ill, or otherwise cause you harm. They are fruits and vegetables, not ampules of toxins, for pity sake. They work with your body to build your cells, clean your system, give you energy. No matter how many cans of Mountain Dew you drink, you will never be able to get as much energy that a beautiful green salad, loaded with colorful vegetables, will give you. Your health will be better, your mind clearer and your body will thank you. Trust me. Or don't. I'm only your mother, the woman who gave birth to you. But that isn't one of the questions, is it?
5. Why am I making those? Hmmm. Let's see. If you don't know by now, then you don't know me as well as I thought. All of my life, I have been one to create. From the tiny fish made with a Styrofoam ball and bone circles at my grandmother's house, to taking apart my mom's wedding garter and decorating a RingDing box with it for a Mother's Day gift (well, that might have been a mistake), to buying things that no one else wants and creating something of beauty from them, it all results in the tangible expression of who I am. You don't have to like it. In fact, no one does. What counts is that I like it. When you ask me why I made something, it is as though you are telling me that it, and consequently me, is not of worth. And that is very far from the truth. The things I make are extensions of who your mother is on the inside. You might want to get to know her one day.
6. Why did I make the garden so big? Well, it's not big yet, but it will be. I want to be able to grow food for us to eat. To be able to put some up for the winter and not have to rely on the grocery store for everything we consume. I will know where our food came from, how it was grown and who tended to it. We will be able to share with Grammy and Grandpa, and help them reduce their food bill a bit. So I say "The bigger, the better!"
7. Why is there no food in the house? That is ridiculous! There is food in the house, it is just not what you want to eat. I am reducing the amount of processed foods that we have consumed over the years and replacing it with fresh, healthy foods. For further explanation, please see #4.

There you have it, the answers to the most pressing questions being asked in my house lately. I am sure that my family will not like my answers, but they'll get over it. Like I said, asking me why I do things is like asking me why I am here. It tends to lessen my efforts and, in a way, invalidates me as a person. I am not very keen on being invalidated. In fact, it sounds painful. And it is.
I love caring for my family. Being a mom was the one thing I always wanted to be. (Being an unappreciated mom is not, however.) I want to create a safe place for them, a haven if you will, away from the stress of the world and give them the armloads of love that they deserve. All of the things I do, laundry, cooking, cleaning, gardening, creating, etc. is for that purpose.
One day that will be clear to them. But it will be when they are in my place, standing in my shoes, trying to do these very things themselves.
I have my list of "Why?" questions all ready for them.

Up Close

2008-04-09T17:28:00.000-07:00

Original photographs uploaded by Karin Smith 2008.

OK, I Have to Share Some Mail Love.

2008-04-07T15:12:00.001-07:00

Please excuse the double posting today, but I have to show you what came in my post box.
Not this. This is a drawing for my new chicken house. I must have hit its file in error. Oh, but it will be cute, no?

The little vine-y things in the bottom right will be a vinyl strawberry wallpaper that I bought at Lowe's on clearance three years ago. You never know when you will need strawberry wallpaper, you know. The bottom is going to be sheathed in bead board. Yep, nothing is too good for Flora, and her soon to be hatched cousins. I even have a cute hanging lantern for the coop. hee hee
But, I digress. This is what I really wanted to show you-

My Country Girl doll kit came from Alicia Paulson !

Everything I need to create five of her charming clothespin dolls is included- paint, fabric, wooden buits, flowers, floss, a dress pattern. I cannot wait to get started.

I do love sweet things in the post.

Tie One On Day!

2008-04-07T10:47:00.001-07:00

Tina has coordinated a Farmgirl Blog-a-Thon on her blog. It will last 6 weeks and will focus on all things farmgirl. You know, like chickens and aprons, gardens and self-reliance. Those types of things. Why, you may ask? Well, to give MaryJane Butters a little hoot and a holler of thanks!
She has stirred the hearts of farmgirls everywhere, giving us the courage and inspiration to create our own farms, no matter where we may live.
This week's challenge is to show your aprons. Every farmgirl of any worth has at least one, but probably more like a few dozen!

These are mine. I don't really wear them because they make me look too fluffy, and fluffy is not what I want to look like right now. So, no pics with me in my aprons. :)

Oh, they do look messy, don't they?

These beauties decorate my craft room:

The chevron striped apron is from my friend, Dawn! Can you see a hostess wearing this at a backyard summer barbecue?

Below: The cherry apron in the front is a gift from MaryJane. She gave it to me in South Carolina when I went for a Belk grand opening and she was introducing her new linen line. I never wear it because I do not want it to be ruined. Plus theres's that fluffy thing. The gift of this apron started a friendship that I hope will never end.
The stripey one underneath is a gift from another farmgirl, Kathie, when she came to my house for Craft Day with MJ. I don't wear it for the same reasons. It's just too special to me.

The tomato apron is yet another farmgirl gift, from Bev.

Do you see why I love farmgirls?! They make the best friends.

So, come visit with us, if you so choose. Join in on the fun! You will learn more that you ever thought possible from women all over the world. You'll create sweet friendships as well. And don't forget to say "Hello!" to MaryJane!

Homemade Hummus

2008-04-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

This really is not a cooking blog, but I thought you might like to try this tasty, healthy snack. This is my own recipe for hummus, so it may not be perfect. But it is a hit at my house! It will last in the 'frige about 5 days. Well, if it is not eaten by then.

Here goes:

1 can chick peas (garbanzos), drained

1/4 cup sesame tahini

Juice from 1 large lemon

3-4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped (depending on how much you like garlic)

pinch of salt

1/4- 1/2 cup olive oil

Place chick peas, sesame tahini, lemon juice and garlic in the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth. Add olive oil in a steady stream until mixture comes together and appears to be light and fluffy. Add a pinch of salt, blend together.

Serve with fresh vegetables, homemade pita chips, rice crackers- whatever you like! The lemon rather lifts the flavors and gives it a fresh taste.
Hummus makes a nice light lunch or midday snack when you are flagging a bit. Plus, it is loaded with good things for you, so there is no need to feel guilty about consuming it!!

Enjoy!

Here is a link for making tahini sauce!! http://video.about.com/mideastfood/Tahini-Sauce.htm
Easy-peasy!!

Who Are You Callin' Yeller?

2008-04-04T08:40:00.000-07:00

Ah, springtime in Georgia. Not only are the flowers, trees and grasses being pollinated, everything is being pollinated. In fact, if you stand outside long enough, you will be covered in the yellow plague. It is a necessary evil, but really, don't you think enough is enough?

Snaps of My Garden

2008-04-03T07:23:00.001-07:00

Can you tell that I like flowers?

A tiny Oxalis popping up through the leaves.

Headstrong Dianthus growing in an old bucket.

Persian Speedwell

Actually, this is considered a weed, but I think the color is extraordinary.

Quince Blossoms

I grow them just for the birds and squirrels. You don't really want to eat a quince.

Fairy Orbs
(or Dandelion Seed Heads)

If you take a closer look at the dandelions, you can see miniscule droplets of water.

I guess I was feeling a bit like Horton, although I did not hear a Who.

Sometimes Only Soup Will Do

2008-03-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

I love soup. It is warming to the tummy and the soul. There is nothing like a bowl of hearty, homemade soup. The other day I had a hankerin' for some and after rummaging through the refrigerator for something to use, I came up with a delicious combination- Roasted Parsnip and Sweet Potato Soup. Yum!

Roasted Parsnip and Sweet Potato Soup

Serves 8-10 (or freeze it in small portions for lunches.)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

3 cups parsnips, peeled and sliced into 1/2" slices

6 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 medium sweet onion, peeled and quartered

2T olive oil

4 cups organic chicken broth

3 cups low-fat milk

Place vegetables in a bowl and toss with the olive oil. Place in a large roasting pan and season with salt and pepper. Roast until vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized, about 1-1 1/2 hours. Remove from oven and cool slightly.

Process roasted vegetables in small batches in a food processor. Put pureed veg into a Dutch oven and add chicken broth and milk. Adjust seasonings and heat through.

To make it really tasty, add a pat of Irish butter on top. :)

This is a very filling soup, rich and hearty. Serve it with a salad and some crusty bread and you have a meal fit for a queen.

Tragedy

2008-03-25T06:14:00.001-07:00

It is with great sadness that I wrote this post. I have lost three of my little chicks to my daughter's cat. I don't know how it happened. Really. I had them in a bin, covered with a screen, things on top of that, surrounded by chairs, etc. on the sides, in the family room. But apparently the natural pull of cat-eat-chick was too much for Merideth and she found a way to get them. Only Flora has survived and she is now safe in my craft room with the door closed.
I am heartbroken and crushed. I attached much too quickly to those little balls of fluff.
I called my friend and told her of the sad news. She will hold out the first three hens from the next hatch of eggs for me. And so, I will hold all of your name choices until then. In fact, keep leaving them because I will let you name the new babies- all three.
It may be a while, as she is hatching turkeys right at the moment. Talk about a farmgirl!
Please forgive me for postponing this little giveaway.

It All Started As a Peaceful Afternoon

2008-03-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

After a lovely Easter sacrament meeting at church, we came home to finish up our offerings for dinner at our friend's house. #2 son and Dear Daughter did not want to join us. (Sadness.) Instead, #2 son wanted to sleep. Or so he said.
He had been out of sorts all day, so a nap was probably in order. We left him with his sister and went off to enjoy dinner.
Just after finishing our dinner, the phone rang. It was my dad, calling to tell us that #2 had driven the van into the house. WHAT!!!???
Racing home, we pulled up to the house to see that he had driven the van up under the front porch.
His sister had gone to a friend's house, and left to his own devices, #2 thought a self-taught driving lesson was in order. Not a good idea. Our neighbor saw the whole ordeal and notified my parents, who called us.
This is what happens when your 21 year-old disabled son get a hold of your car keys-

This is our neighbor, Ed, securing the car jack under the post to elevate the porch off of the van.

As you can see, he was very, very fortunate. He could have been killed. But, all he got was a tiny scratch on his hand. Mind you, I spent more than a few minutes planning his demise.

I am sure that this will become the story that will be told around the dinner table for years to come. "Do you remember that Easter when JA drove the van up under the porch? hahahahaha That was hilarious!" But that will be much, much later.

In the meantime, we are trying to come to grips with the fact that:

a. #2 cannot be left to his own devices.

b. #2 is thinking like a normal young adult and, consequently,

c. #2 cannot be trusted. Ever.

I hope that your Easter Sunday was much more calm and uneventful.

Meet the Girls and a Little Giveaway!

2008-03-22T12:56:00.001-07:00

I would like to introduce you to the latest additions to the S family brood:

This is Flora,

Hazel,

Martha,

And the littlest one.............

She does not have a name yet, and that is where the giveaway portion of this post comes in!! This shot shows her personality- feisty, sweet, curious. A natural beauty in every way. But she is nameless and that's a sad, sad thing.

So, put on your thinking caps, leave a name in a comment to this post and on Friday of next week, I will draw a name out of my big, yellow bowl and dub this tiny chickie with whatever name is on the paper.

I will post a peek of the prize next week. (Because I don't have it all together yet.)

The Farmer's Husband is not too thrilled with the new residents, but he'll get over it. He always does. Besides, he did not have tell me that my friend, Christine, had called to let me know the chicks had hatched. Did he? Nope.

But I just love them to bits. And while I think that my gals have exquisite natural beauty, I want you to take a gander at these:

Not a natural beauty in the bunch, wouldn't you say?

This is what they were selling at the feed store. The man there was quite apologetic and explained that when he ordered chicks this year he was a bit late, and so this is what they had available. They won't stay this way forever, but for Easter they're kind of cute.

Sort of.

Anyhoo- Don't forget to leave your name for the tiniest chick! She's feeling a bit left out.

Spring Surprise

2008-03-21T10:42:00.001-07:00

With all of the bird activity in my yard lately, my thoughts turned to a chore I had forgotten to do this winter- cleaning out the nest boxes. I quickly went out and cleaned the old nests from the four boxes attached just outside my kitchen window.
As I removed the nesting bits from the last box, two little blue-green eggs slipped out. I quickly laid my hand under the box and caught both of them. Oh no! Had someone already moved in?
But, the icy coldness of these tiny treasures told me that they were no longer viable.

I brought them in and placed them in a nest that fell in my yard a few years ago. This little composition sits on a table in my craft room. Bird nests, eggs and sea shells. Is there anything more perfect?

I don't think so.

Inconceiveable! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

2008-03-20T11:14:00.001-07:00

Remember Wallace Shawn as Vizzini in The Princess Bride? My favorite part is when he and the Dread Pirate Roberts are trying to outwit each other and consequently not be the one poisoned by a cup of wine. Poor Vizzini, he loses. And as he does, he exclaims while he laughs uncontrollably, "Inconceivable!" I had one of those moments today.

Don't these look yummy? I think so too. But, they have a little problem.

These are Martha Stewart's Anise Drops from her Holiday Cookie issue. (I think maybe it was from two years ago.) I have been waiting all week to make these because I have Sign Language class here tonight and I like to make a little treat for the gals.

The problem is in this little dish right here on the stove. As an afterthought, I sprinkled sugar from the dish on the tops of the cookies before popping them into the oven.

Only I don't keep sugar in a little dish on my stove. Nope. Never have. So what is this?

It's salt.

I don't think I need to say anything more.

Happy Spring

2008-03-20T06:29:00.000-07:00

You probably have this sentiment running through your brain right now- "What was she thinking? An ugly little peat pot with a sickly white bean in the center sending up an even sicklier white tendril. That's her picture for Spring?"

Yes, that is my picture for the first day of Spring. Why? For these reasons:

1. It is a hopeful picture. That bean seed, though small and insignificant, will send up more tendrils and leaves, and then more again, and soon will be a plant larger than me. Relate that to us and you find that we all contain a seed of greatness within ourselves. We just have to nurture and tend to that part that will make us grow into a thing of beauty and productivity.

2. It is the essence of Spring itself. The season of renewal and new growth, it reminds us of the things we can accomplish. The saying, "Bloom where you are planted.", is a perfect quote for today. Dig in your heels and begin.

3. It is gentle. The process that this little bean seed is going through takes time and patience. It knows when and why it needs to move on to the next step and does not hurry itself along. It is certain and sure that what is supposed to happen, will. No matter how long it takes. And it doesn't care one single bit that the seed next door has its little green leaves already. Exercising patience is something that I need to do more of.

4. It is bounteous. Well, maybe not yet, but it is the beginning of something bigger. In this case, my garden. It will join other plants that are being started in my dining room window, and be placed in the ground in a few weeks time. During the summer, this little seed and its cousins will feed my family. It is a true collaboration for a greater good. Is that not what we do here; encouraging and uplifting each other to the point that we are all brimming with a bounty of ideas, feeding our confidence and creating fertile soil from which things of beauty and usefulness spring?

So, that is why I chose this picture. I think it shows great beauty, potential and strength.

I love that little seed.

Oh. So. Delish.

2008-03-18T12:53:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite things to do (when I have the time and $$$) is to travel to A Taste of Britain in Norcross, GA. Oh, how I love that little shop! It makes me deliriously happy to step through the door and take in all things British.
After filling my basket with practical things like Bisto gravy powder, Fairy Liquid (for dishwashing) and TCP, only the best antiseptic on this planet, Hob Nobs, Cornish pasties (with the "a" sound as in as, not ace. Do not get them confused!) I head to the candy shelves. I am transported to my childhood, eyes full of wonder at the treats that lay before me.
It is chocolate heaven - Cadbury Buttons, Flake, CurlyWurly, Fingers, Dairy Milk. Oh, bliss. Aero, Turkish Delight, Licorice All Sorts. Oh, my! But this is my favorite:

A Violet Crumble bar. A crisp, whipped honey center surrounded by milk chocolate. It is "Australia's Crisp Golden Honeycomb", and as it says on the side, "It's The Way It Shatters That Matters". Amen. Who could resisit this?
There is not a drop of violet anything inside of it. The only thing violet about it is the packaging.
You have probably guessed from the picture that I have been to the shop recently. I have been meteing out small portions of treats so that they will last. Not until my next visit, mind you. That will never happen.
But, wait! It's only a 45-minute trek to that little slice of England in Georgia. Would anyone care to join me?
Not in the Atlanta area? Find a British food store in your area and go! It will be well worth the trip.

New Home

2008-03-17T16:35:00.001-07:00

Last summer, my mother had a Charlotte move into the corner near her kitchen window. Charlotte was a large, black and yellow garden spider, a writer and a good one at that.

Now, my mother is afraid of spiders. Deathly afraid, yet she was very happy to have Charlotte move into the neighborhood. As long as there was a pane of glass between them.

This is the egg sac that Charlotte made to cradle her babies, tucked up in the corner of my parent's house. Realizing that an egg sac means thousands of baby spiders, my mom asked me to move it. Today, I did just that.

Here is the new home for Charlotte's egg sac. It is placed between the vines that wrap around the bird condominium. Can you see it, just to the left near the second doorway? ( I purposefully did not use a flash so as not to disturb the babies. I apologize for the darkness of the photo.)

Here it is close up. It is beautiful in its simplicity, a miracle of nature. Imagine something so small and fragile nestling the eggs of thousands of tiny spiders. Perfection.

In a few weeks, the babies will come out of the top of the sac and fly on the breeze with silken threads leading them to their own homes. I hope that some of them choose to stay here and create a home in my garden. There is always room for one more at my house.

The Wearin' o' the Green

2008-03-17T08:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!!

Meet Bunny and her cousin Annabelle

2008-03-14T07:27:00.000-07:00

Look who came to live at my house yesterday!! Bunny travelled all the way from Kentucky to join her cousin, Annabelle, who came to live here last year. As they would say in England, I'm chuffed.

Look at how sweetly she was packaged up for her trip...

And here she is in all of her glory, complete with a little sack of sunflower seeds and a tiny, red heart...

Bunny and Annabelle enjoying a lovely little visit in the garden, catching up on the latest news...

You can find your own little chile to adopt from Frannie, doll maker extraordinaire. I love how she uses bits and bobs to create some of the most charming, quirky little ladies I have ever seen. Pop on over to the Foundlin' Home. Someone there needs a momma!

Speaking of gardens! Look at this-

Granted, it does not look like much right now, but here is Raised bed Number 1, ready to be filled and planted with yummy, productive (hopefully) veg plants. Another one has gone in and only two more need to be built. I am sure they will be done before planting time.

Oh, I almost forgot!! Head on over to the Old Red Barn Co. and take a peek at the lovely quilt she will be giving away to some lucky person!! It is beautiful (and in all of my favorite colors)! I found out about it from my friend, Amy, this morning. The drawing is on the 19th of March, so hurry on over and leave a little love note for Dana. And good luck! But not too much, because as I said, the quilt is in all of my favorite colors. :)

Toodles.

Fickle Nature

2008-03-08T05:27:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was a beautiful, balmy day here in my neck of the woods. Bright sunshine,, slight breeze and a temperature of about 70 degrees. Perfect.

Happy little pear blossoms soaking up the sun.

Pink delights from my little plum tree.

And then there is this.......

Can you see the little white specks floating in this picture? They are not bits of dust.

It is snowing at my house today. Snow!

Beautiful.

Eeeeeevil Dog

2008-03-06T06:58:00.000-08:00

This is Rilo.

You would not think that a face like that could possibly be evil, would you? But it is. Trust me on this one. Looks are definitely deceiving in this case. Beneath that fluffy exterior lies a heart of pure mischief. Lulling you into a false sense of security with his cuteness, he times the reveal of his evilness with pinpoint perfection. And it comes at the most inopportune moments for the unsuspecting victim.

Rilo came from a yard sale. Yes, I know- what can't you get at them? My friend got his brother, whom she named Haldir. (For the elf in The Lord of the Rings. You know, he's the one who was whacked in the back of the head with an axe by an Ork in The Two Towers. I hate that part because I really like Haldir. The elf. Not so much the dog.)

Do you see that smile on his face in the picture? That's because he just scared the heck out of me.

I am certain that he does it on purpose, as though to say, "Pay attention to me!! Stop reading those silly blogs and get down on the floor and play! Now!!"

How did he do this, you ask? With an ear-piercing, earth-shattering bark. At nothing. It rips through the silence like a cat fight, fur flying and everything. How do you bark at nothing? Frantic, shrill, it fills the room and shakes my bones. And for what? For the pure pleasure of being evil.

"Hahaha. It is working. My evil plan is coming together. As soon as I render this woman helpless, I will be able to eat all of the trash I want!" I can fairly see his little paws rubbing together.

Lest you think that I do not like this dog, he does have his redeeming qualities. Like that smile. Especially when he shows his tiny teeth. Hilarious. I cannot help but laugh when I see it. '

And of course, there are the hugs. When he was a puppy, I taught him to give hugs by sitting him in my lap, patting my shoulder and saying, "Give a hug." and he would rest his head on me. To this day, if I want love and attention from him, I just ask for a hug. And he gets one in return, with a little piece of cheese.

But for the most part, he is bad-to-the-bone evil, with a little twist of sweetness.

It's that little twist that gets me every time.

On another note, we will be calling my husband "Postman Jim" starting the 17th of March!! Yay for the US Postal Service for seeing the good things about him and hiring him jiffy quick.

But, I have to say that, while I am ecstatically happy for him, I am a bit sad as well. We have had the best time together over these past few weeks. Travelling here and there, grocery shopping, cleaning the attic out, finding new places for lunch, digging out the garden, watching Matlock reruns. We have never, in 26 years, had time like this. And now it is almost over. But I am grateful for it nonetheless. So, for the next week or so, I am taking advantage and making sure that we squeeze in as much fun as we can.

And some Spring cleaning as well. ;)

Toodles!

Spring-y Surprises

2008-03-04T07:14:00.001-08:00

Do you not just love an unexpected warm spell in the wintertime? I do. Yesterday was an absolute beauty- warm, breezy- perfect for getting out and taking a few pictures of the happy surprises in my yard.

These are some of my favorite weeds. I do not know what they are, but I cannot bear to rip them out of the ground. How cute are they? Teeny-tiny blossoms of sweetness. I prefer to rank them in the perennial category. Weed is just an insult to this little gem.

I could not get in close enough to the daffodil patch to get a good shot (maneuvering my still healing ankle into odd positions is not a good thing), so I had to pluck one to photograph. Held up against the Dwarf Alberta Spruce, this picture does not really show how tiny this blossom is. It is a miniature burst of sunshine.

What is this? An alien being parachuting down to Earth in M.C. Hammer's dance pants?

No. It is the center of this fabulous orchid blooming in my dining room window. I bought this plant last November in a yard sale for fifty-cents. And I do believe that I have received my money's worth, don't you? I had no idea what to expect from this orchid, but I was reeeally happy to see this-

On Saturday night, taking his friend home, my son felt his car beginning to shake. Thinking that he had a flat tire, he made it to his friend's house and parked the car. Trying to find the reason in the dark was fruitless. Yesterday, he and his dad attempted to drive it to the mechanic. They made it to our house. Thinking that putting the spare on would enable to get them where they needed to go yielded the true cause of the shake, rattle and no roll. The tie rod had severed. This is not what it is supposed to look like, unless you want it to be broken.

Son- "Dad, I think I know why the tire was shaking."

Dad-"Ooooooh. Yep."

You could say that the men in my family are Masters of Understatement, and you would be correct.

So, sometimes surprises are good, and sometimes they are not. I believe that I will take the good ones, thank you. The not-so-good-ones only make me wish for a pair of rose-colored glasses. And a nose that can twitch everything back to normal.

Mystery Item

2008-03-01T11:24:00.001-08:00

I wonder what this could possibly bee?

And these?

Pay no attention to the large, wrinkled hand. It is an illusion.

I wish.

This is so bee-coming something neat.

It's a pinkeeper!!

This is for the pinkeeper swap over at MaryJane's Farm. It's a secret swap, in that we do not know who we will send our pinkeeper to, nor do we know which one we will get. Kind of a fun idea, yes?

As it is a sewing item, I used vintage spools of Lily thread for the legs of the base. And I wrangled the first few tender vines of honeysuckle to make the wreath at the base. Honeysuckle- get it? The little bees were beaded on before it was stuffed with wool fleece.

I bought the fleece a year ago and I still have a ton of it left. And I have been stuffing everything with it. Well worth the cost to have it sent from my friend Robin in Washington state. :)

I hope that whoever is the recipient of this little hive likes it as much as I had fun making it. As soon as I find out who's house it will go to, it will bee on its way!!

More Card Bases and Our Old Man (Dog)

2008-02-26T13:29:00.000-08:00

Behold, another card base, this time for Princes large and small. The nice thing is, you can change the words inside to accommodate anyone. I love that freedom of being able to choose what I say.
And yes, he is dangling that poor Scotty dog in midair. He is supposed to be a sweet lad playing with a toy, and not some masochistic animal maimer.

This one is the base for an anniversary card. Or Valentine's Day, or for anytime you want to tell someone how much you love them. I love the patchiness of it. Just like the layers of a good, solid relationship. :)

This is our dog, Bentley. He will turn 10 in a few weeks. That's 70 in dog years. You can see the wages of time in his graying hairs and failing eyes.

He has taken to sleeping on my treadmill lately. Not exactly what it was designed for, but, hey, it works for him. Problem is, when I want to get on and walk for my fifteen minutes at a snail's pace, he gives me a look that says, "Excuse me?"

I love this dog. He is the dog of my dreams. Really. He came to us quite unexpectedly. My DH and I had taken our children to PetsMart to get fish food , and when we came out there was a woman pushing a cart full of puppies and aiming right for us!! My hubby ran for the car with JA leaving me with Nate, who ran right for the pups.

In the cart were six Golden Retriever-Chow mix puppies, all boys. Balls of fluff and sweetness, every single one of them. But Bentley, the one who came home with us, was the sweetest of all. Lifting himself up on the side of the cart, he pushed his nose against Nate and that was the proverbial all-she-wrote.

The puppies had been born in the woods behind the woman's house, during a heavy thunderstorm. She lived about a quarter of a mile away from our house. The mother dog was a stray who had somehow found a hole in the fence and came in to find a small area that was protected from the storm. Six little puppies were born under horrible circumstances. His coming home with us must have been destiny.

Pleading eyes looked up at me and all I could muster was, "Go ask Dad." I am helpless in a situation like that. I am a total push-over. Mush. And every animal that we have ever had has sensed it immediately.

Coming back from his conversation with his father, Nate informed me that, "Dad said it's okay."

"Really? Wow, that's a surprise." And that is how Bentley came home with us.

Walking towards the car, I saw my husband shaking his head. Opening the door found him muttering in disbelief. Apparently the lines of communication were not very clear and Nate decided to give his own interpretation to the intermittent static. Hmmm. It was too late now.

At the time Bentley came home with us, we had four brand new kittens. Babies were abounding in our little house. For the first six months of his life here, he used a litter box. I believe he still thinks he's part cat.

If dogs can possess human qualities, then Bentley has them all. Friendly, nurturing, compassionate, protective- the list goes on.

I also believe that he came with a built-in signal that attracts the lost and forlorn in the animal kingdom. I believe this because over the years, he has brought home strays, knowing that when they arrived, they would not be turned away. While not all of them have stayed with us, they have found good homes. We were just a spring-board towards future happiness.

"Come with me, my mom will take care of you. I promise. She will resist at first, but she gives in. Every time. Trust me on this. You are going to love it at my house." And yes, I resist and then cave like an ice house in Miami.

This old fellow has been beside us through many adventures. I hate to think of a time when he will not be here, so I don't. But it nags at me every now and then and makes me sad, because I know that there is no other dog like him. Anywhere.

I need to go give him a hug now. And a piece of cheese.

A Little Card I Made

2008-02-25T15:14:00.000-08:00

This is the front of a birthday card that I assembled and photographed. The crown came from a nearby antique mall. I bought four of them and am just now finding a use for them. The problem with only having four is that I am loathe to stick them down with glue. Hence the photographing of the card. Now all of the Birthday Princesses can wear one, and I still have them to use at whim.

The other good thing about this card is that I can cut it out, mount it on any color card stock I choose and glitter and embellish at will. Which will make each card a bit more personal for each recipient. I will have to put one together so that you can see it all done up!!

Back to the craft room for me!

Toodles.

Smile. Click!

2008-02-23T08:57:00.000-08:00

See this guy right here-

With his sweet smile and the look that says "Hurry up and take the darn picture, Karin!"?

Well, he bought me a new best friend yesterday. Yes!! I have a camera again! It's a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 and I am in love with it. Now my blog will have the added bonus of pictures. No more boring posts here. Nope. Not a one.
I have been taking pictures and deleting, annoying my family, taking more, uploading them, deleting, taking them inside, outside, annoying my family some more. Yep. I'm back in the photo biz. And I could not be happier. :)

My daughter took this shot of her cat, Merideth, the Evil One. Yes. Yes, she really is.

I took this one this morning, standing on my front porch and zooming in to the tree in our front yard. I love that tree when it is in bloom.

And I love my husband. He's such a dear!

Hats, Hats, Hats!

2008-02-19T09:12:00.000-08:00

Bristol of Honey Bend Vintage is hosting the above Kentucky Derby Hat Swap. Eeek!! How fun will this be?

My grandmother was a milliner. In fact, she was the original Jane-of-All-Trades. From dressmaking, hatmaking, hairstyling to running her own restaurant, she did it all and did it well.

I hope that some of her talent in the millinery area rubbed off on me because I have joined this swap. Ideas are floating through my head and I am trying to get them all to come together in some cohesive form.

My frame of reference for the Derby is very limited. But Ascot is another story. Picture My Fair Lady, with women in hats that defy gravity and Audrey Hepburn looking sleek and elegant in classic black and white. Ooooh. Aaaaah.

If your interests lie in making things that are fanciful and unique, head on over and sign up for Bristol's fab swap!

I cannot wait to see what these ladies make.

The Books On My Bedside Table

2008-02-18T07:49:00.000-08:00

Cindy has tagged me to share with you what is on page 123 in the book I am reading currently. Well, I am reading three. So I have to eeny-meeny-miney-moe and give you the passage from one of them, or, I could give you the passage from all three. Hmmm.
I think I will do all three. :)
Here goes:
From Henry James, Washington Square:
"Do you think he is sentimental?"
"He is not sentimental," said Mrs. Penniman; "but, to be perfectly fair to him, I think he has, in his own narrow way, a certain sense of duty."
There passed through Morris Townsend's mind a rapid wonder as to what he might, even under a remote contingency, be indebted to from the action of this principle in Dexter Sloper's breast, and the inquiry exhausted itself in his sense of the ludicrous "Your brother has no duties to me," he said presently, "and I none to him."

From Mirielle Guiliano, French Women Don't Get Fat:
This passage happens to be in the middle of a recipe. It is for soup- Soupe aux Légumes de Maman- Mom's Vegetable Soup. Yum.
Thin the soup with the reserved cooking liquid to the consistence you like (it shouldn't be too watery or too thick).
5. Correct the seasoning and add fresh herbs of your choice.
Bring the soup to a boil.

And lastly, C.S. Lewis, A Year with C.S. Lewis, Daily Readings From His Classic Works:
The problem here is that there are only five sentences on page 123. So I give you the first three from page 124;
The Hint of More (from The Problem of Pain)
Are not all friendships born at the moment when at last you meet another human being who has some inkling (but faint and uncertain even in the best) of that something which you were born desiring, and which, beneath the flux of other desires and in all the momentary silences between louder passions, night and day, year by year, from childhood to old age, you are looking for, watching for, listening for? You never had it. All the things that have ever deeply possessed your soul have been but hints of it- tantalising glimpses, promises never quite fulfilled, echoes that died away just as they caught your ear.

There you have it. Excerpts from what I am reading now. So, I must choose three others to share what they are reading.

My choices are:
Jenny

Katie. and

Tina

The rules are as follow...1. The book must be over 123 pages.2. Find page 123 in the book.3. Find the first 5 sentences.4. Post the next 3 sentences.5. Tag other people

I cannot wait to see what you are reading!!

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T05:52:00.001-08:00

This Little Piggy

2008-02-12T15:55:00.000-08:00

I've done it now. Last Thursday I taught Sign Language at my house to a group of women from church. We had so much fun! Learning a new language at any time is not easy, but when you have to contort your hands into shapes that they have never done before, well, the result is just a bit on the hilarious side.
As a reward for all of their hard work, I had bought a large Key Lime pie at Costco to satisfy their sweet tooth (teeth?) and make them happy.
The clear problem with my plan was that only half the pie was eaten. And no one in my house eats Key Lime pie. Except for me.
As a result, not wanting to let the $10 I paid for the 12-inch pie go to waste, I ate the remainder over the course of the next few days. This was not a good idea, because in my quest to not create waste, I did just that. I created an expansion in my waist. And now I feel ill.
Why did I do it? I know the consequences of eating things like this, and it is never pretty.
Each morning I get out of bed full of determination and resolve that this day will be the one where I stay on track. Starting with a bowl of oatmeal with honey, Raisin Bran or toast and eggs with a little fruit, I am on my way to a healthful menu. Lunch is usually broiled fish and a salad, or soup and half a sandwich. Perfect. Then comes the afternoon, when for some inconceivable reason, all common sense and good intentions fly out the window and something invades my brain and says, "You've been a good girl, why not just take one piece of Key Lime pie. One slice can't hurt you." And I listen!!! What a pushover! What a wimp! What the heck?
I eat it with the thought that I am not wasting food, and then I am consumed with guilt for eating the food. It is a conundrum of enormous proportions.
In turn, I am becoming a girl of enormous proportions. It does not help that I am still not able to do much because I am wearing the boot for my ankle. Inactivity and eating things like Key Lime pie are a lethal combination.
My hope is that now, after I have confessed my sins to all to the world, I will try harder to remain on the right path. I also hope that you will take pity on me in my time of weakness and send me a little encouragement every now and then. Please?
I'll start tomorrow. This little piggy is taking charge.
The Key Lime pie is gone now anyway.

Mobile Melodies

2008-02-09T05:48:00.000-08:00

One of the Farmgirls asked a question the other day that got me thinking. What music are you listening to in your car? Or van, or SUV, or truck?
The answers were as varied as the women on the forum. My answer to the question was this- Paul Potts and the sountrack from "Juno". As I wrote- "Talk about polar opposites!"
My musical taste varies as much as the weather. One day I could listen to James Taylor, the next time, Tracy Chapman and the next would find me listening to Vivaldi or Bach.
My children have developed a broad taste in music as well. That is evidenced by the long lists on their iPods. Hours and hours of endless listening pleasure. Well, some of it. They will attest that they like it all. Me, not so much. I am not a big fan of what I call "screaming music." It may start out harmless enough, but then all of a sudden, the inner angst of the musician comes out in what can only be described as a sound of someone being attacked by wild animals. No. It is not pleasant to the ear, or the spirit.
For Christmas, my son gave me a mixed cd of some of his favorites that he thought would appeal to me. He made one for his dad also, and said that one was much easier to put together.
From this cd, interspersed among talents like the Beach Boys, I have been introduced to the likes of Iron and Wine, Coldplay, Elliot Smith, Regina Spektor and my son's own composition
titled after his mom. (Isn't that sweet?)
I have to say that I like what he chose for me. It shows a soft side to the music that he listens to.
Even the song he wrote for me, with its electronic robot sounds that remind me of the sounds computers made in old movies, has its charm.
One song in particular has drawn me into its depths. By Elliot Smith, "Twilight" is soulful and haunting. It is a song about relationships and unrequited love, and there is a line in the chorus that touches my heart- "I'm already somebody's baby." It could mean a myriad of things. A friend, a spouse, a boyfriend or girlfriend, a child. I tend to think of it in the latter term. The reason I do is because of his story.
Incredibly talented but riddled with inner struggles, this young man committed suicide in 2003. How can someone with such a connection to life, deeply connected to it, end his own so quickly? Did he know that he would break the hearts of his parents and friends? He was somebody's baby. He was his mother's.
Clearly he forgot that, as he complicated his life with drugs and alcohol, looking for the things that would bring him peace. You can hear the longing in his songs. A search with no end, he opted out, leaving an empty space in his wake.
I think sometimes we forget that artists- musicians, actors, sculptors- are expressing and baring their most intimate selves. That fact seems to be clouded with all of the romance and drama of their lives. It is usually in retrospective that we can see things clearly.
The words to describe such people is as varied as their talents; confident, shy, fragile, sensitive, faithful, open, sweet. Playing to both sides, the public and the private, can prove to be too much for some.
I think that is why my children appreciate such a wide variety of music. They take the time to learn the story behind the words and the musician that sings them. In turn, I have learned from them, and for that I am grateful. I rather like learning things from my children.
That is why I have Paul Potts and "Juno" in my cd player.

Another Voting Request

2008-02-07T13:47:00.001-08:00

This time for my friend Dawn!! Here is the link to vote for your favorite artwork using the sweet angel from Charming Sam Studio :
http://charmingsam.blogspot.com/2008/02/valentines-day-art-contest-please-cast.html

Now, hopefully you will find Dawn's art endearing enough to garner your vote. It sure got mine.
Here it is:

So please, while you are still in voting mode, head on over and make your choice!

Don't Forget to Exercise!

2008-02-05T08:24:00.000-08:00

The Garden Goose

2008-02-03T14:23:00.000-08:00

My friend, Tina, is having a Valentine's giveaway over at her blog. Please go visit her and sign up to win one of her very sweet pillows. (And whatever else she decides to put in the box. :)
Go on.

Small

2008-02-03T06:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went to visit my father at the VA Hospital with my husband and two of my children. My middle son, JA, did not want to come. I am not sure why. it is either because a) he does not really like seeing Grandpa sick, or b) he did not want to shave. Whichever it was, I am sad he did not go with us.
We walked into Dad's room to find him sleeping in the chair by his bed. It did not look like he was sleeping at first. Panic rippled through my body as I walked over to him. He was pale, cold and still. At last I saw his chest lift. Thank goodness.
I tried to awaken him to no avail. Rubbing his hands, his cheeks, his chest, trying to get a response proved fruitless for quite a long time. One at a time an eye would open, then close. His mouth contorted into snarls as though to say, "Leave me alone, Karin."
His doctor came by to let us know what they were planning for him. He also told us that he had altered his pain medication, which may have explained him sleeping like a rock. Literally.
Dad has an infection in his spine. It has settled in between the eighth and ninth vertebrae, where he has a fracture. Somehow they missed the fracture last year when he was in the hospital, along with the two broken ribs he has. But they did find the infection last week in a CT scan, and admitted him immediately.
The doctor told us he is planning on taking a biopsy next Wednesday or Thursday, along with a bone chip, to see what they are actually up against. Waiting is an awful thing, but they cannot proceed until some of his medications are out of his system.
Dad was oblivious to this entire exchange, as he was still sleeping, head tucked down, looking like a child in his chair.
I did get him awake enough to talk and to see that we were all there to see him.
A nurse came in to check his blood sugar level so they would know how much insulin to give him at dinnertime. Dad's blood sugar was 30. No wonder he was so sound asleep. No wonder he wasn't responding. He was slipping away right in front of us. In came his food tray.
I cut up his dinner and he started to eat. And eat, and eat. The more he ate, the more awake he bacame. He loves the food at the VA, thank goodness. He ate all of his dinner. Another nurse came in and gave him an enormous syringe full of dextrose and a cup of applesauce. My husband went and got him a soda, and Dad drank it all.
Slowly he began to be his old self again. The color came back to his cheeks, his hands warmed and his nails were no longer blue.
I sat there feeling very helpless. I had not recognized what was happening, assuming that it was his new medication and not his body causing his sleepiness. I will not make that mistake again.
Dealing with aging parents is a whole new world for me. I think of them as being relatively young still, even though they are in their seventies. This past year has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride with each of them. I do not want to lose them and, even though I know it is inevitable, I try not to think about it.
Unfortunately, things keep happening to bring that fact right to the front of my brain, where it hangs like a dark shadow over me causing me to shrink away. Not only will I lose them, I will lose myself, the child I am. The child I was.
Small. On the outside of me that word no longer applies, but inside, it will always have a place. I will always be humbled back to it by circumstance. Small. Unable. Helpless. Child.

Tag, I'm It!

2008-01-31T04:54:00.000-08:00

I have been tagged twice in the past week, and I feel awful that I have not listed my Seven Unknown (Wierd) Things. Two of my farmgirl sisters are the culprits- Amy, from Life in Kansas, and Tina, from The Garden Goose. Thank you, girls.
Okay, here goes:

1. I am a toad killer. When I was younger, my brother and I found dozens of baby toads in the field next to our house. We got a box, filled it with grass and a small dish of water and observed them for an entire morning. Leaving them in the box, tucked up against the back of the house for protection, we went off to play for the rest of the day. Coming back to the box, we found, to our horror, dozens of dehydrated, dead toads. They had baked in the sun. We never did that again.

2. When I was 10, my friend Patty and I did something completely unexplainable. It must have been because it was summer and we were bored. One afternoon, I went in the house and got a large pitcher of water and a bar of Dial soap. Patty and I went to the side of my house, wet our hair and soaped it up with Dial. We each shaped our hair into odd shapes (sticking up all over our heads) and, this is the unexplainable part, we ran up to the stone wall next to the road and scared drivers as they passed by. I wonder what they thought of two ten-year-old girls with soapy, stick-up hair waving their arms madly at them? I hope I never find out.

3. I would love to be a grandmother. And I don't want to be an old grandma, I want to have fun with my grandchildren! I do not want to be the grandma that sits in the rocking chair with a withered finger poking at them saying, "Come closer, I can't see you.", and scare the heck out of them.

4. I love Boston Baked Beans. The candy ones. Yum!! I eat them until my mouth turns red and I have a tummy ache from all that sugar.

5. I love oatmeal, with brown sugar and bananas, for breakfast. I could eat it every day. That's how much I love it. :)

6. I have not wallpapered my craft room with that fabulous Cath Kidston wallpaper my children gave me on my birthday last year. I cannot bear to cut into it. How silly is that?

7. I collect rocks. Not just any rocks, but rocks from places that I visit. They're cheap (free), small and I can put them in a jar and look at them and remember where I have been.

Ok. There they are, seven more things you probably did not want to know about me.

I am going to make my tags later. I am off for a full day of visiting, creating and going to see my dad at the hospital. But that is another story for later. He's ok, we think. The adventure never stops!

'Til later!

Dawn @ The Feathered Nest

Tracy @ On the Shores of Carpenter Creek

Beth @ Gathering Dust

Colleen @ Main Street Memories

Cindy @ For Love of Home

Five is going to have to be enough!

Observation

2008-01-30T05:26:00.000-08:00

Have you ever walked into a building or room and felt it's energy? Actually felt it as it wrapped around you and made you feel alive? That is how I felt yesterday walking into the Plum Tree.
Cindy and her friends have been working hard making the Plum Tree one of the cutest shops in Georgia. ( Actually, I think it is the cutest shop. )
Remember I told you about Dawn and her incredible generosity? Well, yesterday we met at the shop and put some things in her room. I had just a few things to put it in; a few bags of clothespins, chalkboard tags (modeled after tags I saw on Ciel D'orage- scroll down to Jan. 10), two altered vintage plates, and a few other things. The wonderful thing is that all of my things melded well with Dawn's. Yay! (I am still cameraless, else I would be showing them to you!! I would also show you the adorable apron that Dawn gave me. As soon as I get a camera, there will have to be a post with nothing but pictures!)
The whole time we were there, I felt my heart beginning to lift. I felt inspired and connected. Dawn and Cindy have that effect on people. They just make you smile. And that has pervaded into every nook and cranny in the shop. I can tell that this is going to be a good place for me, surrounded by wonderful women who encourage each other.
Thank you, Dawn and Cindy, for who you are- warm, kind, open and generous. I think we are going to have a lot of fun together!!

Farewell

2008-01-28T05:43:00.000-08:00

Last night, at seven o'clock, President Gordon B. Hinckley passed away. This sweet man, the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, a prophet of God who loved the Savior, will be greatly missed.

Finding the words that would adequately describe this gentle soul is easy. Sweet, warm, humorous, faithful, focused, beloved, humble, loving, compassionate, friendly, spiritual, witty, profound. The list goes on.

The one undeniable fact about him is that he knew his Heavenly Father and the Savior on a deep, personal level. Not knew of them, but knew them. Daily communications in deep, personal prayer gave him the opportunity to receive counsel from them for himself and for the world.

He was a friend to everyone he met. He loved people, all people. His example is one to be followed by each of us, because he followed the greatest example, Jesus Christ- never judge, extend a hand of friendship, embrace the needy, teach. And he did it with a grateful heart and a smile on his face. Always.

How I loved this man and things that I learned from him. I am so grateful to have been taught by him with the strength and power that comes from the Spirit, that touched my heart with a chord of familiarity, testifying of the truth he spoke.

While he will be missed by his family and us here, I am certain that there is great rejoicing in Heaven as he reunites with his family there, especially his wife. And I know that he was welcomed into the arms of Heavenly Father and the Savior with an embrace that cannot be imagined.

This lovely man, a friend to all he met, now knows and can feel the true depth of love that they have for him, the gratitude for his leading with humility and honor and the wash of joy at his return.

Beloved Prophet, friend of the world, farewell.

The Miracle of Friendship

2008-01-24T10:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my husband was let go from his job, one that he had held for close to twenty-four years. Clearly, all of his hard work and loyalty to the company that employed him was for naught. Without even a "Thank you." he was told he was no longer needed. It was cold, impersonal and unfair.

For us, when things like this happen in our family, we rally around each other. Immediately we sat down and went over our plan. Yes, unfortunately we had an idea this may have been coming.

Just not this soon.

My first thoughts were of how I could help. Being a stay-at-home mom does not offer me much of an opportunity to earn a living. Our children are grown now, but with a disabled son, I have to be available to get him back and forth to work and be here if he becomes ill. What to do? What to do?

I don't know about you, but when I get stressed I head to the craft room. Something in my brain turns on and ideas come pouring out. I really should be the most creative person on earth at the rate I become stressed. Glancing over all of the piles of things in there inspired me.

A quick e-mail to my friend, Dawn, inquiring about the availability of space somewhere, anywhere, that I could take things to sell solicited a response that took me by surprise. "Come share my room at the Plum Tree." Such generosity and sweetness from this woman left me speechless. "Are you sure?" "Yes." And that was that.

I am so grateful to Dawn for being willing to share her beautiful room and open her generous heart to this friend in need. It is indeed a miracle to have a friend like her.

This is going to be a whole new adventure for me. I'm glad I get to take it with Dawn.

I Could Not Wait

2008-01-22T12:59:00.000-08:00

I had to share what I finished today. This is the hexagonal medallion from MaryJane's Stitching Room book (pg. 73). Her mother used to make these and according to MaryJane, they have magical powers. I believe her.
It looks very complicated to make but in reality, it is easy-peasey. Just chains and triple crochets. Lots of them.
The magic comes in the form of wonder as you take trips around and out from the center circle seven times and watch the shape unfold before your eyes. Just don't look at the mistakes. :)

I see lots of fun projects being made from these. Beautiful projects made into gifts for all sorts of occasions. Or maybe to keep.
If you like to crochet, you need to make these. If you don't yet know how, this medallion would be a good reason to learn. Trust me. If I can make one, you can too!

Making Laundry Day More Pleasant

2008-01-22T07:29:00.000-08:00

I've been making these clothes pins for a while now.

They make great gifts and are quick and easy to do.

Each one is stamped with a word that describes laundry day. Good or bad.

The backs have a sweet vine stamped on them.

Then all sides are clear-coated with acrylic spray and package in small muslin bags, six to a bag.

I use them for all sorts of thing other than laundry. They close bags of chips, hold papers together on my desk, hang pictures up in my craft room. Plain pins can do the same things of course, but why would you want plain when you can use these?

While Mother Nature Was Making Snowflakes....

2008-01-20T12:05:00.000-08:00

I visited Rita (my craft room) and created a little bobble. I am sorry about that darn blurry picture. A camera, a camera! My world for a camera! OK. Enough of the dramatics.

Friday proved to be a very good day for travelling to Griffin for an estate sale. The house, a Craftsman kit-built home, must have been beautiful in its day. Someone with a very heavy Victorian hand had gotten a hold of it in recent years and, I am sorry to say, did it no favors. But inside were treasures galore!

Along with linens and hankies and a granny square afghan (for $1!), I found a broken pair of 14k gold wire glasses. They were $2 and I could not pass them up. Immediately an idea popped into my head. I love it when that happens.

One of the lenses had broken off the nose piece so I removed the other one. I traced each lens onto the page of an old spelling book (bought at the same sale) and on the front side stamped a cute little nest filled with eggs. The back has randomly chosen sentences about spring. I glued each piece of paper to each lens and trimmed away the excess. Then I placed the lenses on top of each other with the earpieces going in opposite directions. I trimmed the wires and wrapped them around the hinges, creating a loop with one and cutting the other off flush. A simple, thin ribbon trin was glued around the sides and Voila! Two small mother-of-pearl buttons for a little dimension and I was done.

I haven't decided yet what I will do with it. Possibly a necklace or just a little doo-dad stuck onto something. But I sure do love it to bits.

Now I just need to find more broken glasses. :)

Floating, Swirling & Falling Gently

2008-01-16T14:03:00.000-08:00

We have snow. Beautiful, soft flakes quietly turning things white.
These are the type of winter days we hope for here in the South. They come all too rarely lately, so the minute a flake falls, excitement fills the air.
We will be staying in, tucked up in our warm house, watching movies and playing games as long as it continues. Like I said, this is a rare occurence and you do not want to be on the roads with drivers who think they can steer through anything.
Nor do you want to go to the grocery store, because everyone else will be there, clearing the shelves of milk, bread and every snack food known to man. I'm not sure why. Tomorrow it will be back to the same old weather. How much can one eat in a day?
Nope. We are staying in. Unless we get enough to make a miniature snowman, of course.

Sweet Treat

2008-01-15T16:59:00.000-08:00

This is my recipe page for Beth and Karla's Sweet Treats and Roses Swap. I apologize for the horrible picture. I had to scan it as I am still cameraless. (Insert great sigh of despair here.)

As I chose to submit a recipe for Gateau au Chocolat, a French chocolate cake, I tried to make my page look as French as possible. I think it might be a miss.

I printed my recipe out twice in my chosen font and applied each copy to a hand-stamped background. Then I added the ribbon trim and scanned the page. The button trim and stamped bird border were added after the fact.

I rather like the look. The background reminds me of an old-fashioned brocade curtain.

I cannot wait to see the completed cookbook, with the incredible covers that Beth and Karla have made for us and the tags that each of us has made.

On the ankle front, things are looking up!! The swelling has gone down, I only use the crutches to pad to the bathroon during the night and the bruises are disappearing. I feel so much better in fact, that I am going to an estate sale on Friday. I am either very brave or very silly. I'll let you know which when I return.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.

2008-01-09T07:54:00.000-08:00

That's how I feel lately. Is there anything more boring than laying on the couch with your foot in the air? I don't think so.
Yesterday my friend, Lucy, took me to Hobby Lobby for a little excursion. Little? Ha! We were gone for a few hours. As I was hobbling in a lovely woman told me to stop, she would get me a wheelchair. I thanked her profusely and sat down, quite relieved.
Then, out popped a cashier who had been watching us, and she asked if I had someone with me to help. I answered that I did, and thanked her. I do believe she would have wheeled me around the store if I hadn't.
Those were the only two angels I encountered for the remainder of my day out. Other than Lucy, of course. I have gained new perspective for people who have to rely on this mode of transportation on a permanent basis. It's a whole new world.
It is difficult to maneuver down the 80% off Christmas aisle when there are carts and people everywhere and you are in a wheelchair. Note to self- When perusing the clearance item aisle (or any aisle), leave the cart parked at the end. It is easier for just you to move out of the way than you and your cart together. Plus, you will get more exercise bringing things back and forth.
The other thing you cannot do when in a wheelchair is to reach thing hanging higher than four or five feet. From now on, I will always be more observant and ask if I can reach those cute little jars of beads for someone else sitting in one.
I did purchase some supplies for Beth and Karla's Sweet Treats and Roses Swap. My tag is almost done, and I am finishing up designing my page. I hope they like it. In fact, I think that is just what I need today. I'll find a chair, prop up my leg and get back to creating.
In the meantime, I will leave you with some more pictures of Oakland Cemetary, including the resting place of Margaret Mitchell Marsh. I miss my camera.

Beauty is found wherever you turn your head.

Even in the most humble of things. Perfection not required.

Inside and out.

It always surprises me that someone who left such a

monumental work is laid to rest in such a plain, unassuming place.

Margaret Mitchell was my age when she died.

Her parents are buried opposite her, a family together forever.

Even in this land of death, life springs forth.

It gives us hope.

The Reign of Sprain

2008-01-05T09:22:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much for all of your well-wishes! It is a comforting thought to know that there are friends from all over the world hoping for your quick recovery.
As you can tell from the title of this post, it is a severe sprain. I have some small tears in the ligaments on top of my foot, so I am wearing an aircast for the next four weeks. Between it and the crutches I am quite a sight hobbling about the house! However, the crutches should be gone by the end of next week. That is a happy thought.
Tina, from the Garden Goose, has tagged me to reveal seven unknown things about me. Let's see if I can come up with seven more bits of wierdness for you.

1. I have lost six pounds this week. It might be from the fact that I have been using the crutches which have exercised parts of me that I did not know I had, or it could be that I have given up drinking diet soda and have been eating better. Whatever it is, I'll take it.

2. Once upon a time I studied organic chemistry. For fun. I spent a lot of time at the Sarasota library when I was 19, picking up anything that interested me. The study of organic chemistry lasted about 6 months. Then it was on to art. I'm a bit fickle.

3. I'm a bit fickle. There, that's a good one. I can change from one interest to another at the drop of a hat. Or could that be ADD? I think I like fickle better.

4. I think fickle is a great word and is highly underused. :)

5. I did not send out Christmas cards last year. As in 2007. I am still hiding in the corner.

6. I have a little crush on Jamie Oliver. And lucky for me, he's coming back to television this year. Whoo-hoo!

7. I received the seeds from my wish list from my husband for Christmas and you would have thought he had given me diamonds. Only seeds are better. They actually do something on their own and you do not have to worry when you lose them in the dirt.

Okay, there they are- seven more odd things about me.
I am supposed to tag seven more people to make their own list. I will do that later. Right now, my foot needs to go up in the air for a bit.

Toodles!

Head on Over...

2008-01-03T15:39:00.000-08:00

To CatieAn's blog to enter her giveaway celebrating her birthday and her 75th blog post.

I head to the doctor tomorrow for the final verdict. I hope my foot and ankle are just sprained.
If anyone is wondering if they are in shape or not, try wielding a pair of crutches for a few days. Yikes!! My body feels like I have been through the Crucible at Parris Island. When all of this is over, it's back to exercising for me. Oh, how I dislike that word. But do it I must.
Back to bed for me. I'm off to watch Last Holiday. I need some comedy right about now.

Hoppy New Year

2008-01-02T07:40:00.000-08:00

This is not a reference to Hoppin' John, the popular New Year's day dish here in the South. No, it is a reference to Hoppin' Karin, who somehow either severely sprained or broke my ankle yesterday.
How did this happen?! I went here:

To the historical Oakland Cemetary in Atlanta. My brother and I thought a nice walk through the cemetary and taking a few pictures would be a great way to start the new year.

And for a while, it was.
Parts of this cemetary are so beautiful they take your breath away. Like a small city, monuments and mausoleums rise up above the ground, a testament to the love of their family and the wealth the deceased possessed.

The ironwork in Oakland is exquisite. Filigreed and aged, it stands guard over small, family plots.

The statuary, sublime, softened by years of exposure to the elements. There is such emotion and life found here in this most unlikely place.

Not long after taking the above picture, I fell from a wall, rolled my left ankle in a culvert and landed unceremoniously on my backside in the roadway. My foot immediately began to swell up like a balloon. My brother went to get the truck (I hope he took some more shots on the way.) and I waited, my leg propped on the wall I had just fallen from. A quick call to my husband and we were off to the hospital where we sat for five hours.

I now have a rather large splint on my leg and orders to see an ortho this week to be reexamined to determine if I have a hairline fracture or not. Apparently my foot was much too swollen to tell from the original. Oh joy, oh rapture.

Nothing chips at your ego like doing something silly, and I sure did that yesterday. I would show you a picture of my big, fat foot, but my camera flew through the air like a trapeze artist and landed on a monument, bouncing back onto the soft grass. It has gone to its great reward I think. Above all else, that is the saddest thing to me. I feel as though I have lost my best friend.

Ah, well, that's the way things go sometimes. Hopefully the remainder of the year will go a bit more smoothly. Hopefully.

Mary Janes and a Blast From the Past

2007-12-31T15:46:00.000-08:00

My sweet nephew, Brandon, drew my name for Christmas. I cannot imagine anything less that a 16 year-old boy would want to do than pick out a gift for his aunt. But, with a little help from his mom (my sister) he got me these:

Raspberry-red Mary Jane Crocs!! They are so cute and comfortable. I had to wear them right away! And where, you might ask? To the antique malls, of course.
Thank you, thank you, dear Brandon. They are perfect.

Before I left for the antique malls, my friend, Joyce, came over to bring me a lovely gift. In her hands were dozens of copies of Better Homes & Gardens magazines from 1971-1976. In my lifetime, that spans from Eight grade to my senior year in high school.

I am thrilled to bits with these glimpses into the past. Thank you, Joyce, for keeping these tucked in the back of your cupboard for the past thirty years!

How cute is this Granny-squared blanket? The directions are included and you can bet I will be making one this year.

I can tell you that if I served this to my children there would be a massive revolt. A ham-wrapped pickle is not quite my idea of dinner either. But the mac & cheese would be fine and dandy.

How about some festive Jell-O desserts? Yummmmmm.

I believe that I will be spending my New Year's day perusing these little bits of vintage heaven. And working on a special project. But, more on that later. :)

Happy New Year !!

'Twas the Night Before Christmas,

2007-12-26T08:11:00.000-08:00

And all through my house,

Was the pitter and patter of me and my spouse.

Trying to hide from the boy in his room,

Who was trying to sleep knowing Santa's due soon.

The problem, it seemed, due to dreams of the night,

Was the door would pop open and on went the light!

Anxiety reigned for my hubby and me.

When could we put the gifts under the tree?

Every five minutes the boy would peek,

To see if his stocking was filled up yet. Eek!

At three in the morning, success came at last!

We settled to bed and tried to relax, when-

Pop! went the door and Snap! went the light!

The boy was awake and in awe of the sight!

His stocking was full, his joy overflowed,

And we pretended to sleep, keeping our eyes closed,

As he crept to our room, bounty in hand,

Waiting to show us his presents so grand.

Finding us napping, back to bed the boy slumped,

And we, the two Scrooges, felt like crabby, old grumps.

Give us a minute or two of a peaceful night's sleep,

A few precious seconds with nary a peep.

But, alack and alas, that was just not to be,

For the boy was too full of Christmas excitement and glee.

So up we all got, Dad, Sis and Me,

And we gathered ourselves close by to the tree.

Big Brother arrived, and we all shared our gifts,

Opening our presents in synchronized shifts.

Joy filled our hearts and love filled the room,

And our sleepless night slipped away with the moon.

Christmas, it seemed, had taken us all,

To a place, where we knew, we could all safely fall.

A sure place of comfort, solace and peace,

Where happiness, yes, overcame us with ease.

So, friends, I do hope that you all too enjoyed,

A Christmas seen through the eyes of a boy,

Or a girl for whom the night was too much,

To bring you remembrance of when it was such

A treat to be young, with thoughts that were full

Of a jolly old fellow, with a sleigh he would pull,

Full of the things that would thrill and delight,

And make you forget about sleep in the night.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-23T10:19:00.000-08:00

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

May the peace and love of the Savior envelop each of you and

your loved ones this Christmas season and always.

Have You Seen These?

2007-12-22T14:51:00.000-08:00

The remarkable Heather Bailey has done it again!

Do you see those little green things in my hair?

Well, they're Heather's Trash Ties and I love them! Just twist up your hair (I do mine wet),

and twist in a Trash Tie and Voila!! Instant cute hair.

I have almost always had short hair. But for some reason, this year I decided to let it grow. What a good idea, since I would have no reason to use these otherwise!
Hop on over to her website and check them out. She makes them herself, packages them and pops them in the post box off to your house. It might take a bit of time to get them, but they are absolutely worth it. You'll feel like a kid again. Trust me.

The Real Kids

2007-12-21T14:47:00.000-08:00

Lest you think they are odd, I am posting a little group shot to show you that my children really do have normal moments. I cannot say the same for the people behind them as they are strangers and I do not know if they are normal or not.

Merry Christmas, everyone!!

All I Want for Christmas

2007-12-21T06:48:00.000-08:00

I am feeling a bit like Mary Lennox, from The Secret Garden, lately. Do you remember when she is caught going through her Uncle's study and after a bit of chastising he asks what it is she wants? Her reply is simple. "I would like a bit of earth. And some seeds to plant."
"A bit of earth?" Uncle Archibald is incredulous. Her request is granted and Mary, finally, has been given a reason to experience joy.
Her plot of earth is, of course, her aunt's garden. Walled in and locked away like some precious relic, too painful to be brought out and gazed upon, she brings it back to life, and consequently, her family and herself as well.
For Christmas this year, I have asked for something simple. A plot of earth. And some seeds.
I want a garden and the only way I will get one is if Santa himself brings it to me.
Our front yard is the only location where we get enough sunlight to grow things. Would you not be breathless if you drove by and saw raised beds, lovingly tended, burgeoning with beautiful fruits and vegetables growing in it? I would.
I have been perusing the Seed Savers catalog online and have found some extraordinary heirloom plants that I just know would be extraordinarily happy at my house.

Like these Vermont Cranberry Beans:

Or these beautiful Flageolet Beans:

Or these incredibly colored Dragon Carrots:

Or these Painted Lady Runner Beans:

I would be as happy as a pig in mud if I could have these growing in my little potager.

And so, my dear husband, to answer the inevitable question, "What would you like for Christmas?", my answer is simple; "A garden."

I am really very easy to please.

Why?

2007-12-19T05:07:00.000-08:00

File this under the Things-Your-Children-Do-That-Make-You-Want-To-Tell-People-They-Are-Not-Yours tab.
In a moment of idiocy, my son agreed to let his roommate cut his hair in any style he wanted, in exchange for said roommate's having to wear a bowl cut (like Moe from the Three Stooges) for a week.
So here is my handsome son, looking a bit like the Mayor of Munchkinland, on a bad day.
(Has it clicked in anyone's mind yet that we are in the holiday season? The time of year when families gather and take pictures!!)

His beard is cut in the Olde English style. "It looks pretty cool, huh Mom?" Let me not delude you. "No. No it doesn't."

After telling me that he received a few strange looks as he was driving down the highway, I could totally understand. You can't seeing the stripes on the side of his head or the "N" just above his right ear. Yup. I would have looked at him strangely as well. In fact, I probably would have thought that Tim Burton was in town filming yet another movie oddity and that he was an extra (terrestrial). Thank goodness he was heading home last night to correct this incredible misjudgement of hair-raising hair-style.
Wait! How do you correct something so severe? Oh. By shaving your head, that's how. Could it get any worse? Correcting a bowl cut, where there is hair to play with is one thing. But correcting the hair on an escapee from Oz is totally another.

So, I will be taking my children to see their grandmother on Christmas Eve with one of them looking like he recently was released from an interrment camp. Maybe if he dresses in a green suit and yellow tights we can convince her that he is playing "Elf" in a local production.

Honestly. It makes a mother so proud.

Beauty Everywhere

2007-12-15T05:22:00.000-08:00

Last night I did something that reminded me of when I was a little girl sitting in the back of my father's big, black Buick sedan with my brothers.
Each Christmas, we would travel to Merrimac, Mass. to see my grandparents. They lived about an hour and a half north of us, so the ride to and from was filled with different games and such designed to entertain three (at the time) small children.

This is my grandparent's house, on 90 East Main St. It was a magical place, filled

to the brim with all sorts of things to spark a young girl's imagination.

What I did last night immediately transported me back to one particular Christmas trip. I am sure that you are wondering what I could possibly have done to bring back such a distant memory. Right?
Well, to satisfy your curiosity, I will divulge my secret- I squinched my eyes up and turned all of the lights around me into Christmas stars. I'm magic, I tell you.

I will share with you exactly how I discovered my talent. Leaning up against the back seat of the Buick, I could see the stream of traffic travelling with us, as well as the cars going in the opposite direction down the highway.

Having just spent hours looking at Grammy and Grampa's sparkling aluminum tree, with its perfectly aimed color wheel spinning below it, changing it from silver, to red ,to green, to blue, to yellow, I just knew I could make the lights before me change as well. So, I squinched up my eyes and did just that. (In case you are wondering, squinched is the correct term for the action of closing your eyes tightly together, creating the barest sliver of visibility.) The result of squinching is absolutely transforming. In that blur of eyelashes and tears is a sight so beautiful, it takes your breath away.

Floating orbs of light immediately change before your eyes into celestial beings. Bound together, by the fact that you are seeing things a bit cross-eyed, car headlights and tailights look like a twining candy cane. It is a sight of whimsy and hope.

My time sitting in traffic last night was clearly worth every minute. Along Highway 138, Christmas stars twisted along the roadway. Every now and then, one or two would dart away, leaving to become a wish for some small child, I am certain.

The next time you are stuck in traffic, bemoaning the fact that you are not where you want to be when you want to be there, pretend you are seven. Squinch your eyes together. Change your perspective. Create magic.

On the Way to Work

2007-12-14T06:19:00.000-08:00

Each morning during the week, I drive my son to work. We sit together in silence as the car glides along the road.
On occasion he will get my attention and we will converse, hands flying while eyes try to stay directed on our path. But for the most part, this is a time of quietness.
Consequently, I have found that I am much more attuned to things that occur on the roadside.
Driving this morning, I noticed two young men walking against traffic, as they should. One tall, one shorter, they travelled together on the bridge that spans over Interstate 75.
With a quick movement, the Tall One stepped up, placing his foot on the cement railing and lifted himself into the air. The Short One, unsure, stepped away from his friend.
Arms stretched outward for the briefest moment, the Tall One stepped back down, exhilerated and breathless. He was caught up with the thrill of danger, that one fleeting second where all sense is cast aside for that feeling of doing something daring and reckless.
His friend just shook his head and kept on walking.
On the way back, I saw them again. The Tall One was articulating his point with arms gesturing through the air and he wore a look of determination and confidence on his face. I am certain that he was describing the feeling of his actions minutes before.
The Short One, arms tucked up inside of his t-shirt, bracing himself against the cold morning, moved alongside, head down and focused on the sliver of pathway he was walking on.
The difference between the two was now striking and obvious. The Tall One, wearing a long shirt and a hoodie, familiar with his surroundings, was prepared for the day. He knew what to expect. And with his knowledge, he was able to approach things differently. His basic needs had been cared for and now adventure lay before him and he was ready to breathe it deeply into his being.
The Short One counted on what had been before. Days of warm mornings and hot afternoons had lulled him into complacency. He just assumed things would be the same and that had caused him to be lacking in the things he needed.
He made me think if the story of the Ant and the Grasshopper. Relying on someone else for his information, he was keenly unprepared for, not only the weather, but for opportunities that may come his way.
Head down, arms tucked in, is no way to face the world.
Each day we are given a chance to be brave, daring, kind, compassionate, loving, charitable, and reliable. These opportunities have been prepared for us, individually, to accomplish.
The question is, will we be prepared for them when they come?

Sweet Gifts

2007-12-12T10:38:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a good mail day. I received Christmas cards from old friends, filling me in on what their families have been up to in 2007, and two packages from Bloglandia friends!

First came my package from Susan, which contained the cd I won from her blog! How cool is that? I happen to like all kinds of music and this is really very good. Titled What Hides Inside, it is by Sons of William. On my way home from taking JA to work, I was a rockin' mom. ha ha

I am also taking Susan's recommendation and watching a Christmas movie a day. I don't always get TV rights at night, but during the day, it is mine. All mine. My family has to be in the mood for a movie, but me- I'm game any old time.

Nothing like a good movie to get you in the Christmas spirit. Especially when the weather is seventy-six degrees outside. Hardly conducive to thoughts of caroling, hot cocoa and a cozy fireside.

The second package came from Becky, and contained the most darling bird, hand-crafted no less, with tiny feathers for her wings and tail. It must be a her, because she is so darn cute. Along with the bird was a sweet tag. I have a thing for tags. I just cannot bear to throw away something that was made with care. So, I have a pin in my craft room upon which I hang all the lovely handmade goodness that these tags are.

All of this for letting each of you know about a giveaway she was holding. Boy, am I a slacker. I will forever follow Becky's example and repay in kind for all future giveaways.

Thank you, girls! I am over-the-moon grateful for your thoughtfulness.

Snowflake Fun

2007-12-11T16:03:00.000-08:00

Being sick sometimes has its advantages. (Because you can't bend over without your head exploding, your family feels sorry for you.)
Feeling well is by far the most desirable goal, but being sick gives you a reason to sit at the computer making "paper" snowflakes here.

I have probably made, oh, I don't know, about forty of them.

The above snowflake is my latest creation. I cannot stop.

The icon is a tiny pair of scissors that travel your chosen path, snipping here, cutting there, swirling about at whim. It takes you back to your childhood.

Now all I need is for my mom to bring me some beef bullion

and saltine crackers and I'll be feeling like my old self again.

Ho, Ho, Ohhhhhhhhhh.

2007-12-09T14:53:00.001-08:00

I started putting up Christmas decorations yesterday. I got a late start, but not as late as last year. Halfway through I started not feeling well.

I noticed this when I reached in a container to get the greens from the bottom. I'm pretty sure that when I came up my face was the same color as the branches. Blecch.

Have you ever wondered how many times a day you bend over? I never really thought of it before yesterday. But, around mid-afternoon, each time I did, I was overcome with waves of nausea. Oh, joy. Oh, rapture.

So, I would decorate a bit, then sit down. Decorate. Sit down. Decorate. Sit down. It took me a very long time to get things done. But, done they are.

This is the S Family advent calendar. On each little square is a picture of someone in our family. Hmmm. What's this? I spy me ex-brother-in-law on day 5. I need to change that, methinks.

In the background are pieces of family ephemera- my grandparents wedding invitation; the newspaper article about my dad's enlistment; the hospital card from when I was born; the photograph of our entire family, with my grandparents, at the Merrimac Christmas Parade, which my grandmother started. It is all muted back with ivory-colored tissue paper.

I love this calendar. Each picture brings fond memories right to the forefront, where they should be.

The snowman collection, keeping guard over the living room windows. Beware any who enter here. You will be pelted with hundreds of miniature snowballs.

Don't believe me? Just try it.

A little cozy cottage for the Borrowers that live at my house.

Yes. Yes they do.

Because every kitchen needs gingerbread, in any way, shape or form.

I probably should have moved the pants drying on the back of the chair before I took this. :(

You know, looking at it now, in these pictures, it doesn't look like a lot of work. Drat. I was hoping it would look like I spent days on end, just to make it worth feeling horrible the entire time.

Times Up! And the Winner Is.....

2007-12-08T11:05:00.001-08:00

The anticipation has been building throughout my house today. Every minute has seemed like an hour.

But eventually, the magic hour arrived and it was time to draw out ONE lucky name from all of the wonderful women who have left a comment on my blog.

All of your names went into my huge, yellow ware bowl.

*Allow me to interject here.

I am so grateful for all of you who have come by to visit and read this humble, little blog of mine. Thank you. I feel as though I know each and every one of you now. I read your blogs and look on in awe at your talents. And some of you make me laugh so hard I spit hot cocoa out on my computer desk.

Some of you I have had the pleasure of meeting in person. Some of you I have known for years.(Don't tell anyone how wierd I really am!) We are all part of this ever-growing cyber circle of friends. It is the good part of this technological age we live in. It makes the world smaller and more friendly as a result. And each of you are the reason.

But, I am sure that you are itching to know who the lucky girl is. Right?

Lovely Daughter has stirred the bowl, mixed it well, and is reaching in to pick out the lucky recipient of my big, fat Christmas giveaway.

And the winner is..............................................

Whimsey Creations!!

Congratulations, Jill!!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

PS- I love this giveaway business.

Hmmmm. My 100th post should be arriving at the New Year. I feel another one coming along.

Stay tuned...........

What Sound is Reverberating Through My House?

2007-12-08T06:55:00.000-08:00

Tick. Tick. Tick. But, at 2:00, it all stops.

How's This for a Jolly Face?

2007-12-07T15:00:00.000-08:00

Yup. He will be in the box along with all the other fun treats!

The drawing is tomorrow at 2:00 PM!

The bowl is filling up with names and I cannot wait to draw one out.

Gee, I hope it's YOURS!!

It's Beginning to Feel a Lot Like Christmas

2007-12-06T18:22:00.000-08:00

I spent a small portion of the afternoon in the delightful company of Dawn today. We went to the square in McDonough. It is quintessential small town Christmas there at the moment.

In the center of the square is a small park, decorated with larger-than-life ornaments, a dazzling Christmas tree and Santa's sleigh pulled by white twig reindeer. It is magical.

Lunch was superb, as lunch at PJ's always is. We each chose salads, presumably to help our figures. But in my case, it's so I can fill my tummy with yummy party food tomorrow night at the first Christmas gathering of the season.

It was as though we sat and picked up where a conversation left off. Do you ever have that happen? We only met at the beginning of the summer, but it feels like we have been friends forever. I love that kind of connection.

Dawn brought my Pay It Forward gift with her, packaged simply but elegantly, in a brown paper sack decorated with sheet music and bits of greenery. Tucked inside were these:

A sweet rag ball, aged to perfection, sprinkled with glitter and trimmed with a ribbon, tag and tinkling bell; a vintage postcard (a copy- how smart) encased in glass and soldered by Dawn. I have to learn how to do that! And the small charm ornament has the most impish little Kewpies on one side that make me smile. She even stamped the muslin bag the postcard came in. Details, details. Nothing escapes her.

One cannot go to the square without getting in a little shopping, so off to The Plum Tree we went. I can always find something there, and today was no different. Dawn had little sections of an old playpen in her room, and I just know I can do something with them, so home they came with me. Some altered tags and a few vintage Christmas postcards, and I have the makings of some sweet presents.

Thank you, Dawn, for such a sweet gift, good company and a really nice afternoon.

I Wonder What This Is?

2007-12-05T04:41:00.000-08:00

I can't tell you yet, but it has been made into something very sweet and cozy and is in the Christmas giveaway box.

If you haven't yet left your comment here, you might want to. The drawing will be held on this Saturday, December 8, at 2:00 PM.
The box is filling up with some rather nice things.

And Now For Your Listening Pleasure

2007-12-03T12:53:00.000-08:00

My son, Nathan, has formed a band with three friends, called At the End of All Things. He is a self-taught musician. In fact, all of these boys are self-taught. And they are incredible, each and every one.

If you like indie rock, or not, please take a listen. I think you will like what you hear. :) I rather enjoy their music. But then, I may be a bit biased.

A Side Note- I just read that Cindy has posted about her son's music on her lovely blog. Please go click the link to the video of Honorary Plaque, done by his group, Pistolero. It is very good.

A Bit of Small Town Living

2007-12-03T07:42:00.000-08:00

My friend, Tina, and her husband have been publishing this e-zine for a while now. Every issue that comes out is a delight for anyone desiring small town life. It doesn't matter of you live, in the big city or out in the country, there is always something here that will strike a familiar chord with you and leave you wanting more. The photographs are amazing. The writing, superb.

I have printed off each copy for my own use, so I can highlight things that I want to remember. Can you tell I just love their work?

Please, take a peek for yourself. You can download the entire magazine here:

http://www.stliving.net/ (The current Winter issue, as well as the previous Autumn issue.)

Does this not make you want to find an unpaved, snowy road and someone sweet to cuddle with?

It's Your Day

2007-12-01T15:31:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday to my sweet daughter, who turned 19 today.

(Since she is incognito, I thought I would post this picture. She is wearing the 3-D glasses from the Polar Express 4-D Extravaganza at Stone Mountain. Very attractive, no? :)

I wish you all of the lovely things that life offers to you, little one, and then some.

Allow Me to Tempt You

2007-11-30T05:09:00.000-08:00

With the first snaps of what will be in your giveaway box if you are the lucky name drawn from the big, yellow bowl!

One vintage Christmas apron, in perfect condition......

Six altered coin wrapper package decorations..... ( inspired by the delightful Beth)

A little close-up of one with its interior tag removed........

Aren't they cute?

That's all you are allowed to view for now. :)

Don't forget to leave a comment here to get your name in the bowl!!!

Pay It Forward Sneak Peek!

2007-11-29T16:19:00.000-08:00

Each of my Pay It Forward friends are going to receive one of these cute lavender and wool stuffed hearts (made by me) hanging from a darling French laundry hanger and.....

one dozen of these sweet hand-stamped ( by me) springy laundry pegs.

Won't laundry day be fun?

I Know You Are Out There....

2007-11-28T09:21:00.000-08:00

because I see that little counter to the left of this blog increasing in numbers every day. But, I get to hear from so few of you. I know you are busy, popping in just for a minute to see what's happening and then off to other things. I do the same myself! But I am trying to be better about leaving a small thought when I do encounter something lovely. So, in order to entice you to come out from the shadows and reveal yourselves to me, I am hosting a giveaway.

Yup. A nice, big, fat Christmas giveaway.
What will I be sending off to some lucky reader, you may ask? I think I will keep you in suspense for a bit, and then let out a few teasers over the next few days.
Hurry, though. I will close the drawing on Saturday, December 8, at 2:00 PM, in order that the treats may arrive before Christmas.
Come on! Leave a comment on this post and I will toss your name into my huge yellow ware bowl, and stir up a bit of Christmas magic.
You know you want to!

More Madison

2007-11-27T07:38:00.000-08:00

Having grown up in a house built in 1668(in Massachusetts), I greatly appreciate well-loved, aged homes.
I can close my eyes and picture the families that lived there and the circumstances of their lives. The joys as well as the sorrows.
Children being born, growing before their parent's eyes, and filling their home with sounds of childhood, laughter and tears.
I can see them as they sleep in their beds, tucked up under cozy quilts; playing with their toys- blocks, balls, baby dolls and fluffy-stuffed animals; chasing each other through the yard, hiding behind trees and swinging from their branches.
If you listen closely you can hear them. If you stand quietly, you can feel them.
As new families move in, they add their own memories and energy to the house, which will resonate through the walls to become a part of it.
No matter where you live, there will be homes filled with history. Be sure to stop, linger, and see if you can't catch a glimpse of the memories that live there.
Until then, enjoy these beauties from Madison.

Wait!! What's this?! How did this get in here? As if I didn't know. ha ha It's something from my Christmas wish list. If my hubby or children read this, consider this to be a H.I.N.T.

Ah, Madison

2007-11-25T11:25:00.000-08:00

The day after Thanksgiving found us venturing East out I-20 to the small town of Madison, GA.
No trip to the malls or department stores for this family. We prefer our after-holiday recovery to be of a more docile nature. (But kudos to those who develop sumo wrestler capabilities to procure the last of the most popular item of the year. My hat's off to you!)
Madison is known as the "town that Sherman refused to burn." The reason being that a senator, known to be a Union sympathizer, hailed from there.
Whatever the reason, I for one am personally grateful to have such a place of beauty remaining intact.
Within the town square can be found shops, the contents of which will fulfill any need you may have. Whether you know it or not.
If you are ever in the area, be sure to stop in and visit the Welcome Center in the center of town. You may just run into an old friend, as I did on Friday. It is such a small world.
Enjoy these few photos of this fair Southern town. Tomorrow I will post a few more. I do wish that Blogger would allow you to post as many as you desire.

A Thanksgiving Giveaway!

2007-11-19T15:25:00.000-08:00

I found out about this from my friend Dawn, and now I am sharing this news with you!
The wonderful Becky is hosting a giveaway on her blog! For no special reason other than the fact that she is in the mood to be generous!! Go! Quick! Sign up for it today!!
And if anyone can tell me how to make her name into a link to her blog, I will be eternally grateful. I mean, if other people can manange it, I should be able to as well. Shouldn't I?