New Years Eve 2013

I can't remember when the last time was that we had a quiet NYE at home.  And its all good with me.

The weather outside is frightening.  Single digits and windy, with 4-6 inches predicted.  Just a good night to stay in. 

Looking back on this year, I have warm fuzzies.  We went 600 miles (one way) to my family reunion.  Not sure how many more of those there will be, but it was good to see everyone again.   I was finally hired at the job I have temped at for the last two and a half years. We went to Art Prize again this year!  We have been able to take a couple short trips this year, and each have been memorable.  Everyone I love is healthy and happy.  Life is good.

The new year looks exciting to me.  I can't wait to watch the Olympics.  I am looking forward to going to going to ArtPrize again this year.  And possibly a graduation is in our future!  How exciting would that be?

Like I previously posted, one of my new years resolutions is not to always paint on canvas.  To recycle and paint on things that I already have.  To use up some of those supplies I have in my art room that I have saved for 'someday'.   Do more recycled art.   Like those wooden block Santas I did.  Those were scraps that were headed for someones wood burner.

Today, for about a dollar, I made eight coasters that look like this:

Made from beer cartons and 4 inch tiles. I think they turned out awesome! Thank you Pinterest.  I think I will give some as a gift for a Man cave and keep making some until all those beer cartons I liked the art on (and brought home so they wouldn't get thrown away )  are recycled into something useful.  Maybe, next craft show season, (next fall) I will finally have something to sell!

My friend Terri also invited me to join an Art Journal class for the New Year, and we start off needing a three ring binder and some heavy paper pages.  Just so happens, in my art room, I saved some 4 inch binders from the dumpster (there was nothing wrong with them, except they had titles on them).  SO, I am designing up the outside with some duct tape and some adhesive vinyl to house the journal.  

The pages for the journal?  My friend, Barb, rescued a TON of paper, (different colors, light weight up to cardstock) from the dumpster at her work.  (corporations can throw out soooo much good stuff) I have used a lot of this paper for years, but some of it is even three hole punched!!  Its just been waiting for this project!!  I am jazzed about doing this journal!
So, so far, my recycled, use-what-you've-got resolution is working well!!

This Friday is the First Friday of the month and I am displaying at the Pool Hall.   I have to get things around for that tomorrow while I am off.  Hmmmm.... what to take to a Pool Hall... ???

Always an adventure!  Stay tuned!

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Good morning!  Christmas is over and in these last days of 2013, while we're waiting for the New Year, is kind of a down time, not blue, but relaxed.   Here are the things that make up my world at the moment.

Today, DS2 will be soon leaving for the long road back to college.  It takes 7 and a half hours for him to drive back on a good day.  Looking at the radar he should be able to travel safely, unlike the trip home, which was so nasty he had to do it in two days.  I call these pins and needles days for me, until I get the call that he has arrived safely.   The house will be too quiet for the next few days.

I am still looking for that elusive word of the year 2014.  I hate to say it, but at this point, I am reluctant to let go of last years word.  I am keeping my eyes and ears open to a new one, but feeling like I haven't used up the one I already have. I need and crave "sunshine"... especially in Winter.

After 5 days of a tummy bug, that has curbed my holiday eating, (that can be good AND bad)  I wondered if it was my silent thought that I do not want to gain any holiday pounds.  Starting to feel better today, actually drank a whole cup of beloved coffee!

Looking forward to doing some Bra Art for the rekindled Auction coming up in February.   A local merchant held these auctions for about 8 years, and as times are hard, she ended up closing up shop.  I think I participated for 7 of the 8.  But now after a couple year hiatus, someone is picking up the ball and running with it.  It raised a lot of money for the Womens Clinics in the county and the artists supported it well.  I have even done a piece already, (possibly not done yet.) And hope to do at least one more.

The dictionary page has the word "brassiere" on it. Debating whether or not to put a pink ribbon around the word.  I like bra art that can be a conversation piece and not just reek the auction.  Some think you can only do art on a bra.  I have some years, and those are fun, but sometimes, its nice just to do a non-wearable.

Speaking of the Bra Art Auction... I was perusing Pinterest the other day and actually saw one of the bras that I did one year.  Someone posted it!  Not sure if it was the new owner or not, but I thanked them for posting it.

We have not heard of any get togethers for the New Year.  We were thinking of inviting some folks over here but I haven't been feeling well, so hadn't said anything yet.  It wouldnt bother me if we just had a nice dinner and stayed home, but we do that here all the time.  Maybe we need to branch out a bit.

Speaking of the New Year, I see on my wise old Facebook page, that the New Year will start on a New Moon, supposively signifying that  its a year of new beginnings... hopefully in the way of some new jobs for my hubs and DS2 after he graduates in May.  Ahh.... that would be nice.


Well, thats it for now.  Stay tuned...

December 26, 2013

Hoping you all had a Merry Christmas and the holidays were good to you. 

Now that Christmas is over, I can show you what my season included:

 My impromptu dining room table centerpiece...

 

 These were blocks cut from 2x4's - yeah, I could have just put letters on them that spelled "Merry Christmas", but I took it a little further.  They were gifts for people on my list.

 Our Grandpup decided that this was HIS spot.

Doing some art for others for Christmas allowed me to get the nativity set that I have been wanting for years.

 I found Santa checking up on some folks, and decided to give him a lift one night.

 

My Christmas card art this year.  I got about 10 printed off before the graphics card in my computer went bad and I wasn't able to do any more.  Haven't printed off the calendars yet either.

Thank you Pinterest.  We had fun with this this year.  It made a great photo op at the company party and family get togethers.

Sunday, December 22, 2013

The weather outside is frightful, and all the snow that we had last week is being washed away by rain, and a lot of the state has had ice.  We thought for sure we'd be having a White Christmas.

Sunday dinner is done, and I am doing the last bits of art in the art room for Christmas.  Tomorrow I work, and then have two days off.  Then two days of work, then two off, then one on, then two off then two at work, and two days off again.  Tis the season.

Still trying to come up with a word for next year... here are a few things that I haven't had a chance to post about SUNSHINE, last years word.  See why I love it?

It just makes you feel good...

But, I have decided on one of my New Years Resolutions... I want to make an effort to use the supplies I have in my possession now.  I have saved things to do something with "someday"  Well, hate to tell ya:  Its going to take more than one day, and this is the YEAR.  I am ready to get it out and done, though doing something because you HAVE TO is never as much fun as the things that you WANT to, I really need to make the effort. THEN, I am challenging myself to actually sell some of my work this year.  I am still learning what the part is about it that has been my stumbling block, but every where I turn, I hear that its time to make stumbling blocks into stepping stones.  This is the year.

Thursday December 19th, 2013

If you had been reading my last post, I found the camera.  Then I found the Christmas stockings that I couldn't find, (they just seemed to be right in front of me, after I had been looking for over a week!  How could I have missed them?) The only thing I need to find is my ring.  I took it off to do a deep moisturizing on my hands, ('tis winter!) and can't remember where I took it off.  I remember thinking that "it'll be safe HERE! "  Yep.  REAALLY safe! 

Between the house being a mess, with me spending free time on finishing the projects for Christmas, all that shopping and wrapping and decorating stuff, and trying to put in my time at work, I just haven't had the extra brain cell to think about it.

So, within the whirlwind of my mind, I am thinking that we are coming upon the time to pick THE WORD of the New Year.   Instead of the usual resolution, you pick a word, (or it picks you), of what your goal, or vision of the New Year will be.   Last year was the first time I picked a WORD, and it kind of picked me.  Meaning, the minute I thought about it, I knew it was probably going to use it for 2013.  I love that word.  It was SUNSHINE.

I feel better when I can sit in a sunbeam, and I felt I needed the uplift last year at this time. Oddly enough, it has worked!  I do feel that I have a better attitude than I did last year at this time.

My thoughts are searching and whirling for that new elusive WORD.  I have a whole week AFTER Christmas when my mind is more sedentary to come up with one.   Or maybe I'll pick this one again... its done me well.

December 16, 2013

Last Thursday night was our Company Christmas Party.  I was taking pictures of co-workers and having a great time.  I always have my camera on me, and my friends know it.  My card is carrying over a thousand pics, and yes, most are downloaded on the computer, but its my picture wallet.  When I want to show someone something, its on my camera, and I can show them!  A far cry from the bulky 35mm cameras I used to carry around with all the lenses, (and have to get developed before I could share with anyone!) the Hubs and the boys bought me a small pocket-able digital.  I love it!

Anyway...over the weekend, I was Christmas shopping and out and about.  Sunday night I was ready to drop those pictures onto the computer so I could send them off to people.  Couldn't find the camera!

I emptied my purse out, turned coat pockets inside out, (even the ones I knew I didn't wear).  In the middle of the big snow that hit over the weekend, we searched the car, under the seats, down the sides of the seats... panic started setting in.  I asked the Universe, Oh where! Oh Where! did I put it?

My camera goes with me everywhere, and before I hyperventilated about losing my security blanket, I made a mental list of everywhere I went over the weekend.  Oh, boy!   Thats a lot of backtracking!  Would someone turn it in if it was found or throw the card out and use it for themselves?  Would they keep the card, and erase the last year and a half of my life?  (I know, I know, they are on the hard drive too, but I was in panic mode!)  Settle down, I told myself, I probably left it at work.

Certainly anyone at work who found it and looked at any of the pics would know exactly whose it was!  I couldn't wait to get to work today to look around my desk, and the drawer I keep my purse, and ask the party clean up crew if anyone saw it.   No luck.

So today, while at work, I called The Hubs (since he was off on a snow day), as I wanted him to check a bag I brought home from the party. (I had already looked there once) Funny enough, sent that text to a friend I used to work with... he had no idea where it was.  Lol!  Once I stopped the much needed laughing, I had to re-text The Hubs, and by that time, said if it wasn't in the bag, could he call around to a few places we were at this weekend to see if anyone turned it in. He texted back later and said no, no one found it.

Ok, so I had been without it for 4 days.  I was starting to give up hope.  On the way home, I thought I would double check the coat pockets once again.  While I was doing so, I was thinking about what I was wearing Thursday night. I wore a blazer that I hardly ever wear.   After I took it off, I had hung it back in the closet, put the dry cleaning bag over it again to keep it clean until I wear it again.  Surely, I would have felt the weight of the camera had it been in the pocket, but I would check again.

I squeezed the blazer through the wrapper and didn't feel anything that would feel like the camera, but what the heck, I lifted up the plastic and checked the pockets anyway.

 IT WAS THERE! HAPPY DAY!  IT WAS THERE!

I am happy to say all the pics of my artwork for the last year and a half, not to mention my boys smiling faces (in more scenes than one) was safe!  Vacations, day trips, family gatherings and celebrations. 

I know you are probably rolling your eyes, but I will sleep better tonight.  Ask, Believe, Receive is big for me.  Never a doubt. 

Now its time to go download and email some pics...

December 14, 2013

 I love this photo.  I would love to give credit, but not sure where it came from.  Thought I would share.

Wow.  My apologies for the attitude in the last writing.  Guess I needed to vent. (Feel better now.)

I'm happy to report that I have done 4 projects for other people that they asked me to do since I have shown you anything I have done. (not the people I was venting about) Whew!  Done and paid.  Good feeling!  Check that off Santa's list!

Also, have done a piece for my Christmas cards.  Then I printed said cards and am hopefully going to get those out yet today! Check.

Printed address labels for said cards and other Christmas correspondence.  Check! (they're pretty cute!)

I also have made some reproductions of my work for some people that wanted them. Backed and matted! Check.

One tree up, one yet to do, one check, not two.

Working on several small gifts for special people.  They are drying in the art room. Not nearly done, so not a full check off my list but getting there!

Two of three boxes packed and off in the mail.  Check and check!

Must yet do the online ordering.  YIKES!

Doing some baking and some food goodies for gifts today. 

Have half the calendar done for the family.  Need to spend time on that yet.

Wowsa.  Guess I'd better get to it!  Will post some pics next time.  Until then, enjoy the season!  Its not just the 24th and 25th you are suppose to enjoy ya know!

December 6, 2013

File this under Where the Attitude Comes From....

Maybe its because in 9th grade I had an art teacher that I locked horns with and she pretty much had me convinced I was never going to be an artist.

Maybe its because of said teacher that I didn't really do much with art for about 15 years.

Then once I started to explore art again, and realize that if it made ME happy, then to hell with everyone elses opinion, that was what I needed to do.

Then people started liking my art, and liked what I did.

Then they wanted me to do things for them.  Some were appreciative.  Some wanted to control every brush stroke.  Some just loved what I did, but when they wanted me to do for them, I wasn't good enough.  Some folks really burned me with their opinions.

So back to art for ME.

So maybe, just maybe, I have developed somewhat of an attitude.  When I am done with a piece I have done, I am done.  It is an extension of me.  I don't believe it needs embellishment or something else.  Like it or don't, it doesn't matter to me, but please don't tell me if YOU had done it, YOU would have done this or that to it.  YOU didn't do it.  I did.  This is my suit of armor.

My attitude is from that.  I see where it stems back to my art not being good enough for some people.

One of the things I need to do in the new year is decide NOT to do art for anyone but myself again.

Then I have to find a place where I can let it go, (in my mind as well as find a place to sell it from) and sell it or give it without thinking someone is going to 'make it better'. 

December 1, 2013

Well, one month away from 2014.  Wow. That year went fast.  And in other ways, it seems a loonnnng time ago that it was New Years.   We have had a few bummer years, but this one seemed to be better for us.

Every year I do a calendar for my family.  Every year I go through the year in pictures to decide what to put in the calendar.  Today, I started that project, and wow- there has been a bunch to report this year.  And I also do a calendar that has my artwork on it... Wow, I have done a lot of painting too! 

Not all awesome things are material things,  Some things just make you go, "cool!" 

Let me just post a few of the awesome things that have happened here....

Excuse the pic that is upside down, but last Christmas, a coworker taught us all how to make these snowflakes.  So on our lunch hours, we did a bunch of them and hung them all through our department. They were beautiful and envy of the building!  When the tragedy at Sandy Hook happened, there was a snowflake campaign, and we send a box of ours.  We received a beautiful thank you from the folks in Sandy Hook thanking us for them and on the front of the card were many of the different kinds of snowflakes that they received.  Ours was on the front too!   They received trucks and trucks of snowflakes from all over the world and thanked everyone for their "blizzard" showing the concern and prayers for all the victims and families in the tragedy. 
In a small way, it really did feel like we could help.


 

In March, Hubs and I went upstate and as I was shopping, noticed this little cutie pie in a store.  I asked the owner if I could take a pic and paint her.  He said, "if you can get a good pic, have at it, but if you end up painting her, I would like to see it."  Fair enough!  I painted her from this pic, and sent it in an email, he wrote back, wanted it, and his mom was the next email saying, DON'T SELL IT TO HIM, sell it to me for him for his birthday!



I had to tell him a creative story about getting a good print of it, but sold it to his mom and the guy got it for his Birthday!  That was a fun experience!  And I know it went to the right home.

The painting >>

Last one for the day.

Each year Hubs helps out Santa and pretends he's him, so that Santa can stay back with the elves making all those toys.
The Legion Auxiliary here, have Arts and Crafts making and also holiday treats for the kiddies during the event.
After they visit Santa, they can make presents for their families and friends at the craft tables.  A few of them ran back to give them to "Santa" and didn't forget that giving can be reciprocated.
Those special ornaments decorated our tree last year. 

Bless their little pea-pickin' hearts.




Maybe I will just add a few more awesome things again tomorrow.  Until then!

Black Friday or The Day After Thanksgiving 2013

Yep, these are my feet, in comfy socks that I wear when I am in the "not-feeling-well-and-not-going-anywhere" mode.  The shelf in the background is where all the Thanksgiving stuff came down and is ready for Christmas stuff to go up.   The TV has been displaying big Black Friday ads, between the cheezy Christmas movies on, and I'm just not crazy enough to want to do the Black Friday thing.  Doing a little around the house, resting a little, fixed some leftovers for lunch, and will be doing a little more, probably followed by resting a little more. 
This is what this day is allllll about.

Thanksgiving Day 2013

Can I just say.... BURP!?!

I know that seems rude, but someone once told me that was a compliment to the chef in another country. (disclaimer)

OMGoodness, it was good, and I only have half my tastebuds working!  On a day like Thanksgiving, its a bummer to be without your sense of taste and smell, but we have had worse Thanksgivings, and my cold is just temporary.  Today was good.

I wish that everyone had the ability to have Thanksgiving.  Those alone, or hungry especially.  I remember visiting in the hospital on Thanksgiving and the nurses put roasted turkey pictures on the IV bottles.  Bless their hearts!

There are people serving our country, and serving our municipalities as fire, rescue and police personnel that may not be able to sit down to eat with us.  Nurses, doctors, veterinarians, and those who need to keep on alert in case we need them, I hope they all get a nice warm meal when they get a chance.

My wish is for everyone to get their bellies full, with a full table of friends and family.  Let no one sit at home alone, or go hungry.  Let those that serve get a hot meal and a salute and a bowl of gratitude to go with that meal.

I am grateful for the family that sat around the table with me today.  My heart is full of the love I have for each and every one of them.  The food was delish and we have some left for days to come!
We remember those who were no longer with us, but shared that table and food with us once.  My brother was far away and couldn't be with us this year, but he called in his visit and we passed the phone around so we all got to talk to him.

I am grateful that this year has been good, as I know a few that haven't been, and if it seems I am bragging its just that I am feeling blessed that its been good.  Thank you, God.

Gratitude: Day 27...

Tonight as I make a few things for our Thanksgiving festivities tomorrow, our two sons are home, and because they live away, all the old buddies have come over to see them while they are home.  Its so good to see the old gang.  Surprisingly most of the guys aren't married yet, most are either done with college and starting their careers or just finishing up college.  They are walking in my house like they know the place (they do!) and greeting us with hugs, and visiting with us a bit before heading for the rec room in the basement.  I hear the cajoling and the laughs, and the sounds of good friends getting together again wafting up under the floorboards.  It does my heart good.
Who knew that those kids that hung out here for so many years, have grown into a cop, a nurse, a manufacturing manager, a teacher, an engineer and the ones that are finishing up college are showing promise as well.
One of the comments we heard tonight was "I remember this place being bigger" and we smiled because the kids have gotten bigger, the basement is the same.
I am thankful that they still come in and feel not only welcome, but comfortable.  I am thankful for the hugs as they seem truly glad to see us.  I am glad our sons have forged these friendships forever. Thats important in life, and I am almost jealous that they have so many really good friends that have been friends since grade school.
Seems like old times.

Gratitude: Day 25

 There is something about the holiday season that just makes me want to make stuff.  I just had to make these wreaths. Not sure why, they aren't that original or different, but they are sparkly and just wreak Christmas.  I probably have a half dozen wreaths, so just in case I lose a couple, I have some spares. The one above is blue and lime green and the bottom one is red, gold, blue and lime.  I might just show my gratitude and share these with people I need to thank.  Pass that gratitude stuff around.  Maybe a random act of kindness.  Spread the joy of the season.  Yeah!  Then I can do some more wreaths!

Gratitude: Day 23

What I believe is not religion.  But I believe in God because I have felt strength when I asked for it and needed it.  I have heard angels whispers.  I don't put others down for what they believe, but I won't appreciate people telling me that I am not doing it right.  Its personal with me.  God knows my heart.  I am grateful that I have the belief and the faith in God that I do.  He has helped me through the difficult times and has blessed me in so many ways.  Thank you again.

November 22, 2013

At work, they have these chunks of 2x4's that they were just allowing an employee to take home and burn.  I asked if I could have some and they gave me a big box of them. Here is what I think I am going to do with them.  2x4x5 wood block Christmas cards.  Will have to see how many I can get done before Christmas to know who they will be going to.  Did two of these Santas the other night.  Hoping to be able to do some snowmen and angels, and maybe even a manger or two... we'll see.

Gratitude Days 21 and 22

Dang.
Missed a day.  Doesn't mean that I wasn't grateful for something yesterday, but meant that the day wasn't long enough to get it done.

Yesterday we found out that something we had been waiting for since August finally happened.  I am not at liberty to say what, but it relieves a burden of sorts.  And we are grateful that it finally happened.

Todays gratitude:  I am grateful that our son traveled home ok tonight, despite the start of holiday traffic.


I liked this sign I found on pinterest because that is exactly what I am trying to do here.  I see people giving the "daily gratitudes" an eye roll on FB and elsewhere now.  One said, "the people you always see bitching are the ones trying to show all the gratitude now."  Where I replied: "Isnt it a nice change? "  And I thought Who is bitching now?
But during this month while I have been naming my blessings, I have felt a little 'lighter'.  I always count my blessings, not just in November, but to actually call them out, one by one, it has made a shift in me.  Hopefully its permanent, but its a lighter, more light hearted Lin.  Whodathunkit?

Gratitude: Day 20

Today, REALLY!, I am not kidding, just when I was out walking the dog before the sun came up, and was enjoying a memory of my mom, which trickled down my cheek, I looked up and saw a shooting star.  Thanks, Mom.  Love and miss you too.  Thankful that I didn't miss that.

Gratitude: Day 19

 Sometimes after a hard day, I am thankful for quiet time, whether spent visiting with friends online, or quietly painting in my art room.  Definitely don't want to make it a full time thing, but tonight, I identify with this welcome mat.  Thank you for the quiet simple things.

Gratitude: Day 18

After the weather here and throughout a lot of the States, this promise shows us that there is always hope.  We didn't fare too bad, a big part of an old tree broke off and fell down in the neighbors yard, but we made it through relatively unscathed.  Some friends are still out of power, but alive and well and finding shelter with family.  Our prayers go out to those who lost so much.  with the promise that darkness will always be followed by light.  May Gods light shine on you.

Gratitude Day 17

The year I was 7, on Palm Sunday, a series of tornadoes and storms created devastation in the area around us.  Although our town where I grew up got downed power lines and trees, and yes, we hit the basement with our batteried radios, some of the surrounding areas didn't fare so well.  People were killed, homes, churches and businesses were leveled.  The mention of the Palm Sunday Tornadoes still make people around here shake in their boots, almost 50 years later.   Some still don't want to speak of it.  My husband as a kid, went through one of the two waves of tornadoes and was lucky to live to speak of it.  Maybe its why he has been on the Fire Department for the last almost 40 years.

The lake region that we now live 5 miles away from, got hit the hardest.  First of all, cottages aren't known to typically have basements.  Palm Sunday is the start of people opening up the cottages for the summer season, so more people were in the area opening up their 'summer' homes.  The storms hit at dusk, and caught people in the surrounding farm areas out in their fields, or inside the churches attending evening services.  Once the first tornado went through, people were just coming out of the rubble that were once their homes,  and looking for loved ones and neighbors when the second line of tornadoes hit them again. 

Clean up and rescue went on for days.  The sheriff of our county was out there for days without sleep.  During his tenure as sheriff which lasted a couple/few decades, his mission was to make sure that our county would never again be caught by surprise without warning of impending storms.  He implemented warning alarms and sirens throughout the county.

These days, we have early detection radars that can warn earlier.  Like today for example, we heard yesterday that our area might be hit with straight line winds up to 75 miles per hour between 4 and 8pm today.  Possible tornado activity also.  If you look outside my window right now as I write, you would see a rather quiet, warm rainy day, quite a contrast from the snowy weather we had earlier this week, and kind of rare for November.

I  am grateful that we can be warned earlier these days.  Our son just left to go home three hours away, before this weather will hit today.   I am grateful what we know and how to plan around it so that what happened before, doesn't happen again.  I am grateful that people have made it important to them to warn us as soon as possible.  Mother Nature shows us time and time again that she won't be harnessed, but if we can see that she is rearing her head, we can better be prepared.

Gratitude: Day 16

Today is Saturday and I am going to the Craft Show to see my friend Maureens Pottery Booth.  Its been a while since Maureen and I have clogged together in our group, but we met up  a while back on Facebook, and have been keeping up with each other and our art since.  She has some truly beautiful pieces, and I can't wait to see the new stuff she is so excited to show today.  Its her last show of the season, and its not too far away, so the time is right.

My son will be home by the time I get back from that, and it will be nice to have him home overnight.

Another friend gave us hockey tickets, and I am looking forward to that today too.

So much to be thankful for.

^^This kind of fits because my body IS sore from cleaning the kitchen yesterday.  I took all the stuff down off the top, cleaned everything and rearranged, cleaned all the cupboard fronts and of course, floors and counters and nooks and crannies.  All the stuff that doesn't get the everyday cleaning. Took from 10am to after 7pm last night.  Its clean, and I'm sore, and I think I remember why that doesn't get done more often.  But it feels good, even if I am moving a little slower today.

Gratitude: Day 15

Today I am experiencing something that some people take for granted, and is newly acquired for me.  A paid day off.  I recently was hired by the company I was a temp for and these days that I get paid for taking off, feel like I am playing hooky!  Before this, if I was off, it was off losing pay, so you didnt take them for nothing.  Had to be very sick or have saved enough money out of the check to take a day trip to decompress, or something.   So, today, while I am using my day off to spit clean the kitchen so that I can host Thanksgiving, I am grateful for being paid to do it.  Hey!  I am being PAID to clean my kitchen today!  THAT has never happened before! 

**Whistle while you work....**

(unsaid in above post... grateful to have the job, grateful that finally hired me and they give me these days off with pay, grateful to have the beautiful kitchen, and grateful to have family coming to gather for the holiday.)

November 15, 2013

This one is still clipped to the board as you can see, because I am still adding touches to it.  It never fails, you take the pic and put it out for people to see, (I usually see things I didn't before just loading them onto the computer!) and flaws stick out like a sore thumb!  But, I think its going to be a favorite!  I love old trucks and have a couple more that I want to do in the future.  The old ones are the ones with all the character, they have worked hard and probably could tell some stories! Just like people, I suppose.  Loved the colors here.

Gratitude: Day 14

I am grateful for the simple things given to me.

Gratitude: Day 13

Someone gave me free hockey tickets today!  Whoo hoo!  Thankful that they thought of me and Hubs for their extra tickets, and a chance to get to know each other a little better.  Looking forward to Saturday!

Gratitude: Day 12

Today is 11/12/13.  Supposively a lucky number!  And as I am writing this at 530 pm, most of it has passed, its been a good day.

Even if it DID start out as the first on-the-ground snow this morning, and its still hanging around, I will give it props.   Those that know me, hear my rants about winter.   Alas, I live in Michigan, "The Winter Wonderland" as it once was called.  As much as I love our state, shore to shore, I need to embrace the colder months more than I do, and show the gratitude that I can't deny.

I realize Winter has a purpose.  I only rant because it laps out of the three months that is meant to be Winter: Dec, Jan, and Feb.  Its November, which should be part of FALL yet!  and do you think March doesn't end up being part of Winter?  Winter stretches out like an unwanted guest on your couch. It doesn't mind taking more than its allotted.  And trust me, after the holidays, everyone is tired of it.

But it is beautiful in its way, so I guess I will give winter its due:  it can be pretty.  It kills off allergens outside and keeps the bug population from getting out of hand.  Snow helps our Great Lakes (as well as all the rest of them spread throughout our Great State) retain the levels that keep them hearty. And that is near and dear to me.

If I was a snowmobiler, or a skier, I am sure I would love it more.  I am more of a hibernator.  But there is something to be said for that too.  I love to bake when its cold outside.  I spend more time on genealogy and painting than I do during the summer.  As long as you are cooped up, you might as well clean the sock drawer!  So, there IS that!

I think I will go bake something because I'm in for the night. 

Gratitude : Day 11

Of course, today is the day of gratitude for all those in the Armed Forces that provide us with protection and security.  Thank you to all past and present soldiers for serving so that each of us can enjoy the liberties that we so often take for granted.  Good to have a day that reminds us what you have provided. Bless you all.

Gratitudes: Day 10

In the last few weeks, there have been 4 accidents that, if something hadn’t delayed me for a few minutes, I might have been at the wrong place at the wrong time.  Although the people in the accidents have not been as lucky, (no one was killed thankfully) and my heart goes out to them, I can’t help but feel the protection of something higher keeping me out of harms way.  Thank you for angels lovingly protecting me and mine.

Gratitudes: Day 9

I am thankful for fun days off.  They give you reason to shrug off the stress of the everyday.  You need them every now and then.
Today, my friend Robin and I went to a craft show, bought a few little cute things for the upcoming holidays, and this afternoon, The Hubs and I ran over to the BIG craft store, to buy things for future creative things.  Tonight, Hubs is making pizza, and we are settling in to watch the hockey game.  Life is good.

Here is one of my purchases from the craft show today.  His head is on a wire spring and he could be called "bobble head" snowman.  Or maybe I shall call him, "I  Love You THiiiiiS Much" Snowman.  He was just too cute to pass up!

Gratitude Day 8

Just look at this creation of two of my co-workers and friends:

I won it at the Fall Harvest sale.  My friend Andrea quilted the table scarf and my bosslady Sue did the table piece.  I am thankful to have such creative friends and their work will adorn my home.

Gratitude Day 7

These are my grand dogs. Not only am I grateful for their unconditional love for my boys, but also for me.  They both have very good, though very different personalities, and are very easy to love.  We have had the opportunity to have each of them alone for extended stays and they are never a problem.
Thankful that they came into our family.

Gratitude Day 6

Imagine not being able to see these:

Grateful for the gift of sight.

Gratitude Day 5 2013

Yes, give me good friends that are there good and bad.  The ones I have are precious.

Gratitude Day 4 Nov. 2013

I am lucky to have my siblings.  We all have our good points and bad, but we are there in a pinch.  We all live within a 15 mile radius.  I can't imagine my life without them.  Looking back, there have been many blessings with them in my life.

Nov 3, 2013

Tuesday is our Harvest Bake Sale and Raffle. Today I put finishing touches on all the artwork, and made 10 mini loafs of pumpkin bread and applesauce spice bread. (5 of each), Plus I am making about two dozen candy pumpkins.

 So, here is a rundown of whats going in the raffles:

And this is only my part of it.  Hoping the whole sale brings in a big haul for the Womens Shelter. Wish us luck!