my mothers daughter

I've Started A New Blog

2008-10-15T21:29:00.002-05:00

I'm not deleting this blog, I just won't be using is any longer. But, I've created another blog, and since I'm terrible at coming up with names it's just MJB Creations
I hope to see you there.

Thanks,
MaryB

Close it - or revamp it?

2008-09-30T17:51:00.004-05:00

I've decided I either need to close up my blog or do a total revamping. I haven't posted anything since my Aunt passed away.

Now I'm back to give the sad news, that my sister Linda lost her battle with lung cancer. She passed away on September 23rd.
I was able to be with her the last two and 1/2 weeks. She was a pillar of strength, and is sadly missed by all. Thank You everyone who had posted the ribbon on their blogs, and kept her in your prayers.

What I have Learned From A Beautiful Woman

2008-04-26T20:16:00.002-05:00

This is a picture of my Aunt Audrey (my mothers sister). Sadly, she passed away on April 15th. However she left behind so many fond memories for many, many people. She had a lovely smile and like my sister said, a twinkle in her eye. She truly had a heart of gold.
I learned many things from my Aunt. I guess we all have a favorite Aunt or Uncle, and Aunt Audrey was my favorite for the things she taught me.
She was the "cool" Aunt who would take us silly teenagers for a ride in her volkswagon and we would sing the latest songs. She would sing right along.
When we would get home she would sit with us and spread out a jigsaw puzzle on her coffee table and help us put it together, even if it took the entire weekend.
She taught me how to make my own taffy, by having a taffy pulling contest with my cousins and some other children from the neighborhood.
When I was a teenager, every summer I would beg to come visit with Aunt Audrey for the summer. She has two daughters and we always hung around together, with my Aunt making us homemade bread, and telling us that it's best when it's hot out of the oven, and with plenty of butter. Luckily there was enough left over for my Uncles dinner.
Way back when it was cool to wear patches on your jeans, she would let us go through her material and show us how to sew on our own patches. My one cousin and myself had so much fun doing that, we put patches where there weren't even any holes.
We used to have scrabble game marathons, the game Boggle marathons, little did we know she was teaching us spelling, all awhile we thought we were just playing a game.
She often called me her third daughter (because they couldn't get rid of me.).. I was most honored to call her my second Mom.
She will always remain in my heart, but I will miss our phone calls and short visits. But I know heaven is having a scrabble marathon right now.
Goodbye Aunt Audrey, I love you!

Very Quick Update

2008-02-12T22:49:00.002-05:00

I'm so sorry that I've slacked off in the updating department of this blog. I promise to update just as soon as I can.
My Mom is still here visiting with me, and I've been helping her learn to create some jewelry. Everyone is healthy and fine.
I've been trying to get around to blogs, but haven't been able to post on many, I'm sorry! Every time I type on the keypad my Mom wants to know who I'm talking to. LOL

No Peeking Until Christmas

2007-12-07T09:31:00.000-05:00

Ha...thank heavens the person that I've made this for doesn't read my blog, or if she does, I'm not aware of it.

This necklace is made with a gunmetal chain and for the life of me I don't know what Pure Allure is calling these stones, other then 30x40 mm & 8 mm Ovl/Rnd Blk Pcso. So there ya have it, unless your lucky enough to buy straight from a bead shop, your stuck using what the craft store sells.

Anyway, it's one Christmas gift done, and now I'm getting more requests from family members, they are just like me and waiting until the last minute (isn't that right Mom?).

We had snow the day before yesterday, and our Christmas tree is up, so I guess Christmas is on it's way. I better hurry and catch up with the holiday season.

Copper Love

2007-12-02T21:34:00.000-05:00

I truly love working with copper wire, well actually any wire. I've been experimenting with oxidizing wire. I really liked doing it, but boy did it stink up the house. All oxidizing will now be done in the garage or even outside.

I was reading one of my Step by Step Wire magazines and was intrigued by this one coil that was handmade, and added to a necklace. When I went home and decided to try it, I made the entire necklace with the coiled links.

I've now put it on Etsy, that makes a whole 2 items for me. I guess as the holidays slow down, I'll be adding more, or at least hope to be able to. The important thing to me is to have fun doing it, and I do.

We've been having ugly, rainy, cold weather today. I hope the new week brings some sunshine. If anyone has any extra Christmas spirit to share, could you please sprinkle my blog with it, I need to at least start with some shopping somewhere, sometime. I'm sure I'll get everything done just in time for Old Saint Nick to be visiting our house ;)

Busy Doing What?

2007-11-30T18:36:00.000-05:00

Sorry, I don't have any pictures for this post, but I've been busy but I haven't figured out whats keeping me busy other then the normal work schedule. I guess stuff just happens.
Thanks for the compliments on my jewelry. I have another necklace and earring set made, but I still need to take pictures. I take all my pictures in the spare bedroom where there is natural light (not that it helps my photography skills any). It's dark right now, and I'd have to turn on the ceiling light which gives a terrible glare. Hopefully pictures tomorrow.

**Good News** My stepdaughter is getting married after being with her fiance' for almost 19 years now. She emailed me about a month ago and told me the news, and also had a few questions for me. I was busting at the seams, I couldn't tell anyone, because she hadn't told any of the other parents yet. It really made her Dad (Mr. R) happy, because now he wants to be a pappy. We are so over being grandparents to puppy dogs...LOL
My son also announced to me on the phone last week that he and his wife will be trying to start a family after the first of the year.....I'm getting Grammy-itis. It's going to be an exciting next couple of years around here.

I have not decorated for the holidays yet, and I'm not really in the mood to either. I would love to have someone come in and decorate my house for the holidays. It's something that I've always disliked. I have no idea why either. However, I don't really mind doing all the shopping, as long as I get help doing the wrapping, but I don't...LOL I'm sure once there are little ones back in the house I will have a whole different outlook on Christmas and the decorations. I'm not a total Humbug though, I love Christmas music, and it's been playing on my radio in my work vehicle since early November, and I also sing along with the kids while driving. (Ok, maybe I'm just a big kid myself.)
Well, I'm sure that's more then enough random babbling for one post. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Work Space Challenge

2007-11-16T17:57:00.000-05:00

While reading a few blogs, I saw that Margo has a work space challenge going on. Jamie, of Simply Me Art showed her work space also. Well of course I took on this challenge because I just recently cleaned up my little corner of the kitchen table (my workspace). Yes, I actually have a craft room that is wall to wall cupboards, but that is basically for storage because there is no place to work...I kid you not. When I get company I just close that door, they just wouldn't understand.
Here is a picture of some jewelry supplies that I must get busy working on. It's a basket I got at auction, I know it has to weigh at least 20 lbs....that's a lot of jewelry if I would ever get busy with it.

But, that's not all of the supplies, I also have a roll away three drawer cart full of jewelry supplies in the craft room. I was going through some last night and decided that I must have at least a kings ransom that went directly to Fire Mountain Gems. I need to quit buying and start making!
This picture is of the actual place that I sit at the kitchen table and make up whatever comes to mind at that time. I think I work here because it's the best light in the house, and I also always have a HUGE cup of tea sitting in front of me. I scatter things all over the table until I'm done, then I haul "most" of it back to the craft room.

You can always find a few jewelry magazines on my kitchen table. I claim that is my "perch", when friends drop over, that's where I entertain them. My entire family entertains guests at their kitchen table. There is a saying that my Aunt always uses. "Kitchen friends are the best".

This next picture is what I actually created today. Today was a holiday for me from work, so when I woke up, I didn't even check my email I went directly for the tea and then started creating. This will be going up in my Etsy shop, just as soon as I open it. It's created, but I need to write up descriptions, figure out postage prices....and prices of what I'm creating.

The simplicity of this set is what I like. Everything is sterling silver, except the pale blue tear shaped glass pearls. I think this would be really pretty with a little black dress, or even with jeans, depending on where you are going. I also think it covers all ages, with the exception of little ones.
Have a great Weekend everyone! **Edit** I've opened my Etsy shop with 1 item. I hope to be busy creating more. I've never sold my jewelry, I've always given it as gifts..(keeping my fingers crossed).

No Puppies For Amber

2007-11-12T20:51:00.000-05:00

Poor Amber isn't going to have any puppies. She had what is called a "phantom pregnancy". I had never heard of it until my sister in law was telling me a story about it. Quite frankly, it just didn't make sense to me and it sounded like a tall tale. I called the vet and also looked up phantom pregnancy on google. Click here to read the article that I read.
It's just so bizarre, she acted and and felt like she was pregnant, even producing milk. We now will be having both dogs spayed and neutered, so she won't have to ever go through something like this ever again.
On a lighter note, I've opened an Etsy store, and will be offering jewelry that I will be making and also sharing some of my estate treasures. I won't put a link to it yet, because I need to get cracking on making some jewelry that isn't gifts. Jackie of Inspiration Creation made my store Banner, biz cards, stationary, address stickers, she did an awesome job and now I'm trying to talk her into opening an Etsy for herself and offer this service to others. Stop by her blog and give her a nudge, she really did a great job. She also "always" creates my blog banners. Thanks so much Jackie.
Sorry, no pictures tonight, I've been shopping for supplies to create, and don't have anything created yet.
I'll try to remedy that before the end of this week. Have a great week everyone.

Still Waiting For Puppies

2007-11-06T10:10:00.000-05:00

Poor Amber is still a lady in waiting...waiting to have her puppies that is. I sure hope I was wrong on the dates. If she doesn't deliver her puppies by tomorrow, I'll be taking her to the vets.
She was just so uncomfortable last night, and we thought it would be any time now. I've made her up a comfortable whelping box, well not even a box. We got a dog play area from my son, and set it up in a corner of the living room, FIRST we lined the floor with heavy plastic then several old mattress pads, then we put her crate in there with a nice blanket and then covered with towels for privacy.
I shouldn't even admit this, but last night I crawled in this cramped area with her and sang to her "hush little baby, don't say a word, Daddy's gonna buy you a mocking bird", and I rubbed her belly for her. We/well, just I do.. sing that song to her and she goes right off to sleep, but not last night. This morning she's not eating and doesn't want to be very sociable, so here's hoping to puppies soon.

No Halloween Puppies Yet

2007-11-02T08:53:00.000-05:00

Sorry no pictures to this post, but the mother to be dog is feeling a little testy. We had originally thought that we would have puppies on either Halloween night or at the latest November 4th. It looks like Momma to be is hanging in there for the 4th.
Mr. R keeps telling me that dogs know what to do, she will do everything herself. I'm so nervous that the poor girl will be in too much pain, or worse, something go wrong. I've got a friend on standby that knows the dog birthing process. Why don't they make epidurals for dogs?
I've been keeping busy by putting together some bits and pieces of jewelry, but nothing totally finished yet.

Spoons and Puppy Update

2007-10-25T17:50:00.001-05:00

I posted months ago when I purchased some old silverware from my favorite Yard Sale Store. Mr R. and myself decided last week to try and make a spoon bracelet. We've learned a few things along the way. Silverware gets very hot when trying to drill through it, it also will get very hot when you're polishing it with your dremel tool, and the dremel tool will eat away your fingernail polish (mine, not Mr. R's).
On this bracelet I've used magnetized clasps, and I found out by wearing it last night that I don't like them, they will pick up any piece of metal that's lying around. From now on, I will use the lobster claw clasps. Also, the bracelet is too big for me, but I can always snip the sterling silver wire and make myself another one. The bead is called fresh ocean Jasper. I just might have to make more of these to possibly sell or even as Christmas gifts.

Well, the update on our dog Amber is, she's definitely pregnant. We should have some Halloween puppies, or at the latest November 5th.

Oh My!

2007-10-14T15:11:00.000-05:00

This is Amber,she is a Cockapoo, she has been with us for a little over a year now. We rescued her from a home that was about to surrender her to our local shelter. When we went to meet her, she just wanted us to love her in the most tear jerking way. While we were there, we witnessed her biting into the owners ankle (which she's never done here), so we think she was probably abused in that home. She was just a tiny pup when we got her. She is now about 1-1/2 yrs. old.

This is Corky, he is an Eski-poo, I purchased him in May of 2007, so he is just now a little over 7 months old, and very full of himself. I barely had time to snap this picture before he was off and running again. He is very outspoken and often talks back to me. He likes to think he's the boss around here, but we all know that Amber is the boss.
WELL......here is where the story gets quite interesting. Back in late August when we left for the labor day weekend, we put both dogs in the kennel at our groomers. We had to take Corky to the vets for shots, so there would be no kennel cough issues. While we were there I asked the vet when I could possibly have him neutered, she said bring him back when he's nine months old, and then jokingly told us that she didn't think we had much to worry about after examining him, well...you know where.
After picking up the dogs from the kennel after our long weekend away, Mr. R let them out back in the fenced in yard, and when I looked out, they were doing what dogs do naturally, I screamed for Mr. R and he went out and scared them. Omgosh....I was in shock....a puppy doing that??? The next day after browsing around a few blogs I went out into the living room, and YES there they were again in the same compromising position. Accccck!!!! So, I marked those dates on my calendar.....and we think we might be having puppies around Halloween time. I'm so nervous, I don't know nuffin' about birthin' no puppies, but Mr. R say's they know what to do themselves.
I keep having nightmares of Bob Barker standing there saying "have your pets spayed or neutered".....but...but.. we were planning on it!!!
I have been educating myself with what information I can find on the internet about raising tiny puppies, and what signs of trouble to look for in the mother during the birthing process. I'm so nervous. If she only has 3 puppies they are already spoken for. If she has more, my daughter in law said she probably won't be able to resist. I'll keep you updated.

Wednesday Already?

2007-10-10T09:57:00.000-05:00

Since I had off work Monday, this week is flying by. Not that I'm complaining mind you. I always welcome weekends. Because, we all know that all good procrastinators are always busy on the weekend from putting off what they should have done all week long...
Am I the only blogger that doesn't decorate for Halloween? I haven't decorated for Halloween since my son was young, and we live on a main highway, so we never get any little trick-or-treaters.
While I should have been doing laundry on my day off on Monday, I decided to try to make a spoon ring. Why?? I guess because in my younger years in the 70's my mother would have shot me if I took her silverware and said "Look Ma...a ring"....lol
Today my mother anticipates me showing her the unexpected, especially since she knows I'm not using any of her household items.
I had to get Mr R's help with bending the spoon, because I used a silver plated spoon instead of sterling silver, I didn't want to use up a nice pretty sterling one on my first try. I think next I'll try a bracelet.

Where Have I been?

2007-10-07T13:41:00.000-05:00

Could someone tell me where all of my time goes? For some reason it doesn't seem to last as long as it did when I was younger..ha!

We had family/company this weekend, and I actually cooked a few meals for them. They came to visit from Virginia for the National Apple Harvest they have here every year. I don't go to it anymore, I just think most things are over priced and it's not the artists/and or crafters fault when they have to pay a certain percentage of what they sell to those who hold the Festival. Ok, I'm over that already.
Last week before company arrived I tried playing with more sterling silver wire again. This time trying a pattern for a breast cancer awareness pendant that I saw on wire-sculpture
Mine didn't quite turn out like theirs did, I think I was trying to be too quick and got a little "jerky" with the wire instead of going with the flow, so to say... But, I'm still playing with wire and beads, I'm enjoying it, and trying different things, and learning along the way.

I think I've mentioned in a previous post that we've been trying to get my mother to move in with us. So far from talking to everyone, I think this is the option she is going to choose. It will be great having her here, but that leaves us to finding contractors for the addition we will need, finding all new Dr.'s, banks, etc..for my Mom, plus we've told her that we will come down (phila.) and move her up here. This will be a huge step for her, as she's had her own house for more then 40 some years, so if there is some hesitation I certainly understand it.
I have off work tomorrow, I'm hoping to at least get a list started as far as what I need to get done....such the procrastinator I am.

First Wire Wrapped Pendant

2007-09-30T15:24:00.001-05:00

Several months ago, I ordered Preston Ruethers wire wrapping DVD's. Now I'm really a visual person, but I just cannot sit down to watch a dvd and follow him step by step in front of my tv. So, I've watched his dvd's and retained as much as I possibly could. Then I found a tutorial online with step by step pictures...LOL. I think for my first try I did ok, but I need more and more practice. I've never worked with square wire and it sure is different from regular round wire.

I think I'll always be addicted to wire and metals and beads, I just wish I'd finally find what truly makes me happiest, although I bore easily, maybe I'll always switch back and forth from one to the other.

Today Is Amy Day

2007-09-27T19:52:00.000-05:00

I have a very special person in my life that I've never met, she is another blogger, and I fell in love with her blog and her bubbly personality. She also has an Etsy Store, sells on Ebay, and also has her own website/store. She is just a super woman, wife, mother, daughter and lets not forget those businesses she has. Her name is Amy and into her life came an obstacle named Breast Cancer. She has been through a lot in these last few months and she only has one more chemo treatment to go. If you can find a minute, please stop over at Four Sisters In A Cottage
and leave a short message for Amy, she really misses the blog world and being slowed down by the cancer treatments. But, you all watch and see, once she's had her last treatment and she's well rested, there will be no stopping her.
Amy if you get a chance to read this, Great Big Huge Hugs filled with strength coming your way.

I Caught A Baby Bumble Bee....

2007-09-23T16:51:00.000-05:00

You can tell that school is back in session, I'm singing children's tunes again. Before I went to a Basket Bingo (didn't win) on Saturday, I sat down with my Summer Issue of Step by Step wire magazine. I tried my best to make a bumble bee pin that Dale Cougar had published in this issue. She gave step by step instructions, about 1/2 way through making the bee, I realized I'm doing everything backwards according to the pictures...Well....Duh...I'm left handed, so I had to make a few minor reversal changes.

This wasn't my first time working with wire, but it was the first time working with such fine wire that was dead soft.

**Note** I apologize for taking yucky pictures, and I'll take all hints and tips on taking a photo of jewelry.

**Note** I'll also take all hints and tips in working with wire. I've ordered the kit for wire-sculpture in jewelry, they sure do make it look easy on dvd.

Well, here are a few pictures of my little bee. Please look at Dales sight for some lovely jewelry.

Edit A Necklace For Linda

2007-09-15T19:56:00.000-05:00

**Edit**

I couldn't really decide what I wanted to add to the necklace when I posted it, I was just happy to have the chain part finished. I thought maybe a rhinestone or two, then thought that the chain may be too bulky to handle something as dainty as rhinestones. I had a vintage necklace that I purchased from Ebay several years ago. It reminds me some what of a rosary (honest Mom it's not). So I added some between the links and also with the pendant and at the top near the closure. I promise, I'm finished with this piece now. Thank you everyone for the very kind compliments.

It all started when I found the magazine Step by Step Wire Jewelry - Summer Preview issue. They were working with wrought iron wire in 16 gauge wire. The style of the necklace was great, but just not my sisters style. On hand I already had a crystal dangle that I wanted to use in it. Then I wanted the Patron Saint for cancer patients, well I had no idea who that was, so I put in a call to my mother, who had the information right away. Saint Peregrine is that patron saint for cancer patients. Ok, I had the name of the saint, the picture, the wire and the crystal dangle. You would think I would jump right on that project right??? Wrong, that was clear back in Spring, I could come up with a million excuses, but the simple truth is, I'm a procrastinator. Yesterday, someone gave me the inspiration to get moving on that project. (You know who you are). I felt like I needed to get it done as soon as possible while the vision was still there.

Little did I know that the wire would be coated with what I would officially call "gunk", and the article claimed that it was easy to work with, well they may have been right, if I had followed the project that they were showing. I had the hair brained idea to make my own chain, which required two different sized links. Ha...this is where ingenuity kicked in, I didn't want round chain links, I wanted oblong for one of them...so out to the garage I went and found some type of tool that I have no idea what it's use is for, then proceeded to wrap the wire around it, then I had to pull it off of the tool in order to cut it into individual links. My hands hurt so bad from cutting that wire, it was not quite as easy to work with as they claimed, but I finally had step one completed...Ahhhh, then to hammer all of the links, then to make round jump rings, more wire wound around a wooden spoon handle, then more cutting. I finally got finished with everything just this evening.

I'm liking the way it turned out, but to me it just needs a kick of bling, whats jewelry without some bling right? I added a few charms I had, I'm wondering now what a few rhinestones would look like here and there.

Visit From Mom & Sisters

2007-09-14T12:00:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, my two sisters and Mom came to visit. We went to a "feed" at the local fire company, there were plenty of steaks to go around and also plenty of gambling going on. I indulged in a little of each. I didn't win anything, and they were calling out names every 15 minutes from 3:00 - 7:00 pm. Nope, I'm not a gambler.

I did manage to get pictures of my mother and one sister. I'm not sure where my oldest sister was every time I had the camera out. I also took my Mom to visit a Seniors retirement Village. You purchase the cottage (very nice), and then should you ever need a nursing home, the price that you paid for your cottage gets transferred over to the nursing home. Yes, you do lose your money, but we want her taken care of NOW when she is living, not share 200.00 after she is gone, although I was kidding around with her and told her she had to live 50 more years in order for her to use up my share of my inheritance...LOL

We gave her another option: To come live with Mr. R and myself, and we would have a sun room built onto the back of the house, it could be her very own little living room, with fresh country air year round. She's back in Philly now thinking about selling her house, and hopefully thinking over her options. I would love to be able to have my mother here. I'm the only child that moved away from the Phila. area waaaay back in 1979. So having my mother near would be wonderful. Here is a picture of my beautiful Mom (yes, she likes gambling also)!!

Here is a picture of my sister Linda that has lung cancer. she is doing quite well, even though she is receiving chemo treatments right now, she feels fine most of the time until it's chemo week. I love her dearly and she really is a pillar of strength. My eldest sister (no ages revealed) Judy was also along for the visit. She goes with my sister Linda to her chemo appointments, if she can't make it, then my Mom goes. I feel horrible about not getting Judy's picture, I need to put a longer strap on my camera and carry it around my neck.

It was a very nice weekend with just Mom and the girls. Mr. R waits on my Mom, so you know we ALL took advantage of that...LOL My youngest sister Tina wasn't able to be with us, she had a bachelorette party to attend.

Well, I wish my family were better about taking pictures, maybe I could show you all of us. But, I guess I'll just have to post them as I get them. There is rarely a picture of me, and I must say that I plan it that way most of the time. Have a great weekend!

Middle Name Game

2007-09-12T07:48:00.000-05:00

I was tagged by Carole for the name game.
Here are the rules for those that choose to follow them, since I am late getting to this:Players, you must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name.If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had.When you are tagged you need to write your own blog post containing your own middle name game facts.At the end of your blog post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag.Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.
Here goes for my middle name: JOLENE

J - Jewelry hoarder
O - Outgoing
L - Living and loving life (how's that for using the letter L)
E - Envious of people with amazing strength in times of despair
N - Name dead (I'm horrible at remembering names), something I try to change daily.
E - Energetic when the shopping bug hits.

All the blogs I visit have already been tagged and have played along. I might have to go back up and change the letter L to read Lazy with deadlines. If your reading this and haven't been tagged by the name game, leave me a message so I can visit you.

Good Friends, Good Books, Good Times

2007-09-06T09:54:00.000-05:00

It's here....it's here! I preorderd my Belle Armoire Jewelry book from Stampington.com, and I got it yesterday. I'm in heaven, everything inside this book is beautiful, and so are the women that have created the contents.

I got another great surprise in the mail yesterday also. Jamie of Simply Me Art sent me one of her beautiful new t-shirts. It has the logo of her Etsy shop on it. Everyone just has to watch her blog, she started out just months ago, and is now selling on Etsy and also Ebay, and now her own t-shirt line....You Go Girl....you deserve all the limelight.

It came wrapped in this pretty package with a vintage rhinestone on it. (wooohoo)!!

I contained myself just long enough to take the above picture, then I opened the package. This is such a great idea, and so so cute to add to my wardrobe.

Over Labor Day weekend we always go to Knoebels Park in Elysburg, PA. Since I was bored pretty much for most of the ride, I decided to take a few pictures. This picture is of the Susquehanna river, isn't it a beautiful looking day out. We didn't need the car's a/c, it was great weather for traveling.

It was even a little cooler once we hit the mountains in Elysburg, but still a very beautiful day. When we took kids to the park this sign is when they started getting excited, however my son is now 33 and seeks his excitement elsewhere...lol

I found these two just clowning around. The shorter haired clown would be Mr. R., the one with the hat is too lazycrazy to get up and move around much.

This is a pic of moi and the Kozmo dude, who also doesn't move from year to year.

This amusement park is very nice and quaint, they don't charge you to get in, you can and will eat all day long, and the prices of the tickets are much much cheaper then a nearby amusement park in Hershey, PA that I won't mention. *snicker*

The entertainment (free by the way) that was there the two days we were, was a Country band. I'm not one much for country, but I can listen to some of it, if it doesn't get too twangy on me. However, Mr. R fell in love with the singer "Sug'r Bear", so being the wonderful accommodating person that I am to him, I did my best to get a close up shot of her. FYI: Mr R. falls in love with all women that are 1. younger then him 2. nice looking 3. has a great singing voice 4. has great mammary glands.....and to imagine that I only fit into the patterns of #1&2

On the way out of the park at closing (10pm) that night, I decided to stop and get a piece of my favorite love....and sorry, I don't share....now just what are you thinking???? I meant my cotton candy...LOL

Bad Bad Blogger

2007-08-27T18:38:00.000-05:00

I've been a very bad blogger, but if I told you that nothing was really worth blogging, that would make me a good blogger right?? I don't think anyone would be too excited with me telling tales of cobwebs and such in the rooms that I've been cleaning. Oh, I did go to work to see how many students I have to transport so far this year.....only 1......that will change I'm sure, and now I don't have to drive that student until Sept 4th....Now that was good, I now have an extra week to clean before my mother and two older sisters come to visit, the very same week I start back to work. Seeee.....borrrrring!!!

BUT, on Saturday I got some very good mail. Yes that's right from the mailman even, it wasn't an email, but real, honest to the touch postal service mail. I received very nice mail from Julie H. She was in my/our charm swap, and her charms got lost by either the Australian or the US Postal system, according to both Postal services, they are in transit. I felt bad that Julie had gone to all that work, and they never made it here, so I made 3 sets of charms that everyone received and included one of my sets to replace Julies lost ones. I then sent her every ones charms so she would be included in the swap. Look at the beautiful piece of art she sent me.

Click on the picture to make it larger, it's beautiful, I just keep picking it up and finding something new every time. Julie also sent along an extra she had of the long lost charms.

She also sent along a charm that she had made for me.

Thank You so much Julie, and especially Thank You for not getting discouraged during the charm swap.

I've Become An Auction Junkie

2007-08-18T16:53:00.000-05:00

It all started when I decided to go to an Auction with my friend who has a thrift store. But, it's official, I'm now addicted to these auctions.

Seriously, you can find everything from food to furniture, and many other things that you could probably live without, if you hadn't seen them go so cheaply at the auction.

Vintage costume jewelry has always been an addiction of mine, but it's so much easier now at Auction. Sometimes you get to learn a little bit of history behind the jewelry, like what their favorites were, in this particular bowl of beauties, this woman liked to collect cameo's and she also had quite a few "mother" pins...so, I'm just assuming that her children liked to give her jewelry as gifts.

The person that these belonged to was obviously fond of doves, and they all came in the same box lot.

I did find out after the auction, from the auctioneer, that the woman that owned all of these brass curtain findings, made her living by making drapes and reupholstering. I plan on using some of them to make jewelry, and possibly rust some up for an assemblage. Imagine the gentleman bidding against me wanted them for their weight in brass. Brass and copper rates are very high at the junk yards now. I couldn't let that happen, so yes...I paid more then I originally wanted to for these, but I'm glad that I got them.

This tiny little teacup was in the same box with all of the doves. Maybe I'll turn it into a pin cushion, or even better yet, learn how to sip my tea like a lady, instead of gulping it out of a huge mug for the instant caffeine fix.

I think this vintage flannel and the cards would be great made into a soldered charm for an expecting mother to be. Too cute!
So, I guess with all the cute things I find and all the interesting facts that come with them, my addiction isn't so bad, well not to me anyway. Mr.R keeps asking me where I'm going to keep all this stuff, I'm tempted to tell him , downstairs along with all of his collections.

What A Weekend & Buttons

2007-08-05T15:48:00.000-05:00

Yesterday a friend asked if I would go with her to an outside Estate Auction, and you know I just hated to leave my DIY week in progress...heeheee!

Wow, I think maybe I should have stayed at home in the a/c. The weather was to be somewhat cooler and in the 80's, but it turned out to be humid and in the mid 90's. By the time the auction started at 9am, I was hoping they were fast talking auctioneers, and they were. But, I still ended up purchasing things on a whim, why I asked myself later, when it was time to drag it all across a big field and pack it in my friends truck. She purchased so much that I had to call Mr. R and ask him to bring our vehicle to the site to load some boxes in. She had all the huge old rusty wagon wheels & such on her truck. I purchased some old bottles, magazines, silverware and some vintage sewing things...that's it. I'm hoping the next Estate Auction will be in November and I'll need gloves...lol

Mrs. G. over at Life at Number 17 had a giveaway, and I won......Yippeee!!! So, I had some mail goodies this week. Here is what I received from Mrs. G.

Many books that I'm looking forward to reading, and a Statesboro Magazine. Plus in a huge box a garden stone making kit. Thank You very much!!

Does anyone else sort their buttons by colors? Someone save me from what I think is turning into an OCD problem. I got some buttons at several of the auctions and decided to waste some time (take a break from DIY week), and sort my buttons by color, I naturally went with the white ones first. When I stopped, I looked at my hands....gross.....buttons are almost as dirty as money, but I truly love both...haha. Well, I had the brainstorm to cut off all the threads and wash my buttons....yes....wash my buttons. I put them in a colander and ran some soapy water over them.

They look, much much better now. Please someone else tell me that they do this also, or I'm stopping at the white ones for fear that I'll become compulsive with buttons...(rolling eyes)

DIY Projects And Midlife

2007-08-02T22:34:00.000-05:00

There is something to be said about DIY projects when you are in your 50's. Now Mr. R and myself are fairly healthy, only go to the Dr. with the common cold, etc...But Good Lawdy, when it comes to home improvements, we are taxing every muscle in our bodies.. (that would be if we had some muscles from like exercise, etc...)!

We are installing (almost done) laminate flooring in our living room which is only 14' x 24'. I will never say again that it is small. Oh, we are also painting all the walls and the ceiling (now done) and when we are finished with the flooring, we will be putting up crown moulding, ( I hope), and some new wall trim. Here is the before picture of our very outdated living room. Don't I have a pretty view out my front window?

The instructions that came with the laminate flooring tell you to simply snap and lock in place. Ha ha...easier said then done. We have snapped our muscles in our backs and locked our knee caps....LOL not a pretty picture.

Of course we had to have the normal argument about who was right when it came to the seams in the flooring. I was tired of the entire conversation, and put in a call to my son at work, who has already installed this flooring in his own home, but.... he is still in his young 30's...it was a small 1 day project for him. He told us what he learned from installing his own, and came to see what we were getting accomplished, then the little sh*t went home??? What is wrong with this picture?? Here is a picture of the floor almost completed by two midlife adults who need a good massage, but we're too tired.

I told Mr. R that I wanted brown walls, so in order to convince him that they should be brown, I let him choose the color of brown. This one is called Picked Acorns by Kilz brand. He loves it why???? Because I let him pick it....LOL

The chair beside the fireplace is Mr. R's favorite chaise/chair/lounger from the 70's...yes, the 70's. Now to convince him that it would be really really nice in leather. Ha, I'll let him pick the color of leather. Every man that walks in this house say's, "now that's a chair", and there is one female that wants it willed to her...lol I don't particularly care for it because it's hard to decorate around, and also hard to get out of once your in it.

I got goodies in the mail this week, and in my spare time in the evenings, I've been going to auctions, but I'll save those to post tomorrow.

The first person that emails me and puts in the title of the email "It's Mine", will get this piece I got from auction, I know I've seen it on someones blog, but can't remember on who's. Please only ask for it if you have this collection. Email addy is on profile.

Ooops, I'm only temporarily using it as a pen/pencil holder...lol

Necklaces Made

2007-07-27T17:29:00.000-05:00

Yeah...it's Friday, not that it makes much of a difference around here. All of our days just sort of run together.

Mr. R took the new furniture news quite well, but the furniture we have, he wants the furniture company to move it back down to the family room when they deliver the new set.....Geeeeesh! It's ugly, it's old...and it doesn't even match anything downstairs. Oh well...

Yesterday I posted a few pictures that I said I would be doing something with them, I held true to the promise to myself. Here is the first picture.

And here is what I made with that picture. I made a soldered glass slidemount out of it, and attached it to a pre-made/bought necklace and earring set and added a pink ribbon charm and just a few leaves. It's for one of our blogland sisters that has breast cancer. Amy, I hope you're not peeking here. Click on her name and go give her a hug, she truly is a remarkable and strong woman with everything she's going through.

This next project that I finished today, I finished out of fear...that's right, MizSmoochielips told me she'd break my arm if I didn't get this done for her soon.....ha....yeah right, I had kids once and I'm not afraid!

Well, that pretty much takes care of today's creativity. Tomorrow I'll be painting, that should prove interesting, I always get stuck painting the trim...grrrrr! I'll be missing the yard sales, so if anyone goes, make sure you've posted what I missed...waaaah!

Purchases All Week

2007-07-26T17:30:00.000-05:00

Well, I guess I should start back to Monday night, I went with a friend to an Auction, and only spent 3.00....it was a bad boring night, unless you collected trains and pocket watches..which btw were going for a pretty penny. I could have bought a lot of junk with the money spent on toy trains and old pocket watches. My only purchase was a small box of costume jewelry, and this picture that I should have gotten up off my @ss to take a picture of.

I guess I just sort of hung around the house Tuesday and Wednesday, did a little jewelry making, stayed cool, ate when I wanted.....remind me that I will be eating these words once school starts..

Today I decided I should at least leave the house, so I headed to the thrift store and here are a few of my purchases.

I find the strangest jewelry at the thrift store sometimes. These earrings were homemade. I'm not quite sure if they were made out of wallpaper ( I doubt it) or fabric (that would be my guess), then they either heavily starched them or used some kind of sealant....modpodge (maybe)...any idea's? Anyway, I think they are kind of cute.

Look for these pictures hopefully in my next post....I hope they at least look different then.

Oh, after I left the thrift store, I went to the nearest furniture store, just to dream and wander around, and mope a little because I won't be getting leather furniture for quite a few years, because that's how long it takes to convince Mr. R that you don't sweat on it in the summer, and you don't get cold on it in the winters.....Ahhhhhh men!! So while I was there, moping and wandering around wishing for leather, I saw a sale.....BINGO....new furniture and it's not leather...A sale does it for me every time...LOL But before the furniture can be put in, we need to paint the walls and ceiling, lay laminate flooring....hmmmm, I wonder if I scheduled all this around Mr. R's vacation on purpose..

In real life, there really isn't much blue in there at all, it's more of a steel blue/grey, and the dark colors are actually brown. I'm new to photo shop and couldn't get the colors right, or is that the person behind the camera? ha!!

Charm Picture Necklace

2007-07-19T18:11:00.000-05:00

I made this necklace today for my sister. I wanted to work on my soldering, so I emailed my sister and asked for several different face pictures of my nephew. She sent me all silly faces, he really is a handsome little guy. They are double sided, there are more silly faces on the other side of the charms.

I just used microscope slides cut in half, so they are 1"W x 1.5"L. The beads and the chain I just picked up at wally world, the beads reminded me of beach balls for some reason.

The chain comes in a six foot length, but I only used 18" of it. I just added a clasp to the chain. I told her to wear it on her scrapbooking weekends. She goes to several sleep over (out of town) scrapbooking events. She's used to wearing office jewelry...I told her she needed some "fun" jewelry. So here you have my many silly faces of Henry.

Wire Bracelet

2007-07-16T20:18:00.000-05:00

I was bored today, and it was too hot outside, so I got out my wire jewelry book and made this bracelet to add my charms to. It ended up too big, but I can remove a link. It said to hammer each link, so I got hubby's hammer that had some texture on the hammer head. I think I like it. I'll have to add some charms to find out.

I've been Tagged

2007-07-15T20:39:00.000-05:00

I've been tagged by Pat to tell 8 random things about myself. Ok, let me see if I can find 8 interesting things about myself.

1. I'm left handed, but can do most things right handed also, using a calculator left handed just feels weird to me.
2. I hate feet. I don't like my own feet, I don't want other peoples feet touching me.
3. I have to take a bottle of water with me every time I go somewhere.
4. I have one son, age 33 and one stepdaughter age 32. and NO grandchildren yet...dagnabbit.
5. I count how many turns it takes for the can opener to open a can of dog food, and no I don't have OCD.
6. When I drink my tea in the morning or any other time of the day, it's in a 22 oz. mug, not a dainty teacup. It must be the caffeine addiction.
7. I love children and sometimes get along better with them, because they are very open with their feelings.
8. I cannot leave the house without my watch, but can rarely remember looking at it all day to tell what time it is.
9. I'm not very good at doing these things, I'm supposed to tag 8 people now. If 8 people read this, and if you care to, tag yourself, and leave me a message so I can come read it on your blog.

The Charms Went Postal

2007-07-07T15:22:00.000-05:00

I've mailed out the charms priority on Friday, July 6th! I think they are all wonderful. I love each one of them. Everyone did a super job. Thank you one and all for joining my charm swap. SPOILER ALERT

I've taken pictures (well I tried) of all of the charms, and I'm going to show them here, so if you don't want to know until you get them.....Don't Look Any Further!!

** Edit** Would everyone please email me when you have received your charms. Email addy is on profile. Thanks!

The Charms Are Here...The Charms Are Here

2007-07-01T14:29:00.000-05:00

The final number of charm swappers was 14. Don't ask, it gets very confusing. I had 22 people sign up, and a few emailed me with very valid reasons as to why they couldn't do it right now, and then the rest are unknown to me. Everyone will still receive 22 charms, 13 that the others made and 9 of your own back. If anyone is still confused at the numbers, please feel free to email me. My email is on profile. Ooops, that number may be off by 1 or two, I made a few sets just in case someone dropped out. So....since everyone wanted to see a spoiler...I'll show you one that I've made.

As if I didn't have enough on my plate right now, I decided to have a Yard Sale this weekend. If I ever even mention having one again, someone, please...please just shoot me. The best part of the whole thing was I got rid of all of my apple dishes and all the apple decor that was in my kitchen 10 yrs ago. What is left over may end up on Freecycle.org

Even poor little Corky (the new pup) was bored with the whole idea...He looks like he was saying, "quit talking to those people and let me in, I need a drink Mom"....NOW

When I went to the bank on Thursday to get change, I managed (ahem) to stop at a few yard sales...I know, I know...I had a whole garage full of junk already. But is this not the ugliest cute thing you've ever seen, and it has a small version of it that I'll put, ummm who knows where. This one is about 2 ft. tall and heavy as all get out.

Ok, enough of my goofiness! Last night I actually stole a few minutes to visit a few blogs. Jamie from SimplyMeArt is having a summer give away. Stop over and visit for a few minutes and sign up for her giveaway, she is very creative and she also has an Etsy shop, full of eye candy. I got to view one of her pretties up close....this came in the mail for lil ole me last week from Jamie. I'm sorry I don't take better pictures, but you might see that the typewriter key has my first initial on it. Oh just visit her, she takes much better pictures then I do...honest.

Another favorite blog of mine for some beautiful eye candy is Something Sublime, her last post cracked me up. You just have to look, I mean what she has hanging in her tree is lovely, but the story that goes along with it is simply priceless.

I think I'm done rambling for the moment, I need to get cracking on packing up the garage, and get to the charms. Have a Great Week Everyone!

Charm Swap Update & Friday's Goodies

2007-06-22T19:12:00.000-05:00

There are still some charm swap packages on their way here, some from overseas and a few from the US. I know these packages have been mailed, the swappers have notified me...so please be patient, I will update again to let you know when I will be swapping these out.

I went to my all time favorite Yard Sale Store today. This woman just amazes me with what she does with things that we would normally throw away. I bought quite a few goodies today, but I'll only show you one now.

The chair was a purchase I made from her store last month. She took a briefcase and planted some perennials and also some annuals. She also had a tackle box planter there, and also a toolbox planter, plus a drawer from a dress that she cut the sides down just a few inches and put plants in there also.
This is just a side view of it. She told me to take the perennials out in the fall and plant them in the ground, then I can do it over next year, or plant anything else I may want. Her store just amazes me.
Today she had a cowboy boot there with a hole cut in it about at the calf. Then an old piece of tin across the top as a roof for a birdhouse. There was a bird flying in and out of it, and we found out that there is a nest of baby birds in it.
She has now started serving me cold drinks because I just walk around her yard and store in amazement at all the cool things she has.
I even had her come haul some of my junk this week. Yup, today she had the gossip bench I gave her sitting there with a piece of screen across the seat with a plant sitting on it, and on the desktop part, another plant...cute, cute, cute.

Weekend Yard Sale Finds

2007-06-20T08:46:00.000-05:00

I did manage to get out to a few Yard Sales last weekend. Now this gentleman has had a yard sale about 2 months ago, and he loves to banter....well, don't ask me twice. So I asked him what the bargain of the day was. He told me this scrapbook, it wasn't the bargain, but once I started looking through it...I had to have it. This came from his parents house (that is being sold) I got a tour of the old house, I would love to have it. On to the scrapbook.

It was well loved and well used, but that's what gives it part of it's charm. Whoever this scrapbook belonged to, liked to save their greeting cards and include them in this scrapbook.

I tried to pry up just a corner of this picture, I believe it was cut out from a box of candy.

This beautiful picture is dimensional? embossed maybe? I'd love to hear the story behind this one. These little cuties aren't as old, but ohhh so adorable. I did pull up one of these and found out she had cut them from a calendar.I also loved this little fellow. I didn't have the courage to pull this one up find out what it is from.

He had a huge box of old linens, doilies, napkins and such, he told me I could have the whole box for 1.00.....BINGO!! These napkins were in there, but shamefully there were only 3 of them.

And The Winner of The Victoria Book Is........

2007-06-18T11:14:00.000-05:00

Becca~Bluebird Rose

Congratulations Becca, just shoot me an email, and I'll send the book out to you this week.

Thanks for the organizational tip.

(email address in profile)

Summer Vacation Give Away

2007-06-14T18:02:00.000-05:00

I'm on summer vacation or is that temporarily unemployed? Yipeee.

To help me celebrate I want to give to someone a book that I got at the thrift store, only the cover has been well loved, the rest has just been paged through.

It is a Victoria book from 1996, it's got several patterns in it. I leafed through it, and just know I won't get any of it done this summer, I've got to give my house a little TLC.

So will you please help me, leave me a comment and your favorite organizing tip, and on Sunday June 17th, I will pick a random name, and send you the book....That's all there is to it. Enjoy and please help me organize.

With time permitting, I will put together all of the organizing tips and make them one post here on my blog.

Tagged for Dreams

2007-06-14T07:43:00.000-05:00

I was tagged by Mary to list some dreams. I think I'm supposed to do seven?? I'll give it a shot, here we go.

I dream that they find a cure for all cancers! Nobody deserves any kind of cancer.
I dream that everyone I know has a long healthy, prosperous life.
I dream that all children feel safe in their own homes.
I dream that an interior designer would come into my home and make it wonderful, picture perfect. (I'm terrible at it, or is that lazy at it?)
I dream that Mr. R always has a lawn to mow (he loves taking care of the lawn).
I dream that I could live closer to some of my friends.
I dream that all my dreams come true!!

Now I'm supposed to tag 3 people..., Jackie, Pat and MizSmooch

Schools Out For Summer

2007-06-12T21:11:00.001-05:00

Today was the last day of school. Yipeeeeee! No more getting up at 4:30 am to drive kids to school.
Now I get to work at home. I have a huge list of what I would like to get done before school starts again the end of August. I won't bore you with that list. It's not pretty.

I just read the lyrics to Alice Coopers song: Schools Out Forever = very creepy, that's why I didn't post it here, and to think I sang that song as a ahem *youngster*, not realizing what the words were....Oh to be young and naive again.

If It's Too Quiet In Your House.....

2007-06-12T08:57:00.000-05:00

Be afraid, be very afraid!!
Acutally, Mr. R was to be watching the race, and the dogs are always quite loud while playing, so I had to go see what was going on....Awww, don't you just love them all when they are sleeping?
Well, the dogs were sleeping also until I showed up with the flash on my camera.

Charm Swap Update

2007-06-09T20:41:00.000-05:00

It's been brought to my attention, that when I sent out a group email stating when the charms are due to me (June 15th), I failed to mention that you need to make 22 charms. I'm so sorry for the confusion.

There are several people I haven't heard from, but initially 22 people signed up. So, if I have any people that don't follow through, I will mail your extra charms back to you along with the swapped out ones.
I'm having a charm block right now. I have 25 charms sitting on my kitchen table that need something else done to them, I just haven't figured out what the something else is yet. While I think about what they might need, I'm thinking of other charms I can make..Acccck!

I've already received a few wonderful charms in the mail...but, I won't be showing any spoilers. But, they are great....just in case you needed the incentive...ha ha!

Ooops, gotta go, my time has expired.

No Thrifting Today

2007-06-07T06:54:00.000-05:00

I haven't been thrifting in a few days, and I'm starting to feel the withdrawls. Only a few more days of school, and then my summer is free. Not that we vacation much or anything, but the house sure could use some of my attention.

I would like to paint my living room since I've stripped the wallpaper last fall. Still waiting on Mr. R's help with that. I can climb ladders, but once I get up there, I can't do anything.....I feel unbalanced.

Now these two look like they are up to no good...LOL cute little buggers! The little girl on the left is my great niece Autumn, and the boy on the right is my nephew Henry. This was taken last year at my sisters Birthday party.

Capping Strawberry Trick

2007-06-04T17:05:00.000-05:00

Sorry I can only show you this way on the paper towel. I was home alone, and didn't have another pair of hands.

I think I read this in a magazine lately. If I got it from someones blog...forgive me, and let me know so I can redirect where this cool trick came from.

To cap a strawberry without taking 1/2 the strawberry with it, just insert a straw through the bottom of the strawberry, and it takes the cap right off. I tried it tonight, and was surprised how little waste there was and how nice the strawberry still looks.

Asking For Opinions

2007-06-04T08:15:00.000-05:00

Ok, once you hit the 50 mark, wrinkles are there, so preventative measures no longer work. I know I'm living proof.

While riding home yesterday from our weekend away, I read where there is a stretch mark cream that is taking over as the next anti-wrinkle cream. Here is their website. Stivecton SD Now it all sounds wonderful, but I would like to know what everyone has tried and what in your opinion works best. Please no surgical advice, I'm not into self inflicting pain. :)

I know for years my Mother has always used Oil of Olay, I've tried it, and I just look greasy.

Short Weekend

2007-06-03T18:46:00.000-05:00

Well that felt like a short weekend away. We went to the Pocono's where Mr. R and other people from the area, were in a State Bowling Tournament. Mr. R, bowled his normal, which doesn't win you anything during a tournament. BUT, my stepdaughters fiance' bowled a 300 game. Yippeee to Big Al.

Myself and two other of the bowling widows went to a Flea Market that was advertised as outdoor/indoor/air conditioned buildings...NOT, the building reminded me of huge barns and the air condition part must have been the doors being open. But we still managed to find a few bargains. I got an essential oil lamp. There weren't very many vendors that weren't commercial vendors. But, one of the wives was having a good time buying. Her hubby just got a new job, so every time she bought something we would sing, "she bought that because Papa's got a brand new job"...it was fun! Ok, maybe it was one of those things you had to be there for.

I'm dog tired....see you Monday!

Running Away For The Weekend

2007-05-31T18:32:00.000-05:00

We are putting the dogs in the kennel for the weekend, and we are outta here. Woooohooo...I can't remember the last time we actually went away for the weekend.

Mr. R is bowling in the State Bowling Tournament this weekend in the Pocono's. So my dear sweet Stepdaughter got me all kinds of brochures on what there is to do there if your not honeymooning or bowling~ha~. Yippee, there is a huge indoor/outdoor Flea Market. There are also some outlet Malls.

One of the other wives called me, I said "they have a Flea Market".. she said she may now have to skip out on cheering on the bowling teams. She even offered to drive from the motel to wherever we go.

I'll have to show you some more goodies I got from my favorite Yard Sale Store, just in case I come home with more, and have to post them also :-)

Aren't these just the cutest little pin cushions? (click on the pictures to make larger).

I got this cute little Birdie plate, I have no idea what I will do with it. Any "nice" suggestions?

Some vintage cake toppers. And the one little duck with the feather on his back, he ruled the others with his quack, quack, quack!!! (can you tell I'm around children and listen to some really cool music all day?)

Have a Great Weekend everyone!

Friday Morning Yard Sales

2007-05-28T15:13:00.000-05:00

I visited my all time favorite Yard Sale Store on Friday morning. I even called her house before I left to make sure she was open. Her husband recognized my voice and laughed, then told me she would be open, I said "I better hurry"....you know I want the best deals "first" :-)

I just know they put this sign up for me...ha ha~ these first few pictures are of her store. Of course I've become friends with her because I'm simply in love with her, her store, her house, her garden, her dogs.

This one is of some old hats, a swag lamp, you can't miss one corner of the store, you may miss something good.

Just too many vintage linens for me to go through in just one visit. Can you believe I didn't buy a single piece of linen???

Ok, on to what I did get this past Friday morning.

This plant hanger is wrought iron that she painted white, and holds 5 hanging plants. This will be moved to another part of the yard, hopefully....it was very heavy and Mr. R wasn't the jolliest of men to be unloading my car full of yard sale items. But, I'm sure he will love it once I get some flowers in it.

Yes, an old enamel bedpan, doesn't everyone have one in their flower bed??? 2.00 for the bedpan and 3.00 for the perennial plants for in them. Mr. R insists that this one goes in the back yard....ha ha~

I'm not sure if I want to paint this bird cage white or let it rust, but I think I will be putting an ivy in it, for .75 I just couldn't pass it up.

This camera book was the prize of the day. She had it on her 75% off table, because the covers were coming off. I looked inside at all the wonderful pictures, and said "it's mine". It was 3.25 and with at least 200 pages of wonderful pictures.

What a perfect Friday morning.....

Today I Post With A Heavy Heart

2007-05-27T08:42:00.000-05:00

I normally don't bare my soul on my blog. I prefer that it remain upbeat, with a few occasional gripes here and there. But today, I am filled with anger and sadness.
My beautiful sister Linda called me on Friday crying her eyes out and with mixed emotions of anger and fear.
She was diagnosed with Lung Cancer (not just for smokers anymore), last year on Mothers Day weekend. She told me on the phone that she would fight it with every ounce of power that she had.
She held true to her word, she endured many chemo treatments from May until August of last year. Never once complaining of nausea, fear, the lack of hair or the question of "why me"?
The rest of the family was left asking that question, "why her"? She's a loving wife, mother and grandmother, she works for a living, doesn't purposely hurt other human beings..."why her"?
I felt totally helpless. I did as much research on the subject that a person without knowing a thing about cancer could do. I was there for her when she had doubts and questions. I told her to keep eating, fighting the good fight. She did, and very well.
She only had one more chemo treatment to go the week after her 56th birthday, so we had a surprise Birthday party for her. She had mentioned to my mother that she would love to start riding a bike again after her treatments were over. My mothers gift to her was a brand new bicycle.

She made sure she went for each and every appointment with her oncologist after the treatments were done. We all prayed every three months when she had to have numerous tests to see how she was doing. For nine months, she was free of the cancer demon, until this last test.
When she called me crying this past Friday, it was to tell me that the cancer is back, only this time in her left lung. My heart sunk to the floor, and we cried together. I'm very selfish and asked her if she would consider coming here (2-1/2 hours away from home) to have her treatments and stay with Mr. R and myself. I just want to take her in my arms and protect her from everything that I know she must endure.
Linda herself knows what battles lie ahead of her. She is the strongest, bravest and most beautiful woman I know.
All I ask from anyone is, please please lift her in your thoughts when we thank the the millions of soldiers from past, present and future, that are protecting our country, so that we may live a free life.

Birds Swooping At Vehicles

2007-05-23T17:59:00.001-05:00

Do we blame it on global warming? Do we blame it on the fact that they turned the clocks forward a month early?
I'm as serious as poopla in baby diapers.....birds have been swooping at the cars around here. I also now start to hear them chirping at 5:30 am. That's 15 mins. before I leave for work.

I think I've mentioned before but just in case I haven't. I drive a school van. I know I'm out on the road a lot, but honest....the birds are swooping at the vehicles. Are the poor things lost? Is their time all thrown helter skelter, are they flying so low because of global warming?
I know my grandmother used to say that if a bird flew into your window that it meant a death in the very near future. (old wives tale) , (although, I've witnessed it myself).

If your still reading this, you're either laughing your tush off, or your ready to call the folks with the white jackets...but, I'm serious!!

I even asked a coworker yesterday, at first he laughed at me, and then he agreed with the crazy woman, then he said he also noticed more birds flying lower and lower.

I'm one of those people that needs an explanation, when my sister was receiving chemo, (we could talk about anything), I asked her if she thought a mosquito would die if it bit her while she was getting her treatments...yes.....she laughed, then said "hmmmm, I wonder".

I'm very interested in finding the answer to this question.

Acccccck!!!

2007-05-21T09:11:00.000-05:00

On the post below, I'm not able to set it to allow comments. Whats Up With That?? I looked on the blogger help thingy, and apparently I'm not alone.
Some, yadda yadda about switching my template and then back again to see if that works. My reply to Blogger is: COMMENT HERE

Yard Sale Heaven

2007-05-20T14:03:00.000-05:00

It all started on a rainy Friday morning, about 3 weeks ago, I was driving by a Yard Sale. I thought to myself, it's going to stop raining, I'm gonna go have a look. Accccck!!! I was in heaven. I got a huge box of wallpaper that I don't even think is considered vintage, but probably antique. As the older gentlemen explained that they were cleaning out his parents house, he found this entire box of wallpaper in the attic. Although it is quite crisp. It's still very beautiful. YES, that price on the box is what they were asking, plus he loaded it in my car for me. Click on the pictures for a full size view.

Now is that just unbelieveable or what??? I'm still in shock. That was a once in a lifetime score.

This past week after work oneday, I saw a Book Sale sign in a fairly new development. So me and my nose just couldn't stay away. The whole garage was set up like a book store, while I was looking through some books and chatting to the fellow who apparently owned all these books, I just happened to ask him if he had any sheet music....BINGO, not only did he have a huge box at a very reasonable price, he threw in another box free, and he also loaded them into my car. I just had an opportunity last night to go through those boxes, and to my surprise......I found quite a few Older Music Journals from 1909.

I was happy for that surprise, then got another surprise along with books and books of sheet music. (although a tad musty smelling).

An Italian Opera Book....ummm, I forget the date, but once again, older then I would imagine.

I'm still in awe of my Yard Sale finds!!

Just A Few Recipes To Share

2007-05-17T20:23:00.000-05:00

I like old cookbooks, now I don't really like to cook, but I guess when I'm hungry a cookbook will do ( I know, weird)....Anyway I was at a book sale today and purchased an old dairy cookbook, and when I got to these few recipes, I just totally lost it. (It's the warped mind, I'm sure).

Appetizers:

Balls on Picks
Form these mixtures into balls. Chill. Serve on picks.

Celery Balls - 1 cup of minced celery, 3 ounces cream cheese, 1/4 teaspoon salt, dash pepper, few grains cayenne. Roll in chopped parsley.

Green Balls - 1/2 cup grated Swiss cheese, 1/2 cup minced ham, 1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard, 1 egg yolk, 1/4 teaspoon salt, dash pepper. Roll in minced chives or parsley.

Burning Bush - 3 ounces cream cheese, 1/2 teaspoon minced onion. Roll in minced dried beef.

I'm sorry, but why did they call the ones Burning Bush???? *Walking away from this post still laughing*

**Edit** for MizSmoochie and her pickles.

Filled Dill Pickles

Dill Pickles
Cream Cheese

Remove centers of dill pickles and fill with cream cheese. Chill (not you, the pickles), Cut crosswise into 1/2 inch slices.

Wow, I've Missed Blogville

2007-05-16T09:26:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven't been around much. But, as they say, stuff happens in every person's life.
I am however happy to report that we finally named our new puppy. He was running around not answering to anything we called him. We have named him Corky, he is just so cute...what can I say? I know there will be days I feel otherwise while training him, so I'll bask in the word "cute" for now.

How are the charms swappers coming along? If anyone needs any help just holler, or throw me an email.

Uggggg, more company again this weekend. I just wanna hide in my jammies and read blogs all weekend long. I'll have to save that dream for another weekend.

I went to my son & daughter in laws house for Mothers Day, and it was great. My son did all the cooking on the grill, except the potato salad and the Paula Dean Peanut butter Pie. Everything was delicious. He DID NOT learn his cooking skills from his mother. He learned from desperation and downright starvation....just kidding.
I had been sick all week with a cold or something, so the pampering came at just the perfect time, and boy did I soak it up.
I hope everyone had a Great Mothers Day! If you didn't have time, treat yourself this week, or your Mother!

Help Name Our New Furbaby!

2007-05-09T07:45:00.000-05:00

We recently had quite a few losses in our family, and "I" felt that we needed to bring back some fun in our very dysfunctional lives.

Mr. R and I were talking last Friday, and I told him again how badly I wanted to get a new pet. He said "I told you, after we get back from the Pocono's. I told him that nobody has told me what to do since my father passed away. I was going shopping that day, so I looked at him and smiled and said, I'll be bringing home a puppy. Bullheaded??? Me???? Yes....LOL

Now do you think I came home with a puppy?? But of course I did. Mr. R loves him but pretended to be upset for about all of 30 seconds. He would like to name him "Cubby", but I don't care for that name because, it was a nickname for our kids family dog that we had for 18 years.

Our new Furbaby is an Eskipoo, part Eskimo Sptiz and part poodle. He is so lovable and oh so bad all bundled up in one big furball.

Anyone have any idea's on a name for this little cutie. Oh, they told me he would be a small/midsized dog, and about 15 pounds fully grown.

Charm Swap Final Count and Update

2007-05-06T18:23:00.000-05:00

I'm so sorry that I didn't get to this earlier, but I haven't been near my computer since last Wednesday morning, and it wasn't something that could be avoided. But, I'm baaaack!!

We will be having 22 people swapping in this charm swap. So everyone will need to make 22 charms. Please put them in small craft baggies, or on a piece of card stock, business size should fit well, and if you would like to include your blog address, that would be fine too. Also add your name to the bag/card, that way when I swap them out, everyone will know who made which one. The date to have them to me (not the mail out date) will be June 15th.
There are people from out of the country that are in this swap and living in Australia. Please please, read this link as to things that you can't mail to that country.
http://www.daffa.gov.au/aqis/travel/entering-australia/cant-take

If you have any questions at all, please feel free to email me. My email address is on my profile. Have fun everyone! Remember, you make what you want, (including a jump ring) it can be game pieces to old rusty whatchamacallits, or brand spankin new pretty gems. It's your swap, make what you think others would like to receive.

Thanks everyone for joining me with this swap. I love charms, and I hope if this is your first charm swap, that you get just as addicted to making them as I am.

Charm Swap Update

2007-04-27T18:18:00.000-05:00

We still have plenty of room for anyone else that may want to join. I will accept sign ups until May 1st at midnight. You don't need to have a blog to join, just an email address where I can get in touch with you and also your home address so I can mail them to you.

No experience necessary. We all had to start somewhere with everything we've done.

We have very many talented people that have already signed up for this swap, so if you would have any questions with your charms, just post on this blog, and I will make sure you get the answer you need.

The total count I have so far is 22 people. Would everyone please email me with your home address and confirm that you would like to be in this swap. My email address can be found on my profile.

If you see an *asterik beside your name, please let me know if you are still interested in the swap. There were a few of you who were pondering on the idea. I will update again after the sign up deadline.

So far I have the following people that are signed up, or thinking about signing up for the swap:

Julie H
Karla ***are you joining?

MizSmoochieLips ***you hafta

Scoundrel-Carole

DogFaeriex5-Kim

Feathers

Nerissa
Cabs - Carol in Mass.

Beth Leintz

Orlita

Jess

Vintage Peggy

We Are Zne On Etsy - Chelise

Judy M.*** are you joining?

Shabbychicshar

Peg - Art Soul Too

Me- MaryB.
Michelle V.
Missy Meg - Australia
Jenny G. - Australia
Kv Designs - Kathryn **I need an email address, please email me.**
Sidney - Beadlishous ** I need an email and home address, please email me**

I will patiently (haha) await an email from each of you ; )

Yeah......It's Yard Sale season here in great Central PA, on my way home today I stopped at two Yard Sales, and found this little fellow. I brought him home and washed him up. Isn't he the cutest little pincushion?? (I'm assuming he is a he).

After I got him all cleaned up, I found him over on the table relaxing in the flowers.

Cute Garage Sale Pin

2007-04-25T09:10:00.000-05:00

I purchased this pin at a "Garage Sale Store"....yup, that's what she calls it. I love her store, but she's only open two weekends out of the month.
I must ask her if I can take pictures of her store, or better yet....get her to blog her store. She finds the most unique things. She made for herself a birdhouse for her garden, she took an old garden shovel and an old birdhouse, attached the birdhouse to the metal shovel part, and stuck the handle in the ground, I know it sounds kind of blah and simple, but it's so cute...I'll have to ask permission to take pics next time I go bug....err, visit her.

Well anyway, she had this cute little pin there, and it's made out of paper, and it's either dipped in modpodge or it's been dipped in Utee. I just think it's cute. Anyone have any suggestions as to how it's made?**sighing** sorry about the bad pictures. (I must get that dang book out and read it when I have time.)
Pin Front

Pin Back

Dixie Getting To See The Flowers Now

2007-04-24T17:08:00.000-05:00

Our little furbaby Dixie was just too sick for the vet to be able to make her well. However, instead of being sad, I choose to celebrate her life. She can now see the lovely flowers, she now has the stamina to run with the rest of the pack, and I'm sure she's eating everything that she wasn't allowed in the last year. If there is such a thing as a dog being a lady, she was a very Classy Lady. We called her our "All about me" dog. When someone entered the house, she insisted that they touch her, then she would calm down and go about her business. Dixie is missed very much in our family, but she will always remain in our hearts!

What Is This Made Of ?

2007-04-22T18:08:00.000-05:00

I got this necklace as a parts/repair item. It's got a grainy substance on it, you can see that it's coming off of one of the round beads, but I would like to remove it from the oval ones without taking the roses off with it. Anyone have any idea's as to what it might be made of? Oh, the round bead is plastic underneath, I'm afraid the roses might just be decals...hmmmm, what to do, what to do! Any hints or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Oh, I tried lightly sanding with an emery board, but that didn't help it come off, but it made the person on the phone I was talking to, tell me it sounds like fingernails on a chalkboard...ooops! I also took soapy water and rubbed it through my hands...nothing noticeable came off.

The vet called about an hour ago, today is day 9 of our Dixie being in the Animal hospital. She is diabetic, has high blood pressure, has pancreatitis, she's blind, and also has thyroid problems, now the Vet is saying that she has problems with her liver. He wants to give her another day or two to see if she improves. He said that she's treading water....poor little thing, we went in to see her Friday night, and she perked up as soon as they brought her into the room with us. We miss her terribly, the vet knows that we want what is best for Dixie, he said he would let us know if this is a battle she can't win. Poor Dixiedoodle....thinking of her makes us teary eyed.

Don't forget about sign ups for the charm swap....see post below!!

Missing Dixiedoodle

2007-04-17T09:31:00.000-05:00

Our one dog Dixe, nicknamed: Dixiedoodle, had to be hospitalized Friday afternoon. She is a diabetic, and her sugar went out of control. As of yesterday she wasn't eating either, so they have her on an IV. Dixiedoodle has gone blind from the diabetes. I'm a little upset with the animal hospital, since it was an emergency, I didn't get our normal Vet, we got the new vet that has just started, and I feel that he is dragging his feet. So far, I've kept my cool about it, but today may be the day I talk to our normal vet and get everything moving in fast forward. Here is a picture of our sweet little lady.

Then we have our newest pup, her name is Amber, nicknamed: Amberghini....she really gives me a run for my money, but she is really missing Dixiedoodle. The poor little girl isn't eating herself. Oh how our pets pull on our heart strings.

Happy Birthday MizSmoochieLips

2007-04-14T15:04:00.000-05:00

Everyone go on over to Smooches and Wish her a Happy Birthday!!! She really is a very sweet woman! I'm sure she's being pampered by the family today!

Happy Birthday Hooch!

Here is a sneak peek of your gift...LOL

Anyone Up For A Charm Swap?

2007-04-12T18:10:00.000-05:00

I'd like to host a charm swap. I was in a charm swap several months ago, and I enjoyed it so much, I just wanna keep going with them.

I am on a group that swaps out charms, however they are coming up with so many rules and regulations as to what you can make and what you can use on your charm, that it has made me come to the conclusion that I need to get away from that group. They are going as far as holding "Ugly Charm Swaps", to show what not to make. I just don't want to be part of that kind of negativity.

SO *big sigh of relief*, with that being said, Who Wants to Make some charms?? I promise to have very few rules, and I would love for you to make what you want. Ok, rules...*gulping*

Charms should be no larger then 1" wide x 1-1/4" long.

If there are out of country swappers, no feathers, plant materials and such are allowed to be sent out of country.

I want you to make what you want to make, it can be fibers, glass, old metals, game pieces, whatever you feel like making.

You will make as many charms as there are members joining the swap, (that would include one for yourself), it's just so much easier to swap out that way. Example: 25 members = making 25 charms, and so on.

I will keep the sign ups open until May 1, 2007 and with people starting vacation plans and children being out of school, how about having them back to me by June 15, 2007.

Include in the package as much as it cost you to mail it to me. I will work out the uneven numbers.

You don't just have to make a bracelet with your charms, you can add them to a chain and drape them over a lamp shade, planter, fireplace mantel, or even make them into brooches. Whatever makes you happiest with them, is what you should do.
So....any takers?? I'm in!!

Here are a few sites with some great charm idea's.
Just Simply Charming
Oh So Charming click on the individual pictures
Art-E-Zine
**Edit** Here is a sample of a charm that I've made, but please make whatever you wish to make.

There Must Be a Meaning

2007-04-12T08:20:00.000-05:00

On Easter Monday (is it still called that?). I went to the rescue mission after work. I found this wonderful hand fan in the .25 bin. Now deep in my heart I knew it couldn't have belonged there. Just recently an Antique Mall had closed and donated some of their inventory to the Mission.

So when I got to the register to pay, I told the girls that I found it in the .25 bin, but couldn't believe that is where is was supposed to be. ( I mean afterall, who was looking up at me.) Yes, I eneded up paying more, but I honestly didn't mind.

There must be a reason why I found him in the .25 bin and saved him from being just thrown in with throwaways!

Isn't it beautiful? This is the fan closed.

This is the fan open.

This is the back of the fan, with a 4 digit telephone #. Mr. R say's it predates the 1950's... I just think it's beautiful.

Well Pickles...It's Tax Time

2007-04-10T12:55:00.001-05:00

Omgosh, I got home from work this morning, and thought I better get started on the taxes, so I started then stopped, because I need Mr.R to answer some of the questions, like how would I know how many of those checks he wrote are donations, etc...
Today is Mr R's Birthday also, his daughter (my stepdaughter) is taking us out for dinner.
Well, I'll ignore the taxes until maybe tomorrow night (I know, I know...I'm pushing my luck)!!
Ok enough of that subject, I got this little shall we call her a bird?? at the thrift store.
She's actually either a salt or pepper shaker, and she sure looks like a Turkey to me, but she's missing Mr. Turkey..anyway, I just thought she was cute with the flowers and butterflies.

Happy Easter

2007-04-08T13:34:00.000-05:00

Applique Bling

2007-04-05T18:37:00.000-05:00

At a friends suggestion, I altered this applique. I just dug into my rhinestone jewelry stash, and started playing. It would really have helped if I had an actual body here to model it for me. Mabel, (my vacuum cleaner did the best she could).

PotLuck Dessert/Snack

2007-04-05T12:04:00.000-05:00

I'm so happy to be part of Ms. Shabby's Potluck Friday! Although anyone that knows me, knows that I don't cook. Well I do, but I try to make everything either in the crockpot or in the microwave. Mr. R isn't a big eater and I'm really not either (except for all the wrong foods). So I'm sure as I travel to all the different blogs that are participating, I will have had a good meal until I'm done.
To share with you, I've made an "easy" and girls, I do mean easy dessert/cookie to share with you. Below are the major ingredients:

Oh shoot! I forgot to take a picture of the recipe. OK, here it goes, I'll just type it out for ya!

Funfetti Cookie Recipe

1 pkg, Pillsbury Moist Supreme Funfetti Cake Mix
1/3 cup of oil
2 eggs
1/2 can of Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Frosting of your choice.

Heat oven to 375, In large bowl combine cake mix, oil and eggs: stir with spoon until thoroughly moistened. Shape dough into 1-inch balls, place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. With bottom of glass dipped in flour, flatten to 1/4" thickness
Bake at 275 for 6 to 8 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool 1 minute, remove from cookie sheets.
Spread frosting over warm cookies, Immediately sprinkle each with candy sprinkles. Let frosting set before storing. Store in tightly covered container.

Now Mr. R and myself prefer not to have the sprinkles, and light on the frosting, so I've made some without the sprinkles and I've left a bowl of frosting for those that like more frosting on theirs, Please help yourself.

Now for those that know me well, I know your going to want proof that I've made them. Well this is the closest I can come to proof without having had a camera man here..lol

Just in case some of you got here a little late or are full from all the other wonderful dishes. I've saved a few cookies in a container on the counter top for you, help yourself, and thanks for stopping by.

The Name Game

2007-04-03T20:24:00.000-05:00

As only a few know, I drive a school van for special needs children. Last week I got a new student, (his name for the sake of privacy will be John), and I have my students call me Miss Mary (not knowing if their parents prefer first name basis or Miss or Mrs...etc.) On the very first day John learned on the drive to school which color van to look for and that his van driver is Miss Mary. His teachers name is Miss Missy. After getting on the van after the first day, he was very excited to be going to school, and he said that he liked his teacher Miss Missy. On the way home he tried to get my attention and in his excitement of using his teachers name Missy most of the afternoon, he got both of our names confused and called me Miss Merci'.....How cute is that???

I haven't done anything really artsy lately. I've been busy with work and we put down new flooring in the kitchen.

I like the flooring, but now I'm re-thinking the color of my cabinets, (off white with a celery green border) Mr. R doesn't like it when I start running colors past him for approval...LOL The last time I mentioned a home improvement job, he said he was just going to start bringing in bulldozers because I change my mind too much.

I did manage to make it to two thrift stores today, that was after my early morning school delivery and after having my drivers license picture taken.....HELLO......after they take that picture they ask "Are you sure you want to be an organ Donor?" After looking at that picture, I'm ready to donate....immediately!!!

These are two very cute tiny (approx. 5" tall) vases I found at the church thrift store. They say made in Germany, but it was their cuteness that won me over. I purchased other things also, but I'll bore you with that another day.

Trifty Finds and Birthday Fun

2007-04-01T08:22:00.000-05:00

Well I survived my big 50 Birthday, I've never had a birthday bother me, but I had help this year. Things were just helter skelter and I had to put in an emergency gripe call to a very good friend. Everything is fine now, and I don't feel a day older, or even wiser for that matter. Thank you MizSmoochie for the lovely Birthday party, who cleans up this mess on my blog now that those hunka hunka burnin' love male dancers left? I did receive some very beautiful gifts from family and friends and heck even a gift from myself. A girl can't ask for more then that.

During my 1/2 century celebration, I managed to make it to a few thrift stores. I need help with this one. Does anyone know what it is? It is imprinted on the back "Made in Japan". I googled and searched Ebay and the closest thing I could find to it, they called it a Japanese sandwich plate.

Moving on to my next best purchase (well to me it was), was this silverware. I plan on using it in some jewelry making so if it cleaned up or not didn't really matter to me, but just to see what it looked like I did one piece..Wow, now I wished I had the whole set.

I got this little guy for .25 at a Church Rummage sale. I just think he's so dang cute. I think I will be putting a small plant in his cart instead of toothpicks. I just don't need toothpicks out on my counter tops, like there isn't enough "stuff" there already.

Well, I guess it's back to reality for me now, Sunday is laundry day, cooking a decent meal day(ha ha). Mr. R is in the middle of putting down a new kitchen floor for me, and I need to get busy on the grout of the bathroom tiles that I'm desperately trying to save, and I don't even like them...oh well, my dream home is still in my dreams...probably where it will always stay.

Oh, check out my new header/topper, I love it. The picture on the left is me as a child and the picture on the right is a recent picture of my Mother....isn't she priceless? Thanks goes out to Jackie for making it for me. She is always changing hers and does a *superb* job.

Happy Birthday Mar!!!

2007-03-28T09:37:00.000-05:00

My sweet friend,
I have hijacked your account (gosh, you never knew giving me your info once upon a time would come back to haunt you today!!! Heh heh!)

Since we always have to live like a gazillion miles away from each other, I thought I would throw you this birthday parteeeeeeeeeeee!

First, we have tons of presents for you

and I'm sure you'll be starving after all that work so here's a gourmet lunch. You said you like your noodles skinny right?

And then the cake - which I stole all by myself!

And then some male strippers just cuz they keep you feelin' young.

Happy Birthday Hooch!
Wuv,
MizSmoochie

Last Weeks Thrifting Fun

2007-03-25T12:56:00.000-05:00

Sorry this isn't brand new thrift goodies, but my camera died and I have to post what I have...Or.....I could run over to Smoochies and post her daughters wonderful artwork here also!

I've already posted a picture of the hair spray can cover, the other one is a toilet tissue cover. I'm not even sure what kind of glasses they are, but they reminded me of carnival glass in the color I have, but these turn to clear at the very top. The white-rosey thing is actually a planter, it's quite cute, but now what to do with it. It may reside in my guest room with some sample size toiletries for my stay over guests, which I seem to have plenty of lately.

I had one helluva week last week, so I'm looking forward to a bright one this coming week!

One World One Heart Winner

2007-03-21T20:01:00.000-05:00

Sorry I'm so late with drawing out the winners name, but I have comany from out of state.....so lets get on with the show

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

Congratulations Shoezycakes...the little bird pin will be mailed out to you this week. Please email me with your mailing address.

Thrifting & Charm Bracelet Combined

2007-03-16T13:43:00.000-05:00

Earlier this week I purchased this hairspray can cover at the Mission. I snatched it up before anyone else did.
Back in November I joined a charm swap hosted by Dawn Sellers *hostess extraordinaire*, she has a blog of the Oh So Charming Swap there are great up close pictures of all 111 charms that were made. I joined up twice, which meant I had to make 50 charms, 2 sets of 25 and in return I got 50 great homemade charms. Here is the best picture I could get of all 50 of them together.

I then cut out a bangle type bracelet from the hairspray can cover, then went to work attaching all of the charms.

This was my end results with the bangle charm bracelet.

I never knew just how hard it is to take a picture of your own wrist while wearing a bracelet, and have the charms still "dangling".

Another Snow Day

2007-03-16T11:59:00.000-05:00

Friday is always a short work day for me. Thank heavens when I drove my students to school this morning it was only raining with an occassioanl burst of freezing rain. This is what it looks like right now at 1:10 pm.

My driveway is directly in front of that huge tree and "normally" my duct taped mailbox sits to the right of it....notice it's gone??

Last night Mr. R was writing out bills and I was on the sofa watching tv and we heard this loud banging noise. Yup, sure enough, someone had come by and ran down our mailbox. Does that person that hit it think that we didn't hear it? We do realize that there had to be a considerable amount of damage done to their car, as we set our mailbox down into a bucket of concrete, but they never came to the door to say sorry, kma, or I'll replace it. I told Mr. R that we should start calling the police when people hit it, and report it as vandalism. We only replace about 4-5 mailboxes in a year. Awwwww, the joys of rural living.

Easter Eggs

2007-03-15T07:29:00.000-05:00

I had company last weekend, so I decided that my sister in law and myself would color some store bought plastic Easter eggs.
I had read about this technique on another group, so I cannot take credit for the idea, only the outcome of my own. You will need the following:
**Tim Holtz alcohol inks. (can be found in the craft store where stamp pads are found).
**Plastic eggs (can be found almost anywhere this time of year.
**Krylon gold leafing Pen ( I got mine at Wally world for a few $$)
**Little wooden handles that you will glue felt onto ( basically to stamp with them). I got mine in the wooden dept. of my craft store, one for each color and one for a combination of all of the colors.
**Not pictured: A spray bottle with 90% rubbing alcohol in it.

Warning** If you don't wear plastic gloves, you will be sporting multi colored fingers for a few days...no, I won't show you mine...not a pretty color...LOL
1. First I traced around a plain ole piece of felt with my little wooden handles, cut them out and glued them onto the bottoms.
2. I first used the Krylon gold leafing pen to just randomly put squiggles and swirls and dots on the plastic eggs.
3. As I was using them, I would ink up the wooden handles with a color, and simply dab all over the egg (my sister in law preferred to smoosh hers on her eggs), so the choice is yours, it's whatever appeals to you.
4. After it has dried for several minutes, take the egg and the spray bottle of rubbing alcohol to the sink, hold the egg at arms length, and give a quick spritz to the egg. You'll be amazed at the transformation. **Note** From personal experience I found out that the more rubbing alcohol that you spray on, the more it took away from the swirled/marble effect.
5. Set to dry and continue on until you run out of eggs, re-inking your wooden handle for each egg. I didn't really use much of the alcohol inks. You just use small drops on the felt, I still have over 1/2 of each bottle left.
**Note 2** I also found from personal experience that if you decide to spray a fixative, use it very very sparingly. It made some of my colors run on the eggs. My sister in law chose not to spray a fixative on hers and they are still nice and shiny.

One World One Heart Give Away

2007-03-12T10:49:00.000-05:00

Once again, I wanted in on the fun of making something to give away. You have to go to LisaOceandreamer's blog and see all of the other artists that are giving Heartworks away on their blog. Thanks Lisa for taking this on.

I would like to take credit for originality on my little Artists Trading Pin, but I have to give credit to Kim for sending me a lovely trading pin, and I've been itching to make one myself. I'm hoping this will be one of many that I start making. This one was out of the box for me, but I think I'll get the hang of it by the time I make a dozen or so

If you would like to have this little birdy pin, just leave a message on this post, and on March 21st I will draw a name, and the Artists Trading Pin will have a new home. Have a great time checking out all of the other blogs....you'll be sorry if you missed them!!!

Just a Few Pretties To Craft With

2007-03-06T12:09:00.000-05:00

Yesterday after working and doing a few errands, I stopped at our local Rescue Mission and found these little pretties, all for the price of 3.15....woohooo! I know I'll find something to do with them. Oh, I also got a brand new velvet dress, it would be the perfect little black dress, it's my size. But as normal I will probably craft with it also. I got a piece of carnival glass, my mother started my collection for me years ago.

Then I walked into the back where they keep the goodies, like tins, frames, games, etc..they had 4 or 5 huge boxes of Avon bottles. Needless to say I picked up a *few* for a friend. You just might be seeing these in the near future, altered of course.

I've Been Busted & Tagged & Now You Have Too

2007-03-04T11:24:00.000-05:00

I was bored an being nosey, checking up on MizSmoochieLips (who I thought by the way, would be pampering her hard working husband, and of course doing you know...the laundry.) Well little did I know she was posting and showed a picture of her purse and then it's contents. She has now tagged whoever has read her blog. Now I'm passing on the misery...umm, I mean fun. You've been BUSTED & Tagged. You also must go do the following.

This is my purse sitting on the kitchen table on top of a Lowes Home project magazine(husband shudders when he see's these books). It's brown pleather, and very compact, I like it that way, but I still manage to fill it up. I wish I could find a good leather one like this.

This is proof that you really can
shove 5 pounds of crap into a
2 pound bag.

The contents are as followed: $7.00 and some change, bank deposit slip, paycheck to be deposited, A.C. Moore receipt, Home Depot receipt, Checkbook, List for Home Depot (have to get's), Altoids, Hand Sanitizer, A.C. Moore gift card, Goody's headache powders, tums in a little craft baggie, digital battery, cell phone, stolen/borrowed pen.

Now go do the same and leave me a note so I can check out your purse on your blog.

Auction Purchase-Help Identify??

2007-03-01T12:15:00.000-05:00

Back in November I went to an auction in Virginia with husband and sister in law. I liked these bowls, they were in a box with a few plates. Before I break them up for crafting, can anyone tell me if I shouldn't? I don't know who or what the make is, there are no marks at all on the backs. However, I think they are pretty, maybe thats why I haven't used them yet.

**Edit** I found one similar on Ebay, and I think they are Trimont Ware made in Japan. They don't seem to be a large collectible.

Happy Birthday To My Mom

2007-02-28T20:33:00.000-05:00

Mom....what a comforting word. Today my mother is a very active, cool, hip, groovy 70 something years old.

I took this picture of her last summer while she was here visiting. I find this picture priceless. We were sitting in the back yard just relaxing in the lawn chairs under a shade tree, and she went to the field next to our house and picked these wild flowers.

Mom I love you and I hope you have a grand day!!!

Just Another Snowy Sunday

2007-02-25T20:06:00.000-05:00

I'm glad I did all my running around yesterday, as it started snowing like crazy around 10am this morning. This is what it looked like out my front picture window.

I thought "what a great day to make some soup". So, I pulled out my sister in laws recipe for vegetable soup. (yes, I needed a recipe) anyone that knows me, knows that cooking isn't exactly on top of my priority list. Or even on my "want to do " list. I think I got my cooking abilities from my mother. She cooked to feed 9 people, she didn't cook because she enjoyed it. That would also lead to my husbands other love...cooking on the grill and peanut butter. When they had the Peter Pan recall, I actually had to print out the notice from the internet, because we had one of those jars, and had I not printed it, he would not have believed me, because I always tell him that man cannot live on peanut butter alone.

The soup was fantastic, so we filled up a big container full to take to my husbands brother who is ill. We went to his house for a visit, and also so hubby could snow blow their driveway for them. It was an enjoyable visit, the men watched a car race and of course the women sat at the table doing what we do best....we yakked about anything from the newest haircare products to which of our children will take care of us, if the need should ever arise. My son has already shown me the "closet" I'll live in if he should have to care for me...(brat)!!

Right now it is just raining, but they say it may turn to ice. So tomorrow may be another late start day. Come On Spring!!

Fun Mail Day

2007-02-23T20:49:00.000-05:00

Today was a great mail day, (even if the mailbox is still sporting duct tape). See pictures below **hanging & shaking head**
I got a beautiful Artists Trading Pin from a new Blogger friend, Kim. I was just talking to another friend the other day about how to make one, I realize they are small, that's why I like them so much. This one has the cutest bird..and on the back it says home..How very sweet of you Kim, Thank You So Much!

I think I will have to give my hand a try at making a few of these, ....Oh Kim...I may need some guidance.

Well, I'm still trying to revamp the ugly ugly pink/teal tiled bathroom. Today I was a disaster waiting to happen with a paint roller in my hand. Not once, but twice the pad fell off of the roller thing-a-majiggy. Now I realize I didn't have the right size roller on there, but I used what was in the garage inventory. The first time it fell into the sink (which we aren't replacing). The second time it fell off, it hit the floor...I said "Amen", we are replacing the tile in there. Then the phone rang and would you believe my employer wanted to add more work to my work week, ha ha! Fat chance on that one! I just wasn't in the right frame of mind (or even dressed decent) to drive children home in the rush hour traffic. I know, I know...that's my job, but on any day other than today. Trust me, it was in the best interest of the children. I hope everyone has a great weekend, and if you see some craze eyed woman walking through Home Depot with white paint all over her, please point me...ummm/her in the direction of the recessed mirrored medicine cabinets.

When In Doubt Get The Duct Tape

2007-02-22T10:17:00.000-05:00

These pictures are of our mailbox. Now, I know we live in a rural area, but we are on a main/major road. So the state decided that they needed to widen the road (a week after the snowfall)!! But, did they need to widen it more then what it is when it doesn't snow???? I don't really have a problem with what they did, other than my mailman won't put my mail in the broken mailbox. We have our mailbox down in a 5 gallon bucket of cement that is then planted in the ground, so I know when the plow went through, they had to repair that plow. We do that for the simple reason that our mailbox gets hit approx. 3 times a year, and we have now resorted to buying the cheapest mailbox they make.

Now the really sad part is, the husband has resorted to duct taping the mailbox until the snow goes away. I know he's been a very busy man lately, and I love him dearly, but that duct tape has got to go!!!

I'm Hoping I Can Share This Picture

2007-02-19T14:28:00.000-05:00

While on a trip to Virginia to visit with sister in law, we went to an antique mall, and I got these milk bottle caps at a very very good price, but I still haven't used them in anything.
If this picture will print out for you at normal size, feel free to use them for whatever you like. If for some reason you can't get actual size, just email me, and I'll send you the original scan.

Snowed In Craft Day Gone Bad

2007-02-16T18:46:00.000-05:00

I thought I would jump on the resin bandwagon. I knew my first attempt wouldn't be what I expected of myself, so I just used micro beads on them (not waiting long enough for the resin to set before adding the beads). So, on the following day, I thought I would be patient (not a virtue of mine), then I added some candy sprinkles. Let it cure the alloted amount of time, and they were cloudy. So now I have 20 1/2 circles that look like they could be superballs that kids like to play with. Any suggestions??

Fantastic Mail Day For Valentines

2007-02-15T11:56:00.000-05:00

I received both HeARTworks in the mail on Valentines Day. What perfect timing. The heARTwork book was made by none other then the fantastic Sharon my bad photography does nothing for this fantastic piece or artwork. I'm absolutely thrilled, Thank You so much Sharon.
My little HeARTworks party hat also came from Little Melfies World it is so cute and darling. I tried to get my cutie pie dog to model it for me, but she just doesn't understand the meaning of party hats yet. I love all the vintage ephemera on it. Thank You so much.
I was so happy to have been lucky enough to win gifts of HeARTwork from two very talented Artists. Yes, some day's life is very good!!

Happy Heart Day

2007-02-14T11:37:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone has a great Valentines with your loved ones. After spending 20 Valentines with my loved one, I finally got the candy I wanted, we were at the store picking out valentines for his daughter (isn't that sweet, she is 31 yrs old and Daddy still gets her a card and candy) anyway they had a huge (BIG) box of chocolate covered cherries (liquid center of course), I told him to get me them, and skip the flowers. I just can't justify the price of roses on this one particular day. I am just grateful to have him, and possessions don't mean as much as his love and his presence in my life.

What Pattern is Your Brain?

2007-02-12T09:10:00.000-05:00

Your Brain's Pattern

You have a dreamy mind, full of fancy and fantasy.

You have the ability to stay forever entertained with your thoughts.

People may say you're hard to read, but that's because you're so internally focused.

But when you do share what you're thinking, people are impressed with your imagination.

What Pattern Is Your Brain?

The HeARTworks Went Postal Today

2007-02-09T14:32:00.000-05:00

After work this morning, I ran my heARTwork gifts to the post office. Sorry Kim and Sandy that it took me so long. My time is limited through the day....hmmm, exactly when the post office is open. When I first moved to this area I found it weird that our post offices took lunch hours. I mean, they closed up shop for 1-2 hours each day. Oh the prices we pay for living in small rural areas. But I wouldn't move back to the city, I like all the options for entertainment and convenience that a city has...maybe I'm really a country girl at heart...or I'm trying to convince myself that...lol
I also made a run to the local thrift store, and left with nothing....zero....zilch!!! What a bummer. They must be clearing the shop for spring, now that would make me happy to get some Easter items *before* Easter. So I settled for grocery shopping, which I despise. I would run to the craft store but it's still very windy and cold here, and I really need to think about starting on the bathroom "revamp". It's not getting any prettier now that the old wallpaper is down and the putrid pink paint is there.
Maybe I'll find something creative to do this evening....or not!!

The Winners Are......

2007-02-04T20:40:00.000-05:00

I waited until halftime in the Superbowl as I said I would. There were 18 comments left, I printed out, cut apart and put them in the fish bowl (literally) ha ha!

Unfortunately, I was the only one home, so I turned the fish bowl upside down, until the first two names fell out.
The winners are ................for the pin (first picture posted)...........Sandy McTier
For the Stampin Up Stamp set (second picture posted)................Dogfaeriex5

Will the winners please email me with your mailing address, so I can get your gifts out to you. I would like to thank everyone for such a great time. I've truly enjoyed this.

I Want To Give Away Some HeARTwork

2007-02-02T19:03:00.000-05:00

I've been to some really great blogs in the last few days. I was starting to feel left out, that I didn't have anything made for the HeARTwork fun. So this morning after work and a few other things, I made a wire wrapped pin. I also have a retired Stampin Up stamp set (used lovingly). Since I'm so late on this...I know, just call me "Last minute Mary"....Mom always did. :-) I won't be drawing the winning names until halftime during the Superbowl on Sunday. I'll post the winners on Monday morning when I get home from work. So, if either one interests you please leave a comment behind, so nobody gets left out.

So Sorry For Not Blogging

2007-01-31T09:14:00.000-05:00

Sometimes life throws you a curve, and you better have your glove on to catch it. Thats how it feels around this house lately.
We have alot of "family" things going on right now, so as not to let it consume our entire life, we are doing some revamping to our very very outdated bathroom. So far we are just in the "tear down that ugly wallpaper" stage. I'll try to post pics later if I decide they won't embarass me too much. I think I figured out that the wallpaper has been there since either the very late 80's or very very early 90's. Like I said...ugly, ugly, ugly.
Of course I still sign on and get my daily blog fix. I'm just too nosey, I have to see what everyone is doing. I'm such a blogho, and self admitting at that..LOL

Fun and Funny

2007-01-25T09:54:00.000-05:00

http://www.myheritage.com

Thoughts For The Day

2007-01-20T14:39:00.000-05:00

I feel I need to address my current thought that seems to enter my mind every single day of my life lately.
Cancer what a filthy, disgusting, saddening word, unless it happens to be your astrological sign. I have many very close people in my life that are currently battling with the ugly disease. Does anyone really know how many years we've had this disease taking our loved ones from us? I simply cannot believe that they can't find a cure.

Two Charms I've Made For A Charm Swap

2007-01-18T19:12:00.000-05:00

I started out with hubby scrounging through his service truck for "small" anythings that I could turn into a charm. I told him he had to have at least 25 of them. He acted as if this wasn't a problem. The next day he walked in and handed me 30 couple "propane orifices", my first thought was cool....a bell!!! I asked him exactly what a propane orifice was used for. He said depending on how big you drilled the hole in the top allowing the flow of propane gas coming through. I thought about this awhile, talked to a friend about how I wanted to tie in the cancer charm. I finally came up with the saying of "Keep the lines open for a cure" but after making the charm, I realized I didn't know how to attach that line to the charm itself. So in essence, it could be a ribbon of hope for anything the wearer wishes.

The second ones are made of copper wire that you purchase at the home improvement store. I made some coils on both ends of the wire, sort of squished them together, strung a fiber optic bead on a smaller piece of the copper wiring and then just put that down through the middles of the swirls.
**Edit** This is just a picture of the charms that I sent into the swap. I've received my 50 charms, and are they all lovely. I tried to take a picture of them all yesterday, but getting 50 charms in one picture and still showing the great detail became a never ending task. If you would like to see all the charms go to Oh So Charming Thank You So much Dawn Sellers for hosting this swap!

my mothers daughter

I've Started A New Blog

Close it - or revamp it?

What I have Learned From A Beautiful Woman

Very Quick Update

No Peeking Until Christmas

Copper Love

Busy Doing What?

Work Space Challenge

No Puppies For Amber

Still Waiting For Puppies

No Halloween Puppies Yet

Spoons and Puppy Update

Oh My!

Wednesday Already?

Where Have I been?

First Wire Wrapped Pendant

Today Is Amy Day

I Caught A Baby Bumble Bee....

**Edit** A Necklace For Linda

Visit From Mom & Sisters

Middle Name Game

Good Friends, Good Books, Good Times

Bad Bad Blogger

I've Become An Auction Junkie

What A Weekend & Buttons

DIY Projects And Midlife

Necklaces Made

Purchases All Week

Charm Picture Necklace

Wire Bracelet

I've been Tagged

The Charms Went Postal

The Charms Are Here...The Charms Are Here

Charm Swap Update & Friday's Goodies

Weekend Yard Sale Finds

And The Winner of The Victoria Book Is........

Summer Vacation Give Away

Tagged for Dreams

Schools Out For Summer

If It's Too Quiet In Your House.....

Charm Swap Update

No Thrifting Today

Capping Strawberry Trick

Asking For Opinions

Short Weekend

Running Away For The Weekend

Friday Morning Yard Sales

Today I Post With A Heavy Heart

Birds Swooping At Vehicles

Acccccck!!!

Yard Sale Heaven

Just A Few Recipes To Share

Wow, I've Missed Blogville

Help Name Our New Furbaby!

Charm Swap Final Count and Update

Charm Swap Update

Cute Garage Sale Pin

Dixie Getting To See The Flowers Now

What Is This Made Of ?

Missing Dixiedoodle

Happy Birthday MizSmoochieLips

Anyone Up For A Charm Swap?

There Must Be a Meaning

Well Pickles...It's Tax Time

Happy Easter

Applique Bling

PotLuck Dessert/Snack

The Name Game

Trifty Finds and Birthday Fun

Happy Birthday Mar!!!

Last Weeks Thrifting Fun

One World One Heart Winner

Thrifting & Charm Bracelet Combined

Another Snow Day

Easter Eggs

One World One Heart Give Away

Just a Few Pretties To Craft With

I've Been Busted & Tagged & Now You Have Too

Auction Purchase-Help Identify??

Edit A Necklace For Linda