{ScrappyStuff}

Sunday SHARE ...

2012-02-05T12:34:00.002-06:00

~ a look back - last summer. just some of the folks i love most ~

I confess,
On Sat/Sun - i like to spend a portion of my weekend on my laptop, catching up - reading - REAL stuff, having snippets of conversations with friends and family via Facebook and texts, usually all at the same time, while BLOG HOPPING ... and dreaming about what i'm going to do when i am off the computer, when i am done catching up with the people i love - FOR The people i love - the things i want to make, because i love them so - before they grow any older, hopefully i can finish some of the things i WANT to make, while we ALL still share the planet.

It's all a matter of balance. It reminds me of when I nearly plowed into a little old lady while we were ?shopping? i think. My mind was full, truth is i really don't remember where i was, or what i was doing, just trying to multi-task with alot on my mind, which is the norm.... as i frantically over-appologized for nearly flattening her, she said "oh sweety, don't worry about it ~ we's all in this mess together" ... funny thing, in that brief moment it is as if our souls collided, and she saw into mine - our eyes met ... funny, as much as i don't remember - i still can see her face!

"We's all in this mess together!"

MY SHARES: Yesterday i had a great morning, despite the drizzle - which i actually loved for a WINTER DAY, i am NOT complaining by any means.... I joined my brother, sister-in-law, and friends for "first Friday weekend" ... for some Urban Mining and then off to Good Ju Ju and surrounding shops ... (i will try to post photo's later of my Linen finds, etc!) ...

Today, i am starting my day off perusing Blog world, and want to share some of my blog stops:

KCMQG took me to a cuppa & a catch up ... and so on and so forth ... now, to work in my studio ... inspired to do some stashbusting ...

~ join me on our own SUP`ER BOWL SEW-IN! ~

Faith ...

2012-01-29T22:34:00.001-06:00

"faith is being sure of what we hope for

and certain of what we do not see"

Hebrews 11:1

... HAPPY Belated New Year ...

2012-01-21T12:51:00.001-06:00

note to self: FIRST CHALLENGE ~
{it is clear, regular POSTs is NOT my new year resolution! ... those who really know me are aware that i do NOT participate in such utter nonsense and who-ha as New Year RESOLUTIONS
... i do set GOALS, ALL THE TIME! ;0) ...}

MY First Challenge of the year,
besides survive constant change and improvement,
is through the KCMQG ... i picked this Wassily Kandisnsky Print for INSPIRATION! ...
~ more later.
Ciao!

Note: Choose Batting Wisely

2011-12-15T00:33:00.005-06:00

I was going through some past uploaded photos. (wish i had a new camera) This is my daughters quilt. We made it together - with our 4-H group in Arizona, great group (hello C.H.E.V.Y. kids!) ... gosh, that was about 10 years ago... We each swapped fabric (cut in 5" squares and they were sewn together with individual accent and sashing. I have a group photo - somewhere, I should scan it it (thank's to the old man for the NEW scanner, TONS of photos to scan!) ...ANY way
.... About a year ago i took them both apart. In our rush to finish them, probably because i more than likely had a coupon, a Toddler and in a hurry, we used this crummy batting ... and then mostly tied the quilts, (i quilted mine in the sashing - a real bear to remove) ...

This is what becomes of crummy batting when you love your quilt and use it, as intended, and wash it ... who knew. Pretty uncomfortable when you want to cuddle with it. especially when your not feeling well (like now, which is why i probably am missing it) If I never slept,& lived a perfect life, i would have repaired them - IT would have made a great Christmas gift for the girl. I don't even have my Christmas Tree up... i just can't get in the mood...

at least someone appreciates bad batting!

But, truth be told it's not a perfect world - this year has been what this batting looks like, crappy. SO, in the future - we hope to make better choices. We have learned our lesson about batting ...
Life doesn't come with instructions ... but, there are great quilting instructions, and i am happy to learn from both!

Today I love the..
Smell of: Vanilla Candles
Sound of: Trains in the distance
Taste of: Cinnamon & Orange Spice Tea
Sight of: Video of my Grandson
Feel of: Freshly made bed

Good Things about Today:
- Great day to sleep, jipped work
- Peter made Stromboni for dinner
- That i am starting to feel better, finally
- That my family is safe.

Merry Christmas to me... Thanks KCMQG!

2011-12-11T22:54:00.002-06:00

Another Reason i love the KCMQG! I won the Kona Color Card!
... so i got to take it off my wish list!
How great is that!? ... I would love to show you the fun 2.5sq's of fabric that i received in the swap, or my Hot Pad from Petra ... from our Log Cabin Hot Pad Swap with our Modern Guild sisters in Portland.

I will get pictures posted later ...

... truth be told, i feel crummy
... and am typing this with one old kitty laying on me to keep warm.

.. quite comical to picture...

~ but, instead, I am going to show-n-tell the Habitat quilt top/back that i completed - but Have not had time to quilt yet ... but am looking forward to playing with some techniques
... SO, the next time you see this 'ugly thing' (as my daughter calls it)
... will be when it is completely quilted, bound and DONE!

(i finally got these pictures uploaded,
one step forward, two steps back!)

McCaroll Habitat Challenge Fabric Bundle

Habitat Front

Habitat Back

The weather kind of has me down... But, i have had a chance to briefly hang out in my studio to play with the KC Scrappy Bee Blocks ... Forrest & Fields for Nancy
... I have been missing in action from blog-land, mostly cuz i just have not found my life that thrilling, besides hearing my son play the BASS & the Orchestra presentation of 'A Night at the Movies'
... But, i hope to show you soon what i am making for my grand-son!!! super excited about that! ...
i guess i can tell you, as he cant read yet! ...

=D It's a Quiet Book!

... for now, i have to go let the dog out, she fell down the stairs earlier and was a little freaked out, and flattered we all ran to check on her!
Keep WARM!

Fabric Friday

2011-11-18T00:16:00.000-06:00

"It's a happy talent to know how to play."

~ Emerson

{stash}

2011-11-06T13:50:00.001-06:00


~ these are a few of my favorite things! ~

*Update* Habitat Challenge TOP finished

...working on piecing the back! ...

heading back into my *happy place* ...

WIP Wednesday: Habitat Countdown!

2011-11-02T22:18:00.007-05:00

Just wondering ... Will i get done?

... Will i get the back pieced?

... will i get it layered?

Will it get Quilted in one week?

... will there be binding on it by the KCMQG November meeting?

The weather is cold and chilli - and i MISS my studio,

but i come home from work exhausted,

... i go in to change out of my work clothes

my bed is so warm and inviting. My kitty needs to cuddle.

I need rest, so i will go to bed early and DREAM about finishing it.

... i have ideas for making the back fun

... but for now i will finish the top (nearly done!)

... just the finishing the final vertical seams! ...


Habitat Design Wall - Sneak Peek!

... see how well the fabrics play with the Linen? ...
Even though my daughter came home from a visit from Kstate,

and exclaimed:

"omg mommy, that is the ugliest thing i have ever seen on your design wall!"

~ it's kind of grown on me
... KINDA!

I'm getting excited to see what the other's have come up with,
it's so fun to see the diversity we can come up with the same fabrics!

~ i'm looking fw to show-n-tell ...

See ya' next week!

Just a couple reasons to LOVE the KC Modern Quilt Guild ...

2011-10-07T10:35:00.003-05:00

Quilt Show ... Beautiful day and quilts! ...

a few weekends earlier ~ our very own "Iron Quilter" Competition!

...just a couple reasons ...

WordLess WedNesDaY ...

2011-10-05T09:47:00.000-05:00

Habitat Sneak Peak

To Do: make ~ "Love in the Mist Block"

2011-09-27T08:50:00.004-05:00

Grey, Aqua, Red, Love in the Mist Block, a photo by oneygirl on Flickr.

I am smitten w/this block - i want to make it in ORANGE! ...

Kleenex Box Quilt

2011-09-21T12:05:00.001-05:00

Kleenex Box Quilt, a photo by lollyquiltz on Flickr.

Not mine! ... I love what Carla can do ~ when i grow up i want to be her! ... I visit her blog nearly every day for inspiration! ...
Today, she is off having fun ... yes, when i grow up I am going to make beautiful things and go on vacation...
~ until then, i am off to work! ...

SaTurDaYs StaSh! ...

2011-09-10T23:43:00.003-05:00

Playing w/Solids!

... and working on my habitat challenge, inspired by

{...you know what i love? }

and something else ....to Bust my Stash! ...

Bullseyes ...for Butterflies "tutorial"

2011-09-10T00:26:00.004-05:00

1. Start with a 10" square of Black background fabric

2. Freehand cut an 8" circle .. 6" and 4" circles ...

>> Using a small stitch length eyeball the seam allowance ...

3. Flip-n-Snip ... on the BACKSIDE to reduce bulk ..

... (remember - raw edges show) ...REPEAT! =0)

{If you making these for the KC Scrappy Bee ..
No need to quarter them, i may choose some to remain whole
... or not, I will be turning them into FLOWERS!}

ButterFlieS aRe FreE ~ or~ aka: ButterFly Garden!

2011-09-08T04:10:00.001-05:00


Bulls Eye

~ Just a little something For my KC Scrappy Bee Buddies
to Create & Play with My [round I] Wonky Butterflies ...

... BULLS EYE Tutorial to follow!

NOTE: {Basically - 10" squares - with 8", 6" and 4" Centers}
Vintage by {h}art - has a fairly easy Tutorial,
yes Like "LOLLY'S" with RAW EDGES or Nikki's Circles =0)
Bee Buds, Have fun with these! PLEASE
~ Not to worry about STRAIGHT LINES ...
~ Freehand cutting & 'eyeball' your circles!

... basically keeping the CENTERS BRIGHT

... but using the BLACK background fabric provided,

Please add whatever scraps you may have

that will add an energetic variety

-(if you need more fabric let me know!) ~ thank you!

>>feel free to Google Bulls-eye Quilt
~ there are some fun examples out there! ....

Roolz ~ basically: NO PINK ALLOWED ~ Round II

{Bee -Mates: I have given you 3 different backgrounds,

& 2 basic BRIGHTS.

*don't worry about cutting them into 4ths when you are done,

i will do that when i get them back} ...

Please make at least 2 ... up to four would be nice,

if you have 10" square you would like to add for variety =0)

... I will be adding leaves & turning them into 'flowers' ~

... to make my Butter Fly Garden!

More to follow ...

[I have been experiencing some Technical Difficulties]

THANKS SO MUCH!

PS.

Purdy Pleeze with a cherry on top ... with a few of the scraps, or what not's ... would you please sign your name on a piece of whatever... and i'm going to make a crazy patch with all our names on it for the back ...Label! ...PLZ also include your BLOG/Flickr Name/info.

cuz that would be fun! ...

To Blog? ... or to Quilt ...

2011-09-03T22:01:00.000-05:00

... off to PLAY with the Habitat Fabrics ...

AND catch up on BEE Blocks ...

Later: Upload photos and Blog ... NOW: Sew! ... See Ya!

{SaTuRdAy'S StaSh}

2011-08-21T00:16:00.005-05:00

Trying to Use what I've got ....

or not?

& accepting the Challenge w/ KCMQG

Jay McCarroll's Habitat Challenge

Getting ready to PLAY!

... because aparently i don't have enough projects ;0)

... truth be told: it's my therapy...

now if i could find the energy to cut into THIS:

ok, ok - the top three are NOT part of the collection,

( They are the 'cherry on top' )

my purchase from my good friend at Marmalade!

wordless wednesday

2011-08-17T07:15:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-03T00:00:00.002-05:00

"...Some days are like that, Even in Australia"

mia

2011-07-31T22:36:00.007-05:00

Nothing fabulously creative to report.

Surviving the heat ... one Heart Beat at a time ...

Sometimes LIFE just get's in the way.
I'm terribly Tardy on my Bee Blocks
and apologize - i promise to get to them ASAP,
and be a better Blogger ...

Here's to the worst MAY ever ... I started to feel like
The Cardiac Unit was my home ...

Leaving in the 'Wee Hours' - to get young son off to school
~ FINALS WEEK~ (of course!)

Teddy & I saw Papa off just after he had his 'feel good cocktail'

Hubby had Open Heart Surgery
and has spent the summer recovering.
Prayers have gotten us through, thanks!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Happy 20th Birthday Samantha!

2011-05-03T23:21:00.001-05:00

zac *SAM* alex

Sam ~ sweet 16

Easter Blessigs to you & yours

2011-04-24T15:01:00.004-05:00

Today I am GRATEFUL FOR ~ technology & my family!

May Christ,
Our Risen Savior,
always be there by your side

Bring peace
and happiness to you
and those you hold most dear,
& Bless you
most abundantly ~

Sunday Something

2011-04-16T02:02:00.001-05:00

Alex & Shawna: Happy 6mo Anniversary!

Make avatar

~ But the fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness,

Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control ~

Galatians 5:22-23

by Samantha

2011-04-11T21:58:00.004-05:00

... i was going through my photos, and found this Picture of how my daughter spent her Christmas Break - making this GIANT quilt as a gift! She is amazing. The back is super cool - it's reversible -- maybe she can steal it back long enough to get a picture of the back! She is amazing ... to me she is PERFECT!

... i WISH she would come sew with me this weekend!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-06T11:06:00.007-05:00

I miss this little man!

Free Weather Widget

Mason: "forever 9"

2011-04-05T01:29:00.003-05:00

Celebrate LIFE

We got together to CELEBRATE Mason, who will be "FOREVER 9"
Releasing 9 green balloons, his favorite color,
& ONE white Balloon, Representing Eternal Life.
Coincidentally, his middle name, 'Arik' means: FOREVER .

A Quilt for Mason ... & his Grandma, Kay!

2011-03-29T23:56:00.001-05:00

I love Kay's sewing Room! .. it feels like HOME!

~ Kay is an awesome lady in our Starlight Small group ~ she is a ray of sunshine! I love her smile and strength. I fell in love with her little creative corner - and she graciously let me share ~
... I've also included pictures of her grandson Mason - you may remember the QUILT we worked on for him - 'Some of his Favorite things' ~ I have been blessed to share this project with my quilting friends. Just wanted to share an update ...

Prayers for Kay and her family!

Once Upon a Time: Hoffman Challenge, BUTTERFLY Fabric ...

2011-03-26T11:43:00.002-05:00

... and some of My First Hand dyed fabrics! ... i LOVE this

... it makes me smile ...

? Why have i Not finished it? Well, because i love it so much it deserves better quilting than i feel confident to do ... ? Because it was so wonderful that it inspired me to do other things; a catalyst to MORE fabric & MORE ideas...? because we MOVED!?! ... I started it while we lived on Jacinto, before Derek was born (GADS! where did fifteen years go?!) THEN, we moved to Navarro ... it went on a Mom's retreat with me ... It moved to Grand where i pinned it on the wall for inspiration and a reminder to finish it ... It supervised while i made baby quilts for friends and Project Linus. It overlooked as i STARTED SEVEN wedding quilts (still WIP's). It has moved to Kansas with me, Lenexa and now Olathe. IT is now UP in my studio ... It has moved with me FIVE times!
.... (btw that is FUCHSIA NOT PINK that is surrounding the lovely orange, because we all know, i DON'T do Pink! !) I am in love with the hand dyed muted purple border. Maybe i don't want to finish it until i hand dye more fabric, yeah, that's it! Perhaps it is simply a reminder that I am a PROCESS person, rather than a PROJECT person. I like to LIVE WITH my projects, rather than crank them out, because lets face it, when i finish things i tend to give them away!

& i'm not done living with this one!

... it is on the TOP of my handwork basket in my studio ...

wORdLeSs WeDs : for TED!

2011-03-23T22:53:00.002-05:00

Caro Baptism Gown created 1984

Quilt for Ted

... " a chair of your own" ... ?

2011-03-20T14:56:00.001-05:00

~ oops, i've done it again ... spent time blog hopping and gaining terrific inspiration

... and it's OK!

I grant myself permission for some 'me' time - It's a beautiful day for sure. I have gained inspiration to be more with less: mini lessons and enjoy my space ... (i really am not sure i got to those links, other than, i have a few fav's and each day i log on, with a cup of coffee and start hopping for 15 min or so~ i love where my blog-friends lead me! .... If you have a favorite link that inspires you ~ please share below~! LEAVE A COMMENT... and see what happens!)

"Every woman must have money and a room of her own ... " Virginia Woolf

So, whilst enjoying my 'space' recently and working on the KONA Challenge ... this has been my Work In Progress (WIP) ... i'm taking a moment away from it to start on the Strarlight Mystery quilt, (i will show you my fabric choices when i get them uploaded ... I am i bit behind there!) One step forward, two steps back! ... Here is the Process of what i have so far ~>

~ so FIRST i thought i would group them by color

and do a 'split 4-patch' variation ...

~ then i moved them around and thought it a bit

... i dunno ...boring? ...

~ now it's kind of taken on a mind of it's own and turned into a traincrash! ... I think i may want to regain some control... ? Playing a bit with the improv style ...So, folks, this is what happens when you are tired of patterns, play with color and too many ideas collide!

~ what do you think?

Gettin' Busy ... quick peek

2011-03-05T18:00:00.005-06:00

Just a peek, I'm not telling anything more, but I am forcing myself to work a little more in the 'Improv' style, and it is harder than i thought to be more 'free form' ... i'm finding myself stopping to think and trying to just play! ... I've done it before, but life was different then. Simple.

due date: this Thurs ... ack!

UPDATE:
KCMQG Kona Solids Challenge
{~ Thx to Nikki ~ for taking great picts! ~}

I Spy With My Little Eye....

2011-02-26T21:17:00.004-06:00

NICU quilts all laid out
Originally uploaded by vickivictoria

Quilts! Last Fall Vicki @ Sew Inspired requested quilt squares to be collected and constructed by the amazing Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild for the local NICU here in the KC area ...

In August i completed 2 blocks for each color combo requested ...
check it out ... it's fun to see them come together, and go live with a family to be loved!
The color combo's were (check them out! links below!) ~

Wordless Wedsnesday: "sewing" with Dexter

2011-02-16T00:21:00.000-06:00

Purring & Being OBNOXIOUS!

Oh, by the way ... 'my husband lets me have as much junk as i can hide'

2011-02-14T01:32:00.007-06:00

~ those ear-rings you just got yourself,

& the other junk....

... Happy ~~Valentines~~ Day! ~

We don't traditionally celebrate VD, or other commercialized events ... We agree that you should be able to tell each other how you feel ANY DAY - the kids are embarrassed when we do just that, and are under the impression that sometimes we *gasp* fight,

when we simply express our feelings~

~ We discuss, sometimes loudly. Don't tell 'what's his face' - but i really do love him! I appreciate that we can share our points of view, and agree to disagree, having our own opinions is HEALTHY!

.... Yesterday, after spending some quality time with girlfriends, {&they said he could hang with us, just a bit, cuz they actually like him also} ... He was kind enough to accompany me to places i like ... i told him we'd go were he wanted too ~ but, he couldn't think of anywhere. We got out and enjoyed the somewhat still gloomy, yet warmer weather... We obtained some Greek seasoning ETC; some stuff from at Beadazzler Beads for a wall hanging i STARTED eons ago ~ the purple/green majesty ... and we wandered to Harper's Fabric just before they locked up ... then got some TART, but yummy pastries ...

~ THEN, we headed home, and i was ever so slightly ;o) motivated .. to dig out the old project: DISCHARGE FABRIC DYE ~ Started ... way back in Arizona ... Circa 2001. ~ the darker 'squares' are dark 'green' ~ what the lighter green were originally ... then the others are a variation, believe it or not, of purple and black ... i thought it was quite ugly and stashed it away - but, the thing is kind of growing on me. Ideas i toyed with post taking fabric dye and design classes from Adriene Buffington. I was reminded of the project when i was thinking of what to do with the luscious Kona cotton challenge! (relax, i'm NOT going to bleach them!)

~ So many ideas, so little time!

~ why is it on Sunday eve i finally get my creative mojo

just when the work week awaits me?

~ Happy Week ...


~ WHAT'S ON MY DESIGN WALL TODAY ~

KCMQG Kona Solids Challenge!

2011-02-10T10:53:00.004-06:00

TONIGHT: Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild !!!

Confession: I think i do have QUILTERS ADD. I have more than (3?) projects. Truth be told ~ i know this is going to come as a shock: I am behind in blogging....

~ I wanted to rush right home the night after we received our

"KONA CHARM PACK GIVEAWAY!"

~ thank you!!!

~ happy happy joy joy! ... I fantasized i would post this right away~! and get many pictures of the mad dash of all the ~~greedy little~~ OVERJOYED quilters suddenly inspired by FREEBIES! (what cool craziness!) ... Back in NOVEMBER as an early Christmas gift to US we each got to pick a light/bright/dark CHARM PACKS ... to PLAY with! ~ DUE BY: MARCH ... that's ~~reasonable~~ ALMOST HERE~! what the heck?! ~
I've had several ideas competing in my brain

... i think i am just going have to CUT LOOSE .. quite literally

... just get my rotary cutter and QUIT ADMIRING THE FABRIC!

I picked: DARKS ...

here "it" is, isn't it PRUDY! ...'the dark Charm Pack'

... and here is some of what i had,

more solids than i thought ...

i really have some fun ideas,

I just need to get busy ... and get going, ....

see ya' later!

Thank you, Kona

Wordless Wednesday: TED

2011-02-09T10:32:00.001-06:00

Snow Days ...

2011-02-06T19:09:00.009-06:00

... you know your grown up when you still have to go to work in it ...

So, Feb 2 ~
"Olathe received a record 15 inches of snowfall. Due to the nature of the snow event (involving heavy snowfall and drifting snow), this will be a lengthy clean-up effort. However, City crews will continue around the clock operations until streets are plowed...."

& frostbite warnings
=0(

... They say more of the nasty weather is on the way.

so, ~~HAPPY~~ GROUND HOG DAY anyway ...

I did get a little time to 'play' and NOT in the snow.... I got the fabric postcards into the mail - finally.

~ The January Starlight Quilt Guild Meeting - i missed, due to having one of those days where you know your missing something, but you cant remember WHAT? (my sister says they make a pill for that) ... I've really enjoyed the 'small group' meetings too!

... I made a yummy dinner for my family, which is rare - (making dinner) .Meatloaf & smashed taters' ... my son asked, "don't you have somewhere to go?" ... I thought it was because i was reminding him to do his chores and homework! ...

I heard it was a great meeting ~

~ i also, missed the KCMQG meeting, due to work =0(

~ I feel so very blessed to have two such great guilds filled with such creativity and inspiration. I just wish my joints would cooperate - this nasty, awful weather has me hurting - but, EVEN-THOUGH it's too cold for my husband to go out and do woodworking - HE is down in the basement riffling through my DENIM stash - cutting up jeans i've been saving for years to make raggedy quilts - since everything i make i seem to give away - and i have never ~~made~~ finished a quilt for my husband. poor fellow. HE even bought his own flannel. He even offered to make ME one ... lol.

***

Works
- in -
Progress:
{WIP}

Split 9-patch ... playing

? ONE block for Jessica ? (sssh!) ...

`scrappy leaders & enders'

& Fabric postcards

... which made it into the mail!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it sow ... SOMEWHERE ELSE!

(more later, will share our 'Nan's girls day' )

Happy February ...

2011-02-01T19:40:00.001-06:00

Today: BLIZZARD CONDITIONS ~ So, This is "Global Warming" ... ? Really???

Upcoming things I will be sharing:

Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild:

Challenge
KC NICU Quilts
Scrappy Bee Swap Blocks

Starlight Starbright - Small group shares:

Mason's Quilt
Kay's Sewing Room ...
Our feild trip to Stuarsville ..
Fabric Postcards ...

Other stuff ... Projects ~ Works In Progress ...

~ THIS Year ONCE a Month My Mom, refered to as Nanny ... and her 'girls' will be meeting at my home to Create ... daughters, Daughters-in-Law, Grand-daughters, GREAT grand-daughters ~

I am so looking forward to this year!

Game Nights ...

2011-01-15T15:32:00.003-06:00

We love Game Nights, just wonder why we don't have more .... New Years eve kiddo's played a crazy game: QUELF ... last weekend was a bit more subdued, but NOT just your basic Monopoly ... one week ago ~ mini family night ~ initiated the "Build your own Monopoly" w/youngest two kiddos.

Some of our best times have been our game nights! ... days!

This weekend is calm as Samantha is getting settled back at college.

Best of luck this semester,

"MAKE GOOD CHOICES!"

Wordless Wednesday: Inspiratrion

2011-01-12T10:24:00.000-06:00

'A Winter's Night'- from Durham Cathedral

2011-01-04T00:55:00.001-06:00

A BLESSED NEW YEAR TO ALL ...

I watch the Western sky
The sun is sinking
The geese are flying South
It sets me thinking ...
I did not suffer
What did not kill me
Just made me tougher
I feel the winter come
His icy sinews
Now in the fire light ...
... I look for answers in
The fire's embers
... Another winter comes
His icy fingers creep
Into these bones of mine
These memories never sleep
And all these differences
A cloak I borrow

What is the force that binds the stars?
I wore this mask to hide my scars
What is the power that pulls the tide?
I never could find a place to hide
What moves the Earth around the sun.?...
The moon's a fingernail and slowly sinking
Another day begins and now I'm thinking
That this indifference was my invention....

~ Sting

Christmas: Favorite MEMORIES!

2010-12-06T11:25:00.007-06:00

... 'DECKING THE HALLS' ...
I think one of my favorite Christmas Traditions is the memories the Ornaments hold! I love this one Representing my kiddo's ... we have a few random Christmas photos of the children at Christmas - sadly, the picture we had taken at the Phx* "Zoolights" has faded.... I loved that picture - we were such a cute bunch THEN ... if i do say so myself! =0)

... you'll have to take my word.

~ we remember that night, how happy we were, the Hot chocolate ... the tolerable chilly dessert air ... far from the BITTER Kansas Cold. We were all together.

We all love this one ... it reminds us of when we went to Disney Land for our Christmas Present ... Samantha was just a baby, 6 months old, and we ALL heard her say "My Baby" ... as we passed her around on a ride. (A game we'd play, all grabbing a limb and pretending to fight over her!) The people with us heard it too and thought she was a genius, in her Pink fuzzy headband, and her Baby Gap outfit with circles and a turtle neck. such a cutie.
That's the first time Alex saw horses and exclaimed, "I didn't know they still made these" as he gingerly stroked it.... and Zac begging to leave because for once we wore him out, and we were determined to stay until they closed (He saw the Ducktales Parade so his day was complete.)

Blessings to you and yours this Holiday Season!

May you be HEALTHY, WEALTHY AND WISE!


* Phx Zoolights: to memorialize AZ camping, nearly EVERY OTHER WEEK!

A gift to Samantha (memory: Franki)

Christmas in KS: funky! fun day in Lawrence.

to my "Angel Babies"

I'd rather be quilting ...

2010-12-05T17:39:00.001-06:00

A lingering 'Cold' has really kicked my fanny ....
Much to my dismay I've spent the weekend resting, but am starting to feel better.
I wish I were up to creating something - for now: harboring more ideas.
When I feel better - watch out!

Wordless Wednesday: "Help" Sorting fabric

2010-11-25T00:18:00.002-06:00

Wordless Wednesday: SNEAKERS!

2010-11-17T23:34:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-28T01:31:00.000-05:00

.... a year passes so quickly!!!

2010-10-26T08:57:00.003-05:00

Teddy, such a good boy

Originally uploaded by scrappystuff

Graduation DAY ... Alex #2 Son, ... Teddy really, REALLY wanted to grab Shawna's Tassel ... the robes were so shiny!!! he tried to EAT the graduates! it was great!

(7 months old here) ....

Samantha Graduated that evening!
.... What a BUSY busy day! ...
*(pictured below w/ K state Roomie, Katie)

What a crazy whirlwind year
... Derek has been playing the Bass going on 5 yr
.... and has moved on to HIGH SCHOOL

... our baby!

The Newlyweds: Alex and Shawna ...

then

Teddy's 1st birthday a week later!

Seriously ready for some ME time!

That was then ...

2010-10-24T15:09:00.008-05:00

NEW Flooring ... last spring ... When it WAS the Daughters room ...

The Process ...

Note: the fun wall colors ~ "Sherbet"

Nearly Finished, THEN...

Not sure exactly where summer went, but ready for the change of seasons!
This past year new flooring went down in the daughters THEN room ...
with anticipation when she moved off to college the room would be converted to my studio!

Summer was VERY busy. Son # 2 graduated from ESU in the morning the SAME DAY the girl graduated from High School! whew! ... Grandson & son #1 made the trip for the big events! yay! ...

THEN ... we moved MOM closer, from Arkansas ...
THEN ... son #3 started HIGH SCHOOL! after visiting nephew & family ...
THEN ... we moved the girl to KSTATE ...
THEN ...we moved my sewing and scrapbook STUFF into the STUDIO...
THEN ... son #2 got married ... last weekend....

(yay! more grandson time!!!!)

THEN ... GRANDSON TURNED ONE ... yesterday!
Tomorrow, Husband starts a NEW JOB! whew, finally!!!

... WHEW, i am exhausted, full of ideas, looking for ENERGY!

(I've really enjoyed reading some great blogs for inspiration whilst recouping!)

TODAY, I will ~~still go make time to play in it, get further organized, work on swap blocks!....maybe even charge my camera and show the progress.... MAYBE!~~ ... clean out the fridge and feed my family ... Dang it!

... But, daughter is safely back in her dorm, and some laundry got done ...

My Mom, acting her AGE, at Alex/Shawna's wedding Oct. 16, 2010

Brown Bag Fabric Exchange & CHALLENGE!

2010-09-14T01:56:00.002-05:00

... I know what your thinking ...
"ANOTHER PROJECT?!" ... what the heck? lock her up and throw away the key! ...
but,
really, this is an attempt to get rid of some of MY stuff ... and share it, and get inspired at the same time!
check it out...

"Brown Bag Quilt" Fabric Exchange & Quilt Challenge

(A politically correct "Ugly Quilt" contest)

Seams to Be Sew ~ Give Away!

2010-09-12T22:02:00.000-05:00

So,
i was taking a break from moving into my STUDIO space, looking at all my UFO's and stopped in at Lana's @ It seams to be Sew! 's site for inspiration ... and I'll be stopping back when my room is done! ...

almost ~ WORDLESS WEDNESDAY ~

2010-08-26T02:14:00.001-05:00

what's on my design wall Today ... uhm, yesterday!

2010-08-13T00:26:00.004-05:00

well, tonight i took these blocks to the KCMQG meeting ... the top 8 are for 4 different quilts for the NICU unit at St. Lukes. ~ the bottom 4, left are for Andrea for our Scrappy Bee, the Virtual Swap I'm having fun with! ...

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-11T11:30:00.000-05:00

KC "ALL THAT JAZZ" Quilters Shop Hop

2010-08-01T12:34:00.001-05:00

OOPSs! i did it again! ... the shop hop.
First, i Forgot my camera THEN, but tried to compile a bit of my findings!
Second, it's taken me forever to get them loaded etc.... the Hop was in APRIL 2010! ... crazy stuff. ( i tried to group my collections by 'shops' but, sadly am not accurate. oh well.*some of it's in hiding, cuz it's going into gifts!) ... What i love about the KC hop, is that at each shop you get not only a quilt pattern, but also a CHARM! i love that ... (photo of my past year bracelet to follow! ...later)

I got off work Friday? and remembered, SHOP HOP... stopped to pick up my passport, CHARM and BOM (Block of the Month) ... THEN, realized if i hit all the green lights, i could make it to Harper's, and pick up my prepaid "Jazz" fabric! ... Next morning, Saturday ... DH said, what the heck, let's go to a couple more, it's a beautiful day.... and Viola... we made it to all but one store. We got to Rustic Yearnings just as they were locking the doors, took my passport, but of course they were out of charms. Still, pretty darn good for being SPONTANEOUS!

MY ROUTE:

Prairie Point ~ where i picked up my "Jewels" Block Party: BOM! (Batik!) *etc
Harpers ~ where i picked up my "All that Jazz" Special fabric! (*etec!)
Quilters Haven ~ where i caved in a got addicted to Charm Packs ...
Quilters Paradise ~ Wizard of Oz! embroidery patterns, etc, etc, *etc!) I confess, we found some cool stuff in Baldwin City, and DH learned that "fine, you get to go to the quilt shop, i get to go into the antique shop" ... equals DANGER!!! ... he helped me pick out fabric, and i found TWO antique sewing machines! (i have to get photos of those, they are SO very COOL! ... he left scratching his head, "how did that happen" ??? well, i just don't know!?
Overbrook Quilt Connection ~ where i found a cool kit, Ovarian awareness fabric, "DOG" panel *etc
Stitching Traditions, Topeka ~ Hand dyed Ribbons, *etc! and, some **ugly fabric**
Stitch On Needlework, Lawrence~ where i found some great batiks ... (*fat quarters and then some!)
Quilters Quarters, Leavenworth ~ we got lost in the dark on the back roads, and called them - they kindly stayed open for us - my brain was fried, but we found some cool stuff for sure!!!
Peddlers Wagon, Parkville ~ my son even found some fat quarters for HIS quilt!
Rustic Yearnings ~ where it was probably a blessing in disguise they were locking up, i get in "trouble" there ... (but i have way cool stuff from there from before!)

GOOD GOLLY, I NEARLY FORGOT! ... While in Parkville... we went to two of our favorite places: one was closed, -sadness, as they often are when i want them to be open: Florilegium , i'm in LOVE with that place!!! The other, H.M.S Beagle - i FUN science shoppe! .... i got some groovy stuff to make NATURAL hand dyed fabric!!! i've not done that for awhile! *sigh* i wish i were there!

leaders & enders

2010-07-31T16:59:00.001-05:00

Once upon a time, with my Prime Time Quilt group (Az), we did a 2" fabric swap (everyone brought x amt of 2" strips [dark/med/light] and while we chatted we chopped our squares... then we divided them into BIG paper grocery bags - by lt. med dark - shook them like powdered donuts, proceeded to pass those babies around and grabbed a handfull of each until they were all gone.) ... Of course, while we chatted...
[can you believe some women in the group actually rushed and finished their quilts? our challenge was to mak 9-patches. Theirs turned out fabulous, but now i bet their bored, right? poor things.]

Fast Forward:
... it dawned on me that i could use it use those squares that i'd been saving ... for a rainy day project... for "leaders/enders" ... (i was already 'saving thread' by using scraps to start/stop when i'd start/stop while piecing) ... WHAT A CONCEPT!

Well, it turns out, i'm not the only one doing this ... and there are even books published! duh. Great minds think alike ... "Adventures in Leaders & Enders, more quilts in less time" and then, almost moments after i had my ah-ha moment (ok. ~~i ran out of scrap and~~ remembered the squares) ... i went to the KCMQG meeting and Carla - is also an over-achiever ;o) ... has finished quilts! and shared them and her style during the meetings "ten minute tip" !!!! exciting stuff. If only i'd thought of that first...!

k. i'm off to make more 'scrap' ... later.

challenge: .. good-bye July... hello August ...

2010-07-30T00:27:00.000-05:00

for Mason, continued ...

2010-07-25T16:07:00.001-05:00

So, my Starlight small group met the other day to 'collect' or squares ...
and Shirley has kindly offered to put it together - and has added borders, i can't wait to see it finished ...
The backing was donated by Ginny,

& will be a black on white Tennis Shoe outline fabric! ...

These are my 4 squares - green/black 9 patches; soccer 9-patch; Lego's; & games/Transformers

I was informed he liked "checkers" ... the pieces are buttons! .. so much fun!

This was on Shirley's design wall, while we auditioned boarder fabrics...

For Mason

2010-06-27T23:16:00.001-05:00

IN PROGRESS:

Our Starlight *small group* is making quilt for Mason!

Besides Green ... Here are a few of his favorite things -

- rocks/arrowheads and a tiger

- bikes and KU

- soccer and books

- Lego's and games, preferably checkers or chess

- cats, preferably black and white

- & fishing

KC Scrappy Bee

2010-06-16T02:06:00.002-05:00

One of many, for Quilts of Valor....

see the Quilt of Valor pieced by the Scrappy Bee Ladies, HERE!

too busy to "play" along ...

2010-06-01T14:51:00.000-05:00

... but, getting inspired to CREATE ...

{more blogging later} ... enjoy!

k. off to create, and use my camera ...

Happy May ...{day}

2010-05-09T23:45:00.004-05:00

121 :: 365
Originally uploaded by Mama Urchin

... ALBEIT Belated. Growing up we used to make May baskets, fill them with flowers and candy, then "ding dong ditch" our lovelies on our friends and neighbors doorstep. I had visions of grandeur of doing this again - even mailing them to oldies but goodies... maybe next year. I'll be busy working & getting ready for My grandson to visit for my son's graduation from college .. and my daughter from High School ... ON the same day... which is the day after my oldest arrives [on HIS birthday (the day before) with Teddy!] ... and my youngest will finish his LAST concert in middle school ... then my baby will be in High school... 3 down, one to go! ...

inspired by stitcheries.

2010-04-09T01:35:00.001-05:00

inspired by stitcheries.
Originally uploaded by rachelgriffith

I love this!
NOTE TO SELF: have more fun with thread! ...
{check this out! great inspiration}

Time with Ted

2010-04-08T00:49:00.005-05:00

www.flickr.com

This is a Flickr badge showing items in a set called Ted. Make your own badge here.

... and Teddy's FIRST Quilt, then.

and NOW:

Design Wall Today: Ugly WIP - the fabric, the plan?

2010-04-05T01:13:00.000-05:00

so, this is what i'm working with ~ the request was for 'browns & greens' ... so, i found this fabric and some compliments ... but, it seems the more i play with it, the PINK was standing out! uck. i NO LIKE pink ...
so, I had my son pick off anything that was reading PINK ...
and i like THIS much better~!

i'm still debating,
whether or not to use the light blue, with the PINK flowers ... in THIS quilt...

... playing with Wonky Blocks! ~ my try at Improv Quilting~

Wool Felt Scissor Holder ...

2010-03-31T23:58:00.007-05:00

Funny Story...
So, i made ~ this ....

fun little Wool Felt Embroidered Scissor Holder

at the Starlight Quilters Guild meeting the other night,

Instructed by Lynne Hagmeier of Kansas Troubles Quilters

{ lovely isn't it? =0) }

well my son's frisky feline, who apparently is my Quilting Supervisor, was IN A MOOD (by what i can only assume was caused by the WIND) ...and HIGH-JACKED my newly crafted scissor holder whilst looking directly at me ... HE leaped of my cutting table (not an easy task with said item hanging from his mouth, it took 3 tries!) ... & proceeded to HIGH TAIL it upstairs, where i directed my son to procure the stolen item. He found the bugger in the bathroom, after searching the house, and apparently he was disappointed he could not take it for a SWIM - because he was saddened to find a) the toilet was closed *for once* and b) his water dish was empty.

He was PEEVED~!

... the accused CULPRIT was highly upset with us and proceeded to attempt to get into all kinds of mischief ALL NIGHT long,

into the wee hours of the morning...

Accused: Dexter ~ Crime: Theft ~ Witness: MYSELF!!!

{OH, the other pictures of the sewing kit... i did NOT make,
but i WANT TO!!!
~ thanks Lynne for the INSPIRATION!!!}

Ginny won this!!!

2010-03-29T23:34:00.001-05:00

Back before Christmas Ginny won this amazing quilt (detail)

~ i'm finally getting around to sharing it.

I will update when i remember where she won it!

But, for now, i wanted to share this much!

What's on My Design Wall TODAY: Ugly WIP

2010-03-21T17:01:00.002-05:00

This is What i'm working on currently - I'm really not sure if it's quite this ugly in person - or colors that are getting me to work out of my comfort zone. I've lately been inspired to do some more contempory quilts.

Sadly, i confess, I prefer taking pictures with my phone, because it is so much easier to upload - or just send them to my email and post. So, i guess my next investment will be a phone with a better camera!

Patches ....

2010-03-18T19:36:00.001-05:00

LOVELY RE-PURPOSED JEANS!
My son's pants ... and YES i do go into public with him like this, and NO i'm not the least bit embarrassed! Today we went to the quilt store - i forgot to get a pict of his Hinney - He used a beautiful Teal Batik! He was overheard telling his Roommie - "...Well, she may START a quilt in your Honor, but finishing it...?"

more blog hopping!

2010-03-17T23:08:00.001-05:00

Good Bye to Winter!

2010-03-17T00:46:00.001-05:00

The snow is finally all gone, the sun has finally shone several days

... for awhile!

March in like a Lion? out like a Lamb?

Coming soon: inspired to make something funky.

i WanT to dO ThiS ... !

2010-03-03T09:55:00.002-06:00

.Plume Challenge, just for FUN!
.. and i WANT this TULA PINK: Plume fabric!

... and to DO This: Crazy Nine Patch!

.... playing with this fabric will be FUN ...

.. but for now, i'm off to work... =0(

... and DREAM of fabric...

Crock Pot Vegetarian Lasagna & RaNdoM ThoUghTs

2010-03-02T12:30:00.011-06:00

... I would love to say: "i've been busy creating"
~ well, just a tad, but not like i'd hoped.

*Due to some 'technical' difficulties - My laptop had 'brain damage' and is back, hopefully healthy, with SOUND!

* furthermore, Spring is around the corner!
~ The winter BLAHS are fading ...

*Lent: my daughter gave up meat ,really not much of a sacrifice, tonight for dinner *see below* (as my oven is still not working, Crock pot version!) ~ YUM. (the young 'boy' suggested we take turns cooking, something we used to do regularly!)
... Peter has made more YUMMY bread!

K. off to get stuff done, the day is wasting!
My turn to cook
. . . and fabric to find!

Crock Pot Vegetarian Lasagna - 173879 - Recipezaar
Lasagna -florentine

Coffee Cake!!

2010-01-01T07:12:00.005-06:00

Happy New Year! No "Resolutions" here ... just a GOAL to be more creative! ~ on my quest for inspiration:

Check out this link for Recipes, this NEW YEAR i think I'll make this for my sleepy heads!!!

Coffee Cake!
I found this Recipie by following one of my fav Blogs: Tula Pink! ... and hopping fw! from Hollys Blog ...
Lookie, Lookie ...
Challenge: 9-patch a day!!!

Also, with our "Yummy Cheesy Goodness" ... this year we will end the day with...
how could i forget, one Tradition we TRY to partake:

Naptime!

2009-11-16T01:29:00.001-06:00

Meet My Grandson!

2009-10-27T00:57:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday!

October 23, 2009

* 6#7oz, 18inches TALL!

Close To My Heart - Paper Crafting Hop

2009-09-02T01:50:00.002-05:00

For some inspiring Artwork from the September Stamp of the Month Blog Hop follow these links posted on Live, Love, Laugh, Scrapbook Blog. A fun place to start is Sheila's Stamping Stuff enjoy seeing the ideas for what can be done with the stamp set "TREASURES" ... HAPPY Hopping!

cHeCk This Out! ...

2009-08-31T00:43:00.002-05:00

A Very Special Opportunity Quilt
~ for more information go to the Starlight Quilt Guild Site

Starlight Quilt Guild: Chocolate Bingo!

2009-07-23T11:34:00.000-05:00

Starlight Quilt Guild: Chocolate Bingo!

Fabric Dye Fun ...

2009-07-19T13:27:00.002-05:00

~ Part I ~

Saturday: got together with a group of great ladies for fabric dying, the weather was wonderful, not the humid muggy mess it had been the previous week ... i don't think it got over 7o ...
A Perfect day.
Today, Sunday, I am rinsing my fabric.
Will Wash it, and iron it dry...
right now, it is soaking and i look forward to
EXPERIENCING IT!!!!

MY Blog'aversery!

2009-07-17T18:33:00.001-05:00

... which is also my son's bday! ... WOW!

so, we're busy 'celebrating'
... but a quick hello, and wanted to share this "find" ~

Happy "Let's Blow things UP Day" !

2009-07-04T13:37:00.004-05:00

I know, I'm "Ms. Sunshine" ... and the sky is a forbidding blue, in places. I'm Not a fan of Humidity and Explosions. Much rather pretty fireworks on a pleasant eve. I believe I prefer my beloved AC with a righteous THUNDERSTORM. ... I predict i will choose to be a party pooper tonight.
Happy 4th ANYWAY... !

... in the meantime, i am planning to scrapbook and quilt, amidst being "on call" at work, and will head in around 4 ... then? i fantasize about heading home to hermit up and do the things that bring me joy. Unfortunatley, unless the Sky opens, my family will probably draw me into a crowd be be bug fodder amidst the thick air and long lines, hikes to a rank Porta-Potty. I'll be wishing i were in the AC sewing or scrapbooking... until then, if i'm dragged off, i will take a good read:

Kade's "Birthday Book" ~ D.O.B. Dec '07!

2009-06-29T13:16:00.005-05:00

Hard to believe Kade will be a big brother in October to a little sister,
about the time my Grandboy, Theodore Alexander is due!
It's all super exciting! ~ makes the world go round!!!!

[to SEE DETAIL click on the photo/slideshow,
& it will take you to the Photobucket Still Shots]
email/leave a comment if you have questions, thanks for looking!
~ most products Close To My Heart. {thanks Kerry for taking pictures!}

Baby Boy Caro: Due [approx] October 27?!

2009-06-29T13:10:00.003-05:00

MEET MY GRAND-BOY!
~fist photo: "i knew you before you were born!"
Theodore Alexander

{this is actually the first sonogram}

Mini Quilt Swap: Batik/hand dyed!

2009-06-27T18:58:00.003-05:00

Done! .... ready to mail: "yesterday"
... saved it to mail it after my quilt guild meeting!
I hand dyed the outer fabric and backing several years ago .... i've been hesitant to use them because i loved them so ~ but i signed up to do another 'group dye' so, i finally felt able to "let go" of some of it... The Batik in the center I made last fall? with a group of friends ... and practiced a variety of techniques. Many of the methods i've been wanting to try for awhile - using shiva paint sticks, beading and 3d applique.
~ this will actually be mailed to my quilt swap buddy *anon* asap!

Sh!

2009-06-11T00:46:00.001-05:00

i'm making STUFF...

I'm going to be a GRADNMA! ... "Gram"

2009-05-01T08:50:00.001-05:00

MySpace Countdowns

~ Mini Quilt Swap!

2009-04-26T15:25:00.003-05:00

~ doesn't this sound like a fun Motivator?!

UPDATE: WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU ~
(uhg, not that my camera is lost again)
... but that i received my goodies, not just a mini quilt...
Thank you, Gloria from Argentina!!!!

My Friend Suz went on Vacation...

2009-04-12T01:31:00.005-05:00

... she took "HOP" ... & all i got was to look at her stupid Blog!

~ Thanks for Sharing! ;0)

Happy Easter~!

Long hair freaky people need not apply...

2009-03-15T00:21:00.003-05:00

{Remember [||] pause the playlist on the sidebar! }

"those who throw objects
into the crocodiles
will be required
to retrieve them!" ....

... imagine that, me working for you...

... " thank you Lord for thinking about me,
i'm alive and doin' fine..."

Photo Challenge ...

2009-03-03T20:42:00.005-06:00

... with a twist ~
This photo was taken with my phone.
... while Derek was reading POETRY to Dexter , the CAT! (ok, to me too!)
... Shel Silverstein {Light in the Attic} , snow outside, a fire in the fireplace. Not a completely awful moment in time, despite we don't prefer the FREEZING temps! {i love my comfy socks!}
~ There was another photo (not number six, &a bit more blurry, where Dexter was on the back of the sofa, looking over Derek's shoulder, listening intently & looking at the pictures! He moved away slightly when Derek laughed too loud for his comfort, thus moving to the arm of the sofa!) Meanwhile, I decided to play with my camera phone and the settings (he thought i was texting!). While this is about the 6th? photo on my phone ... not exactly in the photo folder in my computer ... (yet, cuz i'm downloading them, truthfully my picts are winding up all over my computer, its the photo sprite).
... i thought this one is fun. I'm trying to make more time to take daily photo's! Derek is a super kid! I've decided, as i am not a very good steward in the whereabouts of my camera, but keep my phone handy, my next phone will have a more decent camera, which may be awhile!)... I still like this, Caddy-whompus and all!

~ the challenge:

1. Go to your photo folder in your computer.

2. Go to the 6th folder of the photos.

3. Go to the sixth picture.

4. Put the picture on your blog and description of it.

5. Invite six friends to join the challenge. **

6. Link them in your blog and let them know they have been challenged! **
**{invite yourself! ... and leave a comment here} ~ another twist!

Challenge MySelf ...

2009-02-23T21:23:00.003-06:00

Where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art.

Leonardo da Vinci

To Do:
Lent begins this week...
so, i will give up ~ limit my time online...
=0(
CHALLENGE MYSELF TO BE MORE PRODUCTIVE....
Work in my "studio" one hour a day!

... Want to be...?

2009-02-16T18:17:00.017-06:00

~ Life:
"if we knew what we were doing, it wouldn't be research" ~ Albert Einstein.

{... in a pondering mood}

"Am i where i want to be?
Did i get here easily?
Did i make a sacrifice?
Did i make a sharp left
When i should've turned right?
Am i where i want to be?"

~ enjoy!
{Remember [||] pause the playlist on the sidebar! }

" Artists are the storytellers of old and we are the ones who take people into a world of fantasy from time to time which sometimes can bring them inspiration, hope, or even a reality check."
- AP 7/2008

MY HUSBAND LETS ME HAVE ALL OF THE CREATIVE SUPPLIES THAT I CAN HIDE!!!!

2009-02-15T13:59:00.002-06:00

Man Made Card

~ and Once upon a time:

'Twas late night And all through the house
Everyone was sleeping, quiet as a mouse.
We were all "sleeping" all snug in our beds,
Except for our Mom, she was scrapping instead.
She was cropping and clicking and tape running too;
Mounting and planning, sticking stickers - all new.
She's getting NO SLEEP! ~ this would be no fun.
We could still hear her cropping.
It was way past one.
Then it came to us all so fast,
She was making US pages of each of our pasts.
What fun it would be when we gathered around
Looking at pictures that our dear Mom had found.
So we settled back down, for our long winter nap!
Who cares if she's cranky, we'll let Mom scrap!
(Modified by anon)

~ ... did i mention?

2009-02-14T15:02:00.006-06:00

I Found my Camera? ...

... or i should say, my son did {which he was looking for his remote to the video games, that he was/is grounded from until ALL his homework is turned in & grades are groovy).

... It was one of my many sewing baskets. I really don't know how it got here. My husband, who thought he brought IT upstairs, and NEVER MIND he was with me when i bought it, used it etc... said - "OH that is NOT THE camera i found on the charger and brought up ...?" Well, the last time i saw it was on the charger ... i do know, i let other people charge their camera's on MY dock (aren't i nice?) ... but, it seems perhaps my son's camera was charging ... so, somewhere, someone, sometime ... oh heck, it's a mystery. Perhaps put there for "safe keeping"? ... But, now it is FOUND

to do:

finish the things i wanted to start last week ...
enjoy the SUN ... (albeit is still cold, and the sun is fickle) ...
take some new pictures ... upload the old, and manage the pictures i found on my PHONE (hey some of them turned out pretty fun!)
manage my pictures on my Main Computer (mother board died and husband is trying to fix and find the pictures, esp the WEDDING picts, which the mother B. was dying, thus too slow to cooperate when i wanted to burn a disc, which reminds me ... }

~ later

feeling inspired ... BATIKS!

2009-02-12T15:56:00.006-06:00

Batik .. i 'fancy' dragonflies' ... ~ by me =0)

It dawned on my i never got to properly take pictures and upload them
... created on a Batik weekend last September ...

These beauties are traveling around my living room,
trying on different companion fabrics...
there is a wall that needs a wall hanging,
but first, i want to work on those bags! ...
and my "house" quilt, and...
(i find sometimes it motivates me to have something waiting in the wings ~
as, i have found ... i am a process person, not so much "product" ...)

Blessings to you ...

2009-02-08T15:17:00.005-06:00

~ it's been a beautiful weekend!...

"May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rains fall soft upon your fields..."

~ goals this week:
clean my "office"
work on the house
? thank you notes
? "twinchies"
? piece the bag(s)

~ one of my ALL TIME FAVORITES!

2009-01-22T13:46:00.001-06:00

CuppyCake Song...

2009-01-17T19:10:00.002-06:00

{playlist on the side plays automatically, but you can PAUSE, enjoy}
~ too stinkin' cute!

~ Close To My Heart: Update! ~

2009-01-01T21:58:00.005-06:00

NEW ~ Idea Book .... take a peek! Need one? let me know.
Check out the the featured Workshops and January Stamp of the Month!
Want fun ideas? ......

Close To My Heart is celebrating National Paper Crafting Month.
The Key to My Heart promotions runs through January 31st. The gorgeous level 2 paper packet features all of the new colors {Juniper, Tulip, Sorbet and Creme Brulee} in an array of double sided papers. It is accompanied by an awesome E-size My Acrylix stamp set.

ReMember: only available until - January 31, 2009.

You can purchase it for $47.90, or for $20.00 with a $75.00 order, or FREE with an order of $130.00. Also, hostesses, can recieve the package for Free with a qualifying Gathering.

Happy New Year!

2008-12-30T14:39:00.001-06:00

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

This past Year 2008 ~

Derek is still playing the Bass! ~ & started jr. High ...
Samantha still at St. James ~ a Junior, got a '93 jeep Cherokee ...
Alex continues studying Fine Arts at ESU {p.1 @the kiln} ... and is officially engaged! {2011}
Zac and Mo are in Cleveland ... celebrated 1yr! {engagement video} & {wedding photos}
Peter still commutes to Wyoming to work ...
I survived two surgeries, etc. & continue to work part time ~and hold down the fort ...

We are Grateful we are all healthy, today! We each took time to visit Zac/Mo in Cleveland, where they will remain while Mo continues to work on her Doctorate, in turn we enjoyed Zac's visit over Christmas - we wish Mo could have joined us, but understand she was needed at the Hospital. I continue to have mixed emotions regarding giving up my Suburban and loving my "Black Crystal Pearl" Jeep. We pray our vehicles hold together &get us safely where we need ...

Goals 2009 ~
... Keep on keeping on. Continue to work on the house, school, work ~

... and play?

To use my STASH ~ to Scrapbook & Quilt {disappearing 9-Patch}
To be Healthy, Wealthy and Wise. May we all find time to do the things we enjoy with the people who are dear to us ... to all, a Blessed 2009!