~A Thankful Heart~

Good Morning Friends! Wow! We are having quite a wind storm! Even my dog doesn't want to be out in it! (smart girl) I want to wish you a Joyful Thanksgiving, chock full of family, love, and laughter....and Thankfulness. I so very thankful for my wonderful family, my soulmate and partner Mikey, and for all of the richness that my life has held. When I think back on my friends and family, many of whom are gone now, I thank God that He brought them into my life, that He allowed for me to love them deeply and enjoy them. I am thankful for our men and women overseas risking life and limb for us. I pray that their families will be able to attend Thanksgiving festivities without too much heart wrenching yearning and sadness for their missing loved ones. I am thankful that the Lord has made me who I am, warts and all, and that He is removing the warts one by one...year by year. I am loved~I am thankful.

Blessings~

Oh yes, I almost forgot...new quilt finished~pink of course! Love to you all~Sharon

Hello I've Missed You All!

I can't tell you all how much I have missed you and missed blogging and reading...It's been awful! But Good Lord I'm such an old Poop! Honestly, anything new (technology) drives me up a wall! I have been working daily with Windows 7 and trying to figure out my new computer. It seems that everything is in a different spot! I was so sad that all of my information and photos were lost in the crash...but today is a new day right? I'll take more pictures...

Thank you all for hanging in there with me while I was gone. I did manage to get 150 bulbs planted, have you seen the newest and coolest tulips and narcissus this year? I just could help myself! Stunning as they are! I was a diggin' fool, and could barely lift my arms the next day.

These are photos of a new rag quilt I just finished. Cararmel and Cream. I love the colors (even tho' they aren't PINK), they are so warm and snuggly. So in a rare departure from my pink obsession....it's a rare one for sure...because 2 pink rag quilts are cut and laid out ready to sew.

Also, my family (mom, brother and sister in law) have all decided to come here for Christmas this year!!!! Yeah! I am so thrilled, I've already gotten out my Holiday linens! Whoo-Hoo! I'm so excited!

Well anyway, now that I can once again navigate the web (very techie right?) I'll be coming your way!! Hugs and Blessings~

I'm a BIG MESS!!

Moving right along....I have my new computer and I am in the process of learning Microsoft 7 as I have been using XP for years! Yikes...what a difference! So many options and junk on here, I am totally lost! I got my camera going this morning but it seems the pictures are small, and with paint, there really is no option for fixing a picture (at least none that I found so far). But I'm back and I can read your blogs again!! Yeah!!! I missed you all so much. I'm going to try and figure this contraption out, then I will be back blogging. It's so pretty here now and I will take tons of photos. So for now friends, I leave you with a nosegay of pretty roses. Hugs~

EEEEK! Computer Problems!!

Hi All! Experiencing some computer problems...I am not ignoring you and have been trying to visit you all...but my computer is going kaput. I will be shopping for a new tower soon, so hang in there with me. Blessings~

~Country Burlap Wreath~

Hello Everyone! Well I just finished my front door FALL wreath! I found this tutorial on Roeshel's The DIY Show Off I love her blog!! She features great ideas with how-to's. I've had so much visiting her blog. This burlap wreath began as a fall wreath, however, I couldn't help myself to add some sewing items in addition to berries and dried Cinnamon Oranges. I chose a darker burlap and a green gingham bow. Some old buttons and thread (in fall colors), an ornate pair of old scissors. It was so fun! I have lead feet/fingers when decorating for fall. I just don't want the summer to end I guess. But since today is the first day of fall 2010, I thought I'd finish and hang my sort of Fall wreath. Thanks Roeshel for a wonderful tutorial!!

Happy Fall Ya'll

Blessings~~

~Tippin',Tailin' & Quilting~

Saturday Morn! I love Saturdays, they are my most favorite day of the week, because for me they are Free days-Creative Days. It's cold and windy, rainy..yep, seems like fall! We planted pole beans this year, and I cannot believe how many beans we have gotten from 3 plants! Seems as though every 2 days the plants are full again. We've put up enough already to last a winter!! AND there's MORE!

Showing off a baby quilt for a sweet little friend of mine. Her colors are cranberry, sage, beige, and pink! Yes, thank goodness there was pink!! Happy Saturday all~

~September 11~Forever in Our Hearts~

9-11-2010

It is so very hard to believe that it has been 9 years since that fateful day. There are a few profound moments in my life that I will never forget, that are ingrained in my heart and my thoughts forever...the moment I found out that our President was assassinated in Dallas, TX, the sight of the Challenger exploding in midair....and the cruel devastation of so many lost souls in New York on September 11, 2001. I was going to post a photo of 9-11, but chose instead to post the rainbow that is outside my window today. It is hopelessly dark and dreary, but...there is a rainbow, so there is hope. I wish to offer my thoughts and prayers today to those who lost their lives and to their families. We will Never Forget. Blessings~

~A Miracle & A Blessing~

A few days ago I asked for prayer for my mom who was going to have surgery on her carotid artery which was "very seriously" blocked according to the ultra sound which was read by her physician. She was sent to a surgeon who specializes only in carotic artery surgery, and the appt. was made for one week from the original diagnosis. She had much prayer during that week, and I had made arrangements to go there and care for her. On Wed. she went to the surgeon, and he did another ultra sound on both sides of her neck. He told her that her carotid arteries were good, very healthy! What???! She told him that her doctor had said that it was very seriously blocked..how can that be? The surgeon explained that she had a small block in a vein leading to her face, but that there are several veins that lead to the face, and that they would take over for the blocked one, further that the blockage would break up on their own, and that it was common for someone of her age to experience this occurance. No surgery~go home..enjoy your life-You are fine! Wow! I cried when my mom called and told me the news, she was crying too! I believe in Miracles!! Thank you Lord!!
P.S. My dog is really happy too as I unpacked my clothes and cancelled the boarding appointment for her. My hubby is thrilled that I will be here to spend his vacation with him. And I am so thankful that my dear, sweet mom doesn't have to undergo more surgery, and that she is in good health. What a week! Thank you so very much for your prayers and I wish for you many many Blessings~
Thanks Dr. Todd Spencer (our favorite Baylor Boy!)

~Off to Dallas~Prayer is Needed....

Hi Friends~I'm off to Dallas, my mom has to have carotid artery surgery on both sides. This will be the second time on the left side, bless her heart. She has had such a time in the last 5 years and I must come to you to ask for prayer for this surgery. You are always so faithful when I am in need. My house is organized, I have food for my darling hubby, and I just have to make arrangements for Freeway at the doggy boarder, and pack. I will miss you all, although I will try to catch up on your blogs at my moms home. Lots of Love, Sharon

Fridays Favorite Picks~

Fridays are my favorite days of the week..a day of anticipation, the ending to the work week and the beginning of a weekend! Yeah! I wanted to share another favorite of mine, the beautiful, classy, timeless Norma Shearer. I love her style! And...I would like to have her clothes...thank you very much! A Classic Era for style and movies. Enjoy this holiday weekend...we're having wonderful weather here-low 70's! Perfect!

~A Vintage Millinery Find!~

Good Morning Friends~Well yesterday I came across the MOST fabulous find! 1000's of Vintage Millinery Leaves! Look at the color of the leaves! I love Vintage items so much, and it is getting so difficult to find nice things...it was like Christmas! BEAUTIFUL!! I was so excited! I wanted to make some sachets with my lavender, using homemade flowers and leaves. PERFECT!! I wish you all a wonderful day~I'll be playing with my leaves! Blessings~

Starfish, Saltwater, Sand, & Sea~

I grew up in California, in beautiful San Diego. It's been quite awhile since I've lived there, but lately I've been missing the sea. The sounds of the waves crashing on the shore, the warm sand squishing between my toes, and the great organic sandwiches from a deli in Del Mar. One summer in particular, my dear friend and I made a pact to go to the beach every single day of summer! (I think it was really all about the sandwiches). It is my recollection that our mission was accomplished! Of course, this was between our junior and senior year in high school when life was pretty carefree, and I could eat was ever I wanted and still remain a beanpole. We didn't care about the effects of the sun on our skin (my nose peeled about 40 times!), we didn't worry about anything except which one of us would be driving to the beach the next day. It was a wonderful time! And as season winds down...can you recollect one perfect & defining summer you spent in your youth? I am keeping this memory, and celebrating each and every new day. Blessings~

Happy Friday All~

Whew! That week went by quickly didn't it? Just a quick note to wish you a wonderful weekend filled with laughter and joy~and Inspiration. Blessings~

~Winter White~

Good Morning Friends! All done! This quilt is made with a soft white nubby woven cotton fabric that has the most wonderful linen look! The back is a burlap colored ticking which was sewn in a basket-weave. I love the way it accentuates the poofy seams. I hand sewed 56 vintage buttons, one in the center of each square. It has a very tonal & peaceful quality, the only thing missing is the hammock and a box of Bon Bons! Today, I wish you inspiration! Blessings~

~Dog Days~

Whew! It's so hot---the dog won't run! Good Morning all~Check out this ol' girl! Since moving out to the country last year, I've noticed a wonderful change in Freeway. She's so mellow and calm..shepherds are really not known for m-e-l-l-o-w. At least this one wasn't. For the first 6 years she ran circles around me literally, and was so busy all of the time. Now of course she's getting older, but finally the contentment has kicked in..(thank you Lord) She goes outside, and roams around for a while, visits the neighbor dogs, looks for squirrels and rabbits, and then she comes back and lays on the porch. About once every two hours a car goes by, it's the neighbors going to their horses, and then the horses go by...and she lays...then it's time to come in for a cookie...she goes back out and lays...What a life~what a time~the dog days of summer.

Pale Pink & White~Happy Monday All!

Hello Friends~I spent a busy and productive weekend completing this rag quilt, adding to my lavender farm, and cooking fresh food (nothing processed), meals for hubby & I.

As it has been so hot here with humidity in the 80's and 90's, my husband stayed in and took a rest in the afternoons. We had SO much fun watching old movies, the Odd Couple was one. I just love Jack Lemmon and Walter Mattheu (sp?) GREAT! Even though I've seen it a dozen times, I can't help but giggle with the "Coo Coo Pidgeon Sisters!"

After finishing and listing the rag quilt above, which is one of my all time favorites, I began a new linen look quilt with a soft French theme. These sweltering days give me a wonderful excuse to stay in and actually get something done in my shop. I have really enjoyed working outside this year, planning and planting. I purchased the book, "Tasha Tudor's Garden" and I was so inspired by her beautiful landscaping! I wish I could have known her, and would like to plan a trip to see her rustic home and magnificent gardens.

Today...shopping, quilting, laundry and healthy meal preparation are on my list. Do you write a list for yourself? I find that with a list I get so much more accomplished. Without a list...well let's just say I'm all over the place and everything is half done! Well, off to my list. Bless you all on this beautiful Monday!

Miss H is in full bloom right outside my door~ What a sight to behold~
Wishing you a beautiful weekend! I'm off to the farmer's market this morning for my weekly bounty. Blessings~

~A Wonderful Surprise...A Beautiful Gift~

How blessed am I? I just received this Gorgeous gift in the mail from Sweet Tammy of The Quintessential Keeper. I have long followed Tammy's blog, and have admired her Beautiful,and Skillful handiwork. I feel so fortunate to now, at last, have one her magnificent original Pillows gracing my own home. It couldn't have matched my guestroom more perfectly! Filled with Lavender, and Oh So Fragrant, this Rose Victorian piece has quickly become the "Apple of my Eye!" Thank you Sweet Tammy, I will treasure it always! Stop by Tammy's blog and view more of her Fab creations. Thank you again Tammy~I just love the pillow~and I am so very touched that you thought of me. Blessings

~...On a Wing and a Prayer~

The farmers are busy at work here in the country. Spraying, fertilizing, the last tending to until fall. Cool picture though eh? Hubs and I have to get up early to travel about an hour for hubby's knee surgery. Wish us Luck!!! Hugs, over and out!

~Shabby Pink Sweetness~

Hello Friends~I've been busy all morning in my studio...mostly cleaning out the cobwebs..it's been so long that I've actually worked in there! Oh well, I'm BACK! Here's a cute little booty Ornie for my EBAY shop. Isn't she darling? I just love pink Squiggle Chenille!
The weather remains the same-humid, rainy, overcast! But it's so nice to be busy and creating again. It seems sometimes I am so uninspired, and then-all of a sudden I'm BAAACK!! It's so good to be back. Hugs~

Gearing Up for Strong Thunderstorms!

Happy Monday morning friends~
We are headed for a rocky day here in Iowa! Strong thunderstorms on the horizon mean very little internet access for me. So quickly....a little smile for you. Isn't this the cutest picture you have seen? I love it. I wish that I knew who took this amazing picture as I would love to accredit them. Whoever you are...THANKS for the SMILE!!
Hugs and Blessings~

Supremes de Volaille aux Champignons!

Hello friends!
In my previous post I wrote to you about a wonderful book that I was reading about the life of Julia Child, "My Life In France." This book inspired me to try one of her recipes! Since this book has no recipes, I found one of her recipes online. Supremes de Volaille aux Champignons (Chicken Breasts with Mushrooms and Cream.) I know what you are thinking....and NO this is NOT DIET FOOD! But it was the most incredible dinner I've had in a very long time. It looked so beautiful I even took a picture of it. Of course with my limited photography skills it didn't turn out well(it was yellowed) so then I tried to photoshop it a bit (another skill in which I am sorely lacking) and this is the best I could do. But I wanted to share with you the fablous meal we had last night. I shopped at the farmers market in the morning so everything was fresh! I served the chicken with swiss chard, steamed and tossed with olive oil and fresh pressed garlic. A slice of homemade wheat bread on the side. What a great meal! Now my goal is to locate a first addition of "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" as I discovered that I loved the process of putting together a meal worth the effort! And truly it wasn't difficult. Chicken breasts, shallots, mushrooms, wine, lemon, cream, parsley and beef stock. A little olive oil as well. Today a salad! I ate only 1/2 of a chicken breast, and all of the greens. I was full and very, very satisfied. What a GREAT meal! Nothing processed-nothing canned-just REAL food. I found the recipe on Janet Keeler's Fabulous Blog Tampabay.com

~A Fabulous Read~

Good Morning Friends~I had to share with you a delightful book that I have just begun...and can't put down..."My Life in France," Written by Julia Child with Alex Prud'homme(her nephew). I love to cook, and try at least one new recipe a couple of times a month as I get tired of the same old stuff all of the time. I am so fortunate that my big guy will eat anything on a plate, literally. I remembered Julia Child from her television show when was young-er(I keep reminding myself that I am not getting old, just maturing nicely). Anyway, as I watched Julia cook, I remember being more drawn to her character than I was to her recipes and cooking. Her voice, her stature, and her intense absorption in the act of cooking, I think it was her passion that drew me to watch her demonstrations. (I never made one of her recipes!) In this book her character shines, her devotion to family and friends as well as her love of all things French, especially French cuisine. It isn't all about food though, really, it is about the woman that I found so facinating so many years ago. I think this book would appeal to anyone as it is a remarkable journey of finding passion...and living it! Bon Appetit!