Picnic...

...have you ever watched that movie?  It's from the 50's and stars William Holden and Kim Novak and, is quite sultry.  Quite.  


from the cover;
Emotions are ignited amongst the complacent townsfolk when a handsome drifter arrives in a small Kansas community on the morning of the Labour Day picnic.


When I was at the thrift store recently I spotted this picnic basket.  I don't normally head over to the basket section as I have too many and most of them are not being put to good use...a.k.a. junk holders.  This one was on the end cap of the dishes isle and as I walked past it for the third, fourth time I decided to look at it.  Unlike most thrift store baskets this one was 'clean, and bright and shiny.'   A must...

nice little latch.  (working)

 nice sturdy adjustable strap.

a couple of handy-dandy drink carriers.  And inside...

utensils, including a bottle/wine opener, several plates, and two wine glasses, or water or whatever your beverage of choice is.   The lining is clean and the utensils packed as if they were never used, not that I won't be washing them thoroughly!

 not a bad little picnic basket but then there is the price.  My thrift store seems to know when they have something useful on their hands and they mark things up...way up.  I assumed that this would be way out of my thrifty price range...lo and behold!

I looked at that tag several times convinced that there must be a '1' in front of the '2'.  I looked around and quickly put it in my cart and headed to the front check-out, as if I was stealing.  The cashier noticing the price grabbed her price book and nodded a few times, then called over the supervisor.  I was getting ready for a 'fight.'  Then both women agree that it was mis-marked and should have been priced much higher but that it was now mine...lucky me, their mistake they said.

I think I'll pack a picnic lunch and surprise my hubs this weekend.  Found any nice surprises lately?

The thief of time..

...15 years ago today I held your hand while you took your last breath.  Part of me praying that this nightmare would end for you, part of me knowing the nightmare would be starting for me.  As I left the room and headed for the parking lot it became crystal clear to me that now, as the eldest daughter, I was expected to know what to do, who to call, how to make the arrangements.  In other words, I was now a grown-up.  No longer would I be known as TT's daughter, I would be expected to be the keeper of all things.  What you didn't know mama is that I hadn't the slightest idea how to be that person.

When my first-born-son died you were there.  You were the one who talked with the doctors.  You were the one who called the funeral home and made all the arrangements.  You were the one who called the family to tell them of this horrible tragedy.  You were the one who made sure he received the Blessing.  I couldn't and until this day, fifteen years ago, I didn't realize just how hard that must have been for you.  You did it without a word, without being asked, you stepped up to try and protect me.  Did I ever thank-you for that?

I gathered the family, I made the calls and the arrangements and although it was not easy I insisted that you receive your Blessing.  I stepped up and did it without a word, without being asked to try and protect daddy, to try and protect my siblings.  It was my gift to you mom.

I look at the tulips and I think of you.  I look at Maude and I see you in her eyes.  I hear your laugh in my daughters voice.  I see your hands when I look at my own.  Your fiery red hair is turning white on my head.  Your love of books is ablaze in my sons soul.  Your Irish wit alive and well in your children.

The thief of time has taken you away from me but not from my memories.  Those I hold dear to my heart...especially today, as you dance in heaven with my daddy and my son.  Rest well mommy, I love you.

It's that word "embrace" again...

...trying to Embrace change and remembering a promnise...

If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies.

~author unknown~

enjoy your Friday y'all...

Spring Fling...part 2...Pay it Forward...

...recently my pal, Suzan, from Oldgreymare put up a post encouraging all of us to get involved and Pay It Forward.   With all the misery and chaos in the world right now it is so easy to get overwhelmed and forget that a simple touch can mean so much.  It can touch the heart in so many ways and be an impetus for others to also reach out.

With this in mind I have decided to join in and Pay It Forward myself; I encourage you to do so!  Keep reading...

Here's how it works....(taken from Erin's blog)


The first five people who comment on this blog post will receive a handmade gift from me. (let me know if you want to participate).

In return, you must FIRST write a blog post explaining Pay It Forward 2011. Then.... send out a handmade gift to the first 5 visitors who leave a comment on your post. Take your time...you don't need to send them all today or tomorrow.

This is such a sweet way to connect with friends or meet new ones, by sharing things we create with our hearts.

"It's not the size of the gift that matters, but the spirit

of paying it forward."

Time's up...

...it's time to announce the winners of my Spring-fling part 1.  Thanks to all of you who entered and shared your favorite Spring accessory.  You are a bunch of crazy people, you know that?!  I think mine would be sun glasses, although being in Washington, we wear them all year long.  We are over sensitive to light here.

Using my own personal number generator, the hubs, the following winners will receive a Infinity t-shirt scarf from Adornment Assortment and the lovely Lea...here we go:

# 19-Yolanda from Perfectly Imperfect~~green.

# 11-Maggie aka, Grandma Yellow Hair from Just Between Me and You~~purple.

and lastly, persistence pays off for...

# 29-Sherry from Country Wings in Phoenix~~pink.

Send me your mailing address and I will get these out to you as soon as possible plus a little something from me to say "thanks."  (jmwe4(at)yahoo(dot)com.

Stay tuned, part 2 can't be far away! 

The Cherry Blossoms...

...today, as I was cutting Cherry blossoms from our flowering tree, I couldn't help but think of the peoples of Japan.  The victims, survivors and rescuers for who no words in Japanese or English can describe their plight right now...those images that keep flooding my brain, that keep me awake at night with dreams of their suffering, that make me feel so utterly helpless.

It is Cherry Blossom time in Japan right now.  It started in January and continues until the end of March.  In past years many celebrations have been made under the cherry blossom trees and they hold much tradition.

In Japan, the cherry blossom symbolizes clouds due do their nature of blooming and the ephemeral nature of life.  The transience of the blossoms along with their extreme beauty and quick death is often associated with mortality.

They are also an omen of good fortune and an emblem of love and affection.  They are an enduring metaphor for the fleeting nature of life...the fleeting nature of life which is all too real and present at this time.  Sending prayers for all of her people.

* because the time just doesn't feel right I will be postponing my dining room post until Monday.  Remember, tomorrow is the last day to enter my Spring-fling here.  Also, winners will be announced on Monday as I take tomorrow as a day of reflection.   Please remember to visit Lea and thank her for her generosity in this give-away.  Blessings to you all...*

I'm on my second cup of coffee...

...I was awakened uncharacteristically early this morning by a glow coming from outside my bedroom window.  As I have said before our property backs up onto a two-lane road that is quite busy in the mornings.   I hesitated to get up, longing to roll over and return to blissful sleep, but was drawn back to the window with curiosity.  As I approached the window I could detect a warm familiar feeling buried deep in my soul.  As I cautiously opened the shades I realized that warm-glow was sunshine!  Lovely, beautiful, healing, life-giving sunshine.   It was going to be a good day and quite honestly...my coffee agreed...

On another note, this is a picture of a rather non-descript wall in my dining room.  There are three others just like it, with the exception of a window.  Tomorrow I will show you what I did to cheer up this sad wall, without using paint or spending more than $20.  Shop the house, you never know what you will find.  Until  then...

google images...not my wall

Don't forget the Spring-fling giveaway!  Only two more days to go...here!

Etsy love and a give-away...

*first off I want to say that I think I have fixed the wonky font, although I have no idea where it came from I hope it is g.o.n.e.  if you are still having trouble viewing please let me know!  *




...Yay!  I'm having a Spring-Fling give-away.  This will be the first in a series of give-aways so be sure to check back often.  It is my way of thanking your for your concern and support during my recent cancer treatment and my effort to court Spring...my favorite season, o.k., not really but let's not tell Spring that!

Do you know Etsy?  Before I started blogging I had never heard of Etsy, now it is my 'go-to' place for everything handmade and unique.  At any given time I have at least six things in my cart waiting for my final decision...I hope you will check them out, I especially love their vintage and collectible section...sigh.  

Today I am featuring Lea and her shop Adornment Assortment.  I found Lea when I was looking for scarves and such to cover the scar I have on my neck from my recent Thyroid surgery.  I found her handmade infinity t-shirt scarves. These little darlings are lightweight and extremely comfortable.  They are not bulky but can be worn many different ways and can be casual or dressed up with a brooch, flower or pretty big button.   She also has many other handmade items in her shop so go check it out;  Adornment Assortment.

I asked Lea if she would like to be part of my Spring Fling and she jumped right on board and offered three, yep 3, of her beautiful scarves to be given away.  How sweet is that?  So here they are...

 first up: purple infinity t-shirt scarf...

 next: a vibrant green infinity t-shirt scarf...

and finally: Hello Kitty infinity t-shirt scarf.

Now I know you are all wondering how you can win one of these and what set of complicated rules must you follow to even qualify, am I right???   Well, here we go...none.  No rules, ok, not true...just a couple.    Ready...

1. you may enter as many times as you want, as many times a day, everyday, whatever you'd like.  Enter often, BUT, all entries must be on this post and only this post.
2.  IF you would like to spread the word, you know, via your blog, twitter or FB, then you will get an extra entry AND a special prize from me!  Be sure to let me know in the comments.
3.  contest is open until the official start of Spring which is Sunday March 20 at midnight PDT. winners will be chosen by random number generator  and finally:

answer the following question....
  What is your favorite Spring accessory?

there you go, good luck!

Spring Fling...

 (store bought) daffodils by lamp-light

...it is, yet again, a dark, dreary, windy, rainy day here and my longing for Spring is out of control.

I'm tired of taking photos by lamp-light.  I'm tired of looking at my yard and garden and wondering how will I ever get this mess cleaned up.  I'm tired of looking at all the pretty bedding plants at the nursery knowing what would happen if I brought some of them home with me.  I'm tired of "planning" my gardens and watching my bulbs floating in their beds.  I'm tired, just plain tired.   (and yet there is a part of me that thinks...shut up, I have nothing to complain about with all the misery in the world.  But I realize I cannot do anything but pray for those lost souls and so I do and then I must move forward with my life, hard as it may be to do so.  Sometimes being so tender-hearted is so very difficult, I really struggle with trying to understand.)

I wonder, where is the sun?  Where are the birds?  Where are all the signs that Spring will eventually make an appearance?  Where, why, oh my!  

I'm done with all the whining and waiting.  This week we are going to court Spring like never before.  I have five several give-aways that will make us all think Spring.  Soooo, be sure to check back here often and have some fun with me and let's  get Mother Nature on board.  Who's ready for Spring?

p.s.  I also have a very busy week with doctors and such but tomorrow I get to....babysit my little dumpling!  Yay!  The first time they are going to leave her and I get to rock her all afternoon...I'm so done!  Have a good Monday peeps...

With kindred hearts...

Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace,

so sure and certain that a man could stake

 his life on it a thousand times.

-Martin Luther

They call me mellow yellow...

...looking for mellow yellow. Remember that song?

I never really was a 'yellow' person. It just was not a color that I enjoyed. In fact, when we bought our first house, the kitchen was yellow and I couldn't wait to get it painted. It was the '70's and everything was yellow, green, and orange.

so I've been searching lately, looking high and low, for a new yellow. A less irritating yellow...a mellow yellow.

Did you know that yellow has a mood? All colors do...yellow has two moods unlike the other colors. It can be a happy mood, full of optimism, imagination and hope.

it can also represent cowardice, dishonesty, jealousy, and illness...no wonder it's one of the least favorite colors.

what about you? Is there a color that just grabs you...the wrong way? I think I can live with yellow...mellow yellow...just call me mellow yellow.

here's to finding your "yellow."   Have a nice weekend y'all.

all images via Google

On a dark, dreary, rainy day...

...yaaaaaaawwwwnnnn!

the gettin' is good...

...when I came home from a thousand errands last Thursday there was a package waiting for me.  I had recently ordered some items from Amazon and assumed that was what was delivered.  I soon realized that this package was much too pretty to be from a huge discount warehouse.  Hmmmm.

...inside was a prettily wrapped gift and card. A very funny card!

...ha,ha,ha.  Now this pretty wrap was nice enough in itself but there was more...inside was a beautiful scarflet.   Just look at this!

Isn't it beautiful?  Now, let me tell you all about the scarflet and how I came to be the owner of this special accessory.
This past winter my friend, the Farmlady, (do you know the Farmlady..you must check out her blog) decided to teach herself how to knit.  And knit she did, and she loved it...until she was introduced into the world of felting.  There was no going back after that and she set out to knit and felt some beautiful things including the scarflet.  Enter me...and my neck, you know the one that had 'c' surgery last November and was left with a huge scar across it that looks reminiscent of some sort of attack, yeah that one...but I digress.  In an effort to cover this massive scar (really it's only about 5 inches) I have tried many, many things.   Scarves, jewelry, bandannas, you name it.   I was convinced what I really needed was an Omega necklace but the hubs did not agree...story for another time.  Again,  I digress...I came across the lovely scaflet that was posted on the Farmlady blog and every so sweetly asked her if she would consider making one for me and my scar.  Lucky me, she said yes!  You really must see one in person to appreciate how much work went into this and just how lovely it is, but since I'm not about to invite you all to my home, or model my neck for you, you will just have to imagine me wearing it....nice huh?
Head on over and meet the Farmlady. She lives in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains with her hubby and some goats and chickens...well you just have to see it.  It's quite beautiful...go ahead...Over Good Ground. 

Thursday's true confessions...

...when I started blogging, awhile back, I had no idea where I wanted to go or what kind of blog I wanted to have.  My first experience with blog was through Caringbridge and I knew that, as wonderful as that experience was, I didn't want a health-only blog.  Yeah sure, it's a big part of my life but it's not all there is to me. 

Would I ever be a cooking blog?  I really couldn't see myself going in that direction.  I don't mind cooking in fact, I rather enjoy it but I am a person who does a little of this and a little of that and viola! I never really do the same thing twice and I'm really not one to follow a recipe so needless to say...a baker, I am not.

Could I be a photography blog?  No, and that's about all I can say...I just don't have the eye for it BUT I am learning and reaching for new things so, in that way, I am growing but I'm not quite ready for prime time.

How about a gardening blog?  Have you seen my garden lately?  I'm not sure you could even find it with all the leaves and branches that are still down from last fall, that and the moss that has taken over my yard will be torturous work this spring.  I do have visions of a cutting garden this year and have gone about the buying of bulbs and seeds.  I have even convinced the hubs that I need a new raised garden bed for this fabulous, wondrous garden.   Well, yeah.

Next up...decorating blogs.  Oh my.  It didn't take me long to navigate my way over to the decorating blogs...not the House Beautiful types but the DIY'ers.  I have found some amazingly talented bloggers out there who can turn trash to..well you know, to something you would actually want to try and then hang on a wall!   There it is...easy as pie, I found my passion.  And after two years of stalking these creative ladies I have finally decided to jump in and make some changes to my home.

After all:   I have a craft room albeit a little messy...

and I've got frames and candlesticks just waiting to be painted and distressed...

 ...sadly, I've got pepto colored walls that need to be painted and decorated...

Oh, and I've got bulbs that need to be planted...any takers??

So there you have it...I'm gonna do stuff and you get to come along for the ride.  Good or bad,  fail or not, you all get to hold my feet to the fire and keep me going...otherwise I'm gonna have to bake something!