Not the Good Scissors!

Happiness Is...And Other Random Thoughts

2011-09-08T19:42:00.000-07:00

It really is the simplest things that can make me happy. Now for some of you, you may not relate to what I am about to express and others I know you will completely get this. I have been in one of my bohemian moods and wanted to make a cute funky handbag and lo and behold if I didn't have matching thread and the bobbin with the thread already wound. Trust me, this is a big deal. O.K. maybe not that big of a deal but it sure made me ever so slightly giddy. Think of it this way. You know when you want to bake something ooey and gooey and you know just what it is you want and lo and behold you have all of the ingredients in your cupboard. Same thing but just fewer calories :)

I have had this fabric for at least 3 years.

I am being such a goof ball tonight. I think all of the overtime that I am doing is getting to me.

Hugs and much love my friends, Sue

P.S. This girlie is going night, night.

Prayers for Anne and Her Precious Mother

2011-09-05T09:53:00.000-07:00

Please stop by Anne's blog, Fiona and Twig and give her some words of encouragement. She is devastated that her precious Mother has inoperable ovarian cancer. The news came fast and hard. Our prayers and words have been a great comfort to her.

Hugs and much love my friends, Sue

The Animal Lover That I am...And Some Catching Up

2011-09-03T09:03:00.000-07:00

I can't help myself. I have a soft spot for all animals. Even the pesky skunks and racoons that show up on my porch, but don't gasp, I DO NOT feed them. Not intentionally anyway. And I only observe from the living room window. My husband is a big cat lover and we have 4 kitties. Two that make their homes inside (Milo and Elwood) and two that make their homes outside and if on a rare occassion I forget to pick up the outside food in the evening, once in a while we will get a pesky visitor.

Around the middle of June and much to my chagrin a stray kitty showed up and naturally I fed her. I think she was a "foreclosure" kitty. Fast forward two weeks. 4th of July to be exact, she blessed us (tongue in cheek) with 3 kittens. Of course I hovered over them and cuddled them. I even lost sleep over them when Momma moved them and they were no where to be found for two days, but the time has come that I MUST find them some new parents. I would love to keep them all but that is not possible and practical. It has been hard placing them and so far we have had no success and I cannot stand the thought of taking them to the shelter. All of the other rescue places are jammed packed with cats and kittens. Please say a prayer that these babies will have new parents soon.

Do you ever get to a point that things just seem dull and when someone asks you what have you been up to and you just stop and think and ask yourself...what have I been up to? Well that is me these last few weeks. Don't get me wrong. Life has not been boring but it has not been exciting either. I am as busy as I have ever been. Maybe too busy and I am not stopping long enough to take it all in. Too much work and long days of working non-stop has made for a dull girlie.

Soon, I will post some pictures and show you what I have been up to preparing for all of my Holiday Craft Faires that are coming my way. I will be putting on some finishing touches to my "Victorian" Christmas stockings but I am still hunting for the perfect ribbon. I haven't made them for about 6 years and my Mom urged me to make them again. They were quite popular.

Hugs and Blessings and much love my friends, Sue

Have Some Fun!

2011-06-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

Summertime is here and there is no better time to feel like a kid again. It is such a carefree time.

Have a fun and safe summer and play a game of hopscotch!
xoxo, Sue

Finally a Happy Dance!

2011-06-07T18:35:00.001-07:00

I am finally peeking out from underneath the covers and what do I see? Outside my kitchen window I see this…

I haven’t felt like doing much these last few weeks, although I did manage to celebrate Memorial Day at our beautiful State Capitol Park and captured these images.

Our California Vietnam Veterans Memorial dedicated in 1989.

A lovely pink rose in our beautiful Capitol Rose Garden. There are approximately 700 rose bushes in this garden. On a warm morning walking to my office I can smell the roses a city block away. I spend many lunch breaks over here. I am blessed.

This beauty is called Shockwave and I can see why. I have never seen a rose so bright and yellow. This picture does not do it justice.

One of several paths between the roses.

I have no idea what this one is called. I call it the Candy Cane Rose.

Why am I so late sharing my lovely Memorial Day? I debated on whether to share this but I want to let all my friends know to not ignore a sinus infection! I kept blaming my overall crummy feeling on allergies. I should have known better because I don’t have allergies. I just figured that I finally developed allergies. This region is one of the worse for allergy sufferers and if you don’t have allergies you will eventually develop them if you live in this region long enough.

Anway, I get home on Monday afternoon (Memorial Day) and looked in the mirror and was horrified at what I saw. My eyes were swollen and I was quickly developing a rather large beet red circle around my left eye that went all the way to the eyebrow and down my face. So what does this girl think (blonde moment?)…the allergies are getting worse. Fast forward to Tuesday morning. My eyes are now almost swollen shut with all of the signs of pink eye maybe? I saw the Doctor that morning and I was feeling REALLY bad by then and the temp was hovering around 100. When you are in the Doctor’s office and the Doctor walks in, the last thing the sick person wants to see is a rather shocked look on the Doctor’s face? Huh? I am thinking this must be one of the more severe allergy cases she has seen. Well let me tell you, I had a sinus infection so severe that I was in the first stages of cellulitis of the face (a bacterial infection of the skin cells). Oh yes, had I waited much longer this would have put me in the hospital . Fast forward to today and antibiotics…I AM FEELING MUCH BETTER!!! I want to do a happy dance! Thinking back on these last several weeks, if not the last 3 months or so, I think I have had this infection for a very long time. I must have one heck of an immune system.

How I managed all this time I have no idea. The Doctor doesn’t know either. All I can say is, today I have more energy than I have had in a long, long time. The moral of this story…don’t ignore a sinus infection. I had no idea that it could manifest into something more serious however I didn’t know I had one. But I will the next time!

Hugs to everyone as I continue with my Happy Dance! Sue

It Was Long Overdue

2011-04-26T18:57:00.000-07:00

As most of you know I took almost 3 weeks’ vacation time from work. Honestly it was long overdue and we made no plans for a fabulous getaway. I relished every single moment being home and not waking up to an alarm clock. That was good enough for me! I got lots of sewing done preparing for my Holiday Craft Faires and I put a wee bit of thought into stocking my Etsy shop, but that will still have to wait for awhile. Logistically, that is not going to work for me quite yet. I would essentially have 2 full time jobs and that would not be fun. Since I have decided that I am going to retire Dec. 2012 I am going to take more time off between now and then. I have so much accrued vacation time because I haven’t taken much time off. Now, for the announcement of my upcoming fabulous getaway. Drum roll please…

We are going to go to Texas at the end of September. YES, Texas is fabulous! Sweet Hubby’s sister lives in Texas and we have a new little great nephew that we can’t wait to see. His sister’s birthday is September 29th and….another drum roll please…

I am going to go to the Round Top Antiques Fair! Here is my little confession. I sort of planned this getaway around the show. O.K., not sort of, I flat out planned it around the show but SH reminded me that it was his sister’s birthday too. Now how fabulous is that? This is better than a vacation in Hawaii (which is long overdue too, but I will save that for another story).

Oh and one other thing, I am going to hit Hobby Lobby up BIG TIME. We don't have one in Cali. :(

xoxo, Sue

Acts 2:38

2011-04-08T19:10:00.001-07:00

A woman had just returned to her home from an evening of church services , when she was startled by an intruder. She caught the man in the act of robbing her home of its valuables and yelled: 'Stop! Acts 2:38!' (Repent and be Baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ , so that your sins may be forgiven.)

The burglar stopped in his tracks. The woman calmly called the police and explained what she had done.

As the officer cuffed the man to take him in, he asked the burglar: 'Why did you just stand there? All the old lady did was yell a scripture to you.'

'Scripture?' replied the burglar. 'She said she had an Ax and Two 38s!

This was just too cute not to share!

I have some catching up to do. Now you would think being on vacation all this time I would have posted more. Well, I have been so busy being busy but I am loving every minute of it.

xoxo, Sue

Bringing Out the Scissors...Vacation Time!

2011-03-31T09:14:00.000-07:00

Of course it will be the Good Scissors! Yes, these are my scissors.

I finally said enough is enough and I am taking 3 weeks vacation! What are you going to do on your vacation, you ask? Anything this girlie wants to do. I spent the morning in my sewing room. BLISS! I am working on a new design for a bag. BLISS! I think I have the pattern just the way I want it.

Now comes the hard part. What fabric do I want to use? This is not my stack of fabric but I am so loving the Spring colors in this. I found this fabric at the Fabric Shoppe on Etsy. Hmmm, me thinks I should pop back over there. They really do have a beautiful selection of fabric and great prices.

Big vacation hugs, Sue

The Wrong Way to Get Fuller Lips

2011-03-26T15:29:00.000-07:00

I did my Saturday morning Costco trip and hurried back to unload the car because I so want to make BJ's Sunshine Cake. I even bought a huge bag of the most beautiful oranges for it but I still needed to make a side trip to our neighborhood grocery store for the other items for this most delicious sounding cake. Well something that may surprise you, I am just shy of 6 feet tall and when I opened the door of my SUV the top corner of the door smacked me HARD on my lip. The door cut the outside of the lip and the teeth did the rest of the damage inside my lip. HOW DOES SOMEONE DO THIS!? I don't know if I was in more pain or more mad at myself. I want to make this cake after all!!! I have been thinking about it for days. I know BJ is waiting for the reviews. LOL! I have swooned over this cake. Well after some ibuprofen and a nap I looked at myself in the mirror and my lips do have this rather attractive fullness to them. ;)

I will keep you posted on the cake. I am going to make this cake if it kills me! Just not today.

Have a blessed weekend. Hugs, Sue

I am Just Not Feeling It and Craft Faire Update

2011-03-21T17:43:00.000-07:00

Spring has arrived and I had to vicariously enjoy its arrival through other peeps. It seems that Mother Nature wants Northern California to wait just a bit longer. It has been raining for days and the forecast is rain for several more days and lots of snow in the Sierra’s. What has this done to me you ask? Well it made me stay inside this last weekend, all cozy and warm and spend many long overdue hours in my sewing room. This year I am determined to get a head start on the Christmas Craft Faires.

Speaking of Craft Faires. I hinted about our Spring Craft Faire that was March 5th. It was quite successful for me. Mom also did rather well with her adorable Easter and Spring creations. She makes the most amazing items out of felt and every stitch is done by hand. She loves doing handwork. Years ago when she was still working and was making her own clothes, she did her buttonholes by hand. They were sheer perfection. I hope to one day show you. I guess I could ask her to make a sample. I know she would love to. She is even proud of them, as she should be.

She and I did the Craft Show circuit 25 years ago and were quite successful but working full time it got a little rough and sadly we had to give it up. About 7 years ago we decided to resurrect and dust off those sewing and crafting genes and hit the Craft show trail once again. Mom is now retired but I am still working full time, however I have some news about that and will share with you in a few days. All I can say is woo hoo! Will I finally get my Etsy shop stocked? The fingers are crossed.

Any hooooo here are a few snapshots…

These are my Mom's egg covers. Aren't they the cutest?

More of her of little cuties. People love her things. When I get my Etsy store stocked I hope to be offering some of her things too. Her Christmas creations are soooo cute too!

Some more cuties. Her lapel pins.

I have a new camera and I really have a lot to learn. The coloring is way off.

Little bunnies dressed in their little ribbon dresses.

These are a few of my bags. In the white basket are my "Mad Money"© wallets. I love these things. They are the perfect size for business cards, credit cards, gift cards and of course your Mad Money :)

These are my Key Keeps. I have several other fabric designs. I sold many at the show.

These were from a show last year. Since my inventory is so low at this time I wanted to show you a few from the past.

I love fabric and I love creating things using fabric. This year I will be working on a couple of new designs for my handbags. I want to have them ready for the holiday season.

Wishing everyone a blessed week.
xoxo, sue

Gorgeous Eggs Dressed in Vintage Finery

2011-03-13T17:55:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a good weekend. There are signs of Spring everywhere and it cetainly has put a little extra skip in my step. I had to share with you something that put more than a skip in my step. These gorgeous designs made my heart skip a beat! On Saturday I received not just one but THREE of Rebecca's latest offerings. When I saw these beauties I knew that one was not going to be enough. These eggs are dressed in vintage finery. So so GORGEOUS!

This precious Pink Egg is hanging from my Spring wreath. I am loving this wreath stand.

My gorgeous eggs. These are truly heirloom quality.

I still have to share my Spring Craft Faire with you as promised. I have to say it was quite successful.

I am wishing everyone a blessed week.

Hugs, Sue

A Little Snow Humor and a Spring Craft Faire

2011-03-03T16:04:00.000-08:00

Spring is just around the corner. I know many are seeing signs of Spring and CANNOT WAIT for things to warm up. In the meantime I wanted to share a little snow humor with you.

And last but not least...

The weekend is almost here! Yay! I have a Spring Craft Faire this Saturday. The first one of the year for me. My handbag inventory is low. It's on purpose though. I am working on some different items for this year, which I hope to share with you in a few months. One of these days I will get my Etsy store stocked but I have come to the conclusion that I will have to retire before that happens. That darn pesky job. LOL!

If I don't get too side-tracked I will try to take some pictures of the Faire to share with you.

Hugs and many Blessings to everyone! Sue

A Special Birthday Party

2011-02-22T17:06:00.000-08:00

In a previous post about my Special Valentine I did not post any pictures of my son because the scanner was down (it still is...arghh!) and since he has lived out of town for several years I didn't have any recent pictures of him. We had his birthday party last Saturday and I finally got some pictures! It was so much fun spending this special time with family and my son's friends. My son has always had the most amazing friends and they all have been close for many years. I kept thinking that I knew these adults when they were just wee ones. They are now in their late twenties and early thirties (insert feeling old here).

Kevin has been trying to get into law enforcement for the last two years. Since most counties have been cutting back he has not had any luck. A couple of years ago he was two weeks away from his final interview for the San Diego County Sheriff's Deptartment when they had major budget cuts. I felt SO bad for him because I cannot even begin to tell you how hard he had to work to get that far. It was many months of hard work. But as a Mom deep down I was relieved. It is getting so dangerous for our law enforcment anymore.

Here is my handsome 30 year old son, Kevin

This cutie patootie is Shauna, my son's girlfriend. They have known each other since 7th grade! And yes, she is as sweet as she looks. She and Kevin are two peas in a pod. I hope I will soon be posting about a wedding. So is Shauna (wink, wink)

I couldn't resist orderding these cupcakes and I didn't tell Kevin because I was sure he would have tried to talk me out them (a Mom has to do what a Mom has to do). Even though I ordered them after Valentine's day they still had these heart rings. He was with me when I picked them up and I was bracing for the "OH MOM" comments but he said, "OH COOL!" (insert a shocked look on Mom's face here)

YES, he is all grown up and Mom is a little weepy at the moment.

xoxo to my wonderful and sweet friends, Sue

Spring...She's A Commin'...Really

2011-02-16T17:34:00.000-08:00

I took a couple days off from work this week. Actually I was sick with the flu but fortunately it was not that flu where you were sure the world was coming to an end. By the 2nd day I was tired of laying around so I grabbed the camera and wanted to see if I could find some signs of Spring. Since I didn't want to scare my neighbors because I looked...well let's just say it was NOT PRETTY I stayed at home and didn't wander the neighborhood. Now I could have shown you the biggest sign of Spring at my house which is the abundance weeds that have shown up in the last couple of weeks but I wanted to show you the fun signs of Spring.

This is my Japanese Maple. I am seeing little buds.

I planted Mums in a pot last year and they reseeded into the bed this year. Seeing them was a pleasant surprise. The allysum comes back every year.

I can't take credit for growing these beauties. I purchased the Hydranga last weekend at Costco. I am going to plant her where I had a Camellia bush that up and died on me last year. Still cannot figure out what happened since it had been planted for a few years.

I know many of my blog friends are enduring some of the worst weather ever and many are suffering from cabin fever. So here is a little something that will help with the thoughts of Spring and to brighten your day with a few flowers. Now the only thing that you will need are crayons or colored pencils...

Just print this out and color away. I don't know about you but I still like to color every once in awhile. Although these days I only color when the grandkids are visiting but I find it very relaxing. I can color away and not think about anything and sometimes we need that.

I hope you are seeing signs of Spring too.

xoxo, Sue

A Special Valentine and a Big Wish!

2011-02-12T06:39:00.000-08:00

God graced me with the most special Valentine ever. 30 years ago on Feb. 14th my son Kevin was born. I never thought a child could bring a mother so much pride and joy. Every Valentine's Day is extra special for me.

Happy Birthday my beautiful, handsome son. I am so proud of the person you have become. You are the sweetest, kindest person that I know. This is not just Mom saying this either because everyone that knows you says the same thing. People that meet you immediately like you. That has always amazed me. And you are pretty darn fun to hang out with too! You have not just been my son but you have also been my "best buddy, of course along with your brother. There are no other people in the world I would much rather hang out with than you and your brother! You two crack me up when you guys are together. Where you get your personality and humor from is beyond me because you know your Mom has such a serious, no-nonsense side to her! I am glad that it did not rub off on you!

Happy Birthday and Happy Valentine's Day!
Love Mom

P.S. I would have posted some pictures but the scanner is down! Actually the message I am getting says it is off-line. Now how in the world does that happen out of the clear blue? Ugghhh! I will do a follow-up post.

Cupcake Love

2011-02-05T13:49:00.000-08:00

The package simply said Vanilla Cupcakes. Hmmm but are they good? Then the scent of vanilla smacked me in the head. It was all over. Now how fast could I get home? Forget that I haven't had lunch. Sometimes a girl just has to do what she has to do.

The song "I am Going Out of My Head Over You" is playing in my head. Oh wait, it is playing. I am not kidding it really is. I have the 60's music station on right now. Yes, this is a good Saturday!

Big sweet indulgent hugs, Sue

Christmas, Valentines, Easter and Beyond

2011-02-03T17:44:00.000-08:00

I kept the decorating minimal this last Christmas. I knew I wasn't going to put our beloved tree up. Our four legged furbaby Elwood unexpectedly and happily came into our lives and NO WAY, NO HOW was I going to put up the tree with a kitten in the house. I wanted to decorate with a few pieces but didn't want to bring out all of the boxes to search for just a few things. So what does this girl do? She goes out and does what she does best...SHOPS! I stopped by Pier 1 not really sure what I was looking for then I saw a lovely wreath on a stand that was up on table. At that moment I knew what I was going to do.

SH really liked this wreath and he usually doesn't comment either way when it comes to the decor so we bought it. Between me and you I think he liked it because it looked like chrome. I will save the chrome story for another post.

I liked the look so well and the idea of the wreath stand that I went back to Pier 1 the following week and got another stand and another wreath which is below.
This is on my cradenza just inside my front door.

I think these stands are so versatile. I would like to keep them out all year and change out the wreaths and put up seasonal wreaths. I can see a darling Valentine's wreath up on the cradenza in front of the mirror. The mirror beautifully reflected the wreath. It really created a lot of depth in the space.

For Easter I think this would be so cute. This wreath is at Victotian Trading Co. My all time favorite catalog.

I know, I know, I am a little late, O.K. a lot late posting about my Christmas decor but I really wanted to share the wreath stand and this super cute PINK wreath.

Big hugs, Sue

My Life Story - by Elwood

2011-01-27T17:19:00.000-08:00

I think I was born around April 1, 2010 but can’t be sure because you see I was abandoned on a busy street. I was very sick and approximately 11 week’s old and weighed only 1 lb. 10 oz. Even though I was sick and such a skinny little kitten I had so much spirit in me. At least that is what I have been told. I remember that June 21, 2010 was a day of confusion for me. I could not understand why I was tossed out of a car and left on that busy street but no sooner than this happened a tall blonde lady scooped me up in her arms. Little did I know at that time she would become my Momma. She held me tight and whispered in my ear that I was going to be alright. She held me for the longest time and let me snuggle in the crook of her neck. Somehow I knew I was going to be alright and this is where I needed to be.

That first day with my new Momma was a little frightening. She put me in a box and we got into her car. I screamed and screamed because I wanted out of this box. As we were driving she kept saying, “you will be alright little baby.” We eventually arrived at an office with several nice ladies who thought I was so cute. They put me and Momma in a room and she let me out of the box and I just wanted her to hold me. A lady came into the room and introduced herself as Dr. Martin. I got the once over by the doctor but I didn’t care because I was getting so much attention by people who cared about me. We soon left with antibiotics in hand and went to my new Daddy’s office to surprise him. He smiled when he saw Momma walking up to his office because he saw her with a cat carrier box and my little black and white paw was poking out. Daddy couldn’t wait to see me because you see, kitties are his favorite. Momma was very excited and happy that she rescued me and was talking a mile a minute but was so upset that I had been tossed out like trash by two horrible people. I probably should have covered my young ears when she talked about these people. Daddy took me around and showed me off all the while holding me in his big arms. After a few trips around meeting everyone I became very sleepy so we sat in his chair and I slept so soundly in those arms. After a short nap Momma and I left. She put me back in that horrible box. We finally got to what is now my home. I was introduced to Milo, my 22 pound new “Uncle.” I got the once over by this hulk of a cat and to everyone’s surprise he really liked me.

Daddy has since retired so he has been able to spend a lot of time with me. My favorite place to be in the whole wide world is curled up on his lap. Momma can’t believe that I now weigh 11 pounds and she is so happy that I no longer need antibiotics. After 6 months of antibiotics the Dr. has given me a clean bill of health. I was very sick and had been much neglected the first few weeks of my life. I spend most days playing with my Uncle Milo and making my Daddy laugh. I am so happy when Momma gets home from work because she plays with me and lets me know how happy she is to see me. One thing I haven’t figured out yet is why she doesn’t let me into her sewing room. That door is always closed. There are so many things in there that I could be ~~getting into~~ playing with. And last December she kept mentioning that she wasn’t going to put up the Christmas tree. I wonder why. She says that when I get older she will let me visit with her in the sewing room and that I will get to see the Christmas tree this year.

Momma, who you know by the name of Sue says she will let me post on her blog every now and then so I can let all of her sweet friends know how I am doing and what I have been up to. She says she loves all of her friends very much but just between me and you, I think she loves me just a little bit more.

I was not feeling well but I was so happy to be in my new home

I am feeling so much better. I have grown to be a handsome young man

XXXOOO, Elwood aka "Little Baby"

Confessions of a Non-Hoarder

2011-01-18T07:07:00.000-08:00

As I peruse blogland I continually see references to the show Hoarders and how many of our fellow peeps are just the opposite. I am one of those opposites too but I must confess that I was not always that way. My "collection" of stuff was not ready to make the reality show circuit but I certainly was running out of room to store things. Fast forward to today...if I have two junk drawers I feel like I am a hoarder so I just have one :) O.K. I know that was an exaggeration. At the moment as busy as I am I want less things around me. Here is anothr confession (notice the title of this post. LOL) my aversion to having a lot of chotchkies really stems from laziness, or the fact that there are not 48 hours in a day. It's probably a little of both. I like my house clean and orderly because if it isn't, after a few days I become out of sorts and just a wee bit cranky. O.K. a lot cranky. And quite frankly when the cleaning chores come around I want to get it done lickity-split and not have to move or dance around a lot of stuff. In my mind clean means clean and that includes the areas no one even sees (a little OCD are we?). I am a "nook and cranny" cleaner. O.K. here is one more confession before I wrap up this true confessions saga...my sewing room/studio is a disaster at the moment. There is just a bit of hoarding taking place in that space and I am trying very hard to keep it from spilling over into the spare bedroom. This area is going to require at least one weeks vacation time to get it in order (again) and reorganized (again). This will be a task of epic proportions because I can't pass up sewing or crafting items at tag sales. However my rule here is, and this is a good rule, it has to be useful and it must meet my crafting needs. Here is my excuse though...sewing and crafting will be my future full-time job (it is only part-time now) and when that time comes, oh baby am I going to be ready.

This is a picture of my family room taken 4 years ago, right after we moved in. We have since gotten window treatments and that glaring empty space next to the sofa has a table. My styles will change throughout the years but my heart will always be with the Cottage style. That was my previous home's decor but when we had to stage that home to sell it and make it "neutral" I spent countless weeks clearing "stuff" out and swore that I would never put myself through that again. There was something liberating about it too. I was able to walk into the home and "breathe". Our previous 1100 square foot cottage home was just that, a little cottage and she wanted to be dressed in cottage decor and in my mind that meant lots of things were needed to fill this tiny home. My current home wanted to be Traditional. I grew up with very Traditional decor that included some strong timeless furniture pieces which my mother still has and they are still beautiful. Traditional is also what I have now with some well placed decorative pieces and for me at the moment it seems to make a little part of my life simpler which is what I desperately need at the moment. But to get my Cottage fix I am going to do the guest bedroom in Cottage style.

Big weekend hugs,

I am not rich and I do not long for high end things (well maybe that Mercedes, pre-owned of course) but the older I get the more I want to pamper myself with not so inexpensive products. For the most part I am very practical. To me bragging rights means coming home from Macy’s after their Super Saturday sale and having $700.00 worth of clothes and spending only $150.00 or less (yes it is possible with some determination and patience, just use the Macy’s card for that additional discount but don’t forget to hop on-line and pay it off the same day!). I do want to go on record however and say that I dislike clothes shopping more than anything (I heard the gasp from here ladies). I only clothes shop when I have to, so those $150.00 worth of clothes better be practical, multi-tasking and last at least a couple of years. As far as my pampering and facial products are concerned that is a different story. I like only certain things. Do I think because it costs more it must be better? Probably, but there are just some things that really work me, but I will never go super crazy and spend $250.00 on a facial moisturizer. Paula Deen's favorite is a $250.00 Chanel moisturizer. Never, never, never! That is just obscene.

These are just a few and I mean just a few of my favorites (notice the title says Part 1)

Clarisonic does an amazing job cleaning the face. All those facial products work better when your face is impeccably clean. I highly recommend it.

Philosophy Purity facial cleanser IMHO is hands down the best facial cleanser. I use this with my Clarisonic. It even gently takes off the eye make-up.

Philosophy Miracle Worker is my new favorite facial moisturizing products. The eye treatment is a little on the heavy side and I have to wait about 10 minutes before putting on my make-up but it is worth the extra effort. It has really brightened up my eye area.

Philosophy's Amazing Grace scent is just that, amazing. I love this bath/shower gel and body lotion. It is the most light and feminine scent and I constantly get compliments when I wear it. The body lotion is really nice.

More confessions to follow!
Big weekend hugs, Sue

It's About Time

2011-01-13T09:54:00.000-08:00

No truer words spoken, at least in my world anyway. 2010 was a whirlwind, busy, crazy year for me. Let me just say that I had to choose my battles and decide what my priorities were when it came to my precious down time. Geez, I thought when you got older things were suppose to slow down. NOT! I must be a glutton for punishment. In January 2010 I interviewed for a promotion and got the promotion. Yippee. “I am loving this job.” In April 2010, another opportunity for another promotion came along. I say to myself…”Self, you might as well go for it, you will still be doing the same job with a few more responsibilities and it is more money. After all retirement is right around the corner." Yes, I got the promotion. There is an old saying…”be careful what you wish for.”

Let's just say between working longer hours at the office, traveling for work and running a business, along with the usual everyday demands I was a tired girl on the verge of a meltdown. At the end of 2010 I guess you could call it an epiphany but I knew I had to get a grip and stop the craziness. Well I can't stop all of the daily demands but I can certainly change the way I looked at things. I did take some time off during the holidays and had that proverbial long talk with myself. I am now back on track.

I missed everyone terribly and the fact that I became racked with guilt about not visitng and not posting did not help matters any (well I did visit occasionally but did not leave any comments). I could not bring myself to even post anything because I knew they would only be whiny posts and I was not going to do that! Although we know the occasional "whining" is allowed (wink, wink). My new rules are: Try to post at least once a week (I just can't do it everyday. Besides I really don't have that much to talk about. LOL!) and to visit my blog friends 2-3 times a week. Afterall, YOU are my inspiration and breath of fresh air. You keep me sane. You always have.

Hugs and much love, Sue

Beacons of Hope

2010-01-14T18:00:00.000-08:00

Thomas Kinkade

I wanted to post something entirely different today but I could not bring myself to do it because it seems so trivial in comparison to the devastation in Haiti. I have been home all week with the flu and couldn't do much but watch TV and each time I watched the news it just got worse and worse. The horror of it all. My heart is aching so. I wish I could just reach out and make it all go away for these poor souls. There seems to be some rays of hope though. Help is finally getting to these people.

All we can do right now is just pray for them and pray that they can heal from this. And please pray for the rescuers and volunteers because they are going to have to see and do things that no human being should ever have to go through. I don't think we realize that the rescuers and volunteers are traumatized and deeply affected by this too.

Matthew 11:25-30
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

xxoo, Sue

Our Friend is Not in the Pink

2010-01-09T14:49:00.000-08:00

Our friend Marydon at Blushing Rose is not feeling well. She is not feeling so pink on this Pink Saturday. As a matter of fact she has been under-the-weather for many days.

Please stop by her blog and give her some encouraging words. I know that she would enjoy the visit.

Get well soon our dear sweet Marydon.

xxoo, Sue

Resolutions???

2010-01-01T14:40:00.001-08:00

Some think of Spring as a new beginning. I think of January 1st as a new beginning. It is my time for reflection and growth. Now I don't make resolutions for obvious reasons but there is always room to resolve to be a better person. Over the last few years I have become just a wee bit neglectful of my friends. I have the usual excuses, all legitimate mind you but nevertheless just excuses. So this year I resolve to make more time for my friends.
(I see some chick flicks in my future! Hahaha)

This year I also resolve to write more letters. Yes, good old fashioned letters. My heart always skips a beat when I receive a letter in the mail from a friend. Thank you Barbara for keeping letter writing alive and well. I will always cherish your beautiful and inspiring letters.

And I look forward to spending this year with all of you and sharing a few laughs and probably a few tears. Most of all I look forward to the kindness and inspiration that is within each and everyone of you.

Happy New Year and many blessings to all my bloggie friends.

xxoo, Sue

P.S. I am making black eyed peas today. I am trying a new recipe. If it turns out good then I will share the recipe. I only use my family as guinea pigs. :)
I can hear them now, "gee thanks Mom".

I don't know what I am worried about I haven't had any complaints in years :) :) :)

It is Time to Blow Out Some Candles

2009-12-28T11:54:00.000-08:00

As we are ushering out yet another year I am greeting a new age. Today I have happily skipped into the wonderful age of 54.

Where have the years gone? It truly does seem that I was just 18 years old not so very long ago. My mind still believes that I am 18 but with much more wisdom. I now get a full nights sleep and I do appreciate eating all my vegetables. After all, at my age fiber is so important. LOL

Hugs, Sue

All is Calm, All is Bright

2009-12-25T05:58:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

Christmas Morning Casserole...A Favorite

2009-12-21T16:47:00.000-08:00

Whether it is just SH and me on Christmas day or the whole family and friends I will always make my Christmas Morning Casserole. Now for a "do ahead" (no it is not doody head. I will save that for another post) person like myself this is perfect. I make this the night before then pop it into the fridge and take it out in the morning and in the oven it goes. Depending on how many I have at the house in the morning I will make a larger batch and put it into one of my bigger pans.

I am presenting the recipe as I have it written but I almost always add a little more sausage than what it calls for and I will add a little more onion to the O'Brien hash browns. This is so simple and so yummy.

Christmas Morning Casserole

1 large pkg. O’Brien frozen hash brown potatoes

1 c. diced ham or bulk sausage, browned

2/3 c. grated cheddar cheese

12 eggs

2/3 c. milk

Salt and pepper to taste

Line the bottom of 9 x 13 pan with partially thawed hash browns. Sprinkle with meat. Beat eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Pour eggs over the meat. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover with plastic wrap and put into the refrigerator overnight. Remove the plastic wrap and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Enjoy!

xxoo, Sue

Winter Cookies

2009-12-20T13:16:00.001-08:00

Many years ago I had a neighbor that had a persimmon tree. One day he offered me several very ripe persimmons. I told him I didn’t know much about persimmons and I really didn’t know what to do with them. He told me I could make cookies or breads with them. O.K. but I still didn’t know much about persimmons. Do I chop them? Do I mash them? How does this get into the cookies? Keep in mind this was before the internet so I really didn’t have easy access to recipes using persimmons. He told me that he would get back to me.

The next day he gave me a very sketchy recipe for persimmon cookies. This recipe immediately reminded me of how my great grandma Nanny would have put together one of her recipes. The recipe seemed more like reminders of ingredients. I could tell that this was an old recipe. My neighbor said the recipe came from a lady who was 85 years old. Well, any who, I figured out the recipe and put it into a more recipe like format.

These have been one of our favorite winter time cookies. As a matter of fact I even changed the name to "Winter Cookies".

These cookies freeze well and taste even better after they have been frozen for a week or two. It gives the spices a chance to blend. Enjoy!

Winter Cookies (Persimmon Cookies)

1 cup persimmon puree
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup salted butter or margarine
1 ½ cups sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp lemon juice
2 tbsp orange juice
3 cups sifted flour
½ tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp cloves
1 cup chopped nuts
Raisins if desired (the original recipe didn’t give an amount. I haven’t used raisins so I can’t say how much to put in. If I did I would use golden raisins)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Thoroughly mix the persimmon puree and baking soda and let stand.

Cream together the butter and sugar until it is light and fluffy.

Thoroughly mix the vanilla, lemon juice, orange juice and egg into the sugar mixture.

Give the persimmon puree a few stirs with a fork (it will be very gel like) then add to the sugar mixture and mix until blended.

Sift the flour again with the baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.

Gradually blend the flour mixture into the sugar mixture. Mix until thoroughly blended. Stir in the nuts.

Drop level tbsp of dough, 2 inches apart onto a lightly greased, or parchment lined cookie sheet.

Bake for 12 minutes.

Makes 5 dozen.

These are a perfect cookie for breakfast. They are cake-like and pair perfectly with tea or coffee.

I want to thank everyone for their get well wishes. I am feeling much better from my annual head cold. As far as head colds this one wasn't as bad as some. I was just tired.

Hugs and love too all, Sue

I Could Mark My Calendar!

2009-12-18T14:04:00.000-08:00

I woke this morning with a COLD! I was determined to get through this month without catching one. Every December, like clockwork I get a cold.

My favorite things right now...Kleenex and Vicks. Funny how Vicks reminds me of my great grandma Nanny. That was her favorite cold remedy.

Well sweet friends...back to bed for this girlie. Thank goodness I received my Victoria magazine the other day.
Hugs, Sue

This and That...

2009-12-13T13:24:00.000-08:00

I am not sure this image has anything to do with this post, I just like it! :)

It has been a very busy and hectic few months for me. Between all of the craft faires that Mom and I have been in and replenishing the inventory, we also flew to Austin, TX for our nephew’s wedding. Did I say I also have a full time job? Of course I have...I tend to have my whiney moments. I am a Litigation Analyst and this job has become increasingly demanding over the last 12 months but I so love this job and would not trade it for anything. I prepare my Department’s defense regarding certain matters for our State’s Attorney General’s Office. It really isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Needless to say when I do finally get home I find the quiet of my sewing/craft room just what I need after a long day. It is therapy!

I half-heartedly entered the craft faire holiday season in September not expecting to sell a lot of my totes so my inventory was miniscule at best. I only had about 20 totes on hand when I started. This year I would have been happy to just make my table fee. I do the shows mostly for Mom. She makes the cutest felt ornaments and she always does well and being on a fixed income any extra money is most welcomed. Much to my amazement it seemed everyone wanted one of my totes. Fast forward… I was buried in my sewing room since September using any spare moment I had replenishing the inventory. My totes take about 6 hours to make. I painstakingly do a lot of hand work that cannot be seen. This mostly involves tacking down stabilizers. Yesterday was my last show for this season. I had 10 totes and came home with only two! That may not sound like a lot of sales but it really is because my items could be considered on the pricier side for a craft faire. Almost all of my totes were bought by people who were going to give them as a Christmas gift. Every time I heard that I just wanted to cry from joy. Not that they were buying one of my totes but the fact that they were buying something hand-made for someone special. My shelves are almost bare and knowing all of my totes that I lovingly constructed will be enjoyed by someone on Christmas makes my heart happy. O.K. enough about all of that, I wanted to finally share some pictures with you!

This is just a very small sampling of Mom's felt items. She has at least 25 different designs. Everything is lovingly stitched by hand.

A lady once asked her where she got the die cuts to make her ornaments. Imagine the look on her face when Mom told her that she cuts everything out with scissors. I swear the woman looked at my Mom like she had lost her mind. She could not get over the work and the detail. When Mom use to make her clothes all of her buttonholes were done by hand. They were the most perfect buttonholes you ever saw. To this day I have never seen a buttonhole done by a machine that can compare to hers.

Mom has been making these little guys for at least 25 years.

My humble offerings

I use fabrics that I like. This year I went with the "how cute is that!" fabrics. Last year I went mostly with elegant and traditional fabrics. I guess this year people were looking for cute!

Have a blessed week.

xxoo, Sue

P.S. I will be posting some of my favorite recipes soon!

Red and Green...The Colors of Christmas

2009-12-08T06:55:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered why the traditional Christmas colors are red and green? I recently came across an article that explains this. It also explains some of our other traditions that we associate with this most blessed time of the year. Now whether this is correct I cannot say for sure but I certainly have to agree with this notion.

Red symbolizes the blood that Jesus spilt to redeem us from our sins.

Green is the color of life. Therefore, green symbolizes the potential for eternal life that Jesus' sacrifice made possible for all of us. The evergreen tree is green all year round. So it also symbolizes eternal life.

The flame of a candle, the lights on the tree and the star are all meant to remind us of the new star that appeared to proclaim the birth of the sweet baby Jesus.

The bell is a reminder of the bells worn by sheep. They provide a means for the shepherd to find the sheep that has wandered from the flock and become lost. They symbolize our pleas to the Good Shepherd for guidance back to His flock.

The candy cane is shaped like a shepherd's staff. It symbolizes the responsibility that we all have to be shepherds, to help each other and guide each other back to God.

Finally, the bows on the top of the presents are symbolic of brotherhood. It should be a reminder that, just as the ribbons are tied together, we should all be tied together by the knowledge that we are all God's children and therefore brothers and sisters.

Have a blessed day,
Hugs and love, Sue

P.S. I have a very nasty virus on my computer at home. It is so bad that it won't let me access any antivirus software. This virus somehow bypassed my McAfee. It may be awhile before I can get back to regular posts (not that I was posting regulary anyway :)). Things have settled down for me and I was so ready to start posting again. I have so much to share with you! In case you are wondering, I am doing this post from work during my lunch break.

I Am Smitten

2009-12-05T16:20:00.000-08:00

I visited the Shabbyfufu blog (gotta love the name) and was completely overtaken by the squeal elves. Now when you come across a home that simply makes you giddy from all its cottage cuteness you can’t help but let out little squeals of delight. These are a few pictures of the romantic Christmas décor that made my heart skip a few beats.

Isn't she beautiful? Did I hear a squeal?

Oh my

Perfectly white. Who says white doesn't make a statement.

I think this table is dreamy.

Subtle Christmas decor.

I am loving this dresser.

This is only a sampling of pictures of this lovely home. There are more pictures at Shabbyfufu.

Hugs and much love to everyone, Sue

Cooking, Decorating and Laundry?

2009-11-29T19:00:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I have been visiting many blogs today and everyone is decorating for Christmas. Where is this energy coming from? I want some! Just kidding. I am looking forward to all the pictures.

My granddaughters and I decorated the Christmas tree on Friday. For me that was a big deal because I rarely get them over the holidays because Momma and Daddy always have to work the next day and they live 200 miles away. I must admit that I was exhausted Friday morning because I was up until 1 AM cleaning up from our Thanksgiving feast. At that point it now became a 21 hour day for me. I tend to be a control freak so needless to say I would not let anyone do the cooking or would I allow anyone to help with the clean up. But I would not change a thing because I love it and we had a wonderful time.

The tree decorating went very slow because I was moving very slow. At one point the girls were wondering if we would ever get the tree finished. As the evening rolled around we finally got it decorated.

The only mishap was I could not get the bottom branches to light. Either I missed a plug or they have finally burned out. Quite frankly, I did not want to rummage around inside the tree looking for the plug. Maybe next year.

I really have been very busy these last few weeks. I so want to get back to my blog. I miss everyone. In the next few days I will post some pictures of our trip to Texas. The weekend before Thanksgiving my husband’s nephew got married. It was a beautiful wedding.

We returned to Sacramento on Monday. On Tuesday morning I had to start a marathon shopping trip for Thanksgiving. Since I was having 19 people I had to carefully plan my day so I could get all the shopping done. Before I began my shopping I thought I would get some laundry started. You probably know where this is going. Yes, my 12 year old washing machine went out. Instead of the grocery store, my first stop was Sears. 45 minutes later and much poorer I had my new washer ordered. Oh and a dryer too. The dryer was even older than the washer and I figured it was only a matter of time before that was going to break down. I now finally own a matching washer and dryer. How many decades did this take? :)

I have been on vacation for the last two weeks and quite frankly I need to get back to work so I can get some rest. I AM POOPED!

Many hugs and much love to everyone, Sue

For All of My Dear Friends

2009-11-25T06:35:00.000-08:00

From the bottom of my heart, I am wishing you and your family a bountiful and blessed Thanksgiving.

Hugs and much love, Sue

Sunday Morning Tea

2009-09-13T08:05:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here this beautiful morning with thoughts of you.
As we sip our tea please think of me and I will think of you.

Have a blessed day.
Love Sue

Anxiously Waiting

2009-09-06T07:19:00.000-07:00

I would love nothing more than to say that fall is in the air. It is my favorite time of year. Alas, I cannot say that. It is once again over 100 degrees here in Northern California, compounded with humidity. But I know that fall is right around the corner with all of its nurturing glory and all of her traditions. I don’t think there is any other time of year that has more family traditions.

There are so many things to love about this time of year. The first sign of fall is when we are ready to decorate our homes in all the colors that seem to hug us. There is something very soothing about the colors of fall. These are the colors of nature after all.

Fall is a time to slow down. It is a time for Mother Nature to nurture us. It is time to take in everything she has to offer.

Fall deocrating can be so effortless.

Fall is apple pies. One of my guilty pleasures is a piece of apple pie for breakfast. Shhh, don’t tell anyone.

The first signs of fall bring the anticipation of Halloween. Whether it is helping the little ones choose just the right costume, or for me and my SH it is the anticipation of all the little ones that come to our door that evening, it seems young and old find Halloween fun. I still remember when our boys were little and how much fun we had making their costumes.

Like many of you I am ready for fall. I love everything about it. The fun, the traditions, the decorating, families coming together, the scents that fall brings with it, and the cooler weather. Oh yes, the cooler weather. I am of the age that I relish cooler weather, but that is for another discussion. LOL!

I am wishing you a very blessed and safe weekend.
Love Sue

It's a Rooster Party...I am a Little Late

2009-08-28T17:56:00.000-07:00

I woke this morning to the rooster crowing (well not literally) only to discover I had no internet connection. Aghhh! Now what? Well a morning cup of coffee in my opinion can solve just about anything. Or at least help you start thinking straight. Can you relate? After I got the brain in full functioning order I thought I would try again. Nothing. I waited and waited and tried and tried. Still nothing. By now I am getting perturbed. Do I call the internet service people and wait for what would feel like an eternity? I thought I had better not call, because by now I am running out of patience and I really didn’t feel like being nice to these people because this has been happening on a regular basis lately.

Later in the day, WHA-LA, I am reconnected and I can finally participate in the rooster party but by this time I need to leave for my hair appointment. Oh brother, am I ever going to participate in the rooster party? Well, yes I am. I have been bursting at the seams to share this handsome devil with you. He has always had a place of honor in my kitchen.

He really is a handsome devil. My husband and I were junking one day and he was helping me find the second half to something. I can't even remember what it was now, maybe a candleholder. As he was bent over in the biggest box I have ever seen, he said he couldn't find what I was looking for but he said he found a rooster. I thought a rooster? What do I want with a rooster. As he came out of the box with the rooster he said he had never seen my eyes get so big. Oh my. He was gorgeous. Now the big question, how much? He said $20.00. What? It can't be. I read the tag, yep, $20.00! By now I know people were eyeing this rooster. Maybe it was because I couldn't hide my excitement. I thought I have to get out of here now with this rooster because I felt if I even waivered for a moment someone was going to snatch him. No way!

Here he is on my dining room sideboard.

Thank you for visiting. Please click on the rooster icon and visit the other ladies that have participated in the rooster party.

xxoo, ~Sue

I Miss the Whimsy

2009-08-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but when Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion stopped publication it made me very sad. When I pulled this perky publication from the mailbox everything else ceased to exist for at least an hour. God forbid dinner was cooking (just kidding). The colors alone were enough to pull anyone out of grumpy mood. Well, we have Mary back. No it's not her magazine but she is now blogging. Yipeeeeeeee! It's time for a happy dance. Or should I say a coloful and whimsical happy dance.

I have collected ME fabrics for a long time. I have made many of my tote bags from her fabrics and those are always the first ones to sell at my craft shows.

Mary's Blog

xxoo ~Sue

The Power of Forgiveness

2009-08-15T17:04:00.001-07:00

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

I read something the other day and it said, “If God didn’t forgive, heaven would be empty.”

It made me think about the power of forgiveness. I believe if we cannot completely forgive we cannot have a full life. We cannot move on until we have forgiven. Forgiveness heals and allows us to grow. It removes our mental and physical pain.

Forgiveness is freedom. Unforgiveness is destruction.

All of us have had the misfortune of being hurt, but if we remain resentful and don’t forgive, it will become a burden on our hearts and bodies. With each passing day it gets heavier until it is carried into our physical bodies. For some, the result is health problems.

I carried with me a hurt for a very long time. It eventually became a burden. Call it stubbornness, call it the ego but in my mind if I offered up forgiveness then somehow I was saying that it was O.K. that you hurt me. We don’t forgive others for their benefit, we forgive others for our own well being. Each time we forgive, a burden is lifted and the heart is opened.

One of the secrets of a long and fruitful life is to forgive everybody everything every night before you go to bed. - Bernard Baruch

Love Sue

Grandma Gets Busted!

2009-07-23T09:49:00.000-07:00

I am taking a vacation week from work (the one that pays the mortgage) because our granddaughter, Miss J is staying with her grandma and grandpa. We don’t get to visit very often. They live about 200 miles away and Mom and Dad work weekends so it really makes it challenging and the fact it is 200 miles one-way, it is difficult to make it a day trip.

Here in Sacramento, it has been our great fortune to be hosting the Library of Congress Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition at our downtown museum. Our city will be the only stop on the west coast. I wanted to start our week together by going to the exhibit. Now I really thought I was going to get a lot of resistance from this 9 year old little girl, but to my surprise and delight when I told her about the exhibit she said, “Grandma that would be so cool.” Now mind you, she is a 9 year old, Barbie loving little girl but she likes history (yeah). So with quarters in one hand for that pesky parking meter and my camera in the other we headed off for the exhibit. As we wandered the exhibit we were so taken with all of Mr. Lincoln’s artifacts and actual writings. I knew that Mr. Lincoln’s Bible was also on display and we eventually came across it. That is when my camera came out. I snapped the picture knowing that I was going to treasure it. I am not sure why I was wasn’t going crazy taking pictures sooner but I am soooo glad I didn’t because I wouldn’t have gotten the picture of Mary Lincoln’s jewelry either. As soon as I snapped that picture, Grandma was BUSTED! A security guard said there was no picture taking allowed. I said I was very sorry as I quickly put my camera away. Honestly there were no notices posted because I was looking for them. He was very nice about it but I kept thinking he was going to make me delete my two pictures. That didn’t happen because he quickly headed to the other room because, you guessed it… someone else was taking pictures. Whew!

Anyway, it was a fascinating exhibit and I want to go again because there was so much to see and absorb.

This Bible is so beautiful. The color is so rich. You can double-click on the pictures to enlarge.

Mrs. Lincoln enjoyed spending money and she spared no expenses for which she was ridiculed. Because of the war, times were hard for many and people thought it was not right to spend so lavishly while so many were suffering.

My little Miss J thoroughly enjoyed the exhibit. So far our week has been a trip to the zoo, baking cupcakes, watching movies and games of Monopoly. The little stinker is ruthless. She wants those hotels! Who knew!

Our Little Miss J. We were at the zoo in a little excursion train.

Hugs and blessings to everyone.
Susan

Taking a Little Break

2009-07-14T10:05:00.000-07:00

Hi all. I have been a little brain dead lately and don't have a lot to post. All is very well with me though. In my spare time I have been in the sewing room making all my lovely handbags, preparing for several craft shows this year. It is getting to be that time of year.

I am still visiting all my blog friends regularly. I wouldn't miss any of your posts for the world. You all inspire me and many give me some of the best laughs.
Hugs to all of you!
Susan

Happy Red, White and Blue 4th!

2009-07-04T06:34:00.001-07:00

I just recently learned (well in the last 3 years anyway) that close friends and colleagues John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on the same day, on July 4th. It was the same year our great nation was celebrating its 50th birthday, in part because of these two gentlemen.

Happy 4th of July and of course Happy Birthday America!

xxoo, Susan

Our Vacation and Anniversay

2009-06-27T04:53:00.000-07:00

Hawaii is a tropical paradise. What we love most about it though is the people and the culture. The people are unpretentious and gentle. When you step off the plane you immediately sense the peacefulness that is within the islands and the gentleness of its people. Hawaii is steeped in many legends. One legend is that rain and rainbows are considered blessings from the gods. And let me tell you there can be rainbows for a good part of the day. If it rains during a wedding they consider this to be a blessing. There is something magical about a rainbow in Hawaii.

The language is interesting. It is comprised of only 5 vowels and 8 consonants. It is a tricky language but a lot of fun and sometimes exhausting (in a good way though) trying to pronounce some of the words. Although I have to say I think I have it down pretty good. We all know the word “Aloha” means hello and good-bye but did you know that it also means sympathy, kindness, compassion, affection and fondness. The Hawaiians consider this to be the basis of their core values.

We love Hawaii and its people. It is unforgettable.

Yes indeed, these are some relaxed, happy feet. I will be the first to admit I would much rather be comfortable then try and make a fashion statement with my shoes.

Paradise Pink!

This was certainly the cutest and pinkest cafe on the Island.

This was in the old whaling town of Lahaina.

This was at the Maui Tropical Garden Plantation So beautiful.
The island is this beautiful.

The hibiscus grows in hedges on the island.
This is called a Jade Flower.
They only bloom for a short time. I felt very fortunate that I was able to capture a photo.
I could not get over the color. Such a beautiful blue-green color.

We took a boat ride out towards the little island of Lanai specifically to see the Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins. This was our greeting and in no time we were surrounded by pods of these beautiful creatures. There was something very magical about them. Click on the picture to enlarge.

And then there are the Maui sunsets. I probably have 50 pictures of the Maui sunsets. I cannot get enough of them.
Words cannot describe.

Our Luau sunset.
Happy 20th anniversay to us!
xxoo, Susan

Our Forefathers Knew Best

2009-06-19T06:31:00.001-07:00

Thomas Jefferson

I have always loved history. Especially during the period when our country was in its infancy. I have always been amazed at just how brilliant our forefathers were and the insight they had. The following quotes are from Thomas Jefferson. I am amazed at how relevant they are today.

When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe. Thomas Jefferson

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. Thomas Jefferson

It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world. Thomas Jefferson

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
Thomas Jefferson

My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government. Thomas Jefferson

To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical. Thomas Jefferson

And in 1802 Thomas Jefferson said: I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property until their children wake up homelss on the continent their fathers conquered.

All I can say is that this was one smart man.

Have a great weekend all and happy treasure hunting. I have a few yard sales that I am eyeing this weekend!
xxoo, Susan

I've Been Thinking

2009-06-06T19:27:00.000-07:00

On Wednesdays, Rebecca at "A Gathering of Thoughts" graces us with her "Love Is..." posts. I know I look forward to her Wednesday posts. Actually I look forward to ALL of her posts. Well this got me to thinking. Like many of you, I need to stop and remind myself of what I am grateful for and what makes me happy. Now there are many things that makes my heart happy but I don't really think about all of the little things that make me happy while going about my day. From Rebecca's inspiration and tremendous heart I would like to start "Happiness Is..." posts.

So Rebecca, I hope with your blessing, I am going to start "Happiness Is..." posts. You can spread the Love and I will spread the Happiness. How does that sound?

I haven't decided which day I will do these posts. It won't be today. That would be too obvious. I like a little suspense. In the meantime, what would make me very happy today is that all of you think about all of the little things that make you happy as you go about your day. You would be amazed at all of the little short bursts of happiness and gratitude that we feel each day and we don't even pay attention to it. I am one of them!

Blessings and Happiness to all of you, Susan

Just a Quick Note

2009-06-05T14:30:00.000-07:00

I am still here, alive and well. It has been a busy week for me, at home and work. I decided I needed a couple of days off from my job (the one that pays the mortgage) and take care of some long over due chores around the house. Well wouldn't you know it, I planned on washing windows and doing yard work. Yep, you guessed it, it has either been raining or it has threatened to rain. So I washed the inside windows (are you bored yet?) and washed the outside windows that are facing the front porch, thinking if it does start raining hard the porch will protect them. I still haven't gotten to the yard yet. Fortunately the yard is low maintenance and it just requires some pruning and trimming. That was kind of the reason we bought this house. My former home, which I loved dearly was a lot of maintenance. The yard consumed about 75% of my time and the housework the rest of my time. Since I work full time I only had the weekends to do this. Long story short, I had no life! Something had to give.

Have a great weekend

xxoo, Susan

P.S. I have been working on the vacation pictures which I am hoping to post this weekend. I know. It has taken me long enough!

I Trashed the Boring Weekend To-Do List!

2009-05-31T07:04:00.000-07:00

The yard sale fairies were with me yesterday! I called Mom Friday night and told her that I had found a yard sale advertised as Shabby Chic and I would pick her up at 7:30 am sharp. Mom wasn’t as interested in the Shabby Chic part. She just wanted to hunt for treasures and more importantly wanted to get out of the house. She recently got over a very bad flu that had her down for almost two weeks. Yikes! Thankfully she is back to her old self.

The weather was perfect. There was a cool breeze. It was one of those breezes that brushed against the skin like little feathers. By the time I picked up Mom it didn’t matter if this yard sale was a bust. It just felt so good enjoying this beautiful morning. We arrived, and as I walked up to the house with this beautiful long driveway I immediately thought of all my Shabby Chic loving blog friends. She had some wonderful furniture pieces that were screaming for creamy white paint. Honestly, if I was still in my previous home, which was very cottagey, I would have been loading up the hutch I spied. It was one of the most perfect cottage pieces I have seen in a very long time. It was perfectly small, if that makes sense and was in pristine condition. It did not end there though. She had pounds of buttons and various fabrics, many of them vintage.

Everywhere I turned there was something vintage to look at. O.K., I told myself, focus, focus, focus. I knew I was going to need some self-control. She had everything thing displayed as if it was a little shop. We got to talking and she is getting rid of most of her things. These are things she has been acquiring from faires and flea markets for years. I must say she has a good eye for vintage and shabby chic. As I was looking through the fabrics I told her my dream finds are barkcloth fabrics. You guessed it, she has some barkcloth pieces but they are still in the basement with the rest of the things that she is going to put into a future yard sale. Needless to say I gave her my e-mail and phone number. Hmmm, maybe I can change my décor back to cottage and shabby chic in the next two weeks (just kidding). It is tempting though. Maybe when I retire.

Almost everything she had in her sale I wanted to swoop up, but over the years I have become very selective about what I bring home from my treasure hunts. My storage space is precious and I tend to get out of sorts when I don’t have things organized and put away in just the right place (well, somewhat organized and almost in the right place). I chose a few pieces of fabrics, one jar of buttons, even though she had several, and a few vintage crafting magazines.

The fabric with the blue and purple flowers is probably from the 40's.This piece would make a cute pillow case. It is the perfect weight for a pillow case.

I am assuming this was repurposed into a napkin from a 50's tablecloth. She had two of these.

The red fabrics are cotton, but heavier than quilting cotton.The red is so vibrant. I am not sure what these pieces will become. They would make a cute apron.

My buttons.
What is it about buttons that we can't seem to get enough of them?

These are the teeniest, tiniest buttons I have ever seen. I am not sure what I will do with these.

These pattern weights were just too cute to pass up. Besides I really can use them. I needed something like these just the other day.

I enjoyed the morning with Mom and she certainly enjoyed it too. I was glad that I could get her out of the house. I hope that in the next few weeks I will be blogging again about the future Shabby Chic yard sale. Until then, let the yard sale, estate sale and tag sale fairies be with us!

xxoo, Susan

Fearless Friday

2009-05-29T11:46:00.000-07:00

Strength Tree

Artist - Annette Miller

Do you ever feel that you just can’t quite get it together? I have been feeling that way for the last two weeks. This really is not a bad thing, it is just frustrating. I entered the blogworld because like many of you, we have some great things to share and we want to make a positive difference in someone’s life. All of us really do have interesting lives, although if you saw my to-do list for the weekend you would either say, “You poor thing”, or “Get a Life!”

I just can’t quite get it together because I have been so unmotivated to get back into what I really enjoy and that is my sewing and making my handbags, or anything else that I produce from my sewing machine. I really do want to share with all of you my little adventures in my sewing room.

I can’t say that I need a vacation because I just got back from a wonderful vacation. Maybe my brain is still on vacation. I am thinking of Mary Engelbreit’s little girl, with her hands on her hips and a stern look on her face saying, “Snap out of it!”

I have titled this post as “Fearless Friday” because I will head into the weekend with high hopes. I will “Snap out of it!”

If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to your mountain, "MOVE!" and it WILL move... and NOTHING will be impossible for YOU!

Matthew 17:20

I am wishing all of you a great weekend.

xxoo, Susan

Wistful Wednesday

2009-05-27T17:17:00.001-07:00

Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

xxoo, Susan

A Prayer for Our Service Men & Women

2009-05-25T09:29:00.000-07:00

. "Lord, keep our servicemen and women safe. Hold them in your loving hands and protect them as they protect us".
Amen

Vietnam Verterans Memorial

Capitol Park

Sacramento, Ca

Dedicated 1989

Blessings, Susan

Thoughtful Thursay

2009-05-21T06:35:00.000-07:00

Be the change you want to see in the world.
Mohatma Gandhi

xxoo, Susan

Wistful Wednesday

2009-05-20T12:36:00.001-07:00

Happiness keeps you Sweet
Trials keep you Strong
Sorrows keep you Human
Failures keep you Humble
Success keeps you Glowing
But Only God Keeps You Going!

Author Unknown

xxoo, Susan

Aloha!

2009-05-07T10:39:00.001-07:00

We have arrived to our vacation destination. We love Maui. We have made this trip a few times and never tire of it. This is truly a paradise. The people are gracious and always hospitable. The pace is slow and you fall right into that pace with ease. You start realizing that this is the way it ought to be. This is a place that you can do “nothing” and still feel like you have done something. You have slowed down, you are taking deep breaths again and feeling like you are 20 years younger. No one is a stranger, everyone is a friend. People are always smiling and of course you are always greeted with, Aloha! Just the word alone makes my heart skip a beat.

I will have pictures for you next week. Aloha!

XXOO, Susan

Wistful Wednesday

2009-05-06T06:31:00.001-07:00

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. Lao Tzu

No Sunshine

2009-05-04T19:31:00.000-07:00

It has been raining for several days now. I am actually not complaining because we need the rain. I have been enjoying it but I felt I needed a few reminders of spring.

xxoo, Susan

Hard-Core Crafters

2009-05-03T04:53:00.000-07:00

I went to the always much anticipated Indie Sacramento Trunk and Craft Show on Saturday. This time the event was held in one of our local downtown parks. As I was driving there I kept thinking about all the rain that was coming down. I was feeling really bad for the crafters. I didn’t know what to expect but as I approached the park lo and behold I saw all the canopies. Crafters are such troopers. As one of shoppers put it, they are hard-core! You would never know it was raining because everyone was having such a good time.

I am going to apologize right now for not remembering hardly anyone’s names. I am soooo bad with names but that doesn’t mean I still don’t love you ; ). That is one area of my brain that went on vacation many years ago.

I stopped by Jim Dandy’s and became enthralled with all the feathers. I purchased a beautiful pink (of course) and black feathered hair piece. She named it “Put Me on a Pedestal”. Indeed. This would turn a bad hair day into a good hair day. Her hair pieces are beautiful. She has a shop on Etsy. Her banner is a feast for the eyes. http://www.writinghecate.etsy.com/

I discovered Roxycraft. The lovely creator is Tamie Snow. You need to visit her blog. You won’t be disappointed. This is one fun lady. http://tamiesnow.typepad.com/roxycraft/

All things cuteness can be found at http://www.chicbabyrose.etsy.com/ . She has things for the little ones.

Katie Trott, from Katie Jean was there. http://katiejean.wordpress.com/. She loves vintage fabrics (who doesn't?). She turns her finds into the cutest childrens clothes. A couple of her projects were featured in the newly released book “Dozens of Ways to Repurpose a Pillowcase". She had a few books on hand and she graciously signed my book for me.

This is such a lovely book.

These two ladies have an animal rescue organization in Sacramento. It is called H.A.R.T. This is Helens' Animal Rescue Team. They are working very hard with our feral cat population. At the moment they don't have a website. When they do I will certainly put their link on my blog. As a matter fact I intend to put several animal resuce links on my blog. That is on my "to-do" list.

And this lovely lady was also at the show. Her picture is posted below. I know she was not a vendor and I don't think she was a shopper but I certainly enjoyed my time with her. Her name is Trixie. I would like to introduce you to Trixie.

I think Trixie was ready for a nap

I had fun. It is always fun meeting up with fellow crafters. Our common pledge is "BUY HANDMADE".

My husband and I are going on vacation this week (Saturday). We are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary. It is a special vacation. It is a vacation we have taken before but we love it . I guess what I am trying to say is that I may not post anything this week. If I have access to a computer at our destination I will put up a quick post. I am not going to say where we will be but I promise you the Title post will say it all. O.K. I am sure some of you may have already figured it out. In the meantime I wish everyone a beautiful week.

xxoo, Susan

Early Mornings

2009-05-02T05:42:00.000-07:00

I am a morning person. I have always enjoyed early mornings. There is something about the quiet that is rejuvenating.

I start work at 7 am but will arrive much earlier. I love this quiet time. I work across the street from our State Capitol in California. It is a beautiful building that is located in the most beautiful park. It is 40 acres of lush foliage, beautiful old growth trees and the most spectacular rose garden. I have lived in Sacramento all my life and I have never tired of the park. Before work I spend some time there just taking in what it has to offer that morning. Lately there is an owl that has taken up residence and he lets everyone know he is there with his whooing (is that even a word? Well you know what I mean :) ). It echoes in the streets. It is such a beautiful sound. One of these mornings I may have to explore and try and figure out which tree he calls home. I have recently started taking pictures of our park. Here are a few.

Our State Capitol building. It is even more beautiful inside.

I will have to get some pictures and show you. There is so much history here. When you are inside you are transported to another time.

A glimpse of the Rose Garden. I am across the street at my building.

I am such a lucky girl. This is what I am greeted with everyday!

Simply beautiful.

I have enjoyed sharing with you a glimpse of my mornings. Yes I am a lucky girl. I have more pictures which I will share in a another post. I am getting ready to go to one of our local craft shows this morning http://www.indiesacramento.com/. Ironically it is only a couple blocks away from our beautiful Capitol Park.

XXOO, Susan

New Kid on the "Blog"

2009-04-30T07:17:00.000-07:00

I have been fussing with my new blog for the past few days and I have come to the conclusion that I have a lot to learn about setting it up. My biggest obstacle is probably my lack of patience. I don’t have any patience for reading instructions.

You would think by now at my age I would learn to be more patient or at least realize that instructions are important. Until I get some divine intervention (just kidding) I would love for you to visit the other blogs that I think are special.

xx00, Susan

Inner Circle

2009-04-27T08:31:00.000-07:00

I just received this from a very dear friend. She always knows just what I need. I have started my week in the most perfect way. Enjoy!

GIRLS IN MY CIRCLE
When I was little, I used to believe in the concept of one best friend, and then I started to become a woman, and then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up, God would show you the best in many friends.

One friend is needed when you're going through things with your man. Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your mom. Another will sit beside you in the bleachers as you delight in your children and their activities.Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be.One friend will say, 'Let's cry together,'Another , 'Let's fight together,'Another , 'Let's walk away together.'

One friend will meet your spiritual need, another your shoe fetish, another your love for movies, another will be with you in your season of confusion, another will be your clarifier, another the wind beneath your wings.

But whatever their assignment in your life, on whatever the occasion, on whatever the day, or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back, or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself . Those are your best friends.

It may all be wrapped up in one woman, but for many, it's wrapped up in several. One from 7th grade, one from high school, several from the college years,aa couple from old jobs, on some days your mother, on some days your neighbor, on others, your sisters, and on some days, your daughters.

So whether they've been a friend for 20 minutes or 20+ years,AND ONLY IF YOU'D LIKE TO,Pass this on to the women that God has placed in your lifeTo make a difference.

Thanks for being in my circle.

Not the Good Scissors!

Happiness Is...And Other Random Thoughts

Prayers for Anne and Her Precious Mother

The Animal Lover That I am...And Some Catching Up

Have Some Fun!

Finally a Happy Dance!

It Was Long Overdue

Acts 2:38

Bringing Out the Scissors...Vacation Time!

The Wrong Way to Get Fuller Lips

I am Just Not Feeling It and Craft Faire Update

Gorgeous Eggs Dressed in Vintage Finery

A Little Snow Humor and a Spring Craft Faire

A Special Birthday Party

Spring...She's A Commin'...Really

A Special Valentine and a Big Wish!

Cupcake Love

Christmas, Valentines, Easter and Beyond

My Life Story - by Elwood

Confessions of a Non-Hoarder

Confessions of a High Maintenance Gal - Part 1

It's About Time

Beacons of Hope

Our Friend is Not in the Pink

Resolutions???

It is Time to Blow Out Some Candles

All is Calm, All is Bright

Christmas Morning Casserole...A Favorite

Winter Cookies

I Could Mark My Calendar!

This and That...

Red and Green...The Colors of Christmas

I Am Smitten

Cooking, Decorating and Laundry?

For All of My Dear Friends

Sunday Morning Tea

Anxiously Waiting

It's a Rooster Party...I am a Little Late

I Miss the Whimsy

The Power of Forgiveness

Grandma Gets Busted!

Taking a Little Break

Happy Red, White and Blue 4th!

Our Vacation and Anniversay

Our Forefathers Knew Best

I've Been Thinking

Just a Quick Note

I Trashed the Boring Weekend To-Do List!

Fearless Friday

Wistful Wednesday

A Prayer for Our Service Men & Women

Thoughtful Thursay

Wistful Wednesday

Aloha!

Wistful Wednesday

No Sunshine

Hard-Core Crafters

Early Mornings

New Kid on the "Blog"

Inner Circle