I'm Back!!!

I feel rejuvenated and ready for new adventures. I've had time to get clarity, make some major changes and get jazzed about being creative again. These photos are not good, but I thought I would share my bedroom re-do. I had to use my phone camera to take these, but I'm working on getting new photos soon. I'm so happy with the way it turned out. Now, if I can just keep it this way....that's the true test.



The bedroom set has been a project I have been meaning to tackle for a long time and just procrastinated doing it (once again, part of the major change). I'm really happy how the red turned out. Reminds me of an old red barn....thus the name of the paint. The dressers had seen better days. It was an old set of my parent's and I have had it for at least 10 years. They have been through two of my kids, plus six of my parent's. So, it has held up VERY well, but needed to be reinvented. I hope I did it justice.

Next project....an old office desk that has seen better days also. When I'm done, it will look like it was bought out of a Pottery Barn catalog. Hope to show pictures this weekend.

Time for Reflection

The last five days have "blessed" me with some life-changing events and I'm taking some time to regroup and focus on matters. I'll try to blog and sew, but I won't allow guilt if I don't. In order for me to be creative, my mind has to be clear and open to the process. Right now, it is too full of deep wounds and critical tasks to be completed. But already, I see the light at the end of the tunnel and savor the vision of a bright future.

This is not an endorsement, just a small town photo. Obama came to Rolla, MO yesterday and this is what greeted him. I believe he enjoyed the sign because there is a national news photo of him smiling and shaking hands with these guys. He had to go out of his way to do this. Whether you are for or against him, Obama was the talk of this small town. He was greeted like a rock star.

Yippee!!

I looked at the U-Handbag blog this morning and found something familiar. Lisa added my Hannah handbag (made out of a vintage tablecloth) to her Saturday Eye Candy Post. I love this bag and it's exciting to see others like it as well.

Sweet Hannah

I met my niece for the first time last night. She is so cuddly and sweet. Oh, why do you have to live half a continent away? She will be with us for a month and I can't wait to spend time with her.

My Dirty Little Secret Is OUT!!!!

I'm coming clean...literally. In the hopes of rehabilitation, I am posting my dirty little secret. My sewing room. In my defense, it's not all my fault. My daughter stored her things in this room and when she moved into her new apartment, she took her things and put my stuff all over the floor. Thus the rehabilitation.



I've actually already made major progress. Furniture has been moved and junk taken away. You can actually see the floor now.



By Monday, I'll have new photos to post. They at least won't be so embarrassing.

I've got a few new things to show you. I found the coolest website yesterday and it is addicting. It is called Block Posters. You upload a photo and it will create posters that you can print on your own printer.....for FREE. The possibilities are endless with this site. Look what I made yesterday. These were the first ones, so don't look to close.



The last thing I want to show you is adorable....and up for adoption. I was driving home last week on a country highway and almost hit this adorable basset-mix baby. I couldn't figure out where she came from (dogs are dumped all the time in the country), so she came home with me. She's adorable and quickly becoming part of our family....but, when the right home comes along, she will become part of someone else's family. That's me trying to convince myself.

My Dad

I run across this photo of my father on a regular basis and it makes me smile every time. This photo is circa 1987 and his ingenuity amazes me. Work is never complete and sometimes you just need a break.

My dad has a kind soul and he's a soft place to fall when life has chewed us up. He loves our mom like you would not believe and by doing so, he has given us a glimpse of what real love really means.

I'm So Excited....and Honored

I was recently contacted by Virtue Radio Network and asked to be part of their new series "Crafter of the Week". Judith Norman saw my Etsy store, allowed me to answer great questions and there I am, on the front page of the website.

It's exciting to be chosen out of so many talents on Etsy and it gives me the incentive and boost I have been looking for lately. If you get the opportunity, look at the website and read the other bios as well.

The Nest Is a Little Emptier

Two of my babies flew from the nest this weekend....one literally. It has been a crazy week of both good and bad. We lost one of our cows on Thursday (she left a month old calf, who is doing great), Saturday my oldest daughter moved into her own place and Sunday...well, our pet sparrow, Toolah, decided it was time to leave the nest also. She flew out the door to her new life of babies and freedom. As my husband put it, "those darn boys". She'd been talking to the other birds through the screen and enjoying herself, but she never tried to fly out the door. In fact, she would fly AWAY from the door. Not this time. The door was opened for the dogs and she made a run for it. We miss her, but we are happy for her also. She decided it was time to go out and learn about life on her own.

This leads me to my daughter. I would have preferred she stayed at home a little longer, but just like Toolah, she decided it was time to learn about life on her own. I have faith because she's a smart girl and she can do it. I just wish it wasn't so soon.

On a lighter note, we had our own yard sale this weekend. The weather was beautiful and we were very successful making room for more "junk". Five families combined their stuff and we had it at my sister's house on Main Street. I think everyone was happy with the outcome and we all feel lighter.

Feedback Please

I created a new business card and I need to know if it is too much. Please let it rip and tell me the truth. They haven't been printed yet, so I would appreciate any feedback you are willing to give. They've been designed to go with my soon-to-be updated website....it's all so exciting.

Tis the Season

I love this time of year. The weather is great, the grass is beautifully green and the flowers are prolific. Best of all, it's auction and garage sale time. I went out with the hubby to get groceries and I brought back a little extra. I thought I would share.


This was the most expensive find...$13.00. We are going to use it as a planter and it will look great after I mow the lawn.



Hold your hat...$2.00. The owner said it was no good because they had to add the support pipes. I say, all the better to hold my fat behind. The vintage green is fabulous.


Vintage Vera scarf...$.25. It was amongst some kitchen towels not worthy of photos. I saw it and jumped with joy. It is a beautiful scarf.


Vintage planter..$.25. It's official, I have a vintage planter obsession. What can I say, they come in handy.


Vintage sharpener...$.50. I have wanted one of these for a long time.


Vintage sheet sets...$2.75. Love this pink and green one.


Vintage tote...$3.00. I found this last week at Goodwill.


Lastly...the first peony of the season. They are beautiful and smell heavenly.

Busy (and Proud) Week Ahead

My dear (and hard-headed) daughter is graduating from high school this weekend. I'm proud of her since she has struggled and goofed her way to this moment. My hope for her is that she stops and smells the roses before she runs into adulthood. Slow down sweet girl and remember your momma loves you....now and always.

My brother and sister-in-law are coming to our small town to help celebrate this momentous event. We haven't seen them since moving from California 5 years ago and we are excited to see them. After raising two teenage daughters, I'm off to the hair dye aisle. I'm afraid they won't recognize me through all the gray hair.

So Cute She Gave Me a Heart Attack!!!

Last night I was so tired, I fell asleep before putting Toolah, my pet sparrow away for the night. I woke up suddenly in a panic because I remembered I hadn't d0ne this and nobody in my house seemed to know where she was. Granted, she's very self-sufficient and able to hold her own with the dogs of the household (she, in fact, teases the dogs), but still I was freaked out. I kept calling her and looking in all of her "hidey-holes", but could not find her. As I stood in the hallway and scanned the living room, I heard a little shuffle in my ear. I glanced to the wreath on my daughter's door and look what I found. She was watching me worry and decided to keep quiet. She was asleep and didn't want to be disturbed. As I look at this picture, I realize she looks just like a mushroom bird that I would buy at Michael's, but indeed she's real.

A Treasured Possession

Long ago (REALLY long ago) a very special women walked into my kindergarten class. Mrs. Upton was taking over my class mid-year to allow my original teacher, Mrs. Summers, to leave for another school. I'm not sure why this dear women has integrated herself into my childhood memories, but she is firmly within the depths of my heart and mind. After I graduated from kindergarten and moved up into the world of elementary school, I would continue to visit and help with "the younger kids". I enjoyed seeing her and helping out as much as I could. During third grade, I learned that she would be retiring. This was sad and I knew I would miss her. With the help of a few other teachers, I conjured up a "surprise" going-away party during one of my recesses. My mother was a professional cake decorator and was able to make a beautiful cake. I wore the special peach dress Mrs. Upton had bought for me and invited a friend to join in on the festivities. Now this is where the memories of a little girl and the eyes of an adult collide. I, of course, remember her great "surprise" over the party and festivities. I remember my excitement and the anticipation of the party. But, as I look at the photos capturing these memories, I realize she knew all along. But in true Mrs. Upton spirit, she faked her surprise and enthusiasm for an 8 year old girl who thought the world of her.

About 7 years ago, my mother gave me an envelope that held a thank you card from Mrs. Upton. My mother had kept it for all of these years and found it during a destashing session. I treasure that note and the photo showing my happy face. I've talked to Mrs. Upton a few times since my elementary school days and she's always happy to hear from me. But, I've never been able to express how much she meant to me. I think it time to sit down and write a quick letter to her and thank her for being such an integral part of my happy childhood. I hope we can all do that for the ones we love. Life is too short not to.

Here is a photo of my treasured possession. The turkey is also a treasure. She gave it to me in the third grade for helping her with the kids and their craft project. While it isn't the prettiest thing, I do love it and it has traveled far. It is always on display and something that I don't plan to part with anytime soon.

Painting and Moving Fun

My house is in a state of disarray. Hmm, would you call it simply "disarray" if it looks worse than homes that have been hit by tornadoes? That seems too mild. I'm actually moving and painting three rooms of my house. My daughters have switched rooms and I'm moving my sewing into a room of it's own. This has been a crazier ordeal than anticipated and I'm not even close to being finished. As my husband complained about the house getting "messed up", I had to remind him that it would get worse before it got better. Boy, was I right. One room is painted and on it's way to being decorated. I thought I would share a few pictures. While the camera had a hard time picking up the correct pink, I think you will get the idea. My daughter is completely in love with her pink room. I enjoy pink also, but this is a little too pink for me. But, she says it makes her "happy". What more can a mom wish for than a happy teen?

I'm excited for this project to be completed since I haven't been able to sew for two weeks. I will make sure to post pictures of the completed project.

Look What I Just Got!!!!!!

I just received this BEAUTIFUL print from amberalexander. Her name is Elly and she will look wonderful in my new studio. I love watercolors and elephants and this print embodies both. I love Elly and I love amberalexander's work. I will definitely be back to purchase more art and you should take a look.

My Poor Neglected Blog

I have been so neglectful lately. I'm in awe by my favorite bloggers. How do you accomplish so much? How do you decide what to write? Do they have classes on how to become a better blogger? These are some of the questions I ask myself. Too much time thinking and not enough time typing...that's my problem.

Oh dear blog, I promise to write more often and to show h0w much I care. But first, I must sew a few purses, paint two rooms, move furniture, get the car fixed.......I'm sure there is more.

See you soon!!!

That's What Friends Are For

My friend (the best in the world) sent this my way last week. She has figured out my style and is on the lookout. Isn't it sweet?

The "crud bug" has visited

I have avoided it for so long, but the crud bug decided to visit me. I haven't had the energy to do much and I'm trying to shovel my way out of the pile of things to do.

Good news is we got a snow storm yesterday. While it was really beautiful, I'm ready for Spring.



Here's to good health....for me and all of you....oh, that and a nice nap.

WooooHooooo!!!

One of my goals for the first part of the year was to create a website for my Vintage-at-Heart store. I'm happy to report that I accomplished this LATE last night. I had a vision and no money, so I worked on it myself. I'm pleased with the look and the outcome. I asked a professional web designer to look at it and, while she liked it, she told me what was wrong with it technically. So it seems I will be going back to the drawing board in order to fix those technical aspects. I am NOT a technical person and it scares me to look at the html code. But, I will try this weekend. For now, it is up and running, just technically not the greatest. Please take a look.
Vintage-at-Heart

The photos used for this site have meaning to me. The two on the left are of my paternal grandmother. When I look at these photos, it's like looking into a mirror, minus a few pounds (okay a LOT of pounds). When I looked at her photo the other day, I truly saw who I am and where I came from. When you're younger, you don't appreciate that your parents or grandparents had lives before you. You think they've always been old and just can't understand what it is like to be young and carefree. My grandmother was always someone that was elusive to me. She traveled extensively with my grandfather's job when she was younger and became a recluse in her later years. But, as I mature, I understand the sacrifices she made and the craziness she endured. I remember an older (but still beautiful) women wearing her husband's flannel shirts with no bra (gee, that sounds familiar). But now, I can understand she was so much more. She was a women just like me. She had dreams, desires and dissapointments.

By using her photos as a basis of my new brand identity, I feel like I am "channeling" some of her guts and strength to go through my own life....professionally and personally.

Yum!!!!!!!!!!

We have been encouraging my friend, Nadine, to go for her dream and open up her own bakery. I love being her friend because as she develops her ideas and comes up with amazing products, I get to eat the "prototypes".

Let me be a good friend and share with you. :-)

These desserts are literally the best I have ever tasted. She creates EVERYTHING from scratch. She makes killer Red Velvet cakes and cupcakes with REAL cream cheese frosting. But, my favorite treat is the Triple Threat....a brownie bottom with a cheesecake top and then decorated with REAL chocolate fudge icing, cherries and mini chocolate chips. It's like getting brownies, cheesecake and fudge at the same time. I'm telling you, it is to die for. By the way, if anyone is interested, I can connect you with her.



These are photos are a sampling of her custom orders...and once again, they are AWESOME!!!!

Who's Been Playing In My Stuff?

I received these from a friend of mine. I think they are mice..but they don't have a long tail. Hmmm, maybe they're chipmunks. I don't know what they are, but they are cute.

Meet Kate

Meet Kate. Kate is hip and smart. I love her curves and she's the perfect size (unlike me). You will find Kate in my shop.

Look What I Found!!

Isn't she beautiful? I found her in an antique mall for $4.00! She's been loved, hence the low price, but her flaws add to her character. My husband even conceded she was beautiful and not just more "junk" that I brought home.

Take a look at what I found for $2.00. It is a miniature McCoy vase. It's no bigger than a business card. I love the color and its small size.



Look what I received from my mom and sister this weekend. My mother collected these about 25 years ago (wow..I'm that old already). You know, those collections that take years to complete because they only send you one figurine a month. When my sister got married, my mother gave them to her (15 years ago) for her new house. Well, I seemed to be in the right place at the right time this weekend. My sister was downsizing and giving them back to my mom and my mom passed them to me rather than trying to find a spot for them. I have always loved them and I'm so happy they have found a great spot in my house.