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.