stitchesnmore

We'll know tomorrow ;)

2012-02-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

Early spring or more winter? Will he see his shadow tomorrow or not? Here in Ohio we have Buckeye Chuck, PA has the famous Punxatawney Phil and I learned yesterday that WI has Jimmy the Groundhog. I don't know how or even when this bit of folklore started but it's a fun way to brighten up what can be the long, dreary part of winter. We've been blessed this year with milder temps, lighter snowfall amounts with January thaws in between and even some sunny days. As someone who is basically solar powered here's a first for me. Tomorrow I'm hoping for clouds. Wishing you a cloudy Happy Groundhog Day!!

We're Baaaack!

2012-01-25T12:13:00.000-08:00

I took this picture of my daffodils out front last April.

A little earlier today I stepped out on my front porch to pick up a package left by UPS and look what I saw:

Poor things....would you look at how wet and muddy that ground is?! We keep going back and forth between cold and snow and mildish with melted snow. Trust me when I say I am not complaining. This has been my kind of winter but I'll be curious to see how these flowers look by the time their official spring debut rolls around. Nature is fascinating isn't it?

You can meet the kindest people....

2012-01-24T16:23:00.000-08:00

.... in blogland and they happen to be crafters! The other day I came across a very pretty blog called The Easily Influenced Stitcher. The author,Shirlee, is a wonderful cross stitcher and an entertaining writer too.I enjoyed my visit there and I left a comment asking about the type of fabric holder she uses for her cross stitch as it was new to me. She very kindly took the time to track me down via my blog and left me a most helpful reply. Folks like this put a smile in my heart. Thank you Shirlee.I look forward to future visits to your blog !

A Snowy Day

2012-01-19T13:41:00.000-08:00

Hello! We are getting a bit of snow today( I'd have a real photo for you but my camera batteries are dead! This graphic is a sweet one) so it was a good day to stay in and clean up the basement. It was dusty and messy after getting the Christmas decorations put away but it's a room that is so easy to ignore. Next I hope to straighten up my craft area down there so I will feel like sewing again. Tomorrow is another day, right?

Veterans Day

2011-11-11T06:53:00.001-08:00

Tuesday Nov. 8

2011-11-08T05:35:00.000-08:00

Here in Ohio we have a lot of important issues to vote on today. The skies are clear, the sun is shining. A beautiful day to exercise this freedom we enjoy in our wonderful country. I can hear my Dad's voice saying, "If you don't get out and vote then you can't sit around and complain." So true Dad, so true!

My latest eBay listing, relisted 11/7/11

2011-10-30T07:46:00.000-07:00

I hope you will check out my Frosty listing on eBay. He might be just the touch you need in your home or for gift giving this season? Click on this link to check him out: Primitive Frosty Snowman

Happy Halloween

2011-10-29T06:49:00.000-07:00

Like many of us, I love the look of vintage holiday greetings.
I hope your Halloween won't be affected by the SNOW that is in the forecast for some! Hey Mother Nature, it's still only October!!!!

A Halloween Tea

2011-10-27T06:49:00.000-07:00

Do you think the gals are discussing their favorite Halloween candy?!

Lovely Giveaway from Hungry Hook Primitives

2011-10-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

I shouldn't tell you cos I really hope to win this one. Margie, of Hungry Hook Primitives is having a giveaway offering a pretty fall themed candle mat she calls "Crows Take a Break". The colors she's done it up in realy capture the feeling of autumn.Also you can choose as the prize her piece already hooked or the mat as a kit you could hook yourself.
I've posted this on my side bar but you can also click right here to check it out:
Hungry Hook Primitives Giveaway

September is winding down

2011-09-27T16:04:00.000-07:00

September starts off with such a rush and flurry of activities focused on the start of the new school season. Even those of us who no longer have young ones home can't help but notice the change. Store aisles hold notebooks and backpacks where once rows of sunscreen and squirt guns could be found. The rumble of the school buses signal a farewell to lazy summer. It's time to get back to busyness!
Now the daylight hours are shrinking and October is waiting in the wings. The air is cooler and I am already seeing peaks of reds and oranges in the trees. Our hummingbirds left weeks ago for their warmer climates and the squirrels are now kept busy with this year's generous crop of acorns. This time of year, when the summer flowers are looking pretty tired, I like to recall a quote by Albert Camus. It goes like this, Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. I hope your season is filled with beautiful colors and some time to enjoy it all.

My eBay listing..relisted 9/20 and at a lower price

2011-09-20T12:35:00.000-07:00

With Pumpkin Pie tag

With Olde Crow stitched tag

It's been a while since I had a blog post and even longer since I had a creation to list on ebay. Today you are getting both! Fall is such a fun time to change out our home decor a bit. The rich colors of fall are so beautiful. I also like to have things around me that make me chuckle and aren't too stiff and serious. I hope you'll visit my ebay auction and check out my version of pumpkin pie complete with a hungry crow! I am including two different tags with the pie, making it a fun piece to keep out September through November. Here is the link to my auction:
~~Primitive Pumpkin Pie with Crow~~
Thanks for checking it out.
SOLD! :)

Another fall eBay listing for you

2011-09-16T12:24:00.000-07:00

Primitive Witch Boot with Owl

Fall fun is sneaking into my mind these days. Must be the cooler temps right? I just listed this wall hanging I made on eBay and I hope you will be tempted to click the link here: ~~Primitive Witch Boot with Owl~~ to check it out. It might be just the thing to add some fall fun to your home. SOLD!! :)

Birds in the backyard

2011-08-17T10:29:00.000-07:00

Can you see the yellow finch there in the strainer? I cut a sunflower head off and placed it in there.He is pigging out on the seeds!

Ahhh nature

2011-08-17T10:25:00.000-07:00

A Wonderful Giveaway from Firecracker Kid

2011-08-02T07:21:00.000-07:00

~~Learn about the dog days of summer and read how to enter a wonderful giveaway for a handsome shelf~~ on Firecracker Kid Primitives blog
_____________________________________________________________

This giveaway has been awarded to a lucky winner. I hope you will visit Firecracker Kid Primitives blog to see their terrific creations.

In the Good ‘ol Summer Time

2011-07-22T12:09:00.000-07:00

The weather map has me reminiscing about how we stayed cool when I was a kid. For your frame of reference, I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s. Air-conditioning was a luxury then and unless you wanted to help Mom dust, playing outside was your only option. I lived in Chicago until I was almost 5 and every so often the firemen would stop in different neighborhoods and open the fire hydrants for awhile. Oh my gosh was that ever fun and refreshing. We had a cousin that was in the department and I can’t be sure but I think our hydrant may have been opened with a little more frequency than others. See? Chicago politics isn’t all bad ;)

When we moved out to the suburbs there was a community pool that we would ride our bikes to in the morning for swimming lessons and then return in the afternoon to show off our newly learned skills. I can still remember the day I mustered up the courage to jump off the low dive. The high dive would wait several more years before I finally conquered that one on a dare. Back home we would turn on the lawn sprinkler and perform great gymnastic feats leaping and cart wheeling over the spraying water. It didn’t have quite the same effect as the fire hydrant but still was great fun.

Do you remember when Slip ‘n Slide came on the scene? We had a girl in the neighborhood that always got the newest and latest toys as soon as they appeared in the store. Her back yard was where we learned the right and wrong way to do a belly flop on the wet slippery plastic.

When we tired of water play we would borrow old sheets from Mom. She would help us drape them over the clothes line and peg them to the ground forming a shady tent where we would read, play Barbie or card games like Go Fish, Old Maid, Crazy Eights. You always had a piece of knotted string in your pocket or worn as a necklace to pull out at a moment’s notice for a round of Cat’s Cradle. I can actually still do some of the finger play for that game.

You could find Kool-Aid in the fridge (pop in our house was a special treat reserved for parties) and popsicles in the freezer. Now these were not your run of the mill store bought popsicles. You see, this was the age of Tupperware! They sold plastic molds you would fill with juice,or Kool-Aid or any other liquid concoction you thought of, snap on the end cap which also held the inner stem and handle in place and pop the unit in the freezer. I loved making mine with orange juice.

Do you remember Fizzies? These were flavored tablets you would drop in your glass of water and watch them fizz and dissolve while adding flavor. I enjoyed the root beer flavor.

Sooner or later it would be time to go inside. Floor fans would be circulating the air. These were not the machines of today mind you. These fans could probably have done double duty as meat slicers in a deli with their spinning metal blades. There was a wire cover over the business part of the fan but it wasn’t designed to keep probing fingers,toes and yes even tongues, out of harms way. Back then it was assumed folks had enough common sense to know better. Mom’s everywhere must have grown tired of saying,” move back from that fan!” but it was fun to talk through the spinning blades and hear how silly your voice sounded.

On hot school days when we would come in from recess a long line would form at the drinking fountain. It was someone’s weekly job to be The Monitor. They would count to 10 while you guzzled down as much (usually tepid) water as you could. Oh the joy when it was your best friend’s turn at that position. We would count a little slower for each other then. After your drink time counted down you could step over to the sink and let cool water(amazing how the sink water was always, always cooler than the drinking fountain) run over the inside of your wrists. That’s a trick I still use today when I come in from the heat.

So those are some of the recollections I have for beating the heat back in the day. I hope you've enjoyed my reminiscing and perhaps reading this brought back some good memories of your own.

Taking a Little Break

2011-06-24T12:39:00.000-07:00

A new visitor to our pond

2011-04-04T11:09:00.000-07:00

I apologize that my pictures aren't better but I took them from our deck with the super zoom lens on my Kodak. We enjoy having the mallards come every year but yesterday this little guy has showed up. I looked through our bird book to try and ID him but I need to keep looking. He dives under the water to catch a meal and then pops up several feet away. I am enjoying watching our new guest. He seems to be a bachelor right now.

Visit the C&PLG blog to sign up for newsletter and giveaway

2011-03-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

Please note the giveaway opportunity has ended but you can alwys visit and sign up for the newsletter

I hope that title caught your attention! The eBay group I belong to, C&PLG (Country & Primitves Ladies Group) is trying to branch out a bit. We have added selling tabs to our blog and are going to be sending out a newsletter to help you keep up with us. Now, all you have to do is visit our blog to see the post about the giveaway which is a sweet doll made and generously donated by Pat of yellow sweet potato. The sign up for the newsletter is the simple form located in right side column. Leave a comment if you wish. It's not necessary but we do enjoy hearing from you all.

Spring = Bunnies

2011-03-23T10:26:00.000-07:00

We are a few days in to spring now and I know some of you are still dealing with snow fall. It seems one season does not want to graciously move on and make way for the next. If you are looking for some "Springspiration" to decorate your home with, I have some eBay auctions going right now that I'd like to invite you to check out. Just click here, stitchesnmore, and see if any of these bunnies get you feeling spring-y. Thank you :)

C&PLG Springtime launch listings

2011-03-19T16:10:00.000-07:00

                                                      C&PLG Springtime Launch

Some springtime listings from C&PLG members are starting to appear on eBay. Click on the link above to check them out please. Happy Spring!!!!!

A beautiful St Patty's Day here today

2011-03-17T12:37:00.000-07:00

Today's weather is so pleasant. Blue sky, sunshine, nicely cool and birds singing. I put down the dust cloth long enough to go for a walk. Whew! I'm out of practice after being snowed in all winter. As I was walking up the driveway though I spotted some green growing under our naked forsythia bush. Now mind you this area has been buried all winter from snow and snow shoveling. Here's a hopeful scene I would say:

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

2011-03-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

For each petal on the shamrock

This brings a wish your way -

Good health, good luck, and happiness

For today and every day.

Made In America

2011-03-08T13:16:00.000-08:00

Remember the days when you purchased something and didn't even have to consider where it may have been made? If you bought it here most likely it was manufactured here. Some are saying the way to breathe some health back in to our economy is to bring manufacturing back to our country. Diane Sawyer has been doing a series on this very topic. Click on the link to learn more: MADE IN AMERICA

That ol March Saying

2011-03-04T06:07:00.000-08:00

"March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb"

We shall see about that. February ended with a blast of snow and cold but things have quieted down out there since turning the calendar page. We are starting to hear more birds chirping...including the cawing crows that hang around out back. Oh yea and the dreaded geese are reappearing. I put the last of my snowman decorations away and have a few springier things out now. I've been sewing some bunny stitcheries in hopes of having something to list on eBay later this month. The crafting group I belong to there, C&PLG, is planning a group launch of spring goodies to sell. We aren't that active selling on ebay as we once were but have become good friends and still enjoy keeping in touch. I'll post more about our sales as the date gets closer.

Tuesday Feb. 22 you say?

2011-02-22T06:06:00.000-08:00

We seem to be traveling back in time. It looks more like Christmas to me. Mother Nature dropped off some more of that (now dreaded) white stuff yesterday and last night. As for me winter has officially worn out its welcome and needs to move on down the road! I will admit it looks pretty out today with the sun shining and the sky so blue.
Yesterday?not so much:

Here is the view out back this morning:

Happy President's Day,gang!

2011-02-20T12:54:00.001-08:00

I thought this quote was fitting for our times:

To contract new debts is not the way to pay old ones.

GEORGE WASHINGTON, letter to James Welch, Apr. 7, 1799

Labour to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience.

GEORGE WASHINGTON, Rules of Behavior

and from Mr Lincoln:

Do not worry; eat three square meals a day; say your prayers; be courteous to your creditors; keep your digestion good; exercise; go slow and easy. Maybe there are other things your special case requires to make you happy; but, my friend, these I reckon will give you a good lift.

-Abraham Lincoln

Meet Basil and Rosemary

2011-02-18T07:12:00.000-08:00

Earlier this month I wrote about a sewing challenge I came across on Wendy's blog, Ravenwood Whimzies. She provided a simple bunny pattern of her own design and left it up to us to finish it up as we like. A challenge like this is a great way to wake up a lazy imagination and get creativity flowing. She has started to post photos of completed bunnies and I can already tell how much fun this will be to see the different ways crafters used her pattern. Here is my Basil. He looked a little lonely over Valentine's Day until along came Rosemary. The two of them are happy as can be spending the days together on the park bench waiting for spring's arrival.

Please be sure and visit Wendy's blog, Ravenwood Whimzies, and click on the Basil tab to see all the wonderful,unique creations. And Thank You Wendy for giving us this fun distraction while winter had us stuck indoors!

Valentines Present

2011-02-14T06:26:00.000-08:00

Some fun facts:

• More than 35 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold for Valentine's Day.

• Approximately 110 million roses, mostly red, will be sold and delivered within the three-day Valentine's Day time period.

• Approximately one billion Valentines are sent out worldwide each year according to estimates by the U.S. Greeting Card Association. That's second only to Christmas.

• The most fantastic gift of love is the Taj Mahal in India. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife.

A Pleasant Sunday

2011-02-13T15:30:00.000-08:00

As the weatherman promised it was mild-ish today and the snow did some melting. We had a blue sky with us this afternoon which led to a beautiful sunset sky for us to enjoy. I haven't seen this much outdoor color in a long while now. Here are a couple photos:

It looks more like a Autumn sky doesn't it? I hope you enoyed this day too.

Valentines Past

2011-02-12T17:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Groundhog Day!

2011-02-02T05:36:00.000-08:00

Our guy here in Ohio, Buckeye Chuck, won't be seeing his shadow today!

Happy February and a post for uninspired crafters

2011-02-01T08:12:00.000-08:00

Hello! didn't it feel good to turn the calendar page today and say goodbye to snowy, cold,wintery January? Sure most of us are either in the midst of a doozy of a storm or awaiting it's arrival but mentally didn't it feel good to see February arrive? It's these little mind games that get me through this draggy part of the season.
Yesterday, while avoiding my domestic duties, I was catching up on my blog reading. One blog led me to another as these trips often do and I came across a craft challenge that caught my attention. It involves sewing,which I love, a bunny,which makes me Think Spring!, a free pattern, I love free, and it leaves the details of the bunny up to the creator. That's always the part I enjoy best when making a doll or critter because that's when you can add a bit of yourself and create their little personality. So without further chatting from me here is the link to Wendy's pretty blog and fun challenge. Just click here for the details and the pattern:

Ravenwood Whimzies

Ravenwood Whimzies Springtime Challenge

The Calm Before the Storm

2011-01-31T17:07:00.000-08:00

It sounds like we are all waiting for the same "event" as our weather guy likes to call it. I had some errands to do today and it felt so good to be out and about. Our roads were dry, the sun was shining a bit and it wasn't too cold for a change. We shall see what tomorrow brings.
The cardinals at my bird feeder have been the only bit of color we have seen for a while out back. It's been a grey and white winter with only occasional peaks at blue sky. This makes me appreciate the beautiful cardinal red even more.

End of January already

2011-01-29T14:56:00.000-08:00

It feels like January has flown by in a blur of snowflakes! I've been spending a little time putting finishing touches on some UFO's that have piled up on the craft table. I'm also thinking of some paint colors because the inside of our house needs freshening up. I have a border in one room and some wall paper in another that needs to come down first though. Thinking about that task makes me want to put the paint chips away but I really need to stop procrastinating about this.
I have been working on a bunny using a pattern I purchased. I used some fuzzy felt instead of the suggested Warm n Natural and I'm happy with how he turned out. I was concerned about his ears at first because they seemed BIG but now they have settled down and I like him a lot. I have named him Mr. Binks per suggestion of a fun friend when I mentioned I thought he looked like Jar-Jar Binks from Star Wars. I may decide to make him my entry for the County Fair this year. That is months and a couple seasons away yet so we shall see. Here is Mr. Binks:

I'm certain many of us won't be sad saying goodbye to January. While I'm not one to go wishing my life away, it's been cold and snowy this entire month and I'm ready to turn the calendar page. Stay warm, safe and healthy!

January

2011-01-07T13:21:00.000-08:00

Like many other bloggers have, I too can write that Christmas is tucked away in bins for another year. Things are dusted, vacuumed and rearranged a little. Although I really did enjoy my decorations this year, it does feel good to have things back in order. So now this is the limbo time of year. A lot goes on from the end of August up til now. School starts up, fall arrives bringing along Halloween and Thanksgiving, then there's the Christmas rush and New Years celebrations. Whew! Now we still have a good chunk of winter ahead of us and it can be a quiet time to catch up with things we enjoy. I have been reading a good book titled The Yellow House. My ancestors are from Ireland so I like to read books about places and times over there. Maybe one day I'll be able to visit The Emerald Isle as my older siblings have. I hope you are able to take advantage of the lull and make some "me-time" for yourself.

Happy 2011

2010-12-31T19:57:00.000-08:00

Snow!

2010-12-27T08:41:00.000-08:00

Our weatherman mentioned we would be getting a little snow today….. I think he underestimated. Oh well, it makes it a good day to stay inside, plug in the tree and catch up on the laundry. Now there is a never-ending chore.

Here is the view out my patio door:

The bird feeder is busy! A cardinal is visiting now for brunch.

Happy Day After

2010-12-26T07:56:00.000-08:00

I hope your Christmas celebrations were happy. We had a really nice day here. I know Christmas is fun when children are small. Their excitement and joy are contagious. There is also pleasure to be found as those same children grow to young adults. Shared laughs around the Christmas dinner table are moments I treasure.

Ahhh winter

2010-12-13T06:46:00.000-08:00

Here is the view in my backyard from yesterday afternoon. Can you spot the deer in the center of the photo? He was a big one!

I enjoy my indoor plants even more during winter

2010-12-07T06:44:00.000-08:00

It's nice having houseplants and especially so as winter comes along. With all the cold and snow-white outside I really appreciate the plant life inside during the winter months. This past weekend I picked up an amaryllis bulb for myself. It had already started growing in the box but the leaves were very pale. I potted it up and hopefully will have a picture to post of a beautiful red flower.

19 days and counting

2010-12-06T10:46:00.000-08:00

I hope all your Christmas preparations are going smoothly for you. We are getting some snow....have been since yesterday and looks like we are in for it through tomorrow too. So I am staying put at home and taking a break from the errands etc. etc. Be good ,readers cos Santa's watching!

My Winter Quote

2010-11-18T14:08:00.000-08:00

I ended my previous posting saying I would need to find a winter quote. Well, it came to me in an email today from my dear sister. It's more than a quote and believe me when I say I'm not quite in my winter yet but this is something good to read and chew on for a bit. Here ya go.....

You know, time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years.

It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went.

I know that I lived them all…
And I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams… But, here it is..the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise… How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth go?

I remember well… seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like… But, here it is… my friends are retired and getting gray… they move slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better and some worse shape than me... but, I see the great change… Not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant… but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be.

Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore… it's mandatory! Cause if I don't on my own free will… I just fall asleep where I sit!

And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!!

But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last...this I know, that when it's over...its over… Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done… things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime…
So, if you're not in your winter yet… let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Don't put things off too long!!
Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not!

You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life… so, live for good today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember…
and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past.

Mid-November

2010-11-17T12:37:00.000-08:00

I came across this quote and I thought it was quite fitting for this time of year:

“Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower” albert camus

Several heavy frosts ended our growing season and we enjoyed a beautiful several days of Indian Summer. A windy yesterday did the job of harvesting our "flowers of second spring" leaving the backyard looking like this:

One more mowing should get the yard ready for winter. Hmmmm... I need to find a winter quote!

Veterans Day 11/11/10

2010-11-10T16:33:00.000-08:00

I would like to take some time today to think about our freedoms, to think about the sacrifices many have made and continue to make to keep us free, to think about their families and the sacrifices they make while their loved ones serve. To each of you I say thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I love Thanksgiving

2010-11-03T05:29:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving is such a beautiful holiday. It's traditions remind us of an important time in the history of our country when our Pilgrim forebears' thanked God for harvest and safety after difficult times. The fine art of being thankful can be humbling and no matter what may be going in in our lives there is always something to be thankful for. Plus let's face it...the food is delicious!! I have a few decorations that I enjoy putting out after Halloween is packed away.

The wicker cornucopia in this picture has been around since I was little....so, a long time ;)

Even my teddy bears like to dress for the occasion!

I exercised today. I hope you did too!

2010-11-02T10:45:00.000-07:00

Remember, to keep our country in shape you need to exercise your right to vote!!! Corny, I know but voting is such an important freedom we have here. Please don't take it for granted.

My Thanksgiving themed eBay listing

2010-11-01T12:10:00.000-07:00

Hello November! Did you remember to turn your calendar page today? I put away my Halloween decorations this morning and set out my small collection of ceramic turkeys for Thanksgiving. I no longer feel like I have to have every room of the house decorated for every holiday and season but I do love having a few seasonal things tucked around the rooms we use most. If you do too then I have just the eBay auction for you : Thanksgiving Raggedy Ann with a fabric turkey and little cornucopia Just click on that link to visit the auction. Here is a sneak peak:

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T06:37:00.001-07:00

Election Day looms ahead

2010-10-28T05:45:00.000-07:00

As Nov 2 approaches and the politicking intensifies I would like to share with you a Voting Prayer I received in an email from my sister. History teaches us that many scarifices have been (and continue to be made) for our freedoms and our right to vote. Please remember to exercise your right to vote next week.

Heavenly, Father,
Candidates are still engaged
In running for election,
Hoping they'll be successful
In making some corrections.

They're offering their solutions
For the economy and health,
For material and pleasure needs
And ways to get more wealth.

On the other hand....
You told us if your people
Would humble ourselves and pray,
Seek Your face and turn from
All our wicked ways.....

You would hear us and forgive us
And will heal our nation,
But we've ignored instructions
And earned your condemnation.

We could use material blessings
And help for the unemployed,
But we know we won't be blessed
Until we fill our spiritual void.

I pray in the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Fred S Holloman
Chaplain
Kansas Senate

Rainbow

2010-10-26T15:50:00.000-07:00

Like much of the midwest, we had some wind and rain storms blow through today. We lost a lot of leaves from the trees! Look at the beautful rainbow we were treated to this evening. It's a double and I wish my camera did it justice.It was a beaut!

A Beatitude by George

2010-10-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

Blessed is the man who, having nothing to say, abstains from giving wordy evidence of the fact.
------------------------------------------George Carlin :)

Snowman Giveaway

2010-10-09T11:46:00.001-07:00

http://ahlcoopedup.blogspot.com/2010/10/my-first-giveaway.html

I love the sights,sounds and smells of fall!

2010-10-06T17:08:00.000-07:00

Eager for Fall

2010-09-04T07:45:00.000-07:00

Visiting with friends through various forums on the internet it sounds like fall is a favorite season and after our hot, dry summer many are looking forward to the changes fall will bring us. There are many listings appearing on ebay now to help you decorate your homes for fall and the talented group I belong to has some really lovely items. We are a group of sewers, needle punch artists, "hookers", sellers of things to put a smile on your face so when you check out our offerings you will see quite a variety! Here is the link to take you to our ebay listings: C&PLG and here are some photos to tempt you more than my words can:

Good Morning Readers

2010-08-15T06:11:00.000-07:00

I'm getting the feeling many of us are getting tired of the summer heat and looking forward to the start of fall. With that in mind I want to share my ebay auctions that I listed yesterday afternoon. If you are looking for some new little seasonal touches to decorate your home with I hope you will check them out. Here is the link to the auctions make it easier for you to find: stitchesnmore

Here are pictures of my girls:

APPLE ANNIE

FALL ANNIE with her lil cat

WITCH ANNIE with her broom

The 2010 County Fair results for me

2010-08-10T18:44:00.000-07:00

Our local 2010 County Fair is officially over. I enjoy creating things to enter in the Home Sewing Division at the fair. The Red Riding Hood doll was a challenge for me because I don't do many round head dolls and I definitely don't do many drawn on faces. I worked on her all winter long so I was very pleased to see she got a first place ribbon in the stuffed dolls category. My cute snowman won first in the soft sculpture category. The posies pillow won first in the applique pillow category and my Santa stitchery won second in the wall hanging/embroidery category. The sunflower runner didn't place but that's okay...I love it and now have it displayed on the hutch in my kitchen under some of my salt glazed pottery. It's amazing to walk through the building the handmades are displayed in. Your eyes are treated to full size quilts, wall hanging quilts,beautifully crocheted and knitted items, needlework and the list goes on. If you've ever been tempted to enter something in the fair I say go for it! It's a lot of fun, you help promote the arts and it's inspiring to see the creativity that people express.

2nd giveaway announcement

2010-08-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

and it's a beaut!!! Visit the Crow's Creek Primitives blog for the details. I'd say good luck but I put my name in the drawing too and I really wanna win this beautiful lamp! lol

There's a new blog in town...

2010-08-01T05:37:00.000-07:00

and they are having a give away.

Check it out at:

http://crowscreekprimitivesgatheringforum.blogspot.com/

Hummingbird n butterfly

2010-07-18T06:03:00.000-07:00

While waiting patiently for the hummingbird to pose for a picture at the feeder I spied a butterfly on my purple coneflower. I zoomed waaaay in on him so picture isn't as clear as I would have hoped but pretty anyway.

And no, I never did capture that hummer on film. Evasive little creature! I'll try again on another clear evening.

Summer Flowers

2010-07-10T06:35:00.000-07:00

I have been battling a deer this past month and in spite of him (or her) I do have some pictures of flowers in my back yard to share. I planted the rose bushes this past spring so they haven't had the chance to grow tall yet.Plus Bambi has done a little pruning. I wish you could smell the roses. Beautiful! The first one is Tournament of Roses and the pink is Electron.

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This is a sunflower a bird planted for me near the birdfeeder. Last year the deer found it before it had a chance to flower so I'm happy to see it this year:

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This is a hibiscus vine. It is supposed to attract hummingbirds but they just visit my two feeders. I haven't seen them at this plant yet. I made a sort of prim trellis with two old shovels:

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The orange flowers are nasturtium that reseed themselves every year. I always have to remind myself in the spring to watch for them and not pull them out with the weeds. Mixed in with them are some pink phlox coming back after deer took a "little off the top" and also some little carnations are in there too on the left side toward the back..

Sweet Raggedy Ann

2010-07-01T05:27:00.000-07:00

This was a fun doll to make using a pattern designed by Sew Many Prims. She was actually a rabbit and my intentions were to make her for spring listings on ebay. Well time got away so now she is a summery version. The flower was fun to make because it was a new technique to learn. It is three layers of wool felt in two different shades of golden yellow. Then you snip around the top layer(with a very steady hand!) to reveal the shade beneath it. I have her listed for sale on ebay now so click here to check her out: stitchesnmore While you are visiting ebay please type C&PLG in the search box to see all the listings our group has up right now.

Flag Day June 14

2010-06-14T06:03:00.000-07:00

That's an image that I love to see. Our beautiful flag against a clear blue sky. Flag Day, is a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect for our flag. Our flag is representative of our independence and our unity as a nation.....one nation, under God, indivisible.

Garden Blues

2010-06-07T07:16:00.000-07:00

Sky Gazing

2010-05-26T11:13:00.000-07:00

With May winding down, temps warming up and no rain in the forecast for a while it's time for some sky gazing around here. This is the moon I saw last evening. It was around 8:30pm and the clouds were tinted pink from the setting sun. I thought the shape of the tree branches looked like a dragon (or alligator!) eating up the moon! Does your imagination see the same thing?

If April showers bring May flowers......

2010-05-17T13:08:00.000-07:00

....then what do May showers bring? Mushrooms! seriously, it's been so rainy here (like most every where else) this spring that mushrooms are sprouting up in the flower beds and even in the lawn. I'd take a picture for you but uhhh guess what? Yep it's raining. I keep reminding myself at least it's not snow.

March is going out like a lamb here.

2010-03-31T14:37:00.000-07:00

It was a bumpy March that included rain, snow, melting snow, fog and even a thunder and lightening storm! Now it is exiting gracefully with some sunshine and bulbs sprouting up. I wish you a Happy Spring season and a Blessed Easter. I thought I'd post some pictures of little displays I have around the house for the season.

This is a Goodwill Trash to Treasure I found awhile back. I gave it a coat of
paint, some sanding and staining and now it hangs inside my front door. I enjoy changing it up for the seasons and holidays. A simple pleasure.

On my kitchen table.

Family room, coffee table

My eBay listings for week of March 13th

2010-03-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

Even though we woke up to a sprinkling of snow on the grassy areas this morning, I'm feeling spring-y. I hope it shows in my handmades in these auctions. Click on my ebay ID here: stitchesnmore to see these auctions if you'd like.As always, thanks for visiting.

March!

2010-03-01T07:22:00.000-08:00

Snow Time = Sew Time

2010-02-16T12:01:00.000-08:00

With all the snow piling up I don't feel like going outside unless necessary which means time to get some sewing done! I think my favorite items to sew are Raggedy Ann style dolls. I loved playing with her when I was young and one day, while window shopping on eBay, I saw someone selling an old one that was in need of a new dress. I won that auction and found a pattern for sewing the Raggedy Ann outfit complete with bloomers and apron. Since dressing that gal I have done a few others and it gives me satisfaction seeing them sitting on my old rocker. Then I came across pattern designers that put their own spin on Annies and I really have fun making them, adding some touches of my own. There's just something about taking a flat piece of muslin and turning it into a 3 dimensional cutie that I really enjoy doing. Here are pictures of my newest gals and their accessories. If you want to see my eBay auctions for them just click here on my selling ID: stitchesnmore

February's Theme: SNOW

2010-02-09T07:02:00.000-08:00

I took this picture from our upstairs balcony looking down on the backyard Saturday morning Feb 6. Our predicted 3 to 10 inches turned out to be more like 18. The pine trees look so pretty. The snow clumped on the trees like big cotton balls.

Yesterday,Monday the 8th, was dazzingly bright outside. So pretty! We had a frost during the night and you can see it outlining everything.

I thought this looked so pretty with the sun shining on the frost my magnolia tree. I am curious to see if it's buds will survive this winter. I also like the look of the drifted snow.
So I guess it's time to stop complaining about winter (because its not going anywhere) and just enjoy its unique beauty.

I think she's cute

2010-01-29T06:37:00.000-08:00

This is my current ebay auction and I just love her. I hope you do to and will want to check out the listing by clicking here: stitchesnmore The pattern I used to make the doll was designed by Threadbare Primitives.
Thanks for visiting my blog!

The devil and The Doily

2010-01-19T17:59:00.000-08:00

I was finishing up a couple errands yesterday when I stopped in at my favorite junktique store which is right on my way home.....if I take a very slight detour. I went in just to browse but did find a few neat looking wooden spoons and a little pottery saucer that wanted to come home with me. At the checkout counter the gal rang me up and then I heard her quietly gasp before telling me my grand total was $6.66. Uh ohhhhh, cue the spooky music. Now I'm not really a superstitious person. I've been known to walk under a ladder and I enjoy visiting with my neighbor's old black cat when he crosses my path in my flower beds. On the other hand I go to great lengths to avoid breaking mirrors and I will toss spilled salt over my shoulder. I'm not a completely reckless person! However when it comes to that devil I will not give him his due.The shopkeeper offered to charge me a penny for a free mint out of her candy dish but I wanted to get further away from "that number" than a penny would take me Out of the corner of my eye I spotted a crocheted doily. It had a touch of blue,my favorite color and stars, my favorite prim shape,plus a $1.00 price tag so I grabbed it and asked her to add it in to my total. Haha! my little victory over Beelzebub...money well spent. When I got home and had a chance to take a better look at my doily I noticed it was a bit stained so I worked on cleaning it for a while when it dawned on me! The design on it was 6 stars....pentagrams???? Nahhh they're just a grouping of pretty prim stars, cleverly hand stitched by someone with some talent using a crochet hook. I chuckle now when ever I see my new/old doily resting on my counter.

Remember eating these as kids??

2010-01-13T12:00:00.000-08:00

Isn't that blue sky beautiful? There are deer tracks and rabbit tracks all over in the snow. I sure hope that rabbit moves on by spring or my flowers won't stand a chance.

Greetings from a cold and snowy Ohio!!!

2010-01-11T09:52:00.000-08:00

Judging by the weather reports it seems any state name can be inserted in my post title today. I hope you are all enduring the chill with a sense of humor. I listed a doll on eBay yesterday thinking ahead to Valentine's Day now that all my Christmas decorations are back in their boxes.

~~Click~~ ~~HERE~~ ~~to see this listing. I hope she tempts you~~ :)

I'm pleased to report she is on her way to a new home. I am finishing up another gal and will show her off here when she is done.

Today's guest at the bird feeder

2010-01-05T13:30:00.000-08:00

I don't know how these little birds survive harsh winter weather.

2010

2009-12-31T19:19:00.000-08:00

Winter looks so dramatic

2009-12-30T12:23:00.000-08:00

Now that the winter snow has arrived I thought I'd share some backyard photos. This first picture was taken in the morning.

By afternoon things looked much more cheerful don't you think?

The bird feeder has been a popular hang out with a line forming on the
left! Cardinals look so pretty against the bright white snow.

He waited so patiently for his turn. Luckily I have a good supply of sunflower seeds.

Sweeping

2009-12-13T16:32:00.000-08:00

I was cleaning out some outdated posts today and now I realize the old blog looks neglected. It is in dire need of a Santa image I think! I love some of the vintage postcards.

Happy Sept 1st!

2009-09-01T06:20:00.000-07:00

Many seem very eager to welcome fall and get decorating with those beautiful, rich autumn colors. I admit it's my most favorite time of the year too. College football starts up again ~ GO BUCKS!~ The tired summer flowers perk up with the cooler, damp night air. The evening skies are beautiful. As the sun sets it reflects a yellow orange glow and the night skies? Wow!It's so clear,the stars are sparkling and the man in the moon looks down with his surprised expression. Fall brings changes in the weather, in the landscape and this year inside my home too. Our youngest is heading off to college in a few weeks. It's an exciting event and he is looking forward to it. I am too because it will be a wonderful experience for him. I know I'll miss him and will have to adjust to how different the house will be without him and his terrific group of friends hanging about. It gives me a sense of hope too though because getting to know these "old teens/young adults" I realize our future will be in good hands. These fun loving(sometimes quite goofy), thoughtful, caring people are ready to take on the college experience and make something of themselves.It will be neat watching them grow and mature over the next 4 years. Meanwhile, remember
if you hear someone shout "O-H" you MUST reply "I-O!!!" It means there is a proud Ohio State Buckeye student,alumni and/or fan nearby.

WOW!!!!!

2009-05-04T10:06:00.000-07:00

Today feels like Christmas in May and I'm not talking about the weather. I recently was the lucky winner of a drawing on the KSGP blog. Now I know everyone claims "I never win anything" but really folks...I never do. This was such a wonderful and generous gift set from Angie of Hickory Nut Hollow Prims.
My Goodies
I received a package of 4 votives, a tart melter and a package of the CUTEST shaped little sandal tarts that I've ever seen, a lumpy bumpy everlasting candle with the battery votive inside nested on a little bed of moss on an enamel saucer and finally a bag of fixins complete with refresher oil and another enamel saucer to go with the fixins.The items, as you see in my pictures, are such a pretty summery shade of green and I wish you could smell their scent. It is called Cool Citrus Basil. It's a soft, clean refreshing scent. Not at all over powering. I want to thank Angie for all of this. I love it!!
The Sandal Tarts
Please stop by and visit Angie and all the KSGP gals on eBay
Also watch for their soon to open website named KSGP Shoppe I received an email this morning stating it would be opening May 15th. Best of luck to you all with this new venture. If Angie's goodie box is a representative of your offerings you will have many satisfied customers!

eBay listings

2009-05-01T05:15:00.000-07:00

In addition to the online craft show I have two new eBay listings I'd like to invite you to check out. Just click on my name here: stitchesnmore

I know the saying goes April showers bring May flowers so my question is what do May showers bring? We are in a drizzly rain pattern right now so the outdoor projects are getting backed up. Oh well, it will get done eventually. Right now the laundry awaits so I better get moving. Have a lovely Friday!

The craft show is open for your viewing and buying pleasure!

2009-04-28T10:28:00.000-07:00

The EZ Craft Show has opened the doors for shoppers and browsers alike. As promised, here is the link that will take you directly to our CPLG booth. Enjoy!

2009-04-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

The lovely and talented ladies of the eBay group I belong to,Country Primitive Ladies Group or CPLG for short, have joined forces to have a booth in the upcoming EZ Craft Show for Spring. We have begun stocking the booth with a variety of items like note cards, dolls, penny rugs, needle punch goodies and decorative items for gift giving or your own home. I hope you will visit the craft show and will especially look for our booth. I'll post the link in here on opening day. We know the economy is on everyone's minds so lose yourself for a while at the craft show. Things are priced to sell and many items are one of a kind because they are lovingly hand crafted. You are worth it so treat yourself!

Easter!

2009-04-10T11:52:00.000-07:00

The best part of being a member of CPLG on eBay has been making friends with a terrific group of women. We love sharing stories about our families and traditions.Last year Leanne, of Harvest Moon By the Lake,
was telling us about the annual lamb cake her MIL makes for Easter.It seems to be a pre Easter Saturday tradition of her husband's to snitch the poor lamb's keester!

Well, when I was"junqtiquing" last week I came upon one of those aluminum lamb pans. I figured even if I didn't make the cake it would be a cute Easter decoration so I bought it. Let me say I had so much fun this morning making this silly cake.

My boys are not coconut lovers so I didn't sprinkle this guy with it over his frosting but he will get some cocnut grass to lay on come Easter day. I also used colored frosting for his eyes, ears and nose in place of jeely beans. It's only Friday and if I opened the bean bags today I wouldn't
have any left for Sunday. What can I say? I love jelly beans! Black ones are my favorite.

My son Joe has already called dibs on the poor lamb's head. Keester is still up for grabs! I wish you and yours a very happy and Blessed Easter.

CPLG's April Giveaway!

2009-04-09T04:49:00.000-07:00

This month's giveaway is offered by Becky who has a delightful ebay store called Kayla's Kountry Korner. You can find all kinds of goodies to decorate your home, for gift giving or to add a finishing touch to your craft project for every holiday and every season! Please visit the CPLG blog to see more pictures of her cute prize.Be sure to leave a comment to be entered in Becky's contest. Drawing will be April 15. Meanwhile, I hope you are enjoying spring. Ours here in Ohio is still hit or miss. We had quite a snowfall just the other day leaving several inches on the ground. At this rate my daffodils will be blooming in May! Have a happy and blessed Easter.

2009-03-20T04:45:00.000-07:00

Our morning temperature here is 30 and the weather forecast includes a chance of snow showers but it's okay. Our trees are budding,the birds are singing and the buzzards have returned to Hinckley. Happy Spring dear readers.

CPLG blog drawing tomorrow March 20th

2009-03-19T09:24:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to remind you to leave a comment today at our CPLG BLOG if you want to have a chance to win an adorable doll made by our Pat of yellowsweetpotato

Greetings!

2009-03-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

I know I'm a day early but good wishes are important and worthy of more than one day!

St. Patrick's Day approaches

2009-03-11T05:28:00.001-07:00

I received this in an email and thought it was appropriate as St. Patty's Day draws near:
On a vacation in Rome , I noticed a marble column in St.
Peter's with a golden telephone on it. As a young
priest passed by, I asked who the telephone was for. He told
me it was a direct line to Heaven, and if I'd like to
call, it would be a thousand dollars. I was amazed, but
declined the offer.

Throughout Italy , I kept seeing the same golden telephone
on a marble column. At each, I asked about it and the
answer was always the same: a direct line to Heaven and I
could call for a thousand dollars.

On the way homeward, I stopped in Ireland . I decided to
attend Mass at a local village church. When I walked in
the door I noticed the golden telephone. Underneath it
there was a sign stating: "DIRECT LINE TO HEAVEN 25
cents."
"Father," I said, "I have been all over
Italy and in all the cathedrals I visited, I've seen
telephones exactly like this one. But the price is always
a thousand dollars. Why is it that this one is only 25
cents?"
The priest smiled and said, "Ah! But you're in
Ireland now! It's a local call."
As you can see, the Irish feel very strongly about their native land!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Be sure and stop by our CPLG blog to see the March contest giveaway. It's an adorable doll made by Pat of yellowsweetpotato. CPLG or Country & Primitive Ladies Group, is a gathering of crafters who I am happy to say have formed a wonderful, supportive friendship through eBay. We live all over the US and a few of us have had the chance to meet eachother in person. When we're not chatting in our ebay group, blogging,caring for our families,reading good books, trying out new recipes,in addition to some of us working outside the home,we love to craft. You can find our listings on ebay (search CPLG)on etsy (search CPLGteam)and some of the ladies have their own websites and shoppes on Prim Mart. I have updated the links and added them to my Shopping Links gadget over on the left. I hope you will check them out.

Proud to be Irish

2009-02-23T10:44:00.001-08:00

I'm as eager for spring as everyone else. That picture is our backyard as of Sat. Feb 21st! Sometimes though, this rush to better weather can make us over look simple celebrations. I am seeing Easter bunnies and colored eggs showing up on blogs, craft discussion boards and selling sites all over the internet. Well, I want to share with you today a holiday that has always been near and dear to my heart.It's tucked in the middle of March and in the race to leave winter behind, it can get over looked. St. Patrick's Day! My grandparents were Irish. My mother's parents immigrated from County Kerry, Ireland. I have always been proud of how hard they worked to make their life in America. They also knew how to have a good time!To honor those memories and my heritage I like to do a little decorating around the house. Fix yourself a cup of tea:

and enjoy my slideshow.

Hooray for the Irish!

2009-02-23T10:38:00.001-08:00

Rain, rain go away

2009-02-18T09:44:00.000-08:00

...but please don't turn into snow tomorrow! I'm hearing rumors of a chance of a snowstorm visiting us at the end of this week. Maybe this will be winter's final bow? Let me leave you with a picture from my flower bed taken last summer:

CPLG Feb Giveaway Contest

2009-01-31T06:43:00.000-08:00

Please check out our CPLG BLOG to read about and enter this month's contest. Good Luck!!

Sat Feb 7, we have a winner! Check out the CPLG blog to see who it is.

Record Breaking?

2009-01-29T07:58:00.000-08:00

You'll have to tune in Sunday to find out. We are in the running for snowiest January since the blizzard of 1978 and we have til Sunday the 31st to try our best! Are we excited? proud? cheering for a new record? No NO and NO!!!! lol Don't get me wrong. I really enjoy living here where we get all 4 seasons. I don't mind being cold for a while and up until Christmas at least,the snow is beautiful and sets a nice mood. We haven't had a winter like this one in a while so I guess we have gotten spoiled. Groundhog's Day will be here soon so we'll see what Punxatawny Phil, or here in Ohio, Buckeye Chuck, have to say about the remainder of the season.
I thought I'd share with you the view out out back door:

From the front door:

And the frequent visitor to the neighborhood,friend of Mom's and Dad's;sworn enemy of school aged children:
SNOW PLOW MAN!!!!!

Snow Sculptures

2009-01-27T10:11:00.000-08:00

Please visit my friend Susan's blog to see some amazing photos she posted of a snow sculpture show and contest. Sheesh and I thought I turned out a good looking snowman or two in my day!!While you are there check out her quilt skills too.

Welcome Back, Raggedy Pants

2009-01-25T14:38:00.000-08:00

I just received an email from Michelle creator of the wonderful dolls and patterns under the cute name Raggedy Pants. She has somehow found time to re- open her website after being MIA while starting a new full time job and keeping up with all the other activities of daily living! I just paid a visit to the new site and I must say it felt like I was visiting old friends. I had forgotten how much I enjoy working with her patterns and how many of them I have! If you are thinking about taking the plunge into doll making, I highly recommend her patterns. They are very affordable, easy to work with and the end results are delightful. Check out her new site by clicking here: Raggedy Pants

Scrabble

2009-01-21T10:18:00.000-08:00

I LOVE to play Scrabble. During the winter especially, my husband and I often play it in the evening. Trouble is he wins A LOT! He searches for those sweet double and triple score spots while I merely try to be clever with my words. I am catching on to his strategy and have gotten better at the game because of him but he still wins. A LOT! In an effort to improve my word skills I added a Hangman game to my blog over there on the left.See that kind of smug looking smiley face over there? Fiddle with the scroll bar to make the game fit the box better. Give it a try...it's addictive and who knows. It may help improve your Scrabble game too :) Have fun!

2009-01-17T13:58:00.001-08:00