turkey feathers

A December to Remember

The last few days have been wild with all the *lovely snow* that we don't typically get here in the pacific northwest; causing disruptions of routines and services which is somehow disorientating.  It took three days for the snow plows to get out here and clear the roads, but we are slowly moving again.  Thank You to those who stopped by with friendly comments!  I may not always have time to respond, but I do read them and take them to heart.  What a strange year it's been.  I hope and pray 2022 will be better.  Can things get worse?  Never mind.  

My family surprised me with a new camera for Christmas!  It's a slim Canon Power Shot ELPH 360 and I love it!  It's replacing my Kodak EasyShare Z885, that I've been using mostly for this blog since 2007.  (I know! Where does the time go?) I'm actually kind of shocked that it's lasted this long.  The new camera is a major improvement with lots of features that I'm embracing with glee.  Especially nice for capturing the fine details in my miniature macro world.  Anyway, I hope everyone had a nice holiday season, however it was celebrated.  We are all doing fine in this neck of the woods.  The Dainty House bakery oven has been working overtime this month and we've all got some new projects in mind.  But first, I need to spruce-up the workshop and reorganize a bit.  A fresh start for the New Year!  

Long May She Wave

This is one of the things that happens when you have lots of time at home . . . you bake!  And bake...and bake.  Lots of goodies around here lately.  Big ones and (incredibly) small ones. 

The weather is promising and I'm looking forward to spending some time in the garden--just puttering and mentally planning a new layout.  I'd really like a small pond or water feature and fruit trees that can be trained on a trellis.  In the meantime, I'm heading back into the kitchen to make a nice potato salad to go with our BBQ--just some old fashioned traditional celebratory summer fare.  No fireworks this year, or family reunion on the beach in San Diego, where we had planned (for a year) to all be at this time---but by golly, we are going to have potato salad.

Happy July 4th!  

May in Bloom

Hello friends!  Hope you are all well and keeping busy.

I have to show you this gorgeous speckled Iris.  What a wonderful surprise it was today.  I found it hiding in a corner along side the candy-tuft under the crab apple trees.  Just a single stalk.  It's been some time since we've spotted any volunteers in the garden quite as striking as this lovely ruffled beauty.  Some furry little creature must have carried off a rhizome from another yard and buried it here. A small sweet miracle.

It's May and the garden is waking up and putting on her fancy frills.  The peonies are ready to pop.  The lilac is in bloom.  Iris and hyacinth are cropping up here and there.

The girls have been busy planning the summer garden since February.  They've moved the vegetable starts out of the kitchen and into the greenhouse and have replanted all sorts of things this past month.  I've done a bit of weeding, but mostly I like to watch them take charge.  Our home-school roots still run deep.

The early peas are nearly ready to pick.  Peas should be easy to grow, but every year we are lucky to get any.  Sometimes it's a vole that chews the main stem, sometimes it's slugs and sometimes it's worms.  Therefore, we are always armed and ready with traps and pellets and sprays.  However, this year a bird has got in the habit of pulling off the tiny flower buds!  Sometimes you just cannot anticipate the weird turns nature will take no matter how much you prepare. Sometimes it's good, like my surprise Iris, and other times you can only scratch your head in wonder.

Such is life.

These past few months haven't been easy for anyone.  Yesterday marked a year since my brother's passing from what was guessed to be bone cancer.  The diagnosis was vague and perplexing.  It's been hard to accept.  He was younger, and my only sibling.  He was also big and sturdy like an oak tree; full of health and vitality his whole life.  Some things never make sense.  I miss him so much. 

I'm looking for the small rays of sunshine.  A stitch here, a stitch there.  Outside my backdoor, the crab apples just finished another spectacular bloom.  Afterwards the petals floated down light as snowflakes and covered the soft spring grass.  So very pretty and peaceful to watch.  Then a mighty wind came along and swept them away.  It's still coming in blasts this morning, tossing patio chairs into the flower beds.  But, it's also blowing the clouds away and revealing beautiful blue skies. There's always a give and take it seems. 

We are expecting 80 degrees today.  Quite unusual, but I'm not complaining one bit.  In fact, this gift of sunny weather is predicted to last throughout the weekend, so I imagine we will be out in the backyard for most of it, maybe a bit of lounging on the deck.  We also have a woodland hike planned and I'm hoping to get some hanging flower baskets for the porches, a Mother's Day tradition.  This one (above) was from 2013 and was one of my favorites.  We hung it on the "PatternBee Porch Headquarters", that little room at the back of my house.  The sight of it brought sheer happiness and the blooms lasted all through summer.

I love this picture.  From this perspective it looks as though my house is buried up to the rafters in vegetation!  Perspective is important.  Because despite these uncertain times we find ourselves in--and feeling overwhelmed, there is much to be grateful for.  I'm grateful for many things.  Mostly my family and friends.  Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the blogasphere and for your love and support all these years.  It's very much appreciated.  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and make meaningful memories where ever you are.  Eventually, this too shall pass.  Hopefully sooner than later.  Take care and stay well dear friends.

Happy Easter!

May this season of renewal and resurrection bring you an abundance of Hope, Joy and Love.

Puttering

Country Living Magazine 4-2007

Hello Friends!  Hope all's well wherever you are.  Everyone is fine here.  Easter (and spring birthdays) are coming up and we are celebrating in small ways.  It's hard because like most people we have to minimize our family traditions this year.  Sigh.  I can't help wondering what life is going to be like after all this is over.  If it ever is. 

Sometimes change is unsettling.  So much depends on a system of routine and without it life as we know it can go sideways until we find some balance again.  As we conclude the fourth week of "self-quarantine", I'm slowly adapting.  Baby steps.  For the first time in my life, I cut my own hair.  No big deal.  Just something new to learn how to do.  With scissors in hand, I bravely went for it.  I'd only intended to trim the ends and wound up snipping off about six inches.  Oh well.  It was getting too long anyway.  The biggest challenge of course, was trimming the back of my hair evenly.  I never did get it right.  However, a little fluffing and hairspray helped to soften my new look.  Besides, since I rarely leave the house these days, no one's going to see it anyway.  And if I do go out, I'll wear a mask and no one will notice.  All bases are covered!

Everything is pretty normal here in our neck of the woods.  The birds are gathering at the feeders.  The deer are sneaking in and eating the rosebuds.  The drone of neighborhood lawnmowers remind us that the grass is still growing and we are not alone.  The mail is still being delivered; proving the Postman's Creed:

"Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds". 

For which we are most grateful along with the other service providers who risk their own health and safety for the benefit of the rest of us.  God Bless them one and all!  They are very much appreciated.

I'm sewing and crafting in the evenings and watching the last season of 'Heartland' and I'm into the second season of 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered'.  The latter was a new discovery.  I don't know how I missed it on the Hallmark channel; it first aired in 2013 as a pilot movie.  I'd watched one episode (from 2018) and decided to go back and start from the very beginning because it's progressive; the story line and relationships develop over time.  It's quirky and deep, and sprinkled with pearls.  I really love this series, the scripts and characters are sheer perfection.   

I've also updated my shops with a few new things and have made changes on the website.  PatternBee now has a new logo and new packaging to save ME time and YOU postage.  More shop NEWS here.

Well, I need to run along and get some "work" done; the sun is shining and the weather is gorgeous at the moment, so fare-thee-well until next time. . . keep safe and stay sane. 

Staying Home

Hello Dear Friends,

It's been awhile.  Hope you are all well and doing OK during these worrisome times. After I updated my blog banner (for Spring) weeks ago, I'd planned to share some fun news and crafty stuff . . . and then--Kaboom!  The world came to a crashing halt.  I'm still a bit stunned to say the least, everything changed over night.  All of this is so surreal and reminds me of what Charles Dickens wrote in A Tale of Two Cities.  That first incredible paragraph has always stuck in my mind and never seemed more relevant:

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way - in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only."

More proof that history repeats itself. 

Here in Oregon, just about everything is shut down.  It's so bewildering.  To be honest though, I haven't had to change much of my routine because I'm pretty much a homebody, so "staying home" seems normal. I have my family for company and a ton of projects to keep me occupied.  But I'll sure be glad when this crisis is over and the world starts turning again.  In the meantime, we will do the best we can to stay strong and carry on during these uncertain times.  Much love to all. 
 

Christmas Countdown

The season is here and I am scrambling around all over the place it seems.  But, I'm extremely happy to report that the elephant is out of the room and has in fact, left the building.  (Refer to this post if you missed that decorating dilemma.)  Huge sigh of relief.  Happy dancing.  Oh my, I didn't think I was ever going to get the room cleared and get our tree up.  And just as I thought I was going to lose my mind worrying about all this, a box of pure sunshine from the 'sweet mandarin grove of dreams' arrived from a dear California cousin.  This  thoughtful act of kindness pulled me right back from the edge.  Somebody loves us!  It's true:  Love Never Fails.  And so, I'm back on track with 12 days left 'til Christmas and making the most of every minute.  I'm hugging myself because yesterday I got all my Christmas cards in the mail and the last of my online orders placed. 

Last week, I visited my favorite thrift mall and have lots of eye candy to share with you.  Starting tomorrow, I'm going to post some lovely vintage Christmas inspiration using the auto-upload feature, letting the pictures speak for themselves. That way, I can continue to run around all crazy behind the scenes, possibly losing my mind from time to time--and no one's the wiser.  (wink wink)

Carrying On

Hello Friends . . .

Sometimes, it's hard to get back over to this amazing crafty blogasphere--this happy place.  Life gets busy, or complicated.  Or tragedy strikes.  I'm sad to have to tell you, that my dear "little brother" bravely passed away on May 3rd after an 18-month battle with cancer.  Naturally, I'm devastated.  Grief still coming in waves.  Distracted.  I'm taking time to reflect on the happy moments when I need to.  I know that only time will minimize the loss and that he's in a better place, for eternity, with those we love.  And that is a comfort.

So, that's my excuse for not getting much done these days.  I'm slowly coming back around to some unfinished projects and have picked up my (therapeutic) embroidery needle again; working on a table covering display for the Craft Fair table.  A little 'wishful thinking' in motion; these grand plans keep me motivated.  

Work in progress so far . . .

 

Happy Thanksgiving Day

 

I'm thankful for a lot of things, including my dear blog pals "out there".   Here's wishing you all a good Thanksgiving wherever you are today.  

Thank you for stopping by.

Cheers!  

Let It Shine

August has arrived! Summer is in full swing around here.

With all the smoke and fire and heat here in the west, cool hues and shades of green gleaned from our travels (and from our rambles through the backyard) are welcome and appealing to me just now--bringing a bit of calm as well as inspiration into my stitching projects today.  So far though, this is the only sighting of the elusive blue butterfly I've seen.  Keeping watch . . . 

 

Be Free

Goodness.  It seems that, only a few posts back I was introducing June.  It really went by fast in a flurry of activity.  So happy to be settling into the summer season. 

April Showers

 

 April has arrived . . . time to flip another page on the calendar. 

The deer are back!  There were three yesterday; they wasted no time getting back into the routine of nibbling the foliage and snoozing in my backyard.  They are shedding their dark winter coats and looking rather patchy just now. 

After the deer moved on, the cottontails crept out from under the bramble and took up the nibbling where the deer left off.  Followed by flocks of red-breasted robins prompted by the misty rain and the promise of worms. 

Cloudy skies and April showers continue, but sunshine presents itself in many ways!  I love these peach-faced daffodils.  Sunshine in a vase.

I've been doing a bit more spring cleaning in the workshop.  Mostly finding things!

It's a new month and it's a new day . . . and this mini-quilt is a new addition to my Etsy shop!   I'm pretty sure there will be more to come. 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

Toast & Tea Time

Hello Friends . . .

Can March really be here already?  Yes, indeed!  It's official. This week has sure been a mixed bag of weather.  Just when you think it will never, ever stop raining, the sun peeks out from behind the clouds and reminds you that Spring is right around the corner.  And you spy daffodils poking their heads up out of the mud.  At this moment though, the sky is dark and a cold northern wind is blowing in gusts, shaking the trees and rattling the windows.  Oh, it's a battle out there, I tell ya.  Speaking of battles, I've just returned home from town after running errands and dodging a frenzy of Friday afternoon traffic.  It's nice to finally sit down with a hot cup of tea (and marmalade toast) and feel the warmth returning.  This is just a quick post.  All I have been doing these days is working on the "photo albums" which are coming along nicely.  I am actually up to 2007.  It's going faster now that I have transitioned to digital photos, rather than having to scan and color-correct old prints.  

So far, this is what I have accomplished.  I love how compact these DVD albums are!  They have replaced all our mismatched photo albums that took up tons of space on the shelves.  I'd previously consolidated some of our movies (into these plastic sleeves) to organize them better, and realized I could reuse the cases for my albums.  The cover insert is one sheet that wraps around the case and slips under the plastic.  I made a photo collage for each, with memorable moments to remind me of what's in there.  And there's wonderful background music!   
 

SHOP UPDATE

My Books: 

After selling out of all the books I had on hand, (and thank you again to everyone who supported me!) my books are once again available through Amazon.  Links have been updated.  For a time, when the books were shipped directly from me, I was able to offer them at a nice little discount through the PatternBee website.  However, Amazon sets the price now, so it is what it is.  They actually make a much larger profit than I do.  Please note:  These books were published in 2008 and 2010 and reflect the trends that were popular at that time, but most of the projects are adaptable to suit your own taste.  (To browse content and download my free patterns, click on the book links in the left side-bar.)

OK. Well, that's all I've got for now.  It's my turn to cook dinner and I'm making Enchitadas tonight.  NO, I did not misspell anything....this is my new thing.  A no-cheese enchilada make from a potato.  Maybe that sounds gross, but it's actually pretty good.  I'm still perfecting this, will share the recipe and a picture one of these days.   

  Until then . . . bon appetit!

 

Turkey Trot

I stepped out on my front porch yesterday afternoon and noticed I had visitors!  Click on the picture for the enlarged view. 

Shy Little Mouse

  

Pattern from Embroidery Craft:: Stitching through the Seasons

Hello Friends!  I'm still here.  Just quietly lurking in the blog shadows these days.  All is well in our wooded wonderland.  I've been waiting out winter with lots of little crafty projects that have kept me occupied through most of it.  One such project (in particular) has consumed my time more than the others.  And there's a backstory:

Last year I made a mad dash down to California to pick up my Mom's Hope Chest, that had been locked away in her house for the past 15 years.  I was relieved to finally be able to bring it home and to retrieve the contents; mainly our precious family photographs.

Back in 2001, due to ill health and sensing her days were numbered, my Mom packed her old cedar chest (a 1950's wedding gift), with family mementos and photo albums.  For her this was a bittersweet time of memories and letting go.  The plan was for me to take possession of the chest and its contents to be preserved for the family after she had passed away. 

But due to unforeseen circumstances it didn't happen the way we planned.  The Widower Spouse became reclusive, barred the door and refused entry to anyone, stubbornly guarding her things.  We gave him space and time and waited patiently.  I thought eventually his grief would subside and he would come around, but he did not budge from this mindset. 

All these years later, with his health in decline, he fell out of bed and banged his head hard enough to knock some sense into it, and finally relented and accepted help.  My brother and his wife (who live in a nearby town) took him in, as he has no other family.  They decided to rent the house to compensate for his medical expenses and care.  Necessitating my "mad dash" down there last year to retrieve the chest. 

Opening it was like entering a time capsule. It consisted mostly of things like old baby booties & bonnets, plaster-cast handprints from nursery school, and other little odds and ends that only a mother could love.  It was touching and sweet, and brought back so many memories.  My Mother never owned any valuables, but what she had, she cherished and shared.  It meant the world to me.

I immediately delved into the long-lost photo albums.  There were dozens of them, all shapes, types and sizes; my grandmother's among them.  A hodgepodge to say the least!  But I knew that going in.  Most were in poor shape, dusty and disintegrating due to time.  Mom's organizational skills, when it came to photo albums at least, didn't improve the situation either.

A typical page looked like this:    

She loved scotch-tape and never used it sparingly.  A bit of a nightmare to deconstruct.  My lofty goal was to preserve the photos in the same way that I preserve our vintage patterns.  With technology!

Before long my desk looked like this:

And this wasn't even the half of it.  It was really a huge undertaking, I found out.  One I've been working on, with tiny breaks for holidays and short trips up until the present time.  Just plodding away and making progress a little at a time; in between running the PatternBee hobby biz, and working on my doll collection (that I still haven't shown you!), but at least now you know what's been holding up that show and tell.  

I'm using the My Memories digital scrapbook software to bring all of this nostalgia and history happily together.  The first album spans 1900-1980; about 150 pages and is almost ready for the printer.  Time to finish this up. 

Because spring has arrived at long last.  And is waiting just outside my door. Promising new beginnings. 

And speaking of that, my Bonus pattern for April has a sweet Spring theme.  I have a fondness for cross-stitch chicks.  It's the very first piece of needlework my Mom gave me to embroider when I was about five years old.  I still remember how much I loved stitching those x's and how the thread kept getting all tangled up.  Don't forget to check out the new additions.  I'm especially loving Mod Mouse at the moment.  She makes me happy for some silly reason.  Daily Devotions, Cross-Stitch Pup, and Sunbonnet Sally were all shared by our stitching friend Bernice up in North Dakota.  The winters are very long up there, and stitching keeps her busy. 

I hope you all find wonderful things to fill your days too!   

 

Daydreams of Spring

photo by Kathy Street/Oregon Zoo

The Oregon Zoo's winter-predicting hedgehog FuFu, failed to see her shadow on Groundhog's Day this month, predicting that here in the Pacific Northwest, an early spring may be just around the corner.

Animal curator Tanya Paul, says "according to folklore, the Europeans (who originated the tradition), used hedgehogs.  When they immigrated to the United States, they realized their new home didn't have hedgehogs, so they turned to the groundhog out of necessity, but FuFu is bringing the tradition back to its origins, and with a higher accuracy rate." 

Let's hope Fufu ain't foolin'.  But even if she does get it wrong, look at that face!  I don't think I could stay mad at her for more than a nano-second.   After more record-breaking rain this week and too many (stinky) visits from a skunk, driven from it's flooded blackberry bramble bunker, we finally, thankfully, have a little sunshine today--and it's a sight for sore eyes let me tell you.  It's beyond wonderful to open the back door.  I've been burning incense to cover the horrid "skunk a la pew" but nothing cleanses like fresh air after a rain.  Ahh.  I think I may survive after all.  A little taste of spring is like a spoonful of honey right now.  I hope you get to see your shadow, and taste spring (soon) where ever you are.

Daydreams of Spring

In the meantime, while we wait for spring, I'm still working on these little darlings.  My NEW handmade collectible art dolls--coming soon! 

Snips & Snaps

Hello friends!

The weather has been the talk of the town this week here in the Pacific Northwest, with wind, sleet, snow and ice and temperatures dropping down into the teens during the night.  Schools have closed.  Roads are treacherous.  The mailbox was frozen shut!  (LOL)

Currently, we are huddled in the kitchen wrapped in the warmth of our Christmas cookie baking, trying not to dwell (or look upon) the carnage that is happening just outside the window, as every so often, we hear a twisting shriek as another tree branch breaks off (somewhere), and falls to the ground with a thud.  Oh dear. 

 

We would much rather hear the snap and crunch of cookies being eaten.  Yes, indeed. These merry men and maidens await their sugarplum finery.  The girls make quick work with their icing bags.

Can you spot Prancer? 

My holiday checklist is nearly complete!  The Tree is up.  Christmas cards and letters have been signed, sealed and delivered.  I have most of my Christmas shopping done; having fun with the wrappings.  Those cute dotty gift bags are from Current.  Adorable sticker labels by petite alma (purchased thru Amazon).

Besides all this loot under-wraps, the knitting needles are clicking, the needle and thread are flying, the glue is drying--and it's all very hush-hush as we hustle and bustle to get everything done. 

I dare say, we must keep up our strength.  Which sometimes requires, Second Breakfast!  (It's a nice Hobbity sort of thing.)  After all, being homebound and hunkering due to bad weather, and shuffling comfortably around all day in one's slippers can easily lead to a wee tea, before noontime.  You know, to keep fortified.     

Fortunately, I have just the thing for that.  My tea of choice:  'Spiced Christmas' from the Family Tea Merchants, Taylors of Harrogate, based in the North Yorkshire Dales (of England), established in 1886.  This tea, I think, has just the right mix of black tea leaves, lemon, orange, and cinnamon without overpowering.  (This is an import available through our local food co-op, so I don't have a link, but there are shops and websites that carry it in the U.S. as well.)  Honestly, I don't get paid to endorse any brand or product, but merely share the things I love. 

As for the munchables...second breakfast may be many things from biscuits (aka: cookies) to mushrooms.  Since the latter are abundant right now, and high in Vitamin D, which is harder to get as the days grow shorter, mushrooms it is!  Here's how I make mine:

And that's all there is to it! 

Twilight

The twinkle lights are up!  The girls surprised us with this beautiful display.  Our snowy village gets moved around from year to year.  I think I like this location the best so far.  It runs the entire length of the cabinet units and is lit with twinkle lights that are poked in through the back of the houses to make them light up from the inside.  The red wall in the background creates a truly magical effect!  (Our village was made from a Martha Stewart kit a few years ago and is no longer available as such, but a tutorial and template can be found here.)

As the days grow shorter and darker, and much cooler, there is a change in the rhythm of our routine.  The soup pot is on a perpetual simmer again; today it's turkey stock, as I render every last bit of goodness from the vestiges of a fine Thanksgiving feast.  A feast that was enjoyed by all who gathered with us around our table.  We find ourselves grateful for so many things, but mostly for each other.  And...of course, pie!  Gobble.

There's a Christmas tree farm just around the corner from our house, and as luck would have it, a break in the storm has provided an opportunity to take a walk down the back road for a look around.  The air smells of citrus and pine.  So many beautiful trees, await their fate!   

 

B-r-r-r.  It was a chilly 37 degrees this morning.  Still acclimating.  Back inside, where it's warm, I have made a bit of progress on the quilt.  This is the first time I've quilted using embroidery floss.  I am still trying to decide if I like it.  I do like that it was faster than traditional hand-quilting.  Way faster.  But even having marked it out with guide lines, the stitches don't line up as neatly as I would like.  Hmmm.  Am I making too much of this, should I just keep going, or rip and start over? 

In the meantime, while I ponder that stitching dilemma, there are many things that are making me happy these days.  That are perfect in their own lovely way.  Such as the long-awaited HoneyCrisp and Mandarines that have just arrived at our local food co-op.  YUM.  And, how I LOVE these printed papers (from issue #70 of MollieMakes).  I am going to slip these into acrylic box frames and hang them on the wall.  When the season is over I can easily replace them with others.  If you can't get your hands on a magazine, you can visit the artist Victoria Johnson on her beautiful website. 

'Tis the Season!

 

 

Hello 2016!

It's the first day of the New Year . . . and it's just a wee bit nippy.  The wind was howling like mad throughout the night.   Wild wind.  The tall fir trees looked like they were wrestling with each other.  This morning the sun is a blinding blaze in a cloudless ice-blue sky.  The temperature is hovering at 26 degrees.  Thick socks with furry-lined boot slippers are the order of the day.  Oh how I love my MUKLUKS.  I'll be steaming up lots of hot chocolate today too.  Because the high is expected to be only slightly above freezing.  There's no snow in the forecast--but no doubt about it, Winter is here.  

In like a lion. . . Roar.

We had a lovely peaceful Christmas with family big and small.  Good food, fun and games, sleepovers and sweet surprises.  I'm making potato cheese chowder today, with homemade bread, to warm us.   

Stepping outside onto the side porch to test the cold.  Yep.  It's colder than it looks.  About 30 degrees at this point.  Back inside I go . . .

OK.  That's better.  I'm thankful for a cozy house.  With lots of wool blankets scattered about to wrap up in.  And with more wool projects on the way.  Yay!

We are all tucked in here, nice and snug.  Enjoying the season.  Puttering. Perhaps it's time to go boil some potatoes.

Happy New Year everyone!

Fall Freeze

Hello friends!

It seems my blog just went from spring to fall just like that.

How did THAT happen?

Well, I guess I took a break from the old blogging routine--a little respite, although I didn't intend to stop blogging so abruptly.  Not really.  It just sort of happened that way as I got involved with other things.  You could say that we have all embarked on new adventures that are keeping us hopping.  Such is life!

As busy as we've been though, we still love making things, and earlier this year we went through a phase of paper-flower crafting after reading this book.  Lots and lots of flowers got made; Grace made this darling hair-wreath for her niece's birthday.  She used the specialty Italian crepe papers that come in all sorts of gorgeous colors, imported directly from the manufacturer.  This is the best paper for crafting realistic flowers and not readily available in craft stores.  They only ship in large rolls though--which proved to be more than we needed.  Much more actually. 

So . . . we decided to sell some of the overstock and put together some paper sets, kind of like starter packs to experiment with, and included a tutorial with templates for making a few basic flowers.  The flowers can be used to embellish wreaths, hair clips, garlands, or make bouquets.  If you (or the kids) are interested in learing a fun new craft and/or need paper-flower making supplies, please visit our Winky Handmade shop.  These pretty crepe papers are priced so low, you could almost call it a "give-away".  Check them out here.

And speaking of Give-Aways . . .

I have an extra issue of Mollie Makes (Issue 44) over here that needs a new home.  Leave a comment, let us know what you've been up to--we've missed hearing from you!  I'll be back to announce the winner soon.  

Time Marches On

..and Spring inches closer!  The air feels lighter and the pale sun plays peek-a-boo in a sky of drifting clouds.  From the window I am excited to see Western Bluebirds and English Sparrows inspecting the birdhouses.  And I wonder, who will make the first move--as bluebirds are most particular, and thus take longer to make up their minds, so that when they finally do, the sparrows have already moved in.  Someone needs to tell them, "the early bird catches the worm".   

We've brought in primrose, a free gift from our local nursery, to enjoy a bit before it goes back outside into the ground.  It adds a cheerful note behind the sink and stirs up enthusiasm.  The girls have been sorting out seed packets and making plans.  On such a day as this, with birdsong in the bower, I'm tempted to run outside and grab my garden tools, but I know better, and have to remind myself to slow down and allow my shoulder to heal a little longer; this the result of shoveling way too much snow (with a garden spade), a few weeks ago.  Lesson learned. (Note to self: be prepared--find a snow plow.)

However, some tools can be used for other things with delightful results and here we have proof.  Peanut Butter cookies with waffle tops.  I've always just used a fork to make the traditional criss-cross on the cookie top, but how about a meat mallet?  (Thoroughly sanitized, of course). Credit goes to my daughter for this idea.  For the cookies too, which were delicious btw.  Not a crumb was spared.

Speaking of crumbs, I've been busy with lots of yummy little things these past few weeks.  New patterns from old patterns; updated sewing projects soon to be added to my Vintage Stitch Shop on Etsy, along with the monthly BONUS motifs for PatternBee; all drawing on seasonal inspiration wherever I could find it.  Here's a sneak peek of coming attractions.  The new "Welcome Spring" designs will be up March 1st, which is tomorrow by this posting. The image link (left) will upload the new designs then and they'll be available (with purchase) until the end of the month.  I'm working on more free stuff too, will let you know when and where in coming weeks. 

August Already

Our summer garden is blossoming in steady waves of color.  The weather's been warm and mild, although a rain storm is moving across the sky now.  It's hard to stay focused on any kind of work when all this loveliness is gently bobbing and waving just outside the backdoor.  

Even harder to ignore all the u-pick signs going up.  Blueberries, in particular just now.  And the resulting muffins that someone just pulled out of the oven. Not to mention the jam and pickles that still needs to be made.

But then I see this, and am reminded that it all needs to go somewhere. Today I am sewing new curtains so I can hide some of it under the cutting table!  I dare say, I am making progress one way or another.   

Small Spaces

Yesterday was a crock-pot day.  Actually, there were two crocks simmering side-by-side with homemade goodness.  One with a hearty beef stew.  The other filled with a rich vegetable bean soup, made rich with the addition of a tablespoon of butter.  (Here's a tip: When you make a vegetarian bean dish or soup--with dried beans, the addition of butter will make them so much more tender and flavorful.)  Well, the house smelled wonderful all day. By dinnertime all I had to do was heat French rolls, plate up some sharp raw cheese and fresh fruit.  A simple meal that was like a warm hug on a cold night.  The girls take over in the kitchen today.  I like this tag-team cooking schedule.  I like it a lot! 

I'm ever so s-l-o-w-l-y re-hauling a few rooms and unearthing "treasure" in the process.  Making space.  Starting fresh.  And parting with a few books; scanning a few pictures I want to remember.  Like these.  I love woodstoves. In our last house, we had one similar to this in an upstairs studio/family/bedroom. Oh, That Room!  It was an all-purpose mega-space that seemed even larger with its high open beam ceilings and enormous windows.  The big black 'Pioneer Box' sat front and slightly off-center in the middle of the room radiating heat in every direction all winter long.  I loved it.  I also love the push-button central heating in our current house; no more hauling wood over a rickety slippery upstairs deck! 

These photos are taken from a book called, Making The Most of Small Spaces.  It's an awesome little book with home improvement ideas and creative storage solutions that draw insiration from seaside huts, cozy cottages and other challenging spaces.  And I'm giving it away!  Leave a comment on this post to throw your name in the hat if you are interested.  Please know that I truly regret I cannot ship freebies overseas and abroad due to the high cost of postage.  But I can share a few more photos. . .

Now back to the book shelf for more hidden treasure....

UPDATED 1-16:  Thank you all for your comments, a winner has been chosen! 

New Things

Hello Dear Friends...

2013 arrived right on schedule and here we are standing at the threshhold of a new year, with all the possibilities and creative pursuits before us, like a fresh bolt of cloth, ready to be unfurled and fashioned into something amazing.  I've been thinking and dreaming and making lists, and already have a few sewing projects in mind.  Mostly little things.  And new things made from old things.  I'll explain later...after I get rolling. 

In the meantime, inspiration abounds!

My expanding list of wonderful things to revisit:: 

Night Owl Paper Goods (adorable stuff)

FOLKSY (modern British craft)

ShopLocket (most brilliant new product!)

The Frosty Quilt ( so lovely, by Aneela Hoey)

BLEND Fabrics  and  Walnut Hill Farm (designed by Charlotte Lyons)

Wool Felt Central   (for every color under the sun)

Cluck Cluck Sew (wonderful tutorials for home and craft sewing)

GreenGate Denmark (winter catalog 2012/13 and blog )  Note:  Viewer discretion advised, none of these items can be purchased in the U.S.  Read it and weep or just be inspired for what it's worth.  And on that very sad note, the clock is ticking . . . and I need to get busy!   

 

Let there be *Light*

I was visiting a vintage mall recently and fell in love with this electric candle chandelier.  If I had a place to hang it I might be tempted to bring it home.  But at the moment, I have found contentment in another type of candle light.  Surprisingly so, and I must confess, I truly love my "artificial" battery operated flameless candles.  I wasn't totally sold on them in the beginning, but now that I've been using them for awhile I want to hug the person who invented them.  They are, dare I say, brilliant!  Especially the wax ones.  They flicker and glow luminous from within and look so realistic.  I've placed them throughout the house this year, high and low (even in the bathrooms and around the bathtub).  Some of them are programmed to light up as soon as the sun goes down.  Which is awesome.  Because it starts getting dark around 4:30 in the afternoon here. Or so it seems with the our typical cloud cover and rain.  So yes, totally loving the candle glow from every nook and cranny, and I don't feel like I need to turn every light on in the house.  They also switch themselves off  after a few hours, so no more worries about falling asleep with a forgotten candle burning somewhere.  It's really not such a sacrifice compared to the safety and convenience, and I just discovered a few even have clickers.  Ha!  I guess I shouldn't laugh, my Christmas tree has one and lights up with the push of a button.  How cool is that?  We purchased a plug-in thingy called a 'transceiver module' that sends a wireless signal to electric devices that can be operated by remote control.  It plugs in to any outlet.  I must admit I don't miss crawling behind the tree to plug in the lights every night.  Just another wonderful *brilliant* invention.  Powerhouse makes a good one.  More flameless candles over here. 

 

Holidays & Horses

 
My youngest daughter came up with this tiny domed Thanksgiving vignette for the buffet table. I swooned when I saw it and had to show you.  So you could swoon too.  Let's lift the lid and take a closer look shall we?

I am particularly partial to that adorable little "Chocolate Peanut Butter Torte".  This cake was inspired by a real one at a favorite restaurant downtown.  Ginger whipped this one up in the dollhouse bakery kitchen. 

Meanwhile, back in the full-size kitchen, her sister was baking something special for her birthday. Yes, that is a chocolate horse, painstakingly cut-out by hand.  What?  How is this possible, I ask.  It's perfect.

So much like another "chocolate" horse we know.  Ginger is quite the horse wrangler.  These two are a team. 

Like two peas in a pod.  Happy Birthday Gingerbread girl!

In Like a Lion

Here's the breathtaking view this morning from my kitchen window. The sky is bright blue and smooth as silk over a spotless, pristine landscape.   It's not a scene that repeats itself often, making it all the more special I guess.  Nevertheless, the Mister is in the driveway as we speak, trying to dig his truck out so he can get to work.  He deals with the reality (of snow) while I wax and wane poetic from a comfortable distance!  

Hey, what happened to February?  Even with the extra day, it seemed to zip by in a flash.  I have been preoccupied with some new art projects and I guess it turned into a sabbatical from blogging.   If it wasn't for the worried emails that have been trickling in, I'd still have my head down.  Thank you for caring, and reminding me to come up for air and wave once in awhile.  I hope to start photographing it all soon so I can show you what I've been up to.  Today might be a good day for that with all this bright white light pouring into the house from the reflecting snow. 

Wish I could stay longer and jabber some more, but I really need to finish up the March Bonus Transfer and get it up on the website before April rolls around; I've still got hours of work to do on it.   So until next time, I bid you a fare-thee-well sweet friends.  xo

Giving Thanks

While the cranberry sauce is cooling, and the rest of the Thanksgiving preparations are underway, I want to take a few minutes to re-group, settle in, and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! Our kitchen has been a bustling place this morning (as I'm sure yours is too), I am working my way around it from one end to the other--no cupboard, sideboard, cabinet, or drawer has been left unopened or untouched it seems.  There are lots of details to making a feast.  I count my blessings with every step.  There is much to be thankful for.

Like helping hands.  The Mister always takes charge of the bird.  And makes himself available for anything else I need help with.  He's good that way.  A team player.  Good man, that guy--that wonderful husband of mine.  I'm very thankful for him! 

Also, thankful for creative helpful daughters, who did a beautiful job on the table settings.  It all came together nicely. 

The little squirrels turned out darling!  I know the granddaughters will love them.  And speaking of that, my doorbell is about to ring. (I am thankful for all the good people in my life!)  Hope you all have a wonderful day with family and friends, giving thanks, and counting your blessings--big and small. 

Biscuits & Honey

 

Oh, how I wanted to linger over that last (peaceful) post a bit longer.  Maybe you did too.  Especially with the holidays lurking.  And stormy weather upon us.  It's starting to blow in now and the beauty that was (in the fall foliage), alas, is no more.  It just doesn't last long enough, I tell ya. 

Today I have turkey on my mind, and how to squeeze a dozen precious people *comfortably* around our Thanksgiving table this year.  Sometimes this can be like putting together a jig-saw puzzle with all the different shapes and sizes and special considerations for folks three years old to sixty.  So, yesterday the girls and I spent some time moving furniture around the dining room; brought in a second table and an odd assortment of chairs--and I think we finally have a workable plan.  Placecards are in the making as we speak (another fun project for crafty sisters), so that each can claim their own customized spot.  This morning, tablecloths were washed, pressed, and laid down.  Which brings us to the fun part:: decorating!  Nothing too elaborate though, as we will be passing bowls of food around the table, hand-to-hand, family style.  A few candles and flowers should do nicely. And these (already in the making) from Aunt Ginger, for two special nieces.  Directions here.

"Everything is Biscuits & Honey", is an expression one of my great aunts used to say when everything was in proper order. 

And that just about sums it up! 

Here today, Gone tomorrow

 
Still adjusting to the shorter days here.  Just can't seem to get as much done before the sun goes down and always find it hard to get started when it is so dark in the morning.  Is that happening to you too?  I need to set priorities and unfortunately the blog gathers cyber dust.  When that happens, please visit the archives--still lots of little gems buried in there I know you'll like finding again, or discovering for the first time, if you are new here.

  
We would also like to thank you guys for the sweet emails, etsy convo's, and comments about Winky Handmade, and appreciate you checking it out.  

Well, this is all I have time for today...just wanted to pop in and wish you all a colorful day!

Change of Pace

". . . summer is folded away, like a rose pressed in a book."

from Stillmeadow Sampler by Gladys Taber

 
After a wonderful whirlwind summer, I'm finding balance in the slower pace.  Gone is the happy chatter and pitter patter of little feet around here.  Oh, how we miss that.  We had all fallen into a comfortable routine with our two young granddaughters as they spent their days with us.  Then, the oldest went back to school a couple of weeks ago, and we've just had the one three year-old keeping us entertained and on our toes since then.  But our time together went by too fast.  Soon she will be joining her little friends and heading off to pre-school and new adventures.  I've started a book project to chronicle our summertime together; the places we went, the things we did.  I plan to make gifts of them at some point in time.  Memories to be cherished always.

 
In their absence, the house seems remarkably quiet just now.  But I have these gorgeous dahlias keeping me company for the time being.

 
And another bunch. . . sweet gifts of appreciation from tiny loving hands and open hearts. 

 

Ushering in a new season, we now have a change of scenery on the hall table.  Beeswax candles and pinecones!  The watercolor was painted by Ginger; it's a portrait of her pet hampster "Marshy" (that's short for Marshmallow).  He's munching a pumpkin seed.   Love that little guy!

Thank you so much for the comments about the State Flower Quilt.  It feels great to have that project finished and folded away like a pressed flower  too.  I couldn't be happier with how it all turned out and I'm pleased so many of you have enjoyed this project in one form or another.  I look forward to seeing more of your finished quilts in the future.  (Don't forget to send me links to your blog posts or pictures if you can manage it.) 

What's next?  Well ladies, I need to literally unplug all of my machinery for a while and tackle some house projects and try and visit some festivals.  Please take note: the PatternBee website will be closed from the 18th through the 30th of this month.  After that, autumnal activities will be in full swing and I'll be back with bells on and a new bonus stitchery for October!  Here's a sneak peek:

 
Until then . . . Happy Stitching!!        

Loved Always

  
Our beautiful, gentle "Lily of the Valley" left us Sunday, after a rapid downward spiral due to CRF.  We're all still reeling from shock and grief; completely devastated.  Through the tears, it's difficult to post this very sad news.  But I felt it was necessary to explain my absence here on the blog for a time..  I knew you would want to know, and would understand.  Thank you for visiting here today and for caring.  

Waiting

 
Just when I thought I was on a roll with the state flower blocks, I ran out of my color  (DMC #645) for the letters. Despite numerous vistis to every place in town that carries embroidery supplies--not that many--I couldn't find it in stock.  So, online I went and ordered a bunch from JoAnn's website.  I am now waiting patiently for it to arrive.  In the meantime, I've gotten quite a few blocks finished.  Stitching up a storm, as a matter of fact.  In doing so, I discovered a blunder I made for the North Dakota Prairie Rose...I accidently dropped one of the I's in prairie!  I didn't catch it until I was halfway through embroidering the flower.  This has since been corrected on the PDF's and resent, however, if you ordered the iron-on's please contact me if you would like the new transfer and I'll send it along with my sincere apologies.

 
Speaking of JoAnn's, we are getting a new one!  This is very thrilling.  I was nearby this morning, in the rain and mud, and swung in to check on the progress.  It looks like it's going to be twice as big and in a nicer location.  It's scheduled to be finished in a few more months; we are counting the days. 

 

I'm also counting the days until Spring, which is right around the corner now.  It appears I am not the only one.  Waiting.



Grace's adorable "fat cat" creation is making me smile today--pattern from Knitted Toy Tales. 

 

*Happy New Year*

 
Hello again!  Hope your holidays were merry and BRIGHT!  Speaking of which, I've discovered flameless candles.  I can't believe how realistic these are.  This one is from Land's End, it has a nice vanilla scent and is programmable--it turns on and off automatically.  Love that!! 

Our holidays were spiced up with other sweet things too.  The girls made lots of cookies, including these tradtional favorites that we all helped decorate.   And eat.  Of course.

 
And they made organic chocolates for their Dad...which they hid in empty ice-cream boxes in the freezer.  He never suspected a thing.  Seeing his face light up when he opened the boxes on Christmas morning was well worth all their efforts.   
My mini apple turn-overs were also appreciated. 

 
When the presents were opened, Lilly was absolutely delighted to claim her place under the tree again. 

 
 
New card games like 'Apples to Apples' kept things lively.  'Horse-opoly' went on for two days.  With lots of knitting and nibbling in between. 

Ahh...and now it's all over for another year.  Thank you for the Happy New Year wishes.  Here's wishing you all a mighty fine 2011!

 

Time Out & Last Post for 2010

 
There's been some talk about snow and the hope for a white Christmas, but even if the weather doesn't cooperate--we do have a white tree this year, which I absolutely love.  Yes, I do miss the pine scent of a live cut tree, but that's about all.  No muss, no fuss, no awkward watering, no creepy-crawlies on the ceiling--or bizarre insect noises coming from the branches--like last year.  (When you get a truly fresh tree, you are likely to find anything.)  So yes, LOVE it!  The initial set-up is always a bit of a chore, but I plan to throw one of those covers over it instead of breaking it down and trying to get it back in the box.  Armchair shopped here and got very fast delivery.  I've actually been dreaming about a white tree for a couple of years now, but it took awhile to convince the family.  Some traditions are hard to break.  But they all agree this tree is beautiful.  Lilly's cozy place underneth is slowly shrinking as presents trickle in.  We left a spot for her in the back but she's a bit disgruntled.  Unfortunately, she will also chew and swallow any type of ribbon or string, so our presents have to be left rather plain for her sake. 

 
But I found some snazzy wrap at Michael's to (help) compensate.  I'm "mad for plaid" and this paper is wonderful.  I want to paper the walls and line all my dresser drawers with it.  Wouldn't that be grand?  BTW my 'Gift Wrap Holiday Special' has run its course and the links have been taken down.  It's getting down to the wire and time is up for Christmas deliveries.  Thanks again to those of you who took advantage of that.  I only have one book left!  I'll order more soon to keep on hand for anyone who wants a signed copy.  I also want to take a moment to thank everybody who visited my blog this year.  Your kind words and gestures of friendship are precious to me and reminders that there are still a ton of good peeps out there.  Love you guys! 

Unrelated, but I keep forgetting to mention this; someone asked me if I was "Turkey Feathers" on Facebook, and the answer is NO.  Infact, I don't even have a Facebook account.  (Nor am I part of any other social network sites, games, or discussion boards for that matter---just mentioning that so there's no confusion.)   

Anyway...now it's time to finish wrapping a few more gifts and start the holiday meal prep to freeze for Christmas morning.  I'm going to make my mini-quiche brunch cups (recipe here) and the usual apple turn-overs with puff pastry.  (With much gratitude to Pepperidge Farms for the frozen sheets.) Everyone always asks me if I'm going to make them again, so I guess it has become another tradition we can all look forward to.  Sometimes I make a few with our blackberry or raspberry jam.  Can't go wrong there, and it's quick if I run out of time to prepare the apple filling.  The girls have been baking and decorating an array of cookies all week.  It seems everytime I leave the house and come back there is something new and delightful cooling on a rack.  They made peppermint bark with white and dark chocolate a few days ago that was quite impressive too.  I think homemade peanut-butter cups (for Papa) are on their agenda for today.  I tell ya, the smells and aromas coming from the kitchen have been intoxicating!  From here on out I expect we (and you too) will be fairly busy...so farewell for now.  See you on the flip side in 2011!

 

Sweets for the Sweet

 
And speaking of candy canes dancing . . . I was pretty thrilled to find these all natural organic ones, and the fact that they are PINK makes me want to dance! I hung them all over the Christmas tree, but they're disappearing fast.  Can't blame it all on the kids either.  Or elves.  I've discovered they make pretty good peppermint cocoa too. 

The December/January issue of MaryJanes Farm is full of sweet things too and nifty  ideas for "upcycled" holiday crafting.  I was happy to see over a dozen recipes for soup included.  Because we are big on soup around here, especially this time of year.  

I always make mine in an extra-large crockpot, starting first thing in the morning.  That way I get the added benefit of smelling it simmering all day long and knowing that dinner is cooking itself while I am busy bouncing from one activity to another.  Any left-overs get ladled into 16 oz.  mason jars and stored in the fridge.  It keeps well--for up to a week, even longer if you use freezer jars and freeze it.  (Good idea to label with the date.)  After a day or so, the flavors "marry" and the soup is even better the second time around.   It is so nice to have the convenience of canned soup at hand, that is nutritiously homemade (and economical).  Shown are a few jars of vegetable soup I made last week.  Let soup cool a bit before screwing on the lid. 

 

Like everyone else, I have been super busy these last few weeks, but I made time to slip away and visit my favorite thrift shops.  I've got more pictures to show you of some of the neat things I came across.  Here's an old chair covered in patchwork that I thought was brilliant.   And get a load of that red aluminum tree!

 

Packing it Up

 
I forgot the name of the movie I got this picture from, maybe you've seen it. Thelma Ritter plays the hired housekeeper of a newlywed couple, but the wife (Gene Tierny) doesn't know she's her husband's mother and all sorts of comical mishaps and misunderstandings ensue.  I couldn't help noticing that stove, it's exactly like the one my mom had when I was growing up.  The kind with the pancake griddle right in the middle.  I wish they'd bring those back, don't you? 

Well, now.  The lovely sunshine didn't last long.  I'm back to hovering over the tomatoes again.  Ready to throw a blanket on them any moment, to stop them shivering.  September in the Rain drifted in over the air waves last night as we sat down to dinner.  The lyrics, composed by Harry Warren and Al Dubin, go like this:

"The leaves of brown came tumbling down

Remember, in September, in the rain

The sun went out just like a dying ember

That September, in the rain."

Even though it's meant as a love song it seemed perfect, under the circumstances, "as raindrops play our sweet refrain". Last night I heard the chorus of tree frogs mingled with the soft rain falling as I drifted off to sleep.  (Such a peaceful sound.)  Yet, while it may be the end of one season, it's also the beginning of another.  One filled with splashes of color, crackling fires, and often the scent of apples and cinnamon baking.  And PIE! 

Speaking of pie . . .OH My!

I really LOVE this wonderful little book, by Susan Dahlem, our blog pal behind Not Quite June Cleaver.  In it she has shared her most treasured family recipes and secrets for making great PIE.  There are "cutie pies" (you can't eat just one), tarts, tassies, pastries, hand pies, half-moons, tartlets, dream creams, custards, fruit-filled, amazing meringues, nut pies, and even some no-bake types, plus tips and trivia throughout.  Two of her daughters, (she is the mother of six), did the photos for the book, which are beautiful, and mouth-watering I might add.  I'm dying to try the Yogurt Pie with Granola Crust.  (She graciously gives us her recipe for granola too!)  Check it out on Amazon (click the photo it will take you there), and then click on that picture to look inside.  Today is her "Foodie Friday" FAQ, plus she's sharing her recipe for Upside-Down Caramelized Apple Cake.  Yum!  Perfect for a gray day like we are having today.

  
I've got some projects I'm finishing and a new one I'm starting, but I wanted to let you know that I haven't forgotten the State Flower Quilt.  A new block will follow soon.  Right now, I'm still catching up on some neglected areas of my home, with a sewing project lined up for the weekend moving toward that end.

I also want to take a moment to say "Thank You" for the enthusiastic response I have received for my new book.  The whole time I was putting it together, it felt like I was making something for friends, and I'm SO happy you agree!  

Simplicity

Irish Blessings To Ya

And an adorably cute leprechaun too! 

Think Spring

I hope every body had a thrilling Valentine's Day.  We always decide that we are not going to make a big fuss and then change our minds at the very last possible moment.  Thus, the kitchen scene yesterday morning as Grace suddenly had a surge of cupcake inspiration.  All good and most appreciated, however!

 Nothing wrong with homemade chocolate cake and organic candy bars for breakfast now is there?  I'm kidding of course.  We actually waited a respectable moment or two after breakfast to sample them.  The cyclamen and African violets are for the girl's bathroom.  There's a huge skylight that showers down the most wonderful light.  (I'd try growing tomatoes in there if I could get away with it.)

Also. . . pretty flowers in an array of colors from the Mister that filled my heart and sent my mind wandering to Spring.

 It feels a long way off sometimes, but I know it's coming.  Any day now.

 

Dreaming

 
This picture is inspiring.  It's a scene I'd love to place myself in.  I've been pushing to get certain things done and haven't taken any time to relax, so I cut this out (as a reminder) to do that. 

This beautiful photo is from a feature CL magazine did recently about children's author, Mark Kimball Moulton, and his storybook home he calls, Sparrow Hill.  There are more 'before and after' pictures on his website showing how he transformed a plain house into a homey haven.  Follow the links on the site if you want to see more, and be sure and check out Magical Moments where he attended a party for Tasha Tudor's 88th birthday in 2003.  (There's one picture where you can see her in the background.)  So cute.

Speaking of magazines...the latest Marie Claire Idees arrived in my mailbox last week and I've barely had a chance to thumb through it.  This amazing wool quilt caught my eye though.  Just another nifty way to reuse wool scraps.  If you want, go to the mci blog for more inspiration and crafty goodness.  THIS advent calendar  is awesome.  You can download the PDF patterns for all the boxes and cute tags and use them for other tiny treats as well.  I really need to make some time for this.  Happy crafting! 

 

 

 

Gobble-Gobble

Do you like my new 2009 November banner?  I find it funny, and somewhat strange that my blog should now have actual live turkeys  on it. 

Because, back in 2005, when I dubbed this cyper spot "turkey feathers", I wasn't seeing wild turkeys from the porch or out the window or huddled in my flower beds.  Neither did I have turkeys or feathers (in particular) on my mind.  In fact, I never thought about turkeys very much at all except on Thanksgiving. 

Just why the name turkey feathers  even popped into my head in the first place is still a mystery, except to say, that the hour was late and it was thought up and decided in under two minutes--which may have had something to do with it. 

Yes, I'm sure it did. 

I suppose I settled on the matter quickly because it conveyed an attitude that fit the premise (light-hearted), and that was that.  If I'd known then, that whatever I created, might *possibly* manifest, I probably would have taken a more thoughtful approach.  Certainly, "lollipop rainbows" or "chocolate butterflies", or something more glamorous or desirable would have been chosen.  Ya know, just in case.  What's weird is, turkeys don't generally hang around my house.  They've just shown up recently.  And I don't want to read too much into that, but I do believe in divine cosmic humor.

Sometimes it arrives just when we need it the most.  Like now.

 

I just need to keep an eye out for it. 

oOPS..make that FOUR . . .

 

. . . and still counting.  Blogiversaries, that is!    I nearly forgot.  Time to stop and smell the roses. 

3 Daughters & A Dog

 We interrupt this garden tour for a bit of R & R.  Ahhh.  I'm feeling ever so much better after a little respite in the hot desert sun.  We just got back from visiting my brother and his family at their ranch home in northern California, AkA:  Frank's Spa and Grill.  The go-to house.  An oasis really.  He totally spoils us with his amazing BBQ and hospitality.  I don't think we ever stopped eating or laughing.  Wonderful times for sure.  But alas, I am home now and slowly stepping back into my life.  Still have some unpacking yet to do, a few orders to fill. (Thank you all for your patience.) 

Upcoming events;  later today, friends from afar will be stopping by, and tomorrow a BIG front yard landscape project begins.  I'm excited that we're finally getting back around to this.  Even though I'll be hiding in the house (with the cat) when it happens.  Especially when the tractor rumbles in.  Yikes.  I know it will all be good when the dust settles though.  Keeping my fingers crossed.  Will report back.

Just Bobbing Along

A night out, time shared with friends, thoughtful trinkets, and a little chocolate made our Valentine's Day especially sweet.  This was dessert at one of our favorite restaurants.  The Mister and I always order just one and share it.  The straws are rolled edible white and dark chocolate-- I can't tell you how amazing this mousse is.   Besides all that goodness, we did manage to get some work done and successfully swapped out computers over the weekend.  Mine desperately needed a make-over and was complaining loudly.  (Think it had totally assumed my personality!) I'm still getting used to the new keyboard along with my new glasses; hitting the backspace button more than usual and feeling tipsy, like being on a small boat that's about to heave you overboard.  But, please, pay no attention.  It's a work in progress.  Oh, and do you like my new blog banner?  I'm finding that, like shoes, I want new ones for every occasion. 

Currently. . .

 

Organizing my sewing room with a little help from the embellishment center from Michael's.  I didn't actually know I needed one, until it went on sale for half-price.  Still trying to find empty 3" diameter ribbon spools to finish the job.  It seems they're everywhere until you actually need one.  (Piglet pincushion from Jennifer Murphey:: perhaps a visual comment on how I'm feeling at the moment--doing balancing act!) 

500 Posts

Well, 500 posts is an accomplishment!  (You have no idea.) To celebrate, Grace made me this giant "commemorative peanut butter cup"!  She's totally got my number.  It's the size of a cupcake.  And not a miniature doll house sized one either.  I nearly died laughing when I saw it.  I haven't eaten it yet, I don't think I can !  Not alone anyway.  That could be tragic.

Circular Motion

A lovely box of apples appeared on my back porch from friends yesterday!  There are so many things that are good and decent about the world, and apples (and friends) are two of them.  Sublime happiness is in the little things after all.  Here in Oregon, we are having a spell of gorgeous fall weather that is more than mildly distracting; just stopping me in my tracks as I take it all in.  I love the rich colors of autumn, they inspire me.

I’m inspired by so many things I see around me right now, including the outfit Grace waltzed into the room wearing this morning.  So pretty!  Do we love brown cotton knit tights?  Yes we do!  And I must say, that having just finished reading Winter Solstice (again) by one of my fave Scottish authors, Rosamund Pilcher, my heart is embracing old world comforts and cozy earthy colors all over again.  Right now, this is all just a vision inside my head, but I’m working toward that end. I’ve actually been pretty busy working on some new projects for you, my dear stitchy friends, and not only that but more exciting news:  I just received my proof copy of Blanket Statement, which I see needs a few more tweeks before I can send it out into the world.  Actually holding it in my hands and seeing all the years of work in book form is so thrilling.  I didn’t think it would be, but it really is.  So tying up those loose ends is going to be my first priority.  Second, would be that afore mentioned apple pie that I still need to bake.  The pastry has been chilling since yesterday.  I got that far at least. 

 

Catching My Breath

So Long September, until we meet again.  We’ll miss your golden morning wake-up calls, your warm burnished afternoons, your peaceful quiet under a shallow lingering sun at the end of the day.  I wish you could’ve stayed a little longer; your visit went by too fast.  It does seem the days here are flying by much too quickly and October has arrived with a storm at its heels.  Time to batten down the hatches and hang on, it’s likely to be a bumpy ride.

Transitions & Practicalities

My birthday bouquet greeted me with an explosion of blooms this morning. Just like here! You’re all so sweet. Thank You for the good wishes, links, and slippers! My fortune cookie read, “Friends are like chocolate chips, you can never have too many."  How true!

 

September is a transitional month, and as the seasons begin to shift it calls into action my primitive side to hunt and gather. Like a squirrel with a good nut, and seized with a sudden desire to re-feather my nest and settle in before the leaves begin to fall, I listed a room full of furniture on craigslist and sold it all in two days! We’ve been busy as bees carrying things in and out of the hive with happy smiles and friendly handshakes on both sides. There’s still so much to do. The plumber is coming today, to fix a leaky pipe in the girl’s bathroom, and will also have to replace the fixtures and faucets which have corroded beyond belief from our mineral rich well-water. And this little improvement has just started another chain of redecorating reactions of its own. Naturally!

Some of these practicalities might explain why the blog goes quiet for days at a time. It might also explain why we are eating cosmic espresso éclairs (from the bakery) for breakfast . . . and pancakes for dinner!