Stolen Words...

I stumbled across this quote on Brin's Blog...A Messy, Thrilling Life.....it just seemed very appropriate...

"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have."

Hugs,
Debbie

Let's Get Started......

I have really been looking forward to getting started with this...so today, let's just do the basics...

First, it doesn't matter what size book you choose to use. You can use what I did--an artists sketch pad (and those come in several sizes)...a regular scrapbook....just whatever feels like fun to you.

What do you need...really it depends on what you would like to work with...some ideas:

• Scrapbook papers and cardstock (these can be used for your backgrounds, to frame pictures with, for writing blocks....or just to decorated the page a bit)


• Colored pencils....great for doing little illustrations...and you don't have to be a great artist to do this. Sometimes fun squiggles and stick people are a fun way to illustrate an idea.
  
• Adhesive...I love the scotchtape brand scrapbook tape..that has been working really well for me. But there are alot out there..glue sticks are good too!


• Pictures.....photos, magazine pictures, etc....just begin keeping an eye open for unique picturesof things you "love"


• Memory Items...that menu from a favorite recipe...a paint chip from your favorite room...wrapper from your favorite candy bar. This is just something that might work for something on your list. You probably don't want to do this for every item (then again, it is YOUR book, use this item as much as you like, as little as you like, or not at all).
  

Remember, this is different than a regular scrapbook. I have scrappin friends that are militant about having whatever they put in their books not damaging the books so that they will be pristine in 100 years. Frankly if it comes to chosing between being "pristine" and sharing a memory...memory wins every time And think about it, there are things that we know damage books....but with the way things change (going digital and such)...they will be able to view the books (if our intention is to share these) over the years.

So what are we working on today:
I think it would be great if we all shared a list of 5 things we love each Monday...things that we are going to concentrate on in our books first. Doesn't mean you have to stick to those if something new comes to mind...but it is a great way to at least start thinking about it and planning what you would want on those pages.

Now a note....we as women have "our list"..we love our husbands, children, parents, siblings, God, church...you get my drift....these go without saying...and yes, you can include them in your book (once again..it is YOUR book)...and these are in mine, here and there...but I really want you thinking outside of the usual...and really think about those things that make you smile....inspire you....get your creative juices flowing....or just brighten a moment in your day. (I remember Oprah sharing once about her gratitude journal, and how sometimes she just looked for a cute squirrel in the tree...cause that may be all she had to list that day if it was really bad!!! LOL)

By next week, I hope to have Mr. Linky up and running and hope that you will be able to share your pictures of what you are working on.

So your assignment for this week:

1. I would love for you to leave a comment about what you have found to work with for your book.


2. A list of 5 thing you love...


3. Do something fun for the cover of your book (you can do it now...or if you want to see how your book goes for a different idea for how you want your cover)


4. PLEASE do or at least work on your first page, which should be your introduction....possibly a picture of yourself, why you wanted to do this, maybe something you hope to share with this book.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments....invite your friends to play along here, it is such a great way to get to know someone else---even those that you think you know everything about will surprise you!!!

So glad you are working with me on this and I can't wait to see what you share next week!!!

***Don't forget to enter the drawing!!! Just a few days left!!!
Have a great Monday!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

**My things I love list for this week:
favorite resturant
best friend
favorite books
favorite quilt shop
favorite room in the house
(Looking forward to seeing your list...I already have pages completed in my book..and you will see how you can continue to grow your book as you find new places, new things, new people and new experiences in your life!!)

February Valentine Love....

Who the heck stole this month??? It is just flying by so fast and I haven't been able to do much of what I had hoped to accomplish this month. And I missed wishing you all a Happy Valentine's Day!!!

BUT....what I had planned for that post was to share with you some of the "new" things that I love. I thought it might be fun to do this once a month and hope you will join me by sharing any "new" stuff that you have found in the comments....c'mon, play along!!!!

I LOVE the Orville Redenbacher Naturals popcorn...Lime and Salt flavor. Yes, my family turned up their noses when they saw the box, but they are new converts too. Love the flavor and just the right snack for "something different"....

I LOVE the blog "Stuff Christians Like"....great thought, lots of humor...and just some things that make you go. "hmmmmmm"

I LOVE the "house helpers" knit pattern posted on http://www.knittybittys.blogspot.com/ . I am strictly a "simple" knitter and this is a great pattern, so darn easy and I love using these around the house and for gifts.

I IMMENSELY ADORE the Summer Wind Quilt at the last half of this blog post...
Simplify . I am a new quilter and there is just something about this quilt that grabs me. I saw the original pattern and while pretty, it didn't get to me till I saw it in these colors...definately on my "to do" list.

I LOVE Sephora....ok, now all of you can just shake your heads in disbelief that it has taken me so long to catch on to this. But I just found that there is one within reasonable driving distance AND my friends FINALLY clued me in to signing up online for their great deals. I am sharing this so you don't have to wait any longer to develope Sephora-love!!

I LOVE my girlfriends on the Celebrate list...gals that I have known forever and new friends that share their hearts, laughter, some tears...but always the example of what good friends truely are!

AND I WOULD REALLY, REALLY, REALLY LOVE IT...if you would join me here on Monday, February 23 for my "Things I Love" scrapbook/journal group....AND IT WOULD BE AWESOME if you would check out the previous post on my fun giveaway!!!

Something else I love??? All of you that stop by to visit, comment, have great blogs that I read and am inspired by....thank you for sharing a bit of "you" with the rest of us...now COMMENT why don't ya??? LOL Tell us some of the things that you love....

Hugs,
Debbie

For Your Gift Closet Giveaway.....

It is finally ready....I have found some fun items for a giveaway. It is my way of thanking all you dear friends that stop by to visit and to comment....and a way to introduce this blog to some new friends too.

In the past, we have talked about having a gift closet. It is so great to have some items on hand for quick last minute gifts...or to put together great gift baskets for those special occasions. I don't know about you, but if I am surprised by forgotten birthday, or just something where a friend needs a pick me up, it usually occurs when I am "broke" or don't have time to get out to shop...having these things on hand, really make it easy to "bless" someone in your life.

SOOOO...what is in the giveaway? I have put together an eclectic collection of fun items to use for yourself or to have on hand for gifts. The give away includes...a set of 4 stacking boxes (these can be used to decorate with or to use as gift boxes), a folkheart notebook, a Mary Englebriet mug (it is large and I love using mine but it is also such a good size to use for gifts--fill it with coffees, cocoas, teas, honey sticks, candies), a small gift book "Apronisms" with fun quotes and two tarts in the Amish Country Store scent to fragrance your home or add to a gift. This gift package retails for around $40.

And how do you win??? I want to make this very simple for all of us!!! The contest starts today and runs through March 1st with the random drawing being held and posted on March 2nd. To enter the drawing....

*just leave a comment below and be sure you leave contact information

*for an additional entries leave seperate comments that you have done any of the following:

become a follower...or if you are already a follower..just let me know.

become a twitter follower....there is a box for this on the right side of the page...

blog about it and invite your friends (5 additional entries)...leave your blog link

I hope you will all join in!!!! Have fun with this and let me know if you have any questions!!!
Thanks for participating!!!!

Hugs,
Debbie

***Also check the post for February 9th about our Things I Love journal group...I would love to have you join in!!!!

Want To Join Me????

In browsing around bloggy land...I ran across a blog that was doing a series of posts called Wednesdays with Mom. (And of course, I am not sure where the heck I found it...it was one of those late nights looking at blogs from the blogroll of the blogroll of the blogroll of someone that I read frequently...I have to start writing down the info!!! I am delusional when I think I will actually remember where I found it!!)

I found the blog!! http://thehouseofwhimsy.blogspot.com

The posts were great as she used an old photo of her mom and then one from today to tell her mom's story. I thought this was such a great idea...and wanted to "blog-lift it". Then I remembered who my mom is....the woman that is rarely found in front of the camera. She runs from them. And when you do actually get a picture of her, it is usually the same look, no..not the glamour shots pose, more like a horror picture where they just discovered the ax murderer!

What makes me sad is that I have so few pictures of my mom to scrapbook and share who she is in our lives and how important she is. I also remembered that I have inherited this hatred for pictures from her, as I also run from the camera. If you do see a picture of me, the one I use in my profile...it is the same one that turned out half way decent, so I just use that for everything. Sad, isn't it?

About 2-3 years ago, a friend and I decided that we would do a scrapbook to celebrate our turning 50. A 50 things I love book.....sadly, it was great in theory, but not something I pursued at that time. But when I got to thinking about my lack of pictures and info from my mom...it made me realize that we as women leave so much "unsaid". And wouldn't it be great to have something from our moms, grandmother, aunts...something that was fun and told us more about who they were or are??

When thinking about this the last few days, I ran across the beginnings of that 50 things book....I changed the title as the book holds more than 50 pages and I thought it would be fun to just take it all the way through. I used an artist sketch book I found on sale at JoAnns....and decided to do a page for each item....

The front of the book is just covered with scrapbook paper...and I used a window and shutters I found in the doll house section at Hobby Lobby and painted it brown and glued to the page with a picture behind it. The words are just from a David Walker sticker set from Hobby Lobby...very, very simple.

As I started though the book, I just made a list of pages I wanted to do...if I had paper on hand that I liked for the idea...I just went ahead and glued down the paper and decided on how I wanted to do the simple layouts. For me, I just want to do a picture, maybe two and some journaling on each page. Then if I didn't have the picture or the journaling ready...I just used a post it note to remind me of what I was planning for that page.

To be honest, I should be a world renown scrapbooker if it was based on my love of papers, stickers, rubberstamps and all the great accessories. But I find I just don't do it for some reason...but these simple pages appeal to me. I am not trying to accomplish 40 of the latest techniques on each page.....it will not be winning any awards......you won't see it on the cover of one of the scrapbooking magazines. But I am working to make it something that is a reminder to me of all I have to be grateful for, those things that I hold dear, the things that make me smile....and someday, just someday....maybe there will be a granddaughter or great granddaughter that will enjoy looking through these pages, who knows?

My goal is to not stress about this, but find something each week that I am grateful for and that I love...and do a simple page about it. Would you like to join me???? I just think it would be great fun if several of us did this together. It would be a fun way to encourage each other and to exchange ideas. These pages can be as simple or as elaborate as you want....it is your book and do what makes you happy.

If you would like to do this, I would like to start it here on February 23 (we will post on Mondays)...that will give you time to find the book you want to use. It can be any size...just what would work for you. And time to gather a few supplies...some favorite papers, pictures, glues...and any accessories you would like. I would love to have you as part of this group....if you are interested PLEASE comment below so I know who wants to play along. I will try to figure out the whole "Mr Linky" thing so that when we get started you can post your pages to your blog and I will have your links here to take people there.

Looking forward to see what you come up with!!!

Check back tomorrow....I have been working on a giveaway and it will be posted on Tuesday!!!

Hugs,

Debbie

Creatively Speaking.....

After all the craft shows for Fall and Christmas... I thought I would take just a wee bit of time off to get a break and then jump back into it, trying to work on doing some Spring shows this year. Well my time off has stretched much further than I thought it would. And I found what I needed was to play with something new to get those creative juices flowing again.

Do any of you deal with that....just needing a kick start to get moving again??? When I lived in Indiana there were several awesome quilt and craft stores...as well as several really good prim shows that I could visit for inspiration and fresh ideas. Living where I do now, I rely for most of my inspiration on the computer...and while there is some great stuff here, it is not like being there in person to feel the fabrics and chat with the designers/instructors.

Knowing that I needed a creativity boost....I signed up with a friend to take a quilt class. Now I have worked in quilt shops, been around quilting for all of my life (my mom, grandmothers and aunts are all wonderful quilters)...but I never had the desire to really step into quilting. First, I am sooooo not a precision person..and you really need to be able to match things up. Maybe this is why I love my primitives, not quite so perfect!!! But I thought I would give it a go anyway.

I have found that I love quilting....my favorites are primitive and cottage look fabrics. Sadly I see a new addiction forming...LOL Here are some of the squares from my beginner class....

And having some fabrics on hand from my stash (and the wonderful stash provided by my friend, Jen)... I decided to play with a design I found online, and came up with this cute wallhanging.

The great thing about trying something new is that it can inspire you in several different areas and get you out of a "creative funk". I always encourage friends to take classes....and go with an open mind. Not every class is going to be a lifelong pursuit....but sometimes you surprise yourself with what you learn...maybe something about how to use a fabric or other supply in a different way....sometimes it is not even what you learn from the intended class but from other students....and how awesome to be able make new friends that share your passion for creative endeavors????

I am so looking forward to playing more with the quilting and want to look into some classes on machine quilting techniques and binding....(that was not covered in our class)...but I have found some great online info on these too.

Have a great evening!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Prepare To Be Dazzled....

Well, maybe not...but I did get your attention, didn' I????? (smile)

Life has just been very busy lately....and I have been composing bloggy posts in my head, but sadly they didn't quite make it to the computer. But tonight I have a house full of college guys cheering for their favorite Super Bowl team (nope, I don't really know who the heck is playing...LOL)...so I thought I would sneak off to the computer and catch up a bit.

Around the first of the year, I started blog surfing through some of my favorite blogs.....and it started me thinking about what this blog was going to be when it grew up. It is so easy to get sucked in to wanting to be like this one or that one.....or needing to do daily posts of what everyone else is doing...cause truly there are some awesome things out there and some great contests that I want to win and would love to share that with you.....but then if I do that, am I much more than just a billboard for everyone else??? Then there are the blogs that post that they want to go "deeper" and share more meaty topics...especially if they are a Christian blog....and then all the followers begin to worry that maybe their own blog is to frivilous and they should have more depth too......(maybe this is why Christ has called us sheep...we are easily lead here and there...)... So where am I to go with this?

In all of this...one thing I am reminded of is that Christ has called all of us not to be a second hand version of someone else....but a spectacular version of the wonderful woman he created us to be...with all of our talents, quirks, faults, gifts, enthusiam, creativity and more.

Sometimes I think we believe we need to be Moses coming off the mountain with great words of wisdom....but you know, that didn't happen every day. Moses had relatives that I am sure irritated him.....had parties to go to......laughed at the antics of his children.....just plain messed up at times. And in sharing those everyday things.....we can all relate because we know how that feels. It is the fun, quirky, everyday things that bring us together and let each of us know that we are not alone.....

So what do I want this blog to be....a reflection of me. I want to share my favorite blogs...recipes....craft ideas....home decorating.....great and horrible movies I find.....ideas....things that are on my heart...... Because I want it to be me sharing my life, like girlfriends around the table -- sharing a cup of tea and sharing a bit of their hearts and lives.

I may not always get this bloggy thing right.....but when I sit at my computer to post....know that I am here to share what is on my heart....with my bloggy friends.

Hugs to you all...

Debbie

Almost Forgot....

A couple of things I know that I am good at: finding great stuff...be it books, fabrics, recipes, etc...or having great friends that share wonderful things with me...so I have two great shares from good friends of mine!!!

The first is from my dear friend Jennifer...she has raved and raved to me about these great candles and now she is going to be giving some away...so check out her blog

And I heard about this fun giveaway from my friend Tiff, it is for a wonderful book by the French General (I have been wanting a copy!!!) and a great apron...click on the banner and it will take you there!!!

Hugs!!!
Debbie

Finally, The Gift Bottle Tutorial....

Well, here is it, finally!!! I just finished the pictures, so let's get started!!!

Start with an empty soda bottle...you can use any size, but for our purposes here, we are using the 2 litre size. Make sure it is clean...I wash it out with hot soapy water, rinse, and then insert a couple of paper towels and shake the bottle to get out excess water. Later, when you cut the bottle open, you can wipe out any excess water that is missed.

Next...

Lay the bottle on it's side and you can draw with a marker the size opening you want. The trick is, you want it big enough to slide your items in, but not to big as it creates an opening that is harder to seal. For the final result, you want to make it look like the bottle is intact.

Your next step is to cut the opening...I start it by making a slit in the bottle with either a kitchen knife or a seam ripper. This will get it started...then you can use scissors to finish cutting it open. I find a smaller pair of scissors works best for me.

Now you have your opening...you can gently bend back the flap so you can easily work inside the bottle.

At this time, I add my "filler" to the bottom and top of the bottle to "cushion" the other items I will be putting in. My favorites to use are easter grass...not the really slick kind put the "prism grass" version. This is the same stuff they sell year round as gift basket fillers and such. But you can hit the after Easter sales and stock up on this for very little money....
Or another filler could be decorative tissue papers...but really, just use your imagination...I think a kids bottle using simple balloons would be cute and colorful!!

(I buy lots of the colorful grass on sale and put it in tubs by color......great to use for lots of gift ideas.)

The sky is the limit for ideas for items to place in your bottle...below are just some sample ideas.

Candies are great....you can do theme bottles, for example: a spa bottle filled with the small samples of body lotion, shower gels, scrubs, mini nail polishes, a scented votive and maybe a great tea for them to relax with. Or what about a tea and cookie bottle...just find things that are small enough for the bottle and have fun with creating fun gifts for your friends.

When placing items in your bottle...you can individually wrap them, or leave them loose to be seen through the bottle. I usually do a combination....wrapping small gifty items and putting in loose candies to be scene through th bottle and add to the festive look of it.

After all your items are in..... I use the clear packing tape to seal the bottle, I just use a few pieces of the tape to get the flap secured back in place as I will be covering the opening with the mailing label that I will make next.

For your mailing label, you want something big enough to cover the opening and be a bit larger to really help conceal it. Think the size of a large index card. You can use index cards, scrapbook papers, etc to make the label...have fun with it, rubber stamp it, use stickers etc.


Now, neatly tape the lable over the opening. I tape all the way around the bottle in three strips...top, center, bottom of the label...this way it is completely sealed. And it adds to the look that the bottle was never "opened".

After the label is taped on....what to do about the bottle top? You can just screw the lid on tight and leave it at that. Or you can decorate it too. I take strips of tissue paper and hot glue them around the top of the bottle. When it is all attached, I go over it totally with the hot glue to make it look like a wax seal is on it....while the glue is hot, you can sprinkle it with gold, silver or pearl seed beads for a pretty look. Whatever you decide.....


Then you have your finished bottle...TA DA!!! They can be mailed "as is"....such a fun gift. I have had friends that delivered these to friends in the hospital or as a teacher's gift with lots of balloons tied to the top... Another filler idea is to fill with candy and a gift certificate or gift card.

Notice on the one I did for this tutorial...I used tissue paper in the the bottom of the bottle...but finished filling with the prism shreds.

Hugs,

Debbie

If you have any questions...just write me at: dailygrace@bellsouth.net

Slight Delay....

Just a quick note....I was late getting home from class last night...and had to work today. So stop by tomorrow for the tutorial and other fun stuff!!!

HUGS,

Debbie

Sadly, Just A Preview......

Hello All...

Do you remember???? Do you remember decorating shoeboxes when you were in grade school to hold the Valentine's you hoped to receive Would you be forgotten....or receive a box full of sweet cards from friends....
I remember those times fondly and what great fun they were.
Whether you have good memories of that time...or not....let's make some fun ones now!!!!

I will be posting a tutorial for a fun Valentine gift bottle....so stop by to check it out!!!



Hugs and keep warm!!!
Debbie

Email me at: dailygrace@bellsouth.net

Crazy Busy....

Hello All...

I haven't forgotten you...it has just been a busy, crazy week. I am working on a Valentine Swap, but I want to be able to post a tutorial to go with it and some other fun stuff....

So hang around, I should have it ready to go soon (hopefully, tomorrow)...

Hugs to you all....and stay warm!!!

Debbie

And it you are stuck at home in this cold weather....check out some of the blogs on my list on the right. There are some great blogs with wonderful recipes...I am stocking my recipe box with several of them and making my grocery list to try them out.

Sunday's Gathering Basket.....

Happy Sunday All....
This is my day to catch up! There have been so many things going on or fun things I have found and want to share with you....so let's get started!

I was checking out The Nester's blog -- now to be honest I really don't need any new distractions but I so loved playing with this. It is Polyvore ... now I haven't played with it enough to give you all the fun ins and outs...but below you will see my first try at it. It reminds me of some of the dream pages I did in one of my journals while doing Simple Abundance. Try it, think you will be addicted too!!!


Debbie's Dream Board by creativegrace

And then, someone had the nerve to mention "Scrapblog"..which started me into more playing around...I mean creative work.

Then...the wonderful Gina of Cat Nap Primitives was kind enough to give me an award.

'This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes for self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propogated. Please give more attention to these writers!'

I loved this...because that is what I have found with these blogs...some new friends, great ideas, creative inspiration and much more!!! Thank you Gina!!!!
With this award, I am to pass it on to 8 people that I think should have it too.....

1. Jen of Rundpinne...she is my bestest friend and we have been through so much together. She is one of those friends that you can call at 3 am...she won't answer, but you can call her!! LOL Her blog has grown so much this past year and I have learned alot of new things from her blog.
2. Tiffany of Making Room for Serendipity....I have known her for awhile and I so appreciate her heart and what she shares.... I can't wait to see all the new opportunities that open for her in the coming year.
3. Ky of Ponderings Over the Clothesline of Insanity...another gal I have known from the net for some time. So glad we have reconnected and I am hoping a group of us wll be getting together soon.
4. Jaci of Ravings Of A Mad Housewife....she just makes me laugh!! I am just still mad I didn't win her Fiesta ware giveaway..LOL
5. Vee of A Haven for Vee....always something kind and comforting on her blog....so perfect for when you just need a moment with a sweet friend.
6. Pam of Prims by Pam....love her prims and love the inspiration...
7. Tonya of Back Porch Pickins....I just love her primitive patterns and designs. I always look forward to what new items she is doing and reading about her family.
8. You....there are several others I would like to add....many that have commented on my items for sale, or about a post. I have been so encouraged by so many of you and appreciate all you have said. THANK YOU!!


Now, a word about books. I originally thought I would do a small book club here, but I have changed my mind. At the time, I didn't realize just how many there are out there....and I don't want to compete with anyone else on this, I just wanted the encouragement of a group to get in some more reading that I want to do. So find a great group and join in....myself, I plan on doing the group at http://www.bigpicturescrapbooking.com/ I really like their lineup of books for this year and I want to get started. If you want to know about more groups, my friend Jen has several on her blog that she is doing and I know she can direct you to a great one, Rundpinne.
Below are just a few of the books that I picked up this weekend at my favorite book reseller, McKays. My gosh, that place is always hopping with people....it amazes me!!!


Just know that I am not totally ignoring book discussions here. There are several on my reading list that I want to talk about here at some point and will want to know what you think!!!

There are other things I wanted to share...but I guess they will wait till tomorrow...I had wanted this to be a Sunday post, but I can see we have already crept into Monday...but let me leave you with a couple of questions....
1. If you are already in a book group, share with me in the comments which one....
2. What 5 books are on your nightstand to read.... leave that in the comments too.

Sweet dreams all....
Debbie

It's Been One Of "Those" Weeks....

I has just been one of those "wacky" weeks here....we started off with having to go to Chattanooga to pay traffic fines. You know, I am not a big fan of those traffic cameras....this might even push me into having to write someone in government...and we really don't want me doing that!!! LOL My son went with me to a craft show, as we were driving to find the place he apparently made two wrong turns during the weekend at the same street....the camera got him at $50 per ticket...ouch. And to be honest, we still don't know for sure what he did wrong...with that said, we will probably just skip that show next year.....

After paying said tickets...we had a few other stops on the list...either we couldn't get what we needed or the person was not in that I needed to see....yep, the theme of the day was set. So trying to end on a positive note, we stopped at Sam's Club to pick up a few things. My hubby was feeling better and was out with us, and wanted to take the Sam's tour...in other words, find out what food samples were available. I grabbed all the stuff we came for, ran into a couple of friends and chatted...then headed for the checkout. That is when I heard the loud "crack" behind me. My husband had tripped, fell, hitting his head on the concrete floor...Major OUCH!!!

First, I was really worried and went to help him. He had a big knot on his head.... There has been so much talk about people not caring about others or wanting to help...but I have to tell you that was not the case. Right away two ladies that told us they were nurses ran over to help...the people at Sam's were there right away to assist...others stopped and offered to help...a sweet lady walked by and placed her hand on my arm and said "I will pray for him..."--I can't explain it exactly but we get into that autopilot of saying "I will pray.....(fill in the blank)" and sometimes it does feel like just an automatic response..like "God Bless You" when someone sneezes..but there was something so sweet and genuine in her response that really touched me. Then there was the big older military guy that came up to my hubby and just talked with him in such reassuring tones....then reached down and took his arm and said, "Let's get up now buddy."
There was the woman that stood by our cart till we came back and then just left....I didn't think till later that she was watching not only our cart, but my purse was there and open, anyone could have walked away with it in all the confusion. And the sweet women that moved me ahead in the checkout line so I could get through it quickly after John was up and headed to the car.

I can't express enough how much I appreciated each and every one of these dear folks....and trust me, I will pay it forward so someone else will know how it feels.

John is stubborn..he wouldn't go to the doctor as the nurse suggested. And he still has a knot on his head and it ia sore, but he is doing much better today.

This week has been rough....hopefully, we have gotten this stuff out of the way and the rest of the year can be a bit smoother.... I have some new patterns to play with, a new class I am taking, the moving furniture and redecorating the house bug has hit, and more going on. So I am going to take a breather today and then I will be back on with some new things..

My experience with John has reminded me of doing the Heartfelt Challenge with you...so be prepared, I will be adding that this weekend.

Hugs to you all!!!!!
Debbie

A Sunday Moment....

I heard this song today while out driving. The commentator stated that the lead singer for the group had beaten himself up in the past for feeling he didn't have enough faith as things came into his life that caused him to question God. As he has grown, he has learned to welcome those questions as he knows it opens the door for God to teach him and take him into new places in his heart and in the world. We all need "Revelations"......

Out of Touch.....and Friendships....

This has been a wacky week...we have been struggling with our internet service and it staying consistent....hopefully, finally, not a moment to soon, it is up and running. Keep those fingers crossed that it stays that way!!! In the midst of having to go cold turkey with the internet...I managed to run my cell phone through the washing machine. Just in case you didn't know...that is not a good idea, no matter how dirty you think it might be!!! LOL Trust me, it was almost a Betty Ford moment when I was left without both of those!!! Still trying to figure out what I am going to do for the phone....but while wading through about 800 emails that I had missed (yep, 800!!! and no, there were not viagra ads included in that!!!) I thought I would at least pop in and say hello and let you know I was still around.

Tiff always has such great stuff to share, and I wanted to do something thoughtful with this post and I don't think I could do a better job than what you will see below. As I watched it this evening after I saw Tiff's post about it....it summed up many of my thoughts on friendship and the dear women in our lives. I feel sorry for the women that I have run across in my life that thought friendships could wait till....till the kids were potty trained, went to school, graduated school, got married, till retirement, till an illness passed, till frankly life passed by. These women don't know what they have missed....how much richer our lives are by the women that pass though and those that come to stay.... May we all be blessed with women that love us, tell us the truth, hold our hands, lift our hearts and kick us in the behind when needed... Now grab a tissue...and watch......and then say a prayer for those special women in your life!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Pajama Days and Organizing Ways....

I have given myself the gift of "sleep" over the past few days....rising to shower and put on new jammies...and then just piddle around the house....even sneaking a nap in here or there. We have had a wonderful Christmas, but with all the hurry of getting things together the last month or two, I truly needed some down time and this has been it. And now I am ready to get back in the swing of things and have some fun here.

So what do you do about New Years? Are there lists of resolutions that you make?? I have found that in the past, it has never worked for me. But I like to start the New Year off with some sort of plan, for my home, for my business and for myself.

I have already started with home as I have spent the last couple of days going through my closet and pulling those things that don't fit, never fit, and not in this lifetime will I wear....LOL Why do we even have those things in our closet???? How depressing to go through all that 'stuff" when we are trying to get ready to go somewhere??? Years ago, I worked with a shop that taught you to make a wardrobe out of 12 basic pieces....I find that I am going back to that, by making a list of the good things I have and what I need to fill in the blanks.

By clearing all of this out, it is helping me to bring more order as I work through the house, reorganizing cabinets, closets and such....and just getting rid of many things that have just sat too long taking up extra space I don't have to give away.

For my business....I am excited to look to Spring. While, I am still a "prim" gal at heart...I really love doing more of a cottage look for Spring...so I am working on cottage cloths, pillowcases, aprons, some adorable dolls and more to add to my online shop and for upcoming shows. Plus, I think I am going to add a line of linen sprays...as I am such a fragrance addict!

For the blog.....First, I totally forgot to do a drawing for our Christmas Cookie Exchange!!! I am so sorry....
the winner is: Ky!!!!
I will get something ot in the mail to you later this week!!!
Thanks for playing along!!!!

Next: I want to do some sort of book club...once a month on the blog. Maybe posting the book the first week of the month and then hosting the discussion the last week of the month...with a drawing for those that participate. What do you think??? Would it be easier to post 2-3 books at a time??? I would love to know your thoughts on this...

Also, a long time ago, when I had an online group and a women's newspaper...monthly we did a Heartfelt Challenge...just something simple for you to do to brighten the world around you. Nothing difficult or costly....but maybe just something to make you step out of your comfort zone a bit..... And it is not that we don't intend to do some of these things...the challenge just serves as a reminder to do them because we do get so busy and caught up with home and just "life" stuff.

There are many more fun things that I want to do with this blog as well as more creative ideas for home and such.....I even have my own personal "to do" list of creative things to "stretch" me a bit also...starting with a quilt class I am taking in January...I am really excited about that. Plus, would you all be interested in some fun swaps????

Alright...I have rambled on...trying to get back in the blogging groove...OH, and I am trying to figure out this whole "twitter" thing...so fill me in on how you use it and what you love about it.

Hugs to you all!!! I am looking forward to spending an awesome 2009 with you!!
Debbie

Oh Well....

LOL...Ok, I found this picture and frankly it looked like something one of "my guys" might try to do!!! And it sort of goes with this years decorating.....LOL

This year we have gone really, really simple.....the economic crunch, time crunch, working to get ready for new shows have all been part of a need to go really basic this year.
And you know what, I think we have enjoyed it more this year than the years that I worked so hard to do the "big Christmas extravaganza".....

I am taking time this year to just enjoy the season and what others have offered. Enjoy the beauty of the trees in the neighborhood...instead of worrying about needing a "look at me, look at me" display in our own. But I am also finding that we are not the only ones cutting back and doing more simple things for our celebration. It seems to be a theme I see everywhere.
And with slowing down....it gives us more time to enjoy each other, to remember what the holiday is about (I know that is said over and over and we ALL know what the season is suppose to be about...but taking the time to truly take it in and see how we are reflecting it in our own lives).

Instead of trying to find elaborate, I can't really afford it gifts, I have written cards to dear friends to let them know that I am thinking of them....and with each of those cards, taking the time to reflect on their friendship, how much they have meant to me, and pray for them and their sweet families.

I don't know that I will be posting anymore before Christmas...the one thing I will be doing is be part of the mad rush tomorrow at Honey Baked Ham...LOL.... But I want to leave you with a wish from my heart. Thank you for reading my blog....for the comments that you leave. I have so enjoyed learning about many of you through those comments and through visiting your blogs. You have enriched my life with your thoughts, creativity, humor, and friendship....those are priceless gifts. I pray that we share, laugh, create and bond more in the coming year.

Have a blessed Christmas...hug your families a little tighter this year, step away from the hustle and spend more time with them without a program or a plan....and don't worry so much about "Martha-ing" your way through the holidays.

Much love and Huge hugs,
Debbie

"Blessed is she who believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" Luke 1:45

First Corinthians 13 (The Christmas Version paraphrased)

If I decorated my house pefectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls,
but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime,
but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity,
but do not show love to my family,
It profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes,
attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata,
but do not focus on Christ,
I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn't envy another' home that has coordinated Christmas
china and table linens.
Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is
thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return,
but rejoices in giving to those who can't.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,
endures all things.
LOVE NEVER FAILS.

(author unknown)

Shhhhh..Another Giveaway....

Yes......I want this. You too can register for this wonderful video camera....just run to
http://inevergrewup.net/ and join in on the fun!!!
Now my friend Jen has signed up....and I am so sure she registered just to get one for me...well, that is the delusion I am working under!!! LOL
There have been so many great giveaways this holiday season....hope you have all had the chance to win something fun!!!
Hugs,
Debbie