Headed for a Rainy Evening....

This is our sweet dog Abby.....this is her normal position.....you can find her like this almost any time of the day....except when she needs to make a short trip outside....or to request a refill on her food....LOL


These are some beautiful flowers my hubby brought in from the backyard....we have some beautiful plants...but they are the "everyman for themselves" variety as they don't get a lot of TLC from us!!! Poor things.....LOL

And now to what has been occupying me today.... I normally go into panic mode about a month before my craft shows and I have to work round the clock to get everything ready to go. I am really trying to be better about it this year, especially since we don't have the shop to worry about. So today, I have been chatting with my partner, getting dates set for the upcoming shows we want to do (in the Fall)....getting applications together to send in. I have decided (with a few exceptions) to just jump into doing all Fall/Halloween right now. If I concentrate on that for a couple of months, that should really put me ahead with stock for the shows....(ok, that is the brilliant plan in my mind....we will see how that pans out...LOL)

So I am pulling patterns, making lists of things that need to be ordered.....deciding what I really want to make and what I am willing to bypass this year. I am still trying to decide if I want to do our annual Fall Harvest Potpourri....and primitive soap.... I do know I will be making lots of fun tags (those were a big seller last year)....pumpkin dolls......primitive apples and pears..... and several new items.

I just have a tough time making things so far ahead as I am so burned out on the holiday by the time it arrives. But hopefully, starting so far ahead, it will be easier not to have to do so much at once. Plus, I am looking into some small shops that I can sell finished items to and also getting my Etsy shop/blog shop up and running.

Now....About the Scrapbook/Journal....I simply forgot about it!!! It totally left my mind....so it is on the calendar in BIG letters to get back to on Monday. Sorry for the delay.... I just really have been off track.

Just another thing.....my friend Jen and I have tossed around the idea of a radio show for some time....the people we put together didn't fit.....then the timing wasn't right....just didn't quite work for awhile. But now it is back on the "do we want to do this list".....I want it to be about life....friendship, faith, current events, home, crafting.....a variety of items that we can share, and also introduce you to some of the wonderful women that we have found through websites, blogs, books and real life....so what do you think??? Would you be interested in listening?? One difference for us over some of the others (that we enjoy listening too...)--We want to cover a broader spectrum of subjects....and from the prospective of mom's with older kids. There is so much out there for moms of smaller children and babies (I wish this had been available when I had a young child!!!)...but I think those of us that are at this stage of life need a voice to...and we have wisdom to offer those with younger children too.

That is what has been filling my day....
Hugs to you all!!!!
Debbie

Sunday's Heartfelt Challenge.....

This is a post that has been rumbling around in my head...but I wasn't sure how to frame it for my blog. The last thing I want to post is a "poor, pitiful me" entry...but I know that there are far more women (and men) that are going through something similar and it is for them that I am writing this.
So to start.....what is a Heartfelt Challenge? It is a reminder in our busy lives to reach out to those around us. It is not that we don't mean to do something special for someone else...we just get really busy...or we think of things that will take more time, more money--so the idea gets shelved for another time. By issuing a challenge...I am giving you an idea for something simple you can do...not a guilt trip, but just a nudge and a reminder that it can be something as simple as just picking up the phone.

I am in a situation that many find themselves in. My hubby is very ill. We have days that are great...and then we have days that are like the last three...where no one has had any sleep...we are all cranky, worn out and just want to hide for a bit. I am very fortunate...I have a best friend that I can call to whine to at 3 in the morning if I need too, my son is home right now--living here while attending school so he can help me out a bit (this is such a huge gift to me that I don't even know how to thank him for---and it comes with the guilt that he should be out living and creating his own life), my mom is nearby and checks in and is always sending over a new plate of some new recipe she has tried!!

But there are others dealing with these same struggles...be it a spouse, child, parent, or other....it can be so isolating!! People can judge you for being a bit (or maybe a lot) cranky at times--they don't realize the nights you have gone without sleep...or worried about finances....or just feeling alone. Living with this is much like a death.....when friends and family first hear of a health crisis, they rally to lend support, pray and just a listening ear. But even though you continue to live with this...their lives move on and you are dropped from the social calendar because you have had to turn them down so many times. They just take for granted that you "can't" and just don't bother to offer any more.

I can't tell you what it means for someone just to take the time to pick up the phone and call....and allow you to really share your heart...and not just pretend everything is wonderful. We get tired of hearing, "I don't know how you do it"....because we know that there are days when we are at the ends of our rope and we don't handle it well and just want to go to bed ourselves, pull the covers over our heads and hide for awhile. A card in the mail is a gift.....just that reminder that someone does remember you!! These are great ways to let someone know you are there...as a visit to the home can sometimes be stressful, depending on what is going on there.

So our Heartfelt Challenge....pick up the phone or mail a card. It costs so little to do these things in time and money.....but what it will do for someone that needs this lift.....priceless. Find someone in your church, your neighborhood, your workplace...and reach out to them!! It will do wonders for your heart as well.

Hugs to all of you!!!
Debbie

One Project Down......

This week has been full of procrastination...... But today I actually finished the skirt for the sink in my studio bathroom. This is just one of those simple projects that I should have been able to churn out a couple of weeks ago. I just kept going out to the studio, getting sidetracked and ending up not getting much done. So today, I called my mom and asked if she wanted to come over and work in the studio....now my mom--no nonsense--if there is a project, there is no playing around, it is to be finished in record time, before anyone else and perfectly done. Needless to say, it is finished!!! LOL (but to my mom's utter sadness, I took several shortcuts on this project as "perfection" is pretty much not in my vocabulary!!!)

Love my new bathroom....the flooring is pretty much done.....and everything is "workable and I have no excuse not to get busy!!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Getting Week Started......

Yes, we are a family addicted to coffee now..... I love the different flavors of coffee, flavored creamers and such..... Todays fave: Green Mountain Half Caf with White Chocolate Coconut creamer...just YUM!

My week is a bit off as I was called in to sub on Monday....and the weather here has been so dreadful with all the storms...it has left me just wanting to curl up on the couch and nap!

So look for the Scrapbook/Journal post on Thursday...that will give me some time to get some things together and ready to post. Looking forward to sharing!!!

For this post.....since I was at the library yesterday, I have a stash of new books AND already know that I will have to purchase some of them for my own library.....Here is what is on my nightstand reading list....

Hummingbird bakery cookbook.....OMG, you could gain 20 pounds just reading this. The recipes sound wonderful and I can't wait to try some..

Get Out Of That Pit by Beth Moore...what can I say, love me some Beth Moore and her great teaching style.

Seams to Me...Anna Marie Horner (I am really enjoying this!!)

The Slumber of Christianity by Ted Dekker

(Getting Soon!!!) Boneman's Daughter by Ted Dekker....read some of the previews of this book and on his blog about how he came up with the story...can't wait to get this one!!!

Country Living's Farm Chicks in the Kitchen.....great looking recipes, stories, decorating ideas and more...this one I need for my own stash!!

There are other fiction on the list...The Knitting Club, some Iris Johansen mysteries and such.....there just hasn't been alot of reading time lately and I really plan to spend some time reading. Also, picked up some on CD's so I can listen while crafting....

SOOOOOO.... tell me what is on your reading list???? I always get great ideas from my friends for new books, authors and such!!!

The UPS just delivered my Sephora Order....ohhh baby, I have to tell you I am a new Philosophy skincare convert and I just love this stuff!!! LOL I am off to play in the new products....
Have a great evening!!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Something Special!!!!
If you are a fabric addict like I am.....run over to the Farm Chick Blog and you will find a great giveaway for Pixie Dust Fabric!!! Love this line and can't wait to get some of it to play with...I am thinking fun pillows, pillow cases, etc....beautiful colors for Spring!! Now shoo, get over there!!!! LOL

To Make You Smile....

Sound of Music Train Station @ Yahoo! Video

Have a wonderful weekend.....

I am going to be off line for a few days....but I wanted to wish all of your a blessed Easter weekend and leave you with a little "Bebo".....(smile).

Hugs to you all!!
Debbie

Garden of My Dreams....

Ok...I have been wanting to garden--but frankly, with my knee issues, it wasn't going to happen. And I really am not that big on the outdoor stuff, so I knew that I wouldn't be able to care for something big.
Well this weekend, I found this at Sam's Club and I am in love with it!!! It even has the front gate, a hose attachment, lattice in the back for climbing plants.....I WANT this baby!!! LOL
But as a friend of mine told me last night "you can buy a bunch of fresh veggies for the price of that set up!!!" Which is true....but I am looking at the long haul and not for just one year...
So what do you think???
Hugs,
Debbie

I just love this....

Where is Spring and a Studio Update....

I these tulips! I found them over the weekend at Sam's Club and they look so good in my entryway. It is such a beautiful sign of Spring....sadly, my entryway looks like Spring...outside, not so much!

Well, I have been chatting a bit about moving the studio to the garage...it should (at least in my mind) been such a short project....but it is going to be a work in progress for awhile as I am still working on painting, the flooring...and trying to decide on lighting.
Here is the only "before" picture I am not embarrassed to post!! LOL The garage has just been one of those "dumping" areas in the house where anything that didn't have a "home" was stored.

This will be my new computer area. Right now we still haven't figured out why the wireless won't work out here on this computer when it will work on other things....

Part of my fabric storage (yep, there are many other plastic totes with fabric treasures)...

Storage and cutting table area....

Larger picture of sewing table/work area...

Another shot of cutting table area...

Still much work to do....but at least it is set up and ready to work in. So if you want to drop by, I still have boxes of fabric to fold and put away, patterns to organize and small treasures to sort....
Have a wonderful Monday...next week, we will be back to our scrapbook/journal...I hope you are ready and able to share some of your thoughts and ideas!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Retro Eggs.....

I absolutely adore these fun retro eggs....there are so many fun things that you could do with them....and great way to use up scraps of fabrics.

So if you want something fun to play with--GO to Retro Mama
You will find great instructions and pictures for making these cuties!!!
Go on....get over there....have fun!!!
HUGS,
Debbie

Yep, we have survived the flu....

You know, this picture looks pretty much how the whole family has felt the last few days...

So this is the reason I have been missing in action here....and I have missed posting and catching up on all the great adventures of my friends here.

I will be back to posting tomorrow and am looking forward to sharing my new "creative" space with you....it is not finished, but it is finally useable!!!

Alright you all....take those vitamins, drink plenty of liquids and I will be back shortly!!
Hugs,

Debbie

For Today....

"We need to find God,

and he cannot be found in

noise and restlessness.

See how nature--trees,

flowers, grass--grows in

silence; see the stars, the

moon and the sun, how

they move in silence...

We need silence to be able

to touch souls."

--Mother Teresa, 1920-1997

A Gift For God

Go Forth and Read...

Good Afternoon....
I have been online today catching up with some things...and working with a website group that I will have info on tomorrow...
But in the midst trying to read through my list of blogs...I found a post that I was saying "Amen" too and thought I would share it with you.. It is from the Bayou Belles -- go check it out and we will chat more tomorrow...
Hugs,
Debbie

Just A Note...

Just a quick note.....I am going to delay the next Scrap/Journal post for a couple of weeks. I am in the midst of painting and moving my studio and there just isn't a spot to work in right now...so I will be back with the journal in two weeks...ready to go. I will be posting other "stuff"...but let's delay the book for now. This will give some of you time to catch up, get started and such....as I would love to see your pictures and ideas.

Sweet dreams all....post more tomorrow!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Scrap Journal....Part 3

I have been feeling like a real slacker with this...so I took some time today to play with my journal. It is so funny, at times you feel like you don't have the time...but once you start--you get caught up in it and it is fun, reflective and I always leave it with a smile.

So thoughts on working with your book: There are times when I don't really have a picture in mind or a full "theme" for a page... I can see the page layout, or I have paper or accessories that I really want to use for something...so I will do the layout...and see what picture or idea comes together for finishing it later.

The two pages below were layouts that I did for my hubby and son....I haven't figured out exactly what I want to do with them yet...I just got the papers put in (sometimes I go ahead with accessories for the page too)...and then I use a post it note to remind me of who/what the page is for and any additional info I want to remember. You can have the best idea for something...and just know you are going to remember it...then you look at the page a few days, a month, 6 months later and haven't a clue about what you were thinking!!!! LOL So those post its are life savers at times.

The next two pages were completed today and are great examples of how this has worked for me. Both were layouts that were already finished....one came together exactly as I had it in my head and one came out of the blue and was not anywhere near what I thought I would use the layout for!!!

The first page is for our sweet dog, Abby. The layout has been done for awhile...I just found great accessories for this page and couldn't wait to do it. I just hadn't taken the time to get a picture of Abby together and write anything. Today I was able to catch her during her nap, snap a quick pix and write up a short paragraph....run them off on the computer and paste them in.

I have space to add another small picture or more writing later....but at least the "bones" are in place!!!

The second page was a total surprise. In looking though my pictures, I ran across my all time favorite childhood picture...it is of me and my grandfather. I simply adored this man!! Do you remember Randy Travis' song about his grandfather..."I thought, he walked on water"? That is what I thought of this man.

But the layout...the paper was from a "fairytale" paper group with glitter and other embellishments. I loved the look, but truly had no idea what I was going to use it for. As I played with the picture and flipped through the book....I saw the quote that went with this page..

A good memory is one

that can remember

the day's blessings

and forget

the day's troubles.

This verse caught my heart as that is truly how felt about the days I was able to spend with my grandfather. So I began to play with the layout and here is how it turned out.

I don't think the picture does the page justice...but I have to say it was a surprise and one of my favorite pages so far.

My advice for this week??? Think outside the box....don't worry about being so ridgid with your book....leave it open to lead you to new ideas.

I know Tiff has been working on her book.....check out her page at: http://serendipitylifephotos.blogspot.com/ (great job!!! thanks so much for sharing!!!!!)

Just remember...this is open ended, you can start at any time. We would so love for more of you to join in and share your pages, your ideas, questions, comments....

Hugs to you all.....now go journal!!!!

Debbie

Hi, My Name Is Debbie and I Am A....

coffee creamer-aholic...and I can prove it, just check out this picture of the shelf on the inside door of the refrigerator...


When grocery shopping this month, I went on a bit of a creamer binge. I know, crazy huh? It started with the purchase of our Keurig coffee maker....I don't do black coffee, I have to fou-fou it up a bit, so we started playing with different creamers...and then on to fun coffee drinks with the flavored syrups, creamers, whipped creamed, sweetened spice toppers. Then we started adding the flavored creamers to cookie recipes and such, with great results. This morning I made waffles that I added French Vanilla creamer and nutmeg too...they were great.
Just an idea for sprucing up some of our tried and true dishes....

And let me leave you with one of my favorite casserole recipes....

Garden Chicken Casserole:


2 c. chicken broth
2/3 c. cooking sherry, divided
6 oz. pkg. long grain and wild rice mix
1 small onion, chopped
2 small carrots, grated
1 small green pepper, chopped
1.4 c. butter or margarine
3 c. cookd chicken, diced
4 oz. can mushrooms, sliced
8 oz. pkg. cream cheese
2 c. (8 oz) American sheese, shredded
1 c. evaporated ilk
1/3 c. parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 c. almonds, siced

In a medium saucepan bring broth and 1/3 cup sherry to a boil. Add contets of rice package, cover and simmer over low heat 25 to 30 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. In a dutch oven, saute onion, carrots and green pepper in butter until soft, about 5 minutes. Add rice, chicken and mushrooms, mixing well. Place cream cheese, American cheese and milk in a saucepan and melt over medium heat stirring until smooth. Add to dutch oven with remaining sherry, mixing thoroughly. Pour into a buttered 13 x 9 casserole dish. Top with parmesan cheese and almonds. Cover and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 35 minutes, uncover and bake 15 minutes longer or until bubbly. Casserole may be refrigered overnight before baking. If refrigerated, increatse baking time to 45 minutes covered and 15 minutes uncovered.
(we don't use the sherry)

Have a good weekend!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Scrap Journal 2

Don't waste time

in day dreams,

make up your mind

what to be and

begin.

--Mary Englebreit

Last night, I decided to play with moving some things around in my new computer area....seemed like a good idea at the time...till my wireless connection decided it was not happy with my new configuration. Soooo, with a few changes I was able to get back on here today. My wireless box is far more tempermental that I thought!!! LOL

So where were we???? Back to our Scrap Journals!!! How is everyone doing??? Have you started....or do you even have some fun ideas for it. I would love if you would share your ideas, thoughts, pictures and such. Doing this as a group that brainstorms can really help get your creative juices flowing.....so share the big and the little ideas...all are welcomed!!!

I have started a small notebook for my purse to jot down ideas. You know you always think you will remember things...but sadly they seem to flow out as quickly as they came in right now.

There are two website I would like to share with you for ideas.
One is: Angie Pedersen's Book Of Me Site
On this site you will find out about her book. It is full of lots of layouts and ideas for your pages. I grabbed a quote from this site that really sums up what we have been talking about with this...

When and old (wo)man dies,

a library burns. --African Proverb

Makes you think, doesn't it. When we don't share these fun things about ourselves...those stories die. Some of the things that you are thinking about sharing in your book....wouldn't you like to know some of those same things about your friends, family, other special people in your life?

The next site is: Big Picture Scrapbooking

They offer some great classes here...some for free, some there is a charge. Right now they have a free class I am starting about your life journey. They also have one about your wellness journey that looks really good.

Several years ago, I started a scrapbook on getting fit and my thoughts on weight loss as I was working through it. Sadly, some things occurred that got me off track with that, but I know at the time it was a great tool for really lookig at the Big Picture of how little changes can affect your outlook. (Maybe this is something we can tackle at a later date if there is interest).

I thought it might be fun to share some quotes each week on a different topic...so if they work for any of your pages...take them and have fun:

This weeks focus is friendship....

• A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you've forgotten the words. --Unknown

• A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg, even though he knows that you are slightly cracked. --Bernard Meltzer

• The definition of a friend is someone who's coming in the door when everyone else is going out. --Dr. Phil McGraw

• My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me. -- Henry Ford

So what are some of the pictures I am going to be working with in my book this week...

My beloved basket!!! Several years ago, I ran a craft mall in Indiana. One of our vendors was a school teacher that made beautiful baskets. She designed this one for teachers, because it was just the right size to fill with books, paperwork and such that they need to take home each night. It became our best seller and all the girls that worked there carried one. They are so great to fill with your stuff....bring home and empty....leave at the front door and through the evening and next morning fill with all the "stuff" you are going to need that day and head out the door. I truly, truly "heart" this basket!!! It goes with me almost everywhere!!!!


Knitting...I am not a great knitter. I will not be winning awards for designs, or finished pieces...but I love knitting simple items. Great for gift giving, for household items and just for something to occupy my hands when we are sharing some family tv time.


The other items on this weeks "favorites" list:
my garage studio
front porch
a son that cooks
my blog


So dear fellow journalers....what are the faves on your list this week? Have you started your book....care to share some pictures??? I would love to hear from all of you!!!
Have a great week...now go scrap something!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

The GiveAway.....

I have to share with you that I love doing give-aways. It is a chance to share with you some fun things that I have found and to get your feedback on them too.

We are late in getting this going...I apologize for it being late, but there are just some times around here when "life" just gets in the way.

So we gathered all the entries.....each with it's own little slip of paper...stuffed into my favorite crockery bowl...and when the name was drawn it read....

Tiffany Cross

Huge, huge congrats to Miss Tiff!!! Your box will be on it's way on Monday.

ALSO, be watching for a new giveaway. I met Sheila White at the library a couple of weeks ago...she was bringing in her new book to share with us. After chatting with her, she has sent me an autographed copy of her book, Sewn. It is a story based on her family....."One family was patched together with love, courage and the will to be together. They were...Sewn." So keep checking in and I will be posting a drawing for this book....how great to share someone's "first"...and down the road to say..."I knew them when...."

About our scrapbook project....I am excited to be back on track with it this Monday. I have been so tied up with the scrapbook job that I took on..it took far more time than I thought it would but I had so much fun jumping back into it. Isn't it funny, that when you clear things out of your life...doors start opening. I hadn't scrapped in forever. But pulled out my items to do our online class....organized and set up an area to work on this....and then out of the blue I get an offer of a "scrapbooking" job.... It is just a reminder to me that we can let ourselved get bogged down with stuff....and new things can't come our way till we "clean house".....it was a great reminder to me.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!!!

Hugs,

Debbie

Project Unending.....

Hello!!!
Just wanted to check in....I have till 6 pm today to finish the scrapbook project that I took on....it has been a much bigger project than I anticipated...so hang in there...I wil have the drawing results, new info on our online scrapbook project....and more.

Hugs to you all...and back to large cups of coffee, chocolate and this darn scrapbook!!! LOL
Debbie

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