Beth Anderson Pulls the Wool

Weekend in Massachusetts Part II

2010-04-11T19:50:00.006-04:00

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that we went to an incredible museum in Deerfield, MA, the Flynt Center, and promised to share a few photos from our time there. For a small location the museum had an impressive collection of artifacts from the 1600s to the end of the 19th century.
The patron of the museum and co-founder of Historic Deerfield, Helen Geier Flynt, spent 60 years collecting artifacts, and her passion for early American is evident in this extensive collection.
The collection consists of lovely furniture, pottery, everyday articles and textiles. I was immediately drawn to the textile collection which presents examples of embroidery, woven silks, bed hangings, coverlets, quilts, costumes. It is amazing to think of the talents of our ancestors working with so many less materials, the value of those materials, and most importanly, light. I can't imagine working with a needle and thread with cold fingers by candle-light.

Obviously all pieces in the collection were behind glass and they were hard to photograph - I took so many pictures but unfortunately only a few turned out.
The shoes in the first photgraph were stunning however I can't imagine how impractical they were, not to mention uncomfortable! Aren't they just lovely though?

There were many articles of clothing, from beautifully and intricately detailed stitchings on muslin under clothes to heavy silks. I'm so disappointed that my least favorite piece of clothing, this green dress, was the only clear photograph. None the less, it is gorgeous, however I preferred the simpler clothing. It was so interesting to note the ever changing style of dress too. Much like our fashion is constantly changing, theirs was too.
The best, in my opinion, were the samplers and crewel work. The were incredible works of art. Just look at the detail in this piece and the one pictured with the shoes. It is amazing that the colors have remained as vibrant and intense as they have over the years, thanks to somone's careful preservation.

I hope I have an opportunity to go back and spend more time in the Flynt Center. If you are ever in western Massachusetts, I highly recommend a trip to Deerfield - you won't be disappointed.

Fun Friday!

2010-04-02T22:42:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter!

Weekend in Massachusetts

2010-03-29T19:31:00.013-04:00

We were in Massachusetts this weekend visiting our daughter, Katie. We have not seen her since January when she left after winter break to go back to school.

It was so great to see her and it was like a mini vacation.
That's Katie with George and her boyfriend, Corey, in front of the map at Historic Deerfield.
We spent a good part of Saturday in Deerfield, about 20 minutes north of Amherst, MA. It is one of many historic areas in the state which was lovely and educational. It was a nice way to spend the day, learning and exploring.

As you can see, it was a beautiful day, but very chilly - in the 30s and windy. What does one expect in New England in March though!

I love colonial and traditional and nothing says colonial New England like a saltbox house.
Beautiful in my opinion!

I love all all of the colonial architecture.
Look at these old bottle windows we saw on a number of the buildings. Amazing!
I could not believe the slope on the side of this house - can you see it?
We spent some time inside a really impressive museum, the Flynt Center. I managed to get a few pictures, which I'll share next time.
It was a wonderful weekend and I hated to see it end.

Lonesome Soldier

2010-03-24T19:27:00.003-04:00

I noticed this one lonesome daffodil last night when I came home. It is all by itself....none of the other daffodils are anywhere near ready to bloom however this one was so anxious to pop, there it was all by its lonesome self!

We had a very windy spring day today. It was almost difficult to walk when I took my walk at lunchtime. When I got home tonight, there was this poor lonesome daffodil, like a casualty of war, just laying in the garden.
I hope the calm environment inside will make it happy for another day or two.
We'll be good companions!

Happy Spring!

2010-03-20T19:10:00.016-04:00

Happy Spring!
We have finally entered spring and in my area we are experiencing an unusual taste of June weather today - Sunny and in the 70s!

We have endured a terrible winter and I'm so glad for spring to be here. As a tribute to spring and some talented Etsy sellers, I'd like to share with you some of my favorites that say "spring" to me.

The Wind in the Willows from DornickDesigns. Just the name screams spring to me and I love the colors and the tree ready to burst with green.

Talk about green - don't you love this contrast of green and blue?

Vintage Compote from GingersGirl, a great new shop on Etsy.

How about this wonderful bird house?

It is so peaceful to watch and listen to the birds in warm weather. I would love to have this awesome bird house (just look at the detail) in my yard! This Primitive Chicken Hen House, by Birdhouseaccents is one of my favorite bird houses on Etsy.

Look at this adorable fairy window -

This window with flower box is just one of the many neat little fairy or gnome architectural pieces from NothinButWood. You won't be disappointed with their creative pieces.
I just love this funky ring holder and purchased one similar to it last year from TwistedRiverClay. I love having it on my window sill in the kitchen to put my rings when I do the dishes.

What a colorful spring pendant this is, Bloom Where You Are Planted by Tekaandzoe.

And last but not least, Karen Fields always delights with her bright and cheery paintings. My latest favorite of hers is Tree of Life Birds. Such magic and whimsy with Karen's use of color.

I hope you have enjoyed some of my favorites. Are any of your favorites inspired by spring?
Happy Spring my friends!

Fun Friday

2010-03-19T20:33:00.006-04:00

Eggs!

TGIF and be kind to your eggs!

My Own "Vintage" Eggs

2010-03-14T21:09:00.005-04:00

I know I have mentioned that even as a child I found so much pleasure in being creative. I will always remember the day I made these eggs. I was proably 10 or 11 years old so they must be at least 40 years old by now!
I decided to cover eggs and really challenged myself at an early age with this task. I used real eggs and put pin-pricks at each end and actually blew the liquid out of the eggs.
I covered each egg (a total of 6) with little squares of calico I cut with pinking sheers. There is no finish to these eggs, simply fabric glued onto the shells, however they have lasted these many, many years.
I keep them carefully packed away in an egg carton and marvel at them each spring when I take them out of the carton and enjoy them. These simple eggs have given me so many years of pride and pleasure. I hope you like them too!

Fun Friday

2010-03-12T19:22:00.003-05:00

For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.

1. The Japanese eat very little fat
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans...

3. The Chinese drink very little red wine
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

5. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

CONCLUSION:

Eat and drink what you like.
Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

TGIF my friends!
Hope you all have a great weekend!

She's Beautiful!

2010-03-10T19:47:00.002-05:00

She arrived and she's beautiful!
I love her and feel so lucky to have this incredible painting!
I "won" her from sweet Silke Powers. Thank you Silke!
Silke is a talented artist and if you'd like to see some of her incredible paintings visit her Etsy shop, silkepowers. I can't wait to find the perfect space for her!
I have watched the evolution of Silke's work and I'm amazed how each piece is more incredible than the last. I just love Silke's style.

Our weather here has remained lovely. I have gone out the last 3 days at lunch and walked a brisk walk for 45 minutes! I may be able to get a walk in tomorrow too, hopefully, if the rain holds out. Rain is coming!

Snow, Snow Go Away!

2010-03-07T17:28:00.003-05:00

What a beautiful day - 3rd day in a row and our 50-plus inches of snow are finally disappearing!

3 days of sunshine and 5-6 days of well-over freezing makes fast work of melting snow. It is 54 degrees right now (5:30 PM) and it was this warm yesterday too. Tomorrow is forecast to be a carbon copy. Finally pay-back for our awful record-breaking February.
I worked at the shop yesterday - it was a nice diversion from my regular job and I had not been there since December. The downside was I missed the beautiful day, but at least I could take advantage of it today.
Hope you all had a lovely weekend too.

Fun Friday!

2010-03-05T18:43:00.003-05:00

Last night, my husband and I were sitting in the living room, and I said to him, 'I never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine and fluids from a bottle. If that ever happens, just pull the plug.'

He got up, unplugged the computer, and threw out my wine.

He's such a %#*+#&%!

32 Years Ago

2010-03-03T18:58:00.003-05:00

Some days I struggle to find topics to talk about and think, I doubt anyone would be interested in.......

Being at a loss again tonight, and not blogging since Sunday, I've decided to share a photo of me from the past. This is me 32 years ago.
I don't often go on facebook however the other day my college class was sending stuff back and forth so I went on and enjoyed the pictures and memories from the past.
Anyway, here I am, 32 years ago in my senior year in college.

Shopping Bonanza

2010-02-28T19:19:00.014-05:00

I had a great day of shopping yesterday and want to share my purchases with you.
I would much rather bargain and thrift shop than mall shopping any day but I had to run to by the mall to take care of an errand so I stopped into Pottery Barn looking around for ideas. I could not resist a bag of artificial pears for my dining room table.

There is just something about pears that I find so appealing.

I quickly left the mall and headed for some fun shopping - at one of my local thrift shops.

In keeping with my quest for new accessories for our newly painted downstairs rooms I found this wrought iron plant stand for the dining room. We have a lot of black and this goes perfectly in the room. It is the perfect height for our lower dining room window too.

While I was checking out the woman behind me said it looks brand new!

I found this little shade for a lamp on my mantle - a total bargain at 75 cents!

Last but not least, I can't believe this cute pair of flats that looked like they have never been worn - another incredible bargain for $3!

A girl can never have too many pair of shoes!

I left the thrift shop and headed over to Pier 1 - my intention was just to look but I must admit, I have the best luck at that store finding bargains. I found this awesome Chinese red bird cage. I did not have my glasses with me and thought, I can't be reading this price right, but sure enough, my eyes were not deceiving me and it was 75% off! Sold - I had to have it.

And finally a whimsical little porcelain ball. There was a bowl full of different letters but I just grabbed one, an A for Anderson, and placed it on a single crystal candlestick. I love it!

My shopping adventure today was to the grocery. I thought I better buy food before I run out of money if I continued on with my decorating quest again today.
Hope you all had a good weekend too.

Fun Friday

2010-02-26T20:01:00.003-05:00

My blog readers around my age should appreciate this -

Some of the artists of the 60's and 70's are revising their hits with new lyrics to accommodate aging baby boomers who can remember doing the "Limbo” as if it were yesterday.

They include:

Bobby Darin ---Splish, Splash, I Was Havin' A Flash

Herman's Hermits ---Mrs. Brown, You've Got A Lovely Walker

Ringo Starr ---I Get By With A Little Help From Depends

The Bee Gees -- -How Can You Mend A Broken Hip?

Roberta Flack---The First Time Ever I Forgot Your Face

Johnny Nash ---I Can't See Clearly Now.

Paul Simon--- Fifty Ways To Lose Your Liver

The Commodores ---Once, Twice, Three Times To The Bathroom

Procol Harum--- A Whiter Shade Of Hair

Leo Sayer ---You Make Me Feel Like Napping

Abba---Denture Queen

Tony Orlando --- Knock 3 Times On The Ceiling
If You Hear Me Fall

Helen Reddy ---I Am Woman, Hear Me Snore

Leslie Gore---It's My Procedure, And I'll Cry If I Want To

And Last but NOT least...

Willie Nelson ---On the Commode Again

P.S. Thankfully the weather predictions were wrong - in our area - a nor'easter did come through with high winds, but we only got about 6 inches of snow rather than the foot of snow that was predicted - like nothing compared to what we've had!
Yeah!

TGIF Everyone!

Oh, No! Here We Go Again!

2010-02-24T18:51:00.004-05:00

Here we go again! Another big storm is hitting! Unbelievable!
From WPVI Weather - "TONIGHT: Clouds will remain thick with snow arriving around midnight. The snow will be light at first, but road conditions could still become slippery overnight. The low: 33.

THURSDAY: By the morning rush hour, light to moderate snow will be in full swing with new accumulations already underway. The snow will become more intense as we move through the day, and during the afternoon and night time, bands of heavy snow are likely. The snow continues through the night."

Give us strength!

Photo Challenge

2010-02-23T19:39:00.004-05:00

My Creative Friends group is getting together this Thursday - yeah, I can't wait. Our challenge this month was to do something utilizing a photo.

I had a couple of ideas but every time I sat down to bring an idea together, I couldn't do it. I guess it was not meant to be.

Feeling under pressure Saturday morning I went through the drawer in the highboy where I have a large envelope of old photos and first found one of Katie's t-ball pictures. Of course I thought it was so cute and she was so cute at that age....and it hit me, why not use the mat that the team photos were in?!

The creative problem was solved, and I found 2 photos I thought would suit the openings in mat - the cutest photos of George and me when we were little!
I love the pensive expression and pose he has, and I love the happy-go-lucky, I don't have a care in the world laugh that was captured in my photo!

It was not a difficult or highly creative or artistic project but I'm happy with it and think it it adorable!

I'm also excited about getting together with the group because I'm introducing a new friend from work who is very excited about meeting the group, a lovely bunch of talented ladies!

The End Result!

2010-02-22T19:38:00.009-05:00

We finally have our lovely new hall floor! Isn't it nice?
I have wanted to get a new floor in the hallway since we moved into the house, 20 years ago I might add.
Promises, promises.....we'll do it, or I'll get to it (since George said he could do it himself).
Well, he finally made the decision to do it and it looks lovely. I guess he figured while we were painting we might as well do it.
It used to be a dark brown linoleum floor (yuk). I did not get to take a picture of it because George took it up a couple of Saturday's ago when I was out running errands. Anyway, it turns out there was a white linoleum floor under the dark brown one, and then a nice hard wood under the white linoleum! Yeah!

We were really excited to see a nice hard ward floor underneath.

The story gets better - A couple of days later, while painting the hallway, he missed his step and knocked over a can of paint!

Can you believe it? Of all the luck! Thankfully he got it off where is splashed into the kitchen and a few other places, but could not work fast enough to do anything to get most of it up that fell right on that nice floor.
So, long story short, and unfortunately a few hard earned dollars later, we (George) put a new floor on top of it. It does look great, and we'll always have a story to tell about it!

Peaceful Sunday

2010-02-21T19:48:00.003-05:00

It was a nice Sunday. After a morning of doing some much neglected cleaning I had a nice afternoon. My son, Brian, came for a visit. I asked him yesterday what he wanted for dinner and he said meatballs - meaning meatball sandwiches or subs. I got a big pot of meatballs cooking and when he arrived he joined me in the kitchen while I baked him some cookies. Yummy - chocolate, chocolate chip with pecans!
It was a nice afternoon and he was appreciative.
We sent him home with leftovers, and 2 bags of groceries!
Now I'm back to my evening distraction - watching the Olympics!

What Happened??? Where Did All This Good Luck Come From?

2010-02-20T19:45:00.008-05:00

I'm still jumping up and down in my chair - I can't believe it. How did all this luck fall on me?
First a beautiful pair of earrings, and now I'm the incredibly lucky winner of a painting from Silke!
Silke Powers, of Metamorphosis generously opened up a give-away for 2 (yes, 2) of her incredible paintings, and I won one of them!
This is just incredible. I've never won anything and now twice in one week. Maybe I should play the lottery!
Seriously, I am so honored and so happy to be the recipient of one of these lovely paintings from a beautiful and talented artist, and friend.
Thank you Silke!

Fun Friday

2010-02-19T19:39:00.003-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I blogged, my Words to Live By. I think the levity of it was enjoyed so I just might start doing a Fun Friday blog!

The Silent Treatment --
A man and his wife were having some problems at home
and were giving each other the silent treatment.
Suddenly, the man realized that the next day, he would need his wife to wake him
at 5:00 AM for an early morning business flight.
Not wanting to be the first to break the silence (and LOSE),
he wrote on a piece of paper,
'Please wake me at 5:00 AM.'
He left it where he knew she would find it.
The next morning, the man woke up, only to discover it was 9:00 AM and he had missed his flight.
Furious, he was about to go and see why his wife hadn't wakened him,
when he noticed a piece of paper by the bed.
The paper said, 'It is 5:00 AM. Wake up!
(Men are not equipped for these kinds of contests)

Vintage Destash

2010-02-18T20:09:00.004-05:00

A couple of my blogging friends have talked about vintage and thrift shops, both of which I love. I'd much rather go to a thrift shop than go to the mall.

Anyway, I've decided to sell a couple of my pillows that have been in a blanket chest for years. Why keep them "boxed" up right?
Long before I started rug hooking I did needlepoint.
I moved from needlepoint to a little bit of crewel, and then cross stitch. I still love cross stitching and do stitch from time to time.

My favorite is the simple brown Jacobean flower in cross stitch.

This Foo Dog pattern was one my Mom picked out - never really my style but she always loved Oriental patterns.

I have a couple more pillows I will list in my Etsy shop too. I hope someone will appreciate them.

Distractions

2010-02-17T21:08:00.003-05:00

Is anyone else distracted by the Olympics?
I am. I love watching the downhill, snow-boarding, speed skating, and short track
I rarely watch TV but this is so distracting!
If you're watching, enjoy!

Lucky Day - Lovely Earrings!

2010-02-16T19:22:00.009-05:00

Well, I might have had to work yesterday but I was highly rewarded for my efforts (sort of). Look at these lovely earrings I won!
Aren't they beautiful? They remind me of Snow and Ice!
Kathy Hardy of DornickDesigns was offering a give-away on her blog and I happened to be the lucky winner!
Check out Kathy's shop - she has some great designs and I'm a big fan of her unique jewelry!
Thanks Kathy, or should I say Ozzy, who picked my name as the winner.

These Snow and Ice earrings are a perfect compliment to my winter. After the ton of snow we've gotten now the side effects start.
There is so much snow and ice built up on the roof that the gutters are iced over with 6-8 inches of solid ice. We woke last night in the middle of the night to hear "drip, drip, drip" and found ice was dripping in between our storm and inside window over our bed. It builds up and has no where to go. The worst case scenario is it will build up inside the window and start seeping into the house down the interior wall under the window. This happened once before in our living room and I am really hoping it does not happen this time in our bedroom. We have towels in between the windows and we will have to get up every couple of hours tonight to change the towels hoping to prevent the worst.
George got out on a ladder this morning trying to get some of it off the roof but is is solid and not budging. We're hoping for some sun to help melt it and loosen it a little but mostly cloudy days are predicted. Darn.
Oh what a winter!

Happy President's Day

2010-02-15T19:37:00.003-05:00

Happy President's Day to all, however for some, just another work day.

This is the first time in my entire working career I've had to work on President's Day. It was ok - at least I was busy and actually forgot I was working on a "holiday".
For us at my new company it is a long stretch between holidays - New Years Day and then no holidays until Good Friday.
I guess you could call the time off last week with our blizzard my President's Day!

I hope you all had a wonderful day, working or not.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-13T23:40:00.005-05:00

I wish you all love, happiness and peace.
You are all my valentines - I love you all and appreciate you for coming into my life and providing inspiration, advice, compassion, comfort, friendship and joy.
I am blessed to have you all part of my life.
Thank you!
Happy Valentine's Day to you, and I wish you all a year full of love and unexpected pleasures.
xo

February 12th

2010-02-12T21:28:00.003-05:00

February 12th, 1809 - the day Abraham Lincoln was born.

As the years go by it is strange how remembrances change.
I remember as a child February 12th and February 22nd were both celebrated days when we took the time to remember 2 great men.

I'd like to take this moment to say, Happy Birthday Mr. Lincoln!

Back to Normal - Almost!

2010-02-11T19:14:00.003-05:00

The storm has passed - what a beautiful sunny day it was today. We ended up with 20+ inches again! Where is it all going to go?
I am so thankful we survived the winds without losing power too. Many were not so lucky.

I could not get around to the back of the house (almost hip deep in snow) but photographed these icicles through the dining room window.

In the Middle of the Snow Storm

2010-02-10T15:32:00.008-05:00

We're in the thick of it now.
I took these pictures from my living room window looking out at our neighbors house and our other neighbor's mailbox, which will be covered soon.
Believe it or not, we even had thunder and lighting earlier!

(click on the photo for a larger view)

Obviously, I got a "snow day" today - work is closed.

update - about an hour after these pictures were taken we were in a whiteout state getting 4 inches an hour. The wind was blowing the snow on the windows and they are now totally blocked out by snow!

Did Someone Pick Us Up and Move US to Buffalo?

2010-02-09T19:24:00.007-05:00

I feel like the Philadelphia region was mysteriously picked up by aliens and deposited in Buffalo! What's with our weather?!
I don't mind snow - I kind of like it, and big storms, however, this has been a crazy winter.
Last weekend the mid-Atlantic region was hit with a 2nd big storm (more than 20 inches) this year, while just north of us escaped. New York and New England have really not had snow this year but we are sure being pounded with it.
On Saturday, February 6th, the official measurement at the airport was 28 inches. Another storm is hitting tonight.....this one more powerful! The snow totals should be about the same however we are expecting blizzard conditions. That fact has me nervous with the weight of all the snow, coupled with high winds, could certainly mean loss of power! If that happens, it could be days to fix.
Like I said, I don't mind snow, but this potential wind has me nervous.

Here are some pictures from the other day.

I know I've been kind of quiet and neglecting my blog and blogging in general - one of those moods I guess.
Keep your fingers crossed the winds leave us alone.

Words to Live By

2010-01-30T20:25:00.004-05:00

If the shoe fits - buy them in every color.

Take life with a pinch of salt.... A wedge of lime, and a shot of tequila.

In need of a support group? - Cocktail hour with the girls!
(or blog)

Go on the 30 day diet. (I'm on it and so far I've lost 15 days).

When life gets you down - just put on your big girl panties and deal with it.

I know I'm in my own little world, but it's ok. They know me here.

Lead me not into temptation, I can find it myself.

Don't get your knickers in a knot; it solves nothing and makes you walk funny.

Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live for today.

*(picture from the Ferragamo Museum in Florence Italy)

Candy Hearts

2010-01-26T20:27:00.002-05:00

Candy Hearts anyone?
I think these are so cool - they bring back such good memories of being a kid.

Valentine's Day was an "important" holiday as it probably still is to any child. Remember the Valentines Day parties at school - making that special mailbox for all of the Valentines, getting all those Valentines, and then feasting on candy and cake instead of school work - it was the best day of the year!

New Curtains

2010-01-25T20:12:00.003-05:00

Here is what our new living room curtains will look like. I love the contrast of the black with the "Pale Bamboo" paint. We have some black furniture that the curtains will compliment so well. As I mentioned before, one reason I chose the paint color is because it looks so great with black and red. I have not had new curtains in 20 years so I'm sure excited to have something new and different.
The dining room is done and the living room almost finished. We stripped off wallpaper tonight on the big wall in the hallway. Things are moving right along!

Creative Friends, Gypsies and Fortunes!

2010-01-22T19:37:00.005-05:00

Last night was another fun night with my creative friends. There were some great "crystal" creations but the night itself was so wonderful, it almost made us forget about the crafting inspirations.
The hostess, Peggy, asked us all to dress-up for the event as a Bohemian or Gypsy! Arriving "dressed" for the party was a new twist and fun, but at one point Peggy disappeared and came back as "Madame Margaret", sat down with her crystal ball and candles, and the fun began. She requested all our full given birth names and birthdays beforehand and did research on us all and shared the results like a fortune teller would have. It was such fun! Of course I forgot my camera! Darn - what's wrong with me!?

The first part of our analysis was a result of our given name, the amount of numbers in it, the total of the numbers, and the number of consonants and vowels.

My number was 11 (the highest)- the first of the master of numbers associated with idealistic concepts and spiritual issues. I have an inborn inner strength, with a very strong intuition, and a sense deeply concerned and supportive of art, music and beauty in any form. It stated I would make an excellent teacher, social worker or advisor and, strangely enough, I was a social worker at one time right out of college! On the negative side, I tend to want to spread the illumination of my knowledge to others irrespective of their desire or need.

My soul urge number is 3 - which has a strong desire for personal expression, with an upbeat attitude and a good mental and emotional balance. (On the negative side I am too easy going and too optimistic).

Next was our birthday sign and I am a Leo. I think we all know the general characteristics associated with zodiac signs, but in a nutshell, I'm masterful, like authority, aspire towards an ideal, like to give advice, I'm honest, frank, loyal, open and sincere. On the negative, I'm proud, vain and arrogant!

It was amazing how many of the traits were really right on for a lot of us.
A truly fun evening! No one will be able to "top" that evening.

Not the Way I Planned it!

2010-01-20T18:48:00.006-05:00

The only good news today was I could see our paint in the daylight before leaving for work and thought it looked great.....I was happy the sun was shinning!

I got to work and was bomb-barded and got stuck with a project - my boss was traveling and emailed me to get something done which will need to be presented to the Chairman when he is back in the office on Friday. I'm still so new I don't understand the business but am quickly learning my boss delegates a lot to me (which is over my head more times than not).
Thankfully I found someone to help me with the project but it meant putting other work aside. I finished the project at 4:30 PM and then needed to get some other work done - I got what I "had" to get done by 6 PM. All this knowing I had a basketball game to go to.
I could not go :-(

I "won" the tickets for tonight and was really looking forward to going but called George at 4:45 PM to say I could not go, so he asked Brian to go. I know they will have a great night, with incredible seats at a good game, but it is not the way it was supposed to be!
So here I sit alone, eating my scrambled eggs for dinner, with a bottle of beer! I think I deserve this cold refreshing beer!
I work my butt off at this job and it was so annoying the way the day turned out.
Thanks for letting me vent. Thanks for listening!!!

Paint in Daylight

2010-01-20T08:03:00.004-05:00

I was able to get a quick pic before work. A good part of the walls are done and George put one coat on the mantle just to show the contrast - I love it! I can't wait till it's done. Doing all the trim and windows will be time consuming but it will look so great when it's done.
We're going to a basketball game tonight, and my Creative Friends party is tomorrow night so I won't be checking in for a couple of days.
Hope you all have a wonderful couple of days.....anxious to catch up with you all on Friday.
The sun is shinning here - life is good!

Creative Friends Challenge

2010-01-18T21:20:00.003-05:00

Our "Creatives Friends" group is gathering Thursday night and our challenge since our last get together is to create with a crystal.
My creation is a glizty glittered cone decoration!

One of my personal "rules" in these challenges is not to buy any thing. I created the cone out of an old manilla file folder, covered it with glue and glitter added silver ribbons as the "holder" and added some glittery mesh I gathered, and ribbon, finished off with an old barrete, and suspended my crystal from the bottom! I added some dried roses and my creation is complete!

George did some painting after work today and I love the color. I could not capture any pictures with the bad light but maybe before I leave for work tomorrow.

Finally Getting Around to Painting

2010-01-17T19:46:00.005-05:00

Well, the upside of being just the 2 of us again is we are able to tackle a project we have been putting off. We live in a split level and the main level of the house is in dire need of painting - it's been years!
We finally decided on a color - of course it was the color I chose a week ago and both George and Katie nixed it and chose other colors. George likes Home Depot and he went there to get paint samples - I think it is pretty cool that you can get inexpensive samples - a great test in my opinion. Anyway, the colors they chose (a gray and taupe) just didn't do it. After the sample paint went on we just kept looking at the choices with questioning looks, so he decided to go back and get one more sample - the first color I originally liked! The second it went on the wall we both looked at each other and said yes!

(it is the color on the bottom with some green in it)

Now, why didn't they trust me before? One reason I like the color is I think it goes with our furnishings - we have a lot of wood painted black and a lot of red in the upholstery. When we had just the taupe and gray samples painted on we kept bringing furniture over etc. and nothing seemed to look right. It's that tone of green that brings it all together.

As I said it has been a while since we've painted as you can see by my dated stenciling, which I hate to paint over but, it is dated, and it is time to move on.

We got most of the furniture, paintings, dishes, etc. out today. Being a split level unfortunately all the rooms kind of connect together without defined spaces. I think we are going to paint the main hall wall and connecting upstairs hall-way a complimenting color - what color, I don't know - that decision will come another day!

Escape to the Movies

2010-01-16T20:55:00.004-05:00

I know we are all overwhelmed by the tragedy in Haiti - the haunting images and stories make us feel helpless and thankful for the wonderful and safe lives we have. I feel the need to try to escape reality for the moment to get recharged and what better way than with a good movie (or at least thinking about a good movie). Fantasy can be an elixir.

The Golden Globes are tomorrow night which means the Academy Awards will be coming up shortly too. I always try to see a few movies at this time each year that are nominated. I really have not heard much hype this year about nominations but here are a couple of movies I would really like to see (in no particular order) -
Crazy Heart, Up in the Air, The Young Victoria and Invictus

Over the last couple of weeks Katie and I went to the movies and we saw, It's Complicated (which I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend), Leap Year, and The Blind Side, otherwise my movie watching has been pretty lacking.

What are some of the movies you've seen or recommend?

Missing my Girl

2010-01-14T20:43:00.004-05:00

Kind of sad today - my Katie left for the semester. She won't be home again until the middle of May. Things just feel empty or vacant at the moment. I know it will pass quickly.

The two of us went to the movies last night and saw a sweet movie, Leap Year, and then today I took the morning off to spend with her. I finished her laundry, we all went out to breakfast and spent the last hour together before George drove her to the airport and I left for work.
I miss my baby.

Why Did I Wait so Long?

2010-01-12T18:43:00.002-05:00

(that's me, bottom row, 3rd from the right in the hot pink jacket with the sunglasses)

Why did I wait so long????
I had the best time skiing! I'm so glad I went - it was so much fun and brought back a flood of incredible memories.

I do know why I waited so long - I never had anyone to ski with! When George and I started dating he tried it and hated it. That was the end of it for me.
When my company announced they were starting an annual ski trip, I signed up. I was hesitant about about it but my daughter said she would like to try it and her boyfriend was going to be here at the time of the trip and he wanted to go too since he is a snow-boarder. I'm so thankful and know that if were not for Katie and Corey, I probably would not have gone.

It was a cold but beautiful day -15 degrees and windy, just all part of the experience!
As it turned out, Katie took a lesson and did not like it at all and thought it was really hard and something she did not think she'd ever be able to do. I was secretly disappointed. Oh well, she was glad however that she went and was happy that Corey and I had such a good time. She did say she would try snowboarding and would consider going next year - yeah!
Believe it or not, I was not that sore either. I was thinking I would be so sore I would not be able to move, however just the backs of my legs were tight, and of course where my boots hit my lower shins.

We did not bring a camera cause we were all scared we would fall and ruin our cameras so sorry to disappoint with no pictures!

I can't wait for next year!

Call me Crazy

2010-01-07T21:05:00.002-05:00

Call me crazy but I'm going skiing! I have not skied in 30 years but I'm going Saturday! I'm so excited - nervous but excited.

At work they are trying to start a ski club. I decided to sign up. I've wanted to ski again for SO long and I figured what am I waiting for, so I'm doing it. On one hand I'm thinking I'm 53 years old I must be nuts, but why shouldn't I give it a go?

Being in Pennsylvania the skiing is not great - the Pocono Mountains are disappointing compared to New England (where I used to ski all the time) or out west, however for my purposes it will do just fine.
Can you see me grinning???

My Tree Skirt

2010-01-04T19:53:00.010-05:00

I am inspired by my friend Tommye at I'd rather be stitching. Tommye blogged about the lovely tree skirt she made and the great process and memories which brought it all together. Stop by Tommye's blog and see her beautiful stitching on her lovely tree skirt.

After putting away my decorations yesterday I got nostalgic and I've decided to share my own tree skit with you. I got the best compliment a couple of weeks ago when my daughter asked me if I would hook one for her one day for when she has her own place or gets married!

(click on the picture for a better view of the entire rug)

Over 10 years ago I decided after running out of wall space and floor space in my small house that I should hook a tree skirt. What an undertaking it was and I have to laugh and say since completing it I went in the totally opposite direction and only hook small things like ornaments and pillows!

My creation and pattern came together easily with thoughts of Christmas and seasonal objects dancing in my head. The year of blood, sweat and tears which followed came with my level of frustration and much wasted time and lots and lots of hooking. I spent a lot of time obsessing over a decision on a background color. Nothing seemed to work and I realized my problem was focusing on using traditional colors. Once I could get beyond that concept something clicked. I chose a shade of red, almost a fuchsia, that I think ended up looking so wonderful.

The background of the rug, quite an arduous task due to the size of the rug, could have been very tedious, however it turned into a little creative magic and I actually had a tremendous amount of fun hooking the background. The background was a combination of 4 different textures of wool. With the help of my children we all drew different designs throughout the background to make it more fun for me to hook. If you look closely at it you can see these designs.
I would hook these drawn-in designs and then go back and hook around them combining the other textures of wool. I also decided to make it “snowing” throughout the rug adding white dots for my snow flakes making the background really come alive. I love the background – it’s my favorite part of the rug!
I completed the rug in 2000, and it is 43 x 46 inches.

Post Holiday

2010-01-03T20:33:00.003-05:00

I love the after holiday bargains. I did a little shopping the last couple of days and one of my purchases were kitchen glasses from Pier 1. I love that store! We really needed glasses and I saw these glasses marked down from $7 each to under $2 each so I grabbed them. I love the colors of the glass with the amber and blue shadding. The glass is thick and they are beautifully crafted and they are nice and tall too. I was happy and felt good about this purchase. I also got a wonderful citrus candle that was a bargain too.

Besides some good shopping I put away all the Christmas decorations today - I hate that chore so it was nice to have the shopping as a reward.
Another reward was a large package of chocolates!

Just when we've survived the cookie avalanche, we were given a large container of chocolates yesterday! I wish I could share these with you all!
:-)

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T21:32:00.006-05:00

I welcome 2010 – may it be a year that touches us all with positive energy, peace, happiness and prosperity.
2009 was a personally a year of heartache, but a year of good times and proud moments too.

January – I celebrated my 27th anniversary with Fidelity Investments.
I reconnected and got together with a high school friend I had not communicated with or seen in over 30 years.

February – I became a “reduction of workforce” and lost my job.
I had a weekend away in upstate PA with my “creative friends” girlfriends.
Started blogging

March – began my relentless and frustrating search for a new job.

April – Went to “Parents Weekend” at UMass to see my daughter.
Interviews at 3 different companies.
Had the opportunity to see my daughter row 3 times during the month.
Saw my daughter and UMass with the Atlantic 10 Championship!

Spent a weekend with 2 high school girlfriends I had not seen in more than 30 years in our old hometown.

May – My son graduated from Xavier University in Cincinnati (and did it in 4 years)!
Saw my daughter row 2 more times.

June – One interview during the month.
Went to the beach in Delaware for our annual week at the end of the month, into the first of July.

July – One interview during the month.

August – my son moved back from Cincinnati (and home) to start an internship at Villanova University.
I had 4 interviews with one company during the month and did not get the job.
Interviews with 2 other companies.

September – My son moved out.
Annual weekend at the beach with my rug hooking friends.
Interviews at 4 companies, and my 1st and 2nd interviews at United States Liability Insurance Group.

October – 3rd and 4th interview, and a job offer at United States Liability Insurance Group!
Started my new job on October 19th
Went to Saratoga Springs, NY for the weekend.

November – Had the Friday after Thanksgiving off for the first time in my life.

December – participated in the House Studio art show.

This year the month of December seemed like a whirlwind. I can’t believe Christmas is over and the new year is upon us. 2009 was full of frustration and disappointments and laughs and love and happiness and accomplishments, and new friends.

Cheers my friends – thanks for sharing the year with me.

More......

2009-12-30T21:27:00.003-05:00

Oh my gosh, they just keep coming. Today, another plate of cookies arrived. This batch is a little smaller than the last plate but boy are they good cookies! I'm beginning to feel like we have a sign on our house that says, please deliver your baked goods here!
I was chatting with Kathy at Four Dog Day and she said I might as well just go ahead and eat them all and be done with it! LOL! I like that suggestion!

If anyone has a way to exercise while blogging, a virtual blogercize, let me know....I'm going to need it.

More and More Goodies

2009-12-28T20:26:00.004-05:00

Oh my gosh, the treats keep coming. We got yet another plate of cookies tonight. That's a couple of plates of cookies, a Cheesecake Factory cheesecake, another cheesecake sampler, a Key Lime Pie, 2 loaves of Banana Bread, and that is all since Christmas Eve! I feel like I'm going to burst, not to mention my clothes! I don't feel bad that I did not even do any baking this year!

I am a very inactive person in general. I don't exercise except to walk, and I don't do that in the winter months. I need to stop eating all these treats now! Thank goodness at work I'm on the 3rd floor and I do take the stairs but doing the stairs twice a day isn't going to work miracles. LOL - anyone else out there having the same problem? Why do we do this to ourselves?

It sure is nice to be back visiting you all out in blog-land. I've missed you all.

Wonderful Holiday Swap

2009-12-23T17:39:00.004-05:00

I participated in a great holiday swap thanks to Angela at Pickles on Pizza.
She had the great idea to suggest a swap and paired those of us who wanted to participate up randomly.
Today I received my package from Abby Bohn at The Handbag Girl. Abby has taken her love of purses and started a business of making lovely bags and clutches.
Look at the lovely package of goodies I received!

Not only did I get a tin full of chocolates (what could be better), and a sweet candle scented like sugar cookies baking in the oven, but the icing on the cake (or cookie) was the lovely clutch!

I love it, and the colors - like a fairy god mother, Abby knew my favorite colors - there is magic in the air!
Thank you Abby, and thank you Angela!

I wish you all magic and peace and happiness.

Sitting Pretty

2009-12-22T19:49:00.002-05:00

I feel kind of like this little guy sitting with a grin! Things are winding down, things are falling into place and I'm sitting pretty, as the saying goes!

The last gift has been purchased - I need to wrap 2 more presents tonight, get a few last minute items at the grocery store tomorrow after work, and I'm done!
Tomorrow is the last day of work - we are closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day - Wow, I've never had Christmas Eve off before. An extra bonus is we close at 1PM tomorrow and have a reception/party in our cafeteria with an auction - I can't wait to see what that's all about!

Winter Wonderland

2009-12-20T10:14:00.009-05:00

Wow - First of all, I can't believe that the last time I blogged was Thanksgiving! I think my life is finally slowing down and will get back to a normal pace and I can have some time.

Secondly, I can't believe the beautiful snowfall we had yesterday. If you don't live on the east coast you may not know about the big storm that came through and dumped at least a foot of snow in most places on the east coast. When I went to bed last night the news said 17 inches in Philadelphia but it was still snowing - don't know what the actual count is but it's a lot of snow.
It looks so pretty!
This is our 2nd snow of the season too - very unusual. We got about 3 inches the first weekend of December, when I was participating in my weekend show, and now this big snow!
I drove up to Massachusetts Friday to get Katie and the traffic was so awful coming home we stopped at my sister's house in New York and spent the night. George called me early yesterday morning and told me I better get on the road cause we already had gotten a couple of inches of accumulation in PA. I'm glad we did leave early and made it home safely only driving through snow the last hour and a half of the ride.
I was supposed to work at the shop today - another reason I've had no time for anything because I've been working weekends at the shop in addition to my real job - however with all the snow the shop will be closed (and once Christmas is over I will stop working weekends).
It will be nice to be home today for a change and catch up. Like I said, I think things are finally beginning to wind down and life should get back to a normal pace.

Our beautiful holly tree. I love having the tree right in our yard at this time of year. We are able to cut fresh holly and bring it indoors for the holidays.

It will take me a while to catch up to all of you but I'm looking forward to it to read about what has been happening in your worlds. I've missed you all - you have all become such a wonderful part of my life and it really has been empty without you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T10:40:00.002-05:00

I have been spending every free second hooking ornaments and have totally been neglecting my blog and reading others, but I will be right back in the blogging-swing of things very soon (after my show the first weekend in December).

Happy Thanksgiving and Love to all....

Hooking Away

2009-11-15T20:34:00.005-05:00

The pressure is on - less than 3 weeks till my show and I'm spending every free moment hooking. It's a slow process - I've been hooking 4 ornaments a week for the last couple of weeks so if I can keep up this pace hopefully I'll have enough when I add them to my inventory from last year.
I was not happy with the set I did 2 weeks ago but I really like 3 of 4 I did this week, which I've shared with you. I can't decide which is my favorite!
No more computer time - back to hooking......
Have a great Monday.

Happy Birthday Sesame Street!

2009-11-10T18:58:00.003-05:00

Wow! Forty years old! I remember it like it was yesterday! I was babysitting for a little girl in the neighborhood and we watched it together. Even then as a 13 year old I enjoyed it, and I sure loved it with my kids. What's not to love about it?! What a great collection of characters, a great method of teaching and introducing cultures and topics otherwise thought to not be appropriate. I just had the news on and they did a story about it and it brought such momentary joy to me.
Congratulations Sesame Street!

I've felt like I was on another planet since Thursday. I came down to eat my breakfast Friday and check my emails before work only to find I did not have a connection. My router was dead and it was not until today that I recieved my new one. I went to the public library once over the weekend to check my emails but I totally felt like a fish out of water not being connected. No emails, no Etsy, no blogging, no shopping, no Goggle, no nothing! Boy do I feel good being connected again.
I have a lot to catching up to do.
Life is good - being connected again and enjoying warm memories of Sesame Street!

Driving in the Dark!

2009-11-04T19:39:00.002-05:00

I hate driving home in the dark! My old eyes just aren't what they used to be. I don't mind the daylight savings change except I HATE DRIVING HOME IN THE DARK after work!
On the upside, I can get up and walk before work at 6:30 AM. With the weather getting colder that plan won't last long, but I'll take what I can get at the moment.

I got my annual mammogram after work tonight so hopefully I'm good for another year.

Productive Week

2009-11-01T17:03:00.007-05:00

I'm not sure how productive I've been at work the last 2 weeks but I was productive at home after work this past week. I was able to do the hooking for 4 ornaments, and today I was able to actually make them into ornaments. My favorite is the chicken!
I need to get an inventory built up for a home tour show I am doing the first weekend in December so I'll be hooking like crazy - I hope!

Happy Halloween/Happy Fall

2009-10-31T14:06:00.011-04:00

Happy Halloween everyone.
This will be the first year we are not home to answer the door for trick or treaters. I feel bad but we have been invited out to a friend's for dinner. We have a lot of kids in the neighborhood too. I did get candy and I will put it in a basket at the door. I hope the first kids are not greedy and leave some for the others.

The last couple of evenings driving home I have been so in awe of my gorgeous surroundings - it is distracting driving looking at all of the incredible colors of the trees. It is amazing. I took these pictures driving home last night. I wish my pictures could capture the true beauty.

These are taken in my neighborhood - I just can't get enough of this incredible display of color.

Don't forget to turn your clocks back tonight!
:-)

A Good Tuesday

2009-10-27T20:09:00.004-04:00

I've made it through day 7 and actually came home for 2 days now headache free! Yeah, maybe I'm over the hump! I am feeling better about what I'm doing on the job too - phew!

It was also a good day cause I had 2 sales on Etsy. I "almost" pulled my pumpkins last night thinking no one will buy them now since Halloween is on Saturday but 2 mini pumpkins sold today! The customer lives in a neighboring state so I assume they will arrive by Friday at the latest.

I just added my "Sweet Nothing" stitched owl to the shop. I hooked him last month and forgot all about him.
I need to start hooking - hopefully I can get myself in a groove to start hooking at least an hour every night. I used to be able to work full time and hook enough to have inventory for shows so I know I can do it again! I have a home tour show I'm participating in coming up the first weekend in December yikes - I need to hook!!!

Saratogo Weekend

2009-10-25T20:03:00.017-04:00

We're back from our weekend in Saratoga Springs. It was great! I feel relaxed!
We left early Saturday morning to face the 5-hour ride and meet Lori at the appointed restaurant at 12:00. It was a rainy day.

Driving on the PA turnpike enjoying the beautiful colors through the rain.

Just a drizzly mist of rain but beautiful colors as we started going north in NY.

We had a nice lunch and walked around the town with Lori but it was raining so hard we were totally soaked and could not take any pictures :-(
It is such a beautiful historic area in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, famous for it's race track and the beautiful lake making it a wonderful retreat in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for the upper classes.

Saratoga Lake around 7:30 AM getting ready for the events for the Head of the Fish Regatta.

This is Katie (pink boots) and her partner in the "Double" carrying their boat to launch. Whether one rows in a single or an Eight, it is the rower(s) who are responsible to get their boat to the water.
This was her first event.
A Double is a sculling (2 oar) event. Katie learned "sculling" in high school but not many are taught to scull. The majority are taught "sweeping", which is using one oar.

Katie's position (she is the one without the hat) in the boat is called bow which means she stears.

Here is Katie with her 2nd event - rowing in an Eight, taking the boat to launch. This is a sweeping event.

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It was a cloudy, gray and chilly day on the lake - we're headed home.

The further south we went the nicer it got and it was a lovely ride home -

I could not resist photographing this beautiful tree at a rest-stop

I feel nice and relaxed - I'm hoping my week will be that way too :-)

TGIF and Fall Foliage

2009-10-23T21:07:00.008-04:00

We are peaking in Southeastern PA with our fall foliage. It is a beautiful explosion of color. These are all views out of my bedroom window. Sorry they aren't too clear.

This is our big sugar maple in the back yard that has lost all of it's leaves already. It seems to be one of the first to drop. I love the look of the burning bushes over our neighbor's fence. You may remember I mentioned we lost our tree in the front yard - it was even bigger than this tree. It was so beautiful and I really miss it.

We're driving up to Saratoga Springs NY tomorrow to see our daughter row in the "Head of the Fish" regatta. I think it may have already peaked up that way since it is so much further north. It is also supposed to be raining all day tomorrow. I guess I won't be able to get any pictures - darn - it is such a pretty area.
Katie rows for UMass and this is the only fall regatta we will get to. One of the reasons we make it a point to go to this one is just to be able to go to Saratoga Springs!
I'm also excited to see my good friend Lori Eurto who lives in upstate NY. She is going to drive over to meet us for lunch and stop at one of her favorite bead shops.

Now I can say TGIF! I came home exhausted again today, and with another headache. What's wrong with me? I think probably part of it is the stress of the new job. I need to get back in the groove again. I sure hope I adjust soon.
Hope you all have a nice weekend.

Brain - Fried!

2009-10-21T19:52:00.003-04:00

I'm here - just barely!
I've made it through my first 3 days of work - wahooey!
I'm totally brain-fried though. I'm so saturated with information I could burst. It is frustrating too. It is difficult for me not to know what I should be doing. I want to be able to start working and start being a contributing member right away - it is frustrating to me that I feel like I'm not now. I know this is normal but it's been so long since I've had to go through this I have to keep reminding myself.
It is also difficult to learn new ways, the culture of the company, etc.
It will come, I know, but I just want it to all come together now!
Thankfully the people all seem so nice.

Getting myself back to a schedule where I can have the time to catch up on blogging is something I need to tackle. I know most of you work full time and still manage to find time to blog, and daily. Geez, how do you do it? I need to get myself in a groove.
LOL - as an Executive Assistant I used to pride myself on time-management. Hope I slip back into that groove again FAST!

I was asked to join a local chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen too (I'm honored) and participate in a 2-day home tour of the chapter members the first week in December. I'm excited to have an opportunity to do a "show" again but, yikes, I need to get some inventory by then. When will I have time?

I'm sorry I've been neglecting you all with my reading and comments, but, most importantly, THANK YOU ALL FOR THINKING OF ME AND ALL OF YOUR WISHES FOR ME ON MONDAY!
Love ya all!

TGIF

2009-10-16T19:22:00.004-04:00

This picture was taken Wednesday when the weather was nice. Yesterday and today have been cold (40 degrees) and lots of rain. This weather is too cold for this time of year.

I say TGIF for you all in the working world, and I'm almost there with you! Can't believe I start on Monday!
As much as I have wanted this it will be a difficult transition. I worked at the same company for 27 years. It is not going to be easy to start somewhere else - 27 years with the same company, and then 8 1/2 month of the stress of unemployment.
I'm ready though, and know it will be an adjustment, but I also know I will do just fine.
Yesterday I was actually invited to lunch at my new company - isn't that nice??? I don't think that I mentioned that I am an Executive Assistant and will be supporting the SVP of Sales and Marketing. He asked 2 other Assistants to have lunch with me to help make the transition a little easier. They were nice as could be and I know this is right. I got to see where my desk/workstation is too.
I really am getting excited - a little nervous, but a lot excited, and READY!

Oh get this - I got a call from a recruiter about another job today! HA! I got to say, sorry, I've accepted another offer!

I got together with my creative friends last night. I wish I had a picture of my favorite creation with the glass slipper but I'll try to describe it to you - it was a Cinderella theme creation. She took a "Golden Years" Cinderella book (remember those little Golden Years books) drilled a hole in the center and put a clock onto it (hands in the front and workings in the back). She put the clock numbers (1-12) in silver glitter obviously on the front and then hung 2 glass slippers, which she covered with glitter, from ribbons from the back for a pendulum effect. It was adorable - a Cinderella pendulum clock made out of a Golden Years book! I think it was a fabulous piece. I want to know how she got 2 slippers and I only got one - LOL! Why didn't I think to put glitter on my shoe in my shadow box too? Oh well!
Of course, all of the other projects were great too but I just loved that clock!

TGIF - To all of you lucky working people out there I wish you all a wonderful weekend.

Glass Slippers and Old Jewelry

2009-10-14T21:33:00.007-04:00

I've mentioned before that I am part of a group, we call Creative Friends. We get together once a month and socialize and present our project to the group. Each month we are each given the same item and we all use our own creative drives to create something with it.
This month we were each given a (plastic) glass slipper. I decided to put my slipper in a shadow box. My original thought was to do it with a Cinderella theme but as I started to look for words in magazines I changed from Cinderella to celebrating dressy, fun heels.
Here's my completed project for our get together tomorrow night!

It says -
Bring on the bubbly
wear something glamorous and high enough to be stylish

I just came home from a "Sell Your Old Jewelry" party. It was an amazing thing. I don't know if any of you have been to one but, wow! They pay cash on the spot for your old gold and silver jewelry. People were walking away with more than $500! I had actually sold my unwanted older gold jewelry a while ago but took some old silver jewelry and walked away with $126!!!!
If you have any jewelry you have not worn in ages or don't want, sell it - you'll be pleasantly surprised!

Happy Monday - Last of the Hooked Pumpkins!

2009-10-12T21:31:00.003-04:00

It's Monday night and the day has almost slipped away from me without blogging since Friday! I don't have much to say but wanted to check in anyway.

I've posted my last hooked jack-o-lantern into my Etsy shop. I figured at this point in October the Halloween sales are going to slack off.
He is a cutie - one of my favorites!

Happy Columbus Day too! If you had the day off I hope it was a good one.

Cheers!

2009-10-09T18:38:00.002-04:00

How fantastic - one of my neighbors stopped over to congratulate me with a bottle of champagne! How sweet is that?!
I wish I could share it with you all!

I'm working at the shop tomorrow.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
Cheers!

Sugar Maples and My New Bargain Chair

2009-10-07T19:09:00.005-04:00

The Sugar Maple next to our house is looking beautiful!
There is also another one behind it which you can't see.

This is the one in the back yard.
We used to have a gi-normous Sugar Maple in the front yard but sadly we lost it about 15 months ago. It killed me to lose that tree - I fell in love with the tree before I even looked at the house when we were purchasing it 19 years ago! Our neighbor across the street lost 2 Sugar Maples in the last couple of years too. When the kids were little there were such huge piles of leaves for them to jump in - no fun to rake but sure fun to play in. I guess we should be thankful we have less to rake, but I do miss them.

As you can see by the blue sky it was a beautiful day here - really windy (wind gusts up to 52 mph) but lovely! Surprised there are any leaves left on the trees!

Here's my bargain wicker chair. I love it!

I can't wait to get started on the room. Hopefully George will get the paint and we can get started on it this weekend, however I am working in the local shop Saturday so less man-power! The chair is sitting in our living room right now (rather than moving it up and having to move more furniture to paint). The carpet in the room is brown and the cushion will be perfect. I just happened to have the throw pillow which coordinates perfectly.

Thank You and More Pumpkins

2009-10-06T19:18:00.008-04:00

Wow!
From the bottom of my heart, thank you all! I know your comments about my good news were from the heart. I commented to another blogger the other day I'm generally a quiet and private person but blogging has opened up a whole new world for me and one chock-full of friends who genuinely care about me.
You're all special and you all have wonderful talents. I admire each and everyone of you. You're an unending source of inspiration in my life. I'm honored to be part of your lives. I thank you for that and for all of your support to me over these last months.
It's so weird to say I'm stress free right now!

Thanks for the concern that I won't be blogging much when I go back to work - I'm sure gonna try.
And, don't worry, my hooking will not go away. I actually used to hook more when I was working - always did it at night to unwind.

I went to get my drug test this morning (supposed to within 48 hours of the offer). That was a different experience coming from one who has never had one! For a moment there, I thought the technician was going to stay with me in the toilet!

I decided to treat myself to a little bit of shopping on the way home. I stopped at Pier One and found a lovely white wicker chair. It was marked down from $249 to $48! I could not pass it up, especially since Brian moved out and I want to redecorate his room. Darn - I forgot to take a picture of it and its too dark now.

From there I went to Nordstroms Rack and found a pair of black slacks and a turquoise wrap sweater both marked down, with an additional 75% off. I got both for under $15! Could it be that evil eye again, finding those bargains for me?!

Since I was so excited yesterday I only blogged about my job, I did not show my latest creations. I did get my hooking done Sunday evening and Monday morning I made the hooked pieces into pillows.
This cute little mini Jack was added to my shop -

I'll add this Rusty Jack tomorrow -

Guess What - I Got a Job!!!!!

2009-10-05T19:44:00.007-04:00

It happened! I did it! I got an offer and I accepted it!
Wow!
I received a phone call after 7 PM Friday night with an offer - I was so dumbstruck I could not accept on the spot (although I knew it was right) so I said I would call today. Needless to say, I called today and gladly accepted.

I will be working for U.S. Liability Insurance Group (a Berkshire Hathaway Company). A new industry for me. They really seemed impressed with ME from the start and they moved quickly. The entire process from application, through interviews, to the offer was less than 2 weeks. The entire time I was thinking, Wow, they are impressed with ME and are moving quickly. I guess it is just fate. It was meant to be!
I start in 2 weeks (10/19).

Oh these last 8 months! You have no idea how relieved I am to have this is all behind me - I don't have to feel bad about myself anymore, don't have to second guess myself, and can get on with my life. Oh you have no idea...........
Popped the champagne this evening.
Cheers!
(thank you all for your months of listening and your unending support - love ya all!)

P.S I came across this quotation which really captures my feelings. It was in an Etsy shop, cathycullis - What a talented artist. Her words spoke to me and I hope she does not mind me sharing them here -

October spell'

today my hopelessness
no longer a burden
a pleasure in the taste
of fire as I walk
through leaves
this October spell
holds my heart

Indian Summer!

2009-10-04T13:26:00.005-04:00

It is a gorgeous day here in Southeastern Pennsylvania! It is sunny and in the 70s. A beautiful Indian Summer day.
We always say why can't it be like this every day, but then one would not be able to enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature and all of her seasons.

George took out some of the old summer flowers today that we dying back but we brought these Zinnias in to enjoy. They are so pretty. Zinnias are one of those flowers that never fails to disappoint.

I was busy hooking last night - trying to get more pumpkins ready for the shop since they seem to be selling. I'm too distracted today with the nice weather to hook - maybe tonight! It was so nice we even washed my car this morning. Just a perfect day to be outside.

I hope you all are having a wonderful Sunday.

Yesterday's Accomplishments

2009-10-01T16:56:00.006-04:00

I got a lot done yesterday - I put this jack-o-lantern together (did the hooking last week), and I did two little Sweet Nothing stitchings!
I think they are sweet!

It was nice to do some stitching again after a lot of hooking recently.

I Love Trades

2009-09-30T18:12:00.005-04:00

I love trades and will usually trade when asked. I ask frequently when I see something I want, but find people aren't as willing. Oh well!
I can't believe this incredibly beautiful bracelet I got in a trade today. I traded with my friend Lori of Lorelie1141 for one of my little Jack-o-lanterns! I just love the beautiful beads - I think they are jasper (sorry Lori if I'm wrong), and the little bouquet of buttons - how sweet! It is finished with a lovely copper toggle. It's a perfect fit and I am so drawn to the color palette. I'm so delighted with my trade. It's a sentimental bracelet too cause I know Lori purchased the beads here in my area when she attended the big bead show in August and we got together. Thanks Lori!

I spent the day making some new things for my shop - I'll preview them tomorrow or Friday. I feel accomplished!

Good Luck Charm!

2009-09-29T17:52:00.006-04:00

Holy Cow! I think it is a good luck charm!
(see yesterday's blog)
I had a 2nd day in a row of good interviewing, only to come home and find more items sold in my Etsy shop!
Wow!

It's a lovely fall day here - very windy and high around 60! It's delightful!
Cheers my friends!

P.S. New candy corn and a new pumpkin have joined the Etsy shop.....pumpkin mania continues!

Happy Monday

2009-09-28T19:29:00.005-04:00

Happy Monday.
Still floating on that good cloud. Just added a new little something to my shop, sold a couple of my "Sweet Nothings" stitchings (yeah, it's been a while for a sale), and the positives on the job front are continuing. I can't tell you how good it feels to start feeling good again!
My sister brought back an evil eye for me from Greece and I have it hanging on my monitor. Could the charm be bringing me good luck?!

It has been warm the last couple of days but the temperature just dropped 15 degrees in the last hour with a front coming through.

I tried to capture the strangeness of just after the rain the sun coming out for a quick second over just the tops of the trees - you really get an idea with the first picture how strange it looked. Then it was clouded over again. Temps down to upper 40s tonight - a big chill!

More Pumpkins and Good Things

2009-09-24T11:38:00.003-04:00

Added another pumpkin to my Etsy shop. The pumpkin craze continues!

I am FINALLY feeling like I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. The flood gates are opening up at last!
I've had 2nd interviews with 2 banks in the last couple of weeks, another company called me Monday, I interviewed with them Tuesday, and they called me today for another interview next Tuesday. I no sooner hung up with them than another company called and I'm scheduled for an interview with them on Monday!

This is all so crazy. 7 months of desperately applying and trying to get looked at and/or an interviews, getting only a handful of interviews in 7 months, and lots of rejections. Then in August going through 4 rounds of interviews with a company, only to get turned down, and now this avalanche of opportunities.
I'm trying not to get too excited because they are only opportunities at the moment, but holy cow, this is incredible. Companies are interested in ME!

For you other frustrated people out there - hang in there - it's not over till the fat lady sings.
Thank you all for months of encouraging me through my frustrations.

I'm driving up to NY tomorrow. My sister is giving me a piece of furniture which I can gladly use to replace the dresser my son took with him when he moved out last weekend. My mom lives up there too so I'll see her as well. Looking forward to seeing the family.

Happy Fall

2009-09-22T12:17:00.004-04:00

Colors are just beginning to burst!
Dogwoods (last picture) are always the first and our Dogwoods are in full color, but nothing beats a Sugar Maple (first 2 pictures) which is just starting to explode with color.
Spring is a lovely season but nothing in comparison to fall in my opinion.
I just love this season.
Happy first day of Fall!

Toothy Jack!

2009-09-21T19:05:00.003-04:00

Gotta love this guy with his unabashed toothy grin!
I actually hooked him last year but decided to share him and list him in my Etsy shop.
I put him out on my weathered chair where I took those much admired shots of the lovely Sugar Maple leaves. I think he looks quite happy there!

I'm feeling good today! It was a really good day and my confidence is building.
Happy Monday and Happy Fall!

Lovely Weekend with Fall Knocking at the Door

2009-09-20T15:16:00.005-04:00

What a beautiful day and a beautiful weekend. No humidity, bright sunshine and temps around 70 degrees. It is unusual to have such a perfect day, and we've had 2 in a row!
It's distracting - I feel the need to be out.
As you can see fall is trying to step right in - our Sugar Maples are tuning.

Even my beautiful Hydrangeas are welcoming fall. They look so beautiful in the middle of summer and still look lovely in their final hours as their colors are fading and drying out.

I hope you all are having a lovely weekend too.

The Pumpkin Bug Has Bitten!

2009-09-18T15:53:00.005-04:00

The pumpkin bug has bitten me - I started this guy last night and feel like I just want to hook pumpkins! I thought I'd work on him today but the day has just gotten away from me.
I had an appointment to get my car inspected, oil change and tires rotated this morning - that took a couple of hours (and money I hate to spend however it is necessary). Then I ran a couple of errands, came home and gathered and packed a few things for my son. He and a couple of his friends have rented a house. They just got possession and he is going to take some things over tomorrow since they need to be there in the morning for the cable guy. I had dishes and things in the basement I saved for the kids.
Anyway, the day has gotten away from me!
Maybe tonight.....

The forecast for the weekend sounds perfect - sunny and in the 70s. I think I'll be too distracted to hook!
Hope you all have a nice weekend.
Cheers!

Jack-o-Lanterns and Candy Corn!

2009-09-17T15:38:00.009-04:00

Today is a very gray day - a good day to sit in and put together my pumpkins. What do you think?

I used a nice tweed in dark green to make the stems and the backing. It's from a pair of slacks I got at a thrift shop last year for probably $1! I love finding old wool clothes at bargain prices. I'm not crazy about taking the time to take them apart but the bargain factor makes it worth-while.

I also rephotographed my candy corn for my Etsy shop:

It's a little sleeker - maybe it will appeal to those who don't necessarily like primitive.

And, last but not least, I hooked 2 more candy corns last night and put them together! They are a little smaller than the others, and a little brighter (it's all about the wool on hand at the moment).

A busy day! This weather really put me in the mood to get it all done. I'm sure if it were a warm, sunny day the finished hooking would be next to the sewing machine waiting to be sewn and stuffed!

Smoking Loon

2009-09-16T15:47:00.004-04:00

Monday I talked about swaps at our annual hook-ins at the beach. I found this picture of our Smoking Loon swap. The previous year we enjoyed a case of Smoking Loon chardonnay, thanks to one generous husband, and decided after many glasses and many laughs to hook the Smoking Loon label. Sadly, by time the following year came around the winery decided to change the label, however we had all gotten a black and white drawing of older label to use as a pattern, and the picture above shows the results of our interpretations. The one I did is the pillow (center on the right side). It was my favorite swap and I really enjoyed hooking it. I added some different fibers in mine too as embellishments.

I went for my 2nd interview today. I "think" it went well but I'll have to wait to see - sometimes the process is slow and I may not hear for a week or 2. The waiting begins! I do have another potential possibility after my breakfast meeting yesterday and have a follow-up to that next week. At least I'm encouraged with things in the works. Hopefully one of these situations will come to fruition.

It's drizzly and chilly this evening. Maybe I can get those pumpkins made into pillows tonight or tomorrow!

Candy Corn

2009-09-15T15:24:00.003-04:00

Opps! I did not find time to make my pumpkin pillows that I hooked this weekend but I added Candy Corn to my Etsy shop!

I had a breakfast meeting with a neighbor who is starting a new division and has a green light to hire 3 individuals. Turned out to be a very positive meeting. Dare I hope?
Now I need to do my prep work for my next interview tomorrow.

Priorities.....those pumpkins will just have to wait.

Good Stuff

2009-09-14T15:09:00.006-04:00

Happy Monday!
Lot's of good stuff - my fun weekend, swap prize, hooking completions, and interview news!

I hope you all had a good weekend. I sure did at the annual hook-in at the beach! We had a nor'ester going through Friday and it poured and was very windy and unfortunately there was a lot of beach erosion too. As I arrived on the island (Long Beach Island, NJ) the rain was ending but the island was very flooded any many streets were closed due to the flooding. Thankfully, however we were all able to make it to Annie's house. It never did rain again but it was cloudy and gloomy on Saturday. Some of us went out shopping Saturday morning but the rest of the time was spent indoors hooking, chatting, laughing, eating and drinking!

We have a swap each year and this year's theme was a starfish. I was lucky to "win" a cement starfish (above) for the garden that the only non-hooker in the group made. I think it is awesome and I can't wait to see how it is going to "weather" over the years. We've had some great swaps, but my favorite was the label from Smooking Loon wine. We each hooked our own interpretation of it. Last year I stepped out of my box and did a collage for my swap which was a Santa theme.

I was able to hook 2 jack-o-lanterns and will hopefully get them made into pillows this week. A good accomplishment!

Last but not least, I received a call for a 2nd interview which is scheduled for this Wednesday, and also received a preliminary call about another position I just applied to.
Lot's of good things!

Welcome the New Season, Friendship, and Hook-in

2009-09-10T14:15:00.007-04:00

Since I mentioned the other day we are in a new season, I was inspired to welcome autumn with my swirled pumpkin stitching. I think it is sweet and I'm happy with it.

I want to thank you all for your encouraging words and prayers. You all mean so much to me and I do realize my life is good and I'm lucky to be loved!

I was so touched by my special friend Lori Eurto, a very talented jewelry designer - I blogged about seeing her recently at the bead show with Kelley Wenzel, who makes beautiful lamp work beads. We were looking at Kelley's beautiful beads and I picked up a gorgeous green elongated bead and told Kelley I loved it. She told me to take it (wow) and Lori said she would take it and use it in a piece of jewelry for me. Well, lo and behold, Lori being the incredibly generous friend she is, made a necklace for me with Kelley's bead, and made the necklace as a special gift to cheer me and give me encouragement to be strong and press on after my recent defeat!
I received the package today and was totally blow away - in addition to the necklace Lori added a pair of earrings she knew I liked, and it was all beautifully packaged with a lovely note.

I just love the necklace and the originality of it. You can see Kelley's lovely bead and I love that Lori chose the tree pendant - it speaks to me of life and strength.
THANK YOU Lori (and Kelley for that special bead).

I'm leaving for the beach (Long Beach Island, NJ) tomorrow for the "annual hooking at the beach" so I won't have time to blog. The forecast does not look good but who cares. It's the creative togetherness that matters. Chilly rain and wind are predicted for tomorrow, ending Saturday. Maybe Sunday morning we will see the sun before we go.
I hope the sun is shining for you - have a great weekend.

Silly Little Swap Project

2009-09-09T15:05:00.007-04:00

My silly little swap project is not doing it for me! I don't know if it is because I did not like the subject matter (starfish) or because it has been so long since I have hooked anything, but it is just not doing it for me.
I'm going to my annual rug hooking at the beach (Long Beach Island, NJ) at Annie's house with the annual gang of hookers on Friday, and our swap project was a starfish. I've had a year to come up with the idea/finished product and I just started it 3 nights ago. From the beginning I could not visualize anything in my head. I'm thinking it is just not a subject my brain wanted to work with. I love hooking fish, but the idea of a starfish just was a total blank.

Looking at it now, it almost reminds me of Patrick on Sponge Bob - oh no! Does anyone else see Patrick - LOL?
Oh well, this is not one of my better designs but we all have our better and inferior pieces don't we?
I'm anxious to see what I win in the swap!

Yesterday was encouraging. I actually got a preliminary phone call about a job. Hopefully they will call back for an interview and hopefully that was the first of more calls I'll receive.

Tuesday, September 8th - an Open Door

2009-09-08T08:18:00.003-04:00

Hi my friends. Here I am after an unwanted hiatus. I missed you all, and thank you for missing me, and for your concern. I needed to work through last week, looking ahead to Tuesday, September 8th, the day after Labor Day, the long holiday weekend, the end of summer, and hopefully the start of a new and better season. I never thought I’d ever want that Tuesday after Labor Day to hurry up and get here, but this year I sure did, and it’s here.

Last week I floundered – I could not even follow any of your blogs (I’m sure I missed a lot), let alone write mine – it was a bad week.
As you all know I was excited and feeling somewhat relieved at having a 4th interview (at the same company). I was thinking I would finally see that light at the end of the tunnel, but that tunnel was pitch-black. I found out last week I did not get the job – can you believe it (no one else can)? Anyway it knocked me out! 7 months of constant rejection just knocked me out!

I got the call early in the afternoon on Tuesday, after I sent them an email when there was no communication from them for 10 days. We had tickets to go the Phillies game that night. My daughter asked in the beginning of the summer if we’d take her to a game before she went back to school and it was a family event we were really looking forward to. Needless to say I did not want to go and just wanted to jump in a hole and bury myself. I got myself together for her sake and we all went and I’m glad I did because I was able to forget and enjoy. Driving home however, the closer we got to home reality started setting back in and so did my funk.

Thankfully Wednesday we were so busy getting Katie packed and ready to go to school on Thursday that the distraction was a welcome one. Thursday was a very lonesome day which did not help and certainly left a hole in my heart – I am used to her being away and it was not at all like leaving as a freshman, however I still miss her, probably more so because things in my life just seem so wrong. I know she is happy and could not wait to get back.

Funk and all, I got right back on that job-horse and applied to a few more jobs, however being a couple of days before the big Labor Day weekend it was kind of frustrating knowing there would be a longer wait before I hopefully start getting responses, and the ultimate – interviews!

I went to TJ Maxx Sunday and saw a nice jacket at a real bargain price – just the thing I need for interviews. This new jacket will bring me luck. I’m ready!

OK – we’re in a “new season” and this is going to be where I see the light and can actually walk through that new door into the working world and a wonderful new opportunity, right?
I’m feeling good – this has to be right!

P.S. All of this positive energy seems to have sparked my creative energy which has been gone for a while. I've done some stitching but not much. Picked it up yesterday and I'm still going. Most importantly, I have not hooked in months and I hooked for hours last night :-)

Great American Suffragettes

2009-08-27T14:45:00.007-04:00

I have a new follower - actually a have a couple of new followers in the last week and I truly mean it when I say, I love you all and are SO delighted you find me interesting enough to spend some time with me. I think you are ALL amazing, and thank you all for choosing to spend a couple minutes of your day with me!

Anyway, this new individual creates (among other things) wonderful American Suffragette figures which I think are so different and so special that I wanted to share them with you. Her name is Lenae May and she is a mixed media fiber artist. You have to see some of her fabulous works of art. I just love everything she does! Stop by her blog for a treat!

I love mixed media and have dabbled in it myself. A couple of you faithful friends out there are also very talented mixed media artists and I know your art was what initially attracted me to your blog. There is just something so expressive about mixed media art!

Don't ya just love these whimsical suffragettes? Thank you Lenae May for stopping by my blog and for sharing your talent with us.

Old Friends, New Friends and Julia!

2009-08-24T14:29:00.005-04:00

I had such a nice weekend as my title implies. I mentioned in my last blog my friend Lori came down from NY state for the bead show and it was so great to spend time with her, and to make a new friend, Kelley Wenzel. Any friend of Lori's has got to be great, and Kelley sure is. She is so easy to talk to and to get to know, and she has the same passion about making her beautiful lampwork beads as Lori does about jewelry. Both are amazingly talented.

Friday we met for dinner, headed back to their hotel and then spent some time chatting over dessert, and sharing a glass of wine. Kelley made an amazing cake and brought it with her (I'm waiting for her to blog the recipe). What could be better - good company, wine and a Mississippi Mud Cake!

Here's Lori and me -

and Kelley and me -

They had a spectacular day at the big bead show which I did not attend, but we decided to meet Saturday night for a movie and see Julie and Julia - I loved it - a wonderful story, inspiring and heart-warming, and very funny too. Meryl Streep can do anything - wow she is amazing! She really nailed this role and captured Julia Child so well. I highly recommend the movie - you won't be disappointed.

Thanks for a nice weekend Lori and Kelley!

TGIF

2009-08-21T08:23:00.004-04:00

Happy Friday everyone!
I'm anxious for this day to begin. I have interview #4 this afternoon. Gosh I hope I make it through this one and then I hope they make a decision. This has been dragging on however the good news is they are still interested!
More good news - yesterday I received a call from another financial institution I applied to and they want me to interview on Tuesday - when it rains it pours. I certainly happily accepted the interview. I really like the company I've been continuing to interview with but I'm not going to put all my eggs in one basket and assume an offer will be made. Like the saying goes, it ain't over till the fat lady sings, and I don't hear any singing, so I'm still actively pursuing all opportunities.
Last night I saw a third "perfect fit" opportunity too and applied to it. All of a sudden it seems like things are opening up. I sure hope so. I know there are lots of people in the same situation I'm in, or worse (who have been unemployed longer). I sure hope I'm right and all of our searches will soon have positive results.

My friend, Lori Eurto is coming to Philly from upstate NY. She is a talented jewelry designer on Etsy, Lorelei1141, and attending a big bead show in this area. Also, her friend Kelley of Kelleysbeads is meeting Lori here and I know they are excited about some serious bead shopping. I'm excited cause I get to see Lori tonight, and meet Kelley - we are having dinner together. The bead show is at the convention center in King of Prussia, PA, which is only a couple of miles away from me.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Vacation #2 to Italy (Florence and Tuscany)

2009-08-20T16:24:00.017-04:00

I'm still feeling nostalgic and missing traveling, especially missing Italy! It was 2 years ago that we took this trip. I hope you don't mind me sharing my 2nd Italian adventure with you. As I mentioned, we had such a good time that my sister immediately started talking Italy again and she and her husband booked a villa in Tuscany and invited all of us back again! When opportunity knocks..........
Speaking of opportunity, we had luck with us with our flight over - we ended up flying over in business class rather than coach. My brother-in-law does a lot of flying on a particular airline and on the date of our departure over to Pisa, the plane was not completely sold out and only a few seats in business class were occupied. The attendant approached my brother-in-law and stated that they would like to move his family into business class - he said there were others traveling with him, the airline said no problem and we all got moved into business class!!! That was like being spoiled like you would not believe - what a pleasure!

Upon arrival into Pisa we headed over to the leaning tower which was an incredible sight, and then drove over to Florence first. We spent the first 3 nights in Florence and then went out to the Tuscan countryside.
Oh Florence - what a dreamy little city. I just adored everything about it.

This is the view from our hotel

and pictures in Florence -

Katie and I beside a cool sporty Alpha Romeo

Tuscany was lovely - everything you would imagine it to be however we liked Umbria better. Umbria was just as beautiful but much less crowded.
These next 2 pictures are in Sienna -

Scenes from Tuscany-

Thank goodness for memories and photographs.
If you have never been, I would highly recommend Italy. It is a wonderful and beautiful country. The people are friendly, the scenery spectacular and the food out of this world!

By the way, my profile picture was taken in Tuscany!

Our Trip to Itay (Rome and Umbria)

2009-08-19T09:31:00.019-04:00

Ciao! Buon Giorno! I'm feeling very nostalgic - 3 years ago today we left for Italy for the first time. We had such a great time that we went again the following year too. Just my daughter Katie and I went and both times we traveled with family and friends (14 of us in total). I knew at the time circumstances may never allow us to go again (or at least for a long time) so we took full advantage of the opportunity, and the generosity of my brother-in-law renting a villa for all of us.

The first year we spent 3 nights in a hotel in Rome and then went on to a villa in Torgiano in Umbria. I took a ton of pictures and I'll share a couple with you - this posting is about our Rome/Umbria trip.

In Rome we saw the Colosseum, The Vatican, The Pantheon, The Trevi Fountain, The Forum, The Spanish Steps and more. It was all so incredible but I thought the ruins of The Forum was the most impressive.
The food, the culture, the architecture, the landscape, the language - everything was so lovely and magical.

Just as we arrived at The Vatican a storm rolled in - I was able to capture this photo before the rain came down.
This is the dome inside St. Peter's

My favorite picture from the ruins of The Forum

After leaving Rome and moving out to Umbria one of the first places we went to was Assisi.

Almost everyday we went to a different "hill town" and here are some pictures just showcasing views of the beautiful Italian architecture and landscape in Umbria.

It was so relaxing and everyone was free to do whatever they wanted. If they wanted to stay home by the pool they could or if the wanted to venture out to explore the neighboring towns - there was always a group doing one or the other.
The villa was lovely and, making it a total taste-of-Italy experience my sister and brother-in-law ordered 4 dinners to be cooked for us during our week long stay - it was such an incredible part of the trip. Talk about spoiled - did I feel spoiled!
This is our "dining room" at the villa where our prepared dinners were served. They were course after course of incredible food and drink.

I loved taking walks from the villa - there were vineyards, olive trees, fruit trees and all sorts of vegetables growing all around -

My sister and her family have continued with their European summer trips and right now they are on a Mediterranean cruise and my brother-in-law texted me to say they missed us in Rome (upon their arrival for the cruise).
I can't help feeling nostalgic but I have my pictures and my memories to cherish forever!

Garden Update

2009-08-18T10:01:00.012-04:00

It is very hot this week - we are officially in a heat wave with consecutive days in the 90's and, of course, that familiar humidity! Trying to get out earlier and earlier for my walks cause otherwise it is just too dang hot!

When I came back from walking I grabbed my camera to take some updated pics of our garden which I thought I'd share with you.

I just love Phlox - in my opinion it is one of the best flowering plants in a garden and never seems to disappoint. They grow well in both the full sun and shade and continue to fill up our garden beautifully year after year. They attract so many butterflies and honey bees.

Speaking of butterflies, here is our Butterfly Bush, with one of our many birdhouses in the background. We had a family of house wrens in the upper "apartment" this season.

Last year George brought home these cool birds for our garden that one of his customers no longer wanted. There were 3 of them. I'm not sure what they are, herons maybe, but they look so great and I'm happy to have them.

Look at this lone little Morning Glory which has wrapped itself around the stalk of an old Hosta bloom. Guess that's why George does not like Morning Glories and says they are too invasive.

Happy Friday!

2009-08-14T08:57:00.003-04:00

It's Friday again. Gosh, these weeks are flying by. I can't believe August is half over already!
I finished my stitching Wednesday night and framed it yesterday. I was able to work on it last week while I was working at the shop. Actually I stitched most of it at the shop. Like a lot of my recent stitchings, it is a melting pot of different patterns and motifs. I like the saying, IN VIRTUOUS WAYS I SPEND MY DAYS, and will probably use that saying again. The alphabet is pretty standard and except for the big bird (taken from a Sheepish Designs pattern) the other birds and flowers were kind of half made up, half taken from patterns.

I've seen some nice give-aways over the last couple of days. I mentioned one in my last post, and today I have another one to mention from the sweet and talented Silke Powers. Check out her incredible give-away painting at her blog, metamorphosis. She is giving away a lovely painting to honor her blogging friends and her birthday - Happy Birthday Silke!

Last but not least, today I'm having a 3rd interview. Things are looking good my friends!
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and are able to enjoy these last couple of weeks of the summer.

Swimming Along

2009-08-12T08:54:00.006-04:00

The lazy days of August - perfect for fishing! I hooked this piece 2 years ago and thought why not share it and offer it in my Etsy shop rather than keeping it hidden away in a box. This was one of my first pieces experimenting with other materials such as ribbons and bright yarns on the tail fin, rather than just wool.

I have never fished or have a love of fishing but for some reason I love to hook fish. I've probably hooked at least a half dozen of them, hooking both primitive and bright colored fish. They are a fun subject matter. I decided to add air bubbles to this rather than hooking a wave effect which I tend to do with my fish.

This fish looks happy to me, like he is just enjoying his swim. I'm beginning to feel that way too - interview #3 is scheduled for Friday. I know it is a good, positive sign!

And, last but not least, check out this sweet give-away by Laurie Lausen on her blog, woolyredrug-prairiesedgeprimitives.

A Little Progress

2009-08-11T08:52:00.005-04:00

Sunday afternoon Brian and I got down to business. He brought home his queen size bed so we needed to get his twin bed out of his room, clean and rearrange it to fit the queen. What a messy job. He is a pack-rat and never throws stuff away - the boxes of his old junk we have in the attic - gets me annoyed just thinking about it so lets not go there.
When we took his bed apart there were enough empty boxes, old school things, etc. under his bed to fill 2 trash bags (not to mention the dust)! There was stuff under there from when he was maybe 12-14 years old! Anyway, we got the room totally cleaned and rearranged the furniture so the bed would fit - kind of crowded but it works!
We put the twin mattress out with the trash but I'm saving the headboard/frame and the matching night stand to sell at my yard sale I plan to have this fall.
The living room looks a little better since at least the queen size bed is out, but still half of his belongings are in there......hopefully we'll get that done this weekend and get to normal.

Brian started his first day of work yesterday and I'm so happy he seemed to like it. He came home with some "official" clothing and keys to facilities. He did say he was thinking that this is what life is going to be like for the next 50 years! Welcome to the real world - LOL!!!

It is very hot and humid here. Yesterday was the hottest day of the summer so far at 95 degrees (with the heat index of 105 degrees). Anyone who has ever been to Philly in the summer knows the humidity is terrible. Oh well, it is what it is. Besides my walk which I need to take while it is still early and relatively cool, I guess I'll be inside today. I better go take that walk..........

Crowded House!

2009-08-09T11:39:00.007-04:00

Does it look rather crowded? My son just moved back from Cincinnati last night. We just dumped everything in the living room and I have a feeling it is going to look like that for a while. He was living in Cincinnati after graduating in May and was unable to find a job out there - I feel bad cause he really wanted to stay there. Thankfully, as far as jobs are concerned, he did get a job at Villanova University (about 10 minutes away from us) running their intramural sports program. The job starts tomorrow!

The downside is, the pay is low and it is a 9-month position, however I can't help but think getting his foot in the door at someplace like Villanova will lead to connections and perhaps something permanent. Since the pay is so low I don't think he'll be able to get an apartment with friends like he is hoping to do. He is certainly not happy about having to move back with his parents. We will have to see what happens, but for the moment he is with us and we are jammed in. Thank goodness he left/or sold his futon, desk and mini refrigerator, cause where the heck would they fit????

I worked last week in the local shop so my friend could take the week off. It was really dull and slow but it was a diversion and I did get to work on some stitching while the shop was customer-free. I felt bad for her to have to pay me (she was losing money) to be there when two days there were no sales, and one day I only sold candle, but thankfully I did sell a floor lamp and a few other things yesterday.

I did not work Thursday when I had my 2nd interview. I'm hoping to get positive news for the next steps tomorrow or Tuesday. I'm getting anxious but I'm feeling good.

My Garden Flowers

2009-08-03T21:40:00.009-04:00

So many of the great blogs I follow have such lovely pictures. I thought I would share pictures I've taken over the last week of flowers in my garden.

We have a lot of Hummingbirds in our yard and they love these flowers. They hang over an arbor on the edge of the patio and the flowers hang about 12 inches from where I sit - I'm amazed that they come to the flowers even when I'm sitting there - they don't seem to have any fear. One of these days maybe I can capture one on film.

Four Seasons and the Next Steps

2009-07-31T15:14:00.006-04:00

I just added this fun hooked piece to my shop today. This is another one of my original designs - a square with 4 squares within a square, each hooked with a "seasonal" item to represent the four seasons, spring, summer, fall and winter. I added some pizzaz to this whimsical piece with a colorful saw-tooth border. The colors in this are really spectacular!
I sewed a casing on the back so it can be hung, however it looks great on a table too.

The next steps are progressing just as I hoped. I got a call scheduling me to go back next Thursday to meet a couple of other members of the team! Best news I could have had - last day of the week, last day of the month, and encouraging news with it.
TGIF!

Feeling Good............

2009-07-30T17:06:00.002-04:00

I'm feeling so good right now!
The interview went so well - it is such a perfect fit. They called already to say they want to move to the next steps.
Please don't uncross those fingers and toes yet but I'm feeling goooooooood!

I'm getting ready to go meet a former co-worker who wanted to take me for a birthday lunch today, but I had to cancel for the interview so we're doing a drink instead. I'm celebrating, and yes, tomorrow is my birthday.
Cheers my friends!

Could this be the start.......

2009-07-29T18:05:00.004-04:00

Could this be the start?
I actually picked up my stitching today - first time since before vacation. I must admit I did not get far at all since I was a little preoccupied, however it's a start. I was house-bound today since my daughter took the car, it was cloudy and soupy today so the only venturing out of the house was my morning walk and I needed something to occupy my time - I picked it up and started, but like I said, I did not get far but....

I was preoccupied today because yesterday I applied to yet another job, however this one was on Craigslist and I've found all of the jobs I apply to there turn out to be strange. I apply to so many on the "job boards" which just fall into that black hole, so I always check Craigslist anyway - what have I got to lose, right?!
Anyway, I applied late yesterday afternoon and shortly after 8 AM this morning I received a call about the application (which was a blind application) - it was a legitimate company and a well-known company in the financial industry too. Anyway, after a gathering of information the recruiter seemed impressed and said she would follow-up asap. I got the impression it would be in a matter of hours so - after climbing the walls, I finally picked up my stitching, but could only do so much when I starting stressing, and then spent the afternoon in front of the computer. The company finally called at 5:30 PM and I have an interview tomorrow!
Could this be the start of getting my mojo back, and maybe could this be the one?

Watermelon Slice

2009-07-27T14:06:00.003-04:00

We're finally getting some "summer" weather - hot and steamy. I think it is supposed to be like this all week.
Nothing is better on a hot, sticky day than a cool slice of watermelon!

Anyone Else Like Old Movies?

2009-07-24T19:27:00.006-04:00

I guess when I ask the question does anyone else like old movies, I have to be more specific depending on one's age. To me old movies are from the 30's and 40's but I guess to a lot, old movies could be the 60's and 70's!
Anyway, I really enjoy movies from the 30's and 40's and really caught a good one last night - Dark Victory (1939).
Anyone who likes movies from this time is also probably a Bette Davis fan. She was such a great actress. I think the acting style was totally different then, so much more melodramatic and so entertaining.
If you are not familiar with the story it is about an heiress (soooo Bette Davis) who has a brain tumor, falls in love with her doctor, and eventually dies. Ronald Reagan plays one of her playboy party-friends and he is very good, small part that it is. Humphrey Bogart is very mis-cast in a small part as an Irish horse trainer to the family.
I love some of the old expressions - you're making love to me aren't you, but my favorite line of the movie was said to her maid, Martha, I can't possibly change unless I have a drink!

The film is a classic. Bette Davis was nominated for an Oscar however lost to Vivien Leigh in Gone With the Wind, and the film itself was nominated for Best Picture, also losing to Gone With the Wind - tough competition that year!

My Hydrangeas

2009-07-21T08:50:00.012-04:00

I previously mentioned we have quite a variety of hydrangeas in our garden and I thought today I would share them with you.