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Wednesday, December 31, 2014

It's Almost Here!!!!!!


Writing this is natural.
As the year seeps to it's close,
reflection is easier.

What happened last year?
So many challenges!

Why did these things happen?
I have no answers to that question.
I only know that 2014 was a very difficult year.

I was challenged
mentally,
spiritually,
physically,
and
emotionally.

The challenges were some of the most difficult that I have ever faced.
Most of the year, I felt beaten up by circumstance.
Every time I rose, I felt the blows of life beating me back down, without mercy.
Even when I tried to crawl to a safe corner,
I felt, there was no safety.
There was no place to recover and restore my spirit.

Life does seek a balance.
Seek is the key word.
All was not lost.  I was not forsaken.  There were good times to celebrate.

There were times of joy, 
blessings from God,
that might not have always been visible to my inexperienced eye.

I found more strength than I could have ever imagined.
I found that good friends shared their love and their strength with me,
even when I was at my lowest, most fragile, most brittle,
and there were many of these days,
 I drew strength from these dear friends.

In the midst of the chaos and storms,
I felt the blessing of the cleansing waters cover me, nearly drowning me,
washing away my sorrows
even as the sharp, pointed drops pelted my body,
leaving me numb.

Sweet blessings poured over me.
The unexpected greeting from a small child in the form of a hug.
The kindness of a stranger helping me pick up what I had dropped.
The quiet of a friend who let me talk until I was exhausted.
Tears of joy and tears of peace.
Coaxed into laughter with those who cared, who understood.

When I stood, I stood strong.
When I wept, I wept without remorse.

The journey of 2014 was a journey I gladly leave behind me.
The good I take with me.

I don't know why.
I don't know how.
I only know that
 Survived!

The path ahead is unknown,
 no matter,
that I welcome that which comes next.

Welcome,
2015!
 

 
 
 
 

 



Tuesday, December 30, 2014

It's Not Even New Year's Eve Yet, and I Walked into the Dollar Store and what did I see????

Valentine's Day???????

Easter???????


It's hard enough to be politically correct these days. 

I don't want to wish him a Merry Christmas, so I should wish him a Happy Kawanza or a Merry Kawanza???

I don't want to wish her a Merry Christmas because she wants to wish everyone Happy Holidays?????

I don't want to say, "Happy Hanukkah," because I'm not sure if they're Jewish or not.

And so goes the list, but to walk into the dollar store and be greeted with Valentine's Day Cards and treats AND
Easter decorations, well, that really threw me off.  I haven't said, "Happy New Year!"  I know retailers are anxious to get everything out there and sell, sell, sell, but can't you give us a break?

It's too D*&*(&^^^&&D early to see Easter and Valentines out there!  The only positive thing I can think of about these holidays being promoted so early is that I will learn the politically correct thing to say before the holidays arrive?  Will I be forced into Happy Holidays again?  Sheesh! I give up.
To early for me!

Sunday, December 28, 2014

I Heart Macro!!!!

Red balls
Cold Pack!

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Listing Saturday:: When I'm Bored, I write Silly Poetry

Truth is, I'm NOT that bored.  I'm just tired. 

The kids are home, and that is wonderful. 

It snowed last night.

 I have been sleeping more than being awake.

Today, I'm not so tired.

That's a short list, but it's true!

Here's a poem that I posted on Facebook on the 26th.

I was tired.

I was sleepy.

I was just a wee bit bored.

Now, it's back to reality.

The Day After Christmas

The day after Christmas and all through the house,
Not a creature is stirring except that freakin' mouse,
The cats in their slumber ignore that little guy,
The dog, a good mouser, lifted up an eye.
It mocks me and taunts me, but he won't go away,
I guess that critter is here to stay!
I've had it! The mouse is walking away,
Into my trap of the open door.
I slam that door shut. The mouse is outside!
You can guess what else happened, now he's got some cheese!
Later, I'll give him another piece
Because, it's the day after Xmas, and all through the house,
The only one stirring is that sweet little mouse!
 
This poem was written by me. 
 No mice were hurt in the writing of this poem!


Friday, December 26, 2014

Ten Things to do the Day After Christmas! (Spoiler Alert! Its a Repeat.)

1) If you still have family with you, enjoy them!

2) If the family has gone home, enjoy yourself!

3) Stay away from the mall.  There's still time to exchange the gift you don't like.  There's still plenty of time to shop the sales.  Stay away from the mall.

4) Sit back with a glass of wine.  Relax.

5) Take time to read that good book you've been waiting to read.

6) Check the meeting locations and rates for Weight Watchers.  Look for the free sign up, but don't sign up until the Christmas goodies are gone.

7) Eat some leftovers.

8) Look at all the photos you took for Christmas or pull out the albums and enjoy the memories.

9) Call a friend and make a date to meet for lunch next week.

10) Hand write a letter to someone you love. Put a stamp on it, and mail that letter today.

Most importantly:  Take care of yourself.  You deserve it!

Thursday, December 25, 2014

"And it Came to Pass..."

It did,
and
it was wonderful!

Merry Christmas to all,
and
to all a good night!!!!

 

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Are You Ready???

The Church is ready!



















The House is Ready!
























The Kids are home!
(Yes, they are older than they were when this photo was taken, but it was a sweet Picture!)




















Even Pixie is ready!
























Me?
Not so much.
Another nap will be in order before Midnight Mass!

That's ok.
What will be will be.


















Merry
Christmas
to all!!!

 

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

The House that Christmas Built...


 Christmas parties.  They are fun!  The party I attended last night is party that is CHRISTMAS!  The decorations start to come out in October, except for the basement, which is left out all year.  This year she moved everything around! 

This party provides visual stimulation to the eye.  This bedroom is a bedroom of trees.  This photo was taken after I stepped into the room.  It's full of trees!












 Turn right in the bedroom, and this is what you see!
More trees!!!!

The main Christmas tree in the room!  Isn't it beautiful?






















The light wasn't the best, but this bathroom is not usable.  It's full of Santa's!

Santas to the left of me....




















Santas further to the left of me!
























Santas to the right of me! 

And that's only two rooms in the house that Christmas built!

Monday, December 22, 2014

The Christmas Jewelry is ready for Christmas!!!!

Remember
(The beads I used for my new Christmas jewelry.)

Well, here is what became of those beads...
In the right light, this necklace really sparkles!
Only 2 days to go until Christmas Eve!
 
 Then there's the bracelet made with memory wire.  
It looks like several bracelets stacked together.
 
 Last, but not least, earrings!
How fun is this going to be?

Ho! Ho! Ho! 
Merry Christmas!

Sunday, December 21, 2014

I Heart Macro:: New Ornament

An Ornmanet
I Heart Macro!

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Listing Saturday:: Guest Blogger, Pixie Marie:: What I Want for Xmas

1) Food

2) Treats

3) More Food

4) More treats

5) For Kitties to let me sleep on my couch

6) For Kitties to not scare me

7) For Kitties to agree I'm boss

8) For Kitties not to eat my food

9) For Kitties to give me their food

10) I want Kitties to go home!

11) I'm so tired.  I need a nap.

12) For someone to tell Kitties to get off my couch.

13) For Kitties to get off of my pillow on the floor.  It's my bed!

14) For Kitties to stay away from my treat.

15) For Kitties to go to sleep.

Friday, December 19, 2014

Three Beautiful Things This Week

Three Beautiful Things This Week was inspired by a wonderful blog that Three Beautiful Things. Everyday, Clare writes about 3 Beautiful Things that happen each day in her life. It's a wonderful blog! I can only hope to imitate her in a very small way.

1) I don't send Christmas cards anymore, but I do appreciate the people who send me cards.  I especially love the photo cards! Thanks to all those from whom I have received cards!  Makes Christmas a little bit more special.

2) I was given a prescription for some powerful anti-inflamation medication.  My wrist feels much better, and I've only been on it a day and a half.

3) Two of my articles were posted on Catholic 365. com!  Very nice!
Click here for the last article.

Are you ready for Christmas?

Thursday, December 18, 2014

30 Word Thursday:: Pixie and the Christmas Tree

Pixie is still puzzled,
"What is this thing," she said.
"It's lit at night,
and it's so bright
and I can't sleep with the light.
I hope Christmas comes soon."

Taken from Erin's blog,

The premise of 30 Words Thursdays is simple...
Take an image (preferably one you shot, or have permission to use).
Write 30 Words about it. No more. No less.
Post it each Thursday.
Add your link to the InLinkz on my 30 Words Thursday post.
(InLinkz code will be open for one week.)
Enjoy seeing the verse and vision others have captured by visiting them and leaving a comment.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Time to make Some Christmas Jewelry!

These are some of the beads that I will be using for my Christmas jewelry.  I hope to make a dramatic necklace, a subtle bracelet, and some AMAZING earrings!  This will be an interesting challenge.

Ok, I have 4 more photos to show you.
















You know there had to be some green in this set.  I love the mixture of greens in these beads.  Very pretty.




















These beads are very lightweight.  I plan to intersperse these as bits of shock beads for the jewelry.  I want them to be where you don't think they should be. 




















This "Mother and Child" heart bead is what I will use for the focal, but since there is no sparkle so, I'll have to do something about that.  I think it needs sparlies!



















I added some glitter to the focal.  Truly, it looks better in person than in this photo. 

All I have to do now is seal this heart so the glitter doesn't come off.

















These are my components. 
Soon you'll see what I did with them.
How would you use these components?

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

A week From Wednesday is Christmas Eve! OH! MY! GOODNESS!

Advent is almost at an end.  There just isn't enough time!  I really want to catch my breath!  The good thing is I thought today was tomorrow, and it's not, so I have one extra day!
Whew!

Time to make lists, I guess. 

Does it matter?  I probably won't get everything finished. 

Prioritize. 

1)  Breathe

2) Pray

3) Laugh

4) Do Not Cry

5) Stop

Things will happen as they will.  There are so many things I cannot control like the passage of time.  The passage of time has caught me unprepared.  Will there be less fun?  I don't know.  For me the important things of Christmas will be::

1) Midnight Mass

2) Family

3) Weather permitting, lighting luminarios in the driveway to lead the Christ child to our home

4) Eating our traditional dinner

5) Gathering around the tree to open our presents

6) Making memories

7) Taking pictures

These are my priorities.  Let the rest fall where they may.  I look forward to the holidays, not the holidaze. 

I am part Grinch, but the time for Grinchiness is almost over.  I think I should have been more Grinchy this year.  Focus on the New Born Babe, and it's okay to be a Grinch.

How's that for a segue?

This is a link to my latest article for Catholic365.com  It's called::


At least I think so! 

Monday, December 15, 2014

At Last!!! I torched!!!

Spring is on the way!

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Listing Saturday:: Reasons to prepare ahead of time for Christmas

Stores close early on Christmas Eve.

Santa has gotten older and likes to get to bed earlier.

Target bags are not acceptable as Christmas wrapping.

(I wish they were.)

Food doesn't cook itself.

You can listen to Christmas Carols while you get ready.

Newspaper stars for the tree are a true no no, unless the children have made them.

You can only watch so many Christmas moves before your head explodes.  Excuse yourself and get ready for Xmas.

If you're ready early enough, you can gather the family and go to church. 

Even the kid in you wants a present.

Christmas is really more than just a day.

There is beauty in remembering.  You're making memories.  What kind of memories do you want your children to hold near to their hearts.

If you're ready in time for Christmas, you can enjoy yourself. 

In the end, it's all about love, not the rush.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Three Beautiful Things This Week

Three Beautiful Things This Week was inspired by a wonderful blog that Three Beautiful Things. Everyday, Clare writes about 3 Beautiful Things that happen each day in her life. It's a wonderful blog! I can only hope to imitate her in a very small way.


1) I was so worn out from the show last weekend, I had to take two days off just to rest.  Now, I'm up and running again.  Wow!


2) I bought a new caliper yesterday.  I lost it, yesterday.  I had it in my hand.  I used it.  It's gone.  Sigh, but I got a wonderful screw driver, though.


3) We're going to be in the high 40's this weekend!  Isn't that great news for December!

Thursday, December 11, 2014

30 Words Thursday:: Spring Cleaning Already!

I've started it!
Spring Cleaning, that is. 
With me,
it's never too early!
Look at this
magnificent treasure I found!
I love this bead!
Ready to wear today!
Joy!









From Erin's Blod

The premise of 30 Words Thursdays is simple...
Take an image (preferably one you shot, or have permission to use).
Write 30 Words about it. No more. No less.
Post it each Thursday.
Add your link to the InLinkz on my 30 Words Thursday post.
 (InLinkz code will be open for one week.)
Enjoy seeing what others have captured by visiting them and leaving a comment.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

A Hedgehog a day Keeps the Blues Away! Unless that Hedgie is blue, of Course, Then, it's all right!

If you tell me that you don't like Hedgehogs, I would have a very hard time believing you!  I love these sweet little critters!  They translate beautifully into polymer clay!  That's another reason I like them.


This little hedgie that makes me smile is Flora.
She's in my Etsy Shop right now.  The link will take you directly to Flora.


She is a cutie, isn't she?  She helps me to chase away the blues.  I like her.






This hedgie is Appleado.  He reminds me of a sweet, red apple.  Appleado is adorable.  He's not listed yet, but he will be soon!  If you would like him before I list him, please leave a comment along with a way to contact you.  I'd be happy to send him off to you.














 This little headge hog is named, Trona.  Trona loves to sit by the computer and watch you.  Trona will keep you company when ever you need her.  She can be worn as a bead or used as a small sculpture sitting nearby.  I will be listing Trona very soon.  Again, if you would like Trona before she's listed, leave a comment for me and a way to contact you, and I'll be in touch very soon.











What if a hedge hog is blue?  You'll still smile when you see this one!  No matter what the color, hedge hogs make me smile.  I think I'll name this beautiful hedge hog Humility.  Do you like her name?  She'll be in the store soon.  Just wait.














I'd like you to meet Spring.  She's another hedge hog that makes me smile.  Like I said before, all hedgehogs make me smile!  Spring is full of blooming flowers.  She, too, will be available soon in my Etsy Store.  Do you want an early Spring?  I do, too, but I mean this beautiful Hedge hog.  Let me know. 


Tuesday, December 9, 2014

My Life

My 
Life
Right 
Now

The
Way
Hope
My 
Life
Will
Become!









Or do I?

Which journey do you think would be more interesting?

If Yarn were my life,
I think the tangled way
would 
be 
Much
More
Interesting.

Not always fun,
but
Much
More
Interesting.

Which way would you choose?

Monday, December 8, 2014

New Fun!!!!

Pom Poms!  Yes, you heard that correctly, Pom Poms and they are fun.

This pile of pom poms started out to be a garland for Christmas, however, there was change.  With a little twisting and turning, these pom poms, when attached to the crocheted cord became, and are you ready for this?  They became a scarf!













This was fun to wear at the GSR fine art show today.  Now, I'm going to make this scarf again, in different colors and make scarves for my Etsy store. 

I was sitting under a vent, and it was a bit cool.  When I put my scarf on, it was nice and warm.

The scarf is full of drama and fun!  How you drape the scarf distributes the pom poms and each drape gives you a different look.  Fun!

You can make these pom poms in any color or color combination that you like. 

Pom poms are easy to make.

Isn't this fun? 

Garland or scarf?  You get to decide.

Look for this soon in my Etsy store.

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Listing Saturday:: Reasons Why I Might Never do Another Craft or Art Show, but, then, again, I really don't know!

1) Pixie misses me.

2) The traffic can be very slow.

3) Some shows people are only looking for free things.

4) People don't understand what handmade is all about.

5) "We can make this at home."

6) Their kids touch my things way too much.

7) People are looking for ideas.

8) I have tendinitis in my thumb.

9) After one full day, I sold 8 items.

10) My last show, I made $5.

11) I'm tired.



Friday, December 5, 2014

Three Beautiful Things This Week

Three Beautiful Things This Week was inspired by a wonderful blog that Three Beautiful Things. Everyday, Clare writes about 3 Beautiful Things that happen each day in her life. It's a wonderful blog! I can only hope to imitate her in a very small way.


1) Even for winter in Minnesota, the sun has been shining a lot.  The sun has been shining, but the temps have been COLD.  That's okay, the sun has been shining.


2) The GSR Art Show begins tomorrow.  I am in a great location.  This might be a good show!  I hope!


3) Pixie is starting to adapt to being in the basement when I'm gone.  I'm not saying she likes it because, clearly, she doesn't.  She is beginning to accept it.  That's progress!

Thursday, December 4, 2014

I Made More Polymer Clay Beads, and...

they are all going with me to the show this weekend.

This is my Christmas Pickle.

Do you know the story of the Christmas Pickle?

I think this originated in Germany, and the tradition is now in the midwest.

A pickle is hidden in the Christmas tree.  The next morning, the first child to find the pickle will receive an extra gift from Santa.  (I'd sure like to be that child!)









These Koi pendants will be at the show, too.  I'm hoping my wrist will be strong enough so that I can add the jump rings. 

I'm sooooooo far behind right now.



















These pendants/ornaments will also be at the show.  If you're going to be around, we will be at the Verizon Center Friday, Saturday and Sunday!  Thanks for looking.  I'll be reviving my Esty store after this show.  You might see them there, too!