March 31, 2013

March 28, 2013

Renewal






Spring has arrived.
The smell of fresh earth and the sight of bright green life always make me happy.
I was able to bring that indoors with these tiny trophies I created.




A 2 inch tall silver Christmas ornament, an upside down glass paperweight with the bottom removed, 
a glass pendant and some live moss is all I used.
Renewal.



Renewal of life, faith, love, spirit and earth.
Breathe it in.



March 25, 2013

Playing House~Downton Abbey






I love being able to embroider anything I like. 
Today's post is about doing something silly and fun and just for your own enjoyment.
I am playing house today- 
Downton style.


This teacup is one of my keeps.
It generally resides under a glass cloche, lest it's sensitive nature be disturbed.


Bruce is playing the role of Isis.
He's enjoying his morning lounge by the pool.
He's collected a rock for me today, as you can see in the photos.



Why is there a rock by the precious teacup?
To fling at Thomas or O'Brien, of course.
Or maybe Edith.
I think they all deserve one right between the eyes.
Like Anna, I'm no lady.


Vintage linens frequently have distressed areas.
I love to imagine who they might have belonged to.

They are so soft and appealing with their worn and fraying edges.


A photo of my homemade chalk paint project- I still love it.
Spring time is here so I'll be changing out my shelves
The lavender is already in place..
I'm thinking this little memento will join in.
And maybe a few more.
(wink wink)


My hubby has morphed into Mr. Carson, which I thoroughly enjoy.
"Your coffee, my Lady", sounds perfectly wonderful to me in the early morn.
Oh, what a life they led.

Only nine months to go until we see Downton again.
Or is it?


Thanks for coming by!


March 22, 2013

Random 5 Friday

Good morning!
I'm awake much earlier this morning and thought I'd link up with
Nancy for Random 5 Friday.
As you well know, random is just my style!
 Enjoy.



1. I got to hold a baby squirrel this week.
Those are not my hands, but Magoo's.
The poor little thing had been captured as a new play toy by
Bruce and Maggie.
Skirl Girl is all wet from dog slobber, but not harmed.


Maggie just got adopted next door and she and Bruce are now besties.
Sophie and Henry try to keep up with them.


I should live on a farm, I tell you.


2. I went to the doctor this week for a check up.
When the nurse announced my weight, I nearly fell over.
I'd gained 5 pounds.
WTH?
You mean those chocolate covered cranberries have calories???
Then my blood pressure was elevated.
Ya think???
I informed them that perhaps blood pressure check might come 
before the scale next time.
I do not have high blood pressure in general.
They made me have it with their lying scale!

3. I want one of these.



4. My automobile is navy blue.
Usually.
Right now it is a putrid shade of yellow, completely masked in pollen.
I love my trees, but right now they are really pissing me off.
I can't wear my contacts, either.  
That yellow sandstorm makes it impossible.

5.  My new chocolate crush:
Dark Chocolate with Wasabi.
I told you I was weird.
Spicy chocolate is delish.
Have a great weekend!

March 21, 2013

Cabbage, Coffee Filters and Annie Sloan Leftovers






Do you like my cabbage leaves?




I came about this idea by accident.
I was painting last weekend and had mixed 
Old White, Antibes Green, Chateau Grey and a splash of Duck Egg into the same bowl.
One on top of the other as I layered.
I added a lot of water at the end of the day for a very pale wash.
( Not an overcoat KirbyWan!)

When I finished up, I had a bowl full of manky water.

I've never gotten around to making a coffee filter wreath,
so I grabbed a handful (about half an inch thick) and dunked them in, all the while thinking that 
the paint would make them stick together and I'd have a bunch of nothing.
Wrong!

The next morning, I "peeled" my cabbages and forgot about the wreath entirely.
I hadn't expected a good outcome, so I'm sorry that I have no pictures.
I was very happy with my cabbage leaves.
I will probably tweak them a bit this weekend- will let you know what I come up with.

Grab some coffee filters next time you have a small bit of leftover chalk paint.
See what your imagination stirs up!





from 
We Band of Mothers.

I'll be sending off your bunnies this evening!

Go visit Marianne- you'll love her sense of humor.
She also has a book called Epic Mom- Failing Every Day A Little Bit More Than You, 
which I am thoroughly enjoying.
Our Miss Kirby was an editor.
Yes, we know infamous people!
You may find it on her blog or Amazon.

Congrats, Marianne!

Thanks to all of you for entering!



March 19, 2013

March Giveaway Time





This giveaway is a quickie!
An embroidered bunny and Easter egg set.
I have embroidered mine in chocolate brown, but you may choose your custom color.
You may also request two bunnies, two eggs or one of each as I have shown.
These are so cute laid out on a tray or framed...I know you guys will get creative with them.
They are white cotton cocktail napkins measuring approx. 7X7 inches.

I will end the giveaway Thursday at noon, so I can make them and mail them that evening.
Bunny needs a home.

Leave a comment with your color selection and your choice preferences please,
and send me a photo of yourself jumping thru a hot pink hula hoop.
With bunny ears on.


Only joking.
There are of few of you out there that may already be doing the hula hoop in bunny ears.
I'm pretty sure I know who you are.
 I might be tempted to send you extra loot.
Just for amusing me.
I need amusing!


You might consider joining 
The Nothing Will Happen Club.
You can use my spiffy button, too.
It's over there or up there- it's somewhere on my blog.

It announces to the world that you can stay in your pj's all day and have cake.
Nothing will happen.
Really, it's true.
I hope you'll read about it and the inspiration for it, too.
(Top of the blog)
You'll like it and I think you'll really relate to it.
I'd love to have you all over for a big pool party and some munchies and drinks that we made from Pinterest, 
but we are many miles apart, my bloggy buds.
So....
Ahem, just drink the koolaid peeps.
 Good luck!








March 17, 2013

Aaron's Story

Hi everyone,
This post is not going to be light or happy.
It will  break your heart.
It will make you angry and it will scare you.

Last night, my son attended the premiere screening of a documentary titled
1:36
This documentary was about his friend, Aaron Pennywell.
Aaron was killed by a drunk driver in 2011.
He had just turned 20 years old.

The following videos are trailers for the Caten Hyde documentary.

The title refers to the time that the first 911 call came in from the crash scene.



I'll never forget that night.
Our neighbor's son called and asked where our son was.
A Mustang very similar to our son's was involved in a terrible wreck close to home.
Our son was out of town, but those few seconds of terror hit me hard.
 We found out the next day that it was Aaron.

I cannot begin to imagine the Pennywell's grief.
They continue the fight to stop this from happening to other families,
and so I join them in spreading Aaron's story, in the hope that doing so will save lives.

It's St. Patrick's Day and our kids are on Spring Break,
both times when there are very high numbers of intoxicated people on the roads.
Perhaps you will go out and have a few green beers today.
No judgement here.
Enjoy your celebration, but please don't get behind the wheel of a car.
Decide beforehand who will be the designated driver.

Please share with your loved ones, friends and on your blogs and/or FB if you feel called to do so.
Talk to your kids and keep talking.
They think it could never happen to them.
You might think it could never happen to you.
It could.
Aaron was right around the corner from home.



Thank you, Aaron.
Your story continues to save lives.
Your light still shines.
You aren't forgotten.
Thank you to the Pennywell family for sharing Aaron's story at schools and churches.
Aaron's car is a real life and death image of the consequences of driving under the influence.
I do not know how you find the strength to look at it,
but I do know that it has an enormous impact when it is on display in the community.
I know it has made a difference.
The work you do in your son's name is saving lives.



The entire documentary is showing at select film festivals.
It will show at WorldFest Houston International Film Festival
on April 14, 2013 at 7PM.
Check Caten's site for updates.
Caten, you did a wonderful thing for your friend and his loved ones.



Aaron and some friends.
This photo is adorable.


Another group of Aaron's friends have tattoos as a reminder
and in his memory.


I hope you'll share, my friends.



March 8, 2013

Hello and Good-bye!




Wishing you a lovely weekend~
We are officially on Spring Break.
See you next week!