Homemaking in High Heels

Juicy!

2011-05-18T12:52:00.005-04:00

Juicy, RED strawberries from a roadside stand...This says "SUMMER" to me!!!

Join Sue for Rednesday!

Hey, y'all!

2011-05-18T11:16:00.005-04:00

Happy days are here again:) I have been running around like a lunatic, trying to keep up with my kids' practices,games,birthdays,etc.It's weird, because it seems like the happier I am, the less I blog.I guess I'm a whiner:( lol But I'm still here, safe and sound! You are just precious Carol-Anne, for worrying about me:)

(my husband, Jamie, and MEEEEE)

(My daughter,Camilla)

(My son,Grey and my daughter, Cat)

Part of the problem is that I have a perfectionist streak, and if I hit a stumbling block, I'm more apt to just say "Forget it!', than to make do.So when the camera doesn't automatically take perfect pictures, or the printer is unhooked, I just find something else to do.Terrible, aren't I?I know.I'm going to do better, I swear:))) Love you guys!

Luxury

2011-02-04T07:54:00.007-05:00

Luxury is defined as something inessential but conducive to pleasure and comfort. Today, in NC, it's all wet and sloshy outside...but as I sit in the warm glow of my lamp,I am comfy and cozy.

There is something about winter that I will be sad to see go...and it is these days of enforced "home-yness".You see, I live in southern North Carolina, and Mother Nature is pretty fickle when it comes to our winter weather. It is usually mild, yet, in the past 2 months we've had both snowfall and 70+ degree days.I'm not complaining;Far from it, actually.If it's pretty, I throw the windows open, air out the house and get outdoors...if it's cold and rainy, though, I just relish it.I know that my day will be spent in my house, tidying up, ironing, reading, crafting.All those things make me feel so feminine.I LOVE knowing that I am the "keeper" of THIS home.Hang on a second,I am putting on a pot of coffee...the comforting scent fills the house and somehow SMELLS warm...

So, my plans are to drink coffee, TRY to reorganize my vintage cookbooks and just tidy up around the house, maybe get a little crafty...Y'all,I STILL have Valentine's Day crafts all over my dining room table.I suppose I should make whatever I'm going to make or just go ahead and clean off the table!

And, as always, thank you to my husband for taking care of us financially, so that I can take care of us at home.I'm so happy.I hope this never ends:)

New and Improved...Now With Less Fat!!!

2011-01-28T08:36:00.004-05:00

Ok, so I've been on this high-protein/low-carb diet for a week...and I've lost 9 pounds!Woooo-hoooo!Not enough to drop a size, but I can feel a difference.
I eat mostly meat, with some egg and low-fat cheese.I am drinking Diet Mountain Dew and water. I am never hungry.I don't "crave" foods that normally drive me insane...Reese's Cups, anyone???

Dieting is hard.Not because of the dietary restrictions, but because of all the conflicting ideas out there...We are assaulted with headlines and magazine covers screaming { Don't call it a "diet"...Cut out carbs...Eat only raw foods...Eat low-fat...NO! Low-fat has too much sugar...Just eat a balanced diet and watch your portions}...Damn all those paralyzing and conflicting rules.So much confusion...When I eat salad, thinking I'm doing good, getting my vegetables in, I feel chastisment from the front of a magazine for how much dressing I use.JUST SHUT UP...That's what I feel like saying to all the diet "experts".

No,I don't think that my DIET is the heathiest...but I do know that it keeps me motivated, not hungry...and it's healthier than carrying around 75 pounds too many.So,I am breaking all the rules, y'all! I AM calling it a diet.I AM eating meat three meals a day.I AM satisfied with how it is working... And, maybe,when I'm skinnier, I'll BE healthier and I'll work on liking raw vegetables without Hidden Valley Ranch dressing...like THAT"S gonna happen;)

The woman I want to be...

2011-01-22T10:39:00.008-05:00

(image http://www.artfulwendy.blogspot.com/ )

I am this impulsive, fun, spontaneous woman inside...I swear...but outside...I'm plain ol' MOM material. I did what I caution other women NOT to do.I succumbed to the blahs.I have let myself go...I've gained weight,stopped wearing make-up, my nails are chipped...Gahhh, I've got to pull myself together!

(image http://www.femalenetwork.com/celebrities/ladies-and-gay-gentlemen-10-famous-gbffs )

I recently reconnected with a dear friend.God bless him, he told me he was gay when we were high school sophomores, but I knew from the time we met in grade school.We were friends from the start.I was Karen to his Jack...we had the best times, even went to our senior prom together...I gotta tell you, he tried on my dress and looked better than I did! Anyway, we were zany, fun-loving and SPONTANEOUS! Talking with him has made me remember the girl I used to be, and it's made me miss her.I wouldn't change anything about my life now, it's just that the "me" that I used to be got buried...and he's reminded me how much I loved that girl:)

My sister and I are tanning...not good for my skin, but oh-so-great for my morale, and we're going to start walking...I AM going to get this weight off.I signed up for a Calorie-Count account and it's enlightening, having to document every bite that goes into my mouth.It makes me think twice, you know?I'm drinking diet soda, God help me.But every little bit helps...It definitely helps having a motivated partner like my sister.My sister will be turning 49 on her birthday, and I'll be turning 40 in a few years.We'd like to meet those milestones with a selves that we're proud of...

My husband...oh...I LOVE that man.I do.He's never said a word to me about my body, other than to say he doesn't want me to get "too skinny"...thing is, I don't FEEL sexy, so I know I don't ACT sexy, or DRESS sexy...for him, I mean.I used to enjoy surprising him, but now...eh, you know, lights off,clothes on...He deserves my best and so do I.

Was that TMI? Sorry.I get to rambling...and I'm not as modest as I should be...I just feel like I can share these things with my readers...I feel like you aren't judging me, but more likely, nodding your head and thinking encouraging thoughts for me.Y'all are awesome:)

Anywho...wish me luck, pray for me...

I'm trying real hard to be the woman I want to be.

That statement is so freeing...

Snowday!!!

2011-01-10T08:43:00.001-05:00

I think we're all going to stay home today...drink hot chocolate, eat popcorn, watch movies and maybe make some Valentines! Have a wonderful day!

Look a Little Deeper...

2011-01-04T19:30:00.004-05:00

Why are those tiny pumpkin/gourd thingies that I bought in mid-October as fresh and perfect as ever...and yet, my tangelos do this while I'm not looking??? Yuck.How the heck does that HAPPEN???So annoying...and you know, once you get a whiff of spoiled citrus...it just ruins your appetite...So, out they all go!

Ah, such is life...

Hey...it is kind of a great metaphor for life, though...You think you got it ALLLL under control, until you get a whiff of something not quite right and realize that maybe you need to look a little deeper...

So, that's one of my resolutions...to look a little deeper, to USE my feminine grace...to not accept "Fine" as an answer when I ask my kids how their days went...to ask what I can do to make my husband's days less stressful...to really LISTEN when my friends want to talk, or to help them realize that they NEED to talk...

Hmmm, look at that!...And I thought all I had here was some rotten fruit:)

2011-01-03T10:20:00.008-05:00

It has been a wonderful two weeks, here, let me tell you! We had a marvelous Christmas, thanks to my husband's fine planning and resourcefulness!He surprises me anew, everyday!No worries.NO WORRIES. That was a gift in and of itself!

We got a little snow...so that was nice...and the kids had a solid two weeks out of school...they didn't even fight much...ahhh...so great.I hated sending them back today.I miss them already and it's only mid-morning...

I am doing the 15 week From Chaos to Calm series at A Virtuous Woman , if anybody's interested...join in!

The first day tells us to gather a religious book on any theme which interests us, a Bible, a prayer journal and pen, and a candle and matches, and to create a prayer corner.Now, my space will probably just be our dining room table, but I am using Simple Abundance... and The Excellent Wife as the books that interest me.I feel pulled to be more aware of my blessings,hence the Simple Abundance.But, I also feel lead to be a better wife.I have no problem feeling love and expressing it verbally. I could shout it to the world how my heart is owned by one man and one man only, but I find that I am having a difficult time expressing this love to my husband in such a way that HE comprehends it. I want him to feel loved and appreciated, and to feel the joy that is beaming from my heart to his, everyday.So, I'm working on being "The Excellent Wife".I figure if anyone has the answer, it's the Lord, right?

Happy New Year, y'all.I've got a good feeling about this one!

2010-12-28T09:11:00.003-05:00

Another beautiful morning! Heading out later to shop with my sister, then home again to straighten up before my kids friends get here to spend the night!

I'm excited about the new year.I know how cliched the whole "I'm getting healthy" resolution is, but nevertheless, it IS one resolution I'll be making! I'm just tired of feeling invisible and uncomfortable and worrying about my health.I'll be turning 37 on my birthday in April, and I would hope I've made some significant progress by then.I am heavier than I've ever been, but my thinking is that since my emotions and anxieties are coming under control, I won't be coping with food, as much.Most motivating is this...I literally dream of RUNNING.Not tired, out-of-breath running, but feeling the wind in my face, and feeling like my feet don't touch the ground, and I aspire to REALLY feel that.It all starts with a single step, right?

2010-12-27T15:50:00.003-05:00

I have still been trying to adjust to myself, medicated.I remember myself, years ago, feeling this uncontrollable joy, giddy, giggly happiness...and it's back, sometimes! I am keeping my house pretty close to company-ready, which for an unmedicated depressed person, ain't easy...I have kept my shades and curtains open, ready to receive all the light and beauty I can, instead of hiding behind closed blinds...and I've started thinking in terms of what I can GIVE.When my children come home, I want them to be glad to be in a sanctuary of love and happiness, and I'm working on that.When my husband drives into our driveway after a ten-hour day, I want him to feel relief and comfort when he sees the lamp's soft glow in the window, and I am working on that, too.I want to make up to my family and friends for all the years I made a hermit of myself, all the years I couldn't afford to FEEL. I love my family.I am grateful for all that my husband has provided for us through the years, materially and emotionally.I am proud that my children seem to have inherited the best of us both.I am looking forward to the time when I don't feel dread, but, instead, excitement.I am looking forward to the day I can take that feeling for granted...and with every beautiful sunrise, I feel it coming closer...

linking to Blue Monday

2010-12-26T10:30:00.001-05:00

The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of a world and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment then where is it to be found? ~J.B. Priestley

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T17:36:00.001-05:00

Decadent and Delicious, Indeed!

2010-11-04T07:47:00.005-04:00

I participated in my first evah BlogSpark review/giveaway recently.

Y'all, I was chosen to try Pillsbury's Sweet Moments.I could not have been more tickled!The yummy chocolate-y prize pack(seen above) arrived on a day when I was overwhelmed with "Mama, where's my..."s and "Mama, tell her to give me back my..."s and Mama was about to call DSS to just come pick us all up! Just kidding...but it did come on a day when I REALLY needed some time to collect myself.I got myself off to the grocery and picked up a pouch of the yummiest little two-bite sized chocolate-covered, caramel-filled brownies I have ever put in my mouth!I was a little miffed that I had to share them with my darling, precious children...so, I have been back and bought two more pouches for myself and myself, alone! Muahahahaha!!!!!

I am allowed to give one prize pack away...and as a surprise to my friend and fellow blogger...my Canadian chocoholic counter-part...I am choosing Laura of Love At Home.

Laura is a wonderful person, and though we've never met in person, I feel like I can talk to her like an old friend:)Now, if I can get your info, Miss Laura...I'll send it on to BlogSpark and you could be enjoying these delicious delights soon!Thank you Pillsbury and BlogSpark!!!
I need to disclose that the
product, prize pack, information, and giveaway have all been provided by
Pillsbury through MyBlogSpark.

Hi there!

2010-10-05T08:19:00.003-04:00

photo

Ok, so I took some time off from the blog world.I was just burnt out! I was tired of examining my own mind...tired of wondering if my blog was this-or-that enough,tired of wondering if my blog was "professional" enough...then, in my world of nothingness,(my daydreaming state, just before I get up in the morning),I realized...I'M NOT A PROFESSIONAL BLOGGER.Nobody pays me.I don't have sponsors.I can write whatever I want... and I want to write posts that make people think, respond, feel...but mostly, I just want to share happiness.

In the past month, I have cleaned up(and out), renewed friendships, organized my day...just getting back to myself after a loooong depression.I am off to breakfast with 3 fabulous ladies this morning.We have a standing monthly breakfast date, and I am so thankful for them and their friendship...and yours.I have missed you all and will soon be making rounds, catching up on all that I've missed...See you soon!

Hello September!

2010-09-01T06:24:00.004-04:00

Ahhh, September...I've been waiting.I love the bright blue skies , the cool nights, and the promise of autumn soon coming...

My Itty Bitty Tiny TV Crisis

2010-08-19T05:33:00.000-04:00

Everything at my house is going a little CRAZY!!! Late summer blahs have set in...The dishes pile up...the laundry piles up...the kids are bored...my little TV...even my faithful little postage stamp sized TV, filled with my own strange and bizarre mixture of Bewitched, I Love Lucy, Law & Order, Criminal Minds and NCIS has gone crazy! I watched a whole episode of NCIS in b&w, thinking that was just the way it was filmed...until it dawned on me that, um...the commercials were ALSO b&w!I tried to change the channel...I couldn't...it wouldn't...then, I tried volume...no, wouldn't budge.I thought, "Well, this is it...Good Lord,it's dying on me." This is disaster! The kids and their dad watch tv in the living room.Pulling my hair, eyes darting around frantically...I told myself I can't live on a diet of SportsCenter and iCarly!

My bedroom is my refuge, my pink, cluttered, ridiculously unperfect perfect refuge!!! I need my bedroom to stay the same...tiny tv and all...I thought desperately, "WAIT!!!Unplugging it might reset things"...you know...like when the phone or cable company instructs you over the phone how to do THEIR job?But, I was afraid...if I unplugged it...What if it wouldn't come back on?Chewing my nails,I wondered if having a b&w version of USA network on 24/7 would really be that hard to live with...then I thought...NO!Bewitched is on WGN America, and Lucy comes to me through the Hallmark Channel...I decided to just try it...I pulled the plug...replugged...and it came back to life...all the buttons working, all the colors there...

Technicolor SUCCESS!!!

Gah...I need to get out more:)

* images here

Vintage Pink, and our Giveaway Winner!

2010-08-14T09:00:00.001-04:00

(image from my copy of a June 1959 Everywoman's Family Circle)

Happy Pink Saturday!I hope you are enjoying your summer as much as I am...although I must confess...I sometimes merely tolerate summer because it must be endured to reach FALL...marvelous fall...I absolutely adore the thought of summer...the picnics, the sunshine,the flowers...but I just can't withstand the heat!It's been a flaming HOT summer here in NC...and I'm counting the days until I can decorate my house with autumn colors:)

(image from my copy of a June 1959 Everywoman's Family Circle)

Please join me in congratulating Linda of Al A Carte, as she is the winner of the CSN giveaway!!!And, please pop over to Beverly's lovely Pink Saturday at How Sweet The Sound and browse to your heart's content at blog after gorgeous blog:) Have a beautiful day,everyone!

Come Celebrate Catherine! (with a CSN giveaway)

2010-08-07T08:28:00.009-04:00

My darling Catherine made the high school volleyball team, and will be the only freshman starting!!!YAAAYYY!!! She's the starting setter...So,in celebration of my daughter's recent success...I, in conjunction with CSN, am hosting a $50 giveaway!Now, y'all know you can get anything at their 200+ online stores, from Le Creuset to lamps and luggage!

Leave a comment on this post, and you're entered!The winner will be announced next Pink Saturday!!Good Luck!!!

BUMP, SET, SPIKE!!!!!

For more Pink Saturday, please visit Beverly at How Sweet The Sound:)

A Lesson Learned

2010-08-05T18:30:00.005-04:00

(image found on ebay)

My son is learning a hard lesson about friendship today.

His friend's mom came by our house the other day asking for a pair of swimshorts Grey had borrowed.We let her know that we'd have him find them and return them...but as the story was eventually pulled out...it was more complicated than that.

Grey was at David's (another friend) house when they decided to go swimming.David handed Grey a pair of shorts to wear saying that they were too small for him anyway.Grey wore them, and kept them...because they had been given to him by David.Grey has since misplaced the shorts...but until this lady stopped by, didn't know that they, in fact, weren't David's to give away.Turns out, her son, Brad, left them at David's house awhile back.David, on the other hand, is saying that our son stole them from his house.I think that David knew they weren't his shorts,(and honestly, he HAD to know that, right?), and gave them to Grey because he had no idea WHO they actually belonged to.I think it was just an unfortunate mix up...except for the accusation of theft that I think David is making just to save his own hide.So, that's the ugly lesson Grey is having to learn...that friends aren't always what they seem and will sometimes throw you under a bus to save themselves.

Now, if we had them, we'd gladly give them back...but we are reluctant to pay $50 for a pair of trunks that HER son actually is responsible for losing.I mean, I'm not averse to paying for Grey's part of it, because I think the boys share responsibility and there's no way of knowing exactly what happened...but really...the WHOLE $50?Are we wrong?

(some names have been changed, 'cause I'm sweet like that;) )

"I Could While Away The Hours..."

2010-08-04T10:05:00.007-04:00

"...Conferrin' with the flowers...Consultin' with the rain...If I only had a brain..."

I am the world's worst multi-tasker.It's either that or I am hyper-focused.Yes, let's call it hyper-focused...but I'm rarely hyper-focused on the "important" things....you know, like laundry and housecleaning.No, not me. I get focused on something like Flickr, or Facebook...and I'm lost for days...then I realize, when my daughter walks by drinking out of an empty yogurt container that I should probably pull away and wash some dishes.Just kidding.

But really...I was a Facebook hold out.I admit it.Just couldn't see the point.But yesterday, my sister was here and we looked up people we used to know, but hadn't thought of in years.We laughed and marveled at how many of them are fat and old now.Thank God I've stayed exactly the same.Just kidding.Again.

I did find the woman who was my best friend in high school.We have so much crap on each other, we could fertilize all of Farmville.It's a little strange to reconnect after so many years.There seems to be so much to say, and just nowhere to start.Who knows?Maybe starting over is the best place to start...and maybe Facebook ain't so bad, after all:)

Friday Night

2010-08-01T08:40:00.010-04:00

It was an ordinary Friday night.My daughter, Catherine, went to see Charlie St. Cloud with her best friend.My son, Grey, was staying the night with his best friend...Both engaged in ordinary teenage activities, right? Across the county, another teenage boy, J___,also a friend of Grey's, was driving...testing his wings.These boys are only 15.Because he was going 80 on a curvy country back road, lost control and was thrown from the car...J___ will forever remain 15...and has now earned his wings.

(J__ , with his cousin, who escaped the accident with only minor injuries)

I cannot stop thinking of his mother's empty arms. J___ had no siblings.There will be no distraction from the aching loss that she will go home to.I've heard that his parents were out of town...Can you imagine those dear parents' panic and fear?Trying desperately to drive to the hospital, to see and comfort her boy, before the unthinkable occured?My sister said that maybe, for another teenager who heard about J___'s accident, it would save lives...I just don't know.It seems like every few years, this happens.Our high school has around 800 students.In the past year or so, we've lost 3 boys.One was lost due to a medical condition, and 2 were lost in car accidents.

If I'm not mistaken, this boy's father coaches at the high school.I don't know if it will be a comfort to him, or an unbearable reminder of what he lost, if he comes back to coach.I can only pray...for their comfort,for their faith to remain strong, for his friends and family adjusting to life without him here.

I have just smothered my own son with kisses and hugs since he got home.I held him, while we both cried for that precious life cut short.We were so shocked.After all, it was just an ordinary Friday night.

Back from the Beach, and Back to Myself !

2010-07-31T07:17:00.006-04:00

Good Morning! I am just tickled PINK to be back! Back from the beach, back from the Land of Nod...haha...I must confess...I've been back from the beach for a week, but the new antidepressant was making me sleep A LOT. I cannot tell you how thrilled I was to cook dinner last night.Thursday, I was awake, but had no energy.Yesterday and last night though, I was both awake and AWAKE.It felt SO good to get dressed, go for a drive, cook for my family,go outside and play with the always entertaining Camilla...

I hope my being open about depression is not offensive to anyone.I certainly would not want anyone to think I was treating the condition cavalierly, but I tend to deal with it with a sense of humor. I am not ashamed, embarrassed or otherwise secretive about it.I think that the more openly it's dealt with, the more likely it is the people will seek help.It breaks my heart to think of anyone, especially teenagers, suffering silently and wondering why they can't just "shake it off".OK, enough with the public service announcement;P

We stayed at Ocean Lakes, with some friends...and it was wonderful.The house was beautiful, the view was beautiful...the daquiris were beautiful...There was a little oceanfront bar and grill, called The Quarter Deck, that served THE best cheeseburger that ever touched my lips.Seriously...that place was my favorite part of the trip.Maybe it's my romantic mind, but it felt so tropical and had a laidback, off-hand, summery glamour that I found even more appetizing that their delicious cheeseburgers!There were ocean breezes, the laughter of the other people, live music,the cries of seagulls, the whispers of seagrass...really, can you tell how utterly taken I was???

(Those are my two little Jersey Shore wannabes in the center)

The kids had friends over, we rode around the 300 acre park on golf carts, being as silly as teenagers...It was GREAT!My husband seemed so laidback and relaxed.THAT I haven't seen in forever...so it was nice.So nice, that I kept forgetting the camera:( We did get a few pictures, though...

I know there's not a ton of PINK, but work with me, people!I'm trying real hard to get back into the swing of things;)

Happy Pink Saturday, All! Please visit Beverly for a complete list of participants:)

Oh, My Stars!

2010-07-17T17:20:00.006-04:00

Have you ever seen anything more adorable than this apron from All Tea Towels???I won it from Simone at The Bottom of The Ironing Basket. I have been so lucky lately and my stars are lining up quite nicely...I just want the cosmos to know how grateful I am!!!

Well, the house is almost done, I'm doing well with the low calorie,low sodium diet, and I'm starting to adjust to the new medicine (Celexa).I'm kind of sleepy all the time right now and I've slept 3 or 4 hours during the day ever since I started taking it...in addition to my normal nighttime sleep...but it'll get better.I know it will.I'm hoping by the time we get back from the beach, I'll be all set and back to feeling like myself.I've woken in a panic for the last two days, worried about getting everything ready for the trip...but everybody's pitching in now.I just hope we don't forget anything!

I'm going to miss y'all so bad! But I'll try to take lots of pictures and promise to regale you with exciting stories of the family vacay when I get back...Ha.Ha.

See you soon:)

Doctor + Diuretic = Disaster

2010-07-15T07:31:00.000-04:00

Yayyyy...I went to the doctor this week.I have had a few episodes of intense chest pain with nausea, shortness of breath,cold sweat, etc and started having incredibly swollen legs in April of this year.I went to the local ER, was seen for maybe three minutes by the on duty doctor, and sent out the door with a prescription for Lasix, and the incredibly astute diagnosis of Edema...or swelling.Yes, I was more than a little outraged.I wanted answers, wanted to know WHY my legs looked like this.I'm 36.I am overweight, but not morbidly obese or anything.My tests were all clear.I went to the doctor who also treats my husband.I told him I needed my prescriptions for an antidepressant (that's a whole other story) and for the Lasix, which is what I was told I needed by the ER doctor.Well, I swear, you'd have thought I was a drug-seeking addict or something.In fact, he even likened me asking for Lasix to a morphine addict asking for morphine.I was livid.I told him first of all, that you could in no way compare the 2 drugs.I can't get addicted to Lasix, can't sell it in a back alley somewhere, and that secondly, I was told by another doctor TO go to a family physician to get it prescribed. Eventually we both calmed down enough to agree that we needed to know why I am having this trouble.So, I will be going in a few weeks to have a stress test and an echocardiogram to look at the walls and valves of my heart.
Now, this doctor, who felt it would be irresponsible of him to prescribe Lasix to me, and did not feel comfortable discussing my weight in front of Camilla, had no compunction at all running out to catch me in the waiting room and telling me, IN FRONT OF MY DAUGHTER, that it could possibly be a symptom of ovarian cancer.(My mother died of ovarian cancer at 56)I think he must not have read my medical history until after my exam, but STILL...the whole visit was a complete disaster.I don't feel there's any possible way to trust a doctor who is hung up on whether I should use diuretics, but has no thought at all about the emotional state of the woman he just prescribed antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds for.

I do believe that there is a strong possibility that I will need a hysterectomy.I have fibroids and a uterine polyp, and those could be pressing on veins, he said... and I know that I need to get my weight down. My husband stresses me, ok? In the time he was laid off, and spent everyday ALL DAY at home, I gained nearly 70 pounds.Seriously.I worried, slept, and ate.I turn my anger and anxiety in on myself.And though I've lost 20 pounds, I still need to lose the other 50.That in itself is depressing...but challenging.I do so love a challenge. Now, hopefully, I can get the anxiety and depression and weight under control...and get my life back.

Pink Saturday

2010-07-10T06:33:00.006-04:00

We are going to be busy, busy, busy for the next week or so!

Some of my husband's friends have invited us to spend a few days with them at the beach!So, of course that means that the house will have to be cleaned top to bottom...I just can't stand leaving my home messy while I'm gone...and with everyone scrambling to make sure they have evrything they want to take...it can get that way quickly!

I'm already looking forward to picking up shells and driftwood and dying to get to some of the flea markets down there...Vintage postcards are burning up my mind...You know, I haven't been to a thrift shop or a junk store for about a month and a half...I think I deserve a little spree;)

Y'all know, Beverly has challenged us to get to know a new blogger each week...and sometimes, I confess...I forget to do that part{blush}...but this week, I am picking Tammy of Tammy's Heart! Her home is a little oceanic oasis...in Oklahoma! Just look at how beautiful her beachy decor is! Love, love, love the tiny shells around the base of the candle...I snagged this picture from her blog post, which I hope I am forgiven for, but I just wanted to show you a sample from her lovely blog:) Click on the picture to take you right on over!Thanks, Tammy, for sharing your beautiful home today!

Linking to Pink Saturday hosted by the ever-gracious Beverly at How Sweet The Sound

Facebook...Do I Dare?

2010-07-08T06:40:00.015-04:00

(Christian Montone)Is it just me or does it look like Junior's about to be sent out to play for awhile?

A few years ago, when all my friends were first getting on Facebook...I wasn't allowed to.That's right.NOT ALLOWED.You know, the internet is the devil and all that...If I had, my poor husband would probably have disconnected our internet service.But now, sanity prevails and I guess he's realizing that Facebook hasn't created a rash of divorces and serial killings.Apparently Facebook is now deemed safe and appropriate by the man who pays my bills.Yay.So, now I can finally communicate with...{gasp}...PEOPLE-WE-KNOW!I've had a Flickr account for years, and this blog for at least one year...but both with relative anonymity.I'm so excited...but then again...I'm a little worried...I feel so free to confide even raw emotion to all of you because I know you can't look at me funny in the grocery store.I hate feeling scrutinized!I don't want to lose that openness...

Now, I may be a little screwy...but even I can see that me being open with strangers but NOT with people who know me is... well,weird. Nevertheless,I'm worried that if anybody in the whole world could know who I really am, that I might hold back.See, I kind of see my public self and my private self like the Wizard of OZ...and the girl whose thoughts you read here is controlling everything from behind a curtain.In my life, that curtain is my husband.Gah, that got a little muddled in the telling...It sounded right in my mind.But you get what I'm saying, right?The person who writes what you are reading, and the person I have to be when I'm in public with my husband are sort of...different.

OK, here it is...I suppose you could say he's sort of...dare I say it?Um...jealous. I am friendly and expressive by nature.I am impulsive and silly and boisterous and practically giddy.I love to laugh.Out loud,even!I love to have fun.I am opinionated and I am not afraid of taking a stand when it's worthwhile.I think I'm one of those people you either love or hate right off the bat.

Unfortunately, my outgoing personality sometimes seems to be threatening to him...even though we've been married for 17 years and I'm committed to staying married, even if it kills us both!I guess what I'm saying is that I have conformed to his ideas of what I should be for so long, that I'm not sure I remember how to live out from behind the curtain.I really do feel like two separate people sometimes...but I suppose linking my Facebook to my blog could be a step toward putting me back together.Maybe it is time to pull back the curtain and let the sun shine in!

Do you have a Facebook?Have you linked it to your blog?

Teens and Chores: The "My Friends Don't Have To" Blues

2010-07-06T10:11:00.009-04:00

Housework rules!?! Well, I beg to differ...especially when 5 of the 5 people who live here can barely remember to close the bread bag, much less muster the want-to do any REAL housework...

First, let me give you a little background...Our living room and kitchen receive the brunt of the punishment.We enter through the kitchen, pass through the dining room, and settle in the living room.Things are dropped on the kitchen counters and what isn't usually makes it to the living room floor.Sooo...I have devised this ingenious system to teach my children how to clean, to show them how much work cleaning is and to get them to (maybe) appreciate my contribution to our home.

The system is this...2 of us (my little one and me) clean the LR one day and the other 2 (my older two) take the kitchen, and the next day, we switch rooms...that's it.That simple...and that was actually working pretty well...until the older two skipped out and spent 3 days at friends houses.hmm.

So, now they come back home, not wanting to do ANYTHING, because apparently...their friends do nothing at home, or so they say.I'm so not prepared for the onslaught of "I hate my life" drama that I get from my teenagers.

At those times, I wonder what the h___ I was thinking having children so close together...3 teenagers at one time?Then, I remember that by the time I am 43, all my children will be grown.Wow.That stops me in my tracks. It seems incomprehensible that one day, not too far off, they won't come home at night. I won't have to step over bat bags and backpacks to get through my house.It has occured to me that maybe teenage years were designed to emotionally prepare parents and children to separate.After all, if we weren't exasperated and arguing, wouldn't we just be crying at the thought of not being so close anymore?

So, anyway, what to do to combat the " My friends don't have to help clean up" blues???I don't want to ruin their summer, but I'm not running around behind them picking up,like they are toddlers, either.I really don't think I'm asking a lot of them.It takes about an hour to completely clean the kitchen, and less than that to do the LR...and there are 2 of us working in each room...

Do your kids do chores during the summer?What do they do?How often?Help.I need back up here!

I Won :)

2010-07-05T00:00:00.002-04:00

(photo property of Maureen at A Rose Without A Thorn)

EEEEEKKKK, I won these cupcake toppers from Maureen at A Rose Without A Thorn . That's her photo of them up there...Aren't they adorable?

And I recently was the runner-up in a drawing held by Debra at ZootsuitMama! I have won a surprise cookbook:)I don't have a picture of it yet...because it's a SURPRISE,y'all!!!

I just wanted to thank them both and send some blog love their way:) I love baking and I collect cookbooks.Does it get any better???Thank you, ladies!

Linking to Blue Monday

A Patriotic Pink Saturday

2010-07-03T08:19:00.011-04:00

How about a patriotic Pink Saturday picnic?! A cover of a Family Circle from 1959, not in the greatest shape, but I love, love that they are picnicking on the beach.I've never seen a picnic as put-together as hers!These people look so normal;I want to be on vacation with them.No, scratch that. I want to be the wife in this picture. I guess to some, it could look a little boring,but I've come appreciate routine, calmness and stability in a man because my husband is as moody as they come...I always tell him I'm gonna find a man who'll be sweet to me...and he says "Go ahead"...so I guess we'll go back and forth like that till one of us actually does something about it! ;)Anywho, check out his daring pink shirt!Great for Pink Saturday...but if I was the wife in this...there is no way he'd be clad in that Pepto-pink shirt!!!
And this sheet music cover from 1941 ...it's got a bajillion copyrights...but the gist of it is that if you buy bonds, you will save America...."We'll be blessed if we all invest"... It is a blatant call for funds, but I just love how publications of this era unashamedly supported the war and every man in it,urging people to conserve and sacrifice for the good of the country.Now, I'm not really politically-minded...but I think we could use a big healthy dose of patriotism in this country.My father was a veteran of the Korean War, and I have ALWAYS been so proud of him, and so proud to say that my daddy fought for our country.

(via)

The WWII era magazines I have, have ads explaining why you can't find certain ink pens, or nylons, or whatever.(You can find some great WWI and WWII era posters here.) Anyway, the shortage was due to either the materials used to make those things or the factories, themselves, being used to make other things to benefit the military.For instance, they encouraged women to make their nylons do for as long as possible because nylon was scarce.Why?The military needed it for parachutes.The trains were used to transport soldiers, so people were told to make reservations as far ahead of time as possible.In many cookbooks, homemakers were given instructions on how to make healthy meatless meals and how to make their rations stretch. The public, in general, was encouraged to eat healthfully, in case their country needed them.I would love to be a part of something like that.To feel that we were all part of something greater, and all pulling together to preserve the liberties that so many men and women have died to protect...how wonderful would that be? These days, however, the military gets little support from the general public.I couldn't tell you exactly what has changed public opinion so, or made people believe that they are entitled to belittle or ignore the very institution (our military) that keeps them safe even when they DO voice their opposing opinions.I often wonder if those who criticize this country and it's military would be quite so brazen if the might of Uncle Sam wasn't there protecting their right to free speech.

(sheet music,1940)

I was 16 years old and on the high school newspaper during the first Gulf War.We were interviewing various people throughout the school to get their stance on the war...and my history teacher said it so well...he said, "It doesn't matter whether I support the war itself...I support the men fighting it."

As for me, I do support those fighting in the name of this country.I will always be a patriot.I will always believe that I live in the greatest nation on earth and I will always thank God that I was born right here.This year, when the national anthem is played...listen to the words.Let them wash over you and be glad we are celebrating another anniversary of freedom in this great land!

The Star Spangled Banner 1942 @ Yahoo! Video

Y'all have a great 4th of July!

Linking to Pink Saturday

Edith Edmondson's 1930's Composition Book, Free Images

2010-06-30T08:55:00.012-04:00

I found this 1933 composition book at the bottom of a dusty pile of old sheet music and music books at a local indoor flea market.I scanned in several pages, because she wrote in black and blue ink, and in pencil.I found a clipping of what may be her father in the notebook and I tried to research her a little, and didn't get very far. I do know she's from North Carolina and that she was among the first women to attend the newly coed Louisburg College, which was strictly male until 1931.Before that, there were separate establishments for men and women.

Read this from the college's website:

"...a disastrous fire gutted Main Building and the new West Wing in 1928. Closely following the fire came the Great Depression, and the college was burdened with debt and a shrinking enrollment.

The Reverend Armour David Wilcox, former minister of the Louisburg Methodist Church, served as president of the college from 1931 to 1937. Louisburg College became co-educational in 1931, and student enrollment immediately increased. By the end of World War II, institutional debts had been paid. "

Ironic, huh?But, happily, it paved the way for Miss Edmondson to attend the college.I am absolutely enthralled holding her actual music history notebook in my hands.I wish it could talk to me, and tell me about her experience at the college and what it was like when she was here...I think her family must have been well off, considering they were putting a child, a daughter at that, through college when the rest of the country was struggling to put food on the table.I will post pictures of the sheet music soon, but you are welcome to use these pictures however you choose.Enjoy, my dears:)

Linking to White Wednesday at Faded Charm

Some Days You Just Have To Smile

2010-06-28T13:59:00.006-04:00

Don't you just feel this way some days?Here is what's got me all in a tizzy...My daughter wants to have friends over.This is NOT a big, huge deal,right?I know that it's not an unusual request coming from a 14 year old...and I feel like the world's worst mother for even balking at it...I do love those girls, and of course they are welcome...I can't really put my finger on just WHY it is bugging me so bad.I'm just not feeling like myself, I guess.Nothing is balanced and I ALWAYS feel behind!
However...the motivation it is providing to my kids to clean their rooms makes it worthwhile...and I just found out that their dad will be off work and is probably taking them to the pool.Maybe I'll get a junk store trip out of this somehow...

As for this week,I will put on a smile and throw out the welcome mat.I've just decided to fake it til I make it...

Pink Saturday: Good Housekeeping, June 1955

2010-06-26T08:02:00.009-04:00

I just wanted to share some of the pretty pink from one of my vintage magazines today, appropriately a June issue of Good Housekeeping.Look at that cover girl...Isn't she a little doll?

And...YUM...a baked-from-scratch cake...which warrants a kiss on the forehead from a grateful husband.Like a cake baked with Swans Down,a kiss on the forehead is just so tender and sweet, isn't it?
If you want to read the recipe in the Swans Down ad, or read the fine print on any of the pictures...just click on the picture, and increase the size:)

And the glamourous Maureen O'Hara.She is just stunning...and so is her dress, and her jewelry...In my opinion, you just can't top Old Hollywood glamour.

Housework should always be this graceful and pretty.I just looked over at the sink and saw that my Dawn is blue...I'm definitely buying pink detergent next time;)

My Pink Saturday recommendation today is that you go visit The Quintessential Magpie's Mad Tea Party...but beware The Queen of Hearts;)

You can see even more Pinkness at How Sweet The Sound's Pink Saturday:)

Southern Womanhood

2010-06-25T11:29:00.002-04:00

I joined Southern Mommas awhile back, and it got me thinking...What DOES being Southern mean to me?Why IS being Southern so special?There's so much lore and mystique attached to Southern women...women with names like Rose, Ruby, and Shelby Jean...We are supposed to be ladies, no matter what...genteel and refined, selfless and kind...generous and hospitable and hardworking and beautiful...Yet, often we are full of contradictions.We are capable of scaling a fish without flinching, but unable to open the pickle jar.We are soft-spoken, and yet, steel-willed.We can cut you to the quick, and never stop smiling to do it...We can convey multiple emotions in one response...Southern women are sisters to the end...and family relations are always delicate...

You've heard the adage..."You can say anything you want about somebody, as long as you say 'bless his heart'..."And it really, at least in North Carolina, comes out as one word...phonetically "blesseezheart"...For instance...Upon hearing that your best friend's brother(or husband, or son, or dad),who isn't the brightest, anyway, is going back to prison for another DUI...you could appropriately say, slowly and sweetly, while tilting your head slowly sideways and furrowing your brow,"Oh,izzz he?Blesseezheart.Maybe this'll straighten 'eem out." Make your"he" a seamless, stretched out two-syllable word (huh-ee), and reach out to hold her hand...and you have thereby simultaneously conveyed clearly your sympathy for your friend's embarrassment, your utter bewilderment at her family member's stupidity and your hope for the future...all in a socially acceptable manner.And, speaking of hope...I hope I'm not considered a traitor for parting with that bit of Southern belle secret information...

Our mothers know that we'll go through a certain rebelling tomboyish-ness before we grow into our big girl drawers...(and if you don't know what drawers are, well, blesshurheart, I can't help you...SEE?I just did it...see how easy it is?)

Down here, our girls hunt and fish, ride the lawn mower, and get coached by Daddy and you better know there's no such thing as "hitting like a girl".You see, Southern men are PROUD of their girls...just as proud, if not moreso, as they are of their boys.After all, our Daddys are forever OUR heroes.We Southern belles are not weak...we CAN do all the things other American women do...it's just that we elicit such pride and awe from our men,Daddy included, when we do it.I mean, yes, we could plow the garden spot and mow the grass...but that's man work down here...So when a girl takes it upon herself to do that, well...it gets noticed.

And boy, DOES it get noticed.Put a girl to task on any kind of motorized machinery or stick a hammer in her hand...and it will be more alluring to a Southern man than the Victoria's Secret fashion show.Because it's unexpected and unusual...though not unique.Other women do "man things" all the time...but, you know...they're not Southern...so they probably aren't out there with an 18" long ponytail wearing cut-off jeans, on a John Deere.

See, it's all in the presentation.The secret is to make it all look effortless, like you know what you're doing,even if the closest you've ever come to a power tool is your hand-held mixer.One of two things will happen...you'll succeed at said task and he'll be amazed and tell all his friends how amazing you were while accomplishing skilled Merry Tilling or you'll fail, and he'll tell all his friends how cute you were for trying to install a shelf all by your little self.Of course, if you "can't" do it, kudos to you.You get to make your man feel like Prince Charming...by fawning over his muscles and exclaiming in delight over his manly "measure twice, cut once" mantra...See, everybody wins.Other women might roll their eyes,or shake their heads, but not my Southern sisters...They knowingly smile.They KNOW.It's a dance and if you're lucky, you find the perfect partner right off,and dance every dance with only him...

If you are offended by my shameless exploitation of femininity and the random manipulation of the male libido...well,I am terribly sorry...

And I know it's not all about the men...but I have to tell you, when it comes to the South, it ain't just the summer's that're hot down here:) Southern men...the GOOD ones, that is...respect their mamas, fight for their sisters, baby their wives and dote on their daughters.And that kind of man, looks aside, will always be hot!Don't worry though, it's not one-sided...We make their beds and their biscuits and their babies.So, see y'all? They come out of the deal just fine.

Summer Days...

2010-06-18T11:40:00.002-04:00

(photo by Camilla)

I wake up,walk through the living room and wonder HOW I slept through the party.I flash back to the night before...no, I wasn't drinking...no, there were definitely not 30 other people here...just the man and the kids...so WHY does it look like a big hungry hurricane blew through?Hmm...I didn't get tipsy...and I didn't get presents...so, I definitely don't think we threw a party...Yet,there's someone asleep on the couch...and there is waaay more debris than just a few people can make...surely?The only mixed drink I have come across was the mix of Cherry Kool-Aid and Lemonade that Camilla created...So...somehow...I have to assume that the 45 dirty cups and bowls must have been generated by the gently resting angels still sleeping...the ones who sit up late at night, watch movies, fall asleep on comforters and sofas, and who live to swim, play outside and talk to their friends...Yes...My kids are the perpetrators.Oh, my word.Adjusting is hard...sort of...I mean,I haven't blogged as much this week...but honestly,y'all...every day seems exactly like the day before it...so I lose track of time.I just love summertime:)

(photo by Camilla)

Really, I do.It's these laidback,whatever happens, happens...no schedule, no deadline...days that I love most.The truth is, my heart sings when I hear them all giggle at some shared joke...when I see the blankets my girls have piled in the living room floor to lie on while they watch movies,when I see that their brother shared in the fun and altogether they have eaten more food than you'd believe.They will get up today and go outside, make Kool-Aid...you know, do about the same thing, I'm sure.(photo by Camilla)

...We will be spending warm, sweet days in the sun...and I love that I will be part of their memories of their happy halcyon days of summer :)

Speaking of those warm, sweet days of summer...I was recently given the opportunity to review a Black & Decker Crush Master 10 Speed Blender from CSN Stores.I am so excited!I can't wait to get started making yummy milkshakes like these from Paula Deen.My favorite is a banana milkshake and my husband is looking forward to tasting a yummy fresh strawberry smoothie!I suppose the kids will be coming up with some ideas too, to test.I know Cat already has mentioned an Oreo milkshake...

Enjoy your summer...I certainly will be!

School's OUT!

2010-06-10T14:33:00.013-04:00

No more pencils, no more books!

No more teacher's dirty looks!

Ahh,yes...A lovely respite from homework, projects, and getting up early.That will last about a week and then, the kids will get on each other's nerves...and mine.They will bicker and I will yell.We will be on the road constantly running to practices and pre-season work-outs.Grey will have football work-outs and Cat will be attending open gym, which is just an "unofficial practice" for volleyball...I am happy that my kids are involved in sports...I just am not necessarily looking forward to driving all summer!

I would love to believe that my summer will be filled to the brim with bugless picnics, happy carefree children, and fun excursions about the countryside...maybe I will have that part of the time...but I know a lot of the summer will consist of me hauling the kids where they need to be, and battling the southern heat and humidity.What d'ya do?I'm just gonna smile and enjoy it...even if my long hair is fluffed...okay...frizzed...enough from the incessant humidity to look like I'm always wearing a backpack;)

What are some of your summer plans?

Linking To Pink Saturday

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not...He Loves ME!

2010-06-08T21:30:00.000-04:00

I have had an epiphany.You know when you and your man first got together...the sweaty excitement, the tingly palms, the breathless anticipation?Well, as marriage goes on, we all know that tends to wane...Babies are born,priorities shift, identity crises and betrayals and doubts set in.You sometimes have to decide whether to stay or go. Sometimes, you go, and wish you had stayed...and sometimes, it is the exact opposite.If you stay, over the years, you begin to see that the man you married is just exactly that...a man.

Human...with weaknesses and flaws and you realize that your rose-colored glasses are cracking...and you hope that maybe, just maybe,there is more to him than biceps and sweet words.And, then, you realize that his rose colored glasses are probably also cracked.That he sees that you, too, are human...you hope that you are more than a warm place to land in his eyes, that you are loved.Not admired, or accepted, or idolized...but LOVED.Then, YES, you realize that he sees past your PMS, your post-baby weight, your failures,your fears, your bad temper and tempestuous ways,your idiosyncrasies.He sees YOU.Then one day, you look into his eyes...and you see HIM...the man who loves you and who will never leave you.You realize that you can breathe easy.You can both throw away the rose-colored glasses.You have passed the tests.You have come to deserve each other,good or bad.You are linked, forever, in a way that has nothing to do with vows, or children, or loyalty.You are linked, because in all the universe, God put YOU in one another's paths. You are linked because no one else in the world has ever shared the life you have shared.

The struggles and disappointments?Maybe that was the wake-up call I needed to stop taking him for granted.It has opened my eyes to the fact that what I have, though not perfect, is perfect enough for me.I have a man who loves ME....not his idealized version of me...but ME.He is a man who has proven his love.He is a man who will do whatever necessary to take care of us, who is proud of us, who is by my side and on my side 100 % of the time. I am amazed I never saw this quite so clearly before.

"Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads which sew people together through the years." ~Simone Signoret

What Will I Do?

2010-06-08T07:34:00.019-04:00

If you have children,get ready to cry.I read this post from Diane at In My Own Style, and cried like a baby.Her daughters are all grown up and moved out. She reminisces about their childhoods and compares what was to what is...and reminds us to be there, in the moment, because in the blink of an eye, they're all grown up.Gosh, I'm crying again...

Diane's post made me think of how my own life is defined by my motherhood...how much of 'Wendy' is hidden, and has been replaced with 'Mama'.Makes me wonder, too...Who will I be when they move away?What will I do with the time I spend preparing and cooking food for 5 people,washing their dishes and their clothes, and folding them...helping with projects and homework, sorting out arguments, waiting for teeth to be cleaned and vaccinations to be given,and driving to practices and games and meetings.When Santa and the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy all sleep through the night...What will I do?

I had my oldest when I was 20 and my youngest at 25...I have spent all the time since then and will happily continue to spend all my time mothering until I'm 43 years old...and then...

Who will I become?What will I do?How will I ever let go of my babies?

Shopping for a "New" Old Cookbook

2010-06-07T00:01:00.003-04:00

I have been vintage cookbook crazy lately.And, I mean vintage-vintage, not 70's and 80's vintage...Like, 1930's-40's-50's vintage...Something about the defined gender roles always makes me feel all cozy-nesty.I love the effortlessly feminine and pretty hostesses, like the one above...Yep, that's definitely how I wanna be when I grow up.

Anyway,I was looking through my favorite cookbook of the moment,which is torn and tattered and full of magazine pages and cut-out-and-taped-in recipes from as far back as the 194os......and got the urge to Ebay/Etsy up some new old cookbooks...so,I searched for 'vintage cookbooks',then 'vintage cookbook lots', then simply 'old cookbooks'...It is amazing how many wonderful things there are to buy!

Anyway,in my searching, I stumbled across Old Cookbooks.com...and, oh my goodness...I was in heaven.I don't know about you, but when I look through stuff that I'm interested in...I am just delighted when I see something that I already own...So all these cookbooks for sale,right?...and what did I do?...I bid on a hostess APRON;)

Look closely...the rick-rack is sparkley gold

8^)

Linking to Blue Monday with Smiling Sally

Today

2010-06-04T08:41:00.005-04:00

Today I am going to make for myself a schedule that I can live with.My husband may start a job with set first shift hours, and my kids are 4 and a half days from being out of school...so,I can finally create...or should I say REcreate a housekeeping routine.I cannot find words to say how that comforts me!I love to putter around in my home, arranging a shelf or moving a table here or there...just tweaking it so that my surroundings "feel" right.

I just am not creatively inclined when I am not alone.I don't write well, or "see" things in my house, if I am hemmed in.I am one of those people who is more lonely in a crowd than I am when I am alone.

I really hope his job works out, and that the kids are happy through the summer.There may be a tight,as in cutting off our air tight, budget this summer,but Camilla's really too young to notice and, as for Grey and Catherine...honestly, some of the best times I had as a teenager involved just being with my friends.

I hope...Well, I started to write more...but that pretty much sums it up...

I HOPE.

I'm going to go put on my apron, now,and put a load of clothes in the washer, run the sink full of water to start the dishes and dissolve in a cloud of pure happiness:)

Y'all have a BliSsfUl and WonDeRfuL and CreaTiVe WeEkenD!

What Do You Look For in an Etsy "Inspiration Packet"?

2010-06-03T10:01:00.009-04:00

For awhile now, I've been wanting to put together sets like these, pictured below, for my Etsy shop. I have scads of little crafty goodies, and I just love the idea of little packets of vintage loveliness coming from who knows where, floating into my afternoon post.That said...I just don't know what to include...I have old clothespins, wooden spools, vintage buttons, vintage costume jewelry,sheet music, vintage illustrations, pages of dictation and pages of books in foreign languages.I am swimming in hand-tatted lace, crocheted edging, and I have an antique wardrobe full of vintage cloth.My problem is that I don't know what quantities to sell in...I would love to sell the cloth, but I couldn't cut straight if my life depended on it.Supposing you were looking to buy...what would you like to see included?I'm looking for suggestions, so please be honest.If you click on any of these pictures, it will take you to the owner's Etsy shop.Thank you, ahead of time!I'm looking forward to hearing your suggestions !
I'm linking to Pearls and Lace Thursday at Faith, Grace and Crafts.

Little Vintage Violet

Wild Heart 515

Scrape Co Chic

Oh, yes, I did...

2010-06-01T08:34:00.009-04:00

Guess what?!? I WON the $30 gift certificate to SockTheory that was given away by Eve at Absolutely Ladylike!Now, I am sooo thrilled.Just look...

I don't see much housecleaning being done in these,do you;)?

This is just what I needed to break out of this rut I have been in.These pictures bring to mind the other Wendy...the one that was flirtacious and feminine...uninhibited and unflappable...and wore outrageously fun and sexy things,like these stockings...I really miss the old me...I bet my husband does, too.

My,my,my...I am so excited about spending this gift certificate:)

*All images are from SockTheory.com

Right now, Home and Heart is hosting a bracelet giveaway in honor of her mother...so , if you're feelin' lucky...Pop on over and enter to win!

Linking to Ruby Tuesday

Plumrose Lane

2010-05-31T22:12:00.004-04:00

Well, this, my friends, is the fabulously lovely handiwork of Sharon, from Plumrose Lane.

Yesterday, feeling all stale and bored with everything, I went looking for a little bloggy make-over.I wanted to brighten up my blog, change it a little...so, I Googled "Minima Stretch Blog Backgrounds"...and up came the usual suspects...pretty, but plain.I went digging a little deeper...and found Plumrose Lane.Her backgrounds, besides being easy to apply (because, God knows, if I have to edit HTML on my template...it just ain't gettin' done),...are GORGEOUS!They are fresh and unusual, and so very interesting.She has whole sets of tags available, too...You know, like for "email" and "follow".Just lovely.

Well, anywho...I applied her background and realized that my header, being all pink and green and yellow...well, it just looked bad with this stylish new background.I had to create a new header, I said...But no! Imagine how delighted I was, me being so taken by her designs, when I got her email saying that she had created this marvelously perfect header, JUST FOR ME! I was beside myself.

It is perfect, no?The homemaker, the flowers, the cottage...she really captured the essence of my blog...and that was before we ever exchanged email. THAT,my darlings, is how talented she is.

Some of her backgrounds and headers are free, and some are for sale in her Etsy shop, also named Plumrose Lane.She does custom orders and blog buttons and tutorials...it just goes on and on.The woman is talented, I tell you.

Linking to Blue Monday:)

Our Memorial Day Weekend Picnic

2010-05-31T13:51:00.017-04:00

Ok, so I'm trying to claw my way free of this melancholia,right?Now, me? I want to sit home,keep the windows shut and wallow in my misery...but my family wanted to go picnic.Woo-hoo.Bless my husband's hopeful heart, he bought hot dogs, chips, ice, and charcoal and off to Morrow Mountain we went again!He even made yummy lemonade,this man of mine!True to my enterprising and innovative roots,after realizing we left the chili-pot at home...I crafted this exquisitely lovely tin-foil bowl for to hold the hot dawg chili!Yes, I do know I'm awesome;P

Does my husband appear doubtful to you?Yes, it is as I suspected.He was jealous of my mad bowl-crafting skills.

It was nice to get out.I figured that we'd be all crowded because of the holiday, but we weren't crowded at all.We had a picnic shelter all to ourselves, and be-yoo-ti-ful views.

The outing really lifted my spirits, despite the heat and the droopy teenagers (mine) with annoying attitudes...We walked the trails again, longer this time...yep, it was only 90 freaking degrees, so why not?

I have been kind of icky-feeling lately and I'm sorry if I've brought any of you down.You're all so fabulous for listening and caring...Awwww, I just love you guys!

Look, I did manage to remember that I was holding a camera this time when the deer walked up to the car:)Told you I was awesome.

*Now, I'm off to find something pretty to create a new header for this fantabulous blog background.Have you heard of Plumrose Lane?Her backgrounds are marvy:)

***EDIT: Looky, looky at my new CUSTOM header courtesy of Sharon at Plumrose Lane!!!Isn't it lovely?

I Hope This Day Is Good

2010-05-30T08:33:00.012-04:00

I have to tell you...I just haven't been quite able to muster up the want-to to do anything lately.I don't know if it's stress, or frustration, or just one of the phases that I am prone to go through.I am notorious for not finishing something that I've started...but I used to LOVE to nap during the day...and now can never sleep...without assistance from medication...I loved to browse Etsy, and Ebay and bloghop for hours.I haven't done that in 2 weeks.My kitchen, which used to feel so cozy and cheerful, now just seems like a place I try to keep from getting too grungy.I'm just not feeling myself of late.I used to read for hours...sometimes, disappearing off to my room for a whole entire day of moving only to change positions or get some fresh iced tea to drink...I haven't picked up a book in ages...

I think I am afraid to settle.I feel like my world is on shifting sand...not from the desire to be free and easy and nomadic,for goodness sakes, but from sheer circumstance.I am afraid to get attached.I don't take to change easily.I used to.I used to long to leave this place behind.When I was about 12, I realized that there was more to the world than this tiny NC county.I couldn't imagine why my parents were so happy here.I thought my father was a sophisticated businessman and my mother a domestic genius.WHY were we limiting our potential?Let's move,y'all!

But, no...here is the routine my life followed Monday through Friday for at least 11 years...Daddy, up first,always by 5 AM to warm up the house if it was cold, then Mama,never-failing, by 6 to make us some homemade biscuits and usually sausages,oil sausages if I was lucky because those were my favorites, for breakfast...I was up at 7, just in time to see Daddy off to work.I'd go to school,hated it,hated almost every minute.I was a homebody, even then.Sometimes, while my class was on the playground, we'd see my mom drive by, on her way to the Griffin 88 store,where she'd find some dollar store trinket to surprise me with after school, as a reward for suffering through another day of school.I think she understood how I felt.After she passed away,I found letters she had written to herself and to God, praying for strength, praying for answers,like mothers everywhere...and asking how could she bear to send me when I hated going so badly.So, I guess I know she understood.She'd collect me after school,I usually chattered a little and fell asleep riding home, although we lived only about 6 minutes from school...riding in the car still does that to me...When we did get home, I'd usually eat peanut butter sandwiches and chicken noodle soup,and catch the last of Tom and Jerry or Scooby-doo...then play awhile,indoors or out with my Barbies, or my cats...we ate supper EVERY SINGLE DAY at 6:15.Daddy got home at 6, you see, so he changed out of his suit and tie and into more comfortable clothes.After dinner, Daddy'd see the ABC World News Tonight, or whatever it was called.I just know I loved Peter Jennings' voice.Even if the news was catastrophic, he delivered it in a smooth, soothing baritone that always seemed to offer hope.Mama cleared the table and stacked the dishes.The washing would wait.Around 7, we'd go outside, whether it was to walk down the road a little and just enjoy the evening,or to work in the 1/2 acre garden they kept.They'd most often work awhile, then sit down to survey the acre and a half that he worked so hard everyday to pay for and that she worked so happily to make a home.

They never made us feel like a burden.In fact, they were proud that he provided for us so well.I remember my mother saying that he had told her before they married that they would make it on what he made or they wouldn't make it.He didn't want his wife working in a "public job", as my mama called it.Why?Well, he was born in 1928,watched his parents and I'm sure the parents of the children around him scrape through the Great Depression working in cotton mills, taking in laundry and ironing.I know he wanted better for my mama than constant struggle.It reminds me of the quote, "I make the living and she makes the living worthwhile."

Anyway, we'd often sit outside until the sun went down,listening to the bobwhites and the whippoorwills, the JulyFlies and the frogs down in the pond, and on occasion, the tinny sound of mama's kitchen radio would drift through the open windows carrying Don Williams, or Loretta Lynn out to us in the backyard..Daddy would smoke, mama would swing, they'd talk to each other about nothing and everything and I just soaked it all in.

I know I have rambled in this post, but going back through the hours of the days of my childhood felt so good.When I was 10, my dad was diagnosed with cancer,lung cancer, and he died when I was 13.For me, the years from ages 11 to 13 were stressful and confusing, and to be honest, they haunt me to this day...but these earlier days of routine and calm that I have described set the tone for my whole life.They are what I cling to in times like this, when I feel lost and am not sure I can find my way back to me.I look back and I see who I am, and what I am and I know I will carry on, and I will continue to lean on God and to make the best of whatever I am handed.That's all I know how to do.It's how I was raised.

***edit:Yes, routine comforts me...I love having MY OWN routine...and that is most definitely what has so unhinged me.For the last year and a half, my routine has been interrupted to the point that interruption has become routine.I just want everything to go back to what passed for normal, I guess.Thanks for listening:)***

linking to Spiritual Sunday

Happy Birthday, Pink Saturday!

2010-05-29T11:32:00.006-04:00

Happy Birthday to Pink Saturday!It has meant one day per week of Pink loveliness to each of us for TWO whole years!That's a LOT of Pink Saturdays!I remember my first Pink Saturday...I was astounded that so many comments were left and it really inspired me to keep blogging...Thank you so much, Beverly for all your hard work...

Linking to Pink Saturday

* I apologize for posting late.We had terrible thunderstorms and connection issues last night.Please forgive me:)

I Am Grateful

2010-05-25T07:14:00.018-04:00

We had such a rainy, overcast week, but I finally got out of the house the last few days and piddled around outside...I just felt so freeeee...after all the worry of the last few months and the stress...it's all blowing away in the beautiful, warm, almost-summer winds!I have prayed for strength, and I have found it.I have prayed for a good, steady job for my husband, and one has come.I am grateful...SO grateful for every one of you reading and following.It makes me so proud to see my little follower badge growing and growing...I love your comments, and whether you know it or not, I lean on your friendly shoulders and find strength in your kind voices.You are my friends, and one more way that I have been blessed.THANK YOU:)

linking to Rednesday...

Focus On God, Not On Your Problems

2010-05-23T07:10:00.006-04:00

Let me preface this post by saying that I am a Christian,I am saved, but I do not currently attend church. I have tried going to different churches in our area, but I just haven't found one where I feel at home.I do not like the attention that being new at a church causes...I guess I'm a little shy.I feel awkward because I don't know the words to the hymns and I can't carry a tune.I don't like the politics and snobbery or being forced to make small-talk on Sunday mornings when I'm already a bundle of nerves.I am not of the belief that church should be just a social hour...however, I do understand the concept of fellowship.I think that is what Sunday school and church picnics,or dinners on the ground are for.

I like to hear a preacher who is passionate.I want a Bible-thumper, a yelling, blustery, fiery-eyed Baptist preacher to preach sermons on Sunday morning...but it seems to be the trend, well, around here anyway, for preachers to be soft-spoken and stand in front of the church, outfitted with microphones, in front of a band (not even in the pulpit) and relate cute anecdotes for 45 minutes or so and then direct you to the sign-ups for the next trip to South America, and...DONE. The congregation often dresses in blue jeans and sweatshirts,which I know is done to accomodate all income and comfort levels,and to appeal to younger parishoners but I guess I'm old-fashioned.I just get NOTHING spiritual from those churches...With the kind of "preachin'" I prefer,I am moved to tears sometimes in church, and it's embarrassing to me, but also so cathartic and I walk out feeling as though I truly communed with the Lord.I love that and I miss it so badly.

I do try to be open-minded...and, believe me when I tell you that when I started this post, I had no idea that I had this much frustration and anger and resentment and outright need in my heart...and I fully believe God led me to this discovery...because...of all things,I began this post intending to talk about silly church signs...because of a church sign out on the highway, one that I pass while taking my son to school.

I usually am annoyed with cute-sy church signs, most especially ones that sign their messages

"love, God".I think it's kind of blasphemous to presume to know what God might say or to make a joke of it, even though I know that it was not intended to be disrespectful....I know...who knew I was this uptight???But, back to the church sign I actually fell in love with...It says "FOCUS ON GOD,NOT YOUR PROBLEMS"Hmmm...now that moves me.It really does.I think that's probably the answer to 100% of the anxiety in my life.It makes me want to attend church.It made me pray.Right then,in the car,driving home...I prayed.I thanked God for that message.I needed to read that.I needed to feel that healing calm that comes over me when I pray.Maybe those weird, funny,irreverent signs touch someone's heart in the same way.Maybe I should be more tolerant...I just don't like it when God and prayer and all that is holy is made light of by a church.

I am afraid to start going back to church though...for all the reasons I've given...and because the truth is, especially now that my husband changed jobs again(due to lay-offs)...sometimes we barely have enough gas to get the kids to school...how can I afford to fit money for church into this equation?But, then again...how can I afford not to?

"Faith is not believing that God can...It is knowing that He will."

linking to Spiritual Sunday

Catherine's Dance

2010-05-22T14:18:00.003-04:00

My daughter, Catherine, or Cat as most people call her,had her 8th grade dance last night.She and her girlfriends decided to all go without dates...She said that they were all just friends anyway, so why should 'dating' complicate things?Smart girl,if I do say so myself.She looked lovely and made me so proud.

I snapped this picture as she leaned into the mirror to check her make-up.It's my favorite:)I had to work a little tan-line magic on her shoulders and chest...She plays a LOT of softball, so even with sunscreen...in 90 degree weather...tanlines are inevitable.She spends two weekends a month on a softball field(they leave at about 7am and get home around 9pm) and the other 2 weekends playing basketball tournaments...that is, if volleyball isn't going on...and let's not forget practices!

Anyway, Covergirl and I fixed up those tanlines...and then I moved on to the duct tape hemming.My son heard us laughing, came to her door and asked what we were doing...I told him about the duct tape, and he said, "It's official.You ARE a redneck, Mom." Well, DANG IT, BOY! I'm aiming for less Roseanne and more along the lines of Samantha Stevens, so I guess I'll have to try harder;)

Then came the great blowup of the night.I couldn't curl her stick straight, waist length hair with a curling iron in thirty minutes.What kind of failure-as-a-mother-worthless-hag am I???This look says it all:

I could only smile.***Catherine...I remember how it is to be 14, and I forgive you...which I know won't matter to you for another 15 years or so, honey***...So, because of my hair magic failure, I was snubbed in the picture taking area...but I did snap this one as we walked up to her bff's house...I think her hair looks fine... ;P

Here she is turning on that hundred watt smile...for someone else's mom:(

But they do look so pretty.They've been best friends since 2nd grade...

Here she is with another bff...friends since 3rd grade...What is it with the KissyFace thing?Silly girls.I just adore them...I can't believe she's almost in high school.Gosh, where has the time gone?

Apparently, she got over being mad at me/disappointed...so she danced with her girlfriends...

and went out to eat with her friends, after the dance was over...

And her eyes sparkled.And she smiled.And she was happy...

Which is all that ever matters to her Mom:)

Getting Ready For The Dance

2010-05-21T08:27:00.005-04:00

My daughter's eighth grade dance is tonight!I'm so excited...She's wearing a strapless black and white polka dotted dress and little white sandals.So adorable! Catherine is so petite that I have to hem it, which I think is just precious...Ok...so I'll hem it with duct-tape, because I'm no seamstress...but in my mind it'll be like this;)

I'll take lots of pictures.See y'all tomorrow!

When Reality Comes Crashing In,I Hide(Behind My Husband)

2010-05-20T16:50:00.007-04:00

How exciting it would be, my darlings, if this were the reality of my life.Ok, that is pretty much my hair, but from the neck down..no resemblance.Instead, my wonderful life's filled with cleaning up my flooded basement(which I'll admit I did NOT wear heels to do:), washing dishes, by hand(we have no dishwasher in our 1930's cottage), washing clothes, cleaning up after the cats and the kids and the Man, taking out the trash, sorting school papers, attending awards days and conferences, emailing the teachers, making doctor's and dentist's appointments, taking the kids TO said appointments, trying to make ends meet...no, for these things, I wear jeans,usually tattered ones, and I confess, flip-flops, on occassion.I long for the days when I dressed up for no other reason than I could...you know...every hair in place, outfit totally put together,make-up perfect.Where has that girl gone?

I'm afraid I haven't taken my own advice.I HAVE let myself get bogged down in the day-to-day stuff of life.I can't tell you the last time my husband and I were excited to see one another.All this stress about money and worry about bills, along with all the regular we've-been-together-forever stuff...it's taking it's toll on me and on us.I am gaining weight.Worry does that to me.I swear, it's like I hibernate. I've started referring to it as "The Weight of Worry".Hmm, maybe I'll start a new blog;)...Seriously, though...I try to keep in mind that this is a temporary thing, that we'll land on our feet and that if it gets so bad that we have to move, well...we'll just move...but I panic sometimes.A private panic.For instance, I'll realize that it's the 20th and feel sick to my stomach and hot all over.I panic that the rent might not be on time...I just need him to say that everything will be ok.I feel better instantly, even if I know that there's no way he can guarantee that ANYTHING will ever be ok again.It is just soothing, even though we are each other's worst enemies at times,that we are still here, still together, and that he still cares enough to tell me that we'll be ok.At those times, I think, "My God.He must actually love me." Which I know I should take for granted...but believe me, there really are times I have doubted it.I guess I mean that we've had a crazy life, but it's been OUR crazy life:)

I try to remember this:I am lucky.I am blessed.We are dysfunctional, oh yes, you better believe it.But when we are together, wherever we are, if we're together, we are home...

Polyvore

2010-05-20T14:31:00.000-04:00

Polyvore So fun.It's like playing with virtual paper dolls...I am addicted:)

Camilla Baked Banana Bread!

2010-05-17T00:01:00.005-04:00

As you may know,my baby girl, Camilla, loves to bake...as do I.We haven't baked much in the last few months...I just can't get myself adjusted to the lay-out of this new kitchen:(...but today, noticing that we had 6 getting-yucky-fast bananas, we decided to bake some easy banana bread.

So...that's Cami getting her bake on...Never too young to bake in style...check out the kimono;)

Doesn't look yummy yet, but boy, let me tell you, it smelled divine!

Here is the first loaf, as it came out of the oven...

And, above,is the second loaf, which is prettier, I think.

We sliced it warm...but she didn't think it was sweet enough (imagine...)

(and me with no makeup..."I'm fearless that way."~Birdie Calvert)

...so we sprinkled it with powdered sugar.YUM!!!

Oh MY!Look at that MESS!

But WHO CARES??? How can I be upset at my Sweetface?That little smile melts my heart:)

If y'all want to try it for yourselves,here is the recipe...

Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients
3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar (can easily reduce to 3/4 cup)
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

Method
No need for a mixer for this recipe. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). With a wooden spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour last, mix. Pour mixture into a buttered 4x8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and slice to serve.

***Ok...not normally known for my preparedness(is that a word?), it came as no great shock that I was out of vanilla...Well, nevermind THAT...we subbed lemon extract:) ***

Linking to Mellow Yellow Monday

Fluttering By On Blue Monday;)

2010-05-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

In the immortal words of The Girl in The Seven Year Itch..." Isn't it just delicate?"...or is it "elegant"?Whichever, it's pretty and it sat right there on my backsteps, letting me oooh and aahhh over it:)

Linking To Blue Monday

My Love For Old Books...or Cleaning Out The Basement

2010-05-16T09:54:00.011-04:00

You know, when we moved...I realized we had WAYYY more stuff than I thought.It is (mostly) my fault.I have so many books that I had to use part of the linen closet to shelve them...3 rows deep...stacked to the ceiling.*SIGH*

Now, next weekend,my cousin is having a neighborhood yardsale and has invited me to bring down some stuff.So, thinking of this opportunity to clean out some space...I headed down to our basement...where, I'm almost afraid to admit,I still have boxes to unpack...even though we moved in 5 months ago.So many boxes...I know that I should go along with the line of thinking that some people recommend...you know, if I haven't missed it in 6 months...blah,blah,blah.But...I am forgetful,Ok?Just because I haven't exactly missed The Tale of Kiddie Katydid (copyright 1918) with illustrations like these doesn't mean I should no longer own it.I relish going through these boxes.It's like a buried treasure right in my own basement.Now, I'll admit...the book about Vermont that I bought, just in case my kids ever had to do a report on Vermont...gahhh, I know...well, that could probably go...I'll give you that...

But, this German book Madchen Im Sommerwind from 1941?

That is mine.And it's staying.And Ben King's Verse, from 1898...oh yeah...staying...

I can't explain WHY I love these old books like I do.I love the feel of them, the smell, the beautiful and elegant fonts,the illustrations, the discoloration, the torn pages and ripping bindings...even the marks from previous owners...especially the dedications that are sometimes present.Am I in denial?Nevermind.I'm too busy smelling my old books to debate right now;)

Shopping with My Sister

2010-05-15T00:00:00.006-04:00

I went shopping at flea markets and thrift stores with my sister, Teresa, on Thursday.We've been waiting to go together for awhile.Well, it was 91 degrees, and apparently, we were just destined to steam in the NC humidity...because EVERY flea market/thrift store we visited had no A/C!!!Trust me...we did NOT plan it that way...in fact, we plan very little of anything!I think it drives my husband crazy when he asks, "So, where're y'all going?"...EVERY single time, I say,"I don't know...whereever..."

This time ,being the delicate flowers we are, and as though we weren't born and raised here... because we were almost literally wilting in the hideous and horrible heat, we stuck around town...We hit a few places in Albemarle, and a thrift store and a Burger Shack in Mt. Gilead which had awesome hot dogs and potato wedges:)

I did find some really pretty stuff for great prices, though... Saucers for 10¢ and dinner plates for 25¢

Scads of laces and buttons and trims and other goodies for just a few dollars... And lastly,my dear friends...If I may,I'd like to ask your advice.I want to redo my headboard.My duvet is white with a tiny little bit of embroidery on it...I have mostly pink,white,cream and sage green in my room.As you can (kind of) see, the headboard is wavy...so patterned fabric or solid?And do you know of an easy(incredibly easy,please) headboard covering tutorial?Preferably involving only tools such as hot glue and scissors?I can't take that ugly wood anymore!Thanks ahead of time for your suggestions:)

Linking to Pink Saturday

Linking to Pearls and Lace Thursday

Faith

2010-05-14T07:44:00.015-04:00

I have been so blechhhh, all week.Contemplating...where to start?My husband was laid off, my Brocante Home was gone, and I was just a bundle of nerves and worry.I thought that his unemployment might be a long-term thing...in fact, I had already written a "goodbye-for-now" post to tell y'all I'd be back when I could be back...But he actually starts soon at another job.How wonderful is THAT?

But, my goodness...

I have been so worried that I was physically sick. Depressed,upset stomach,irritable...I was a pleasure to be around,I'm sure;P... But, to my surprise, my husband remained calm...held me when I cried, reassured me, took care of all the filing this and notifying that...he was strong for me when I was frightened and weak.I prayed, for the first time in awhile, on my knees...pouring my heart out.I asked God to help me, to show me how to help my husband and my family.I did not pray for money.I prayed for strength to meet whatever lies ahead.He gave it to me, and He showed me a side of my husband that I had forgotten, one that is loving and thoughtful and protective.

I believe with all my heart that what I'm here to do is to love that man, and those children...MY man and OUR children, as best I can.Believe in them.Comfort them.Support them.LOVE them.Make a comforting, wonderful home for them...

(image taken from BrocanteHome)

which brings me to Alison May's Brocante Home.I fell in love with her blog years ago.At times, it's been a lifeline for me.I found it when I Googled 'housekeeping' or 'homemaking'...either way you call it, it is my favorite place to go when I need some cozy-ing up.Have you read her blog?Oh my goodness, she fills it with "scrumptious" vintage housekeeping treats and humorous snippets of her life and it just makes me feel as though I am about to take tea with a wonderful, endearingly quirky, pinny-wearing British housekeeper everytime I read it. She's just now moving everything to a new site, and from what I've seen,so far...in all it's red and white polka-dotted loveliness,it is even MORE fabulous than before.

Well, now that I'm crawling back out of the shell I tend to hide in when trouble comes looking...I'll be seeing you on your blogs:)

Let All The Earth Keep Silence

2010-05-11T08:46:00.012-04:00

How lovely is the silence of green, growing things---

Orchard blossoms, apple, plum, and pear,

Branches laden down with the fruit they bear,

Fields of everlasting, creeping vine,

Mountain-forest,hemlock, balsam, pine,

Gentian, asters, sweet-fern on the hill,

All praise Him in their beauty---keeping still.

-Lucy A.K. Adee

These are all pictures from out in our yard and from Morrow Mountain,where we picnicked and walked the trails on Mother's Day.I'm just in love with this little scrapbook of poetry that I have rediscovered...so I hope y'all don't mind me sharing the poems with you:)

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T07:19:00.005-04:00

DEBT

(by Frances White)

Talk not of gratitude,Nor think you owe me gold,

A flower perhaps, or a song,But the debt incurred is old;

Old as you, and older, For, child, before your birth,

When I felt life quicken in me, I partook of sky and earth.

Your birth was a storm that passed, You a plant that grew,

I was rain and sun and soil, I was God and earth to you.

I was summer and winter and autumn, I knew fear and joy and peace

Forever will I be debtor, Let talk of gratitude cease.

Go forth my child, unfettered.I am now but a friend,

Wishing you well forever, But owing you to the end.

The Promise of Summer

2010-05-08T00:01:00.003-04:00

We took a walk out through the yard one evening this past week...we walked down to the grapevines...Isn't that lovely?It reminds me of a fairytale arbor...Just think of all the grapes we'll have this summer!

As we approached the stream that borders our property, we came upon a forgotten rose...I love how the sun streaming through the canopy of trees highlights this ONE rose...

And, then...out behind the ancient greenhouse, we discovered a gnarled plum tree...and it's just drooping with the weight of all the tiny plums...

The promise of things to come...the promise of summer in my daughter's little hand...

Please visit BJ over at Sweet Nothings today.She introduces us to her lovely mother, Helen...It's a beautiful post..."I pray I am loved enough that I will be missed in the same way because it's a GOOD missing"...

Linking to Pink Saturday

I'm still here...somewhere...

2010-05-06T19:52:00.006-04:00

(took these pictures driving...)

Hey, Y'all!!!I'm still here...seems like I'm on the road ALL the time!I'm trying to keep up with all the kids games and practices and organize my house.I'm a little late on the spring cleaning;)

OK,the truth is...I am messy.Period.I have stuff strewn from here to yonder.I cringe when I hear a car go by...hoping it won't stop here.I would HATE for my somewhat unorthodox cleaning style to permanently scar anyone's psyche!You see,I tend to dump everything out and SORT...and yeah, sometimes it takes awhile...like a week...or a month.And my dining room table is full...and my couch is just now cleaned off.I said I was a HAPPY homemaker...not an efficient one;P

(you wish you could channel Roy Orbison)

I'll see y'all tomorrow for Pink Saturday!I'm off to try to find my way through the dining room...

I'm Tickled...Red!?!

2010-05-05T00:00:00.002-04:00

If you love flea marketing...or yard saling...you'll share in my joy,I just know it!Don't you think it's just fabulous when you see something at a sale...and you have the exact same thing...I do...I feel a little validation...as though somehow the universe is saying," You did well,Wendy."(Imagine that being said by James Earl Jones)...especially when I bought my 6 ruby red cups for 40¢ each, for a grand total of $2.40...and I see the same set of 6 at the antique store for $30...I have to give myself a pat on the back...well, mentally, anyway ;P

Linking to:Rednesday

Grindley China on a Sultry Blue Monday

2010-05-03T07:41:00.001-04:00

Good Morning! And how are you on this lovely, sultry Blue Monday?

Me?Oh, I'm doing just fine...

Don't you love how I turned "humid" into "sultry"?You know,I'm in the South and the weatherman called for rain...I should've expected the humidity.But,my GOSH!I opened the door for the kids to go out to school this moring and the, uh...sultriness took my breath!And it's only 7:30AM, for goodness sake!!!

Well,anyway...I just wanted to share these elegant pieces of Grindley China with you today:)

The maker's mark shows that it was produced between 1936 and 1954...William H. Grindley's company was located in Tunstall and was founded in 1880. It is the Dunrobin-Turquoise pattern.The turquoise glaze is so exquisite,a clear gorgeous color!

Linking to Smiling Sally's Blue Monday

Daisy and the Kittens

2010-05-03T00:01:00.003-04:00

(My son, Grey, and Daisy)

She just showed up here last weekend...I think that surely she is somebody's doggy...She fetches...and practically knocks us down to get inside the house...She's so friendly and sweet.I hope her owner comes looking for her.My best friend knows a lady who runs an animal rescue...I'm calling her after I finish writing this post.We live too near a road to keep her...and besides we have the Mama Cat who also just took up with us about 2 months ago... and gave us these... 5 babies we need to find good homes for.My kids already love Daisy The Doggy...but I'm afraid she will have to go:(

That makes me sad.I wish I owned about 400 acres out in the country.I'd give homeless animals a place to call home...I'd most definitely be that crazy cat lady everybody laughs at.

My great-aunt Hazelene is, already.She's my grandpa's sister and she's about 90 years old.She lives on what is called The Mill Hill...blocks and blocks of cottage-y looking homes that were built years ago for the cotton mill workers and their families.The neighborhoods are run down now.How I long to see them designated a historic district...but that's off the subject{SORRY}...

(Rosemary)

So, anyway...Hazelene puts out cat food everyday...like BAGS of food...She feeds about 30 feral cats...Her sons don't want her to spend her limited income on cat food...so now, she hides the cat food bags, so her boys won't worry about her sanity and her money.She's big-hearted, and an otherwise sweet woman who is in full control of her senses.Why shouldn't she feed "her" cats?I'm very proud to be related to that crazy cat lady:)

(Officially, Camilla has named this one "Ducky"...but we usually call him "The fat, fuzzy yellow one"Don't tell the others, but he's my favorite!)

But you know, I wonder if Hazelene's lonely, or missing being a mother, because even her grandchildren are adults now...I think it's true..."Once a mother, Always a mother"...It's just that now, Hazelene's babies wear fur...

Hope you enjoy these gratuitous kitten pictures...because they sure make me smile:)

(And this is my Abby...whose name has evolved into Apple-Dapple...because of her crazy beautiful calico coat:)

Linking to Mellow Yellow Monday

So, Last Week...

2010-05-02T10:10:00.004-04:00

Guess what I got this week???This sweet iron table and chairs! My husband surprised me with it:) I had looked it over a couple of times at a local flea market and he actually went and bought it!
This is the view from under the oak tree where it's sitting now.I have found a candelier at a flea market that I'd like to hang above the table...but haven't bought it yet.I really like it though...so we'll just see. I think I'm going to leave the paint as it is.I found red and cream gingham chair cushions for a dollar each at a yard sale yesterday.I wasn't really looking for red...but I have learned to be somewhat opportunistic when it comes to yard sales and I know I can always re-cover them. I have a creamy colored tablecloth for it already,freshly washed and smelling like Clorox and sunshine:)I guess that might be a SOUTHERN thing...That smell always brings to mind my Mama and her clothesline...(photo by Maureen Shaughnessy)

So, anywho...we ate outside the other evening...It was Camillla's birthday...but her Dad was working and Cat was at practice...so just Camilla and Grey were here with me.We took advantage of that and we all ate like crazy fools.

As you can see by the photo, I only feed my children wholesome, healthy foods.

Take a look at the menu:

Twizzlers

Cupcakes

Ice Cream

Fritos

(almost) Homemade Pizza

Dr.Pepper

Strawberry Crush

HEY.Don't judge me!It was 7:30, on a weeknight...after attending her sister's softball game and then dropping her sister at basketball practice...so, I did good to get us to a table and fed,let alone take pictures to show you people!Cut me a little slack,please;P

Just kidding!I love you guys...and I'm so happy I get to share everything with you. I wish we could all get together and sit under a shade tree and laugh and talk all evening.Everyone is so busy these days, so it's great to have our blogs, isn't it?Kind of a virtual front porch of sorts?

Thrifted Vintage Memories

2010-04-27T20:35:00.000-04:00

I've had this clock for years, bought it at a little place called The General Store...before Vintage was more expensive than New...the cream pitcher,empty now, but usually holds whatever flowers my darling girl brings in...is also thrifted...

My taste is all over the place...and usually, I like the worn out, chipped up, OLD things...and everything works...It all falls into place...I should say here that I don't think I will ever be the type to have an all pink,or all white home.For one,I don't have the self-discipline to only buy things in a set color-scheme...for another,I get bored easily.I see the beauty in the monochrome themes of some homes,but it's just not for me...That's not to say I'm never in a monochromatic mood...I am very fond of neutrals, because I like to let my mood and personality and sentimentality show through.For instance, in the photo of the mantle, above...the mirror was $5 at an antique store,which was really just a yard sale in an old mill, and the wreath was $1 at a roadside yard sale,the ornaments are "junk store" finds, collected over the years,for pennies each and the jar of shells driftwood and sand comes from Holden Beach, where we lived for a year.I'll never forget those early morning walks with the kids,just as the tide went out, and before the tourists picked over the pretty shells...And this picture of the other end of the living room mantle, a conch from the garden of a little trailer that we spend a couple weeks in every summer, a thrift store bird house, a cream-colored hatbox, and a decorative...what?What is that?I found it, dirty and black and spider-webby...sprayed it white and threw it into the mix.I like it...I just don't know what it is:)

I am beginning to figure out that I can buy things I like...things I just can't leave at the store...or things that I know are priced VERY right...and RESALE them.There's as much pleasure in finding that kind of treasure, as there is in finding something wonderful that I'll keep for myself.Well, almost...I know y'all know what I mean:)

Linking to: White Wednesday

How To Make A Plate Hanger

2010-04-27T00:01:00.003-04:00

Oh...You can file this under "Why the #@*% didn't I think of THAT???"But, if you do, pop your own mouth, because you know a lady *never* uses profanity!

I have these stacks of plates and even boxes of plates...all of which I love...some of which, I use...sitting around in cabinets and out of cabinets...
because I

A) never think to buy plate hangers
B) can't figure out how to work plate hangers without chipping the plates
C) can't get it in my head to spend $50 on said plate hangers

But all that plate-inspired angst is over.I can buy,buy,buy and hang,hang,hang to my heart's content.No longer will my spaces above the windows be bare and sad.

I will not be shamed by my hidden and not-so-hidden plate hoarding tendencies.I will do THIS... (photo from In My Own Style)

I will be inspired and maybe do THIS

(Photo from Opulent Cottage)
and call myself

A) a decorator
B) a collector
C) a genius
D) All of the above

Thank you, Diane Henkler!Thank you for freeing me from my plate - hanging paralysis!!!

I am blessed...

2010-04-26T00:02:00.001-04:00

I know I am blessed...because I am loved by my daughter.She brought me this sweet bouquet of clover,buttercups,wild strawberries and one beautiful red rose.I couldn't have felt more honored if it had been a hundred expensive orchids...With her little hands, she gathered these for me.For me.

She saw something beautiful and wanted to share it with me.Yes, I am blessed...and humbled by the grace of my child.

Linking to Smiling Sally's Blue Monday:-)

My Emeril Skillet Came!!!

2010-04-26T00:01:00.006-04:00

I am pleased to say that my Emerilware skillet from CSNstores is here!I am going to cook with it this week...and review it next week...so if you're thinking about purchasing your own, you might want to check back later:)

Tonight we're going to be having brined chicken breasts cooked in my new skillet...with garlic mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli.Doesn't that sound delish?
You can find the brined chicken recipe that I'll be using at Real Food Has Curves.That's their awesome chicken picture up there,too.I hope mine turns out that pretty!I'll let you know...

Linking to Mello Yellow Monday:)

I couldn't resist

2010-04-25T12:06:00.004-04:00

One more reason I love shopping flea markets and yard sales in my hometown...Can you make it out?It says "Pill Administer/Shooter/Pusher ect. or whatevr you call it"

My goodness.I didn't ever think I'd see one of these "whatevr you call it's"...outside of a Dirty Jobs episode, anyway.

This almost beats the tag on a 70s style light globe shaped like a 2' long bullet whose tag says "What do you think it is? $5" for the funniest tag I've come across.By the way, if I tell the vendor what it is, wonder if he'll charge more? ;-D

Some of My Favorite Things...On ETSY

2010-04-23T21:20:00.025-04:00

rustyrosepetals

Well, if you came seeking pink...you found it! I have compiled many of my delicate and divine ETSY favorites, all in various shades of pink,into one lovely flowery feminine post.I think every one of these photos are just gorgeous, and I am amazed at the talent that so many ETSY sellers possess.Watch out for that shameless plug at the end;)

lesliejanson

BurlapandBlue

TheIndigoCowgirl

SomeplaceInTime

TheFunkyMermaid

FineEmbroidery

rosepetalsandblooms

comfortcottageshop

vividcolors

Likron

EnchantedRoseStudio

sweetruin

ivorybird

tamar

littlebirdieboutique

YourAngil

estelle & ivy

Beverly at HowSweetTheSound has some wonderful news...go over and congratulate her,won't you?

*I hope you've enjoyed these gorgeous photos.Each is the property of its respective owner...

A Blue McCoy Monday

2010-04-19T00:00:00.003-04:00

Today I wanted to share a picture of the sweetest blue planter.It is a romantic couple playing a lute...I imagine it to be a love song they're strumming...don't you?

Smiling Sally has a lot more Blue Monday to share :)

Skillet Giveaway Winner!!!

2010-04-18T11:44:00.008-04:00

"I love the South, I cannot imagine living anywhere else. It's the magnolias blooming, the sweet tea, the front porches, the hot summer (we don't have spring weather) nights, pecan pies, gumbo, crawfish and shrimp. It's Gone with the Wind, Steel Magnolias, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Big Easy, Sweet Home Alabama, Driving Miss Daisy, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Hope Floats - just to name a few. It's where everyone says thank you, ma'am and sir, ya'll, honey and darlin. We drink bloody mary's in the morning, mint juleps at lunch and muscadine wine for dinner and sweet tea all day long. We eat fried green tomatoes, fried chicken, crawfish pie, shrimp gumbo, cheese grits, and shrimp & grits. It's Designing Women (you will always be remembered Julia Sugarbaker), The Dukes of Hazzard, Dallas, Andy Griffith, and Golden Girls."

Isn't that lovely?That is an excerpt from one of Ashley Bray's most recent posts from her blog Bray Bunch...and reading it makes me so happy for her that she won my Emeril-ware cast iron skillet giveaway! She can fry up some chicken, serve it up out on the porch and then, retire for the evening,sweet tea in hand... to watch a couple episodes of The Andy Griffith Show, or my personal favorite...Hope Floats...because in my opinion, every woman needs a 'Justin Matisse' moment...Enjoy your skillet from CSNstores, Ashley! And a big THANK YOU to everyone who entered.Ashley's number was chosen using a random number generator.

*Ashley's photo and blog excerpt are property of Ashley Bray*

Pinkness...and a Poem

2010-04-17T07:25:00.015-04:00

Good Morning! As my How Sweet The Sound's Pink Saturday contribution,I want to share a picture of what has to be the sweetest baby picture ever produced!I bought it at the Mission Thrift Store, where dear Joyce works.She is so kind-hearted and gracious.She works in the store, on her own time and all money goes to various charities, such as a battered women's shelter, animal rescue, the homeless mission...I think she occasionally accepts consignments, but not officially...anyway, it's my new favorite place...

I don't know exactly what I'm going to do with that angelic picture...I may just hang it up on my wall...but wouldn't it be lovely in a baby-themed collage?I do collages(for pleasure) once in awhile.I just did my niece, Jordan, a vintage collage birthday card.

I started with antique sheet music with Spring-y song titles, such as Rose Garden, Under the Lilac, and Delightful Day.Then added a vintage birthday postcard, ribbon, embellishments, a pretty pink vintage button, and a snippet from a quilt that my mother, who Jordan called Gretty, made.NO!I didn't just cut up Mama's quilt.It literally fell apart...so I'm reusing...in a precious way...I guess you could say I'm "spreading the love"... Jordan remembers her Gretty a little, because she was 5 when Mama passed away...15 years ago, tomorrow.I will leave you with this poem I came across that I feel is a lovely tribute to a beautiful lady who left this world far too soon...

Like a quiet room

Once, long ago,
You knew and loved
Some quiet room---
Not rich,
Nor smartly furnished---
Yet a friendly place,
With doors and windows
Standing open
Day and night,
So, the wide, sweet air,
And the wide, sweet light
Flowed in and out
Unhampered.

The wind, too,
Went in and out
Of that room---
And the soft
Singing sound
Of the rain---
And, in spring,
The smell
Of ploughed earth---
What is like
A lusty body calling---
And,in fall,
The wistful fragrance
Of burning leaves,
Stinging, like tears.

Always,
Day or night,
The beauty and wonder
Of the World
Streamed freely
Through that open room
And the shadows
Of the leaves
Lay, lovelier than any rug,
On its plain floor.
Even in the darkness
A presence filled it---
Gentle but potent---
Resting you---
Releasing you.

That is the thing
You remember best
About the room---
That sense of life
Filling it.

Passing in and out
Amply,easily,
Bringing its beauty
And wonder,
Its help and healing---
Weaving
Its lovely pattern
Of wind and rain,
Sunlight and stars,
Ploughed earth
And burning leaves
And brooding darkness.
A simple room,
Without shadowed corners,
Or stuffy draperies,
Or costly treasures---
But space enough
In that room
For all the brave
And beautiful things
That really matter.

Once you loved,
A room like that,
And its memory
Has stayed with you
Always---
And often you've wished
Your life were like that.

There are people
Like that---
Uncluttered people
Whose spirits
Are open to life.
There are
No dark corners
In those people---
No moldy litters
Of hate and fear---
Or dusty draperies
Or pretense,
Or costly knickknacks
Or prejudice and conceit.

Such people are simple,
Open to everything---
Life passes
In and out of them
Amply, easily,
As was intended.
In all its abundance
Of beauty and wonder
And tears.

They are plain---
Those people---
But they have
A quiet richness,
A wide beauty,
A deep power,

That heals you.

You rest
Within their hearts
As in a quiet room.

-unknown

HELP!Am I A Terrible MOM???

2010-04-16T15:23:00.008-04:00

(image courtesy The Stanly News And Press)

"An illustration shows what the new Gray Stone Day School could look like. The $7.2 million facility will be constructed on 18 acres donated by Pfeiffer University."

I am a pushy mother.I am aggravating my daughter to death over which high school she chooses.I told her I wouldn't...but I can't help myself.I hate it as it's coming out of my mouth...but I just have to say it.I think the charter high school is better.It is a better school, a better facility, a better opportunity for her...but she doesn't want to go.Is this even HER decision?It's killing me.I don't want her to be miserable, but I also don't think she will be once she starts going...She says she doesn't know anyone there...but with 98% of it's students going on to a 4-year university after graduation...who cares???My 13 year old angel, that's who.At her age,I had opportunity after opportunity to DO things...governor's page,Duke summer camps,etc...but because nobody ever said ---

Hey, this is a big deal.Don't pass it up.

--- I just didn't go, mainly because I was a little intimidated.I am afraid that she'll regret the decision not to go and see and do and experience everything that she is capable of, (sort of the way I feel about my own life)...and I will always feel responsible for her not going.Who makes the right choices at 13?But do I make her go somewhere she doesn't want to be...and risk her hating me for it...or do I send her on to a less than the best school, and risk her regretting her choice?Am I just projecting my own dissatisfaction?Or am I justified in bringing it up?HELP.

I Want to Enjoy My Life!!!

2010-04-14T07:24:00.019-04:00

[Yes, my eyes are shut.But it's the only one of us all together:) ]

We took the girls to the park the other day(Grey slept in) and picnicked on fried chicken,deviled eggs,potato salad,and fudge...It was a beautiful day...warm, but with a cool breeze....I could've stayed forever at that park...listening to all the children laughing, the dogs barking, my girls giggling and splashing around in the stream......catching crawdads in the creek... ...wandering through the well-worn paths......admiring the sun-dappled violets...It was idyllic...wonderful...marvelous...but I was SO tired...

I used to religiously take a multi-vitamin and my fish oil(Omega-3) gels, but in the last year or so...I had slacked off...money was tight...yes, THAT tight...and I just got out of the habit.Well, as you may have read, I recently turned 36 and I find myself in love with that number, incidentally...I may STAY 36 awhile, if I'm not being too subtle...but, anyway...back to vitamins...I wondered why I felt so OLD...I'm just not healthy,well, not as healthy as I could be.I have gained weight...am not eating right...So I started taking my vitamins again...and already, I feel more energetic, more focused,happier...It's unbelievable,really, just HOW different I feel.I couldn't figure out WHY I felt so great.So, it set me to thinking...I knew I had been diagnosed as anemic, as a young girl...I took supplements and my mom cooked liver and greens at least once a week,mmm-mmm,bless her heart...I'm almost certain that I was the only 12 year old who loved liver and onions...but"Maybe anemia is my problem,again.", I thought...Then, I read THIS:

"Anemia can make you feel tired, fatigued, weak, dizzy, irritable, short of breath or depressed. With anemia, you may also have pale skin, brittle nails, chest pain, a coldness in your hands or feet, or an irregular heartbeat. Some people with anemia also have a desire to eat ice or other peculiar things, experience sexual dysfunction, or have trouble concentrating or performing mental tasks."

And it explained so much! I couldn't believe I'd had the solution all along...A VITAMIN!A six-dollar-a-bottle Wal-Mart vitamin?YES!!!

I have suffered all of those symptoms...and attributed most of them to stress or age or depression, or health problems...I have been off my antidepressant for over a year...and although bloggy love buoys my spirit...the flesh was still weak:)But yesterday, oh sweet yesterday...I cleaned my whole kitchen...including organizing the cabinets and washing all the stored vintage dishes...by hand.I was so proud of myself, that I took a picture!I know to some of you that may sound ridiculous, but for me...It was HUGE.I'm gonna resume taking the fish oil,which I have discovered, alleviates pre-menstrual migraines...for me,anyway...I'm definitely not giving out medical advice...but I will tell you that when I consistently take 2 Omega-3's a day, I do not spend the 2 days before my period in bed, in the dark,trying to sleep through the pain of a headache.

So, I'm going to start taking St. John's Wort,too and see if that adds any more happiness to my world...I'll let you know:D

A Rednesday Recipe

2010-04-13T20:51:00.012-04:00

It's been awhile since I've done a Rednesday post, but today, I wanted to show off this adorable children's cookbook that my sister gave me...and I knew I wanted to show it to someone who would appreciate it in all it's RED glory:)

It is full of the sweet vintage illustrations that I love so well, and all of them are red,white and black!How cute is THAT???Below I've chosen the "Inexpensive Layer Cake" recipe to share...Aren't those illustrations darling?And just read how it's geared toward the little ones...Just click on the picture to see a larger version...

Go on over and see Sue at It's A Very Cherry World for more ravishing Rednesday, but before you go, please take a minute to register for my Emerilware Cast Iron Skillet Giveaway:)

Blue Bells

2010-04-10T19:30:00.005-04:00

These are blooming outside my backdoor...so pretty!Enjoy your Blue Monday with Smiling Sally:)

Don't forget to enter my Emerilware cast iron skillet giveaway!

Surprise!...Meatballs!

2010-04-10T09:20:00.024-04:00

I was glancing through a newly acquired vintage cookbook, June Roth's Fast and Fancy Cookbook ,and I came upon Surprise Meatballs...Not Surprise! Meatballs...but just Surprise Meatballs...I know,scary... right?...like, what is the surprise?...The surprise, honey, is that you put blue cheese inside a revved up meatball...then smother said meatballs with mushroom gravy.If you have high cholesterol, you might want to stop here...Just kidding...Come on...

I have the real recipe at the bottom, but first, let me tell you what I did...because I am such a rebel in the kitchen!Well, not really...just read on...I used 4 pounds of ground beef(because I feed myself, my husband, our three,and on occasion, my sister and/or niece...I fix plenty)...I added bread crumbs[read:a crumbled up leftover hot dog bun:)] and formed the meat into balls about the size of fifty-cent pieces.Then, I poked my pinkie into the center and filled the hole with yummy blue cheese.Then, I sealed it back up really well,so that none of that blue cheese would escape the confines of those meatballs!!!After I got all the meatballs made, I placed them into my electric skillet, sprinkled them with sage and salt and cooked them at 300°, while I sauteed fresh mushrooms in butter and olive oil.I added a packet of mushroom gravy mix(but not the water the pkg. calls for)to the cooked mushrooms,then added 2 jars of ready made mushroom gravy.After the meatballs were cooked, I drained the grease(always fun,right?) and poured all the mushrooms and gravy over the meatballs and let that simmer.Meanwhile, I made some sweet pea salad and boiled egg noodles to complete the menu from Retroville.It was delicious.Seriously...I wonder how great it would have been if I hadn't been so tired from push-mowing the frontyard and had actually opened the cookbook and followed the actual recipe?I even got compliments from the kids...who,by the way, HATE blue cheese and never hesitate to tell me how bad it smells...For you other blue cheese haters...don't let that stop you.Really, you can't even tell it's there.It melts and there is just a hint of savory flavor left.It was so awesome, we had it again,already.I was born with no sense of denial.Sue me.Better yet...Surprise me:)

Don't forget to enter my Emerilware cast iron skillet giveaway!

36 and Proud of It!

2010-04-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was my 36th birthday! I used to fret about how many birthdays I had, but then...I came to the decision that as long as they KEEP coming, I'm not complaining!A very freeing decision it was, too...My husband is planning a nice weekend for me...next weekend, that is...this weekend is full of ballgames and practices...Oh, woe, the sacrifices a mother makes...LoL...Jamie did take me to Lowe's yesterday morning, though, and I got some pink and purple petunias and a pretty hanging basket.Don't tell my husband, but I'm perfectly happy with just that...well, that and a little cash to go to the flea market would be nice:)I'll let you know what my birthday surprise turns out to be, though...

As luck would have it,my luscious Rose Milk Soap arrived yesterday just in time for my birthday,from Gail at Decorating My Tin Shack in Wyoming.I won it in a wonderful giveaway she had; It is absolutely beautiful and smells heavenly!Just feast your eyes...

And speaking of giveaways, don't neglect to enter my FIRST giveaway!...I've teamed up with CSN stores to offer one lucky reader the Emerilware 10" cast iron square griddle pan.I'm linking up with Beverly at How Sweet The Sound for another wonderful PINK Saturday.See you soon!!!

Emerilware Cast Iron Skillet Giveaway

2010-04-08T07:31:00.010-04:00

Ok, Y'all...Listen up...Got your speakers turned up?Put 'em up on some speaker stands and turn them waaay up , because I want everybody to hear...TOMORROW is my birthday and we're having a giveaway!

As luck would have it...earlier this week, CSN stores asked that I do a product review on an item in one of their more than 200...(200!)...stores.It was difficult choosing just one,but I chose the Emerilware 10" cast iron square griddle pan. This skillet:

*Is made for high heating cooking excellent heat retention - keeps food warm at table

*Is perfect for browning, searing, frying, and sauteing

*Heats evenly and consistently

*Will not warp or chip

*Becomes virtually non-stick with seasoning and use

*Has pre-seasoned pan surfaces and is oven safe up to 600F

*Is heirloom quality with signature thumb rest

*Has a large, extra-long handle

*Features a lifetime warranty

I pride myself on my southern roots and to me, NOTHING says "southern" like cooking in a cast iron skillet!I thought that,with warm weather on the way, a seared steak with sauteed garden fresh vegetables would be wonderful...or grilled chicken breast on a salad...YUM...or some freshly caught fish,filleted and pan-seared...mmm-mmmm!

Anyway, on to the good part...I get one to review and I get to pick one of YOU to get one, too! We're celebrating my birthday,and CSNstores generosity!!!

Here's what you need to do to enter...And you know,to me,this part can be pretty confusing sometimes...so to lessen confusion(I hope)...post a separate comment for each entry...(I'll be counting comments and picking a number,so make sure you have posted 3 comments, so that you get all three chances to win)

Entry #1: Comment on this post,indicating your interest in entering the giveaway

Entry #2:Follow the most fabulous blog,ever...(by that, I mean...mine:)

Entry #3:Post a link on your own fabulous blog to this giveaway post.

I will be choosing a winner on April 18th...I'm SO excited!!!

*Please note that due to shipping restrictions, this is open to US and Canadian residents only*

Organza Flowers

2010-04-05T06:30:00.012-04:00

Well,I finally tried my hand at making organza flowers yesterday.I feel like I'm the only one of God's creatures who hadn't done that yet!I had an old white curtain sheer on hand, and I thought, well...WHY NOT?Something about Easter makes me creative.Last Easter, I taught myself to crochet.That little project hasn't gone any further,yet...But I can crochet one realllllly long string...So sad,I know...but THIS flower-making,I'm in L-O-V-E with!

I cut the white sheer into circles of varying sizes,(OOooo), placed a couple into the leftover pink egg dye and a couple into the leftover purple egg dye, let them dry, singed the edges by holding it close to a votive flame, placed them in graduated layers and sewed the flower together,topped it with a vintage button, and stitched it to a pale pink ribbon.Easy as pie!

All this while sitting at the table with my girls as they dyed/painted/glittered eggs.Other than going blind looking at the candle flame,it's the perfect craft for me.No tedious measuring...Hallelujah!No expensive supplies...Hallelujah!And any color and embellishment combination comes out perfectly...Can I get an amen?!?

Endless possibilities...decorate hairbands,sashes,chokers,rings,greeting cards,bed canopies,wreaths...I am going to be swimming in these before it's all said and done...but right now...I'm obsessed!

Make Your Monday at The Twice Remembered Cottage:)

Easter Monday

2010-04-05T00:00:00.002-04:00

Happy Easter Monday!I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend...I, myself, am STUFFED!!!Ham, potato salad, green beans,rolls,confetti cupcakes...We had a wonderful celebration and the Easter Bunny was a real sweetheart...as usual:)

Please visit Smiling Sally for Blue Monday and the Mellow Yellow Blog for...well, that one's pretty self-explanatory:)

Happy Easter!

2010-04-02T23:31:00.009-04:00

I wanted, this week, to share with you some of the gorgeous things I found while out treasure hunting,junkin',thrift-shop hopping, or whatever you'd like to call it this past week!I bought sheet music,linens,dishes,books,knickknacks...all kinds of goodies...but I'm only showing part of it today...Hey, a girl's got to have SOME mystery.No, really...I do hate to make the post too long on a Pink Saturday, because I know there are so many wonderful blogs to see!So, short and sweet,it is!

Antique sheet music as a backdrop to a gorgeous china lid, featuring pretty pink and yellow tulips tied with the sweetest blue bow!I'd say spring has sprung!!!...

A lace-edged sheet, decorated with intertwined rings of delicate pink roses...

A lovely 1950s dresser scarf, adorned by assorted pink flowers and grey daisies...pink and grey...so mid-century!...

Have a wonderful weekend and please hop over to Only Cute Things, and let Marina give you a tour of Minnie Mouse's Pink House...and don't forget to drop by Beverly's and wish her a Happy Pink Saturday:)

Hidden Treasures

2010-03-31T00:12:00.003-04:00

Isn't it funny how you don't really SEE your house, until you look at it through a camera lens?These are all in my pretty pink bedroom...but until I went looking for something to photograph, it all blended in to the room...which is good.I mean, of course, I definitely want it to be cohesive...but it's nice when you see your things, so lovingly placed,with fresh eyes and found a new perspective.

I'm linking this post to White Wednesday at Kathleen's Faded*Charm Cottage.Please visit and enjoy:)

Free Spirited Frequent Frolicker

2010-03-28T21:45:00.002-04:00

Do you ever do this...?Do you sit down for what you think might take half an hour to check out all the blog posts from the WAY too many delicious blogs you couldn't resist following, and scroll down...cast aside the little tasks that, surely can wait...

Oh,see a title that catches your eye...so, you click...read the interesting post...look around that blog...and a title of a post on THAT bloggers blogroll catches your eye...so you check THAT out...then there's an interesting profile photo on THAT blogger's Followers badge...so you click...and the process repeats...?Well, I do. All the time.OR, God forbid,if I see one of those divine ETSY badges...then, I'm off on a flight of fancy to check out a shop...then who "hearts" the shop...it just goes on...hmmm...does it have jewelry?Oh, that's another hour...Am I an Adult ADD sufferer?Or am I simply a free spirit with wacky priorities who frequently frolics merrily?I could spend hours just browsing...and now, unless you count the laundry...nobody suffers for it...but I beat myself up...I SHOULD be cleaning/creating/writing/commenting on the blogs I already follow...what's a flighty homemaker to do? Find a fairy Godmother???

Not quite...but there are great tips on staying productive on Lady Blogger's Society.I,personally, am a list maker...I mean, I make lists of the lists I need to make...Hmmm...perhaps I should reread that post myself...

Next Question:Do you post what you want to say, or do you post what you think other bloggers want to hear?I struggle with that,too.I LOVE to read feminine,frothy, lace-filled blogs, full of ribbons,vintage buttons and antique paper.It is SUCH a much-needed escape for me.I wanna be like them...then I get ahold of a blog that makes me laugh out loud,literally...with sarcasm and real life situations...and then I wanna be like them...the truth is...I'm BOTH, and so much more.I'll say it...FINE.I'll just SAY IT.I AM A HAPPY,SARCASTIC, CRAFTY HOMEMAKER WHO HAS NO SENSE OF TIME OR PLACE.Give me lady-like lace,pink,ruffles,sunshine and butterflies...AND David Letterman and Jon Stewart.Oh my GOODNESS,I wonder if that's what heaven's like;)I want my cake and I want to eat it, too.

And I will.Want some?

Now, I know some of these illustrations don't really illustrate my post...but I posted them anyway...'cause they're pretty and spring-y and I LIKE 'em...See, WOW, that was freeing...enjoy other free blue happiness with Smiling Sally and yellow mellowness with Mellow Yellow Monday.

{I am participating in my first Writer's Workshop Wednesday, albeit a little late...I asked my husband to tell me one of my biggest weaknesses, as per the prompt...He gave me "a look" and said,"You procrastinate and waste time, you're smart-mouthed....",to which I replied,"Shut UP...I said ONE." ;D}

Vintage Easter Illustrations

2010-03-28T10:17:00.016-04:00

I hope you enjoy these vintage Easter illustrations.I combed my vintage illustration collection through and came up with a darling little girl with her spring lamb, an adorable paper doll,with her Easter finery...and finally,a silly bunny,a sweet bunny,a funny bunny and even that sweet ol'

Easter Bunny!

Join Anything Goes Here for her Vintage Easter Blog Hop!

Spiritual Sunday

2010-03-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

This was originally posted on the Greensboro Daily blog, last week.I cannot imagine why it would have received the number of mean-spirited,scornful, and judgmental comments that it has.I, personally, don't choose to share my beliefs this way, but I am not offended that someone else does.Many times a person who credits God for the profound change for the better that his life has taken will be very vocal about his experience...and why shouldn't he?Being saved is a beautiful and life-altering event.When a person protests an innocent show of love for God, such as this one...I'm tempted to think that he is feeling a little hostile because of his own lack of spirituality.Like I said, this is a totally passive expression of love and faith.There's no one shouting from the street corner,no one with his hand out, asking for donations...just a simple sign, proclaiming a belief and trust in the Lord...and if one person sees this and it has an effect...then it's done it's job.God bless these home owners and God bless the protesters...the Lord sees all and knows all and only He knows what is truly in another person's heart.

Spiritual Sunday

Put A Sling On 'Em...

2010-03-27T09:07:00.007-04:00

I remember rocking a baby sling, for a short while...though I never had it down to an art...like they do...Moms are awesome:) Talk about homemaking in high heels...LoL

UPDATE!!! P is for Pink,Peaches...Procrastinate...

2010-03-26T22:29:00.007-04:00

UPDATE: 5 healthy kittens! 2 gray ones, 2 yellow ones and my sweet calico,Abby:)
Peaches is doing fine and is a wonderful mother...Yayyy.I love babies!

I am sharing this sweet cradle roll certificate that I bought about a year ago with you today.I think it's fitting...because, tonight...during the time I planned to put together a pretty Pink Saturday post...Our little stray cat,who adopted us about 2 months ago...went into labor!As of this writing...we have 2 babies.There will be more,she's having contractions right now....but so far, the babies are breathing,nursing,mewing...so I guess she's doing just fine for a first time mother:)

We have one yellow baby and one calico, so far.... I have to say the miracle of life is a beautiful thing...but a fearful little mama is sad to behold.She'll be fine though.She's a sweet kitty,our Peaches...I'll see you all as soon as I can tear myself away from these furry little angels...Happy Pink Saturday!

Visit Miss Beverly to see all the Pink Saturday participants!Have a wonderful day,everyone:)

Dear To My Heart

2010-03-23T22:31:00.000-04:00

I've been working in my bedroom, moving things around,changing it up a bit and I wanted to take the opportunity to show you a few things from my room...

This pretty little votive holder was a gift from my daughter, Camilla.We were in the flea market one Saturday morning when I admired it up on the shelf...and when we got home that afternoon,she presented it to me!She had used part of her spending money to buy this for me:)

This is a candle tin,which my sister gave me.It bears my first initial.An underlined 'W' is how I usually sign personal notes and things, so it was especially meaningful.

This is a vintage Jessica McClintock dress that my mother bought for me when I was 16.I'm almost sad to say that it's vintage...because I wore it for my high school senior pictures...all the way back in 1991!So,I guess, technically,at least according to Etsy,it won't be vintage until next year!I love it...It has thin layers of white cotton,gathers,lace,pleating,a dropped waist...I guess I was a romantic,even then...

I felt so beautiful in it.I keep it hanging on the wardrobe in my bedroom...

I am happy to be able to share these few pieces of my heart with you all on this White Wednesday.Please visit Faded*Charm for more wonderful White Wednesday posts:)

xoxo,

My lovely prizes from Anne and Marla

2010-03-22T00:01:00.001-04:00

I was the lucky winner of Anne's giveaway over at Phamilyblog.Isn't this adorable?She sent the Cactus jelly as a surprise along with a great Bath and Body Works giftcard and delightfully fruity Orchard Medley hand soap dispenser.I am using it in my kitchen,Anne!

I have also just found out today that I am the lucky winner of Marla's generous TJMaxx giftcard giveaway at Always Nesting!!!

I've been blessed by both of these dear ladies.I swear, I never win anything...until NOW!

I borrowed your pictures, Marla...I wanted to go ahead and post about my recent GOOD LUCK:), so I hope it's ok...

Thank you so very much.It's nice to look forward to the mail...lol...You girls are AWESOME!

This post is linked to Blue Monday with Smiling Sally:)Be sure to pop over and take a look at what she's got going on today!

Welcome Springtime!

2010-03-20T00:01:00.014-04:00

Today I'm sharing a few images of my home replete with pretty spring pastels...

Below is a picture of an antique book,a capodimonte dish, a pair of rhinestone pretties and a sweet birdy...hmm...is that a cookie jar?

This little la-ti-dah lady is tiny...but so elaborate....

And these are some soft, lightweight flannels and pretty linens waiting to be turned into something wonderful,but I think they are just lovely as they are.

And I leave you with a spring sunrise from my front porch...Thank God for another splendid Spring! I am linked to Pink Saturday with Beverly at How Sweet The Sound.Please click here to visit more Pink Saturday participants:)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2010-03-17T00:01:00.000-04:00

I recall as a child, truly believing in faeries and pixies and enchanted woodlands and mystical castle realms,where unicorns and rainbows abounded and magic ruled...I wish I could bring back the innocence of those days...

For now, I'll just read sweet childhood poems and remember...

I am linking this illustrated poem from a 1962 Jack And Jill magazine page to Vintage Thingies Thursday.It was written by James Playsted Wood and so sweetly illustrated by Susan Carlton Smith.

The Sharin' O' The Green

2010-03-16T07:00:00.002-04:00

I'm joining Jamie at Him, Me and Our Three for her 1st Sharin'O'The Green!I love green...especially in the Springtime.It's one of those colors we take for granted...but it's everywhere.Think of every holiday...with maybe the exception of the Fourth of July...and you'll see touches of green...but for today, I'm sharing a Jack and Jill magazine cover from March 1962.Isn't it adorable?I love that it has forsythia(which is just fancy-talk for what we call YellowBells here in North Carolina)on the cover with that little cutie pie elf.My grandpa called elves...and pennies too,come to think of it,Brownies.Happy times...

Vintage Blues...And Some Yellow,Too...Of Course:)

2010-03-14T20:21:00.012-04:00

This is a jacquard tablecloth or bedcover, I'm not sure which.I got it at a thrift store, but it looks like the things my aunt would bring to my grandma from all over the place.My uncle was in the Navy and stationed all around the globe...but frankly, Charlotte was exotic back then.lol.The photo above is of the back of it, because it was easier to see the detail.It's very shimmery and shiny...hard to capture...as you can see in the photos below...

The detail is just beautiful...

This is vintage Hallmark wrapping paper (not too very old,though) that I think has a lovely summer vibe...like maybe a luau?

These tiny cocktail forks are adorable! The box is sooo retro...it makes me want to call up The Rat Pack and have a cocktail party...oh, if only!

And these little daffodils have FINALLY shown their sweet faces. I think that formal gardens and tended gardens are beautiful...but nothing does my heart better than to see them blooming at an abandoned house where they've been blooming for years...where some housewife years ago planted them and tended them...enduring winter after winter....waiting for spring...to see this...

I'm linking to Smiling Sally's Blue Monday and to Mellow Yellow Monday...do yourself a favor and click over to see all the wonderful participants...

Remember...ONLY 5 DAYS TIL SPRING!!!

My Girl

2010-03-12T08:57:00.013-05:00

Today is not my normal Pink Saturday frou-frou, so if you are disappointed, I apologize:)Today's Pink Saturday post features my daughter Catherine...

(photo of Catherine,4, and Camilla,1, with the Arabella Angel that I bought when she was a baby.)

My oldest daughter, Catherine Arabella, starts high school next year.She's been accepted to a prestigious Academy, but has decided to forgo the prestige for a high school experience closer to home.She will be attending the same high school as her brother, Grey.

(Cat,12, and Grey,14,in our backyard,ready for last year's middle school dance)

It is also the same high school her dad and I attended...I am proud of her, of course, for getting into the "Academy",but I am no less proud that she chose to go to school with her brother and her friends and team mates.It was a difficult choice, especially when you realize that she's only 13...

(Catherine,9, watching as the rest of her team receives medals at the State Softball Tournament)

She is very athletic and knows several of the coaches and upperclassmen at our district high school, as she's played sports with them for years.I know she'll be happy.Catherine is one of those girls I always secretly yearned to be.Everything seems effortless for her.Even with a wacky mother accidentally thwarting her efforts,she is always on top of things.She is just inherently good.I wish I could say that she got that from me, but alas, I'm not so decisive.I have never seen her struggle with her conscience.

She knows what the right thing is, and usually has no problem doing it.I have heard her take up for kids being picked on,putting herself in the "line of fire",whether she actually liked the victim or not.I have seen her sacrifice for others.She is the kind of child who understands.When we are shopping and I suggest looking for a less expensive option,I never have to explain that "I have to pay this,this, and this, honey"...she just acts happy to do so.Catherine "gets" it.

(Cat,4, and Camilla,1,)

She's one you'll find lying in the floor with her little sister explaining 5th grade math properties.She is the one trying to encourage me,more often than I care to admit.She is the one who bats the winning run in, but also the one who cheers loudest for a teammate who always strikes out...She has an intense passion for fairness.

(one of the delights of my heart,my precious daughter, Catherine,13)

And me?I'm the mom in the team shirt...you'd know me right off...I'm the loud one in the bleachers yelling,"That's my GIRL!!!"

Well,she IS my girl...and I'm her biggest fan:)

I'm linked to Pink Saturday...click here to enjoy more pink perfection:)

Yesterday...

2010-03-12T08:00:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was one of those days that makes me want to "walk out the back door and just keep walking", as my mama used to say.

The house is a wreck.I mean, AM I the only person in my house who knows how to work a trash bag???

My husband was in fine form,hateful, demanding and loud.I just wanted to walk away.I don't even get angry anymore...just resigned.I just let it wash over me and drain away...What else can I do?I don't want to leave him, and God knows, I would never, EVER abandon my children...but some days...well,I am just glad God gives me the patience I need and graces me with His love and Holy Presence on those days.Those are the days that my husband needs to realize I honor my vows to Him, not to him.I want to preserve my family.I lost my parents to death.Death from terminal cancer is an uncontrollable event.This I can control.My children will not wish Daddy was here, if I can help it.I cried and hurt too many times, wanting and needing both my parents with no end in sight.We will stay together and God will show me how.

Yesterday afternoon,I went to check on Camilla in her room, after having fussed at her and her brother about needing to "clean those messy bedrooms".She was sitting on the bed, looking out her window, just serene and beautiful...but with a little disappointment in her eyes.As I looked at that little girl,whose heart I can break at will with hasty words and displaced frustration...I heard a voice say" You just have to assume that everybody is doing the best they can all the time"My angry heart calmed.My eyes saw things brighter.Was that the Lord sending me a message?I think so.I held her and asked her if she wanted to go outside awhile.The bedroom will be there when we get back in,and we'll get it done...

I try to think of why my husband is being so hateful.Did he have a bad day?Is he worried about money?Did my kids have stressful days at school?Are they fighting with their best friends?Are they worried about a game, or a test?Instead of venting my frustration, from now on...I am going to assume that they are all doing the best they can under whatever stress and strain they carry privately.I love my family and we are ALL doing the best we can...

My Vintage Quilts

2010-03-11T11:00:00.002-05:00

Patchwork Quilt #1

This quilt was left to a family of a 94 year old lady in my neighborhood.It was hand-cut,hand-pieced,hand-stitched and hand-quilted.They sold it and two others for $1 each.My heart broke even as I gleefully handed over the money.

Just look at the tiny pieces of fabric, and if you can see it...the tiny uneven,but sturdy stitches.

How long did she work on this?Day after day...not to show off her workmanship, or to display at home...but to ensure warmth and comfort for her family.I am sure that she, in her mind, was just doing what was expected.I want to embrace her and tell her that I will love and value these symbols of her feminine grace for all the days of my life.

This block is reminiscent of a Prairie Quilt pattern block that I looked at here.There are many blocks with different patterns on this one quilt.Maybe she learned this pattern from her mother or grandmother...In other parts of the quilt, there are also squares that look like Jacob's Ladder or a Charm quilt...

Patchwork Quilt #2

This came from the same lady's estate.I love the bright colors.I apologize for the poor quality of the photos.I've been promised a new camera for my birthday next month:)These really do not do these quilts justice.They are beautiful.

Can you see the tiny bow (or hourglass?) in the centers of the blocks?I wonder if this was for her daughters?How many secrets were shared between giggling sisters under these quilts?How many children conceived or born under them?How many sick children did her quilts hold and comfort while she attended to the rest of her responsibilities?

I know I'm a hopeless romantic.Indulge me,please.Did her children lie under these and choose which pieces they liked best, and put them in order in their minds, as I did under my mother's quilts?I'd look at each piece carefully, trying to reorder the colors and patterns in my mind, while listening to the birds through the open window until I drifted off to sleep in the early summer afternoons of my childhood.Later, as a teenager, I valued them more for how well they served as a picnic blanket for my friends and me to take to the lake...Now, because most of my mama's homemade quilts are lost somewhere in time...I value some other mother's love and devotion in the form of her quilts.

Patchwork Quilt #3

This one is truly more of a patchwork, or crazy quilt, I think.I can find no pattern to it...just strips of pretty fabrics sewn together.But I'm sure it did the job...I really like these patterned pieces and calico, but I would never be able to unpiece this quilt to repurpose the fabric.

Here you can see a little of the fabric she backed this quilt with.It's grey ticking and in beautiful condition...

An Album Quilt

I bought this Album Quilt at a charity thrift store.Here again, I can't imagine anyone looking at this and thinking to get rid of it by donating it to a thrift store.I paid $10 for this one.It is dated 1949 and was apparently made for Ernest Hatley.

Every other block is solid blue and in between, and there are quilt blocks of differing fabrics and styles of embroidery that suggest different "authors".Each decorated block has a basket-type pattern with a name or two hand-embroidered.To see a complete list of the names this quilt bears, go to my flickr here.I wonder what event this quilt memorialized?

This block says Vernon and Jack...

This one simply says "Mother"...

Candy Quilt

Ok...I made that up.I don't know what pattern this is...Feel free to inform me.I really do enjoy learning:)But we call it the Candy Quilt because of the candy colored fabric is is made of.It really is in bad shape as far as just being worn out,but there are parts that are still pretty and not too ragged.You may recognize it from Frank's chair.

It has bows in the blocks,but they're slightly different style than the other quilt (earlier in the post).I think it's gorgeous...I bought it at a Habitat For Humanity Resale Store for $3...

The back is made of a beautiful blue plaid flannel that, oddly, is in almost perfect condition.

I hope you've enjoyed looking at the quilts that I am proud to call my own.The grand total for all 5 is $16...but I think we all know that the time,love,talent and frustration that went into their making is worth so much more than a dollar amount could ever convey.Be sure to visit ColoradoLady for Vintage Thingies Thursday and see all the lovely vintage posts.Have a beautiful day!