I impressed myself today!

I have the TIF challenge already pieced for May and today is just the 1st!! Of course that's not to say that I will have it embellished anytime soon. Unfortunately the colours seem to be showing up dark in this picture. Some of these colours were difficult to find in my stash, particularly the light blue-ish colour, however I think I have come relatively close. Luckily I have a pretty cigarette silk that 'goes' perfectly.

You won't see this often!

Just feast your eyes on this table. Sparkling, ready-for-company, and pristine. All ready for the CQTeers groups to come today to create and share. We will not, however, discuss the fact that just behind the door you see behind the table, utter chaos reigns. No, we will not even THINK of it!!

The other two pictures show the fun things I received in the atc trade AND two little booklets that Irene made showing pictures from her trip to Japan. Really nice! Be sure to click on the pictures to enlarge so you can see the details.

Look what I found & a mini-mumble

This bag was at my local fabric store and I think it will be just perfect to hold my circular knitting needles (which are a beast to store). I don't know if you can see in the picture, but the 'pages' are all velcroed in the middle so they are removable, which means I can make MORE pages that will be the perfect size. I didn't need this bag, but it came down to that nasty word, want. Bah.

Now on to the mini-mumble....

1. We will not speak of the new clothes I got today. No, we will not speak of them, because I am carrying a humongous amount of guilt at the moment. The fact that I have never (not in my whole 50 plus years) had two count 'em new outfits unless they came from the thrift store. My DH keeps telling me to just get over it, but it's so hard to justify spending money on myself.

2. We also will not discuss that I have placed yet another book on my wish list. Quilting Arts sent me a notice today about a new book called 'Creating With Fabric' by Jill Haglund. I must remember 'thou shalt not covet' and put it from my mind.

3. Meant to mention this yesterday...I was looking for some quotes about coffee and tea and found some great ones on this site: http://www.quotegarden.com/ They have pretty much every subject covered, so if you're looking for something for your art, check them out!

TIF for April (Done!) and book cover

Three pictures today. I know, I'm getting carried away!!

Picture one is of my completed piece for April for the TIF challenge. I finished in time which was a surprise for me, but I'm glad. Now to see what the colours are for May!

The other two pictures show the cover for a round robin book the CQTeers group is doing. My theme is Coffee or Tea. This cover now will be passed on to another member of the group and they, in turn, will add a page to my book. The page size/shape is whatever the individual artist chooses, with the only 'rule' being that the margin (where it will be sewn together) be consistent with each page. Fabric, paper, or whatever each artist chooses to do is all good. Can't wait to see what it becomes!!

p.s. Yes, I know how to use paragraphs...and yes, I did use them. Can anyone explain why Blog-grrr decides to overlook that fact sometimes and allow them other times? V-e-r-y frusterating!!!

Almost done

Today my friend Kym was here for a sew day so I got quite a bit done on my block. There's only one or two more sections to complete and three seams and I hope to do those tomorrow.

Hey Arlee...do you recognize that button on the left side?? Thank you!!

Progress!

I managed to get some stitching time today and the picture shows what I've added to the TIF piece. I forgot yesterday to credit the design on the bottom right of the picture to Mary Corbet of Needle'nThread.com . Thank you Mary!

Late Start and oops

Quite obviously I can't spell. Yesterday's title...progect?? Ummm...should have been PROJECT! Sorry 'bout that. Yes, I know computers have spell check - I just have to remember to use it.

Further on yesterday's post...no, I don't know what the song is. I've never asked because I know it's something special that means a lot to the couple and I thought maybe they might not want to share it.

I've been stitching away today, working on the April TIF challenge and the picture shows the progress so far. I have decidedly had a late start on it, so I will have to hussle to get it done by the end of the month. I don't suppose the world will come to an end if it isn't finished by then, but I will be upset with myself.

Stencil progect is done!

'Tis finished and I'm glad. Now it remains to be seen if they like it!!

I have nothing that's showable for my efforts today, however I did get my three Art-In-A-Cartons ready to mail out tomorrow. Of course I did my usual and got so excited about getting them ready to go & forgot to take any pictures of what's inside. Duh. Oh well, I'm sure there will be pictures somewhere at some point. If you missed my original post about this check out Susan Letham's site at http://art-in-a-carton.blogspot.com/

Hideous Goopiness

How come it looks better in the picture?

I know I don't normally post on the weekends, but I had to show the results of my labours tonight. I read somewhere about using the proverbial white glue/water mixture to glue down various layers of textural bits, beginning with a dryer sheet on the bottom. It said to add a layer of netting on the top. Hmmm....said netting refuses to glue down AND with all the glue throughout the layers I strongly suspect it might take a month to dry.

It also said to paint the whole thing once it dries and that I would be left with a wonderfully textured piece of 'stuff'. Well, I believe the part about it being stuff all right! Makes me think of the old children's rhyme that begins with 'great green gobs of gishy-wishy-gopher-guts'.

Methinks I'm going to take this stuff and stuff it!!

Yesterday...Continued

Here are the pictures from yesterday (finally). All buttons and they are clickable to enlarge if you so desire.

Thank you so much for all the encouraging comments about my stencilling job today! I appreciate the thoughts so much. My DH helped me pretty much all day and made an excellent 'go-fer'. He's a good brush-washer, lunch-getter, and encouraging-worder. The job is pretty much done with only a couple of hours more to put in tomorrow. I will take pictures, I promise!!

Blog-grrr

I have pictures. I actually accomplished something today but you can't see what I did because for some reason Blogger is being obtuse about posting pictures today.

Tomorrow is 'the day' when I will start the stencilling on my friends wall and I'm still not looking forward to the prospect. She assures me I was every bit as apprehensive the last time I did it, but I guess it must be like childbirth because I don't remember it. DH has promised he will help me with the measuring so that should make the whole chore go a little faster. I just have to remember to stay away from caffeine!!

It was a treat to go outside this afternoon...no coat! Of course we still have a huge pile of snow in the backyard, but everywhere else was warm. Even the little chipmunk was out today, getting his supply of peanuts stocked up after the long winter. My dad sits out by the garage and takes great delight in his little pet. We just wish the locals would keep their cats inside.

Succumbed....

...to another book for my collection. We won't mention that I've ordered yet another one too. I just picked this one up today and haven't had a chance for a real good read yet, but it looks quite good. It's not a 'how-to' book as such, but focuses more on the history of crazy quilting. There are tons of beautiful photos of antique CQs, a section of embroidery motifs, and also some techniques.

I'm such a crazy quilt book-junkie and simply cannot resist anything new that comes out (and would LOVE to get my hands on the out-of-print 'Crazy Quilts' by Penny McMorris). I really would hate to tell you just how many books I own on the subject, but there is always room for more. I read them too!!

Buttons, dirty table tops, and baking

This is the second try for this post. Argh!

Picture is of a beaded button I made today sitting on my obviously paint-covered table. It's one of three buttons I'd like to make. The colours aren't 'true' in this picture, but you can get the idea.

My friend Jacquie was here for our weekly crafting time (coffee & munchies too). DH made an incredible quick bread from our new cookbook (The Taste of Home Cookbook) and I just have to share the recipie with you. It is really good!!

POPPY SEED CRANBERRY BREAD (original recipie is from Cindy Harmon)

2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

3/4 c. sugar

2 tablespoons poppy seeds

3 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 egg

1 c. milk

1/3 c. butter, melted

2 tsp. vanilla

2 tsp. grated lemon peel

1 c. fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed & chopped (we used frozen)

ICING: 1/2 c. icing sugar & 2 tsp. milk

Combine flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder & salt. In a small bowl, beat the egg, milk, butter, vanilla & lemon peel. Combine two mixtures just until moistened. Fold in cranberries. Pour into greased loaf pan & bake at 350 for 55-60 mins. or til toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 mins. before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Combine icing ingredients and drizzle over cooled loaf.

YUMMY!

Isn't this cool?

Take a look at this sewing machine from the early 1920's. Son#2's fiance picked it up at an antique show and it actually works. The case is original and looks pristine. The only thing that appears missing is an instruction manual, which she hopes to get from Singer. Lucky girl!!

Today was one of 'those' days when I didn't get to do anything I wanted to. The only thing I've accomplished is to basecoat a bunch of little wooden hearts. I'm so under-impressed.

Cutting stencils

I've been commissioned to stencil a piece of music & flowers on a friend's wall and this is the beginning of cutting the stencils. It's yet another 'owie' on my fingers, but it has to be done. The original idea/pattern came from a book called 'Stencilling - A Harrowsmith Guide' by Sandra Buckingham.

This is the second time I will have done this particular piece of artwork, for the same person! I originally painted it over ten years ago. They have re-painted their walls in a different colour and have requested that I re-do the art because they liked it so much. I'm scared skinny that I will muck it up and I know I was equally as scared last time around. Nice to know that nothing changes!

Blood, Sweat and Tears

Yes, today I suffered from all three. All that for this non-descript 'thing' you're seeing in the picture. What is it you ask? And why should it cause all that pain? 'It' is a case intended to hold a camera lens. #2 son purchased the lens but couldn't get a case to fit, so...good ol' Mom came through and made him one.

He wanted it semi-waterproof so enter the use of plastic, which is next to impossible to sew with. Darn stuff likes to shift and stick on the machine. Before you ask, yes I know to use paper under the seams. Once I got the design figured out - which would have been so much easier if I had the lens in hand - things went not too badly (other than the plastic issue).

However, all the injury to my person and my psyche came with putting the drawstring in. My arthritic hands are not meant to have to force a safety pin (actually it was 4 safety pins by the time I was done) through the casing in order to feed the cording through. What dummy me was it that thought making the outside shell from medium weight denim was a bright idea? Why don't they make safety pins that stay shut under duress? Why do said safety pins have such a burning desire to embed themselves in nice soft areas (like fingers) when you least expect it (hence the 'blood' part of this saga). The tears part came when stupid safety pin #2 managed to embed itself (to the bone, I might add) in the EXACT same spot as safety pin #1.

Mother love - isn't it wonderful?

Stuff and maybe a little nonsense (Mumblings, in other words!)

Today is a mumbling day so y'all have to suffer along with me because if I don't mumble, I got nottin!

First...see that ugly, ugly picture? That's the remains of what was over a seven foot tall pile of snow in our backyard. It's still close to six feet in the middle. Maybe it'll be gone by June?

Second...DH and I spent a few hours yesterday wandering about in Toronto at the Spring Home Show. My tootsies are not likely to be the same!! Wow, was that show HUGE!!! I was a bit disappointed though because I was hoping for lots of displays of furniture and decorating. We aren't searching for hot tubs, a new roof (well, Jack could argue that point 'cause I know he'd love a new 'roof'...hair!), marble floors, and such but would love some ideas for sprucing up the look of our house. Marble floors are not in our budget!

Third...My tootsies weren't the only sore part of my anatomy yesterday. Since I seem to need to learn things the hard way, I shall tell all so that you don't attempt what I did. You know how the only decently pretty bras seem to be sold with those horrible underwire instruments of torture? It is NOT a wise idea to try to remove wires whilst semi-wearing the bra, especially if you're using a pair of scissors. Nope I didn't cut myself but gave my poor double D one heck of a bruise when the scissors finally decided to cut and the handles snapped shut (with tremendous force, I might add). ouch. Take a word from the newly-wise folks, and don't try that at home (or anywhere else).

Fourth...I am working on a project, but can't show it here (yet). I will when it has arrived at its destination.

Fifth...I heard via the grapevine that there's a new crazy quilting book just out...'Crazy Quilting - The Complete Guide' by J. Marsha Michler. If this book is as good as 'The Magic of Crazy Quilting' I know I want it. I'm sure if you want further info, you could check it out on Amazon.

Ok, that's enough mumbling for today!!

Cool Mail!

Just look at what came in the mail today (please click on it to enlarge...for some reason my camera was being obstinate about doing a close-up).

I'm doing a trade with Ebony (grandaughter of Doreen of http://doreeng.blogspot.com ) and this is what she sent me. Ebony is just eight and makes remarkable atc's and loves to trade them. Isn't it nice when we can assimilate someone that young into the world of making art?

Bad, bad, bad!!

Just look at what I've done. In the past two days I've purchased all of these. Why, oh why do I allow myself to even enter a bookstore? I've got quite enough books and magazines in my studio now and I really, really don't need any more. Get thee behind me, Satan.

In my defence...ahem....I have all of Yarn Harlot's books and just couldn't not have the newest one too. After all, it would ruin my complete set if I didn't get it. The 'Studios' issue from Cloth,Paper, Scissors is necessary to help me organize my studio....right? Ummm....A Needle Pulling Thread is a newish Canadian magazine and a) I should support Canadian magazines and b) it has a good article on stumpwork which I've been meaning to learn to do. So, that was a necessary purchase...right?

As for the Somerset Life? I plead insanity.

I rest my case.

C'mon, don't be shy!

There has to be somebody out there that would like to get some art in the mail?! You only have to find one person to agree to do it - the other two are already signed up. C'mon...you know you want to!

More about Art-In-A-Carton

Referring back to yesterday's post, does anyone want to join me in doing three (only three) art cartons? I'm looking for one more person to swap with me!

The basic idea is that I decorate a 1L carton (the type that milk comes in) and fill it with three of my creations (can be things like atcs, postcards, little art dolls, or whatever strikes your fancy) and send it to you. You, in turn, send one of yours to me; one to the person whose name will be included in my carton; and the final one to someone who agrees to the exchange. That's about as simply put as I can get it and I hope you can figure it out. The contents of the cartons can be pretty much whatever you like, as long as you include three small pieces of your art (whatever that may be). If you choose to add more things, that's entirely up to you. As you can see from yesterday's picture, Donna included more than was required in the rules (thank you again Donna!).

If you're interested, the first one to leave a comment here will get a carton of goodies from me and you're on your way!! Lots of fun!

Art In A Carton!

Just look at the wonderful goodies I received in the 'Art-In-A-Carton' swap!! This is the first of three boxes I will receive. I was so excited to open the mailbox today! This box came from Donna of http://quiltpixie.blogspot.com . See the wonderful postcard in the middle? Make sure you enlarge the picture so you can see the details on it and on the felted lady!!

In return, I send a box back to Donna, one to a person whose name is inside my carton, and one to someone who would like to take part in the swap too. Further details are at http://art-in-a-carton.blogspot.com (scroll down to read the post from Jan.20/08 for the instructions). Basically you have to send each of 3 people, three items of your art inside a carton. Of course you're free to add more things to fill up your carton!

I thought I could...and I did!

I finished my March piece for the TIF challenge in the nick of time! I'm pretty happy with it too, but even happier that I finished it. Don't forget you can click on it to enlarge to see the details.

Now, it's wait til tomorrow to see what the new colours will be!!

Interrupt-itis

Despite numerous interruptions today I managed to get some work done on my TIF block. I'm still not sure that I will make the deadline, but it won't be for lack of trying.

I picked up my new glasses today and eureka! THAT's what things look like without a constant fogginess from the scratches on my old ones. Wow.

TIF progress

I have just four days to complete the March TIF challenge. I think I can, I think I can (which I sure hope isn't going to turn into 'I Thought I Could'!!). I know there it isn't a panic situation if I don't meet the date, but it's something I want to do.

ATC's and Tute

First, Arlee was kind enough to remind me that Kim was the artist that did the CSI garland I pictured yesterday so I am able to give the proper person credit. Thank you.

Today was our monthly CQTeer get-together and our usual exchange of atc's. The picture that shows 3 cards are of the ones I did. The two on theleft of the picture were from downloads I found on the internet...the chickens were from www.bellesprintables.com and I think the 'Easter Greetings' background was from Janet Stauffecher (sp?). The one on the right is my own design...sort of.

The other picture shows the ones I received from Sue and Irene. Pretty, aren't they?

If you're interested, here's a mini-tute on how I did the atc. It started with a piece of cork (actually began life as a placemat) cut to atc size. Then I tore pieces of light-weight brown paper bag to size and crumpled them to give them texture. Then I smucked a couple of brownish colours of ink pads over top (don't you love how technical I'm being with this??). The circle was made with a piece of crumbled (and smoothed) aluminum foil that I dry brushed with copper, gold & a bit of black metallic folk art paint. I then glued the foil to some card stock to give it more 'body' and then used a metal punch to make the circles, which are glued onto the card. Simple...and cheap!!

PSI's

Anyone who has been reading my blog for awhile will remember that I took part in a swap of PSIs (Plus-Size Inchies) awhile ago. These are what I received back and were in the bottom of the treasure box from Arlee. Aren't they great? Our theme was CSI (or Crime Scene Investigation for those who don't happen to watch the tv show).

The picture of the ones mounted as a swag on the fuzzy yarn are the ones I received from someone whose name has escaped from my studio (I know it's here...somewhere...however, if you made this would you mind reminding me of who you are? My brain is going!). Be sure to click on these pictures to enlarge so you can see more detail!

The ones with the purplish cast were made by Midge and came complete with a wonderful story of how they came to be and why they were at the crime scene. What a great imagination!

Next, I showed 6 of the ones Donna made right side up and put three wrong side up so you could see the detail on the back too! These are fun to look at - on either side.

Lastly, a skeleton head by Arlee. Now, this is definitely CSI-ish. She has mounted them on a piece of black mesh which just adds to the ambiance. Way cool!

I've spent today getting some of my 'homework' done for the meeting of the CQTeers tomorrow, which I'll post pictures of later on. I'm sadly behind on my TIF challenge piece and really need to put a push on to finish it by the end of the month. Losing a week hasn't helped me to complete things.

A week? Really?

You mean I've missed a whole week?! Surely not. It went by in a haze...I'd forgotten how miserable a cold can make you feel. All is well now and I'm back to creating full-tilt.

As promised here are the pictures of just some of the wonders that came in that box from Arlee. I'm still blown away by how generous she is! I spread some of the treasures out on my floor (that couldn't be because my work surface is trashed?) and before you have a fit and think we have humungous bugs in our basement, Arlee sent them and isn't it cool? There's bits of her handpainted fabrics in there and some 'bits' she's made which will be added to some of my 'bits'. Ooooh...sounds kinky doesn't it!

Just look at the doll!! AND the purse and matching coin purse, which I have coveted ever since she posted pictures on her blog. Books and buttons, and dragonflies, and fabrics, and ribbons. See the beautiful red feather...I 'see' a doll sporting that! There's handmade beads and some beaded motifs.

And guess what? There's more!! Tomorrow I will show pics of the PSI's (plus-size inchies) swap pieces that came in that box too.

Who needs Christmas when I have a friend like Arlee! Thank you, my friend!!

Guess I didn't run fast enough!

At least not fast enough to escape the germs that are floating around. Both Jack & I have come down with some sort of throat 'thing' so I've been pretty much sitting around today leafing through magazines and feeling somewhat sorry for myself. I know I promised pictures of the treasure trove I got in the mail and was planning to post them now, but...the camera needs recharging first! So...pictures still to come!

Going back to the magazine pile now...

A box full of treasure!

Look at what arrived in the mail today...a wonderful box full of inspiration from Arlee!! I'll be posting pictures later of some of the goodies inside this box. In the meantime, you can imagine how much fun it was for me to see what was inside! Only a kindred soul would understand that the contents made today better than Christmas!! Thank you sooo much Arlee.

New purchase

 Picture shows the great dining room set we picked up for a song at a second hand store. Our son has a dire need for furniture right now and we simply couldn't resist the bargain. It came with six (!) chairs AND the original 'how to care for it' sticker is still on the glass top. The fabric looks brand new and doesn't look too feminine for a bachelor pad. The whole set was cheap enough that he can afford it. Then we were lucky enough to find the placemats (for cheap too). They are leather and suede (not real of course, but they look good). I'd like this set myself!!

Hmmm....a big black blob?

Oh dear. These pictures leave a whole lot to be desired! However, on a day when I've managed to accomplish very little I had to dig through the files to see what I had neglected to post and this was it. These pictures absolutely don't tell much of a story and you will have to use your creative imagination to 'picture' a fleece throw with wine labels (printed off onto fabric) used as a border along the bottom. The main body of the throw is a quilted outline of the Eiffel Tower (which does not show in any pictures!) with some fleur-de-lis thrown in for good measure. I made it as a birthday gift for DS#2's fiance. She's originally from France, hence the French twist on it.

I learned several things today, which is a good thing...right? I didn't know that if you wrapped your head of celery in aluminum foil that it would keep a long time. My celery is forever getting composted because it's gone all mushy and yucky. I also heard (and am about to test) that the Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are good for cleaning tile floors. My kitchen floor is a mess, which isn't unexpected when you consider we put pretty cheap tiles in there when we moved in just to cover up the 70s yuck that was on there. With 8 years of dogs, kids, cats & whatever, the tiles are in bad need of a shine. I wonder...is Mr. Clean as magic as he claims? Stay tuned!

And the winner is.....

....Spokane Gal (Susan)!!!!! Woo hoo!! I think you know my email addy Susan, so just send me your snail mail and I'll get your goodies in the mail to you. Thanks to everyone who left a comment!

I've made a bit of progress on my TIF piece for March, but not as much as I had hoped to. Maybe there will be more tomorrow.

Sure felt sorry for Jack yesterday. After I took his picture in the snow and posted it here, he spent over three hours just clearing the snow from our driveway and then left to do all the others he has to do. He wasn't home til after 6:30 and was pretty much done in. Hauling a snowblower around (plus on and off a trailer) is hard work. Maybe now he'll decide to give up the rest and just do ours. Not likely tho, because he just took on another one.

Enough already!!!

I know it's Sunday and I don't normally post on Sunday, however....this is how much snow fell in the past 24 hours. In one picture you can see the fence that surrounds the dog pen and how much snow is piled outside of it. The dogs think they're in a tunnel when they're out there. Jack, heading out to blow snow, is up to his knees in our back driveway (he's 6'2" so you can get an idea). The other picture is from our front door where the snow is perfectly level from the top step right out to the road. I guess we should be grateful the sun is shining....

March TIF

Today I pieced my block for the March Take It Further Challenge and found a cigarette silk which matches fairly well. Now I'm ready to start embellishing on it and also on the one I'm trading with Doreen. I also spent some time working on the next piece of the Exquisite Corpse challenge, but unfortunately we are not allowed to show what we do. Darn, because I'm pretty excited about this one!!

There's yet another winter storm on it's way. I've had enough and am more than willing to cry uncle. Enough is enough already!!! Of course our local city employees have to choose this winter to go out on strike and leave us with virtually no snowplowing or sidewalk clearing. It's a crap shoot as to whether your boots are high enough to wade through the muck and slush. Driving is lots of fun (NOT) when you're on side streets where only one lane is plowed (and not well at that). Heaven forbid you have to meet a car going the other way. It's snowing right now and by the weather report, it sounds like we're in for about a foot more over tonight and tomorrow.

Please send sun....we're drowning.......

On to the next 500!

Today's picture is a postcard I just finished up. The 'background' is a tea-dyed Swiffer Cloth (used and washed before dyeing). I also tea-dyed the label (sheer accident that was - it fell in the cup while I was brewing the tea!...fortuitous). The label is stitched on with the machine and then I 'painted' it with a bit of matte gel to protect it. Now to see if the post office will actually deliver it!!

FIVE HUNDRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who would have ever thought I would make it to 500 posts! Five.....hundred....times....I've written drivel here for all the world to see. AND there are a few people who actually read what I write, which is even more amazing to me. Thank you so very much for your loyalty, your comments and spending time with me. I never would have believed I could have developed such a wonderful group of cyber-friends and I treasure each and every one of you.

So...on to something special to celebrate! I have a goodie bag here full of treasures of varying types just waiting to go to a new home. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post and you will be entered in the draw. My DH will do the draw on March 10th and I will post the winner here. Good luck and can't wait to see who wins! Remember, no comment = no entry!!

Oh yes, picture today is of the finished bears who are now residing at their new home and I have a nice cheque residing in my wallet!

#499!!! and Good Wives????

This is post # 499!

Sorry there isn't a picture today. I am making progress on the bear front, but they look quite geeky at the moment and flatly refused to have their picture taken. So, you'll have to wait to see them.

In the meantime, I was given an exerpt from the 'Housekeeping Monthly' dated 13 May 1955, entitled 'The Good Wife's Guide'. Now I don't know about you but I certainly don't want the word to get around about this!! I quote:

* Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready, on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favourite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed.

* Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.

* Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.

* Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives. Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper, etc. and then run a dustcloth over the tables.

* Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.

* Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces, comb their hair and, if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part. Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.

* Be happy to see him.

* Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.

* Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first - remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.

* Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you. Instead try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.

* Your goal: Try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquility where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.

* Don't complain if he's late home for dinner or EVEN IF HE STAYS OUT ALL NIGHT. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.

* Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.

* Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low,soothing and pleasant voice.

* Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.

* A good wife always knows her place.

End quote. OK, was this written by a man or what?? We women must make absolutely certain this information does not fall into our mens hands else complete havoc will rule.

It's good for a laugh anyway!

#498 - 4 Things

My friend Arlee of http://arleebarr.squarespace.com/designjournal recently posted a meme which I thought I'd save for a day when I have no pictures to show. So...here goes...

4 THINGS YOU MAY OR MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME

- 4 Jobs I've had in my life: 1) secretary in a high school; 2) secretary for an insurance adjuster; 3) teller in a bank; 4) worked with business accounts and trained tellers, also in a bank

- 4 Movies I'd Watch Over and Over Again: 1) Pretty Woman; 2) Lord of the Rings; 3) the Grinch; 4) more recently, The Bucket List

- 4 Places I've Lived: Oh boy, this one is hard when I consider that I haven't moved too far!! 1) a farm outside of a little tiny town called Seagrave in Ontario; 2) another farm south of an even tinier town called Little Britain; 3) a bungalow in the 'huge' metropolis of Little Britain; 3 houses in a larger town called Lindsay after I was married.

- 4 TV Shows I Watch: 1) CSI - the original one; 2) House; 3) Grey's Anatomy; 4) Antiques Roadshow

- 4 Places I've Been: 1) London & the southern part of England; 2) London and some of Scotland; 3) Toronto; 4) Algonquin Park

- 4 People who Email Me Regularly: 1) Phyllis; 2) Jean; 3) Doreen; 4) Andy

- 4 Of My Favourite Foods: 1) CHOCOLATE!!; 2) lasagna; 3) chicken; 4) potatoes

- 4 Places I'd Rather Be Right Now: 1) anywhere where it's sunny and warm and without snow; 2) a bookstore, with lots of money in hand; 3) a good craft shop, with lots of money in hand; 4) see #1

- 4 Things I'm Looking Forward To This Year: 1) complete the TIF challenge; 2) continue to use up my stash; 3) doing more experimental art; 4) doing lots of reading

- 4 of My Favourite Drinks: 1) ice tea; 2) coffee; 3) water; 4) green tea

- 4 Cars I Have Owned: 1) Chrysler Valiant...which cost $300 and was the best car...ever!; 2) Chevy Nova; 3) Toyota Matrix; 4) Toyota Sienna van

There, now you've read all that, consider yourself tagged!!