and now, for something other than quiet books!

Today I thought you might like to see a project that I did for the 'Crazy Quilt Quarterly' magazine, winter issue.  For some time I have had visions of a crazy quilted santa claus dancing about in my head and I finally acted upon it and this is the result...

His beard and his hat were done with crazy quilting and the face was appliqued using an image I found online.  

Hopefully you can see more of the details in the closeup.  I think you can likely click on the pictures to embiggen them more.

Today your quote is from Ediwn Osgood Grover...."Santa Claus is anyone who loves another and seeks to make them happy; who gives himself by thought or word or deed in every gift that he bestows;  who shares his joys with those who are sad; whose hand is never closed against the needy; whose arm is ever outstretched to aid the weak; whose sympathy is quick and genuine in time of trouble; who recognizes a comrade and brother in every man he meets upon life's common road; who lives his life throughout the entire year in the Christmas spirit"

Would that we could all be like Santa Claus.

Finished book!!

The quiet book is finished!  I really don't think it should be possible to have so much fun making something, but this project certainly fits into that category.  I'm almost sorry that it's done!

The cover (above) has pictures of our grandson, son, and daughter-in-love.  The back cover (below) is a Mr. Potato Head, waving goodbye.  The pattern for him came from HERE.

The pages measure approximately 11" square which seems to be a good size overall.  If you ever plan on making one of these books, I would recommend not trying to sew the spine with your sewing machine....not that I would know that the needle would snap and leave the sharp point lurking within the confines of the book...why, no, I wouldn't know that.  I ended up hand stitching the spine using dental floss (and my handy dandy pair of pliers!).  

Almost done!

These are the final two pages for inside the quiet book (tomorrow I'll show you the covers).  

I decided to add something to the inside of the flap that opens to show the inside of the house so I added the lunch plate...just so he would have something to see when he opens it.

The truck below has a zipper across the top and inside are felt transportation pieces (boat, bus; truck, car, airplane, and train).  

This book has been so much fun to make and I know I could go on and make a lot more pages, but it would be totally unwieldy if I did!

Your quote for today is from Mother Teresa...."Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless"

A couple more

Today it will be a quick post, but thought I'd pop in to share two more pages in the quiet book with you...

This page is a barn, and the X's are flaps that open up

to reveal farm animals beneath...

And this page is just shapes that are

velcroed so he can remove and replace them...

Today's quote is from Barbara Bush...."To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there"

Another page

Here's another couple of pages in the quiet book...

The above page has textures that he can feel.

Below is a page idea I found on the 

internet and translated into my own

design.  

The airplane and the car move back

and forth on a ribbon.  

Today the quote is from Meister Eckhard...."If the only prayer you say in your whole life is "Thank you," that would suffice"

and another....

Here's another page for the quiet book...

I know it's hard to tell in this picture, 

but there is lace in all the windows.

The entire 'house' opens (in one piece...see the stitching along

the left side?) to reveal this...

Here's another one....

Here's another page for the quiet book...

This one is a simple colour-match page done in the shape of a ball.  I don't know if it shows up in the photo very well, but I embroidered the colour names on the underneath ball so he can not only match colours, but also match  shapes and learn the words at the same time.  It's pretty basic, but it's a good learning tool I think.

Today your quote is from John F. Kennedy...."Peace is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process, gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, quietly building new structures.  And however undramatic the pursuit of peace, the pursuit must go on"

Beginning....

Over the weekend I started working on a new project which will be a Christmas present for our newest little grandson.  I made a quiet book for our older grandson when he was born and I just *have* to make another one because they're so much fun!  Time consuming, but fun.  

Here's the first page I did...

This one is fairly simple.  I found a little 'person' shape online HERE and created it out of felt.  I made a little felt shirt and pants which attach to the person with dome fasteners so they are removable.  The page was complete with a little quilt and a pillow.

Second page...

The tie-up shoes were also created from felt and real shoelaces.  I still have to finish the ends of the laces (a quick dip in some clear nail polish should do the trick.  

Over the next while I will share more of the pages as I create them.

Today your quote is from Ben Franklin.... "Take one thing with another, and the world is a pretty good sort of a world, and it is our duty to make the best of it, and be thankful"

A Christmas project

Here is another completed project as further proof that I really haven't been idle!

I had a special request to create an

advent calendar for #1 grandson

Close up 

This was created using a pre-printed panel.  

Today your quote is from Frank Outlaw....

Watch your thoughts; they become words.

Watch your words; they become actions.

Watch your actions; they become habits.

Watch your habits; they become character.

Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

A little bit of knitting, and a little you-know-what

Here's another bit of proof that I really haven't been idle...

These are three more hats I completed for #1 son, daughter-in-love and grandson.  The green one is a free pattern I found on Ravelry by M. Nishioka and is called 'Button-Tab Knit Hat'.  The grey & red striped one is the 'Double Rib Toddler Hat' by Torunn V. Espe and is also found on Ravelry.  The black one, also free on Ravelry, is from 'She Makes Hats' and is called the Sandoval Hat.  

Today your quote is from Mother Teresa - "It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving"

Well, never let it be said!

Most of you know already that computer illiteracy reigns supreme at Chez Richardson and also that recently I had to start over with my computer.  Some of you may already know that I am also stubborn (I know, who...moi?).  I hate to say that some of the lack of pictures on this blog has been a result of my not being able to figure out how to get my camera and my computer to go off in the corner and play nicely.  They have been squabbling.  The discussion going on has been quite disturbing.  First the computer says nope, I don't wanna play on your swings.  And then the camera says well, if you don't want to play on my swings, then I don't want to play catch with YOU.  And so it's gone.  One side trying to best the other and poor little ol' me in the middle, trying to be a peacemaker.  

There has been infighting.  And swearing (not that I would EVER resort to such tactics!).  There has been removal of programs and installation of programs.  Finger crossing.  Muttering and (dare I say it) mumbling too!

End result of all that is to say that I think I have won.  

Maybe. 

 Perhaps.  

So...here goes nothing....

Well, will you lookit that!   It worked!!!!!  

Phew!  All this angst, just to show you something that I made over the past while.  This is a Christmas card that is currently winging its way to my cousin in Australia.  Hope she likes it!

Today the quote (and a fitting one, I might add) is from Steve Wozniak....  "Never trust a computer you can't throw out a window"

Still suffering from alas-ness-ess

Hah - bet THAT word made you stop and wonder didn't it?  And I know it's not a real word, but in an effort to make this blog at least somewhat interesting I thought I'd make you wonder about the state of my mind.  

Ahem.

Today your quote is another from an anonymous source.  I would love to give credit to the author, so if you know who is was, please let me know.

THE POPPY

Nature created a flower

With petals of brilliant red.

Who'd have thought such a beautiful flower

Would be used to remember the dead?

For when all the guns have stopped firing

And there's only the mud and the rain

God sends down his little red flowers

To cover the lads who remain

So remember every November

When we hold our remembrance day

Of the lads who lie neath the poppies

And the price they had to pay.

Alas

Yep.  You've probably guessed it already.  No pictures today - only mumblings.  I know.  What's this world coming to!

- In my search for quotes for you, I came across this wonderful poem, attributed to an unknown author.  

A POEM FOR REMEMBRANCE DAY

Why are they selling poppies, Mommy?
Selling poppies in town today.

The poppies, child, are flowers of love

For the men who marched away.

But why have they chosen a poppy, Mommy?

Why not a beautiful rose?

Because my child, men fought and died

In the fields where the poppies grow.

But why are the poppies so red, Mommy?

Why are the poppies so red?

Red is the colour of blood, my child,

The blood that our soldiers shed.

The heart of the poppy is black, Mommy,

Why does it have to be black?

Black, my child, is the symbol of grief,

For the men who never came back.

But why, Mommy, are you crying so?

Your tears are giving you pain.

My tears are my fears for you my child

For the world is forgetting again.

If you know the author of this poem, please let me know

so I can give proper credit.

A mixed bag today

Today I have a few things to share with you.  I can't show what I'm working on - at least not yet - so instead I can show you these...

First of all - I had been asked to share a photo of the in-progress vanilla gifts that will be given at Christmas time, so here you go...

Not all that exciting I know!  I will create some pretty labels before they get wrapped, but in the meantime they reside in the cupboard and get lightly shaken every day.  It will be interesting to see/smell/taste the different flavours.

The past week or so I've been busy creating some hats that will be heading out west to our #2 son, daughter-in-love and our wee grandson.  These were fun to make and I hope they like them!

The one on the left is knitted using a pattern  called 'Keep Me Warm' by Anne Gagnon that I found on Ravelry HERE.  The middle hat is also from Ravelry and called Ribs 'n Cables Beanie also by Anne Gagon and can be found HERE.  Both patterns are free.  The tiger is crocheted and made from a pattern I found HERE and is also a free pattern from 'Repeat Crafter Me'.    These should be going in the mail tomorrow.  Tonight I'll start on a set of hats for the other family members.  

Today I leave you with this quote from an anonymous source..."Blessed are those who spoil and snuggle, hug and hope, pray and pamper, for they shall be called Grandparents"

Much cheering, and a new toy too!

Well, there's much celebration happening at Chez Magpie at the moment.  Dare I say that the computer is home and finally working (shhhh.....don't want to jinx it by saying that too loudly!).  Nearly two and a half months of being forced to use the tablet exclusively is finally over.  Don't get me wrong - I like my tablet, but it does have a lot of limitations.  By the time the dust settled I also had to invest in a new monitor, which wasn't a big surprise because I knew mine was old and getting crotchety.  

For the new toy part of this post, I thought I'd share with you what we hauled home across Canada.  See?.....

She's a beautiful treadle sewing machine, made in 1904, and gifted to me by our #2 son and daughter-in-love.  She's absolutely beautiful (both our daughter-in-love AND the sewing machine!!!).  She needs a new belt but otherwise is in perfect working order.  She even came with her original instruction manual and all the attachments, along with a number of wooden spools of thread.  The table needs a little TLC but that's not difficult to deal with.

Our son remembers hearing my stories about how I would be allowed to push the treadle on my grandma's sewing machine when I was a little girl and how special I felt.  I was certain I was being such a big help to my grandma (in reality, it was likely I was more of a hindrance).  The kids thought I would like to have this to re-live the memories and to enjoy using it.

Today the quote is from Bibhu Mohapatra.... "I remember an old Singer sewing machine at home that belonged to my grandmother.  It had a pedal.  My mom taught me how to use it when I was 12 years old.  I used to find it so intriguing, how a flat piece of material could be made into an object that had so many uses"

I still find it intriguing!  

You asked

Several people have asked that    I  share the recipe for the vanilla. Ask, and ye shall receive!

The basic ingredients  are pretty simple.  Vodka , vanilla beans and a bottle.  we decided to experiment  a little and we made some with bourbon  and spiced run too (so three different variations).

A trip to the dollar    store yielded perfect bottles.It's best to do a little looking around for the vanilla beans....we found a wide variety in  prices.... $11.99 in one place and the exact same thing elsewhere for $3.99.  You can also find them on the internet.  Cut 2 -3 vanilla  beans lengthwise and place in your chosen bottle.  Fill   with chosen  alcohol, and  cap.   Store   in a cool dark place and gently shake once a day.  Leave to mature for at least a month   (longer is better  !).

The bottles we used hold about a cup and a half of liquid  and two beans should be fine.  Obviously  if you are using larger bottles you will  need  to  add more beans.

As for the poo spray.....experiments are underway and I'll share that one after I get it the way I want it.

What do poo and vanilla have in common?

Yep not having a computer has driven me over the edge.  Maybe I'm even certifiable.  Withdrawal  has driven me to drastic measures.  All  that, and waking up to the realization  that a particular date in December  is rapidly  approaching  has just been too much for my fragile psyche.

So...I made three different kinds of vanilla  today, just because I could.  Two or three different people will receive a set of bourbon, rum and vodka vanillas.  Provided I don't drink 'em all if my computer soon doesn't come home.

And...because into every life a little poo must fall....why not go entirely off the deep end and  make some poo-pourri  spray too.  Only select people will be receiving those under the Christmas  tree!  In case you are wondering (and I know you were!)..the potion gets spritzed into the throne before  nature takes its course and eliminates the need for those highly priced and hugely scented after-the-fact commercial sprays.

Hurry  up computer...I'm losin' it.....

Oh my aching.....

.....feel free to insert whatever  bone or muscle of your choosing.

The floors  are pretty much done other than a bit of trim and some caulking  in  the  bathroom.  And I'm pretty much  done in!  Jack and I had a decent system...I parked myself on the floor and stayed there doing the laying of the tiles and grouting  and Jack did the cutting and acted as a good go-fer.  My knees aren't good so it was much easier to just stay put...altho  I did end up with a bruised butt cheek   (I know...,too much information!).

I took a couple of pictures  so you can see (and  no....NOT of my aforementioned  bruise...this is not an X rated blog!).

The picture quality  isn't great  but still don't have my main computer  back from repairs.

I haven't  forgotten  your quotes of the day  but it's  a tad difficult  to do with the tablet.  I promise they will return!

Living in a construction zone

...or is it more aptly described as a DE-struction zone?  While we were away we had asked our building  super to replace our bathroom, kitchen  and entryway  flooring.  We arrived home to find nothing done and are now having to tackle the project ourselves.  I had planned to repaint the bathroom too.

As of now the bathroom  painting  is well underway and this morning Jack removed the carpet in the hallway.  Imagine our disgust when we saw what lay beneath!  How can workers think that it's right to just lay carpeting over top of that much dirt, cement dust  and chunks of cement!  We know that the carpet in this building has been replaced a number of times since it was built so why has no one bothered to sweep up the construction  mess?  Sure does explain why our allergies  are so bad!

Tomorrow  I'll put the final coat of paint on the bathroom and we can start laying the tiles in the hallway.  Next will come the kitchen and then the floor in the bathroom.  We will not be  removing the old tiles because we're pretty certain they are asbestos and we aren't willing to open that kettle of fish.  The building  people fall all over themselves  trying to assure  us that they're  not asbestos but considering when the buildings were built the odds are they're  the bad ones.  One more reason to cover them up!

I don't have any pictures  to share....still waiting for my computer to be repaired.

I'm b-a-c-k!

The travelers  have returned!  Road weary and happy to be home and sleeping in our own bed.  The trip  was  amazing  and we are so glad we did it.  It was a very  long time to spend in the car (4508 k out and 4281 back).  It was so worth it though  to be able to spend time with our family and to be able to snuggle with our wee baby grandson.  His name, btw, is Theo Hao-Hsuan   Richardson .  He was 7 lbs  15  oz   and 22" long....taller than his currently  6'8" daddy was at birth.

I'm posting this using my tablet which is very annoying .   So...don't expect me to post much until my main computer is repaired.  I can't figure out how to post pictures here (for that matter I can't download them off my camera either).

Bear with me and I'll  return to my normal mumblings in a few more days.

Still gone

We made it safely  across the country  and are thoroughly enjoying  baby cuddles and spending time with our  son  and  daughter-in-love.  See?.....

It's not a great picture because it was taken with  the  camera  on my  tablet . ..sorry.

We have another few days  here and then I'm prepared  to  shed copious  amounts  of  tears when we leave.  It's unlikely  we'll  see them again for a very long time so it's going to be terribly hard to  leave.  Tring not to think about it!

Hope you're  still having fun amongst yourselves .

Woo hoo!

We have a new grandson!  Born at shortly  after 7 this morning.  Mom, Dad and grandparents doing well.  He was 7 lbs 15  oz, which was really big considering  how tiny his mom is.  His name, unless it changes  is Theo.

The car is being packed today  and we'll  be on the road  across Canada  early tomorrow  morning  and expect to be gone a month.  I'll check blogs as much as I can  but if I don't comment as much as usual you'll know why!

Be good while I'm gone!

37 years ago

Thirty seven  years ago today I made the best  move of my life and married the man I hope to spend at least 37 more years with.  Love you   Jack!

I'd  include a picture of him if only I knew how!!  My main computer is in for repair and I'm relying on the tablet and so far pictures elude  me..along with  a  whole  lot  of  other  things!  I have some mumblings I could  share  too, but unfortunately  I don't know how to do those either (some of you are probably  quite  relieved about that!).

We await THE CALL about  the  arrival  of  our new grand baby but so far he's  stayed  put. It would be a nice  anniversary  present if he were to  arrive  today.

I  do have a quote for  you  today  though, from Henry  David  Thoreau . ....  The most I can do for my friend is simply to be his friend.

Old sayings

You know that old saying that it never rains but what it pours?  Well, it seems to be pouring here but not of the type that falls from the sky and helps the earth.

I told you yesterday that Jack`s sister passed away and that we`ll be dealing with her funeral the first of the week.  Most of you know that we are awaiting the imminent birth of our second grandbaby and will be driving across the country to meet him.  Well, the car had to be checked over prior to such a big trip - and - four new tires later we`re good to go.  This morning I had to take my main computer in for repairs and the service tech very chippily told me that it`s quite likely I will need a new one.  NOT what I needed to hear!  He did say he might be wrong, so I`m hopeful.  Mine is only a year and a half old so I hadn`t better need a new one!

So....this post is being done using the tablet which is definitely not comfortable to type on.  Because of that, please excuse any typos!!  And - being that I haven`t the foggiest idea of how to post pictures, obviously there won`t be any.  Of course it`s going into a long w`end here and back-to-school as well so I doubt there`s much hope of repairs until next week.  Needless to say, there might  not be too many posts happening!

Your quote is from an unknown source...Life has many ways of testing a person`s will, either by having nothing happen at all or by having everything happen all at once

A mixed bag

Once again there are no pictures of anything that's stitchery related happening around here.  We've had a family death (DH's sister) and so my thoughts have been not quite on being creative.  

Today your quote is from Carson McCullers...."How can the dead be truly dead when they still live in the souls of those who are left behind?"

Rest in peace Jean.

Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work....

Well, I'm not the one going off to work, but it didn't stop me from creating these...

and while I was at it, I made

matching mittens...

The pattern for the socks is 'Get To Work!-Baby Socks' by Laura Sapergia and can be found HERE.  The mittens came from a generic plain baby mitten that I changed the colours around to make them match the socks.

 

Sometimes someone has a brain wave and wonders why they never thought of it before.  Such is the case with the brilliant solution my DH came up with on the weekend.  We went to the local market and came home with large 'bouquets' of kale and swiss chard.  It, of course, needed to be washed and dried before refrigerating.  DH had a lightbulb moment and you can see the results...

The veggies came with elastics around the stems to hold them together and simply hanging the clumps on the cupboard door handles directly above the sink makes for a perfect drainage system.  Please ignore the messy counter though!

The quote for today came about when I researched possible quotes to reflect brilliant ideas and is from Sue Grafton...."Ideas are easy.  It's the execution of ideas that really separates the sheep from the goats"   I don't think I'll tell DH about this one - he might not like the comparison!

Grandparenting joy!

One of the joys of being grandparents is that we get to do fun things like take our grandson (and his mommy and daddy!) to the zoo.  Yesterday we did just that, and a great time was had by all. 

Grandpa, Daddy & Logan
feeding the giraffe. 

Mommy and Logan
Very first pony ride!

and, just because of the cuteness factor...

Elmvale Zoo, just outside of Barrie (Ontario, Canada - for those not from the area) is a wonderful little zoo and well worth a visit if you live anywhere close.

Today's quote, very fittingly, is about grandparents and comes from Rudy Giuliani... "What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance.  They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life.  And, most importantly, cookies"   (and in case you're wondering, yes, we took cookies....some of the ones you saw in my post a couple days ago).  

M & M's

The first 'M' is for mail - and two special things have arrived in my mailbox.  First of all, Boud send me a wonderful postcard with an image of a painting by Alfred Sisley called 'Snow at Louveciennes, originally painted in 1878.  

Thank you Liz!!

And I received this lovely from Patty....

The card fits inside the pouch.  I forgot to take a picture of the mailing envelope she sent it in too - so cool!  Thank you Patty!

Today your quote is from an unknown source...."Our lives are like quilts - bits and pieces, joy and sorrow, stitched with love"

Second childhood - or - dotage? Take your pick!

Sorry about being somewhat absent over the past week.  There hasn't been much in the way of stitching being accomplished around here, plus there's been an issue with my camera talking to my computer with any degree of success.  Finally resorted to re-installing the program and eureka!!  Would have been helpful had I thought of that in the first place.

I've been busy though, although there are some that might suggest that I've taken leave of what's left of my mind.  I'm sure those of you with grown children have dealt with the dilemma of them moving away and leaving their 'stuff' in semi-permanent storage with you.  Our boys were pretty good (especially when faced with the threat of what they don't take before we moved to this apartment would get a one-way trip to the dump...funny how that gave them incentive!!).  Anyway, the point of all this (and I do have one, believe it or not) is that one of the few things we kept was a giant tote filled with their Lego.  Our upcoming road trip to visit our #2 son gives us a perfect opportunity to get rid of some of it.  So....good ol' mom (who is actually a closet Lego-lover) hauled the lot out and with DH's help sorted it out.  Then I started to build the kits - or at least as many as I could.  Of course a lot of the pieces were lost over the years (most likely gobbled up by the vacuum).  

See?...

This was only one (the biggest) of the kits
I managed to pretty much put together.

Now that tote, and its contents will be outta here!

While I was doing all that (it *only* took me four days!!), DH was pottering about in the kitchen creating these...

These are our trail mix cookies which will be taken on our trip and serve as breakfast food.  For those of you who might be interested in a healthy cookie, here's the recipe...

TRAIL MIX COOKIES
(this makes a LOT!!)

4 c. all purpose flour

2 tsp. EACH baking powder & baking soda

1 tsp. salt

4 c. large flake rolled oats

4 c. Trail Mix (see below)

2 c. margarine

1 c. EACH white & brown sugar

(Note: we only use 3/4 c. of each sugar)

4 eggs, beaten

4 T. water

4 tsp. vanilla

Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda & salt.  Cream together margarine & sugars.  Add liquids to dry ingredients.  Drop by heaping tablespoons onto cookie sheet.  Flatten with spatula.  Bake at 375 degrees for 15 mins.

TRAIL MIX

(note: you can buy trail mix if you prefer)

1/2 c. sunflower seeds

1 c. chopped or slivered almonds

1 c. dried cranberries or raisins (or combination)

1/2 c. coconut (small flake)

1 c. chopped peanuts

Your quote for today, and one I plan to adopt, is from C.S. Lewis..."It's never too late to have a second childhood" 

Blessings - some good, some not so

Today has been an 'interesting' day on several different fronts - and none of them involved stitching done by my hands.  The first order of business today was for DH to trundle our car out to the mechanic for a good once-over prior to us leaving on our 'big road trip'.  Alas, the once-over culminated in the necessity to replace ALL four tires!!  Not an expense we were anticipating right now, thank you very much.  However, the thought of attempting to drive through the Canadian Rocky Mountains with tires that were iffy made the replacement of same a no-brainer.  

This morning a friend was here for coffee and came bearing gifts for our soon-to-be-born grandson and this afternoon I had lunch with another friend who has made the most amazing quilt for him.  Alas I don't have a picture of any of the above to share, but they are all beautiful and so very thoughtful of my friends to share in the birth of our wee one.  I am blessed to have such good friends in my life.

Sometimes, in these days of  doom and gloom on the news every day, it's nice to read a heartwarming story and THIS one certainly is just that.  What a wonderful man!

 Today your quote is from an anonymous source....

 Twelve things to always remember:

The past cannot be changed

Opinions don't define your reality

Everyone's journey is different

Things always get better with time

Judgements are a confession of character

Overthinking will lead to sadness

Happiness is found within

Positive thoughts creative positive things

Smiles are contagious

Kindness is free

You only fail if you quit

What goes around comes around

A play date

Yesterday we were happy to have a play date with our grandson and his new puppy, along with a lovely visit with our son and daughter-in-love.  

Meet our new grand-dog...

Her name is Riley and she's a 

black lab/boxer/border collie mix.

And, here's the reason they got her...

What's better than a little boy and a dog?

Today your quote, fittingly, is from Erma Bombeck...."Every puppy should have a boy"

Alas...

It seems the promised rain has gone all around us and there will be none here, unless there happens to be a major miracle.  The heat and humidity continues.....

Not much being accomplished on the stitching front although I am managing to get a little bit done on the next 'secret' project for the magazine (which also happens to be for a Christmas present).  

Today your quote is from Walter Winchell - "It's a sure sign of summer if the chair gets up when you do"

No salsa 'round here!

No rumba, no salsa, not even any sedate waltzing.  Too hot for anything beyond languidly reclining, iced tea to hand, and the consumption of the occasional bon bon to keep the strength up.  

And if you believe that I even know how to dance?  Hah! Nope, never learned.  Even the bon bons are few and far between.

Today your quote is from Carl Bard...."Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending"

No picture from moi - BUT.....

I'm sorry to say that I have nothing to show you today, at least that has been made by my nimble, but arthritic, little fingers.  However, I'm pretty sure I will be forgiven if you go and feast your eyes on something spectacular HERE.  Be sure you click on the pictures to embiggen so you can see the details!

Boy, I wish my dentist had a dog like that!

Because of the picture, how about a quote about dogs? This one is from Caroline Knapp.   "The dog's agenda is simple, fathomable, overt:  I want.  "I want to go out, come in, eat something lie here, play with that, kiss you."  There are no ulterior motives with a dog, no mind games, no second-guessing, no complicated negotiations or bargains, and no guilt trips or grudges if a request is denied"

Last one (at least for now)

Because I don't have anything in the way of photos to show you today, how about I share the last page of the snowflake/flower/seam treatment designs?

I hope some of you will be able to use these in your work (I would love to see if you do!).

Your quote for today is from Winston Churchill..."We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give"

Bear vs Bare

I must say that the title of this blog post is very apropos today.  It's exceedingly hot here once again and the humidity level is climbing rapidly.  No rain in sight either, so there's not much hope of a cooling down for at least a few days.  So 'bare' would be a wonderful thing!!!

However, since this isn't an x-rated blog, I will have to simply share with you this fellow...

He stands about 15" tall and was created using Vogue pattern # 7534.  It's an older pattern and might not still be available.


Today your quote is from Orison Swett Marden...."All men who have achieved great things have been great dreamers"

mumblings

  I do have a finished project but no photos as yet so I will save that for a later date.

In the meantime...

Today your quote is from Kent Nerburn.... "Remember to be gentle with yourself and others.  We are all children of chance and none can say why some fields will blossom while others lay brown beneath the August sun"