Alone on New Year's Eve

Oh, how I wish my husband wouldn't take assignments on evenings like this. He is part of security at the Red Wings game tonight and truly loves just being there with all the excitement.

That leaves me to catch up on the New Year's Eve blog postings. I have read some wonderful stories and toasts to the New Year. It is now 11:28 pm. I'll turn on the TV in a few minutes and watch "something" drop. It might not even be a ball.

Last year my granddaughter and I watched  a funny movie and got up and danced all around the sofa. It was exhilarating!

Tonight is very different. I'm still a party-er, so it's hard to sit still. But when I read all of those thought-provoking and inspiring posts, I was moved to a place of contentment I wasn't in earlier today.

I have been sick for the last two weeks so we played it by ear as to whether or not we would celebrate New Year's Eve.  Instead Mike and I had lunch together, then came home and I listed some new items in my shop, called my daughter, called my mom, read my friends' blogs and am now finishing up to the sound of fire crackers.

I can't help but wonder what lies ahead in 2011. There have been better and worse years, of course. I feel blessed that we have our health, our church family, our own family, our friends and "my bunco club"friends! I'm especially grateful to have all of you--my online friends and fellow artists.

To you all I toast a great year ahead for each and every one of you. May each of us be blessed with all that we "need" and a little of what we "want".

Pleasant Dreams of new beginnings, of peace, calm, love, less stress, financial security, good health...

Therese

Alphabet Soup Bracelet

So busy making my little ones their Christmas gifts that I haven't had time to list this cute and whimsical bracelet. Perfect for teachers or anyone. Fun, fun, fun!

Hope your Christmas shopping is finishing up and that you have your tree up and decorated. Sure! Tonight's the night.

Pleasant dreams of floating letters...

Gift Certificates Now Available

Christmas shopping made easy in the form of a "no guess" gift. I have listed gift certificates in my Etsy shop. Available in amounts of $15, $25 and $50. Gift certificates can be quickly mailed to you in any amount you desire.

Enjoy Christmas shopping online!

Such yummy scents, you could eat them...Abbey James Co.

Abbey James Co., is one of my favorite Etsy sellers. They have the most fabulous "natural" products. I can attest to the quality of the body butters that feel so good on your skin and the soaps that I've even washed my face with. They don't dry out your skin. My Christmas gift recipients will be getting a small jar of body butter. One of my favs is "Lemon Biscotti". Yummmmm! She hits it just right with the ingredients so that it hints of lemon, but you can smell the sugary sweetness, too.

Click on Abbey James Co., link to shop.

Happy Holidays!

Homemade Christmas and No Time for Business

Greetings! With lots of potential sales just waiting to happen, you keep tripping on those personal projects. You're so busy creating Christmas for your own family and friends that it leaves very little time to attend to business.

The grandchildren's scarves, princess gown and headbands are finished! Yes!!! Hand-warmers for our other granddaughter are in the works. There's an evening bag for my daughter-in-law's birthday, also in December. Then there's the candle holders that I hope I have time to get to. Wonder if I could make a few neck warmers for the kids. Ha! It makes me dizzy thinking about it all.

How's your holiday season going? I know it's the same every year. Seems like you're ahead of the game, one minute, and behind, the next.

Pleasant dreams of swirling Christmas gifts, sugarplums, fairy dust, lit Christmas trees, falling snow that looks like diamonds under the street lights...

Christmas Snow Queen

Kitty-Kat in a Box

Oh, goodness. How my little (old) kitty loves to climb in boxes! Check out this photo of Katydid in a box that was made for two little Christmas trees made in China. What was made in China--trees or Katy? Anyway, she was peeking at my husband over the top of the box with one eye half closed, giving him a chuckle.

Katy tries out every box and bag that comes into the house. There's another cat in our house by the name of Mickey Tettleton, but he gives in to Katy, and she mothers him. Mickey is quite aloof and easy-going, while Katy "rules the roost," as do women in most homes. Do you think Katy's success at laying claim to the box had anything to do with the fact that she, like all women, can entertain several thoughts, simultaneously, whereas guys can handle only what's in front of them at any given time? Sh-h-h-h.

It's 2 am. Pleasant dreams of kitties in boxes...sleeping, sleeping, s-l-e-e-e-ping... Nighty, night. Meow!

Christmas Cat

Little Princess

Oh, my. How much fun I've been having. I can't wait for the little one to see her princess dress on Christmas morning. She just loves "PINK" and princesses and capes and dress-up shoes and dancing around the house. She's just three years old since November, and you couldn't find a "girlie-er" little girl!

"...while visions of sugarplums danced in their heads..."

A purchased  t-shirt dyed pink, decorated with satin ribbons, pink rhinestone straps, pink beads, pink stretchy sequins by the yard, bridal tulle', glitter. It has a shimmery pink skirt and attached bridal tulle'. Then came the headband, which replaces the crown, covered with glitter around a strand of pink rhinestones. Oh, aren't little girls fun to create things for!

Well, off to dreamland. Pleasant dreams of princesses, castles, fairies, Christmas, dancing, sugarplums...

Pink Princess

Chosen for Two More Etsy Treasuries--How Special is That!

I'm happy to have been chosen for two Etsy Treasuries today. Here are the links:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4ce95b660fd68eef16a85039/my-thanksgiving-dessert-with-be
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4ce9c2613ed68eef956e89ea/make-a-wishi-dare-you

Pleasant dreams of holidays, wonderful colors, treasuries, happiness, loveliness...

Therese

Give Thanks

Wow! Christmas music is being played already. I'm having Thanksgiving at my house next week and I just put out the rust-colored candles that smell like pumpkin and the fall leaves decorating the mantle and table. What in the world!

It's too bad that, in today's fast-paced society, we don't even have time to celebrate each individual holiday. How in the world can I savor the flavor of turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, rolls, etc., if I'm looking at Christmas lights and listening to Christmas music?

Thanksgiving is all about "THANKS". It's about thanking the Lord for the bountiful blessings He's given to us. Even though many of us are unemployed, we are among the top 2% of the world in wealth. And, yes, unemployment has touched one of our very own. Nevertheless, thanks is in order. We are having a turkey and all the trimmings. I wish you all the same simple "luxury".

Pilgrims, you started something and we aim to pass it on. Teach your children and grandchildren what Thanksgiving is really about. "Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother's house we go..."

Pleasant dreams of riding in a horse-drawn sleigh through the fields of snow; of cornstalks in brown fields; of turkey and a big holiday feast; of little ones running around the house; of pumpkin pie that'll knock your socks off...

Happy Thanksgiving, albeit a little early. That's how things go these days!

Turkey Therese
(and don't make fun of me for that one!)

Trojan Horses Prevail

Have you ever messed up so badly as I have today? Lately weird "things" have been happening, involving my computer; I mean happenings that resemble viruses or "Trojan Horses", which our anti-virus program has been supposedly intercepting.

Because of it, I meant to back up my 800 or so photos of family and Etsy things, but, being the procrastinator I am, did not. I couldn't find my flash drive, so I put it off.

Today I had to reinstall everything on my computer, taking it back to "factory condition". I LOST ALL OF IT! Be warned. Never put off backing up your files and don't take it lightly.

Good luck. I'll be trying to have pleasant dreams, but it'll be hard tonight--more light NIGHTMARES!

Dreamer

My Granddaughter's Christmas Eve, Following Halloween!

Oh, don't get me wrong. I know Halloween is just over, but, my goodness. You'd think that Christmas anxiety would leave us alone until at least after Thanksgiving!

There are 45 days left to shop. I plan to make some glass candle holders for my grandchildren. They will hold battery-operated candles that change colors, and come in glass cylinders covered with colored glass pebbles or amber glass stars and moons. I can't wait! The little ones always enjoy what I make them for Christmas.

You should have seen her eyes on Christmas Eve, five years ago, when my oldest granddaughter walked into our family room and spied a little girl--just about the same size as she was--sitting in front of the Christmas tree. I had made her a 4-year-old stuffed doll just her size and placed her in a small chair. Even the grown-ups thought some unknown child was joining our annual celebration as they did a "double take".

As soon as she got her dolly home, she named her, "Hailey Doll". Do you know that she has taken Hailey Doll to bed with her every night for five years? It's true! She said, "Mimi, sometimes I wake up in the morning and I'm laying on the floor on top of Hailey Doll, but I don't remember how I got there." How could you tell she was a heavy sleeper?! 

I love creating, especially for my own kids, but those of us who have businesses to run--full-time or part-time--barely have enough time to keep up our orders and mailing packages, let alone adding to it by making things for our very close family and friends. Nevertheless, I've slowed down those swirling thoughts in my head to try to focus on the important people who are so very dear to me.


I wish you all luck in finding the time to be creative as well as to find the time to shop on Etsy for the rest of your Christmas needs. I'll be there. Will you?

Pleasant dreams of little ones, sugar plums, toys, stockings, knitting, painting, sewing, woodworking and all the other lovely, creative thoughts that are part of your imagination... Good night to all and to all a good night!


Christmas Carol

Halloween Goblins and Ghosts

Ghosts and goblins! Our annual Halloween Party with family and one of my "best-ist" friends ever. Wish there were more photos after dark. It looked w-a-a-y spookier. Lots and lots of candles--even flickering in the doll heads--and scary music. We had so much fun, especially when we drank my sister's potion!

Pleasant dreams of anything but scary faces... Don't worry, be happy!

Halloween Queen

First Custom Bridal Head Dress

Oh, I'm so excited that I just had to share this with you! I was asked to make a bridal head dress for a wedding in two weeks. The bride-to-be was ecstatic! You should have seen me trying to locate a form for the base. I don't even know where to purchase supplies for bridal accessories. So, being adventuresome, or crazy!, I made my own form, padded it and covered it with satin. Of course I made my own pattern as well. I hand sewed all 40 Swarovski AB tiny crystals to the hat, along with many, many more tiny seed pearls and six or eight black crystals. A wispy feather plume was attached. Next I made two satin roses--first time for that, too. Inside, I placed a few Swarovski Jet AB crystals to pick up the black sash on the wedding gown. They appear to be water droplets on the roses. There are several strands of the tiny pearls strung from one side of the hat. If I am fortunate enough to get a good picture of the bride wearing my head dress, I'll pass it along to you.

Pleasant dreams of dancing pearls, crystals, gowns, feeling happy... Sleep tight! 

Susan's Sea Glass

I just love Susan of Liliana Designs. She makes lovely sea glass jewelry and is a lovely person as well. We are fellow Etsyians or Etsy artists. Susan has added some valuable insight into how to determine whether or not so-called "sea glass" is, in fact, real sea glass. Check out her fan page for more info. Liliana Designs.

Therese

Autumn's Pitiful Hanging Laundry

This morning, after winds and rain of last night took their toll, I decided to see if some jeans would line-dry outside. I love hanging laundry during the summer, missing the fresh outdoors smell in the winter months. Summer means ironing is next to nil. My first floor laundry doesn't have a dryer yet, and, believe it or not, I'd rather hang the entire load than run downstairs to put it in the dryer! Is that lazy or what! I hate basements.

Here are the pitiful-looking jeans trying to dry themselves in the cold day's sunshine. A pretty pot was blown off my deck last night and broke, so I placed it in my dying ground cover garden for next summer's imagination. A clump of snapdragons have found a cozy niche' under the deck. I'll miss the summer days.

New Shop: Fairy Queen Crochet

I've been looking around and discovered this really cool shop: Fairy Queen Crochet. She has wonderful chokers, pendants, etc. Very creative! I'm sure you'll like it as much as I do if you take the time to look at everything.

Happy shopping!

Sharing a Special Link

Oh, my! What can I say? Please use this link and watch the video posted on Wondrous Strange Designs' blog.

Descendents from Goro Fujita

Something New

Hi. It's Monday, actually Tuesday, and I finally got into my Google account after two days. Why does everything have to be so difficult!

Thought I'd make up some wonderful paper collage cards for my shop. I listed ten of them today. If they do well, I might open another shop for art / paper art pieces.

Let me know what you think. I love designing these little note cards and gift tags. It's great fun, especially since each is one of a kind. I never get bored!

Off to bed. It's after midnight again. Pleasant dreams of colors, patterns, shapes swirling around in your head. Pleasant dreams of new adventures... of trips to "Never, Never Land"... of flying objects... sheep!

Little Cardmaker

She's My Everything Treasury

What a lovely title. My Mother-Daughter Lime and Blue Scarf Set is featured in this Etsy treasury. How nice. There are some really cute children's items in this one.

Pleasant dreams of laughter, of squeals, of dancing crayons...

Mother Goose

October is Here!

My mom celebrates her 80th birthday today. We surprised her last night with a party. While we were at the restaurant, my good friend was there with her entire family to celebrate her mom's 95th! Whoa! Should I ever live to be 80, let alone 95...!

Here's a little poem I wrote about the season:



Queen of the Harvest

Queen of the Harvest dances in,

  Winter is on her heels.

Crisp air swirls around our heads,

  So fresh and cool October feels.

See the animals making ready for the winter,

  Loads of carrots put out back for the deer.

And never enough corn for all of them,

  No partiality shown, that is clear.

 Mounds of pretty mums in front yards,

  Black crows on tall cornstalks, nearby.

Geese heading south in formation,

  Squawking on their way as they fly.

The harvest moon has come and gone,

  It arrived earlier than some would have thought.

But if you looked up at night in late September,

  You might have missed it not.

November winds await their entry,

   As Halloween trick-or-treaters draw near.

Quickly we squeeze in more October fun,

   For little ones, we dispel any fear.

Orange pumpkins competing for doorsteps,

  Jack 'o lanterns will be carved from some.

During daytime, children laugh at the faces,

  A quick glimpse at night and they run.

Let’s finish putting up the decorations,

  For Halloween night is on its way.

More images of witches and spooky ghosts,

  More colorful leaves and bales of hay.

One more thought: Let’s dunk for apples,

  Or eat warm donuts with crisp apple cider.

Hot coffee or tea or just a nip,

  While we share stories around a bonfire.

October is great, but it all too quickly passes,

  Of its goodies, you can’t get your fill.

So eat, drink and be merry,

  Enjoy, eat it up, if you will.

Pleasant dreams of moons, jack o' lanterns, apple cider, Halloween, cornstalks, little critters, corn...

Queen of the Harvest

My Little Treasury - Someone Chose Me

Today I was happy to see that I was chosen for another treasury on Etsy. Bella Donna chose my Halloween Harvest Scarf for her lovely treasury. Please check out her shop and The Scarves of Autumn Treasury (links above).

Thank you for reading my blog. Once again, I'm excited to have been chosen for someone's treasury. Happy days of autumn to you all.

Pleasant dreams of pumpkins, apple cider, Halloween, hay rides, hot chocolate, blowing leaves, breathtaking colors...wonderful!

Harvest Queen

New Discovery on Etsy - Yummy Scents

Bulletin: Just discovered on Etsy (well, actually, I just discovered it). It's fabulous! I'm ready to order for Christmas and for me! Click on their name: The Abbey James Company

Pleasant dreams... whatever scent you like...Um-m-m-m.

Sweet-smelling Therese

Last-Trip-Up-North Treasures on Camera

Possibly our last trip up north this year, we went to visit "Uncle Bob"--our dear old school teacher friend. Bob is in assisted living. We walked the beach behind his home for a final trip of the year and snapped photos of interesting little treasures. I hope you enjoy them.

Beautiful Sandy Waters on East Bay of Lake Michigan (next 3 photos)

 

Underwater Zebra Mussels, Lake Michigan

Little Beach Blossom

While walking along the beach we spied these beach chairs showing off their colors

 Shoreline Shell Treasures

 Slow Path to Nowhere (can you see the trail)

 Low water this year left lots of algae along the beach and in the water

 
 Wild Turkeys off the beaten path (I scared them off)

Thanks for letting me share. It's so sad to see summer ending and everything changing. Even the water looks more blue and less aqua. Yet we had so much fun just taking in the glory of Lake Michigan.

Pleasant dreams of beaches, last glimpses of colorful beach chairs, brilliant falling leaves, slightly nippy night air, and all good things that autumn brings...

Barefoot-in-the-Cold-Sand Girl

Bridal Jewelry - Opinions, please...

Dear blogger friends!
I was asked to make bridal jewelry for a local shop. Here is my first attempt...HELP! There are tons of Swarovski crystals and Swarovski / Czech glass pearls in each one. There are actually only two sets here, though it looks like more.

Opinions, please. Be honest. Let me know what I need, if anything, and what I might do differently. Tell me if it's too loud or big or whatever... I will be making a couple of more delicate necklaces as well. Everyone has different taste.


So let's hear it!

Thanks. I would most appreciate it!

Beginner of Everything, Jack-ette of all Trades

Loyalty

Today the pastor at our church sermonized about the virtue of Loyalty, the first part of a series called, "Lost Virtues". It is unsettling to have believed all along that you were loyal, then to discover that you are truly lacking in that area.


What is loyalty? Well, it's not only being true to your spouse, significant other, kids, parents and friends, but it encompasses significantly more.


A friend is a friend in times of trouble as well as in the good times. When people are making fun of a friend, do you stand beside him or do you crawl under the rug?


Do you gossip? Do you talk about your friends and family to other people when you're angry with them? Do you walk away from a relationship rather than trying to work through a bad situation? Do you leave an organization you've committed to for a little disagreement instead of listening to the other side's point of view? Do you hang in there through the good and bad?

Employers aren't loyal to their employees, employees aren't loyal to the employers, sales people aren't loyal to their customers, people aren't loyal to their beliefs, and on and on.


Oh, boy! After listening to a half hour to an hour, where you could have heard a pin drop, was I ever feeling sheepish. From now on I'm going to try to remember that I can't take back what I say, so it's best to keep quiet if I have nothing good to say. A real challenge for a true "chatter box" like me.


Oh, but I'm loyal to all my Blog Followers!!!


Pleasant dreams. It's late and Monday is a work day. Dreams of far away places...as in "Six Days, Seven Nights". Not being stranded on an island but sleeping on an island in one of those cute little huts, sipping on pineapple juice and coconut rum. Nighty, night.


Your Loyal Companion

My Recollection...9/11

Everyone's posting thoughts on 9/11, today. Not 7-11, but, rather, 9/11, the number we'd like to forget. Today is coming to a close, but I'd like to write about my recollection of that infamous event:

Our company had just downsized, leaving me without a job. That was the very end of August. On September 11, I was enjoying not having to go to work by watching the Today show on NBC. In a moment of time, a news flash came into my living room, LIVE. As I saw the plane going into the tower, I thought it was a joke or an accident. It never occurred to me that, perhaps, it was really happening and that, perhaps, it was the act of terrorists. That is, until I saw the second plane appear and people in the studio yelling something about another plane flying right into one of the Twin Towers.

It all looked so phony, like I was watching a terrorist movie. It was a terrorist movie--really happening right now! LIVE! As I watched.

I got on the phone and called my husband at work. He hadn't heard. I called relatives and friends who were working to see if anyone had heard an announcement.

It reminded me of the time JFK was shot. The time the nun in my classroom at St. Tim's said to get down on our knees and pray. Oh, how I remember.

September 11 was my sister's wedding anniversary. I wondered how she was feeling.

Then I remember, later, painting the back door on our house while President Bush gave the nation his plan of action. It was freaky, scary, just listening to the President talking that way. Even he sounded scared.

You know the rest. Now, I'll not say, "Pleasant Dreams" tonight. This is a solemn occasion and a time to ponder on all that happened that September 11, a day never forgotten.

Sleep well knowing that we are here today, safe for the time being. We've lived through it. But what about
those people directly related to the incident. They will go on living through it for who knows how long, maybe the rest of their lives. I wonder if they can ever feel safe.

Beach Glass, Stones, Fossils for Me?

Last week we went to a friend's lake house on Lake Erie. Two of my sisters were finding lots of beach glass, but me--nope, not me. I'm just not that observant. Finally! I found two pieces of white beach glass. Until then I was collecting seashells, beach brick pieces, slag, stones and one Petoskey stone. Either a Petoskey stone or a fossil stone. We couldn't figure out why a Petoskey would be laying on Lake Erie shores.

I just visited a couple of Etsy sites where people sell the same beach items. I just loved looking. However, my husband is planning on learning to use a jewelry drill to make holes in my beach treasures. I can hardly wait. I also found a pendant that is a piece of beach slate. It's really great looking!

Well, off to bed for me. Pleasant dreams of summer's last beach walks--at least barefooted! Sleep tight.

Stoned, Old Fossil

German Chocolate or Bust!

Anyone who knows me also knows that I love to make up my own recipes. For my sister's birthday last week, I was asked to bring a cake. Her fav is German Chocolate.

I have a recipe that uses cream of coconut and is similar to a Jello Poke Cake, so I invented my own variation of that dessert:

1 box German Chocolate Cake Mix

2 8-oz Containers Cool Whip

2 cans German Chocolate Frosting

1/4 - 1/2 cup milk

Eggs, oil, water as listed on box

Bake cake as directed in a 9 x 13 inch pan. Open one can German Chocolate frosting, reserving one-third for later. Mix remaining two-thirds frosting with a little milk to thin it down. As cake cools on rack, poke holes all over  top with a knife, then pour/spread the thinned frosting mix over the cake. As it melts, spread it around and into the holes.

Mix the reserved one-third can frosting with an 8-oz. container thawed Cool Whip (whipped topping). Set aside. Take a second can of frosting and spread over cake while slightly warm.

When cake is completely cool, spread frosting/Cool Whip mixture over top. Chill for an hour or so. Top it off with another container of plain, thawed Cool Whip or chocolate Cool Whip. Refrigerate overnight.

Optional: Sprinkle toasted coconut, chocolate shavings, pecans over top. I prefer it without any additional.

The cake was a birthday success. I was asked not to lose my recipe, and I heard "YUM-M-M", so I guess that means they liked it!

Happy Birthday to all September birthdays out there. Pleasant dreams of chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate!

Chocolate Lover

Fairy Me by Tarja

Hello, everyone! I'd like to introduce "Fairy Me by Tarja". She creates fairies from your photos by placing the subjects in wings and under toadstools and in the grass, and everywhere else in fairyland. I just love it! Fantastic work! Use the link above and see some of her work.

Tarja is one of the nicest people. Thanks, Tarja, for being so supportive!

Pleasant dreams of fairies, mid-summer night's dreams, lightening bugs and all that summer represents. I'm clinging on tightly to every minute. Nighty night.

Fairy Godmother

Bridal Jewelry and Cheesecake!

Have you ever had a good feeling about something? Well, once again, I've had a small opportunity come my way. It's so itty, bitty, but I still see great potential in it.

I was asked to display bridal jewelry and scarves in a cheesecake shop (of all things). It's a neat, clean, trendy-looking, little place with some tables and chairs for enjoying dessert and a cup of coffee. The owner said that lots of brides-to-be make her shop their first stop in wedding planning, and that would give my jewelry exposure. I'm sure you couldn't miss it with her awesome display area right off to the side of the wonderful baked goods counter.

I've got to say, they have got to have the most wonderful cheesecake, and so many different flavors. I love cheesecake. Actually on Saturday, my granddaughter and I split a slice of their Reese's Peanut Butter Cup cheesecake. My husband tried German Chocolate Cake--two layers of cheesecake, two layers of chocolate cake and German Chocolate frosting. The only reason I was there was because my daughter had asked me to pick up a custom order for her. Otherwise this opportunity wouldn't have come my way. See how the Lord (or fate, if you like) works!

Wish me luck. My hair accessories--started out as bridal hair accessories--have been selling fast at my niece's salon and spa. People buying them have friends inquiring. Lots of younger women. So, it's looking pretty good for me, so far. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Please say a prayer for me. Sometimes I need it badly. Don't we all!

And, I won't stop creating my scarves and jewelry for Etsy, either. So there's another prayer I need. Time!

Wish I could quit my day job!!!


Pleasant dreams of brides and crystals and pearls and cheesecakes dancing and shimmering. What a combination of things "sweet"!

Bridal Baby

A Story of Daisies

Memories of hours spent painting pictures of flowers, not knowing what the heck I was doing or how to use oil paints.Total frustration!

Memories of friend Marilyn and I sketching pictures of girls and fashions, then asking her mom to judge them. That didn't always go over so well.

Summer of 9th grade, we decided to take High School Art. But making tile ash trays wasn't exactly what I had in mind. So... After causing some trouble, I was told that I was finished. "Out!"

Fast-forward 8 years, a young married woman, I placed daisies, a gift from my husband, in a tall mug, part of a set we purchased together . The turquoise paint I had mixed just made the whole thing. I don't know when it disappeared, but I am saddened at the thought of losing something so precious. I still have hope.

One of my first charms--a daisy that speaks of love. After all, "daisies do tell". From my husband:

Today I spotted daisies on someone's blog. An artist friend, Dora , is their painter. If you like daisies at all, or, for that matter, watercolors, you will truly enjoy hers.

Pleasant dreams of daisies spinning and bending in the wind; dancing to the music...

Flower Child at Heart

That Butterfly Bush

Know what? We just love that butterfly bush! I purposely planted it right next to our deck, where we eat, so that we could sit and watch butterflies all day long. (If you believe that one... Who has all day long to sit around!)

A short lunch break this afternoon, with sandwiches and iced tea, proved its worth. Four Monarchs, a hummingbird moth and several bees were flitting around, collecting nectar together like one big, happy family. Bees, plump with nectar and buzzing rather loudly. Occasionally one or two smaller butterflies joined the party. Not one insect bothered another. Nature at its best. Truly.

Pleasant dreams of deep purple blossoms with "the birds and the bees"...and the butterflies!

Queen of the 
Butterfly Bush

(Hope you don't mind seeing these photos again.) 

Procrastination

Procrastination--quite a word. I've had a lovely necklace done for quite awhile, but I just listed it yesterday. I used a Raku pendant from wondrousstrangedesigns.etsy.com. She has been very patient with me and anxious to see what I made. If you visit her blog wondrousstrangedesigns.blogspot.com you can read her article, featuring my piece. Many thanks go out to her. Stop by and visit her wonderful shop.

Procrastination manifests itself in many ways. It has been a curse throughout my life. Not wanting to deal with something, I put it off until it's an uncomfortable and embarrassing situation with a lot of excuses and explanations. Now, I address other procrastinators: Why do we make life more difficult on ourselves? 


Overcoming procrastination is a simple task: just do it! Well, that's what some people may think. That is, the people who have no problem getting things done TODAY! As the saying goes, 

"Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today."

Isn't that the truth! The trouble with all this is that we fall back into our old habits when we get tired or stressed.

Another habitual problem that goes along with this is opening up mail. How many times do you deal with your personal mail? Do you move it from pile to pile, only to end up eventually throwing it in the trash? Or do you deal with it once? Less work.

I'm proud to say that I finally have mastered half of that problem: I go through my mail immediately, trashing everything that is obvious junk mail. I still have my neat little pile, however, that I put off dealing with until later. At least I can find exactly where everything is. It's stacked so neatly. Someday I just might eliminate that little stack and keep nothing but the most important papers.

Well, enough about procrastination for now. I could give a million other examples, but, since no one wants to hear about it, suffice it to say, I'm going to improve my bad habit of procrastination TODAY!

Have a simple and relaxing day! You can have it if you get important things done, first. Then you can sit back and relax. Don't have enough time to relax? W-el-l-l-l... That's a topic for another day. 

In closing, just remember:  

You CAN teach an old dog new tricks!!!

Better late than never, your friend,
Little Ole Doggie

 

Vacation and Computer Talk

Oh, my. I'm b-a-ack! I've been out of commission. Needed a new monitor--after only two years of use. Hopefully, all is well, now. It's good to be back!

I've been seeing lots of vacation photos, especially of Michigan. Being from the Great Lakes State, as well as vacationing here, I thought it would be fun to share some of my own. This year we stayed in Traverse City and Frankfort. Both are situated on either Lake Michigan or on the Bay. The main part of Frankfort is a three-block stretch of shops and restaurants beginning at the shoreline Frankfort is beautiful, small and serene.

These first three photos are of the same lighthouse and pier in Frankfort, taken from various angles and times.

Another photo of Lake Michigan. This one reminds me of Kuwaii, Hawaii.

Bald Eagle taken while we were kayaking at Honor, Michigan.

Taken from up high, near Frankfort.

Finally, taken further north near the top of the lower peninsula.

Oh, to live up north only when the weather is perfect! Warm weather, very little cold. Dream on...

Nighty, night; sleep tight... Pleasant dreams of beaches, sifting sand, lazing around, kayaking, being pushed by the waves and breathtaking sunsets on the water.

Dreamer