Friday, December 30, 2011

My favorite projects of 2011

Looking back over 2011 there have been good times and there have been bad times. I have been away from blogging caring for my mom. Fortunately the new med is helping and a part-time care giver is freeing up a little bit of time for me. Thanks for your cards, e-mails,calls and prayers. You are all so special to me.

This Goodwill redo added a little pop of color to the condo entry way. Complete instructions and photos here


I had such fun with this Pottery Barn knock off project for my grandson. It's a functional child size picnic table that promises lots of fun. I added a pirate flag to the ship and we were ready to set sail.I followed the instructions from Anna White's knock off blog and it was so easy. Details are here



This little table and mirror was a brassy thrift store find. .. a little Metallic Rustoleum and it gave it a new life.
It has been fun looking back over 2011. I hope yours was a good one and that 2012 will be even better. Please join me at the 2011 Top Project party over at Southern Hospitality

Thanks for coming and ya'll come back!

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

Had to resort to talking to the sea gulls. . .


My blog was hacked into and it has been a royal pain getting it back up and running. I have missed all of you blogging friends so much. What did I ever do before blogging?

I can't wait to visit and see what all of you have been up to.
The gulls aren't much when it comes to conversation. When the bread runs out they just look at me really bored and fly away.

Going to catch up on my blog reading... have a great week. It is so good to be back :)


Monday, September 05, 2011

Blue Monday


Nothing more relaxing or prettier than the blue of the Atlantic Ocean!
I'm joining Blue Monday with Smiling Sally

HAVE A HAPPY LABOR DAY!


Saturday, September 03, 2011

Sunday Reflections


A Little Boy's Explanation of God -- Fabulous!!! -

I certainly don't think an adult could explain this more beautifully!


It was written by an 8-year-old named Danny Dutton, who lives in Chula Vista , CA . He wrote it for his third grade homework assignment, to 'explain God.' I wonder if any of us could have done as well? (and he had such an assignment, in California , and someone published it, I guess miracles do happen!)



EXPLANATION OF GOD:
'One of God's main jobs is making people. He makes them to replace the ones that die, so there will be enough people to take care of things on earth. He doesn't make grownups, just babies. I think because they are smaller and easier to make. That way he doesn't have to take up his valuable time teaching them to talk and walk. He can just leave that to mothers and fathers.'

'God's second most important job is listening to prayers. An awful lot of this goes on, since some people, like preachers and things, pray at times beside bedtime. God doesn't have time to listen to the radio or TV because of this. Because he hears everything, there must be a terrible lot of noise in his ears, unless he has thought of a way to turn it off.'

'God sees everything and hears everything and is everywhere which keeps Him pretty busy. So you shouldn't go wasting his time by going over your mom and dad's head asking for something they said you couldn't have.'


'Atheists are people who don't believe in God. I don't think there are any in Chula Vista . At least there aren't any who come to our church.'

'Jesus is God's Son. He used to do all the hard work, like walking on water and performing miracles and trying to teach the people who didn't want to learn about God. They finally got tired of him preaching to them and they crucified him. But he was good and kind, like his father, and he told his father that they didn't know what they were doing and to forgive them and God said O.K.'

'His dad (God) appreciated everything that he had done and all his hard work on earth so he told him he didn't have to go out on the road anymore. He could stay in heaven. So he did. And now he helps his dad out by listening to prayers and seeing things which are important for God to take care of and which ones he can take care of himself without having to bother God. Like a secretary, only more important.'

'You can pray anytime you want and they are sure to help you because they got it worked out so one of them is on duty all the time.' 

'You should always go to church on Sunday because it makes God happy, and if there's anybody you want to make happy, it's God!

Don't skip church to do something you think will be more fun like going to the beach. This is wrong. And besides the sun doesn't come out at the beach until noon anyway.'

'If you don't believe in God, besides being an atheist, you will be very lonely, because your parents can't go everywhere with you, like to camp, but God can. It is good to know He's around you when you're scared, in the dark or when you can't swim and you get thrown into real deep water by big kids.'

'But...you shouldn't just always think of what God can do for you. I figure God put me here and he can take me back anytime he pleases.

And...that's why I believe in God.'



I received this in an e-mail from a friend and thought it was delightful!  I am linking this post to
Spiritual Sundays


Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Talk, talk, . . talk talk talk!!!





OMG!.... I was in the public restroom . I was barely sitting down when I heard a voice in the other stall. "Hi How are you?"
Me: embarassed   "Doin fine!"
Stall: "So, what are you up to?"
Me:  "Uhhh I'm like you just sitting here."
Stall: "Can I come over?"
Me: (attitude) "No, I'm a little busy right now!!"
Stall: "Listen, I'll have to call you back. There's an idiot in the other stall who keeps answering all of my questions!"

I received this in an e-mail from a friend and it had me laughing out loud. I could so see this happening to me!

It got me to thinking. Have you noticed how phones have invaded every avenue of our lives?
I will be the first to admit... I do not leave the house without my phone but I wonder... have we gone too far? I do sometimes turn mine off making myself go into exile and it is such a 
freeing feeling.   What do you think? Could you give up your phones? 


Linking to Jenny Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday
                End of Summer Celebration at A Musing Potpourri

Friday, August 12, 2011

Miracle Makeover for Charlie


I believe in miracles. The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.(Hebrews13:8)
 Now if Jesus performed miracles, healed the sick, cast out demons, etc yesterday, He will do the same today and
 forever. We need to get it into our minds that God can perform miracles for us. All we have to do is believe and act upon
what Gods word says. When we do that, a miracle will happen in your life.


You can be a part of a miracle that is going on now.

Please go to the link below to meet little Charlie. He has brain tumors and is currently going through chemo.
Watch the excitement as people work together to give him and his siblings miracle makeovers for their rooms.


Please visit the following participating blogs.

http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/

http://countrywingsinphoenix.blogspot.com/


Please leave comments, comments and more comments.

 Every comment left on each of these blogs earns a dollar for Friends of Kids With Cancer













  

Sunday, August 07, 2011

Sunday Reflections

Do you ever feel like you are all alone?


God's word shows that you are not alone in this world. The Lord is your father.
He is looking out for your good and always watches over you.

"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
Psalms 103:13

"I will never leave you nor forsake you."  Hebrews 13:5

Linking to my friends at Spiritual Sunday. Join them for more of God's word.



Friday, August 05, 2011

Pink Saturday



Do you love pink?


How could anyone not enjoy cooking in this cheerful kitchen?



Love the pale pink color of the walls.

Photo courtesy of myhomeideas.com


So cute for a little princess.


Hope you have enjoyed the pink eye candy. Pink just always makes everything look more cheerful.
Glad you dropped by and y'all come back.
Linking to Pink Saturday Blog Party  Come join the fun!




Tuesday, August 02, 2011

Rednesday


Are these vintage Raggedy Ann and Andy's not beautiful?
These were on display at the antique mall. However, they were a bit pricey for my budget.

Ragged Ann was a fictional character created by the American writer, Johnny Gruelle, for a series of children books. (1880 -1938)
Gruelle created the  Raggedy Ann doll for his daughter Marcella when she brought him an old rag doll and he drew a face for it.



He introduced Raggedy Andy dressed in a sailor suit and hat in 1920.

Marcella died at age 13 after being vaccinated for smallpox without her parent consent.
Authorities blamed a heart defect but her parents blamed the vaccination.

Gruelle became an opponent of vaccination and the Raggedy Ann doll was used as a 
symbol by the anti-vaccination movement.
So glad you dropped by and y'all come back.


I'm linking to Rednesday  Visit for more pretty reds.


Monday, August 01, 2011

Birthday, beach and blues

It's hard to believe the youngest grandbaby just turned two. Seems like only yesterday. . .


Big brother stepped up to the plate to help her blow out the candles.


The only thing that rivals birthday cake is a day at the beach!




She has Papa wrapped around her little finger.

Be sure to visit Smiling Sally for Blue Monday and wish her a speedy recovery. She is
truly a dedicated blogger, blogging from the ER. Get well quickly Sally!


Friday, July 29, 2011

A great philosopher once said. . .

When it's too hot to do any work, go thrifting.  
Well, actually, I'm the one that said it and it seemed like a good idea.
I visited one of my favorite stops. . . the Antique Mall of Brevard.



I love this beautiful pink watering can.


. . . more pretty pinks


lots of pretty milk glass . . .



It was such fun enjoying the cool and pouring over all of the beautiful treasures.

Then the guilt set in. A very wise person once told me 

"Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today." She also told me quite frequently

A stitch in time saves nine.

That wise person was my sweet grandmother. She had sayings for everything and 

her words come back to me often. Sometimes as a sweet memory and other times to give me

direction or get me back on task.

Do you have any sayings that were passed on to you and continue to be with you today?

Words you find yourself repeating?

I think I need to get busy and make up some lost time. I'm glad you dropped by and

y'all come back.


Linking to Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound






Wednesday, July 27, 2011

O is for optimist

Are you an optimist?  Do you always look on the bright side of things?

Google Image

An optimist is a fellow who believes a housefly is looking for a way to get out. – George Jean Nathan


An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day. – Irv Kupcinet


An optimist is a driver who thinks that empty space at the curb won’t have a hydrant beside it. – Jules Renard


An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. – Bill Vaughan


Always the eternal optimist, President Reagan instilled confidence and optimism at a time both were in short supply in our country. – Jim Ramstad


After watching the news, hearing how bad things are locally, nationally and internationally I just felt the need to remind myself and others that there is always a bright side and that every cloud has a silver lining!


I'm joining Jenny Mattlock for Alphabe-Thursday

Glad y'all dropped by and come on back!



Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Paint Party

Thought I would join the paint party fun! Nothing gets my blood flowing better than a good thrift store find and a can of paint!


This little entry table was my latest Goodwill find.


She started out looking like  .  .  .


This one was fun to give new life to but I think my favorite of all time is my hutch and dining room table find.




The chairs had beautiful needlework that I just couldn't bring myself to cover up.







If you like to paint or just enjoy some good eye candy go over to
Cindy's paint party

Glad you dropped by and y'all come back!


Monday, July 25, 2011

Cool blues on a hot summer day


These beautiful lupines grow naturally in fields at Acadia National Park.


Their shades range from a beautiful baby blue to deep violet.


I so wish they could take the heat at home. I would fill by back yard with them!



This is one of the many small lakes in the park.


Thanks for dropping by and y'all come back.

Joining Blue Monday
             Outdoor Wednesday

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Sunday Reflections


He will quiet you with his love.  Zephaniah 3:17
Jesus did not answer a word.   Matthew 15:23

Have you ever experienced a crushing sorrow, a bitter disappointment, or a heartbreaking blow
from an unexpected place?
It is then that we cry out to hear His voice speak to us.

But sometimes there is only silence,  not a word.

His heart must break listening to our cries Often, our impatient hearts cry out because we fail to see
through our tear blinded eyes that it is for our own sakes  that He does not answer at all or that he answers
in a way that we think is not best.

The silences of Jesus are as powerful as His words and may be a sign not of His disapproval but of his
approval and His way of providing a deeper blessing for us.


Sometimes His love is silent because His love is beyond the power of words to express it and beyond
our understanding.
Other times it is silent so that we may learn to trust Him. He will "do wonders never before done"
(Ex 34:10)
If we will learn the mystery of His silence and praise Him every time for His silence.

Linking to Spiritual Sundays



Thursday, July 14, 2011

A few thrifty finds

Is it just me or is this summer going by at break neck speed? Maybe it's because my "to do" list keeps growing instead of shrinking. Honestly, I am working hard at completing those projects I saved until  summer but every time I set down to enjoy  a little blog surfing, I see all these wonderful things going on and I just have to add them to my list.

That being said, I decided to take a little break today and go north across the line into N.C. in search of cooler air. I not only found cooler air, I found. . .  you guessed it, some fun thrift shops.



There were so many wonderful things but I was good and only brought home a few. The little candle snuffer was just 50 cents. It should help with the wall candle sconces. It was either buy this or grow taller so I can blow them out.




I love these watermelon placemats. There were only 5 but they were just $2.50 and I'm going to use them to make more pillows for the front porch. 





The toile memo board is already up and ready for use. It seems I need memos and sticky notes more and more. Can you buy them by the truck load? With the aging of America, maybe that's something I should buy stock in.
Glad you dropped by and y'all come back! I'm linking to Thrifty Things Friday  Come join the fun!




Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Sailing on a schooner

The high temps today have me longing for Maine and sailing.I'm not complaining mind you. I promised I wouldn't complain about heat this past winter.


One of our adventures last month was to take the Margaret Todd Schooner out of Bar Harbor. It is a 151 foot schooner and cruises Frenchman's Bay.


Arriving early, I picked the best seat in the house . . . or so I thought.



See that humongous sail? I was right under it and there was a terrific rainstorm the night before.
You guessed it. . . When the sail was hoisted I got a free shower. I should have taken my soap.


Mr.Vintage, resting after helping to hoist the sails. Did I mention that it is a 
four man, four woman crew? And did I mention that Mr. Vintage really, really enjoyed his little boat ride?


The water and skies were crystal clear.



If you are going to be in the area or want more information you can go here.
No, I don't work for them but it was an inexpensive, fun, little adventure.
If the heat holds on  here I may become a stow away. I'm sure they could use a hard working Mema!

Linking to
Outdoor Wednesday
Watery Wednesday
Picture Story




Thursday, July 07, 2011

Playing, junking, and decorating . . .

I hope everyone is enjoying their July! We had a wonderful few days at the beach with family and friends. Those hot temps just screamed  come get in the water!


The grand babies enjoyed the magic of the ocean.


I did manage to get in some thrifting. My favorite find was a little vintage dress and photo.


I'm sorry about the quality of the photo. I really should not have shot it on a white leather sofa. Guess I kept my brain out in the sun too long.
It has sweet little pink roses on the dress and bonnet and is from the 50's. Since I am too, I just had to have it. Guess that makes us both vintage. I think the little pink vintage photo frame will be cute displayed with it.

My best thrifting deal was free. Those of you that follow my blog regularly may remember that I replaced
this brass fixture last summer. I know I'm slow but I just admitted I'm vintage, anyway. . .
I decided to see how she would look painted so  I disassembled her and put a coat of primer on.



Then I applied two coats of white Rustoleum  and took her to her new home at the condo.


She blends right in with all of the white there and you just can't beat free!
I'm so glad you dropped by. Y'all come join me at





Wednesday, June 29, 2011

What happened to June?

Hope everyone is having a great week and gearing up for the 4th!  I'm not really sure where June has gone. It has been a busy time for us with lots of birthdays, several trips and just life in general. I looked out of my window this morning and was pleased to see that my canna's are flourishing on plain ole' neglect!



A walk to the front yard shows all is well, except for a few weeds that have taken up residence . I would like to introduce you to my ant, Andy. We grow em' big here in the south!


See him... on the bench?  No, they're not quite that big around here in real life but if you have ever been bit by a fire ant, you would swear he was that big. Those of you in the colder climates are lucky. . . they are really mean little rascals!

I have some great advice I will share about getting rid of them, stick with the professionals!  I did some research (on the net) and came up with several remedies. First I sprinkled instant grits onto the ant hill. Supposedly, it will make them blow up when they eat it and then drink water. It only makes them happy and fatter.
Then I tried boiling water and adding dish detergent. It does a great job of killing your sod. The ants . . . well, they just moved the queen and built a new hill about 3 feet from where they were.Just stick with the professionals, they know what they are doing.

I have not had a chance to decorate for the 4th and we will be out of town again but I have enjoyed seeing all of the beautiful decorations on your blogs. You are all so talented. 
I did manage to change one thing on the porch. I pulled out my watermelon pillows. These will have to do until I get more time.



 I think I will research time management. . .  hopefully I'll do better than I have with the ants.
I'm glad you dropped by and y'all come back!
I'm linking this post to: