Peppermint Tea and A Christmas Tree

Greetings from snowy Michigan. We woke up to a winter scene....not a lot of snow, but enough to get one in the mood for Christmas. Sadly, I didn't snap a picture before dark...you'll just have to take my word for it : )

I spent all morning and afternoon over at my mom's doing lots of things around the house and getting her ready for church tomorrow. Boy, the time flies when I'm over there. She loves the company and I love her, so I guess that works. When I came home, this is what I did next....

Some peppermint tea and red sparkly nail polish for the toesies. I like being a girl.

Short post tonight....I'm off to the Advent Tea at church. Good friends, a good message and more tea! What more could a girl ask for? Hope you are warm and cozy tonight.

"If you are cold, tea will warm you. If you are too heated, it will cool you. If you are depressed, it will cheer you. If you are excited, it will calm you." ~Gladstone, 1865

Blessings Near and Far

"Christmas angels to and fro, bent on deeds of kindness go."

Today when I came home, there was a surprise waiting for me. My friend Kathryn sent a lovely care package for me, all the way from Australia.

Kathryn, your kindness was just the "pickmeup" I needed today.

Included in the parcel was a calendar with beautiful pictures of Australia, some biscuits called "TimTams".... not found around these parts.

Some lovely lace, and cotton and silk embroidery thread, hand-dyed by a "lady in the country." Also, the pattern I requested and can't wait to try. I really love everything...the thread colors are favorites. Thank you Kathryn for your thoughtfulness.....you are a blessing to me.

I found a picture for Mom's room, we were both delighted with it...a really good fit.

It's beginning to look a little like Christmas around here. I usually keep the same wreath on the fireplace during the holidays that I have there all the time, but this year I wanted to try something new. I still have to put up a slim tree next to the fireplace...I'm working slower than ever before.

Tonight was the first Advent service. Not many people, but so peaceful. I am blessed to have my church so close to home, which makes getting there midweek even easier.

I am also thankful for the blessings of...

....my mom, and the quality time we spend with each other

....a warm coat, and I've been needing it...chilly here

....my crock pot, good for busy days

....all the wonderful people I have met through blogging. Even though you all dwell far from me, it's so nice to have you close in heart....and on the computer screen : )

"Friends are kisses blown to us by angels."
~Author Unknown~

Endings and Beginnings

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."

Well, the room for my mom is d.o.n.e.! I am happy to be able to cross this big project off my to-do list. I'll start with the before and during photos. I must say again that I am not a good photographer....I'm unable to capture great pictures. But, you'll get the general idea.
Just before I moved everything out of my sewing room.....what a mess, eh?

The hubby is messy while he paints, but everything turns out beautiful. He does nice work!

A view from the hallway....the picture is too dark....told ya.

A brighter picture. I am happy with most of the changes. The window treatments were an unexpected struggle, and not exactly what I had in mind. My mom likes them, so that's the most important thing. The only thing left to do is find some sweet things for the walls. That may take a while....I am loathe to put holes in these freshly painted walls until I find something I love.

I was thrilled to find this lamp. It has a little light under the shade, perfect for my mom during the night.

Every girl needs a satin heart pillow. There's enough fabric left for two small square pillows with cute ball fringe trim. That's down on my to-do list for now.

A trinket box with, *be still my heart*, a purse on it!

I'm not sure exactly how things will pan out around here. My mom may "commute" between here and her house, which is only two streets over. Time will tell...she grows more frail by the week. Although I know there will be many a bump, I pray daily for patience and strength. Change is good, right?

Since Thanksgiving is around the corner, I want to add to my thanksgivings list tonight. I could continue this list forever, and still not mention all my blessings. Right now I am so thankful for...

....warmth, because I just can't seem to shake the cold the last few months

...my son, Timothy, who makes me laugh every day

...my washer and dryer...you know how I feel about laundry : )

...books, because without the written word, life would be so bland

...lemons and cinnamon...they spice up my life

...Emily, my girl...whom I see so much of myself in, and yet I'm so grateful she is her own person

...lower gas prices

...music sweet music

This post has been a long time coming. I had thought to have more pictures, but once I began to upload them realized these were the best of the lot. Many thanks to all of you for your encouragement during this big project.

I hope as you celebrate Thanksgiving with your loved ones, you'll be able to seize a moment of peace and find an opportunity to really see all there is to be thankful for.

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name, make known among the nations what He has done." 1Chronicles 16:2

Romance and Changes

Such a romantic picture, eh? It reminds me of Romeo and Juliet. Romeo and Juliet remind me of theatre. Thinking of the theatre reminds me of the first time my beloved took me to see "The Nutcracker." It was just before Christmas when we were dating. I had always wanted to go but had never been. He, being the new beau....the romantic.....got the tickets and surprised me. It was truly lovely. I am so thankful for the beautiful memories.

I am working feverishly on the valance for Mom.....in between playing with my blog (what do you think, by the way)......and myriad other tasks. Tomorrow...tomorrow is the day I will complete my project. Hopefully next time you stop by, there will be show and tell. Until then, I hope you find peace and a little romance.

Sheer Madness

Sunday...such a good day. It has been an interesting weekend around here. First of all, look what we got today.

Even though I was born and raised here in Michigan, the first snowfall always excites me and gets me thinking about the holidays and Christmas decorating.

No Christmas decorations yet, but I have been decorating. Last night I started the sheers for my mom's room. Since I moved my sewing machine into my bedroom, it was a tight squeeze working with 6 yards of sheer fabric.

So, I moved the whole operation out to my dining room table. The picture doesn't really show it, but there's lots more room to work there.

Today I was able to finish and hang the sheers. Now I remember why I'm not crazy about working with this delicate material. I'm glad that part is done : )
Please forgive the crooked picture....I still have to maintain some secrecy until the final unveiling...hopefully sometime this week.

I reconnected with my good friend, Jan, last month when she was in town for a visit. We met about 18 years ago at a meeting of the National Sewing Guild. Eventually a small group of us began to meet on our own each month. We have had so many good times. Sadly, Jan and her family moved to Las Vegas a year or two ago and she is so missed! Warm, funny, and a very talented seamstress, Jan was the glue that held us all together. Another friend from the group has mentioned a possible Christmas get together, though, so there's still hope for us yet. Be sure to check out Jan's new blog....she is just getting started.

Before I end this post, I want to continue my thanksgivings. They are...

...good friends to share laughs and sewing with

...my thimble...how I love my thimble

...my first-floor laundry, which makes me happy every day

...my strong husband, who is there for me always

...snow, snow, snow to remind me that seasons change

...songs that remind me that God never changes

This morning we sang "Amazing Grace" at church. This verse is a favorite, and one I will leave you with. When I read and sing these words, my worries seem to melt away.

Through many dangers, toils and snares

I have already come;

His grace has brought me safe thus far,

His grace will lead me home.

Thursday Thoughts

A couple weeks ago I met a beekeeper at a craft show. Did you know I'm very interested in beekeeping? The recent plight of the honeybees has made me wonder what in tarnation is going on with them. The lady that I met lives very close to me, in a suburban area, and loves her bees. You never know, someday I may acquire a new hobby. Until then, I'll stick with this lovely Almond Body Butter and Honey Bee Spice Soap. If only you could have a whiff of their delicious fragrance....

Today was a good day. I met a good friend for lunch. We haven't seen each other in over a year. It took us a while, but we caught up with each other's doings. I brought my camera, mentioned to Diane that I wanted to get a picture.....and never did. Too much talk and not enough action apparently.

My continued thanksgivings are...

...friends, where would we be without them

...nail polish~a little pleasure I enjoy

...needle and thread, need I say more

...my faith, because without it I'd be completely inconsolable

...environmentally-friendly dish soap that I found at Costco

I love it and feel so green when I use it

A shortie post today. I'm off to knit the heel flap on my current socks. There's lots to be done around here, but somehow it feels like that heel flap is the most important right now.

"How doth the little busy bee improve each shining hour, And gather honey all the day from every opening flower." ~Isaac Watts

Thinking About Teacups

I am taking a page out of Susie's book and joining in the fun with Teacup Tuesday. Most of my teacups were generously given to me by my father-in-law after my mother-in-law passed away. Evelyn loved beautiful dishes, especially teacups. This pretty little cup is perhaps my favorite.

The inside has a sweet little flower....to enjoy the view whilst you sip, I suppose.

The bottom is interesting, too. The cup is hand numbered, and I wonder if the name of the pattern is "Elizabethan?"

I am pleased to say I have at least one finished object to report. As I mentioned, I lost my other one, so this sweet scarf is a keeper for me....

...and the little snowman pin is a favorite. He came along a few years ago during a pre-season clearance sale. He's resided on this coat ever since. I'm always so happy to see him, despite the cold weather.

Today is pretty gray and cold here. The weather makes me mellow and introspective. A good thing, because there's lots to think about. I'm keeping my thoughts on the positive today.... Hope you are, too.

"...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." Philippians 4:8

A Pear Tree

The older I get, the more my appreciation for nature grows. When I'm outside I feel closer to God. Working in the garden is a real "tranquilizer" for me, too. So, it's all good. A couple of springs ago I found this little pear tree tucked in a corner at Lowes. I loved the shape and needed to add some foliage around here. After spending about $37 and a few minutes to convince the hubby, the tree was on its way home. In the spring, it blooms white, but I had no idea until its first fall home that my little tree would be so delightfully colorful.


Really, this picture does not do it justice. It's raining today and I'm off to find some trim for a set of pillows that I have a hankering to make. I have the fabric, I have the forms, but somehow forgot about the all-important trim.

In keeping with the fall color scheme I seem to be partial to, I'm looking for something in the rusty brown or burgundy family. Being the simple girl I am, don't be surprised if the trim is plain. These pillows are to spruce up my living room.

Many bloggers are expressing their gratitude for all that they are thankful for. I'm following suit here, although it may happen sporatically....I'm terribly scatter-brained these days. So....today my thanksgivings are:

My Bible and my dictionary....my two favorite books, ever

My love of making things.....no matter how they turn out

My children....the greatest gift God has ever given me

My sense of humor....which gets me through many a rough spot

Trees......beautiful trees and nature all around me

I'm already planning my Thanksgiving menu. All the standards, but I hope to make a new dish or two. Send any of your good recipes my way. Until then, when next you see a beautiful tree, think of me.

Just Wondering on Wednesday

"Are not all angels ministering
spirits sent to serve those who will inherit
salvation?" Hebrews 2:4

My mom and I had a discussion yesterday about angels. I told her that God created angels to keep watch over us here on earth. Then, when I got home, I checked "the book" to make sure. I have heard many people tell of a personal experience with an angel. Although I have not had one myself, I believe. Usually the common thread is that the angel appears as a human being, but is there one minute and gone the next. My aunt believes it was an angel that sat with her while waiting for EMS after a bad car accident. My uncle and cousin were in the car, but they didn't see the woman. My aunt was fully conscious the entire time, by the way. Do you believe in angels?

Beautiful does not begin to describe our weather here today. Somewhere in the 70's and sunshine. I cleaned out the rest of my flower beds....a job that I thought would have to wait until spring.

Last week I went to a quilt shop operated by some sweet gals. They have just lovely fabric, but the real reason I like to go there is the friendly faces. Have you ever gone into a quilt shop or knit shop and been met with the not-quite friendly faces? Anyway, these gals were planning to move a few blocks to a larger place on November 1st, so I guess I'll just have to go back and check it out. Meanwhile the two Christmas pieces are going to wind up in aprons, and the gardening piece in the center will too, but I don't know for who yet. Several years ago I made lots of aprons for gifts, but I don't have one......so, I plan to make a full apron, since I spill almost everything on the "upper half." Do you wear aprons, and which do you prefer?

I promised myself no new projects until I completed the ones I already have going, but I couldn't resist this one. I had the yarn in the stash, and just lost a favorite scarf. Also, I do like to have a crochet project going.....just to keep things interesting. It's another Anne scarf....very fun and easy. Speaking of crochet, here is a doily (while blocking) I made my mom last year. Thread crochet is probably my favorite. I would love to do more, but I am beginning to have the problem of what to do with everything I make. I'm making it sound like I make just tons of things (which I don't), but you know what I mean. Maybe if I take up quilting.....Do you always make a project with someone/something in mind?

Though I'm not a particularly nosey person, I certainly asked some questions this post. I guess I'm in a curious mood. That doesn't happen too often....do I have too much time on my hands? Until I meet you here again, may you always have your guardian angel nearby.

"The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for
curiosity." ~Ellen Parr