I Heart Macro

I lucked out and bought the sweetest, juiciest strawberries this week.  I had to stop and take a picture before  we ate them all!  After I snapped this, we finished them off!

I'm joining Lori at Studio for I Heart Macro

I hope you're having a wonderful weekend!

Thankful Thursday

Hello Friends!  Every Thursday I share what I'm thankful for.  Sometimes it's a serious or big thing, and sometimes it's a goofy or small thing.  I believe that no matter what is going on in our lives, there is always something to be thankful for.  Always. 

I'm thankful for the last few days of perfect summer weather.  The temps were in the low 80s with low humidity, blue skies, and a light breeze.  That will all change beginning today when we are supposed to have record breaking heat for the next few days.  Oh well, it was nice while it lasted!

I'm also thankful for
     *  the sweet aroma of fresh melon
     *  the arrival of another great nephew last night
     *  the nights I sleep through without waking up 7 times
     *  family.  always family

     What are you thankful for today?

These Things I Know For Sure

In this crazy world where I feel like I know less and less the older I get, I thought I would tell you what I know for sure.  Because I know you're just dying to know! :)

1.  I am loved.  By my family, my friends and especially by Annie dog.
2.  Life isn't always greener on the other side.  You just exchange one set of problems for another.
3.  You reap what you sow.  Or, what goes around comes around.  It's just the way it is.
4.  My happiness doesn't depend on another person.  I'm glad to have finally learned this lesson.
5.  Being a Grandma is worth everything you have to go through as a mother.
6.  Just because you're smart doesn't mean you know everything.
7.  Chocolate doesn't make the problem go away, but it sure can make you forget about it for a while.
8.  Every single person you come in contact with is dealing with something.  You're not the only one.
9.  Procrastination is not the answer.  I really do know this, but...

What do you know for sure?

Facing Facts and Closing Shop

For many years I dreamed of sewing fun and beautiful items to sell.  That dream came true when I worked at a gift shop that rented space to crafters and artists who wanted to sell their wares.  I rented a space and filled it up and waited for my first sale.  I was working the day it happened and could barely contain my excitement when a customer brought one of my burp cloths to the register.  Once she paid for the purchase and was out the door, my co-worker and I did a happy dance.  My dream had come true.

Shortly after that,  I decided to open an Etsy shop.  The fist sale was just as exciting as the one in the gift shop.  It was just mind boggling to me that someone would want to buy something that I made.  

It wasn't long before I realized I couldn't sew enough to keep both a booth and shop full.  And it wasn't so much that I couldn't sew enough so much as I didn't like sewing that much.  I found more and more excuses to stay out of the sewing room.  I love to sew and this dilemma had me confounded.  Eventually I gave up the booth to focus on Etsy since it was much cheaper to maintain.

It just turns out that I don't enjoy sewing when I have to do it.  I really thought I wanted to have a business and make a name for myself.  Well, actually, I still want that, but sewing isn't the way that it's going to happen.  It's a relief to finally admit it to myself, but at the same time a little sad. 

Taking the pressure off to fill up an online store will enable me to enjoy the recreational sewing I've always loved.  I can create beautiful accessories for my home, gifts for family and friends, and make cute outfits for my sweet Shylee because I want to and not because I have to.  I get excited just writing about it!  

I opened my Etsy shop three years ago and I will never regret doing so.  I will be closing it this week and take the guilt and pressure off to fill it.  Thank you so much to those of you who have supported me through both encouragement and sales.  If you would like something made in the future, I would be happy to make it for you.  Just let me know.

Thankful Thursday a Day Late

I can't believe I completely forgot to do a Thankful Thursday post yesterday.  I think maybe these ridiculously high temperatures fried my brain.   It's too hot to even think!

Today I'm thankful that Michael and I can spend a day out together and still have a good time.  After thirty three years, we can still have fun, still make each other laugh, still enjoy each others company, still flirt with each other, and still find interesting topics to discuss.  We still enjoy doing the same things we always have but still like going to new places and trying new things.  I'm thankful for that comfortable easy feeling that comes only after time and experience.

I'm also thankful for
     *  calling my dad on Fathers Day and the whole family is there to talk to
     *  air conditioning
     *  summer time
     *  more frequent days with no knee pain
   

What are you thankful for today?

I Heart Macro

I love the soft muted colors of the inside of this tulip.  I find it very calming and soothing.  Sometimes I need that.

I'm joining Lori at Studio Waterstone for I Heart Macro.

Thankful Thursday

Hello Friends!  Every Thursday I share what I'm thankful for.  Sometimes it's a serious or big thing, and sometimes it's a goofy or small thing.  I believe that no matter what is going on in our lives, there is always something to be thankful for.  Always. 

Today I'm thankful for my fur baby, Annie.  She keeps me company, loves me unconditionally, and listens intently to everything I have to say!  She went to stay with Erin for a couple of days while Michael was out of town and I was out of sorts without her.  It was the first time they were both gone at the same time and I'm thankful they are both home.


I'm also thankful for
     *  the arrival of my great nephew, Cooper
     *  Michael being off work this week
     *  comfortable shoes
     

What are you thankful for this week?

Pizza My Way

Every now and then Michael has to go out of town on business.  Sometimes I go with him and sometimes I stay home.  It just depends on where he's going and how long he'll be gone.  He was recently away for a couple of days and I was on my own.  It was the perfect opportunity to make myself a pizza that he usually is not interested in.  We used to love the same pizza, but our tastes have changed over the years and we can't agree on anything pizza related any more!

I don't like pizza sauce so I brushed on some pesto.

I topped it with provolone cheese and caramelized onions and mushrooms.

Then I added sliced tomatoes and basil

And topped it off with sliced mozzarella.

Baked it for twenty minutes and it turned out like this.

It was really good with a glass of Riesling (German of course)!

Have a marvelous Monday!

Thankful Thursday

Hello Friends!  Every Thursday I share what I'm thankful for.  Sometimes it's a serious or big thing, and sometimes it's a goofy or small thing.  I believe that no matter what is going on in our lives, there is always something to be thankful for.  Always.

Shylee came to stay with us for the weekend while her mommy and daddy went away to celebrate their anniversary.  I'm thankful I'm well enough now to have her stay.  I'm also thankful she took a nap on this particular day!  She is a bundle of non-stop energy and gave up naps over a year ago.  It is rare to find her sleeping in the middle of the day.  I'm thankful for her.  She rocks my world!


I'm also thankful for
     *  invitations to parties, even if I can't go
     *  Erin's opportunity to go back to school
     *  the sweet smell of lavender when I walk into my sewing room
     

What are you thankful for today?

I Heart Macro

Tulips are my very favorite spring flowers.  There are a myriad of varieties and colors to delight the senses.  When they are fully open, the center is revealed in all it's glory.  Sometimes it is even more beautiful than the outside of the bloom, which is always a surprise to me.

Isn't that a lot like people?  We come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes, each beautiful in their own way.  But take a look on the inside and you will see the real beauty.  It's something to remember when we meet people and make new friends, or are down on ourselves because we just don't like how we look.  What is on the inside is more important than what is on the outside.

I'm joining Lori at Studio Waterstone for I Heart Macro.

Thankful Thursday

Hello Friends!  Every Thursday I share what I'm thankful for.  Sometimes it's a serious or big thing, and sometimes it's a goofy or small thing.  I believe that no matter what is going on in our lives, there is always something to be thankful for.  Always.

Today I'm thankful for the life I have.  I have my fair share of "issues" and problems, but generally life is good.  I've read so many blog posts recently about other people's problems that make mine pale in comparison.  It was a reminder that things could be so much worse than they are.

I'm also thankful for
     *  sunshine during the day and the rain at night
     *  a whole day to do what ever I want to
     *  silence this morning...no Navy jets flying over
     *  my new exercise bike

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

Hello Friends!  Every Thursday I share what I'm thankful for.  Sometimes it's a serious or big thing, and sometimes it's a goofy or small thing.  I believe that no matter what is going on in our lives, there is always something to be thankful for.  Always.

Today I'm thankful to be done with physical therapy.  After twelve weeks, my knee is doing much better and   I'm able to do most of my normal activities with a bit of modification.  I'm still not able to walk up and down the stairs in a 'normal' fashion, but I can do 4-6 steps before I have to switch from normal to not so normal.  I still can't walk through the grocery store and do a week's worth of shopping, but I can go in and get a couple of things.  This is progress!  So I will do the exercises the therapist gave me to do at home and I will continue to be thankful for the progress I've made.

I'm also thankful for
     *  the support and encouragement from my blog friends
     *  family time this past weekend
     *  signs that the muse is on her way back
     *  the thoughtfulness of my son and daughter
     *  being able to see the beauty that surrounds me
     *  not getting rained on while I was out this morning

What are you thankful for today?

Celebration

We celebrated my birthday yesterday.  There was chocolate Coca Cola cake and presents.  But the very best part was spending the day with my family!  It's becoming more difficult to get all of us together at the same time, so I cherish these snippets of togetherness.  And having cake when that happens doesn't hurt either!

Hoping you have a marvelous Monday!

I Heart Macro

Shylee and I had fun yesterday making Snickerdoodles.  Or as Shylee says, "Doodoodoodles"!  

They're already all gone!  I think we should make more.

I'm joining Lori at Studio Waterstone for I Heart Macro

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Thankful Thursday

Happy Thursday, friends!  Every Thursday I share what I'm thankful for.  Sometimes it's a serious or big thing and sometimes it's a goofy or small thing.  I believe that no matter what is going on in our lives there is always something to be thankful for.  Always.   

Today I'm thankful for the gift of being a mom to Sean and Erin.  I've had a lot of jobs in my life and the most challenging yet rewarding job has been motherhood.  When they were growing up, there were days when I wished my name wasn't Mom, and I really wondered what I was thinking when I wanted kids!  Many days I felt like such a failure and just knew I had screwed them up for life.  But there were just as many days that my heart swelled with love and pride.  There were days when I couldn't believe how blessed I was to have these two and I just wanted to hold them close to me forever.  They are all grown up with their own lives and I'm so happy that my name is Mom, and having kids was one of the best decisions I've ever made!

I'm also thankful for
     *  The Melting Pot (chocolate fondue to die for!)
     *  modern technology
     *  German Riesling
     *  sunglasses
     *  the beauty of spring

What are you thankful for today?

This Could Be A Problem

While I have been recovering from knee surgery and not able to go shopping, I've turned to the internet.  It's just so easy and convenient!  These are my newest purchases.

A camera/purse from Jo Totes.  I absolutely love this bag.  It's big enough to carry the camera, extra lenses, and my purse stuff.  So perfect for going out (when I can walk easily again) with the camera but don't want to take two bags.

Two Amy Butler charm packs (Gypsy Caravan) from Craftsy.  This website has daily deals that are hard to resist.  I've never bought fabric online and I was a little nervous about it.

 I wasn't sure if the colors would be right, and I like to get touchy feely when I buy fabric.  But it was a good deal, so I crossed my fingers and hoped for the best.  I couldn't have been happier when I opened the package.  I want to make a scrappy quilt to use in my sewing room.  Maybe as a wall hanging or maybe as a quilt to curl up under when I'm doing hand stitching.

It might not be a good thing that I was happy with this purchase.  I've got my eye on more fabric.  Not that I need more fabric, but, well, you know...

What do you like to buy online?

I Heart Macro

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

I'm joining Studio Waterstone for I Heart Macro

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thursday, friends!  Every Thursday I share what I'm thankful for.  Sometimes it's a serious or big thing and sometimes it's a goofy or small thing.  I believe that no matter what is going on in our lives there is always something to be thankful for.  Always.  

I went to the MVA yesterday to renew my driver's license since it was going to expire tomorrow on my birthday.  The notice came in the mail three months ago and I've been putting it off all this time.  Going to the MVA has never been a pleasant experience.  The lines are long, the people working there seem angry and ready to fight, and the wait could take hours.  Yesterday, however, was different.  I'm thankful that I was in and out of there, with a new driver's license, in a record fifteen minutes!!  Really, it made my day!


I'm also thankful for:
     *  a knee massage from the physical therapist
     *  online shopping
     *  sunshine
     *  a "no charge" repair on Michael's Jeep
     *  the recliner that I have practically lived in for the past 5 months

What are you thankful for today?

I Heart Macro

It's been raining here all week and I was so bummed that I couldn't go outside to take pictures.  I really had my heart set on taking pictures of flowers this week.  So what's a girl to do but ask hubby to stop at the grocery store and pick up a bouquet of flowers!   I took one hundred and three pictures but I focused on the lily for today!

I'm joining Lori at Studio Waterstone for I Heart Macro.

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thursday, friends!  Every Thursday I share what I'm thankful for.  Sometimes it's a serious or big thing and sometimes it's a goofy or small thing.  I believe that no matter what is going on in our lives there is always something to be thankful for.  Always.   

My daughter, Erin, has been here painting the living room for me.  While "stuff" was moved to the middle of the room and piled on tables and other flat surfaces, and Shylee had her toys strewn all over, I found myself getting frustrated with the mess.  I was stepping on things and tripping on toys, and generally felt unsettled.  

So what am I thankful for?  Besides having my girls here, I'm thankful for those things I have that make a mess.  I'm thankful for the house that needs painting and makeovers.  I'm thankful I can walk even if I'm tripping on things.  

I'm also thankful for

     *  Maryland seafood

     *  friends who make me laugh

     *  unasked for hugs and kisses from Shylee

     *  my heating pad

     

What are you thankful for today?

I hope you have a magnificent Thursday!

Finally Getting An Update

My daughter Erin has been visiting and I'm so glad she is.  She's giving my tired white walls a long overdue color makeover.   One wall is the above color...

...and the other three are this color.  I'll have better pictures when everything is done.  I love how warm and inviting these colors are without being overpowering.

And what would a paint job be without at least one accident?!  This is actually the least worst part of the spill.  We were planning on getting rid of the outdated green carpet, but not right away.

I got to keep Shylee entertained while her mommy did all the work.  I think I liked this arrangement!

I hope you have a terrific Tuesday!

I Heart Macro

I didn't get to practice as much with the macro lens like I wanted to, but I did manage to get these shots of my granddaughter's little polar bear.   

You can tell how well loved he is in the close-ups!  It might not be pretty spring flowers but he was sure fun to work with!

I'm joining Studio Waterstone for I Heart Macro

Have a wonderful Sunday!

I Got A New Toy

Yes I did!  When I graduated from my point and shoot camera to a DSLR, I also wanted to get a macro lens but just couldn't afford both.  So I saved my pennies and finally ordered one.  It came earlier this week and I was able to go outside between rain showers and play with it a little bit yesterday.

I was surprised at how heavy it is.  It's hard to take a picture without shaking and that makes the pictures blurry.  The more macro the picture, the blurrier it was.  These were taken around my yard and are the least blurry of the bunch.

It's going to take some practice and getting used to, but I'm up for the challenge!

What have you found challenging recently?

Thankful Thursday

I'm happy to get back to my regular Thursday post for several reasons.  First, because I've missed hearing what you are thankful for, and second because focusing on the positive helps keep me from dwelling on the negative.  Unfortunately, I found myself doing just that the last few months but not any more!

Today I'm especially grateful for spring.  It is and always has been my favorite season.  Even though we had an unusually warm winter, it was still brown and colorless.  I love, love, love the colors and smells of spring, and the way everything comes back to life.  It's hard to stay depressed when everywhere you look is color and life.

I'm also thankful for
     *  my daughter and her willingness to help
     *  books and how they transport me to another place and time
     *  morning snuggles from a four year old
     *  a good session at physical therapy
   

What are you thankful for today?

A Special Tea Party

One of my greatest pleasures is having a cup of tea.  The one thing that makes it as special as it can be is having a tea party with people who you enjoy being with the most.  So me, Erin and Shylee had a tea party and it was the most fun!

I couldn't wait til Shylee was old enough to have a real tea set and her fourth birthday this month was the opportunity I was waiting for to give her her first set.  Our little party had a Shylee sized teapot and cup while Erin and I used a teapot from my collection and a milk glass luncheon plate and cup set.

The finger sandwiches, spinach salad, mini cupcakes, and cookies were just perfect with the Constant Comment tea.

Shylee was just tickled to be having a real tea party, but I think I was more tickled to be sharing this first experience with her.  About half way through, she declared, "I like Gramma's house".  She couldn't have given this Gramma a better compliment!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!