Treasures...

 

I have a treasure shelf in my studio that's filled with things made by dear, creative friends or some of my own work. Some were from blog friends who no longer post, or some who do infrequently, but with whom I'm still in regular touch. 

 

Especially when I'm not able to create, looking at these treasures reignites my creative fire, or just makes me happy.
 

 

My friend, Dawn Edmondson of The Feathered Nest blog and SewManyRoses on Etsy created the sparkling snowman on the pink box (upper left). My friend, Mary Wadsworth created the oak leaf tree (along with a Kes ornament and B for Brynwood ornament) almost as soon as I began blogging. I love all of them. The David Winter piece, called the Crofter's Cottage, was a gift from our (then) boys when I collected many of the pieces. I only have about four left that hold a special place in my heart, and this is one of them. The Harris Tweed Rabbit pincushion  - available as a pattern - and the embroidered teddy bear are both my own creations. I still have the boy bear on my To Do list.

 

I have a Longaberger jar that I turned into a pincushion, filled with wooden acorns that were a gift from my talented designer friend, Bren Riddle of Brenda Riddle Designs. Bircornus done in cross stitch by my New Zealand friend, Marrianne who I met through Ravelry and still have nearly daily contact with. The top one of the stack is my own piece.

Then there's the needle felted Corgi from my friend Marion (who still has Tag's brother, Trip) , a polar bear I just had to have, and the snowman I did during one of our monthly craft days. The white teddy bear was made by Margaret B from Canada. It's fully jointed and weighted, and I love it.

The bottom shelf has the acorn egg cup with the wonderful squirrel and acorns that was a special commission I requested of my friend, Susan Pilotto of Mouse Droppings blog. She's also on Facebook and Instagram, so you can see her current works. She also made the wee mouse on the other end of the shelf sitting on a tuffet created on a wooden spool. I've previously shared a gorgeous, big heart trio with my monogram and another mouse that she also made for me. That one hangs on the wall above my computer. They all make me smile.

The items in between those two pieces are all acorns in one form or another...pincushions I've made, gifted felted acorn-topped pins, and a tin with an acorn cross stitch piece that my faithful blog friend, Marilyn gave me last fall. Each and every piece holds a special place in my heart, and is displayed in this most prominent place where I can enjoy them daily. 

These are not the only gifts I've received over the years, and they're all displayed somewhere in our home. Most are in my studio, but they're definitely not confined to those rooms. There are the gifts from my friend, Jody, who always manages to find the perfect pieces for me to use in the kitchen. Dear Sherry has painted wonderful pieces for me that are on display. I have a really fun sewing mouse that is laden with sewing ephemera, created by my blog friend, Ann many years ago. I wrote about her HERE. That mouse sits right next to my computer. I always try to share these gifts in posts, but I don't always include the gifter's name, in case they'd rather remain anonymous.

There are so many blessings that surround me. When I'm busy with work and have no time or energy to play, these are just some of the pieces that remind me why I've continued to blog, create and share my life with you these past fourteen years. 

 

I'm so blessed, and truly one lucky girl. Thank you to all who fill my life with joy - your comments always make me smile, and your gifts are memories I'll always hold dear.

Live A Quiet Life...

  This perfect image was shared by my friend, Dawn Edmondson from The Feathered Nest blog. This is my life these days. Indoors or out, my hands are busy, and my heart is happy.

Sunday Scripture...

Courtesy of my dear friend, Dawn of The Feathered Nest blog

Sharing What Works For Me...

Brynwood Needleworks - Fruit and Vegetables

Just over a month ago, I made a commitment to a healthier, more deliberate eating plan. I wasn't thinking "diet". Instead, I decided that I needed to change the way I think about and look at food.

Two weeks after I started, I had my annual doctor's appointment, and already the benefits were evident, with much improved blood test results. I was off to a great start.

Brynwood Needleworks - Fish and Meats

Then, one of my dear blog friends (who many of you also know through her writings) Dawn Edmondson of The Feathered Nest, decided to start a Facebook page and invited me to join.

It's called "Eating Healthy, Low Carb & Sharing What Works" (the name is a link). 

I found old friends there, and invited some of my own friends to join, as well. It's a great place for getting and sharing ideas and support for each other. It's "perfectly Dawn"!

The first two pictures are the result of my shopping trip to our local Amish market (Detwiler's) in Venice, Florida yesterday. All this glorious, colorful, healthy food (and the $12.99 succulent plant!) for slightly over $125.00, and this shopping trip will provide two meals a day for more than a week. Not bad!

***The raw honey in the back of this picture is a surprise for Handsome. This is a Sarasota product, with the bees collecting pollen from orange blossoms. mmm mmm! The jar next to it is Siesta Salsa, which I also use as a salad topping.

Brynwood Needleworks - Chicken Curry

Handsome is in Wisconsin right now, so the first dish I made while he's away was my own version of Chicken Curry. He's not a fan, so it's one of the things I enjoy in his absence.

I also create a side dish that is called "Raita" in East Indian cuisine. It has shredded carrots, baby peas, cabbage and chopped beets. Just right with the curry.

Brynwood Needleworks - Scallops and Brussels Sprouts

After shopping at our Amish market, I made sauteed' scallops with scallions; roasted Brussels sprouts; a side dish of avocado and heirloom baby tomatoes. I finished with a dessert of stewed fresh rhubarb, seasoned with Stevia, my homemade vanilla, cinnamon and topped with whipped cream.

It sounds decadent, doesn't it? Under the low carb (I chose Atkins to follow) plans, it's all allowed! So you don't think I'm feeding an army here, I served my scallops/sprouts on a 6" square plate and my side dishes are small berry bowls. It's a little hint to trick your mind into thinking you're actually eating more because your plates look full.

Brynwood Needleworks - Upscaled Tuna Salad

Lunches are healthy salads, like this tuna salad I made with a simple blend of Duke's mayonnaise and celery mixed into the tuna. I then topped a bed of lettuce with a nice scoop of the salad, and garnished with walnuts, chopped apples and shredded cheddar cheese.

Brynwood Needleworks - Meatballs and Cauliflower

Publix makes the most delicious meatballs that they sell raw in their meat department. I almost always have a package of them in our freezer for quick meal options. I made this batch into a stroganoff-type mixture and then served it over mashed cauliflower (blended with butter and cheddar cheese). Peas over the top were a nice finish.

Brynwood Needleworks - Chicken Kiev with a filling side salad

In a low carbohydrate diet, dairy is encouraged...whole cream, half and half, sour cream and cheese in moderation. Protein choices are meats, fish, and nuts, and vegetables add color, fiber and texture to meals. Anything "white" is to be avoided...sugar, potatoes, flour, breads, rice, and pastas. Juices and high sugar fruits in moderation. Anything "low fat" actually has added sugar, so avoid those items, too.

Brynwood Needleworks - Sonny's Sliced Pork, Sweet Potato and Broccoli

The reason I gravitate to this food plan is because it's easy to know what to eat (mainly by knowing what to avoid). I don't have to count calories and I'm not constantly thinking about food. I'm learning to "eat to live" rather than "live to eat" (the way I was raised). 

Brynwood Needleworks - Grilled Cheeseburger

The other component to this lifestyle change is that you don't need to feel guilty about eating something not in the plan once in a while. You just don't do it every day.

In the month since I started changing my eating habits, I have lost 14 pounds. Changing my outlook about food will continue to benefit my overall health, so I'm doubly motivated to keep on track.

Don't worry. This isn't becoming a "foody" blog. I only wanted to share this aspect of my life that helps support me so that I can accomplish all those other things that bring you back to visit me...like the time I spend in the studio.

These photos were all taken to share in our Facebook group. Many of the members share meal photos...and then share recipes, too. If you would like to join Dawn's group, you can click here and ask to be added. You'll find the group to be welcoming and generous, just like our leader.

Oh, and apologies right now if scrolling through these images has made you hungy. I only hoped to inspire, not tease. If you'd like any of my "recipes", just let me know and make sure I have your email address so I can respond.

Now it's time to get back to playing in the studio. I'm going to make more dresses today. Friday is our deadline!

Lavender Sachets...

 I just know you're going to love these beautiful lavender sachets that

recently arrived from my creative friend, Dawn at The Feathered Nest!

 One of them has a scroll with the words "May friendship's well never run dry".

I especially like the daisies on this one. (It's Mom Grace's favorite flower.)

 This other one features a vintage image of old-time roses with a 

"Many Happy Returns" message in the corner. These roses remind me

 of the rose-covered wallpaper on the walls of my childhood bedroom.

 She embellished the beautiful images with her signature seam binding

and then she added sparkling buttons. Don't you think it's just a perfect 

touch for the lovely pink and green floral images that Dawn chose?

 I'll be showcasing these fragrant sachets in the studio for a while. They

smell great, and they also make me smile just looking at them. I think

they'll fit right in, don't you? Of course, later I'll move them to my

bureau drawer where I'll enjoy the aroma of lavender every time I open it.

Studio Pretties...

 Yesterday was a really great day!

I spent the morning with Handsome. We went out for lunch and ran a few errands 

together. My healing is going well, and this outing made for a nice, normal day.

When we returned home, I changed my clothes and headed back to the studio. 

I finished assembling all of the plates for his quilt, and now I just need to sew 

them all to their base fabrics. I know his quilt top will be finished next week! I 

get really energized when I can the proverbial "light at the end of the tunnel".

I thought I'd share a few studio "pretties" with you while I  keep working.

 This lovely pincushion was created by my friend, Dawn Edmondson of The Feathered 

Nest blog. She makes such lovely things and this pincushion is a particular favorite 

in my collection. Everything she makes is so pretty, and she's an inspiration to so many.

 

Also pictured with my pincushion is my favorite silver thimble, a comfy pair of mini 

scissors, and an antique stiletto tool that once belonged to my beautiful mother-in-law. 

I purchased the thimble from a vendor at our last guild quilt show and it fits me

perfectly. The mini scissors have larger finger holes, which makes them so nice to use.

 The "doily" was made especially for me by a friend about four years ago.

I adore the color combination of pink, white and sage green. I think that some day, 

I might have to do a whole room in these colors (minus the yellow). I can see it now.

No Coffee Club the morning. Kathy and Nora are with their husbands

and Mom on a little trip for a long weekend. I'll be in the studio instead.

Have a great day, everybody!

I'll be back tomorrow with my Father's Day message.

1925 Farmhouse Goods and Sew Many Roses...

1925 Farmhouse Goods Etsy Header

Dear friend, Dawn Edmondson of The Feathered Nest has opened a new Etsy shop.

It's called "1925 Farmhouse Goods", and features "all things old and wonderful".

All images are used with Dawn's permission.

 You'll find sweet items like this little baby pin pinkeep...

 or a gorgeous ironstone tray (unless I buy this one myself first!)...

Or a vintage copy of Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn.

Click here to head over to Dawn's lovely shop and enjoy browsing.

I know you'll have fun and who knows what you can't live without!

By the way, Dawn has another shop called "Sew Many Roses" where she
showcases all her fabulous handcrafted creations and patterns. I swear, you'll faint
when you see them. She has a special eye for creating the most lovely things.

 Click here to visit "Sewmanyroses".
Don't blame me if you have too much fun shopping. I'm just the messenger. hee hee