Blue Skies and A Good Book...

Florida has some of the most amazing skies...especially before, during and after storms. This view is facing south from a road near our home, and those clouds are out over the Gulf. I took the photo in the early afternoon yesterday, after one storm had already passed. By late afternoon, these clouds reached our neighborhood, soaking us again.

When the heavens open up, the best thing to do is to find an inside diversion. Turning on computerized sewing machines in thunder storms isn't always the wisest thing to do, and I'm trying not to do handwork when I'm sitting at home.

This book, "Elm Creek Quilts Companion" by Jennifer Chiaverini was a lovely gift that arrived in the mail yesterday from my friend, Marydon of Blushing Rose. She knows my love for books, fabric, quilting and history. This book tucks all that (and more) between two covers! It's a perfect alternative to creating. I mean, if you aren't creating something, isn't it the next best thing to read about creating something?

Thank you, Marydon. Your gift arrived at the most perfect time. I'm looking forward to immersing myself in a good read, and can't thank you enough for the generous surprise you sent my way. You're one of the very first friends I made in Blogland, and I'm so blessed that we found each other in all this wide world. Blessings always, my dear friend.

It Started With Cake...

My Sweet Chocolate with ButterCreme Birthday Cake!!!

Just when you think your life can't possibly get any better, 

along comes a Birthday...complete with family and friends 

to show you just how loved and special they think you are.

I'm warning you right now...I took pictures of almost everything!

From our granddaughters. Handcrafted goodness!

My first package arrived on Monday of last week. Handsome said, "It's not your

Birthday yet." To which I giggled and replied, "It is now!" 

as I opened the gifts from our granddaughters.

 I opened the wrapping to uncover a sweet, little wooden purse that reminded me of

the style of Queen Elizabeth II. The girls had embellished it with corgis and beads...

and Birthday glitter!

When I opened the box, I found a little fabric pouch.

Inside were two real acorns with faces and smiles, a tiny beaded pin,

and a bead that Granddaughter #2 had created that she called her

"Erf" button. See the oceans and the land? Yup. Erf!

From my friends, Kathy, Nora, Brenda, Flo, Fay, and Joni

When I got to our coffee group on Saturday morning, 

I was greeted by Kathy, Nora, Joni and Flo.

They had gifts and treats! 

(Remind me to get the recipe for Joni's Brownie Cheesecake. It was awesome!)

When each of our group celebrates a Birthday, we create a quilt which holds

meaning for each recipient. Each person does a different part of the quilt so it's

a group effort. The girls made one for me this month and I can't tell you how much

I love it.

It has a December theme with Christmas trees in the corners, a wreath above the 

roaring fire, a mittened-Sunbonnet Sue (who is in every quilt in our group) and

 a corgi reclining on the rug in front of the fire!

It's simply perfect for me...and of course, they knew it would be!

Joni made a Candle Cradle for my new candle

 Joni created a Candle Cradle for my new Yankee candle to sit upon. 

She picked a perfect fragrance for the candle, too.

Brenda's Handmade Fabric Card

Brenda makes the sweetest fabric cards, too...

Inside Brenda's card

 and if you know me and have heard the story, you'll laugh when

you see the inside of this card! We all roared when I opened it.

Acorn ornaments from Denise in Vermont

When our mail arrived on Saturday, not only were there cards from 

our sons and their families, but a package from my sweet friend, Denise in Vermont. 

Inside were these felted acorn ornaments to hang on our tree.

A Kit from Shell at The Raspberry Rabbits

 I've had my eye on this kit since Shell first debuted it on her blog.

When I opened the package from her, there was the entire kit inside!

I danced a happy dance, because everyone knows you're not

supposed to cry on your Extended Birthday!

A gorgeous bracelet from Sherry at Createology

There was one more package on Saturday from my dear friend, Sherry at Createology

As if her friendship and uplifting notes to me weren't enough of a gift, she found

a quartz bracelet (with an acorn) that she felt had to belong to me! What a generous gift!

Flowers from my BFF, Lee

Around mid-morning on the Big Day (my actual Birthdate), the doorbell rang.

Tag ran barking to the front entry, and when I got there the poor delivery woman

was running away from the front door...until she saw "Killer". She started to laugh.

She said, "When I heard the barking, I thought you had a much bigger dog!"

We shared a laugh and Tag was friendly all over her as I signed for this arrangement.

It was a beautiful greeting (with a loving note) from my Best Friend Forever, Lee.

She never forgets. (((hug)))

My Beautiful Dreamer

 Handsome gave me something I had my heart set on from the moment I first saw it.

When he, our friend Richard and I went to Sarasota two years ago in search of

the perfect salvaged item to turn into a kitchen light fixture, I saw this sweet face.

I never said anything about it then, but whenever I'd go exploring the salvage yard's 

website, I'd wish for her again. About four months ago, I sent a link to Handsome's

email inbox with a hint that he might like an idea for my Birthday gift this year.

When he took me out to the back of his truck. There was something wrapped in 

big, fluffy towels (his protective wrapping 'paper'). He said I should 

unwrap it where it sat because it was a "little heavy". I had no idea what I might find.

I actually squealed with delight when I saw it!

Handsome thought we might decide where she should go before lifting her.

She's made of cement, so she's pretty heavy. I was concerned about protecting 

the patina, so we decided against having her out by the pool 

(as I'd originally considered).

My Beautiful Dreamer from Handsome

Rather, we decided that she would be perfect on the built-in bookshelves 

in our living room. These shelves are right next to the hallway to the studio,

so every single time I head back to play, I pass her and look at her peaceful face.

After she was settled in, Tag seemed quite curious about her, too.

Being the good blogger that I am, I caught a picture to share with you!

Wonderful gifts from Marydon at The Blushing Rose

 Even though it's already Thursday, I've managed to extend my celebration 

long past the actual day. Thanks to the gifts that arrived from Marydon, the

festivities have managed to stretch through Wednesday when the mail arrived.

Marydon sent a feed sack kitchen towel to which she'd machine embroidered

a corgi (beautiful, at that!) and two angels...one that's embroidered in a favorite

blue, and the other is a sweet, little quilting angel ornament which will be

treasured for years to come.

I also stopped to see the Panera's group before coming home from the guild

Christmas party. All of them had signed a card for me, and they gave me a 

box of malted milk balls (a personal favorite!) You weren't expecting a picture,

were you? I started eating them that night!

Thank you to Tammy, Margaret, Adele, Krisann and the 

rest of my Panera's friends who signed the card to me.

You're a treasured part of my life.

If you've read this far, (and you're like Shell) you're already saying, 

"Wow. What a spoiled brat!"

Truth is, I've always considered myself "well-loved" by my husband, 

our sons and their families. Spoiled connotes a level of "expectation".

I sometimes joke about that, but I really never take anything for granted.

Our granddaughters called and sang Happy Birthday to me (cha cha cha) and then

we talked about how they're prepariations for Christmas...and a mid-winter trip

to visit Grandma and Grandpa. (We can't wait!) They giggled when I told them

I was delighted with their artwork and that I'd treasure my gifts from them forever.

Our grandson called to wish me a Happy Birthday, and I spent a little time teaching

him the concept of the Extended Birthday. It was another gift to hear his laughter

as I promised to teach him the finer points in years to come so that 

when he's an adult, he'll be a Master of the Extended Birthday, too!

Thank you to all of you who wished me Happy Birthday in your comments, 

sent cards or gifts.

Thanks to Sherry, Denise, Marydon, Shell, Lee, 

the girls from our coffee group and my dear family.

In a world with so much "ugly", you help make my little corner of it a beautiful place.

I'm forever grateful to each and every one of you.

It's Not Where You Start...

 It's where you finish. Right?

Considering that I spent the better part of two days

recuperating, I'm pretty happy with how I finished.

 

 This is my September mini for our Sandy's Quilt Shop QAL. 

This one was designed by Nora, who is one of the owners of the shop.

By the time you read this post, I will have completed hand-sewing the

binding, too. I'll be taking it to Sandy's to add to the rest this morning.

 I actually made this project before I started the September mini. 

I still hadn't sent off the giveaway gift for Marydon's winner at the 

Blushing Rose, so I created this and then got it in the mail for Diane yesterday. 

She lives right here in Florida, so I think she may even have her reader

case by tomorrow! I hope she likes it and enjoys it for a long, long time.

Well, there you have it. I got off to a rocky start for the week, but I think

 I finished on a high note by making two new things on Friday! I'm looking

 forward to relaxing with the coffee group this morning (and checking out any 

new fabrics that may have arrived since last Saturday!) and then I have 

plans to spend some quality time with Handsome and The Corgi.

I hope you get to spend your weekend with someone you love,

doing something that makes you happy. Life's too short.

I'll close by sharing a quote with you:

"When all is said and done, I'd like to know that I 

spent my life well; accomplished something that will 

outlast me; and lived my days in vivid color."

 - DCL 2006

 Reminder:  

The next Memory Lane Monday is this Monday, 

September 24th. You can share a story on your blog and 

link back here all week. Hope you'll join me!

 

Little Bird...

 Just a tiny peek at another Little Bird case. 

Don't you just love the drawings that my friend, Michelle Palmer creates?

Generous Marydon over at Blushing Rose had a giveaway

recently and she asked if I'd like to donate something for it.

I was happy to, and honored that she asked me.

 Diane of Lavender Dreams won her giveaway and asked that I 

size this case for her Nook reader. She lives right here in Florida!

I'll finish it today and then it will wing its way to her house.

Another Little Bird flying off to another home.

Vintage Lace and Another Lovely...

Recently, my dear friend, Marydon asked me to create a little pillow to fit inside a vintage, lace pillow cover she owns. I told her I'd be thrilled to make one for her.

When she sent it to me, she had tucked a little "thank you" into the package. A sweet, china teacup and saucer!

I love chickadees! This one is nestled among holly leaves and berries and is so pretty! What a nice gesture, but so unnecessary as I was happy to create the cover for my friend without compensation.

I pulled some beautiful, champagne-colored silk and then stuffed the pillow form with organic wool. I purposely made the pillow with enough room to avoid putting pressure on the precious lace.

I carefully slipped the lace cover onto the form and buttoned it closed. Then, I snapped a photograph with the teacup and saucer to share with you before I sent the pillow back to Marydon. I hope she likes it, but I also promised her a pink cushion if she'd rather have her favorite color under the lace.

Thank you, Marydon for letting me hold that gorgeous lace in my hands! I think I'll sit down with a cuppa tea in my new set now to celebrate this finished project for a friend.

An Irish Prayer From My Little Leprecaun...

Although it's not officially one of Tag's post days, I can't imagine anything better than photos of my own little Leprecaun with his favorite playmates. Taggart loves kids!

Especially little girls!

I offer a St. Patrick's Day prayer courtesy of my friend,
Marydon at Blushing Rose Boutique:

May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial,
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

Don't forget to leave a comment on my Blog Anniversary Post (click here) for a chance to win my giveaway. Perhaps you'll have your own "Luck of the Irish"!

The Happy Couple on their wedding day.

Before I close, Handsome and I would like to send Happy Anniversary (#11) wishes to our younger son and his beautiful wife. May you always find delight in each other. We love you both!

I Must Have Been Good...

Over the past week, the postman has been delivering the most wonderful surprises for me. I received a package with a familiar return address. Upon opening the wrapping from Michelle Palmer, I saw her enclosed gift note that told me the acorn trinkets were gifts from Marydon of The Blushing Rose!

My dear friend, Marydon. How thoughtful and generous of you to think of me at this time of year. Of course, you knew that Michelle's acorn charms would be perfect for me! I can't wait to create something beautiful with them. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
A couple of weeks ago, I sent a birthday package to Terri Gordon of Designs by Terri Gordon. I never expected anything in return, so you can imagine my glee upon receiving a box in the mail from her. What could it be?

I carefully tore open the box to find the black and white diamond wrapping paper. Inside was this handcrafted piece from her.
She made the cone filled with creamy shred, embellished with an amber crystal at the bottom and wrapped in beautiful paper. Then she attached a key, beads and ribbons...
...and this sweet image embellished with laces and mounted onto a tag. She attached a wire so that I can hang it to display and enjoy. I am awestruck by this lady's talent!

Terri, my friend. You really didn't need to reciprocate for the birthday package, but I'M SO GLAD YOU DID! I love your creation and will treasure it. It's already hanging in the studio!
Last, but certainly not least, one of my very first blogging friends, Christina Jackson of iCandy sent a sweet, tiny box that was a gift in itself! She took a checkers playing piece -
star facing up, and glued it to the top of the box. She also glued a soft ribbon to the box for a little sheen. Then, she tied the top with a primitive stripe fabric strip. I was happy with the box, I tell you, but I thought I'd better check inside - just in case.
Look at the adorable, pearly charms that she tucked inside! I'm going to hang these beribboned, acorn charms above my sewing machine where I can just admire them for a while. I know I'll think of something to create with them, but for now, I'll look at them and smile at the gift my friend sent to me this Christmas.

All of these friends took time from their holiday preparations to think of me, and I'm tremendously grateful for their care and generosity. Really, I must have been good this year. Someone call Santa...please!

A Hug For The Blushing Rose...

As I reflect on this past year, I think of all the wonderful people I've met simply because I decided to write my own blog. These are individuals I might not have otherwise known...even though (for now) it's only been online.

Some of you have become friends with whom I've shared personal correspondence, as well as small handcrafted gifts. As I have been creating my holiday gifts this year, I have set a few special items aside to say "thank you" to some of my online friends. Even as I've been preparing to mail out those packages, I have been surprised when the postman brings something for me!

Yesterday, I received an unexpected package
from Marydon at The Blushing Rose.
It came tied in pretty pink tulle and looked so girly!

When I opened the wrapping, I found a beautiful handmade
duppioni silk cushion which supported a single "blushing" silk rose.

The back of the cushion was equally pretty
with a gold-tone button to add a little sparkle.
Marydon also included a little cotton Christmas stocking.
More sweet roses to brighten my day.

I'm continually inspired by the wonderful creations my blog friends share with me...and I am grateful every day that I made a decision to join this gracious and giving community of people who, like me, offer small (or sometimes large) glimpses into their daily lives.

Thank you, my dear Marydon. I love the gifts and the sentiment you have shared with me and I look forward to our continued friendship in the new year, and for a long time to come.