Coloradolady

Vintage Thingie Thursday: Dublin Dr. Pepper Bottling Company

2012-02-01T19:24:00.000-06:00

Welcome everyone to Vintage Thingies Thursday. If you have a love for vintage things, well....you have come to the right place. We have a really good time each and every week!!!
If you are new to this party, please take the time to read and follow the instructions for participating in Vintage Thingies Thursday, click HERE. I try and keep things fairly simple, so please make sure you follow the instructions. Please only ONE link per week. Lastly, if you link in, LINK back to my blog, so everyone can see all of the vintage goodies on display that day. If you don't link back here, they won't know who to visit......thanks so much.

A couple of weeks ago, we went to the Dublin Dr. Pepper Bottling Company in Dublin Texas. Right after they announced they would not be producing the Dr Pepper after a dispute on trademark. It was a sad day for die hard Dublin Dr. Pepper drinkers here in Texas

The building has lots of old vintage signs and memorabilia. There were lots of people there trying to get their hands on the last of the bottled Dr. Pepper.

This is the bottling company front that faces the main street.

Thought this was a neat sign.

According to Wiki:

Dublin Dr Pepper was the popular name for a style of Dr Pepper soft drink made by the Dublin Dr Pepper Bottling Company in Dublin, Texas. Dublin Dr Pepper followed the original recipe, using cane sugar as the sweetener as opposed to newer high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). The Dublin plant formula's use of sugar made it popular among soda fans. According to the corporate headquarters at Dr Pepper Snapple Group, this resulted in clashes with other bottlers and the parent company of Dr Pepper. On 12 January 2012, it was announced that Dublin Dr. Pepper will no longer be produced, after the Dublin Dr Pepper Bottling Company settled the trademark dispute instigated by Dr Pepper Snapple Group.

Dr Pepper debuted in Waco, Texas in 1885. The Dublin Dr Pepper Bottling is the oldest remaining Dr Pepper bottler, producing the beverage continuously since 1891. As the soft drink's first independently owned bottler, owner Sam Houston Prim was given first choice of franchises when franchising of Dr Pepper started in 1925 and, instead of a larger area, chose to formalize existing, smaller territory, which has remained unchanged.
Most of the machinery in the Dublin Dr Pepper Bottling dates to the 1930s and the plant only runs once a month, enough to refill the roughly 2,000 glass bottles that have circulated for decades. Since the 1990s, it has outsourced most of its production to Temple Bottling Company, a larger independent Dr Pepper bottler in Texas.

This great old advertising sign was inside the store where they sold t-shirts and Drinks. I love this old sign, reminds me of my childhood for some reason.

I hope you enjoyed these vintage signs as my Vintage Thingie today....do you drink Dr. Pepper?? My husband does and so does my son, but I am not a huge fan of it myself! Have a great Vintage Thingie Thursday.

Tell Me Tuesday: Week 5

2012-01-31T00:01:00.000-06:00

What is there too much of in the world???

_________________________________________

This week, there are so many things that would fit this question but the very first thing that popped into my mind was there is way too much litter in the world.

When you take a drive in your car, a walk in the park or spend any time at all looking around the landscape in which you live, there is letter in every direction. People all over the world has trashed this planet with everything from cigarette butts to broken appliances and everything in between.

I often wonder what it would be like if everyone decided to take control of this situation and clean up all of the trash that is strewn about our lands? I can only imagine it would be a difficult job in disposing of all that trash at once. Litter has taken over everywhere and every clean surface of the globe. It is shameful really.

What about you?? How would you answer this question.......the possibilities are endless really and hard to pick just one.

One Fine Blessing: February Birthday's For Seniors

2012-01-30T18:50:00.000-06:00

I have sent out the email list for February. Please check your emails for the names and addresses of the seniors Birthdays for February. If you'd like to join in celebrating seniors, please email me at onefineblessing (at) yahoo.com

This month Annie will be 100 years old! She is bedridden but has a sharp wit. The lady submitted her name said they go see her from our church every Sunday for over a year now. I think she would be surprised--maybe she'll even get enough cards to match her years?! How wonderful would it be to know she received 100 cards for this special Birthday!!!

The second birthday is for Wanda. She was on the list from my friend who originally started the Birthday cards for seniors. Since my friend passed away last year, I am sure she is not expecting any cards at all. This would be so fun to surprise her for her 83rd Birthday!!!

All the mailing information is in the emails. If you are not signed up, please let me know and I will add you if you like. You can catch up on exactly what "One Fine Blessing" is under the labels in my sidebar! It is a wonderful way to do a little bit for others that has a huge impact!!! It is just about sending a birthday card and maybe a dollar bill inside to help out a senior citizen who many times are alone and struggling. Thank you all who take the time each month to send a little cheer!

Two Words I Never Hear Are " Hey Girl......"

2012-01-30T11:33:00.000-06:00

Would you believe it if I told you that ~~sometimes~~ a lot of times I am faced with a bit of resistance when it comes to getting my husband to implement an idea of mine? It is true. Sadly.

A few days ago, Lane my quilting friend talked about quilting tools. He shared his fantastic idea about using a pill bottle to hold bent pins to keep them off the floor where they don't belong. I seem to have that problem too and yesterday I asked my husband to drill a hole in the top of a pill bottle.

I got twenty questions on that one little request as to why I needed that and what I wanted it for.....all for a little hole. It was almost like he thought I'd gone completely over the edge this time with this request.

Well....since my husband certainly does not have Ryan Gosling's "Hey Girl" attitude I had to explain.

I quickly asked him if he enjoyed stepping on my SHARP quilting pins barefoot? Did he enjoy screeching in pain when it happened???

In no time....I had a functional quilting tool with a hole drilled in the top! In fact this happened so quickly I was rather impressed!

Now....if other matters could be handled as quickly as this one I'd be a happy camper!!

For whatever reason I still get a lot of flack from my husband and son when it comes to holding my quilts up for photos.....lots of complaining to the fact I take too much time doing the photography.

I sure would like to get a few "Hey Girl....." around here once in a while....things would run so much more smoothly if I did! What about you?? Do you have a Ryan Gosling Hey Girl at your house?? Wait.....don't answer that.....I am going to pretend we are all in the same boat!

Vintage Thingie Thursday: Vintage Dog Finds

2012-01-25T20:05:00.000-06:00

Welcome everyone to Vintage Thingies Thursday. If you have a love for vintage things, well....you have come to the right place. We have a really good time each and every week!!!
If you are new to this party, please take the time to read and follow the instructions for participating in Vintage Thingies Thursday, click HERE. I try and keep things fairly simple, so please make sure you follow the instructions. Please only ONE link per week. Lastly, if you link in, LINK back to my blog, so everyone can see all of the vintage goodies on display that day. If you don't link back here, they won't know who to visit......thanks so much.

I came across a new thrift store in town last week, I remember seeing it advertise on television but did not remember where it was, luckily I stumbled upon it all on my own. I did not find too much, but I did find this little Scottie dog ash tray.

It is white and although it has a few burn marks on the bottom, it is still cute to me! By the way, I do not smoke and no one in my home smokes, these types of ash trays just appeal to me. I have another one very similar but it has a bird on it. I thought I had showed you guys that one before, but could not find the link.

I think this is so sweet....look at that little guy.

Now, I found this at a antique store close to my house. The lady said it was a ash tray, but I don't know about that. It just does not look like a ash tray to me. No matter, I bought it because of the two little dachshunds.

It does have a little open tray in front, maybe for change. I loved this one especially because it had two doxies. Sure wish I could find something that had THREE doxies on it!! Now that would be a find!!

Happy Vintage Thingie Thursday!! Have a great week!!

Creole Chicken Recipe

2012-01-25T10:36:00.001-06:00

This is one of my favorite recipes and one I keep as a "go to" because it is just so darn good and so easy. This recipe belonged to my good friend, Patti's mother and it is really one of my favorites.

My two children went to Catholic school all the way through eighth grade and one year we put a school cookbook together as a fundraiser. I have to say that all the recipes I have tried that were submitted by my friend's mother are amazing, and I can only imagine how wonderful of a cook she was. This one is one of my favorites. Be sure to read the end of this post as how I use this same recipe in different ways....it is a keeper!

Creole Chicken

You will need:

1 onion chopped
2 to 3 lbs, chicken pieces
2 to 3 cups water
1 1/2 Tablespoon chili powder ( sometimes I use a bit more, personal preference)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper, to taste
4 Tablespoons flour
*1 Tablespoon curry powder (optional, not in original recipe, but I add this to mine)

How to:

Saute onion and chicken pieces in a small amount of oil on medium heat.

Saute until the chicken starts to brown and the onions are looking clear, takes about 4-5 minutes tops. ( you will see that I always use an electric skillet for this dish, it is just my way of doing it, but stove top is fine too)

Cover with water and add the seasonings. Stir well. simmer on low.

Cook until chicken is done. I let mine simmer about 20 to 30 minutes.

Mix flour with approximately 1/4 cup of water until smooth. Add to the chicken to thicken the gravy. Let simmer a couple of minutes until it thickens.

Get out your vintage serving dishes, in my case vintage restaurant ware and serve over white or brown rice. This is very low in calories and if using brown rice, even a better option if you are watching your calorie intake. Nutritional information for chicken, excluding rice: Per serving: calories: 194, carbohydrates: 7, protein: 32, fat: 4. Serves 6

Other options:

You can use all chicken breast instead of the chicken pieces. Also, if you have left over fried chicken and you have folks at your house that does not like leftovers...ahem....well, use this same recipe. You would saute the onions first, add the left over fried chicken and follow the rest of the recipe, of course the cook time is not as long because the chicken is already done. Just simmer in the spices for flavor for about 20 minutes....it turns a few pieces of left over chicken into a whole new meal. Now, if you use left over fried chicken...please keep in mind the nutritional information above will certainly not be the same!! I have to get creative around here because I have a husband that is not too keen on leftovers at all! This is why this recipe is one of my "go-to" recipes!! It is really good, really easy....and I just love it!!

Tell Me Tuesday: Week Four - On Memories

2012-01-24T07:16:00.000-06:00

Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never to be able to make new ones?

_________________________________________

Oh. My. Goodness. This question for me had so many variables when I first read it. I could answer one way if I was sure of this or that. Likewise, I would answer the other way if certain things were a given and sure thing. However, that is not how the question read so without adding any variables to the question, and just reading it for what it is was hard for me to answer. Hard.

But after a little soul searching If I was posed the question "Would I rather lose all of my old memories or never be able to make new ones", I'd have to say I would opt to lose all the old ones. I sorta like the option of starting with a blank slate.

There is an understanding that in losing all the old ones would mean losing all the good memories along with the bad. I'd really hate to lose any of my good memories, especially the ones of my children and of all the things and people I love. But in losing those memories, all the bad memories would be erased as well.

Sometimes, I think the bad memories are a hindrance for me. They are always just under the surface as a reminder of a failure, bad decision or a reminder of things I could have done differently and certainly should have. The fear of making bad decisions is a constant light that flashes in my brain and draws from the fall out of mistakes made in the past. It is a crippling thing for me.

In knowing those would be gone from my memory bank, and new memories would be what I had to draw from, maybe now that I am older the new memories would be made with better choices. And assuming my family would still be here we could make new memories. I suppose in a perfect world that would be so.

Then as I type this out the thought comes to mind, without all the old experiences in my memory bank, who's to say I would not make the same mistakes again?? I am sure I will be thinking about this one today. For me, it really stopped me in my tracks and gave me something to think about. Interesting.

Vintage Thingie Thursday: Surley This Won't Be A Habit

2012-01-18T20:12:00.000-06:00

Welcome everyone to Vintage Thingies Thursday. If you have a love for vintage things, well....you have come to the right place. We have a really good time each and every week!!!
If you are new to this party, please take the time to read and follow the instructions for participating in Vintage Thingies Thursday, click HERE. I try and keep things fairly simple, so please make sure you follow the instructions. Please only ONE link per week. Lastly, if you link in, LINK back to my blog, so everyone can see all of the vintage goodies on display that day. If you don't link back here, they won't know who to visit......thanks so much.

You guys are not going to believe this...why? Well...because I don't really believe it myself. So, if I don't believe it, how can I expect you to??? Remember the post from the very first Vintage Thingie Thursday for the new year?? The post about that adorable china plate? The one in which I had never, ever seen the pattern before? The one that I said in all my treasure hunting, I had never seen a single piece from this china set?? Yea....that one!.......are you sitting down?????

Look what I happened to find today. Yes...TODAY.....at half price day at Goodwill. Now mind you I was at a different Goodwill than the one I found the plate but still.....it was there. ( the jug is in perfect condition, the photo looks like it is damaged, but that is the sheet it is sitting on)

I usually for the past few months have just bypassed the half price day because it is such stressful time. So many people and if you get there early, the people are wrapped around the store waiting to get in. Then it is like what you would imagine it to be like at a bank if they announced they were giving away free money....it is a frenzy!! So I have just avoided it. But today, I made the stop today in the afternoon. In all honesty, I almost did not even stop as I figured everything was already gone.

But this was sitting right on the shelf like it was waiting on me! I even think this jug let out a sigh of relief that I had finally made it there and picked it up....I kid.....I was the one letting out a sigh that no one else had gotten their hands on it during the morning rush....and seriously....why had not one person wanted this?

The price was marked $8.00 and I only paid $4.00 for this wonderful piece. Tell me what are the chances of that happening? I am still stunned!! Maybe with a little patience and more Goodwill shopping, the rest of these darling china pieces will show up on the shelves!! But in all actuality, I don't believe this will become a habit of being able to post about finding new pieces...surely this was just a fluke.....but I am going to stay hopeful!

(I had a post all ready for today, but it will have to wait until next week...this one really took me back a bit so I could not wait to share.)

Happy Vintage Thingie Thursday!!!

Postage Stamp Quilt 2012 Charm Swap & Challenge

2012-01-17T19:36:00.000-06:00

You may have noticed the button on my sidebar about the Postage Stamp Quilt Swap going on this year....I know you don't want to miss this one!

Many of you will remember my Begging Quilt Project that I finally finished last year, well at least the top is finished. All of this was inspired by Mary at The Curious Quilter.

This year, Mary is hosting several swaps of these little charms and the first opportunity to sigh up for the first swapping ends January 18th. I am sure after you see some of the wonderful things that can be created out of these little pieces of fabric...you will want to run...as fast as you can and sign up too!!

Mary has lots of things planned, along with tutorials, giveaways, encouragement and of course swaps several times this year to start your collection and getting a good variety of fabrics quick and easy.

My Begging Quilt project - Started Fall of 2009 - top finished Summer of 2010
Here is my finished top. This is a king size and it is oh, so special!!! You can read about this one by clicking Begging Quilt on my sidebar.

This fantastic quilt is another example of what you can create with these little charms.....Oh. I love it!!!
You can read about this one here

I could not find the link for this one...I saved it in my folder for inspiration. If it is yours, let me know and I will gladly add the link. UPDATE: Here is the link to this lovely quilt!!

How about this one!! Oh, so pretty. You can read about this one here

This is another favorite of mine too. So many options for these little pieces. Go
here to read about this one.

This one is a serious contender for this year. I have a lot of blues and greens, so I may incorporate those colors into a similar quilt. I just love this. I found this beauty here

Look at this one with the sashings and cornerstone blocks.....Oh, this one makes my heart sing.

Here are some vintage examples of what can be done with small postage stamp charms....I love the scrappy goodness of them.

This is a beauty too!! I need lots of time to make these....and if I had that I'd make every one of them!!

Beautiful....love this one too!!

And of course, this one reminds me of quilts from my childhood....oh, snuggling in this type of quilt is really the best!!

So...if you are like me and are super inspired, hop on over to see Mary and sign up for the swaps that will be taking place this year!! The first one sign up ends Wed. Jan. 18th.....like right away!!!
What a super fun way to get more varieties if you are trying to save for a quilt like this. And trust me, there is nothing more fun that getting a package in the mail of these little gems!! It is like Christmas all over again!

Tell Me Tuesday: Week Three Question: Most Important Lesson

2012-01-17T00:01:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Tell Me Tuesday.....First off the title is a bit deceiving.....it really is not about you telling me anything.... but answering a question truthfully and maybe telling yourself a little something you had not thought about.

I'd love for you to join me each week, and copy the question onto your blog and answer the question....and link back here. I am sure it will be interesting how there will be many different answers to the same question.....and hopefully give each of us something to think about as this new year progresses. My thought is so many people (including myself) are looking for some answers to various things. I have a feeling that the answers are inside needing to be jiggled loose and maybe a question posed a certain way will have a cause and effect in a good way. We will see how it goes! I have committed to this once a week for the whole year of 2012. I'd love for you to take the challenge with me!

I am keeping the rules simple...I'd love to watch this grow as the year goes on.

1. Grab the button on the sidebar if you like so others can find this new writing experience each week.

2. Once you link in, visit the person who linked in before you and leave them a comment. It would be great to visit and leave comments for as many as you can. But at least try and leave the person ahead of you in the link a comment of support.

3. Please link back to my blog and mention Tell Me Tuesday somewhere in your POST. That is it....easy.

Most of all, look at this writing experience with an open mind. Sometimes the questions will be hard...and require some thought. That is a good thing. Other times it will be easy. ( This week...I think is easy....but I can not promise that each week ) You can add photos, or whatever you like to your post. It is about you after all. ~ Thanks for joining me.....I hope you enjoy this each week.

Week Three Question:

What is the most important lesson you learned in the past year?

_________________________________________

This one is not an easy one for me to answer...and I have sat here thinking and trying to remember something grand that would apply from this past year.....so I walked away for a few minutes.....and came back to the computer determined to decide between two things that come to mind. I have to choose one....which is the most important for ME??........23 minutes later...here goes.....

The most important lesson I learned this past year is that truly grand things can be done with little effort. I have been blessed by doing something small and unexpected for others, many times being for people I don't even know or may never know in all actuality.

The Senior Birthday cards that we do here each month is a wonderful example of doing something so small but the impact is monumental. It is a feel good feeling to be able to bring a smile to someone's face even if you never see that smile. It is knowing you have made a difference even in a small way.

Sometimes, it is as simple as paying for the person's order behind you in a drive thru line at a fast food restaurant. I have done that a few times when I see it is a senior or for a young person who looks like a college student. I don't wait to see their reaction...I just do it believing there was a reason and don't question. In doing that, driving away leaves me with a feeling that I matter....even in that instant I was maybe able to turn someones day around.

I know it is hard to feel appreciated lots of times by the people around us. Maybe not any fault of theirs, but sometimes, I know for many, the thoughts and feeling are there no matter. For me, I have worked through that frustration and hurt by doing small things for others and knowing there is nothing expected in return. It has been a liberating feeling during the past year as I put this into practice. I choose to focus on the positive things I could do and let all the other negative feelings go.

The lesson was really easy.....unexpected small acts of kindness have a huge impact for others as well as myself in an unexpected way.....and that is a great lesson to learn and be aware of.

****This was not easy to write.....it is hard to pinpoint one thing and one thing only....at least it was for me.....good luck as you think on this question.....I hope you join me today!

First Quilt for 2012 ~ Design Wall Monday

2012-01-16T10:36:00.002-06:00

When New Years day rolled in, I was busy cutting, sewing and putting together the Orca Bay quilt by Bonnie Hunter. With Christmas and all the holiday happenings, I was behind on that mystery quilt. So I was making good progress when a turn of events halted all my progress and it has been sitting in my sewing room ever since.

The first week in January was a tragic one for someone I know and their family. Suddenly, when saying how sorry I was just did not sound like enough and almost seemed empty in some way to me. Nor the fact when offering to help in any way I could (and mean it) but at the same time know your help won't be asked for, it certainly left me with a funny feeling.

So...I decided to do the only thing I felt I could do to really let these folks know that I understand their tragic loss and how very sorry I really am, no matter if it sounded rather small (to me) at the time.

This is what is on my design wall today, almost ready to stitch together and add the borders. I searched through my saved images of quilts I liked, and found this one. I remember when I saved the picture, I did so so I could find the pattern, but alas, no pattern was found so I did what I usually do, just look at the photo and figure it out.

There will a be a string pieced border and then one more with the tan and scrap pieces. All the blocks are made and ready to be removed from the wall and labeled, then sewn together.

The top row that is missing from the photos is right here on the floor, along with the last bottom rows and the far right row. This was a lot more cutting and sewing sashings than I originally thought. But, I like this one and I bet I will make one more of these before long. I am wanting to finish this one up this week to get it quilted so I can go back to Orca Bay that is staring me in the face begging to be put together. Soon.....very soon! I just realized how off the coloring in this room is with these pictures.I moved my design wall from my sewing room temporarily and I can sure tell the difference in these photos...guess I will be fixing that little problem soon.

Does that ever happen to you? Start something then get derailed and a new project opens up and the old one gets shoved to the side?? Or is that just what happens to me?? Have a great Monday...I am off to get this one off the design wall and start sewing!!

Today, I am linking in with Design Wall Monday with Judy....there are really a lot of great quilts there which offers a lot of inspiration!

Vintage Thingie Thursday: Vintage Playing Cards

2012-01-11T20:51:00.000-06:00

Too bad they were not dachshunds, but they were so cute, it did not matter.

I remember these from the seventies. Someone in our family had a set of cards like this that had two different type of ships for the designs. I never cared too much for the ships but I know one thing, I like the dogs so much better. Happy Vintage Thingie Thursday!!

Tell Me Tuesday: Week Two

2012-01-10T00:02:00.000-06:00

What is one thing you remember saying when you were young that as an adult you would do no matter what? Did you do it or is it still a dream?

____________________________________________________

The one thing I remember always saying I'd do when I got older was to go New York for New Year's Eve and ring in the new year in style in Times Square. I remember always watching the ball drop on television and secretly wishing I'd be there one day to experience all the magic that seemed to be electrifying in those moments.

Funny, I had not thought about that until I read this weeks question and had to think on it a minute to answer truthfully. That one thing always held such a fascination for me at a young age. For many years, at least for one night each year I was obsessed with having that experience and looked forward to doing so.

In all of my nearly 50 years, I have never once had the opportunity to experience new years eve in the streets of New York. The magic in the hustle and bustle and celebrating in Times Square has somehow lost all the shine and fascination it once held for me. I really don't think if the opportunity presented itself today, I'd be jumping at the chance to go and experience that.

It's not that we ever do anything monumental on New Years eve, because most times than not we are asleep long before the new year shows itself at midnight. I guess somewhere along the way the peace and quiet of the predictable has allowed me to settle into the acceptance that change along with age has diffused a lot of "Must-do's" of long ago.

I wonder about the loss of appeal that things like this once held. I wonder if it is actually the fact that my desires and dreams changed or that fact that somewhere along the way, I settled for not quiet following my dreams?

Vintage Thingie Thursday: Forever Yours China Plate

2012-01-04T20:30:00.000-06:00

I did a search on Ebay for this right before Christmas and did not find a thing......

Well, wouldn't you know I did a search today and well...there are lots of pieces that match this plate....in fact, so much that I just clicked off ebay and refused to take another look. That is the very last thing I need is more dishes....but......

These sure are sweet!!! They are called "Forever Yours" by Brock of California.....and I just simply don't see how I can not have all the pieces......I. Just. Don't. I guess you could say it is a sickness....a true sickness.....and one I fear there is no cure! I am going to try and resist. Wish me luck!

Happy Vintage Thingie Thursday!!

Documenting A Year Of Your Life

2012-01-04T00:01:00.000-06:00

Today is January 4th, 2012. Let me ask you something.......do you remember what you did January 4th 2006? What about how you felt on that day?? Honestly, I can not even tell you what I did on the 4th day of last month, much less any length of time after that.

This year is a milestone year for me. I turn fifty this year. It has been a mounting feeling of panic and dread as 2011 came to a close. I always thought fifty was so old and now....well, here it is right in my face front and center.

In December, I decided this would be a good year to actually celebrate a milestone instead of letting the doom and gloom of feeling like time is running out take over my very being. And trust me when I say that would be oh so easy to do. That is just really how I deal with uncomfortable things. The gloomy will take control if I allow it. But not this year.

I purchased a journal while out Christmas shopping and started January 1st writing something each and every day. This is a new concept for me, so I really am having to force myself to write in there and yea....you are right it is only day four!!

I also decided to log a perpetual calendar. This was super simple to put together with just some note cards, a date stamp (purchased online) and a box to hold the cards. The idea here is that the calendar sits on your desk and each day has a card. Each day you can write a note, a little memory, or a quote and then move the card to the back of the stack revealing the next days card. Year after year you can add new notes to each days card, while also reflecting on the notes and messages you left for yourself from years past. ( I wish I had started this a few years ago...but then again, I am turning 50 this year, so it is as good of time to start than any)

And lastly, I decided to document a year in photos and called it The Coloradolady Project 365. Taking a single photo each day for one year. I added a new blog just for this. Made a new button which is on my sidebar. Clicking it will take you there. At the end of the year, I plan on turning these daily photos into a book to serve as a reminder of this milestone year.

Ambitious? Maybe since I don't normally do these types of things. But I think it is totally worth a little time out of my day to do this at least this one year. I have found so far it only takes about 10 minutes from start to finish to do this and well....we all can find 10 minutes out of our day.....or at least I can.

What about you?? Do you do something like this already? Have you ever thought about doing a project like this...maybe not all three at once, but one or the other? What's holding you back?? It is only day four into the new year...and well.....we all know bloggers take photos daily....so it is not too late to get started. I'd love to hear your thoughts. I have lots of friends turning 50 this year as well.....its not too late to get started!!

Tell Me Tuesday

2012-01-03T00:02:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Tell Me Tuesday.....First off the title is a bit deceiving.....it really is not about you telling me anything.... but answering a question truthfully and maybe telling yourself a little something you had not thought about.

I'd love for you to join me each week, and copy the question onto your blog and answer the question....and link back here. I am sure it will be interesting how there will be many different answers to the same question.....and hopefully give each of us something to think about as this new year progresses. My thought is so many people (including myself) are looking for some answers to various things. I have a feeling that the answers are inside needing to be jiggled loose and maybe a question posed a certain way will have a cause and effect in a good way. We will see how it goes! I have committed to this once a week for the whole year of 2012. I'd love for you to take the challenge with me!

I am keeping the rules simple...I'd love to watch this grow as the year goes on.

1. Grab the button on the sidebar if you like so others can find this new writing experience each week.

2. Once you link in, visit the person who linked in before you and leave them a comment. It would be great to visit and leave comments for as many as you can. But at least try and leave the person ahead of you in the link a comment of support.

3. Please link back to my blog and mention Tell Me Tuesday somewhere in your POST. That is it....easy.

Most of all, look at this writing experience with an open mind. Sometimes the questions will be hard...and require some thought. That is a good thing. Other times it will be easy. ( This week...I think is easy....but I can not promise that each week ) You can add photos, or whatever you like to your post. It is about you after all. ~ Thanks for joining me.....I hope you enjoy this each week.

Week One Question: ( In keeping with the new year)

What is your number one goal for the next six months?

____________________________________________________

The number one goal for me for the next six months is as cliche as it can be. I almost hate to say it, but here goes....to lose weight. I have struggled with this for so long and have had little success in making any progress at all. In fact, I have gained more in the last few months than I feel comfortable sharing. I feel like I have failed myself by not trying harder, by not pushing myself in doing things I don't like to do, by allowing myself to be lazy and staying too comfortable. The weight is a big hindering factor in a lot of areas of my life. It is time to take my life back.

The not so funny thing about this weight issue is that lately, I have had nightmares that something was wrong with me. Each dream I have had has been different in nature, but the theme is the same. My weight has caused the problem and could have been avoided. That is a very uncomfortable feeling.....even more uncomfortable than going to the track and making myself walk or exercise.

The truth is hard....I really have to forget there are others going to read this and still hit publish. My goal is to lose at least 50 pounds in the next six months. I know it is a reachable goal and I am not being unrealistic. The real problem lies inside my head and lacking the motivation to start. This time, I am feeling someone is trying to tell me something through my dreams....and I am a little bit afraid to ignore the warnings.

Six Months......50 pounds lighter........my number one goal!

Now.....it's your turn!!

The Price Of Making A Quilt

2012-01-01T16:01:00.001-06:00

Cowgirl Cross Quilt - Finished December 2011

All photos click able to enlarge

Back last summer, someone sent me a email asking me how much is cost to make a quilt.....they were just asking out of curiosity. That email has played over and over in my mind more times than not in 2011 and I am sorry to say, I never answered that email personally. It came at a time when I was really hurt by the actions of others over giving quilts as gifts. Mainly because a homemade gift to them, was not a gift at all but a cop out in regards to buying something for someone. Talk about ignorant fools, a quilt is not a cheap hobby or gift. So, before I knew it 2011 had gotten away from me and that email never got answered.

So, I was going through some files on the computer, and noticed that several quilts I finished in 2011 did not make it here on the blog for whatever reason. I wanted to make sure they were included on the blog for finished in 2011, so as I ramble on about the cost of a quilt, I will show the photos here and call it a day. Please know, that these are not necessarily the quilts sent to unappreciated folks, just the ones that I could not find on the blog. There were several finished in 2011.

First, the price of cotton, quality quilting cotton, I might add has steadily climbed in 2011. Those who are quilters know this, but those that are not have no idea. Some fabrics I paid over $10.50 a yard in many of these quilts I am showing here. I am not sure the yardage needed per quilt. Not only that, I have a little problem, and do not make small quilts. So, the price alone for fabric is rather steep. Backing the quilt top is another matter entirely. For a queen or king quilt it takes about 8 yards or more of fabric, depending how you construct the back. I think you can see it is not cheap. At. All. Most of the backs I made last year for quilts were pieced, so I could try and cut down on the cost of backing fabrics, but even at that, it is not inexpensive.

Wedding gift. Finished Summer 2011

Aside from the fabrics and thread used to make a quilt, time is another factor. One does not sit down and make a quilt in a day or two. Most cases it does not even happen in a week or two but several weeks. From the planning, purchasing fabrics, cutting, piecing and putting it together it takes a lot of time. Lots. Of. Time. Far more time than it would take to walk into a store and purchase something off of a registry and go home and wrap it. However, sometimes, that may not be the best option.

Back of wedding gift quilt

Once the quilt top is finished, it has to be quilted. Now, along with the quilting you also need to buy batting for the inside of the quilt. On the average for the size quilts I make, the batting runs about $35.00. At this point, some quilters have the option of quilting the quilt themselves, or sending it to the long arm quilter to do the quilting. Since I make large quilts, I have been sending them out to have them quilting. The quilt below not only was a large quilt in which I used expensive fabrics, but the quilting alone cost me $175.00. I could not believe it cost me so much, and after the expense of over $165.00 for the fabrics, that made this one expensive gift. Once the quilt has been quilted, it has to be bound. I don't consider the cost extra for binding as it was purchased with the fabrics ahead of time, but I can say, it is a lot of time involved in getting that binding on. And believe it or not, this is on the low end of what quilting can cost a quilter if they don't have the expensive equipment to do it themselves. Long-arm quilting machines cost more than the price of a new car. Trust me. That is true in every sense of the word.

House warming gift summer 2011

For me, it really is about giving a gift that might mean something to someone. The time involved, not to mention the hours spent on creating something beautiful and then to just give it away is often not an easy thing to do. Especially when it is not regarded as a real gift in the first place. It has caused me to rethink who and what I gift to anyone in the future. I want my works of art ( if I can be so bold as to say that ) to be received and treasured. It is a piece of me. Something tangible to serve as a reminder of the love I had for that person as I made it with them in mind. Something to outlast my days here on earth and to serve as a memory and treasured.

Back of house warming gift quilt

This summer I bit the bullet and tried something on my own. I tried machine quilting on my own with the smallest quilt I have ever made. I was able to maneuver this one through my machine and finished it start to finish on my own. I felt like I had accomplished so much.

Hugs and Well Wishes Quilt - finished summer 2011

This child's quilt and small doll quilt was made and sent to a little girl in Dubai undergoing treatment for Leukemia. At four years old, that is a scary thing to face and I wanted her to have something bright and cheery to take with her to the hospital.

Back of Well Wishes quilt

I was most proud of this little quilt as it was the first quilt I had actually quilted myself and it was bittersweet sending it off to such a far away land. I know the child's parents appreciated this gift and that is what matters most to me. If you have a moment, say a prayer for her continued healing in 2012.

Doll quilt to match well wishes quilt - with duckie

Below is the last finish for 2011. It was a Christmas gift for a friend of my son's. They were over the moon with this quilt. It was a special one to me as well, as my son gave me an idea of what he wanted and that was it. No pattern. Just out of my head onto fabric came the design. My year finished off on a high note as the appreciation for this gift overshadowed any under-appreciation on others throughout the year. For me, that is what it is all about.

Cowgirl Cross Quilt Finished December 2011

So....in closing, I found that in talking to other quilters, I am not the only one that experiences these types of hurt feelings. One lady said she will never make another thing for any one in her family. I thought how sad is that??? But I can certainly see why she would say that. I don't know if it is a sign of the times or the fact that some can not put a price on this type of gift therefore it is not something of value in their eyes. It boggles my mind.

And to the person who emailed me that question that I have neglected to answer after all this time. Let me say, I am sorry. I guess honestly there are lots of variables in the actual price of each quilt, but they are certainly not something these days that are inexpensive to make.

I'd like you to know, when I sketched out a plan for quilts I want to make in 2012. I have added a special quilt that will be coming to you. The fabrics have all been purchased, I just need to find a pattern I like to go with the special fabrics I have purchased to use in a quilt just for you and your sweet husband! I know without a doubt you will love what I purchased....as you see....we have the same loves on many levels, no matter how short or tall!

Choose Joy Quilt - gifted to Sara's mother finished October 2011

Nothing like starting off the new year with a rant.....which really was not supposed to be a rant, but I guess that is where it led! It's OK. for me, I got it off my chest and feel rather good about it!! Funny, how in the three years I have been quilting, I have only kept one finished quilt for myself. I have mad many, but only kept one! I might make myself a couple this year!! Now, on to quilting in 2012 and for gifting them to special people who know the value of a gift from the heart.

One Fine Blessing - Senior Birthdays January

2011-12-31T18:19:00.000-06:00

Oh Dear! I have not forgotten our January Senior Birthdays!! I have just been super busy with working out some new things that will be taking place for 2012 here at The Coloradolady.....I am going to continue with the One Fine Blessing each month for our Senior Birthdays.

I have not decided on posting each month here on the blog or just utilizing the email mailing list for 2012. I am still thinking about this one.....your input would be great on this. Let me know if you would like the reminder here on the blog or just email. If you'd like to join, email me at the email address on my sidebar, it is under the button there. I also have a new button with the code for you to grab for your blog, it is on the right sidebar. As always, if you have a senior you'd like to include on the list, please email me before the birthday month. I won't be sending out notices after a birthday has past.

I am not going to be posting anymore for the "First, Fifth, Forever". That was my project for 2011 and I am going to retire that project. Not the Birthday cards, just First, Fifth, Forever.

Several new things will be coming.....I hope you find them encouraging, uplifting and thought provoking. Tuesday will be the kickoff for "Tell Me Tuesday"
There is a button on the left sidebar.....I hope you will think about joining me.....you just might learn something new about yourself you never realized! At least, I am planning on it helping me out a little bit in that department.

Happy New Year Everyone......check your emails for the Birthday list a little later this evening. I hope you are excited about 2012. I know I am in more ways than one!!

Secret Santa Soiree: Tell All

2011-12-29T19:50:00.000-06:00

I have to admit, this was my very first swap to host and for the most part, I was pleased with how it turned out. I certainly learned a lot along the way that will hopefully make it a lot easier should I host this next season. I certainly learned much more than the logistics of how a swap operates. I have been inspired, encouraged and truly amazed at the generosity of others. I have enjoyed all the emails, and conversations throughout the swap.

I'd like to clear up how I paired each of the bloggers with one another. I debated on how to do this, and wanted it to be fair for all involved. I did not want to pick and choose, as I was afraid the idea would be lost if I picked a blogger for you. I hoped you would have someone you had never met before, and a new friendship would be formed. So....very technically.....I drew from a bowl. Yeppers.....I put all the numbers in a bowl, stared from the bottom of the list and picked and assigned that way, ending lastly with my own name. High Tech I tell you!!!

I hope you enjoyed yourselves this season. The real joy is in the giving, and that seems to be conveyed in most everyone who participated. I was amazed at all the lovely gifts being sent to new friends. I am still in hopes that the rest of the bloggers who have not blogged about their gifts will take the time to do so very soon. Please know, I have done all I can to get that message out there. Please know I have tried so no one's feelings would be hurt. As soon as I am notified, I will update the list to show the * * * beside the blogs.

Below is the list of your Secret Santa Person. Please refer to the original list HERE to match the number up with their blog. I know many of you are so excited to see who to thank personally!

Blog Number - Blog they sent to:

1 - 67
2 - 28
3 - 5
4 - 34
5 - 31
6 - 20
7 - 27
8 - 64
9 - 54
10 - 25
11 - 21
12 - 29
13 - 53
14 - 12
15 - 1
16 - 51
17 - 41
18 - 56
19 - 59
20 - 61
21 - 49
22 - 42
23 - 55
24 - 39
25 - 22
26 - 38
27 - 32
28 - 46
29 - 60
30 - 36
31 - 52
32 - 30
33 - 7
34 - 15
35 - 57
36 - 43
37 - 58
38 - 48
39 - 65
40 - 45
41 - 16
42 - 14
43 - 9
44 - 66
45 - 10
46 - 23
47 - 13
48 - 3
49 - 33
50 - 11
51 - 40
52 - 17
53 - 35
54 - 8
55 - 63
56 - 18
57 - 6
58 - 62
59 - 50
60 - 24
61 - 44
62 - 37
63 - 19
64 - 4
65 - 2
66 - 47
67 - 26
Elf (thank you again)
47 - 3

I'd also like to thank some of our swap participants who sent cards and other surprises to me as well. I can tell you that this was certainly not expected, but oh, what fun I have had. Precious gifts from precious friends.....thank you so much! Between my SSS partner and you ladies, I felt very spoiled! (click photo to enlarge)

Please notice the framed stitched dachshunds. This was a card, and the felt embroidery was quickly removed and framed.....this will stay out all year long....did you notice that it is Sophie, Dora and Bailey! Very precious to me!! And that sweet bag....Bailey wanted inside the minute I sat it down!! She thinks it is her personal carrier!! I am going to put the dachshund ornament in my curio cabinet with my other doxie treasures....can not bear the thought of packing these goodies away for a whole year.

My final thoughts, as we start into the new year, try and keep the spirit of the holiday in our hearts. Random acts of kindness go a long way, and you just never know how one small thing will make a huge difference for someone in a big way. Wishing you the very best for 2012! Thanks for taking part this year in the Secret Santa Soiree and putting up with my persistence in keeping things on track!

Vintage Thingie Thursday: Vintage Happy New Year

2011-12-28T19:41:00.000-06:00

Welcome everyone to Vintage Thingies Thursday. If you have a love for vintage things, well....you have come to the right place. We have a "dog-gone" good time each and every week!!!
If you are new to this party, please take the time to read and follow the instructions for participating in Vintage Thingies Thursday, click HERE. I try and keep things fairly simple, so please make sure you follow the instructions. Please only ONE link per week. Lastly, if you link in, LINK back to my blog, so everyone can see all of the vintage goodies being showed that day. If you don't link back here, they won't know who to visit......thanks so much.

This is the last Vintage Thingie Thursday for 2011.I thought it fitting for a couple of cute vintage postcards to ring in the new year! Wishing you a wonderful New Year for 2012 and hope it is the best year yet!

As we travel the roads of the new year...may lots of vintage goodies find their way to our hearts and homes!!

Thanks for a wonderful Vintage filled 2011!! I am thinking about changing a few things for VTT for 2012.....small changes.....I will decide by next week!! Have a safe and Happy New Year!!

Vintage Thingie Thursday: Vintage Holiday Decor

2011-12-21T19:21:00.000-06:00

Welcome everyone to Vintage Thingies Thursday. If you have a love for vintage things, well....you have come to the right place. We have a "dog-gone" good time each and every week!!!
If you are new to this party, please take the time to read and follow the instructions for participating in Vintage Thingies Thursday, click HERE. I try and keep things fairly simple, so please make sure you follow the instructions. Please only ONE link per week. Lastly, if you link in, LINK back to my blog, so everyone can see all of the vintage goodies being showed that day. If you don't link back here, they won't know who to visit......thanks so much.

Since I totally forgot what day it was...I am posting a rerun from a couple of years ago......sorry about the slip up.....so much to do.....so little time!!

I'd like to show you my tree that I have in my sewing room, it is surrounded with lots of vintage goodies. It makes it so fun to go into this room and look at all my vintage Christmas treasures.

The vintage suitcases make a great table for the tree and its goodies underneath.

Here is a close up of vintage tablecloths, napkins, aprons and hankies.

That sweet little box was a gift from my Secret Santa, Deborah a couple of years ago.....I just love it!

A vintage quilt flimsy serves as the tree skirt, with a few vintage treasures that mean a lot to me.

Happy Vintage Thingie Thursday!! Have a great week.

Secret Santa Soiree: Update

2011-12-20T09:32:00.000-06:00

Most of all the participants have received their packages according to the delivery confirmation numbers. There are still several that have not done their post about receiving their gifts. Please take the time to do that and let your Secret Santa know that their box arrived OK. Please be aware that some of these bloggers went missing in action and I could not contact them or get them to respond to me in any way. If they don't blog about their package, I am so sorry.....I have blown up their email accounts so if they have not responded by now, I am taking that as they will not be doing the post.

Please note: There are still a few packages in transit, due to illnesses, emergencies and unplanned things that came up....they should be there soon.

Thank you to the elves that stepped in and took charge on a couple.....much appreciated!!

Thank you once again for a great Secret Santa Swap!! It has been a lot of fun seeing what everyone received!!

Click the Secret Santa button on the left sidebar of my blog to take you to the original link.
Next week, I will do one last post and reveal who had who....and who were the elves!! Stay tuned.....

Cinnamon Honey Butter: Gift Idea

2011-12-18T17:12:00.001-06:00

Super easy, fast and makes a great gift!! I would have used the 4 oz. jars, but I could not fine them, so I used the 8 oz. jars instead. One recipe makes about five 8 oz. jars. Very easy and oh. so. good.

Cinnamon Honey Butter

4 sticks salted butter ( softened at room temp )
4 teaspoons cinnamon
2 cups powdered sugar
2 cups honey

Whip butter until fluffy in a kitchen-aid mixer using whisk. Add sugar, mix well. Add honey and cinnamon and whip until mixed well. Spoon in jars or other containers. Decorate with fabric, tag and twine and you are all set. Easy, Cute, and this is super on rolls, biscuits, toast, sweet potatoes, English muffins,or waffles. Store in fridge or at room temperature for easy spreading.

I have had this recipe for a long time and could not find it, luckily I found it last week and whipped up a batch or two!! If you are not a fan of the cinnamon, it can be left out and add 4 teaspoons extra of powder sugar instead.

If you are needing a last minute gift idea, and not a lot of time to whip something up...this might be just the thing!!

Secret Santa Arrives!

2011-12-17T07:53:00.000-06:00

My secret Santa package arrived and what a fun box my Santa put together for me! I love it all!! It was so much fun opening up that box to find.....

......this. A box full of wrapped little gifts and a cute card!! I barely had the sense to go get my camera.

Just look at these goodies. I am so appreciative of each and every one!!!!

warm fuzzy socks (that I needed) and a cute little "S" ornaments......

which promptly went on my tree!!

An ADORABLE mug rug (which she made herself), snowman mug and hot chocolate and a new quilting book. The mug rug went promptly on my desk. I love it!!!

Bath Salts, Spruce candle and a bag of my favorite candy! Let me say, the bath salts are amazing.....they were used with a few hours!!! A nice calming bath soak does a stressed out body a lot of good.

My secret Santa also made me a little basket out of Christmas fabrics. She could never know how I will treasure this, as I have not had much luck in making these or bags, and I am frustrated with myself to say the least. I guess I need to take a class. I absolutely love it....and well, knew exactly where it was going.....now it is a very unconventional way to use this......but .......

This sweet bag is sitting in my guest bath holding extra rolls of tissue. Sure beats looking at an old ugly roll of tissue paper sitting on the bowl. It sits with the sweet little box Deb, from Deb's Vintage Soul sent me a few years ago on this very swap. It will be treasured along with my box and used each and every year, and I will always remember how my secret Santa made me feel special.

Thank you again Secret Santa!! I appreciate everything you sent me!! Merry Christmas!!

Can You Spare A Couple Of Minutes: Card Request

2011-12-15T16:40:00.000-06:00

This afternoon, I had a request sent by one of my blogging friends, Anne. I am most sure many of you know Anne yourselves....she is a doll and requested my help. In the email she told me about a friend of hers who is struggling right now with breast cancer and having a hard time. Please see email below...

Hi sweet friends of mine:
I hope you ladies will help me out. Our billing rep., at my work place, who lives in Cheyenne WY has breast cancer and she is really having a struggle. I am providing her address and ask if you would spread the word for prayer and a card or letter of encouragement.

I hope you will encourage everyone you know to send a card or letter to Teresa. Her address is here:

Teresa Wood
4077 Cherry Wine Drive
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009-8111

She is having some difficulties and I love her like a sister! Please help and spread the word. I am sure she would be tickled to receive lots of great mail!

I love each and every one of you so much and appreciate your generous hearts! A card or letter goes a long way in making someones day. Blessings, Anne.

If you still addressing Christmas cards, take a moment if you would to drop Teresa a line or two and some encouraging words. A simple word does a lot for someone who is struggling with burdens. Even if you have already mailed your cards, maybe a nice note of thoughts and kind words would be wonderful. It only takes a couple of minutes out of your day....and it would mean a lot I am sure. Mine is going in the mail Friday, Anne. Thank you for letting me know!

And Teresa......sending you lots of thoughts and prayers from my little corner of the world.......hang in there girl!!

Vintage Thingie Thursday: A Family Treasure - Vintage Santa

2011-12-14T19:18:00.000-06:00

If you are new to this party, please take the time to read and follow the instructions for participating in Vintage Thingies Thursday, click HERE. I try and keep things fairly simple, so please make sure you follow the instructions. Please only ONE link per week.

One of my favorite Christmas decorations is a vintage Santa Clause that belongs to my husband. He has had this for as long as we have been married.....even before that. It is a favorite family treasure.

My mother in law painted this sweet Santa when my husband was small. He is adorned with some red glitter, which is amazing that there is still a bit of glitter in his suit after all this time. My mother in law passed away in 2003, and although this has always been a holiday favorite, it most certainly is a family treasure now.

I think he has a most amazingly detailed face, love his beard and his all knowing eyes.

Just look at that big ole round belly. He stands about 10 inches tall, and I have always marveled at his big ole belly....so adorable to me!

I have been in a lot of antique malls, estate and garage sales and I have never seen one like this in all my treasure hunting, and I surely would have noticed had there been one. This Santa is a plaster of paris type material and luckily it is still in great condition.

(I showed you this pic last week) But thought I'd show you how he proudly sits in my china cabinet this year....I think he looks grand!! He holds lots of memories for our family, especially my husband. He is a real treasure and loved and well cared for.

Happy Vintage Thingie Thursday!!! Have a great week!!

Secret Santa Soiree: UPDATE

2011-12-13T08:13:00.002-06:00

I have a new appreciation for bloggers who host swaps! In fact, a huge appreciation. It is a lot of (fun) work with paying attention to details and trying to keep on the ball about things....I never knew!

We had 67 swappers...that is a lot of folks, people!!! However.....

out of the 67 swappers.......12 have not mailed their packages as of today, or have not emailed me to let me know the delivery confirmation number. Out of those 12.....4 will not respond to me AT ALL. I have emailed numerous times, left messages on their blog(s) and still no response. I am really at a loss. I am really sad, because someone else is counting on them to come through with the obligation they signed up for and that someone did fulfill all of their obligations to the swap. So, this will serve as another reminder that please get your package in the mail as soon as possible. If you have not received an email from me, check your spam folder.......please. I will keep hounding said people via email or comments....so blogger be warned.

With that being said...what a fun, fun thing it is to see all the generous packages being sent to the participants. I am ever impressed at the generosity and true Christmas spirit.

A reminder, I have updated the original link with ( * * * ) by the blogs name that have posted about receiving their gifts. I have tried very hard to keep up with this and keep it currant so all can go back to one location to view everyone's gifts. Please let me know when your gift arrives so I can update the list.

Lastly, if anyone would like to volunteer to be an "Elf" in case these Missing in action Santa's don't step up to the plate.....please email me privately and let me know.

Do Not Worry.....if your personal secret Santa does not send your package....you still will receive one....I just could not stand the thought of that happening, but hate the thought of disappointing someone worse. I am still going to be optimistic that this is just an oversight on their part....and it will be corrected soon.

A list will be posted later this month as to who had who...so you will know who to thank for your gifts! Thank you all who participated in the SSS this year....it was my first time hosting and have a deep respect for the last hostess who passed it on to me! I hope you have enjoyed shopping for your partner and meeting new bloggers. Merry Christmas!

Simple Sunday: Kindness

2011-12-10T21:23:00.001-06:00

“Kindness is like snow - it beautifies everything it covers”

~ Unknown

I am linked in today with Shadow Shot Sunday. Amazing photographs inspired by shadows. Go ahead. Take a peak!!

Five Minute Friday: Color

2011-12-09T07:28:00.001-06:00

Unfortunately, most of this year is much of the same, a black and white blur. If I had to pick several defining moments of this year and list them, it would be most difficult. It has already passed at warped speed, time gone and not to be retrieved later. The colored pages of my life overlooked and blown away like dried leaves on an fall day.

If you look around and notice, this time of year especially, there is color all around us. Beautiful colors that bring out the magic and the best in people's hearts. It is not the fact we don't know that the colors are there, we are just too busy to see them for what they really are. A brilliant display of love and hopefulness in our lives. Time to slow that fast forward button down and just let life play.....see the colors of everyday and the gifts they are.

What about you?? Are you seeing in black and white these days or in color?? Think about it.... STOP.

Vintage Thingie Thursday: Vintage Fruitcake Card and Memory

2011-12-07T18:59:00.001-06:00

This week, I want to share a Christmas card that was found in my grandma's cookbook. She kept it, and I believe it was sent to her from one of her cousins. It sits in my grandma's china cabinet this holiday season.

I love the front of this card, shows a cute kitchen scene with a fruitcake for the holidays.

On the inside is a fruitcake recipe. This is not the one my grandma used, but she did save this one. I love it.

My grandma always made fruitcake around Thanksgiving and she would wrap it up and she stored it in the hot water heater closet until Christmas. I don't recall liking fruitcake as a child and I am quiet sure I don't care for it today either. I took her old recipe, (not this one) but her original recipe and thought I'd dip my hand in making this Christmas treasure.

My vintage Soreno Anchor Hocking aquamarine mixing bowl works great for holding all of this candied fruit. Uggh....what a sticky mess! Trust me!

Now, I love raisins by themselves. I can not stand them mixed with or in other things. See the small ones on the right...that is dried currants.....and oh. the. smell. And not in a good way to me!

This is candied ginger. Now a small bottle of this at Walmart was over $10.00. A quick trip to Central Market and I got what I needed for $1.26. Speaking of Central Market, I needed some Mace spice.....expensive! At central market, it was $46.99 per pound. Luckily what I needed only cost me only 46 cents.

Add the nuts and rest of the goodies and this is what you have.......except for the most special ingredient.... BRANDY

Here is is all ready to rest for 24 hours....soaking up the Brandy......Oh. The. Smell. I don't drink and don't like the smell....this was quickly covered with plastic wrap and left alone until the rest of the steps took place and baked.

So there you have it, a vintage bowl holding ingredients from a vintage recipe that holds lots of memories. However, I won't be eating any of this...I don't like fruitcake..... What about you?? Is it one of your holiday favorites or something you'd rather not see.... or ahem...smell!

Denyse Schmidt New Retro Inspired Fabrics

2011-12-06T20:51:00.001-06:00

Just look at this fantastic new fabrics by Denyse Schmidt

Denyse Schmidt called Daisy Mae 2011.

I needed this about like I need a hole in my head!!

Check my etsy shop (link on lower left side bar) ....I have some of this yummy stuff to share and added to the shop! Go ahead...I know you so want too!

Secret Santa Soiree: Clarification on Updated Links

2011-12-05T08:09:00.001-06:00

I thought I better clarify the process I am using to update the original links once the Secret Santa packages arrive. You will need to go back to the original link where you signed up originally. The I'm a Secret Santa button on the left sidebar will take you to that original link. Scroll down to the names in the list.
When a link has been updated you will see ( *** ) in front of the name that has been updated. for example:

*** The Coloradolady

I will try and stay on top of this to keep the link current and accurate. There are a couple of blogs that have already received their goodies and blogged about it, so you can take a peek and look at all the goodies!! Don't forget to do your post and notify me your blog post is live!!

Have a great week......Last week before shipping deadline.....I am off to the post office in a few......my SSS box is in the mail flow as of today!!!

Simple Sunday: Peace

2011-12-03T22:08:00.001-06:00

It isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it.
~ELEANOR ROOSEVELT

I am linked in today with Shadow Shot Sunday. Amazing photographs inspired by shadows. Go ahead. Take a peak!!

Secret Santa Soiree: Reminder

2011-12-02T14:09:00.001-06:00

Just a friendly reminder...Today is December 2nd! Can you believe that?? Next weeks shipping deadline (the 10th) is fast approaching. Don't forget to email me the delivery confirmation. Please, please keep the shipping deadline. This is a very busy time of year for all and I don't want to have to spend hours trying to contact you if you fail to ship or send me the delivery confirmation number timely. Please. And Thank You.

When your secret Santa packages arrives, please shoot me an email and let me know you have blogged about it!! Include your blog address too, it will help me out a lot! All the links on the main signup post will be updated with the blog post about your gifts. That way it is easy to click on the link and see what everyone received....all in one place. I have had a few email me that their packages have arrived, I will be updating the links this weekend. By Sunday night at the latest.

Don't forget, some SS participants are sending more than one package.....so wait on doing your post after all your goodies arrive. Some have emailed me and left hints on their blogs to their partners....this is fun!! Stop by a few and see for yourself.....go visit!!

I hope you have had a lot of fun with this SSS this year, met a new friend, and found many new blogs. It is fun to surprise someone with a careful thought out package of goodies!!

Lastly, If for some unforeseen thing comes up and you can not ship by the deadline, it is imperceptive you let me know. Please. But lets all try and keep that deadline intact.

Have a great weekend!! I myself, plan on making some homemade treats for my Secret Santa partner and do a little shopping too.....will be at the Post Office Monday to mail out my package.....

*hint* to my partner....your package won't be shipped from Colorado!!! Ha!

Five Minute Friday: Tired

2011-12-02T09:39:00.000-06:00

Today I'm linking up to Lisa-Jo aka the gypsy mama, who chooses a topic every Friday and writes for five minutes.
Only five minutes
And the rule is that whatever you write about in that five minutes is what you posts. No editing your thoughts. Today, her topic choice is "Tired....."
Ready. Set. Go......

Tis the season to be......tired! That is the running anthem for so many this time of year. So much to do, so little spare time to do it in. For so many years, the holidays passed in a blur and when they were over, I was left with the feeling of resentment for all the things I had to do and then suddenly it was over. Where is the enjoyment in that? I thought about that just this past week as I sank down in my chair to watch a television program and felt more tired than ever. It had been a long day, and I had tried to get a lot done but in the end, felt defeated and worn out.

For me, I decided multitask many of the holiday extras. Holiday baking is a must but requires extra time. So, I will cook one meal and turn it into two for the week. The second night will be reserved for baking instead of cooking. Not doing anything extra...just doing something different with my time. Wrapping gifts also will be multitasked. Instead of sitting in my comfy chair watching a television program, I will be at the table wrapping a few gifts or filling out holiday cards. Working on things a little at a time instead of waiting till the last minute. Planning shopping trips with a list of what I am needing and where I want to go and sticking to that list. Cutting out the extra stops to just see what they might have because my reality is, I waste a lot of time that way. Most importantly, letting go of all the things I stack up against myself to must-do when the reality of it is, I could do without some of it.

I've made a list of what is important and what I need to get done and am chipping it away a little at a time. Unmounted pressure to be all, do all, accomplish all during the holiday season is not what this time of year is all about. The reality is sometimes less is more....it saves time for important things. It really is a time to slow down and enjoy all the magic surrounded by the Christmas season. I don't want to be so busy and so tired, that I miss the beauty that only this time of year can bring. I don't want to miss the magic....Stop.

Vintage Thingie Thursday: A Grinchy Christmas Dog

2011-11-30T18:35:00.000-06:00

It is always fun this time of year as the Christmas decorations come out of their carefully wrapped boxes, to take a moment to enjoy all the memories that are attached to the holiday decorations as we deck the halls once again. One of my favorite memories of the Christmas season as a kid was the shows that were on television during this time. One of my all time favorites was How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

I seem to try and watch this one every year and never grow tired of it! Now, I look back at all my old favorites and wonder at the simplicity in the making of these shows, Yet, as a child growing up before animated graphics came along, they were pure magical......and truth be told, they still are.

Now if you are a fan of The Grinch, then Max is just about the cutest character on the show...next to Cindy Lou Who..... Just look at this adorable Max the dog made from reclaimed and recycled materials. He has become a treasure to me and is loved and cherished.

Being a dog lover, I always felt sorry for the poor little guy.....still do every time I watch that show. He reminds me of my dachshunds....cute, spunky, and too small to pull Santa's sleigh, but so faithful to try.

Lots of time during my teenage years were spent at my best friends house and her younger brother was always special to me. He was always so much fun and funny and we loved spending time with him and his friends. I always thought of him like a brother, and he was always as cute as a bug.

Not to mention, that my first born is named after him. When I was looking for a name to name my son, "Jeff" came to mind and that is how I named "my Jeff"....after the brother of one of my best friends. Well, as you can guess, my friend Jeff has grown into a mighty talented man! And I was gifted this Max the dog this summer. I treasure it, not only because it s so cute, but for who made it. Every time I look at him, I remember that cute little blond young man and how he grew into such a talented man today. I adore this dog and could not wait to display it this holiday season.

It takes a lot of creative talent to create things from nothing. Some people have that knack, others don't. Jeff certainly has so much of that very talent. I am so very proud of him and his accomplishments. These days, it takes special hearts to be able to see good in tossed away and ordinary things and turn them into treasures. Jeff is just that type of heart. Some of his work is displayed at an Art Gallery in Granbury Texas. Check his work out HERE......there are some great pieces all made from reclaimed, tossed and forgotten treasures! This is the very kind of art that makes my heart sing! I love it!

What do you think of Max the dog?? Adorable is the word that comes to my mind. I added a couple of vintage ornaments to the antlers which are old railroad spikes, and borrowed one of Sophie's Christmas collars to put on his neck. I think he really is just about the cutest thing I have added this year to my decorations! He will be loved and cherished for many years to come! Thanks Jeffro for my precious pup! I love it and still love you too!!!

Happy Vintage Thingie Thursday Everyone!!! I am excited to see all the vintage Christmas that is sure to be highlighted this next month!! What about you???

One Fine Blessing: December Birthday List and Christmas Card List

2011-11-29T15:31:00.001-06:00

It is almost December!! Thanks all who have stuck this project out with me this year. It has been wonderful and fulfilling to so many. I could not have done it without all of you!!

December Birthdays:

Pauline is a lovely gentlewoman who loves the Lord, her husband, grandchildren, and friends. It would be a great surprise to her to get lots of cards with or without a dollar.

DEC 14th
Pauline DeTevis
1035 Barry Way
Fremont CA 94536

**** This birthday is the mother of a special blogging friend who passed away in September. (Sara aka Gitzen Girl) I can only imagine how this holiday season is going to be most difficult for her and her family. She lost her husband 14 months prior to losing her daughter. I thought a card and word of cheer or encouragement would be nice. No dollars needed for this one....just some love I am sure would be most appreciated.

Dec. 20
Jane Frankl
405 Timber Estates
Algona, Iowa 50511

Now I have had several emails about Christmas Cards, and below is the updated list of the seniors we sent Birthday wishes to this year.

This is the Christmas card list, and feel free to add the above two names to that list as well.

You can send one card, or one to each of the names. It is up to you....lets just spread a little cheer this holiday! If you want, you can add a dollar....up to you. It is not necessary to do that, but it is a good way to give a donation this holiday season, and one that would be appreciated by many! With our seniors, a dollar bill goes a long way for a little added joy.

Iris Fransz, 7641 Linden ct., Newark, Ca. 94560-2237
Jim Smith, 1111 Rockingham Dr #1107, Richardson TX 75080
Bill Kline, 113 Hemlock Dr., Hanover, Pa. 17331
Joyce and Hank Walker, 11010 First Beech Cove, Hernando, Mississippi 38632
Mary Ellen Stone, C/O The Wesley House, Rm. 141, 1102 S. Williams St., Atlanta, Tx 75555
Irvan Shaw, 729 Spring Brook Lane, Leander, TX, 78641
Joyce Cooper, 1621 Barron Lane, Ft. Worth, TX 76112
Pat & Sherrie Ferguson, 2478 Hwy. 1 north, Tillar, Arkansas 71670
Beth Hontros, 602A 60th St., Milwaukee, Wi. 53214
Mabel Giambaresi, 601 N. Kirby St. spc. 96, Hemet, Ca 92545
Ms. Edna Quick, p.o. box 94, Lumber Bridge, NC 28357
Betty Smith, 209 SW Taylor, Burleson, Texas 76028
Helen Gulickson, c/o Mary Jo Mrdutt, 1474 Center St., Boyceville, WI 54725
Joan M. Turner, 2539 Begonia st., Union City, Ca. 94587-5302
Nellie Snavely, 599 Pleasant Vally Dr., West Plains, Mo. 65775
Maurice Boyer, Box 42, Liberty town, Md. 21762

Thank you once again for your continued support and participation!! Don't forget if you have a senior you'd like to add to the list for next year, please let me know.

Progress on Orca Bay - New Quilt Mystery by Bonnie Hunter

2011-11-29T08:17:00.001-06:00

Myself along with many, many online bloggers who happen to be quilters are working away on Bonnie Hunters new mystery quilt, Orca Bay. I did RRCB last year...still not finished...but I digress...it is close to being finished.

First step was posted. I read it. Then read it again. It was several days before I got started with the holidays just getting into full swing. So, when I did sit down (or stand) to cut the fabrics, it seemed to take forever. I did not purchase the easy angle ruler, I cute squares first, then the quarter triangles from the squares. I cut. And I cut. And I cut.

See this box of blocks? Ummmm......yes, well it seems when I read my instructions, I was either having a senior moment or misplaced my glasses.....hoping it was the latter, rather than the first. None the less....I have over half plus about 10 blocks over what I needed.

That's right. Instead of having the 224 that I should have had, I have 459. That's right......459!!!! Good grief.

This week, I'm working on the second step. This little blocks are very fun!! I love string piecing thanks to Bonnie!!! Here are the first ones I have done. Believe me I know exactly how many of these little gems I need. The directions are taped to the wall behind the sewing machine and I highlighted all the important information....like how many to make!!

No matter mistakes or not. This is a fun process....I love working on a quilt that I have no idea how it is going to turn out. I get less overwhelmed that way. I like working on a little piece of the puzzle each week, because I am sure if I saw the finished product first, I would think it might be too complicated to do....Bonnie is getting me out of that mode of thinking....one little scrap of fabric at a time!

You can stop by Bonnie's blog HERE to see others progress on this quilt...there are lots of links...and it is fun looking at others works and colors.

Southern Living Giveaway - Update

2011-11-27T18:24:00.000-06:00

Winner is #24 - Sweet Bee Cottage!! Congratulations!! Email me your information and this will be on its way soon!! Thanks everyone who entered and played along!! Have a great week!

Don't forget, last day to sign up for the one year subscription giveaway is HERE. I will announce the winner on Sunday. Have a great weekend!!

Vintage Thingie Thursday: Vintage Recipe Share & Giveaway

2011-11-23T13:05:00.001-06:00

Vintage Thanksgiving Postcard - dated 1925....lots of wear, but still a goodie!!

You maybe can enlarge to read the message, I love finding postcards that were written on and mailed. They are lots of fun to read.

One thing about looking through vintage cookbooks and recipes is you never know what kind of gem might be lurking there within the pages. This recipe I am going to share is just that...a gem! I love how it turned out and great for holiday dessert tables.

Yummo!! Does this upside down cranberry cake not look divine!!! Even if I do say so myself!! Glad it turned out, as sometimes the directions are a bit sketchy in old cookbooks. Recipe below!

CranberryUpside-Down Cake

Topping: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup butter, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 1 cup white sugar, 2 cups frozen cranberries

To make topping, slice butter into thin pieces. place in bottom of round cake pan (8 inch). Sprinkle with walnuts over butter. Wash and dry cranberries, pour over nuts.

Cake: 1/2 cup almond paste (not marzipan), 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup butter at room temperature, 1 1/4 cup flour, 1 tsp. baking powder, 1/4 tsp. salt, 3 eggs, 1 Tbl. orange zest.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. ( I used the paddle attachment on my stand mixer) beat almond paste in low speed for about 2 minutes or until broken up. Add sugar, increase speed and keep beating until almond paste is fine as possible. Add butter and mix until creamy and pale in coloring. (aprox 1 minute) Add eggs, one at a time scraping down sides. Add orange zest mix well. Sift flour, salt and baking powder. Turn off mixer and add dry ingredients in three batches mixing by hand. Don't over beat or mix. Pour in prepared pan over cranberry mixture, spread smooth, (this will be thick). Bake for about 40-50 minutes. Let rest for 10 to 12 minutes and turn out of pan onto serving plate. Cool and cover with glass dome.

I used my grandmothers vintage clear glass cake plate.....This is so pretty for Thanksgiving dessert or for Christmas

And because I am thankful for all of my blogging friends,all of you who show up here and always have something great to share or say..... I'd like to host a little giveaway...one that will continue to give all throughout 2012.I have not had a giveaway in a while, and thought it was high time to do so!!

Sunday, I will randomly draw one name from the comment section for a one year subscription to Southern Living Magazine. Just leave a comment to this post and tell me what you are most looking forward to this holiday season and you are entered!! Myself...I am most looking forward to spending time with my family and keeping family traditions alive......let the fun begin!!

for the record, Southern Living does not know me, nor do they know I am having a giveaway....I just love the magazine and would love to share with one of you guys!!! Happy Thanksgiving...and Happy Vintage Thingie Thursday!

Secret Sante Soiree: Questions Answered

2011-11-21T08:37:00.001-06:00

Thought I'd take a moment to answer a few questions that are finding their way to my inbox this past week......

1. What is DC? This stands for delivery confirmation. Request it at the post office and email me the number.

2. When do I mail my package? You can mail your package any time you wish as long as it is shipped by the 10th of December. Pay close attention if you have someone with specific instructions or international swappers. Please allow time for your package to travel through customs in both countries and get to your partner by Christmas.

3. How do I send my package and not reveal my name or address? You can send your package but don't put your name on the package with the return address. Below is the example of how I have sent mine in the past

A Doxie Mom
855 Ti......street
Sle......, Ark 25.....

Please, I would strongly advise putting your return address in case there would be a problem there would be a place to return the package to.

4. Can I purchase more than one gift, like lots of little things for my spending limit? Yes, you can purchase whatever you like. Just remember that the minimum is $20.00. If you find lots of cute little things, that is great. It is really up to you.

5. Is it too late to join? Yes, I am afraid it is. It would be impossible at this point to open this up to more swappers, as all list have been completed and sent. I am sorry but there had to be a deadline for this to work smoothly.

6. ***When you do receive your package, Please do a blog post and send me the link by email. I have decide to update the original link sign in on that first post so you can easily click on that post and check the links to see what everyone received. That would be a lot easier than me trying to update post each week on all 67 blogs. It would keep everything centralized and easy to view all the blogs and their goodies they received.
*** If your secret santa is one of the ones who is enjoying sending more than one gift and in different parcels, please once all packages have been received, do a post on all your goodies and I can use that link to add to the link list.

7. Deadline for shipping is December 10th.

If you have any other questions I have not addressed, please don't hesitate to email me, that is what I am here for!! Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving holiday this week....and enjoy the shopping frenzy that is sure to come!! I'd like to say, don't worry about doing something wrong with this SSS, remember when things are done with a giving heart, there is nothing wrong in that!!! Blessings to you and your families!

Simple Sunday: Majesty

2011-11-19T19:21:00.001-06:00

There is a serene and settled majesty to woodland scenery that enters into the soul and delights and elevates it, and fills it with noble inclinations.

~ Washington Irving

I am linked in today with Shadow Shot Sunday. Amazing photographs inspired by shadows. Go ahead. Take a peak!!

No Shame Here

2011-11-19T11:02:00.001-06:00

You guys know when it comes to asking for something, well, I usually just ask....or in the past BEG for donations of fabrics to help a quilt come to life. And so I thought I'd try asking again. No Shame. But...this time it is not for me, but for a fellow quilter who needs to be uplifted and encouraged.

This morning, I read a story about Sue who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Sue starts her treatment the Monday after Thanksgiving and is sad and scared and rightfully so. Sue is an avid quilter and could use a little cheering and a nudge to get back to quilting. Quilting during a difficult time would be a great distraction. Quilting for me, is a stress reducer, I can get lost in the humming of the machine and the feel of the fabrics and forget my troubles for a bit.

You can read more about this Fabric for Sue Campaign on Designs by Debbie & Dixie too's blog. There are instructions to email for information on where to send a little piece of fabric to cheer this lady on as she undergoes the fight for her life. She also asks for encouraging words to uplift Sue during this time to be sent. She'd love to have this done and presented to Sue by December 15th. Debbie is also hosting a giveaway for all who send a piece of fabric.

Quilters are a generous bunch and always come through when asked. This is one opportunity to bless someone in such a small way. Just had to share. Together, we can cheer Sue on during this journey she is taking very soon. Blessings Sue, you will remain in my heart and prayers.

Five Minute Friday: Grow

2011-11-18T08:00:00.000-06:00

Today I'm linking up to Lisa-Jo aka the gypsy mama, who chooses a topic every Friday and writes for five minutes.
Only five minutes
And the rule is that whatever you write about in that five minutes is what you posts. No editing your thoughts. Today, her topic choice is "Grow....."
Ready. Set. Go......

This year was a very hard year on my gardens. The oppressed heat that lasted all summer long did nothing but take its toll on my vegetable and flower gardens. Early on, my vegetable garden faded away, and became nothing, choked out by the heat. My flower gardens held on for the most part, many plants did not grow at all. They stayed small, and never bloomed all summer. I counted it a complete loss, but left what plants were trying to thrive in the heat in place and just sorta chalked it up as a bad year. The extreme heat will do that....strain everything.....causing many things to go dormant.

Fast forward to the fall and we have had very pleasant cool fall days. Funny thing happened when things started cooling off. Those flowers that were all but written off during the summer did something spectacular. The not only began to bloom, but to grow into the beautiful plants I yearned for during the summer months. With a little love and attention, they have been a real show stopper for me this fall. They grew when I did not have the faith that they would. The vegetable garden however, never came back to life no matter how much time and energy I gave it. The growth ended much too early but then it is like that with other aspects of life as well.

Many times, relationships are the same way. The are formed, and started and seem to work and grow at first. But then the unexpected happens, much like with the oppressed heat, and they start to sit idle and struggle to just be alive. Many times they appear to be dead at first glance. But somewhere, deep inside there is a glimmer of what used to be and the desire to grow into maybe not the same but a new relationship forms. Many times the new relationship far exceeds any expectations one might have had in the first place. It is not easy to achieve this growth, it takes work, it takes time devoted to each other. It also takes communication and a willingness to allow one another a space in your garden of life. It takes willingness to not let that person go away and shrivel up again and out of your life.

Likewise, like the vegetable garden, there are times when nothing you do, or say, or wish is enough to revive a relationship you thought was lost. Growth happened at the beginning but for what ever reason it did not survive the times of drought and heat. It was not meant to be. And when that happens, it is time to look ahead and concentrate on the new season of growth that is in front of you. Don't grieve for the crop that was lost, but concentrate and be optimistic on the growth that will come during the next season of your life. How we grow individually is what effects how we all grow together after all.
.Stop.

Vintage Thingie Thursday: Vintage Salesman Button Cards

2011-11-16T18:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome everyone to Vintage Thingies Thursday. If you have a love for vintage things, well....you have come to the right place. We have a "dog-gone" good time each and every week!!! If you are new to this party, please take the time to read and follow the instructions for participating in Vintage Thingies Thursday, click HERE. I try and keep things fairly simple, so please make sure you follow the instructions. Please only ONE link per week.

Here it is time for Vintage Thingie Thursday and well, honestly, I had nothing......nothing that I had photographed or ~~could find~~ had ready to be photographed.

So....please forgive me this one time. I am going to show some neat vintage button cards and well....plug my newly opened Etsy Shop at the same time. (See link on Left Side Bar, at bottom of page) I promise I won't do it again, just this once. If you want to stop in and browse, there will be a link on the sidebar of my blog. As you might have guessed, THESE photos were still on my computer from adding them to the shop, so that sorta made it a little easier for me.

These are vintage button salesman show cards that were used when calling on department stores and small shops that ordered and sold buttons. These are FANTASTIC in my opinion. I love them. I think they are very unusual and fun to see how buttons were ordered for selling in stores.

I was fortunate enough to come across so many of them in one location, so I purchased all of them. I decided that some of my favorite ones would be a great addition to my sewing room....in a frame.

I love this frame, a Goodwill find a few months ago. I love it and had saved it for just the right thing....I think these two make a great statement together....the button card and the frame!

So there you have it! I love how it turned out. And I am glad to have rescued these cards from the lady that was going to toss them if they did not sell. I have several styles and cards in the shop, would make a great gift for the quilter, seamstress or button collector. Just an idea!!

Have a great Vintage Thingie Thursday.....and promise.....you won't hear me mention the shop again.....I guess it is still too new not to be exciting to me!! Thanks in advance for you allowing me this one post on the subject!!

Have a great week Everyone!! And as always, there will be a link up for next Thursday! Here in the USA it is a holiday ~ It's Thanksgiving, but I always leave a link up so if you decide to do a post next week, just so you know, a link will be up!!

Where Am I? I seem to be lost......

2011-11-15T20:02:00.001-06:00

I have asked that very thing...over and over....Where has the person I call myself gone??? A few short years ago, I could work circles around anyone I knew. I'd start early in the morning and not stop until way in the night. Now....half way through the day, I am out of steam. Worn out.

I am finding that I am not familiar with this person I call myself these days. Likewise, I really don't care much for them. I don't like not getting everything done that I feel I should be accomplishing day to day. Why does it seem so hard to focus on any one task for very long? Why is that so hard when several years ago it was not. I feel like Maxine.....where has my Stuff gone?????

I am worn out tonight....and I should not be. I am tired, and discouraged as I guess it is a sign of getting older. Or a sign I need to get myself in gear and get in better shape. It is hard to admit that might be the very problem. What a cycle...needs more energy...has no energy to start.....wow.....I have decided old age is not so fun....or the very feeling that you are getting old......think I will call it a night....Oh.....and it is only 8:00pm.

In considering Maxine's advice....stop whining.....tomorrow is another day......maybe if I don't look too hard, my old self might show back up....with all the stuff that seems to have gone missing as well!! Ahem...... I will at least be optimistic!

Simple Sunday: Shadows of Simplicity

2011-11-13T07:01:00.001-06:00

" Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication"

~ Leonardo da Vinci

I am linked in today with Shadow Shot Sunday. Amazing photographs inspired by shadows. Go ahead. Take a peak!!

Secret Santa Soiree: Update

2011-11-12T06:51:00.001-06:00

By now, I am sure there are lots of Santa shoppers out and about!! I'd like to thank each one of you for your cooperation in getting all the info and emails back to me in a timely manner. Everyone has responded and are set to hit the shops!!

Some have asked about DC in shipping. That is delivery confirmation number. The post office will give you a number, you have to ask for Delivery confirmation.

Shipping deadline is December 10th. For me, I think a good time to ship is around the first of December. SOME of our Secret Santas are planning to ship more than once. IF you are a lucky recipient of more than one surprise keep this in mind if you receive a small something early on and something else later. I am thankful for such generous Santas this year!!

Remember if you have any questions, I am here to serve as ELF and email your partner any questions you might have.

Have fun!!! It is really enjoyable to shop for someone and anticipate their happiness when they get their package of goodies in the mail. Yes...it truly is, and I believe that is still called The Spirit of Christmas!! Have fun everyone!

Five Minute Friday : Unexpected

2011-11-11T07:25:00.000-06:00

Vintage Thingie Thursday: Vintage Dachshund Book & Figurine

2011-11-09T18:05:00.000-06:00

Welcome everyone to Vintage Thingies Thursday. If you have a love for vintage things, well....you have come to the right place. We have a "dog-gone" good time each and every week!!! If you are new to this party, please take the time to read and follow the instructions for participating in Vintage Thingies Thursday, click HERE. I try and keep things fairly simple, so please make sure you follow the instructions. Please only ONE link per week.

I always seem to be on the lookout for cute vintage dachshund things when I am out and about. Last week, I was out looking for something else all together different, and wouldn't you know it, I saw and purchased several vintage dachshund treasures. You know if I was looking for these types of treasures, I certainly would not have seen anything...always when you are looking for something else! However, I am not complaining.

This cute little paperback book was a real find for me. I have seen this on ebay several times, but did not want to pay the price it was at....but this one was only .50 cents. It does have a little bit of damage, but not enough to leave it on the shelf. There is a resale shop close to me that always has the neatest things, and children's books are one of the many things they always have in abundance. Vintage children books that is!!

This page really cracks me up, because if you really knew how things go around here, it is the dogs that want on the table...and in fact, have been known to GET ON the table. When we bring in groceries, Sophie knows grocery sacks means lots of goodies. I have lost a package of hamburger or two in her lifetime....just sayin'

Now, this is more like it....more like what really goes on around my house!! Total out of control Dachshund fun!!

I also was able to pick this cutie up for some change. She reminds me of Sophie and I knew she had to come home with me. This little figurine does not have a stamp or marking, but she is cute....crazing and all!

Have a wonderful week and fantastic weekend......I guess it is time to start planning for the holidays.....I am afraid to blink for fear they will be here before I am ready! I plan to spend the rest of the week opening up an Etsy shop.....VERY excited about that!!! Lots of goodies to put in that shop.....just in time for holiday shopping!! Happy Vintage Thingie Thursday!!

Consumer Alert - Pricing at Walmart

2011-11-08T08:22:00.000-06:00

Most folks that know me personally have heard me say I don't prefer shopping at Walmart at all. I do however for the sake of convenience stop in about 3 times a month for something quick I might need but usually it is only for one or two things. I don't do my regular grocery shopping there at all ~ ever.

AND THIS IS WHY

Last month not once but THREE times when I ran into the store for bell peppers and onions when I mysteriously ran out at home, found this at the checkout. If you do the grocery shopping, you know the cost of GREEN bell peppers, and you know the cost of the pretty ORANGE, RED, and YELLOW ones too. The green ones are considerably less always.

Is it a new way to get a few more cents out of the unsuspecting consumer?? I don't know, but you can bet I won't forget them on my next grocery shopping outing at my local grocery store.

When all your pennies count....it pays to pay attention especially during the hurry and rushed season upon us....and shame on Walmart I say! I'd have acknowledged it being a mistake once...but three times in one month is a little eye raising for me! Just thought you'd want to know.

** I did call it to the managers attention the very first time it happened and he said he would take care of it....after the third time in the same month....I guess he forgot.

Christmas Fabrics - Dachshund Fabric

2011-11-07T08:33:00.001-06:00

Nothing better than finding some new fabric that has dachshunds in the print. Even better when you find more than one bolt of fabric with different prints. I was over the moon when I found this fabric a couple of weeks ago. I thought that maybe this would make someones day to get their hands on some of this! Take a peek.....

I found this one online at Hancock Fabrics. I also saw a small bolt left in-store last week as well.

This one has cute dachshunds and kitty cats. Found at Hancock online.

How cute is Santa with a dachshund.....this one was found online at Hancock Fabrics and I also saw it in-store locally last week.

Love this.....Santa's Sleigh being pulled by three little dachshunds....you know in my mind that is Sophie, Dora and Bailey pulling that sleigh......Found online at Hancock Fabrics and in-store last week.

All the one's came last week that I ordered online. Love them!!! But then.......over the weekend look what I found......

Cute dachshunds in Santa hats!! Oh, I was super excited. I found this at Jo-Ann's Fabrics here locally. I checked their website and they have it listed as NEW. Here is the link.

I felt like I hit the jackpot with all of this cute fabric! It is not easy finding fabric with dachshunds, and when I do find it online, then it is all sold out! So I thought I'd pass this on to some of you dachshund or fabric enthusiast out there. I suggest not waiting too long, as I would imagine it being sold out rather quickly as it all is ON SALE!!! You can thank me for this later!!!!

.....Oh, and Hancock nor Jo-Ann's have any idea who I am, nor do they care. Which is sad really, because I do spend a lot of money in both of these stores. Anyway, I am not passing this on to you for them to benefit from it...I am passing it on so YOU will benefit from it! This would be cute for lots of projects......What do you think you'd make with this holiday pup fabric????

Simple Sunday: Sunshine

2011-11-06T02:46:00.001-06:00

Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you.

~ Walt Whitman

I am linked in today with Shadow Shot Sunday. Amazing photographs inspired by shadows. Go ahead. Take a peak!!

Secret Santa Soiree: UPDATE: Let's Go Shopping!!!!

2011-11-05T13:40:00.000-05:00

By now, you should have an email in your inbox with your swap partners information. PLEASE check. Please check your spam folder too. Subject matter is "SSS - swap partner information" I would like to ask you to "reply" to the email so I know you received your information. Please read the emails all the way to the end....many have special instructions from your partner.

Please refer to the original post on deadlines, etc. Don't forget delivery confirmation when shipping and please email me the number. Remember if you have an international swap partner, customs and mailing this time of year takes longer, so I'd suggest mailing your package as early as possible.

I took great effort to draw randomly to be fair when assigning swap partners. I keep saying "swap" but let me remind you that the name you have, they do not have your name, if they did it would be a rare occurrence and I avoid those at all cost.

After reviewing all the information, if you find you still have questions about what to get for your SSS, email me and I will ask your SSS person to answer whatever you need to know. Give me a little bit of time to get that info back to you, remember we have 67 participants.

Please try to make your partner feel special, shop for them as you would want someone to shop for you. I heard time and time again, that this was going to be a bright spot this year in many lives. Lets not disappoint. Remember the minimum is $20.00 not including shipping. You can spend more if you feel led to do so, but please don't expect everyone to do that. With a little thought and creativity it is very easy to spend $20.00 and still send a great package of goodies.

Thanks for your patience while I work this all out......I hope I kept everything and everyone straight! Thank you for getting me all the information in a timely manner, it really made everything start a lot smoother and allowed me to get stared right away. I hope you find this experience rewarding and a lot of fun. Most of all, have a great time......hopefully you won't know your partner at all......and this will be a great opportunity to meet a new friend and get to know them. After all, that is what it is all about!

Now.....Secret Santas......lets get shopping!!!

First, Fifth, Forever: A letter writing journey: November 2011

2011-11-04T23:24:00.000-05:00

Welcome to First, Fifth Forever here at The Coloradolady. In case you are just finding this post or topic, this is a year long letter writing journey that started in January of 2011 for me. Each month, I try to send a letter to someone or card and let them know what they mean to me.

** This month, I am sending out a couple of notes to some special friends near and far. I also will be sending a package to a mother who lost her precious daughter in September. The gift is a quilt, and I have a long letter to hand write that will be delivered with the quilt. This one will be bittersweet for sure.

Out of that endeavor developed another project to bring a little joy and excitement to seniors all over the country. A spin off from a dear facebook friend's project, I started this on my own blog. Each month, (hopefully) I post about a senior s birthday and leave the information on my blog and I also have a designated email for this. If you'd like to be a part of making a big difference with just a small amount of effort, please join us. You can email me at onefineblessing (at) yahoo (dot) com to be added to the email list. Likewise, if you know a senior who would benefit from this or could just use a little pick me up, please email me their name and birth date so we can be sure and spread a little cheer.

****Please visit the blog that will be linked today to this post below.....I don't want you to miss the photos of two of the birthday recipients.

The month of October had a few birthdays to celebrate our seniors. I'd like to follow up on a few here today.

You may recall Tony, who had a Birthday on October 1st. He had been battling cancer for quiet a while. Tony passed from this life two weeks after his birthday. He had the best time with all the cards that filled his mailbox for his birthday celebration. I know there were other groups sending cards besides us so he really was enjoying all the mail. I was a bit sad when I heard this news, but the thought came to mind rather quickly, what a privilege to be able to celebrate this seniors last birthday even in a small way and show love and support. I am forever grateful for that opportunity.

The end of the month was Hank's birthday. The cards came at a most opportune time for he had been under the weather the couple of weeks leading up to his birthday. He told me in an email that the cards came at a time his spirits were so low, and the cards really brought a bright spot during this time. How great to be part of that too!

I myself had a surprise at the beginning of the month....and it certainly did bring a smile to my face that afternoon!! Just look at this.....

One of my blogging friends, Pipstitch, saw this cute postcard and sent it to me. She said she was not really on vacation, but saw it and thought of me!! I have this cutie on the bulletin board in my sewing room. What a thoughtful gesture, and it certainly touched my heart. Thank you so much Patty for sending it, it really brightened my day!

I have a link up if you'd like to share something about your own letter writing journey this year. Just feel free to link in below.

Just remember, small things with great love and thought often touch others and their hearts in ways you could never imagine. Take a couple of minutes and put pen to paper and send that special someone a note or card. You will be glad you did. Have a wonderful weekend!!

Five Minute Friday: Remember........

2011-11-04T10:24:00.000-05:00

Today I'm linking up to Lisa-Jo aka the gypsy mama, who chooses a topic every Friday and writes for five minutes.

Only five minutes

And the rule is that whatever you write about in that five minutes is what you posts. No editing your thoughts. Today, her topic choice is "Remember....."

Ready. Set. Go......

This morning as I was drying my hair, I noticed far more gray hairs than I normally do. And by a few, I guess I should be honest and say a lot. I usually color those little hints of aging but have not done so in a couple of months. Then this morning, they decided to show themselves in all their glory. As I glanced at the silver and white strands that are not a welcome reminder of my age, a thought came to my mind and caused me to remember......

I remember thinking when I was younger that gray hair was caused by stress or trauma. I always thought kids and the situations they found themselves in would cause their parents to get gray too. I don't know if that is true or not but I did think back on lots of those times in my life that surely play a factor in all the silver and white showing up this morning.

I remember the struggles I had with my kids getting older and learning to give them their wings to fly and hope they held on to their roots. I remember the lowest point in my life and that of someone very close to me, where I was at the lowest point I could possibly be. There was no light in sight and feeling of utter despair and helplessness consumed me. I remember caring for my dying mother in law who passed away from breast cancer. I remember the feelings of helplessness I felt and feeling like I could not do enough in the hopes of saving her from what was surely to come. I remember all the times throughout my life when members of family caused so much hurt and disappointment, that the sting still lingers a bit. I remember the unexplainable hurt in my heart when I found out my own father had passed away. The emptiness that evoked from years of his absence and the hope of reconciling our differences gone with no regard. I remember all the times I did everything I could to prove not only to the world but to myself that I was important and deserved to be valued.

......and then I remembered all of these struggles, hurts and stresses that most would certainly say was a great cause of lots of gray hairs all had one thing in common. Every. Single. one of these were overcome. Not only were they overcome but I made it through the dark times and found my way back to the light. When all hope was lost and I wanted to give up....somehow, someway....I dug deep and kept on going.

With that thought in mind, I sorta looked at those silver and white hairs on my head a bit differently. Sure they still are a reminder that I am not as young as I used to be, but they also cause me to remember that everything that could have caused them was a learning experience and a struggle that was overcome. By remembering I am encouraged that all future struggles can be overcome as well. After all, all I have to do is look in the mirror, the reminder is certainly there. STOP.

Vintage Thingie Thursday: Thrifty Finds - A Bull and Shakers

2011-11-02T18:32:00.000-05:00

I seem to have a lot of orphan little animals that come home with me. They have a nice home on a vintage shelf in my laundry room. This little guy is marked Japan on the back.

I turned him over and this was on the bottom. I have several bunnies that are dated with names too. I often wonder if they were gifts to teachers, or gifts to parents. It seems they were important enough to date and name the recipient but yet they ended up in a thrift shop or Salvation Army Store. It makes me sad so I rescue them and love them and they have a happy home with me.

Single salt and pepper shakers always find a way to my home too. This one was so small and dainty, I thought it was sweet and not a bad price of 25 cents.

Funny story about these.

I was at a neighborhood garage sale last weekend that is located close to me. I stopped at one sale and there were three ladies sitting at a table. I asked the lady how much for the shakers. She said, 25 cents. Trying to contain my excitement, I said I'd take them all but wanted to look around some more. I went to pay and the guy taking the money told me that they would be $4.00. I looked puzzled and informed him the lady said that they were 25 cents each. So he went and asked the lady again, and she said, Oh, $6.00. Heelloooooooo??????? To make a long story short, I did pay $2.00 for all of them, but I say.....pay attention!!!!

I have not even cleaned these up, they were just pulled out of the sack for a photo. The lids are tarnished which is what I wanted.....I have seen great little things made with shakers like this.....so I am going to see if I can do the same....turn them into something cute!

Have a great Vintage Thingie Thursday everyone!!! It is supposed to get cooler here tomorrow and I am sure hoping I am not having to haul plants in from outside!! We will see........

Oh, and I have a new blog for you to visit and welcome to blog land. I won't say who it is....but maybe you will figure it out. I'll give you a little hint......she is the apple of her daddy's eye.....and mom's too!!! Stop by HERE and welcome this new blogger!!!

Secret Santa Soiree - UPDATES

2011-10-31T09:28:00.004-05:00

Sign-ups for the Secret Santa Soiree ends tonight....We have 62 secret Santa participants as of this morning. I am excited...this is going to be a lot of fun!!

I still have a few swappers who have not emailed me. Please check your emails and spam folders. I have emailed everyone who has signed up, so if you have not received an email from me, check your spam folder. If I could not locate your email address, I have left messages under comments on your blogs.

ALL participants who have not received the questionnaire or have not emailed me their mailing address needs to contact me today. If you are one of the ones who have not contacted me and have not answered my email, I will have no choice but to delete your link from the list. The cut off was the 30th but I am giving one extra day. We have a lot of participants and I need to start working on swapping partners. I don't want to have to do that so PLEASE contact me today!! In order for me to meet the deadlines I have imposed on myself, I need the information to me by the deadline today.

If you have emailed me and I have forwarded you the questionnaire, please get that back to me completed by tomorrow or the earliest.....I need that information asap.

I am really excited about hosting this this year. We have lots of great participants and now would be a good time to start visiting a few who might be new to you!! I hope we all meet lots of new friends during this upcoming holiday season!!

Don't forget...check your emails, check your spam folders...but most importantly, I need to hear from you today....if you have already received all the questionnaire from me and have sent the information back to me

....well, then you are set!!!

I'll do my best to get the work on my end done quickly and get your secret Santa partner to you as soon as possible...but for sure by the 10th of November!!

Thanks everyone.......Have a great day!!!

Simple Sunday: Shadow

2011-10-29T22:43:00.001-05:00

Because everything we say and do is the length and shadow of our own souls, our influence is determined by the quality of our being.
~ Dale E. Turner

I am linked in today with Shadow Shot Sunday. Amazing photographs inspired by shadows. Go ahead. Take a peak!! Have a safe and Happy Halloween!!

One Fine Blessing: Senior Birthday List for November

2011-10-28T11:29:00.000-05:00

It is already time to update for the November Birthday list for Seniors. I just sent emails to those on the mailing list, but for those who might still like to participate, here is the list here! Wow....October is almost gone......time for the busy part of our year!! November and December. This month we have three Birthdays!

For myself, I am going to address these all at once and then keep them in eye sight for the remainder of the month with a note on when to mail! Same for December! I'd hate to forget once I get in the throws of the holidays! Something to think about!

The first Birthday for November is:

Nellie ~ She will be 85 on her birthday. Nellie's daughter wrote: "my mom still cares for my 60 year old mentally handicapped sister and I know she would be blown away with some cards"

will be 85 on November 4

Nellie Snavely
599 Pleasant Valley Dr.
West Plains, MO. 65775

Next we have:

Joan ~ Joan has been widowed for many years; she is always cheerful and giving of her time to her friends and to many church causes. She is on very limited income where each extra dollar is a real gift to her. She loves going to the movies and will go at matinees because they are cheaper.

Joan's Birthday is on November 24

JOAN M. TURNER
2539 BEGONIA ST
UNION CITY CA 94587-5302

Next we have:

Maurice~

Maurice lost his wife a year ago. They had been married over 50 years, so he has had a rough time this past year trying to adjust to a different way of life.
He took care of my sister the year she was sick, always by her side.. He was a farmer and still goes to help on a friend's farm for 5 hours a day, I think that has helped him to get through the year. He is good health and tries to keep busy. I think getting these birthday cards will bring some cheer into his life.

He will be 79 on November 27.

Maurice Boyer
Box 42
Libertytown, MD 21762

Thank you so much to those that are able to participate! I'll have a small update on the 5th of November for the October participants who sent cards and anyone who would like to be inspired to spread a little joy when ever possible. And as always, I would like to invite you to email me any senior you'd like to add to the birthday list! It will be January before you know it!!!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!! I am so glad the weather has finally cooled off here.....gonna be cheering on our Texas Rangers tonight....after last nights game.....I just hope I can stand it!!!!

GO RANGERS!!!

Vintage Thingie Thursday: Vintage Shakers - A Special Gift

2011-10-26T16:55:00.000-05:00

It is always fun to get a surprise in the mail. That happened this very week when I received a package from a blogging friend. Can you just imagine how thrilled I was when I opened the box??? Believe me.....I was!!

This special gift came in the original box which I just loved!! My friend Danica over at Happy Girl said these were her grandmothers and she always thought about me when she saw them sitting on a shelf.

She said she knew I'd love them and appreciate them. And I Oh, So Do!!! Look at the delicate pattern. I was touched beyond words that Danica thought that these would have a lovely home in my house. They are a real treasure.

Here is the stamp on the bottom of one of the shakers. These don't look to have ever been used. Very special gift from a very special friend. I found this information on the shakers on line:

GOLDEN RHAPSODY by KAYSONS GRAY & GOLD LEAVES, COUPE SHAPE, GOLD TRIM. This popular, vintage pattern of Japanese imported fine china is circa 1961 and is no longer being made. The delicate pattern and porcelain of the china makes it very elegant, yet heavy enough to be serviceable for daily use.

These very quickly found a home in my china cabinet among all the other delicate china pieces I so treasure. They will be well loved here at my house, and Danica if you ever find that there is a point in your life you'd like to have your grandmothers shakers back.....you know where to find them.

I really think they look like they have belonged among my other treasures all along. The patterns I have in this china cabinet are all a little different, but all very delicate in nature. I love these little shakers and treasure the sweet friend who thought enough of me to send them my way! Totally made my week sweet girl!!

Hope you all have a very happy Vintage Thingie Thursday!!

Don't forget.....last few days to sign up for the Secret Santa Swap is HERE .......signups end on the 30th!!

A Quilt From The Heart ~ Choose Joy

2011-10-25T16:30:00.001-05:00

Jo suggested I link in with my quilt over at Quilt Story blog today, and I decided to do that. With the theme of a quilt having a story, I think it will be a good addition and fun. Thank you Jo for the suggestion.

I have finished my quilt from Jo's Crumb Along Quilt Along challenge. This post is the finished quilt and the story that goes along with this quilt. This post may be a little long, but the story is going to be told here more for myself than any other.
(all photos are click-able to enlarge)

I found Jo's blog about the quilt along and decided to try this "crumb" process of piecing. I had never done this type of piecing but I had lots of scraps that I could use up. So, I signed up and gathered up my scraps. Now, the scraps I used for this quilt are the scraps left over from my begging quilt project. What is wonderfully special about these scraps is the fact that they were sent to me by bloggers from all over the world. Bloggers are a special group of people, and the generosity from these wonderful people is always overwhelming. The story really started here....the fabric bits from friends connected by the internet sent to a fellow blogger for a project. Fabric bits and kind hearts united for a cause.

Once Jo posted the first instructions, I made those first blocks fairly simple. The next day, I got started and I finished in one morning and waited until the next week for further instructions. The very afternoon I finished these first blocks, word was sent via a new blog post that my sweet friend, Sara was indeed making her final journey home to heaven. Shock, Grief, Disbelief, Despair were emotions that flooded my heart and mind. Some of you may know Sara from her blog Gitzen Girl. We met in 2008 shortly after we both started blogging. We connected and became fast online friends. She has always been like a daughter to me, or maybe a younger sister, but most importantly we were heart friends from the start, the kind that knows no beginning or end. Sara has always been sick from the time I have known her, in fact house bound due to her health issues. This year has been hard on her, but even knowing all of that, one is never prepared to say goodbye or even wish to think about doing so.

The next few days were like a blur. I sat my sewing down and walked out the sewing room fixated on the computer and updates on Sara. Praying. Crying. In disbelief that this was happening and I was miles away from where I wanted to be....with my friend whom I had never met face to face but only heart to heart and her family. Time had run out.....we would never met this side of heaven.

The next week, things were still much the same, and the new instructions were posted on Jo's blog. So I did what I knew to do. Sit and sew, and sew and sew.....all the while praying with each stitch for my friend and her family and many friends. That was the running theme with this entire quilt. Prayers for my friend, and then for her family and friends grieving after she was gone. It became clear to me along the way that this quilt was not one I would be keeping for myself. I was led to finish this quilt for my sweet friend, Sara's mom. So, I will be mailing this to her when I have it quilted.

One of the key elements in this quilt is the lettering. I had decided at the start I was not going to do letters as Jo had done on her quilt. I had never done them, and did not know how. Somewhere along the way, that went by the wayside, and I was able to create Sara's catch phrase for living...."choose joy"......and that became the focus for the borders. In choosing joy, which I really did not feel like doing, but out of my heart of hearts knew that is what Sara would want, the letters formed rather easily out of scraps. I also choose to border the words with all heart blocks instead of the stars Jo had chosen for hers, as for me the hearts represent all the hearts touched so fiercely by this special friend.

Another touch that I knew I needed to add was a block dedicated to her dog.....Riley. Sara loved Riley and he was always so much a part of her post on her blog. This block took me more hours than I care to admit, but I had to have him in this quilt......Riley is so special and he deserved a special place in this "Choose Joy" quilt because he did bring so much joy to Sara and all of us who shared that joy with her.

This is the real Riley ~ The Riley lookalike Block

I am pleased with the results, mainly because I had no idea how I was going to do it in the first place, I just knew I needed to figure it out! All little pieces put together in hopes of looking like the real pup. I think Sara would have been so pleased.

The finished construction of this quilt represents for me, an idea of what bloggers mean to each other. Each different, but all have an impact just the same. Some play a big part, others a small piece in each of our lives, but they are all connected with a common thread. Friendship. From the fabrics sent, to the finished pieced quilt, it was a labor of love from start to finish.

I have mentioned before that quilts have a story. Sometimes, the story is what inspired the quilt in the first place. It is in the story that the idea came together and gave the quilt a direction when there was none. I had no idea how this quilt would come together or that the journey would have been such a bittersweet one, but I am so thankful to Jo for the opportunity of the quilt along. It happened just at the time it was meant to take place. It was therapy for a breaking heart and hopefully will be a light of joy for its new owner. I hope when Sara's mom gets this quilt she feels the love and prayers that come with it and it will be something she knows was made from the heart out of much love.

****Sara lived her life by making the decision to Choose Joy in everything and every day. No matter her circumstances she trusted in God and all he was for her. If you have not visited her blog, Gitzen Girl, take some time to do so. I know you will be inspired, encouraged, and enlightened to Choose Joy in all things too.....or at least aspire to do so. I was so blessed to have been able to share a small part of Sara's life and she will always be my forever heart friend.

Secret Santa Soiree Update: Final Week for Adding Your Name To Santa's List

2011-10-24T12:46:00.000-05:00

I want to remind everyone who has maybe been thinking about signing up to do so this week. The cutoff date is October 30th....and that is just around the corner. If you have not done a blog post...please consider it and help get the word out in blogland!! This is always a fun thing during the month of December. I know the sign up is early, but you don't want to be wishing in December you would have signed up in October!!! Hurry over to THIS post and sign up and link in! You will also find the 411 information about the swap.

Also, I have about 8 bloggers who signed up and have not sent me an email with their mailing address. Please do so as soon as you can. I need that information before I can start assigning partners. If you are not sure if you sent it, please email me. One clue that I might not have gotten the email is if you never received the questionnaire to fill out, as that was my reply to your email.

Thank you all who have blogged about the swap, sent in all your information early, and are waiting patiently for your swap partner assignment! Don't fret....the fun is going to be starting right away!!

I'd like to remind you if you have not visited the blogs who have linked in to participate, it might be a good time to start. You never know who you might have for a partner, and what a great way to start getting acquainted with the participants and find some new blogs that might be of interest!!

Thanks again, for helping me get the word out this last week of sign ups!!!!

Simple Sunday: live life to the limit

2011-10-23T05:56:00.000-05:00

“Somebody should tell us, right at the start of our lives, that we are dying. Then we might live life to the limit, every minute of every day. Do it! I say. Whatever you want to do, do it now! There are only so many tomorrows.”

~Pope Paul VI

I Like Big Quilts And I Can Not Lie......

2011-10-21T17:11:00.000-05:00

Oh, yes....I do. If there was any doubt, let me remind you that my very first quilt was turned from a full size into a king size just like that. After all, bigger is always better in my book. I always seem to make large quilts. I have never made a twin size unless it was on purpose and that has only happened once. Lap quilts are not even in my thought process and I have only made two wall hangings and I gave them both away as gifts.

With that being said, I have to admit when I sewed the body of my latest quilt from the crumb along together, I thought....."What happened?"

All the blocks were trimmed to 6 inches. There are eight rows up and down, and seven across. Honestly, I have had this on my design wall all along, and for some reason, the thought never occurred to me that this was going to be small...em.....really small compared to what I am used to working with. This is the photo of all the blocks sewn together.....still up on the design wall. I had to check myself because I was sure something was off due to its size. But I finally just decided to just go with it, it was OK that it was not a gigantic quilt....smaller would be fine.....and it really is not small compared to some I have seen.

Here it is with the inner border added. The Green fabric was my starting constant fabric or focal fabric as Jo suggested. I spent the largest part of the day making an additional crumb border to sew on the outside of this green one. I kid you not. All day.......

My thought was to add the crumb border, then another green border, then the larger 6 inch outer border to finish it up. I don't know what I was thinking. After all of that additional sewing, I decided this quilt did not need that crumb border added nor did it need the additional green border. It will be fine as it is.

I need to work on finishing the outer border and getting it all put together. I may wait until next week, because Jo is so good at giving little tips and tricks for making it all come together. This is a bright one to say the least. But I think I am really liking it and once the large crumb border is added, I think it will be really a neat quilt. I have even learned to embrace working with a smaller than usual pile of fabrics. I may just be finished with the larger than life quilts for a while......maybe!

You may notice the little block in the lower right hand corner. That is a crumb puppy block. It took me so long to get it the way I thought it needed to be that I am too ashamed to tell you long it took. Just know, I will tell you about it once the quilt is finished.

Quilts tell a story and they speak to the artist who is bringing it to life. Especially true for me with this one. Only, I had no idea what was in store when I signed up for this crumb along or where it would find a home once it is finished. The scraps, the blocks, the story all came together for a quilt with a purpose. This is one like none other I am sure I will ever make. Thank you Jo for the opportunity and the challenge. There was a bigger purpose planned all from the beginning.

If you'd like to see some of the other participants, be sure to stop by Jo's Blog, Jo's Country Junction and take a look around. Look back on the crumb post and think about trying this process out yourself. It is amazing how different each and every quilt is going to look, all using the same technique. Have a great weekend....happy sewing!

Five Minute Friday: Beyond..........

2011-10-21T08:08:00.005-05:00

Comfort comes in routines or things that become habit. It is a place where one has decided that it is a safe place to be. There are no limits in this comfy place, no restraints, no unpleasant feelings. Consequently in this very comfortable place is also where one can become by choice, unaware of the destruction on the horizon. It is easy to live with your head in the sand so to speak. It is where decisions become hard to make and motivation to do so seem to have disappeared. It is where one might find themselves on the road to giving up and accepting instead of looking beyond what could be and what that would feel like.

I find myself at that very place today. I have been comfortable. I have ignored what I need to do to make a change. Not because I don't want to make that change. It is because it has become hard to look beyond the unpleasant feelings and struggles I will face to get to where I know I need to be. It is the shame that comes from allowing myself all the comfort which has me in this situation in the first place.

It is hard to look beyond all of that mess and know that it is paramount to do something. Anything to jump start that motivation to move away from the comfort zone. It is overwhelming. It is a little depressing. It can be exhausting to think about. It is where excuse after excuse comes to mind as to why this has become so difficult. It is where looking beyond all the uncomfortable must happen and action must take place.

So today, as I type this and time is running out. Beyond is where I need to find myself. Beyond the comfort. Beyond the easy. Beyond the fear. It is time to visualize beyond the looming struggles is a place I'd much rather be and know I must put forth a great effort to be there. It is time to create a game plan, a force of action. It is time to visualize myself in that place....Beyond.
......Stop.

Vintage Thingie Thursday: Vintage Molcajete

2011-10-19T18:29:00.000-05:00

Welcome everyone to Vintage Thingies Thursday. If you have a love for vintage things, well....you have come to the right place. We have a "dog-gone" good time each and every week!!! If you are new to this party, please take the time to read and follow the instructions for participating in Vintage Thingies Thursday, click HERE. I try and keep things fairly simple, so please make sure you follow the instructions.
Please only ONE link per week.

This week, I'd like to show you one of my most prized vintage pieces. I would estimate this to be about 55 years old.
This is a vintage Molcajete ( mo-ca-heck-te ) which belonged to my grandmother. I spent many hours in my life time watching her grind up peppers, spices and garlic to add to mexican food with this tool. Funny, thing is, she did not call it by its proper name. She called it a piano. Don't know why. But sure wish I knew why she called it that. But that is what I have always known it as.

I love it as it evokes fond memories of my wonderful grandma who was the best cook I have ever known. Lots of wonderful dishes were prepared but only with the help of this tool.

It is very simple to work. Just add peppers, or spices. It works great for grinding whole cumin seeds and grinds them very fine.

Very little effort is used, and soon you have great results.

See, finely crushed red peppers. These were used in some salsa that is served with eggs for Breakfast. I'll have to post that recipe soon. Nothing particularly fancy or pretty about this one...but special it is.

I am sure this is not a rare thing in many households. But it is a treasure and a wonderful memory in mine!! What about you? Do you have any kitchen tools that hold fond memories for you too?? Have a great Vintage Thingie Thursday!!!

The Follies of Fall.......

2011-10-18T08:20:00.000-05:00

It seems like the work around our house never stalls to where we can enjoy just a lazy afternoon. Something is always going on whether it be beast or human, no peace. The past week, the squirrels have been busy as can be.

The trees are full of acorns, and they are falling fast. Some days, not fast enough and these guys are hanging in the branches of the trees plucking acorns off the limbs as fast as they can.

There were lots of pairs of eyes on these guys the other day. Some, shall we say dogs, were not too happy about the critters invading the back yard.....after all, they appeared to be finding SOMETHING to eat out there and well.....that is not going to set well with a couple of dachshunds around here.

He finally noticed he was being watched, and decided to crouch down in the grass so that maybe he would not be seen. That did not last long.....

........and off he went to the safe space in the yard. The large tree where I keep the feeder was in easy reach if he felt his safety was being compromised. Seriously, can't a guy have a afternoon snack in peace???

Evidently not...there was lots of wailing from the back sliding glass door. Dora shook like a leaf on a tree, crouching down...ready to spring into action as soon as I let the doggie door up. We don't want any varmints in our yard....got that???? Dora, wants to hunt. Sophie on the other hand wants to eat, and she says, If there are snacks out there, they are for us....or um....ME........

.....and speaking of snacks....Sophie sure does not want to share these days, you would think she was on a mission for packing on a few pounds for the winter ahead. She was not interested in sending the squirrels up the tree or out of the yard for the thrill of the hunt....Oh, No.....she wanted to see what in the world they were eating and find it for herself......

She sniffed....and sniffed some more.....she KNEW this is where they were enjoying a treat of some kind, and knew she wanted some too........

she then started to dig....and scoot the dirt around....still looking for any sign of a left morsel of something. She spent a good 15 minutes forging around that tree....Finally, she did what I had expected her to do all along.....

She looked up and gave that look.....the look of stay out of my yard, there are no treats here and if they are, they belong to me.....she was funny, in the fact she was sure there was something there for her and she could not find it.....she was not happy with the situation and soon decided it was time for their afternoon nap, since the crisis was taken care of......for the moment.

and for this one....well, he heard "Afternoon nap" and was back in a flash....he paused long enough as if to ask how long I predicted the afternoon nap would last........I thought.....you'd had better tread lightly and make quick work.....dachshunds have great instincts....and Dora would rather hunt then sleep!!

See what I mean.....it supposed to be nap time, she is pretending to rest...with that crazed look in her eyes......and keeps one ear up just to make sure she hears any slight sound of movement or acorns cracking......then the cycle continues.....starting with the wailing at the back door! Did I mention how much I love fall afternoons???It's never a dull moment.

Simple Sunday : Wishes................

2011-10-16T08:42:00.003-05:00

You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it come true.

~ Richard Bach

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A reminder: If you missed the post on the Secret Santa Swap, there is still time to sign up and play along. Click THIS POST for the information and to sign up!! I'd love to have you join in on the fun!! Space is limited to the first 100 bloggers. Help me spread the word about the swap, grab a button to add to your sidebar!!

Have a great Sunday everyone!

Five Minute Friday: CATCH..........

2011-10-14T08:18:00.000-05:00

When I think of the word catch, I think of baseball and a game of catch and release being played in the backyard on a lazy Sunday afternoon. I hear the crashing sound the ball makes as it slams into the leather glove, and in one quick swoop, the sound of releasing the ball into the air again. Never holding on to the ball as if it were a prize, just grasping it long enough for the experience then sending it off again. Maybe a lesson in a simple game of catch.

In hard and difficult times, people as a rule, for what ever reason are in a catch and keep mode of thinking. Whether driven by fear of what could happen tomorrow, or what is around the corner, or what next crisis is on its way, we hold on to what we are able to catch and squeeze it in the palm of our closed fist. Holding on tight. Fear of letting go. Afraid of it being lost. It is during these very times we often find ourselves trying to dodge and miss every curve ball which is thrown our way. We are looking for that perfect pitch, but are not equipped to handle that blessing when it comes. While looking for the next perfect pitch, we forget that it is impossible to grasp the bat correctly while we still have the ball in one hand, which is firmly being gripped and not released. Once in a catch only mode.....the cycle stops.....the space in the glove is full.....the next best blessing or ball is passed on.

Someone once said that a closed fist has no room for blessings, your hands need to be open to receive the blessings. A no truer statement was ever spoken. I spent a long time trying to catch every good thing that I saw come my way and squeeze the life out of it in fear of losing it. Where is the joy in that? We are not meant to catch and hold....we are meant to catch and release. To pass on what we can to those who may be in need, to be that blessing. To do so with a caring and giving heart, expecting nothing in return. A cheerful giver is always ready for the next big hit to come their way. They are ready because the glove on their hand is empty from enjoying the last ball just for an instant and releasing it again to where it might be needed.

Nothing like a good ole game of catch....there is a good feeling in the way the ball hits the palm of your gloved hand....but the true feeling of happiness and self worth is when you take the ball in your other hand and send it sailing across the sky........ on to someone else. What do you see when you look down at your baseball mitt? Do you see a gloved hand grasping tightly to a ball, or do you see an open glove empty waiting for the next big catch?? Something to consider.

Stop.

******Disclaimer. Yes, this was baseball related. Yes, I am caught in the fever. Yes, the Texas Rangers are on their way to another World Series...I hope. Are you ready to CATCH the fever too???? Go RANGERS!!!
Have a wonderful weekend....play a little game of catch and release....it is a good feeling!

Stop by Five Minute Friday and read how others interpret the word Catch.......

Crumb Along: Log Cabin Blocks

2011-10-13T19:01:00.000-05:00

Tuesday was the new step in the crumb along at Jo's Country Junction blog. If you have thought about trying this type of piecing...it is not too late to take a turn with this fun, no matching, no thinking...(well, almost no thinking) type of quilting. I have to tell you it has been nice not worrying about a seam allowance, or everything matching up and having to rip out and try again.....well, maybe there was a little ripping out but not much!

This week was the log cabin block. Funny thing is, the more blocks I have made and the closer to being finished with all the blocks, the more I want to change a few things. Seems this week, with the construction of the log cabin blocks, I have made more and more decisions on changing mainly the blocks for the border. Guess that is my own fault, should not have already made all the border blocks...but I did and I have a few changes to a couple of blocks to make! Hopefully, in the end, it won't look like a big ole bunch of messy blocks!!

Here are four of the log cabins I have made so far. I used the small hearts inside the green for the center square. I am using all heart blocks for the border with the exception of the blocks with letters, so I am going to put these four in the corners, and used a small heart in each one. Hope it works like I am picturing it in my head. (for detail, clock on photo to enlarge)

I did make one log cabin like the ones Kathy made this week. I think hers turned out a whole lot prettier, but I may go ahead and make a couple more of these. They were rather simple and I like the look, again using green as the center.

Next week, we join the center of the quilt....if I have any changes I am determined to make, I better get busy!! Be sure to see others progress on this crumb along by clicking on Jo's Blog.....lots of inspiration here!!

Happy Sewing!!!

Vintage Thingie Thursday: Vintage Fire King Casserole Pans

2011-10-12T18:29:00.000-05:00

This week, I have a few lucky finds for the kitchen. About a month ago, I found this loaf pan made by Fire King one day while I was out and about. I liked the pattern, and well....honestly....it was fire king, so I had to have it!!

Well, while on a short trip to Colorado a couple of weeks ago......I found the 8x8 casserole pan in the same pattern. This pattern is called "Candleglow". I think it is so sweet. I thought it was rather lucky to come across another piece so quickly. Hopefully, I will find a few more pieces.

Now.....here is a real find.....Just look at this Vintage Goodwill sign that was in a town in Colorado. Love it and the mountains in the background......really love the sign.

See???? There is even the modern sign on the side of the building...but it was the vintage one that caught my eye and caused me to turn around abruptly and go inside......you just never know what you will find!!!

I'd like to remind you to visit THIS POST......There is a Secret Santa swap here this year at the Coloradolady!! I'd love to have you join in on the fun!!! You will need to sign up at THE SSS post, not this one!!

I have had an email from a blogger in Canada and Australia....wanting to be paired up with a blogger from their country, as shipping is so expensive to the states from there. Please if you are thinking about signing up and the shipping has kept you from doing so, I will be more than happy to pair you up with someone from Canada or Australia. Please shoot me an email and join us!!!

Don't forget......Visit the SECRET SANTA SOIREE post for all the 411 on this upcoming event!!! Be sure to grab a button and help direct folks here to sign up. This is going to be limited to the first 100 to sign up....so don't delay!!!

Have a great Vintage Thingie Thursday!!!!

You Better Watch Out! It's Time for The Secret Santa Soiree Swap

2011-10-10T14:01:00.000-05:00

It's NEVER to early to start thinking about Christmas...

No, I have not lost my mind......people...organizing fun things takes a little thought and time!! So....even though we are not even to Halloween yet.....today I am gonna talk SECRET SANTA!!!!

I have decided since this will be the first time ever to host the Secret Santa Soiree to keep it simple. Georgie from Decisionally Challenged has hosted this wonderful event for the past three years and passed it on to me last year when she decided to retire. I hope I will keep this running as smoothly and simple as possible. Georgie did a fantastic job of this! I have tried to outline the important stuff below.

If you want to show the bloggy world you are participating and send some folks this way to join in the fun, there are some buttons to grab at the bottom of the page. These are the same ones Georgie used, so hopefully, some of the old participants will recognize them and hop on board!! I have no idea how to add a code to these for the link part, so you will have to add the photo and link it back to this post. IF anyone does know how to do that and wants to help a technical challenged blogger out, let me know!!

This is going to be A LOT of fun and I am so glad you all want to be part of the first ever Secret Santa Soiree hosted here at The Coloradolady...so on with the show...

*How It Works*

You have between now and the end of October to sign up. Feel free to spread the word of our Secret Santa Soiree here at The Coloradolady. This will be limited to the first 100 bloggers who sign up. When the sign up ends (around Oct 30th) I will match everyone up with a SSS exchange partner-I hope to have that done by Nov 10th then you will shop and ship your gift by Dec 10th.

*411*

1) You must have a blog so that when your gift(s) start rolling in you can post pics and blog your lil ♥ out about how GREAT your Secret Santa Soiree exchange partner is.

2) You must not share your partner's address with anyone else-
The only two people who will ever see your full name and address will be myself and your partner. Under no circumstances are you to share that private information with any other blogger.

3) The spending limit will be $20.00 (not including shipping) if you choose to spend more that is fine, but PLEASE do not be upset if your SSS partner does not. You can spend the money anyway you'd like by buying small gifts or one gift. The choice is yours. I have found that most people do enjoy several smaller packages to open as opposed to one, but the choice is yours.

4) When you're ready to ship your gift, make sure you buy delivery confirmation (DC). This will serve as proof that you actually did ship your gift to your partner, you will then need to email me the delivery confirmation number.

5)
a) In order to sign up you may leave a comment to this post and Be sure to link in at the bottom of the post using the linky as well.

b) BUT ALSO you will need to email me You can click on the "contact me" on the right sidebar with your shipping info-this will be the ONLY way I can be certain you want to be a part of the SSS. PLEASE put SSS in your subject line and also include a link to your blog-obviously I don't know everyone's real names yet so it's helpful if you give me the name you post under along with your blog link. Once I receive your email with your shipping information, I will email you a short questionnaire that needs to be filled out and returned to me via email. This will give your swap partner some ideas of your likes, dislikes and so forth. **** If you are willing to be a Secret Santa to a international friend. Please let me know in the email with your shipping information. I really want to include international bloggers as well, so I need to make sure you would be willing to ship/swap with an international blogger. Simply - (I will exchange with a International friend) is enough to let me know you are willing to ship internationally.

6) You MUST ship by Dec 10th-feel free to get creative with your return address (remember, it is a Secret Santa exchange) while keeping in mind the rules and regs of USPS or your shipping carrier of choice

7) Probably the most important bit of 411-This is a SECRET Santa soiree so PLEASE do not share who your exchange partner is...you want to keep them guessing right?

*How to Participate*

In case you are still a lil bit confused, email me by clicking on the "contact me" button on my right sidebar your shipping information. (include yes I will ship internationally or no thank you) When you receive the questionnaire by email, complete and return as soon as possible the last day is Oct 30th. Check your email on or before November 10th for your swap partner and information. Shop for your SSS partner and remember while you are out trying to find the perfect gift(s) your SSS partner is doing the same for you. Ship By Dec 10th-dont forget the DC, when your gift arrives BLOG about it, take pictures, let the whole blog-O-sphere know how much fun you had participating in The Secret Santa Soiree.

Feel free to grab a button and link back to my blog to spread the word~

Please, please if you sign up make sure you are going to follow through. This is really a lot of fun during the holidays and once you commit to being a Secret Santa, make sure you will be able to follow through. It just makes is a lot easier on everyone and no feelings are hurt!! Now.....Let The Fun Begin!!!

Simple Sunday: Drops of Rain........

2011-10-09T09:56:00.000-05:00

.............Finally.................in Texas!

One day of rain far surpasses a whole year of drought.
~ Malawian Proverb

Crumb Along Blocks - This week ~ Triangles!

2011-10-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

Tuesday was the new step in the crumb along at Jo's Country Junction blog. If you have thought about trying this type of piecing...it is not too late to take a turn with this fun, no matching, no thinking...(well, almost no thinking) type of quilting. I have to tell you it has been nice not worrying about a seam allowance, or everything matching up and having to rip out and try again.....well, maybe there was a little ripping out but not much!

This week it was all about Triangles. Now, I usually don't like to choose a pattern that has a lot of triangles. Oh, I can do the blocks that call for half square triangles, I just as a rule prefer not too. But, I really love how they look in a finished quilt. The really add a lot of punch in my opinion.

I spent a lot of time in the sewing room this week. I made several crumb blocks and the blocks below with the triangles.

I made seven in all with the triangles, I have at this time only 6 spots for more blocks. Next week is the log cabin block instructions and that should be all I need for the top. I have finished all the border blocks and letters.

I did spend WAY too much time on a special block that I will include in the border of this quilt. I finished it finally the other day and after all the work I did on it to come out just right...I am rather proud of that accomplishment. I am sure there would have been an easier way to create that block, but I guess I did it the hard way, after all it took a few hours to complete.....to my satisfaction! I am going to holding off showing that block at the moment. I will show and tell about it when we show our borders.

I am eager to get this one put together but I think the instructions for that will be one more week. I think I will wait on Jo's instructions...maybe it will keep me from ripping out a lot of seams that way.

And seriously....does anyone else wonder where in the thunder they got all their scraps??? It feels like mine multiplied times two instead of diminished a little bit. I think another one of these quilts will be in the making soon.....at least that way maybe I can see a lot more tiny pieces of fabrics used and out of the stash!!

Five Minute Friday: Ordinary..........

2011-10-07T09:42:00.000-05:00

Today I'm linking up to Lisa-Jo aka the gypsy mama, who chooses a topic every Friday and writes for five minutes.

Only five minutes

And the rule is that whatever you write about in that five minutes is what you posts. No editing your thoughts. Today, her topic choice is "ordinary....."

Ready. Set. Go......

Morning.....a gray cloudy sky, soft breeze in the air, a hint of possible rain. Calm. Cool. Quiet. There is a hint of autumn in the air. Nothing spectacular is promised, just a new day.

A phone call. A text message. A email from the husband or kids during the day. An everyday occurrences that sometimes catches me in the middle of something, but they are a constant. A reminder of the people in your life who you mean the world to, and they you.

Housework to do and errands to run. Laundry piled up. Mundane at best. But a reminder of a busy life. A life filled with purpose. A life that is needed. People depend on me.

The sound of a sewing machine humming steadily. A calming sound to the soul. A tool used for a purpose. Art in the form of a quilt taking shape. A gift for a family I may never meet. An extension of my heart.

A dog which shadows my every step. All day. Every day. A faithful companion. One glance into those brown eyes and you catch an all knowing look. One that pricks your senses, as if she knows far more than you could imagine. Comforting yet unnerving. A constant and loyal friend.

Ordinary? Most would say so. Spectacular? Not so much. Eye opening.....yes. When the ordinary evokes extraordinary feelings of self worth, contentment and happiness is when one knows they are exactly where they are meant to be.

Vintage Thingie Thursday: Vintage Toy Lion

2011-10-05T18:44:00.000-05:00

This is a vintage toy lion that I have always called Leo. He belonged to my great grandmother, who I always called Grandma 2. She had this toy at her house and I always loved it when I was little. I love his cheerful face the best. My grandma kept him in her bedroom on her bed and that is where he had to stay most of the time. As a little kid, that held a lot of attention and wanting to drag it all over the house.

I can still vision that bedroom in that little house. Although as a child, I did not think that their house was all that small. But to drive by there today....it looks the same as I remember, just a whole lot smaller. This lion sat on her bed that was covered with a dusty pink chenille bedspread. I can remember how that old bedspread felt as I would lay across the bed and play with this lion.

Friends, that was a long, long time ago. My great grandma passed I believe in either 1969 or '70 and I was around seven or eight when she passed. I remember asking for this lion as a way to remember her by. Luckily, my mom was outspoken and would speak her mind because I was not the only one who wanted him...and I was lucky enough to have him for my own.

And in-case you are wondering, when I attach myself to things that mean something to me, I don't take ownership lightly. He is for the most part in exactly the condition he was when I got him all those years ago. Never, did I play with him. He sat on my bed or dresser for most of my childhood and when I was a teenager and got a hope chest....he found his way there for safe keeping and has been there for years on end. I hate to think of what would have become of him had I not been able to have him. I would hope he would be in the same shape, but it is not likely.

Of course, I did not need this toy to remember my very special grandma 2.....but I would not take any thing for him and he really means a lot to me.

He does need a few repairs. I have no idea how old he actually is, as there are no tags at all. His body and legs have wires, as you can see the one sticking out of his tail. There are a couple of places where the stitching has come undone, this is the one with the most need of repair. I tend to believe if he had not lived in that chest for so many years, he would not be in the shape he is today. I need to find a way to display him and enjoy him while I am still here to do so. I think he is adorable, and reminds me of someone I still hold very dear to my heart.

This is a photo of my (left to right) Papaw, his brother Edmond, my great grandma 2, and my great grandfather 2. They were very sweet and special people in my life and I am so thankful that I was old enough to remember special bits and pieces about my great grandparents.

Happy Vintage Thingie Thursday everyone!!! Have a wonderful day!!

First, Fifth Forever ~ A Letter Writing Journey - Senior Birthday Update

2011-10-04T19:57:00.001-05:00

Welcome to First, Fifth Forever here at The Coloradolady. In case you are just finding this post or topic, this is a year long letter writing journey that started in January of 2011 for me. Each month, I try to send a letter to someone or card and let them know what they mean to me.

** This month, I am sending a letter and several cards out. Sometimes it is nice to be reminded about how much someone means to you and thank them for being such a big part of your life.

Out of that endeavor developed another project to bring a little joy and excitement to seniors all over the country. A spin off from a dear facebook friend's project, I started this on my own blog. Each month, (hopefully) I post about a senior s birthday and leave the information on my blog and I also have a designated email for this. If you'd like to be a part of making a big difference with just a small amount of effort, please join us. You can email me at onefineblessing (at) yahoo (dot) com to be added to the email list. Likewise, if you know a senior who would benefit from this or could just use a little pick me up, please email me their name and birth date so we can be sure and spread a little cheer.

September had an early birthday and I was looking forward to telling you all what a blessing every one who sent a card was to this very special senior, Mary Ellen, but had to wait all month to do so.

The letter on the left is a thank you card from Mary Ellen. (Click the photo to read) She tickled me so in her letter, but the reality of her world weighed heavy on my heart too. Seems after her bills are paid for the month, she only has $59.00 left over for any personal items, cokes, or necessities. I am sure you are thinking like I am, that this does not go far and from what I understand, she get no help from her family. She is just there, in a home, fending for herself the best she can.

After I received this card, we impressed upon her to not spend her birthday money on stamps and stationary. That money was for her and we would relay the message to all concerned. Being the proper lady she is, that was difficult but we convinced her that was not what the money was for. So from the bottom of Mary Ellen's heart, she thanks each and every one who made her birthday one she won't soon forget.

This dear lady was so excited and with her money, she was going to buy herself a pair of shoes as the shoes she has been wearing were borrowed from a friend. She needed so many things, this certainly made a dent in what she was either completely out of or what she had been doing without for lack of funds. Blessings....they truly come from the unexpected and in small ways bring so much.

I also received a sweet postcard from Helen. Thanks are never necessary, as it is so fun to do this for others. I don't always get feedback from the cards we send and that is OK. If I do get feedback, I like to share it here each month. It serves as a reminder to me that small things I can do make a difference and it is not in the big things one does, but small ones that make such an impact sometimes.

And I could not do it all by myself! Thanks to all who have signed up to get the email each month, and who have sent me names to add to the list. You along with so many others are helping spread a little cheer into parts of our world that seems to have lost all hope and joy. That my friends...is a HUGE thing.

If you missed the list for October.....click HERE for the Birthday list.

The link is here to this post if you have something you'd like to share.....Have a wonderful October!!!