tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60967331103355936662024-02-15T12:26:15.760-05:00Pumpkin Patch Primitives Quilt ShoppePrimitives, primitive quilting, family and fun, autismBrendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05563689842824628301noreply@blogger.comBlogger454125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096733110335593666.post-9382665563258159362017-10-13T19:15:00.000-04:002019-05-05T19:17:28.849-04:00It's His Birthday and I'll Cry if I Want to<div style="text-align: center;">
Today is GP's 22nd birthday.<br />
On this day, Friday the 13th of October, twenty-two years ago, I became a parent. It seems like a lifetime ago. Oh, how many tears I have shed since then. </div>
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I try to remind myself of how far he has come, and how hard he has worked, but I still want so much more for him. I don't know if I will ever be sure that I have done enough. I don't know if I will ever believe that he knows how hard I have tried to be the best Mom I can be... but I am still doing the best I can, with what I have, and I hope that in the end he will know how much I have loved him and how hard I tried to help him navigate the storm waters that come with life.<br />
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Being a parent is the hardest job I have ever had. I don't know why I was chosen to walk this path. I don't know why my handsome boy was chosen to be the one child out of a hundred and twenty five children to be diagnosed with autism so many years ago. But I do know that I am still angry, and I am still bitter that we were chosen. It took me a long time to admit that, but I now stand in my truth and make no apologies for it. I alone walk in my shoes, it is my truth and I own it.<br />
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I wish I could say life has gotten easier, I wish I could say that "I've got this", But I can't. I still have days when I don't know what the hell I'm doing. Days when I "guess" what is wrong and then "guess" how I can fix it. Sometimes I get it right, sometimes I don't, but every time I have one of "those" days I am emotionally drained and at the edge of giving up. It's been twenty two years of parenting and at least twenty of trying to solve the puzzle that came with job.<br />
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GP is very excited about his special day. No cake or party as those are "for children" but a day off to do as he wishes, go where he wants and spend his time (and mine) as he pleases. Oh how time changes and so much stays the same. I am happy that he is so happy that he is getting older and he is now an "adult". I am terrified, for basically the same reason.<br />
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Happy Birthday, my love. I hope someday you will know how much I love you.<br />
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05563689842824628301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096733110335593666.post-79060568609109918662016-05-27T06:14:00.004-04:002016-05-27T06:17:03.930-04:00Spring Market Brings Fall Goodies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pumpkinpatchprimitives.com/catalog.php?item=4821" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1vkUdQAwe3ac0XUscJLKDeEl87P43pbPAyZDuXu5TqK8h5W4bOMyKVckH7cet1DgXiX_hz7MhHyapM0nCevuxINnUdhXl8UB9UKS0rLNtphA9n8tD6oAO2Ui9MG2U_iAi-HevAIA3Bs/s320/ToileAndTrouble-M.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It must be strange for people who are new to quilting to see Fall patterns and kits showing up as soon as Spring market is over, but Spring Market is all about Fall. It took me a long time to psyche myself into these weird calendar events. Try thinking of tulips in October (Fall market is about Spring!), weird; but that's how retail works. You have to be one step ahead of the next season. </div>
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As a crafter you also want to try a season ahead if you like working on multiple projects and want to have them completed before the season starts. Oh, the spirit is willing but the days are short and the responsibilities many. </div>
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I personally love Spring market, but then again, it's no coincidence that my shoppe is named Pumpkin Patch Primitives. I'm all about the pumpkins, the acorns, the colored leaved. Oh, just color me orange and draw a smile on me.<br />
I love it all. </div>
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Needless to say, Fall patterns are on order and it won't be long now before the patch is full of pumpkins. I can't wait. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eFoyyd-do63MsdXzHDJtJk4zctKgfyHQyl986rJuFJELJ1xWSIz9ACu0IGzTIKxVE2uUn6tKXKsX5IRtJmCdPAWzgJ9tvwD0dQ6eG_9-W6f6vtZkee96c_VwETp3yo7hyLYQ9UJQ1rA/s1600/WSD-HappyHalloweenBOM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eFoyyd-do63MsdXzHDJtJk4zctKgfyHQyl986rJuFJELJ1xWSIz9ACu0IGzTIKxVE2uUn6tKXKsX5IRtJmCdPAWzgJ9tvwD0dQ6eG_9-W6f6vtZkee96c_VwETp3yo7hyLYQ9UJQ1rA/s320/WSD-HappyHalloweenBOM.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
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Isn't this adorable? I'm kitting this one up as a bi-weekly program, starting in just a few weeks (June) so it will be ready to hang come October. Watch your inbox for the newsletter. </div>
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There will be a link for it. I can't wait to get started.... </div>
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I love Spring market, and the Fall goodies that come with it! =)</div>
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05563689842824628301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096733110335593666.post-34212103769341581612016-05-19T16:19:00.001-04:002016-12-05T17:14:37.109-05:00It won't be long now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxnKfZnKTD3aZiTCwrAykzqZIvVhrOiju_DGcSovnL_YKq9O6DmN5F6ZF0n0QNE3fGeDu-eHIFV-1eKZkUsPmtIph6kFAynqke7AOkL0ucVXyF_BgadPH7ie5ABNBQRmKuS5q2_Qmp2Y/s1600/pool+reno+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxnKfZnKTD3aZiTCwrAykzqZIvVhrOiju_DGcSovnL_YKq9O6DmN5F6ZF0n0QNE3fGeDu-eHIFV-1eKZkUsPmtIph6kFAynqke7AOkL0ucVXyF_BgadPH7ie5ABNBQRmKuS5q2_Qmp2Y/s320/pool+reno+2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was out raking leaves and cleaning out flower beds this afternoon and dreaming of warm days ahead. I am looking forward to pulling out the little mesh tables and the umbrellas that mark the beginning of the "outdoor" season for us.</div>
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Even with a mild winter it seems like a lifetime ago since we actually sat outside. I catch GP pacing the patio and surveying the yard every afternoon. He is so ready he doesn't even complain when I tell him we have to do yardwork. I am right there with him... ready for the sunny days.</div>
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Spring is a blessing, a respite from the long, cold months. If only, if only I had a little bit of sunshine, I could be more patient. Thankfully the calendar says it won't be long now, so I watch the clouds pass us by and use my cool mornings to rake more leaves and plant more flowers. </div>
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Hope your spring is sunny and warm and that you too are enjoying the cool while anxiously awaiting the warmth. Hang in there, it won't be long now. </div>
Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05563689842824628301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096733110335593666.post-40671519635861719252016-05-14T10:33:00.001-04:002017-11-01T09:54:17.962-04:00And one day, he was no longer silent.<div style="text-align: center;">
I read this amazing post this morning about a young man, just a wee bit younger than GP. He is non verbal and now uses an app to communicate.<br />
You can read it<span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1741874944"> </a><b><a href="http://blog.theautismsite.com/cs-apple-nvblautism-ipad/?utm_source=aut-autaware&utm_medium=social-fbpc&utm_term=AUT-PC-cs-apple-nvblautism-ipad-OpCPM-KWautism-W40&utm_campaign=PC-cs-apple-nvblautism-ipad&origin=social_aut_autaware_PC_cs-apple-nvblautism-ipad" target="_blank">here. </a></b></span></div>
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I t made me think of a time, no so long ago (in my heart it feels like just yesterday, as the hurt is so real and still so raw) when GP was silent. The days were fraught with screeches and tantrums, and the misunderstanding that he was "not there". It was a common misconception that children with autism were incapable of speech. It was a "thing"... a label, a grossly negligent fable told to parents by "professionals" who could not get the words out of them. I was one of the lucky ones. I was told that GP "could" speak (he was physically capable of speaking), but he chose not to, </div>
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AND that he might never choose to speak. I don't know if GP's path to being verbal would have been the same if I was told he "couldn't". </div>
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As a parent one always looks for guidance from those who have more experience than us. The pediatricians, the therapists, anyone older and wiser seems like a good "counselor". The last person we listen to is ourself. Self-doubt trumps all. However, in the end, it is US, the parents of the child who have to take care of them. We are the ones who are ultimately responsible for our children. It is up to us to decide the course of action to be taken to get them on the path to success, and let's be clear, success is not always a scholarship to Harvard. Sometimes success is as simple as being able to master public transportation and make change at the supermarket. Success is like beauty, it is in the eye of the beholder. Let me tell you, it took me a LONG time to understand that... and I do mean a long time. Hardest lesson, ever.</div>
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But, anyway, back to the post. I just remember being in so many meetings going over and over the "options" brought to me by the public school system. I remember the symbols, the cards the notebooks (these big electronic keyboards that spoke when you typed)... (there were no iPads back then). And I remember turning them all down. I remember fighting for GP and telling them that he would not be using them because he needed to have a communication device that he would not lose, and that would not run out of batteries, or need a plug. They were such heated arguments, over and over.... it was exhausting. I get tired just revisiting those times. "But, Mrs. Mercado..." It was like they didn't hear what I was saying. </div>
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GP is a visual learner, like many autistic people. You can't see words, so speaking just doesn't make sense. (You can't SEE words that are spoken) GP was one of those. Once he started signing (we did teach him that at home, because at school they did not teach children to sign back then, don't even get me started!), and he could SEE what he was saying (which is really the same principal used when using a picture system), he "got it". Once he "saw" that written words, "hand words" and spoken words were "the same", I think it just "clicked". It took six months to teach him how to speak. It was hard, it was emotionally draining and it was incomprehensible that something so "natural" was so hard for him, but it was. It was SOOOOOO hard. There were tears, there were tantrums...ugh.</div>
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To this day he struggles with language. He can read and his spelling beats any spellcheck I've ever used, but language arts is like kryptonite. It's so stinking hard. It kills me to see him struggle, and I struggle with my own shortcomings as an educator, as his parent, as his guide in the murky waters of language. It's hard to help him navigate the tides of that storm that come daily. I want him to wake up one day and just be able to hold a conversation without using the wrong pronoun, or the wrong tense... or simply without getting so frustrated that he can't articulate what he wants to say that he just says, "Oh, never mind" and leaves without telling me what he wants to say. </div>
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I never lose sight of how far he has come, and I never forget that he is no longer silent. When I read stories of young men of GP's age group, who are just now finding their voices, I always get emotional. That road out of "the silence" is so hard. I can't even begin to describe it. It's like a forest that gets darker and darker, and you just can't find your way out of it. You don't know how far it goes because you can't see the light at the end. When you talk and talk, write and write, sign and sign and you just have no idea if your child gets ANY of what you are trying to convey... but you hope and you pray, and do it over and over. Then one day, you hear that sound, that sound that you recognize as a word....</div>
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I can't even. </div>
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I'm so happy for those who are finding their voices now. One can't change the past but the future is wide open. I hope that more nonverbal people find their voices because they do have one, even if you can't hear it. </div>
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05563689842824628301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096733110335593666.post-86452710304706924892015-09-28T10:01:00.000-04:002015-09-28T10:04:36.690-04:00Every Moment is a Teachable Moment<div style="text-align: center;">
So this weekend GP and I went to Target and we "met" our very first Transgender Teen. A very pretty young lady in customer service who had the booming voice of a young man going through puberty. I had been in line for a little while so I was not surprised when she spoke to me. However, GP had been wandering around and when the girl addressed him he LITERALLY gasped. He quickly caught himself and thankfully whispered," Um, that voice". I pretended not to hear him and finished my business. We walked away and I took this opportunity to talk to him about being Transgender. </div>
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How do you explain being transgender to a developmentally delayed young man? The same way you explain homosexuality. As simply as possible. </div>
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I explained to GP that that young lady was girl who was born a boy, and transgender people are people who are born with opposite sex body parts. So her deep voice was probably just a sign that she was going through puberty and that would change later, when she was older.</div>
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He smiled, and said, "Oh, OK. She talks like a boy." I told him, "Some transgender people look like boys but talk like girls. That's OK too." </div>
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He smiled and I kid you not, he said, "I'm going to Newbury comics."... end of story. </div>
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And just like that, we now know that there are boys, girls, gay people and transgender people.</div>
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AND it's no big deal. I am so grateful for that young lady, and how she helped me explain what I thought would be so complicated, in such a simple way. </div>
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She's just a girl, that was born a boy and now works at Target. </div>
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And I'm grateful for the way GP accepts everyone, without prejudice. </div>
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If only others would accept him that way too...</div>
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05563689842824628301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096733110335593666.post-13605533714294607492014-12-09T02:26:00.003-05:002014-12-09T02:33:08.328-05:00I Still Believe... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh673M6VsBMSmCD2AWssBssWnJ9XSRLJsjBTjKmxX5PS2OhEg0EaCZ4KyEWJKR91eS1EJK2q4ZqlbcJx1zwBPI9bJHUn8Y6t9jXa0UREXuxOWoKdmOojRjUxHdovB8pki5-3qyy42Vj2A4/s1600/GP&Santa2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh673M6VsBMSmCD2AWssBssWnJ9XSRLJsjBTjKmxX5PS2OhEg0EaCZ4KyEWJKR91eS1EJK2q4ZqlbcJx1zwBPI9bJHUn8Y6t9jXa0UREXuxOWoKdmOojRjUxHdovB8pki5-3qyy42Vj2A4/s1600/GP&Santa2014.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
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A few years ago I told GP that Santa didn't bring teenagers presents, he only brought presents to children and that parents were responsible for gifting to teenagers. He didn't believe me, so he went to talk it out with Santa on one of his weekend day trips with his Dad. Ummm. That was a problem, Gino had no idea what Santa had agreed to bring him. LOL<br />
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For the last few years I have been the Scrooge in my home (the "Non believer" in GP's eyes), so he has gone to talk with Santa "on the down low" with Gino. This year, Gino has moved away and GP asked me to take him to talk to Santa. </div>
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I once again, explained that Santa will not bring him presents , and he once again gave me the "yeah, yeah, whatever you say" look, and explained, "I need to check on the naughty list". I asked him, "What about the naughty list?" and he explained that he needed to check that he WASN'T on the naughty list. OMG! That was the funniest thing ever... </div>
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The saying, "Dear Santa, I can explain..." came to mind. I just had to laugh, and then I took him to "check" on that, LOL<br />
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This is GP having his "talk" with Santa this year. I think he was explaining his wrong-doings and hoping that he could talk his way off the naughty list. But I think he might have snuck in some "Amazon gift cards" in there, maybe after his remorseful speech.</div>
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Every year, when GP goes to see Santa and Santa hugs him and tells him whatever it is that he tells him that makes him light up like a Christmas tree, I receive a gift; a special gift that money cannot buy, the generosity of a stranger, who brings joy to my son's life. And every year I wonder if that Santa knows how much I love him, for putting on that suit and being so patient and attentive with my son... and for helping me believe in the magic of Christmas. </div>
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It's the season of giving. I think so many people forget that the best gift is the one we can't buy... time, love, attention. </div>
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I hope you receive them all this season...and you just might,<br />
if you still believe.</div>
Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05563689842824628301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096733110335593666.post-61886211902820806172014-11-18T16:28:00.000-05:002014-11-18T16:30:15.921-05:00It won't Be Long Now...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/caring-santa" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/docs/santa_1.jpg" height="320" width="206" /></a></div>
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It won't be long now before the trees start going up at the mall and the velvet chair comes out to greet the little ones (and Big ones in GP's case), and Autism Speaks just announced that it has partnered with Simon Property Group to offer children with special needs a time to go and meet up with the Big Guy. This is such a fantastic opportunity for parents to take their kiddos in and let them enjoy their visit without the pressures of "fitting in" and rushing them. </div>
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I have so many stories that I could tell, but they all bring me to tears so I will just say Thank you, Autism Speaks and Simon PG. You have no idea how much this means to moms like me. </div>
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Please share this information with any parent you know who has a child with disabilities. Let's not squander this wonderful gift of one on one time for our kiddos with Santa. </div>
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For more info on this go to:</div>
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<a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/caring-santa" target="_blank">Autism Speaks Caring Santa</a></div>
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I'm so excited about this, and I'm sure I'm not alone. </div>
Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05563689842824628301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096733110335593666.post-71582248293518098412014-10-17T10:24:00.004-04:002014-10-17T10:42:37.847-04:00If only I would get what I paid for....<div style="text-align: center;">
Call me crazy but I am a sucker for a sweet gift. I see it, I love it, I gift it. Done. A few weeks ago I received Williams-Sonoma Halloween catalog and I fell in love with these. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGn0nYvzaYl_l607Pi0RewkkyvV9DWLl528sxxQR28wJgEpaTFLEHXExErQH-eUAPcd7jBNDwfk7tzqz5W0hyphenhyphentaZVhSdCPCtm-xB_M_7KfONU0B1gpKIMmNcqwLzI5UDce1SLQkJeKAc0/s1600/WSCaramelApplesCatalog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGn0nYvzaYl_l607Pi0RewkkyvV9DWLl528sxxQR28wJgEpaTFLEHXExErQH-eUAPcd7jBNDwfk7tzqz5W0hyphenhyphentaZVhSdCPCtm-xB_M_7KfONU0B1gpKIMmNcqwLzI5UDce1SLQkJeKAc0/s1600/WSCaramelApplesCatalog.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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How stink in' cute are they, huh? Oh, and they were mini's so how could you possibly go wrong? They're "figure friendly", and they're a fruit, ahem... ok, so fruit might be a stretch but hey, they're still "mini" (that's my story and I'm sticking to it!). </div>
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Needless to say, I just loved them and I ordered them as a gift for my sister who like me, loves all things Halloween. I didn't tell her about it, I figured it would be more fun if she just received them, out of the blue, so to speak. So I waited, and I waited, and I waited, and no word on my gift. It had been so long that I was beginning to think that maybe they hadn't received my order. Hmmm. I'd have to go through my emails and see if I had received a confirmation. Too much going on, so I put it on the back burner for the weekend. THEN, just yesterday, my sister (who was scheduled to arrive last night for a weekend visit with me, calls me and says she had received the caramel apples and thanked me. She says she thinks I might have ordered them a while ago because the card read, "I can't wait to see you, in a few weeks!"We had a laugh about it and she packed them in her suitcase to share (you can't leave caramel apples in the fridge for days on end, they're perishable, ahem!)</div>
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So.... when she unpacked her suitcase last night and handed me these to put in the fridge I was a little taken aback.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJxGqwphnyy6rwKt3tqtCM0JFZJ6svXrZrVNSAzDs_-HIPb29rA1AACQRCTkfcbPiP6_wdH7ZpOvb86mfVuSkeVrPXzSVWDN03moQmb9IFrdXuudFJs4lIA2Sr1X2_OxM-aEsH2J9_4c/s1600/WSCaramelApples2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJxGqwphnyy6rwKt3tqtCM0JFZJ6svXrZrVNSAzDs_-HIPb29rA1AACQRCTkfcbPiP6_wdH7ZpOvb86mfVuSkeVrPXzSVWDN03moQmb9IFrdXuudFJs4lIA2Sr1X2_OxM-aEsH2J9_4c/s1600/WSCaramelApples2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Is it just me, or do you see what the problem is? Here, let's do a side by side...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloNbulM2TVgZoGqyCJAgN99HrQ2hkmJ1ZufkTDsW4vNqsjH_3JJ8UcBxBs148ptmt0sRBn7J4bYKwJZxFUW20VqjDhyphenhyphendSFF-hj9so3EohuLATJhw3AmU8-xUvWLEBUKCp-BTWV5kZzLM/s1600/WSCAComp.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloNbulM2TVgZoGqyCJAgN99HrQ2hkmJ1ZufkTDsW4vNqsjH_3JJ8UcBxBs148ptmt0sRBn7J4bYKwJZxFUW20VqjDhyphenhyphendSFF-hj9so3EohuLATJhw3AmU8-xUvWLEBUKCp-BTWV5kZzLM/s1600/WSCAComp.png" height="175" width="320" /></a></div>
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Needless to say I was on the phone with Customer Service first thing this morning. And yes, they are sending a replacement, but the whole thing was that it was a surprise... a HALLOWEEN surprise, not an "I look like I could have been bought at a supermarket" surprise. The lady at customer service asked me what apples my sister received, I told her she received, "The I'm too ugly for your website apples! The I could have been picked up at Walmart's produce department apples. The I'm so NOT Halloween apples... with the cheap red twisty tie bow!" and she told me "We do sell red bow apples on our website." She did. I went back and checked, and no they do not! </div>
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They're too freakin' ugly to be sold at WS. </div>
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OK, I'm breathing...breathing...</div>
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Sometimes I get all worked up over stuff like this because when you send a present based on what you see in an image, you expect the recipient to get what you paid for. I didn't pay $30 for four crappy looking apples. I paid for cute little apples with spider web drizzle and Halloween bows. I got big clunky apples with red twisty ties. I mean really, that was not what I paid for, and if I had seen these side by side I would have thought they were comparing Walmart to WS. </div>
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I shop at both, I know the difference. </div>
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This happens to me more often that I care to admit. I order this gorgeous bouquet, I pay extra to send the "premium" size and then I get a picture and I think, "If that's premium what the hell is regular?" but for the recipient it's a beautiful surprise so I "let it go"... and I have to tell you, I have just recently decided that I will no longer "Let it go". I will get what I pay for or complain; because $65 for a bouquet of flowers that looks like the $9.95 bouquet from the supermarket is not OK. I would like to pay for Mini Halloween Caramel apples and have my recipient receive something "close" to mini Halloween Caramel apples, and not some "generic looking, red twisty tie apples, I could have picked up at Walmart and sent in a flat rate envelope for half the price" apples. </div>
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I would really just like the recipients of my gifts to get what I paid for... is that too much to ask?</div>
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05563689842824628301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096733110335593666.post-18264053065941695932014-08-19T10:25:00.000-04:002014-08-20T10:44:58.345-04:00Back to School <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23Cqxv1wT7h3dUjB6-IUbVHm_6J1m8dGGpnagffLVSHFi_UE8U0S4-s7dBZs-vydaxLHtXvuJJCgkj7XTlj3vZMjfiNcjwz32gAr6YiCei9zCiAhxiK7Up7U1zrPOHPtZ7pcDgireYEM/s1600/BacktoSchool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23Cqxv1wT7h3dUjB6-IUbVHm_6J1m8dGGpnagffLVSHFi_UE8U0S4-s7dBZs-vydaxLHtXvuJJCgkj7XTlj3vZMjfiNcjwz32gAr6YiCei9zCiAhxiK7Up7U1zrPOHPtZ7pcDgireYEM/s1600/BacktoSchool.jpg" height="277" width="320" /></a></div>
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As some children head out to school for the first time and more and more pictures of them come up on my Facebook wall, I stop and wonder what this milestone must be like for parents of a typical child. </div>
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I only have one child (God knows what he does, I could not have handled more than that) and my experience, although life changing, was not typical. GP was non verbal, and there was no excitement. There was only dread. There was the thought that while other children his age stayed home and played blissfully, he would be in school struggling to communicate with strangers. He wasn't even potty trained. It was such a sad time. I remember sitting in my car and sobbing uncontrollably after leaving him at school. Then, I remember deciding that I would not leave him, and staying in school with him until I weaned myself off the drop off. It took a long time...</div>
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Again, it was a heart wrenching experience. There were no pictures, no smiling faces or Disney lunch boxes. It was such a horrible, horrible time. </div>
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My FB wall has smiling faces, excited children, happy parents and once again I stop and think, "What if???" I will never know. </div>
Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05563689842824628301noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096733110335593666.post-41176763852528791802014-08-03T19:43:00.004-04:002014-08-04T06:51:54.103-04:00It's Not About Falling, It's About Getting UP!<div style="text-align: center;">
I read <a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/news/news-item/local-shop-builds-boy-autism039s-first-bicycle" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">an article</span></a> this morning on Autism Speak's website about a local shop that had custom built a bike for a child with autism and it made me think of GP's biking journey.</div>
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When GP was a little boy and he was of "biking age" he already had a diagnosis. He was still nonverbal and had more tantrums than I would like to relive, but we bought him his first bike anyway. Not knowing that his sensory system was not only affecting his learning, but his gross motor skills as well, we went about facing this milestone without much forethought. We bought him a bike with training wheels, a helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, and everything but a tushy pad to keep him injury free, and off we went to the culdesac behind our house. Turns out all the pads in the world couldn't keep him on the seat. Seemed like the seat was too hard; he cried and wanted off... we tried a few times, and gave up. A few years later we bought him a mountain bike (with training wheels of course), and by this time he WAS verbal and he told us in no uncertain terms that he couldn't do it. The training wheels were too small, the handlers (Gino and I) too inexperienced to help him navigate the training wheeled bike with him on it, and he was having none of it. He wanted off... and he was done with it. Discouraged and thinking it was just one more thing he would never do, I was saddened but had bigger fish to fry (like multiplication, division and fractions), I was done too. </div>
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A couple of years later I found a website for children with special needs and I found out that GP wasn't the only child with special needs who could not master the bike BUT that there was a solution... a tricycle. WooHOO! I was totally psyched. I had never even considered a tricycle. I thought they were for old people and for some reason it just never crossed my mind, duh. So I told my then-husband that I wanted to buy him a trike (not an inexpensive suggestion, mind you)</div>
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Never in my wildest dreams would I have guessed that a tricycle would cause so much arguing in a home. I had no idea that a riding a tricycle would "make him (GP) look like a weirdo". I thought it was all about the kid and enabling him to do something FUN... ugh. I was so angry. I relented and kept the peace by not making my son "look like a weirdo". For years (and I do mean that literally) I thought about the trike and how much fun he might have zooming around with the wind in his hair....<br />
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A few years ago I got divorced (after eighteen years of marriage) and not having anyone to answer to, I bought GP his first tricycle. Hoping he wouldn't be self-conscious (now that he was almost a young adult), I took him to <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Port-O-Trike-3-Speed-Deluxe-Adult-Folding-Tricycle/2189247" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Walmart</span></a> and after a short test drive in the store, I bought him a tricycle. </div>
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It sat in the garage for a day or two but he eventually decided he'd give it a go.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGw5jay9Va2r35ksy9xSZSFFve5N9VTOz-Jh31O6m41uRidoXDnoCmrJwPfupBdkKUPA47cFGJvQ23Wcsi0A6y-8zlZdXIXjc9uZlyn3vv0fobJnJFWcThRR0B-XcdDePF4n9JaRh7IkM/s1600/GPsNewTricycle062012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGw5jay9Va2r35ksy9xSZSFFve5N9VTOz-Jh31O6m41uRidoXDnoCmrJwPfupBdkKUPA47cFGJvQ23Wcsi0A6y-8zlZdXIXjc9uZlyn3vv0fobJnJFWcThRR0B-XcdDePF4n9JaRh7IkM/s1600/GPsNewTricycle062012.jpg" height="320" width="282" /></a></div>
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*Here he's thinking about getting on.*</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQ4ZyZsvZg5wqor4SmYQDYwpEkjoaEW0SKsXLl4pt4QhvyyYqoHAx7N5wI3hH65MaMtqJXzaQXsH7scjrzARiZEyvWKXdi7eGMhpwO-nEtFC5156g4NPUfhsLji0n7NH2qgwzC7lfTRw/s1600/GPlearningtoride062012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQ4ZyZsvZg5wqor4SmYQDYwpEkjoaEW0SKsXLl4pt4QhvyyYqoHAx7N5wI3hH65MaMtqJXzaQXsH7scjrzARiZEyvWKXdi7eGMhpwO-nEtFC5156g4NPUfhsLji0n7NH2qgwzC7lfTRw/s1600/GPlearningtoride062012.jpg" height="320" width="313" /></a></div>
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*Now he's struggling to get up the hill without Mom pushing him.*</div>
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It was very challenging at first, even with the large wheels and the years of working out to build his gross motor skills, but he now zooms around like Sonic the Hedgehog...</div>
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Words cannot express the joy I feel when I see him with his hair stuck to his face and his shirt drenched in sweat from peddling away. It's something I never though he would do. I wish that I hadn't been discouraged by someone else's opinion and more importantly, that I wouldn't have given up without trying; because that's what I did, and that's something I work really hard to forgive myself for, and probably will work at, for the rest of my life. Oh but life's lessons are usually hard and it's just one of many... </div>
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But back to the point of the story. GP took his first real "spill" a few months ago when he discovered that his tricycle has a "speed limit". He was banged up real good with scrapes all the way up his arm, and leg. Not a pretty sight. The worst part was he said he "couldn't ride again". And I told him that he had to go riding again because, "Everybody falls down, Gene Paul. It's not about falling, it's about getting up. When you get up, you are the winner. If you don't get up, you lose. So get on the bike and peddle slowly if you want, but you HAVE to get back on." All bandaged up he got back on his trike the next day, and said he would only go "very slowly"... yeah, that lasted about thirty minutes. After that it was WOOHOO, all the way down the hills at the Edgewood Cemetery. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhey9VM-dpfaUgJB5NWZ12kopDg8LeMVTmzcrdARhhJe8PFY8RVNLLVZ9ScNd78KQGwHyXsvcvrxN8L5x_iPgDGx_ZvG9mH9TVKNxgTWEz92FhlsD32If4sUWDS7N_M1qqBVSph22P0klU/s1600/GPatECFall2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhey9VM-dpfaUgJB5NWZ12kopDg8LeMVTmzcrdARhhJe8PFY8RVNLLVZ9ScNd78KQGwHyXsvcvrxN8L5x_iPgDGx_ZvG9mH9TVKNxgTWEz92FhlsD32If4sUWDS7N_M1qqBVSph22P0klU/s1600/GPatECFall2013.jpg" height="295" width="320" /></a></div>
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*Flying down the hills at the Edgewood Cemetery in Nashua, NH. </div>
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He's but a little spec in the distance*</div>
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I truly believe that riding a tricycle is a lot like living a full life. You have to work hard to learn how to stay on, then you ride along, then you think you know it all, then you fall down, and then you learn that you didn't know it all, and you learn to proceed with caution... but still have fun. I am so glad that he fell, and he got up. A painful lesson for sure, but proof positive that it's not about falling, it's about getting up. </div>
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May you always get up, because as sure as day turns into night, we all fall...we just have to remember that to win, you must get up! =)</div>
Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05563689842824628301noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096733110335593666.post-150261214045408732014-05-26T00:18:00.002-04:002014-05-26T10:03:45.962-04:00Baby Steps...<div style="text-align: center;">
After two years in my new house I am just now starting to think of "living" in this new space. Seems as if I have done nothing but put out fires since I moved in and I am now at a point where the fire is burning slow and steady. The fires are still there because there is ALWAYS something that needs to be done, but it's nice when it doesn't need to be done "yesterday". Last month I actually found my dinning room table. TADAAAA!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAiRVx6Hi0COzvuxaLP1fmp0Y8kIKDKcfMyn_EWn2NkTkdu1cWd6lWscTv0BEnGSvwBH_uq1Dmeg0kxZKiyHzSRLRhx_a9jOf0xTB7LV_NWfheRVujCdoEyiVeP00lEs2N0liIS0OPvY/s1600/DR2014-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAiRVx6Hi0COzvuxaLP1fmp0Y8kIKDKcfMyn_EWn2NkTkdu1cWd6lWscTv0BEnGSvwBH_uq1Dmeg0kxZKiyHzSRLRhx_a9jOf0xTB7LV_NWfheRVujCdoEyiVeP00lEs2N0liIS0OPvY/s1600/DR2014-1.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
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I even cleared the mantle of "things to be put away" and put some of my treasures on it too. That was a long time coming, to put it nicely. This is what it looked like when I was done. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6t0-NukvBaDj2vDE1CbfQQWHH7xUosVWE_iVCwt5fPuHc_3MoRpLUYT02Aep8R3yCvG9x6GEJgcRVx9SxQSN2KzOxa7slGZYjjr53pLCQRwcMW4RD_aggVO36Bwn8YUzOp-5bRfGKeM/s1600/DR2014-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6t0-NukvBaDj2vDE1CbfQQWHH7xUosVWE_iVCwt5fPuHc_3MoRpLUYT02Aep8R3yCvG9x6GEJgcRVx9SxQSN2KzOxa7slGZYjjr53pLCQRwcMW4RD_aggVO36Bwn8YUzOp-5bRfGKeM/s1600/DR2014-2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've done some "tweaking" since then and things have changed up a little but for the most part. </div>
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I think I can live with it as it stands... for now.</div>
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Turning a house into a home takes time. I think I am working my way there... </div>
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but I think that although I figured it might take small steps to get there, it will actually be more like baby steps... slow and steady I go.</div>
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Now if I could only put up that darn wallpaper in my kitchen....</div>
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June project???</div>
Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05563689842824628301noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096733110335593666.post-43177384969468333842014-01-25T22:04:00.000-05:002014-01-26T13:48:16.915-05:00Hexies for the Hexagonally Challenged!<div style="text-align: center;">
I love me a Hexie project as much as the next guy but man, the thought of making those templates, sewing them in and ripping them out, over, and over, and over again, is just a little more tediousness than I can or will subject myself to. Oh no, thanyouveryverymuch!</div>
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So when I found these fusible hexies at quilt market last year I thought, "HEL-LO!"</div>
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Yeah, I was smitten by the hexie bug immediately. Unfortunately, I knew that I had to see it to "get it", and because I know that some folks out there still haven't grasped the fusible hexie "thing", I thought I'd share my hexie process here. Be warned, this post may have one too many pictures, LOL</div>
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Hexies for the Hexagonally Challenged:</div>
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Step 1. </div>
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Gather your supplies. I used precut 2.5" fabric squares, because they work, </div>
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and I like the scrappy look. I also used 1" fusible hexies, and my iron.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgTWuIyMPOJ56bNca2rrbSoE1I-yHz-hJqVOPtWrGxRgjelNUOGx7_pXZXUOJHSJQRTN2fx5EIWKLVz3H7aKZNPOd7e8Ay2pj4ZF7Zn92QmTBO_FX98fV6M3-4u-s4ZInzpx7gg5X_G0/s1600/IMG_3733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgTWuIyMPOJ56bNca2rrbSoE1I-yHz-hJqVOPtWrGxRgjelNUOGx7_pXZXUOJHSJQRTN2fx5EIWKLVz3H7aKZNPOd7e8Ay2pj4ZF7Zn92QmTBO_FX98fV6M3-4u-s4ZInzpx7gg5X_G0/s1600/IMG_3733.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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Before I lay out the hexies on my fabric squares I like to verify that I am putting the fusible side down. The fusible side is easily identified by the sheen, see it there?? You do not want that adhesive on your iron so be sure to put that side face down on the wrong side of your fabric square.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UMqxiRTvxY4LNfmQnybqIQXrKeWCisfo9pT6HmFeSuCapNAW3mGiivakvCZOY_Av0JO9zkeia9l5ZENG8nqsb-l9B8v214lEI3w5hNWbsplLTvtfx8Vz5Ap-vUPmQSmhZZfobDsFZ1w/s1600/IMG_3734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UMqxiRTvxY4LNfmQnybqIQXrKeWCisfo9pT6HmFeSuCapNAW3mGiivakvCZOY_Av0JO9zkeia9l5ZENG8nqsb-l9B8v214lEI3w5hNWbsplLTvtfx8Vz5Ap-vUPmQSmhZZfobDsFZ1w/s1600/IMG_3734.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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Once you've centered the hexie on your fabric square (fusible side down on the wrong side of your fabric), you press it with a hot iron. Don't move the iron around. It won't do anything to it, but it will just take longer... I "suspect", because you know I didn't do that, right? LOL OK, so maybe I did...</div>
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and no, it did not speed things up, JIC you were wondering.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSk3XRUHf9tLCv68tWpSyYtacUh4sqmi-iuEQJ4FfC4A0O7cHqlFDrkiI7GVzCejhHOyr_UpLc1Iw4Zum12jnvyh7Ih3_Tpv10GNpW0zmXQKpsPqivHEmY8z5DcjrepE86shwfe93PSvI/s1600/IMG_3735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSk3XRUHf9tLCv68tWpSyYtacUh4sqmi-iuEQJ4FfC4A0O7cHqlFDrkiI7GVzCejhHOyr_UpLc1Iw4Zum12jnvyh7Ih3_Tpv10GNpW0zmXQKpsPqivHEmY8z5DcjrepE86shwfe93PSvI/s1600/IMG_3735.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once you get the hang of it you can go crazy and do a few at a time. The most I did was two at a time but I laid them out as shown below, and I just moved the iron onto the next row as I went along. This helped speed things up, and I was done in no time flat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-R5D2q1e1JEkF5Qb2AxIB44yYbNJdIu4C2rR1K3whgKJ0EqvMUnFedGVAUAc7ZO-jbvFprP9lq4N_WhLedPZVVztQL_A8LJGR0mpmy48-qm0wnB71fRYX3ZsA8gegtXjmRQgAmLGt5o8/s1600/IMG_3738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-R5D2q1e1JEkF5Qb2AxIB44yYbNJdIu4C2rR1K3whgKJ0EqvMUnFedGVAUAc7ZO-jbvFprP9lq4N_WhLedPZVVztQL_A8LJGR0mpmy48-qm0wnB71fRYX3ZsA8gegtXjmRQgAmLGt5o8/s1600/IMG_3738.JPG" height="320" width="309" /></a></div>
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Next, I trimmed the fabric around the edges of the hexie to about a quarter of an inch, </div>
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I did say "about", right??? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJJQMASL2cniFgUYNHebDVSufh_U95ei03UQxXiyoY31BysHxFhtWpJFq7n9KPDgbNix1-bwb23pPysw5Sg3aV_LQgbxnzZSAmYCGFmrMuPxUHP_j76YEOsHj_KtZeTP8NERZi9Dss20/s1600/IMG_3747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJJQMASL2cniFgUYNHebDVSufh_U95ei03UQxXiyoY31BysHxFhtWpJFq7n9KPDgbNix1-bwb23pPysw5Sg3aV_LQgbxnzZSAmYCGFmrMuPxUHP_j76YEOsHj_KtZeTP8NERZi9Dss20/s1600/IMG_3747.JPG" height="305" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then, I used my handi-dandi washable glue stick and glued the edges down. </div>
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Don't worry, the glue will wash off so it won't be stiff.</div>
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Here's how I glued it. I put glue on the sides first...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVXME6mWY9stHMc5HO4ieUGTAWL9-nxiW4-0JaPLS0YI6dHHuWChRH-AGscTk0yYAg4XYNv9UlsCyhOUWYI49puIznsM4X0mpE0fdea13014cQyToZXo-pcyyx2FX3vuBcd15r5tvYKI/s1600/IMG_3748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVXME6mWY9stHMc5HO4ieUGTAWL9-nxiW4-0JaPLS0YI6dHHuWChRH-AGscTk0yYAg4XYNv9UlsCyhOUWYI49puIznsM4X0mpE0fdea13014cQyToZXo-pcyyx2FX3vuBcd15r5tvYKI/s1600/IMG_3748.jpg" height="293" width="320" /></a></div>
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then, when I got to the corners where I had to start with the next section, I added a "dab" of glue onto the folded part so the next piece would stick to the hexie AND the piece of fabric that was already folded. Oh, I'm slow so the glue kept drying one me (it goes on purple but dries clear). SO, I would suggest not applying all the glue at the beginning until you get good at it or put the camera down, LOL</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_jsIeFh5FMt9k-9RVe3gNHMWHHLRjmS0krdz87fHvn1rLB9o_DMTdS8pnULzoIb_49Bintb-OeIXXZx3LuynAp2KEYSa6Or7HAeAlQ0B0DzLXW1Uu2I5kCxO-F7513YXokXNVC_z9Qc/s1600/IMG_3750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_jsIeFh5FMt9k-9RVe3gNHMWHHLRjmS0krdz87fHvn1rLB9o_DMTdS8pnULzoIb_49Bintb-OeIXXZx3LuynAp2KEYSa6Or7HAeAlQ0B0DzLXW1Uu2I5kCxO-F7513YXokXNVC_z9Qc/s1600/IMG_3750.jpg" height="320" width="258" /></a></div>
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The finished hexie will look like this. The template is washable and will not need to be removed. It's thin and will feel more like interfacing than anything else. It won't feel stiff after washing, I promise.</div>
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These little hexies are the bomb, really.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWBwUyUx_jUwJcqVHkJOPTU1XNdfvVAvDq0Xs7AIcaejII5UfsOYECfGSfEWy54guwK1y2BaL8cvweGxDtQCWam1IruzsiFpqzl41yLizvj_4wfWRrDfI1wxHFD3tA7GeZgV1cyeLSC8/s1600/IMG_3752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWBwUyUx_jUwJcqVHkJOPTU1XNdfvVAvDq0Xs7AIcaejII5UfsOYECfGSfEWy54guwK1y2BaL8cvweGxDtQCWam1IruzsiFpqzl41yLizvj_4wfWRrDfI1wxHFD3tA7GeZgV1cyeLSC8/s1600/IMG_3752.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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Iron on the whole pack of fabric squares and set them in a basket by your favorite chair... you will have them done, a little at a time, in no time at all.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9CxT6NaSL2025PQzwkd3Yr55nj5ShlM_ruQNdiVgfXbgoZCKAU3jWX6m5eqoRk1QpU9P9OHX6GTZacWrLu2MynQgc1YfCBPkJ3BBE1em-5pA2-eqGnVznUQaz3VYqU6DNWRED99isoE/s1600/IMG_3740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9CxT6NaSL2025PQzwkd3Yr55nj5ShlM_ruQNdiVgfXbgoZCKAU3jWX6m5eqoRk1QpU9P9OHX6GTZacWrLu2MynQgc1YfCBPkJ3BBE1em-5pA2-eqGnVznUQaz3VYqU6DNWRED99isoE/s1600/IMG_3740.JPG" height="235" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once completed, it will look, oh so stinkin' cute!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspi8zL3jakqUQOYvoZIJxaDFyJjzz23etIzOkd7SQ_AgRtc8vh7m4uJrG_XdgEK50yUyQ8iPTylTboZWlzlxzaIz5tJphyphenhyphenUyDomRRwa6UOyg5PgoxEXK7P_m7MzvBCDSWjHAD16b_gVE/s1600/IMG_3754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspi8zL3jakqUQOYvoZIJxaDFyJjzz23etIzOkd7SQ_AgRtc8vh7m4uJrG_XdgEK50yUyQ8iPTylTboZWlzlxzaIz5tJphyphenhyphenUyDomRRwa6UOyg5PgoxEXK7P_m7MzvBCDSWjHAD16b_gVE/s1600/IMG_3754.JPG" height="312" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once you have more than one you can start piecing them together. To start piecing them you will have to align the hexies you want to sew together. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDI7sHUwLtKIDIXZW6u5r3ISZp_I-F0JE4LPd3yK-oKtF2QsQRMezu1Y1XCgg98-pIBe5bpnK4iBnO7LNUESMUnebwt0QzgECvqmUbA9Pv2aVf-t0s6MCiA4NadXccrjyfkOBuaLsFco/s1600/IMG_3763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDI7sHUwLtKIDIXZW6u5r3ISZp_I-F0JE4LPd3yK-oKtF2QsQRMezu1Y1XCgg98-pIBe5bpnK4iBnO7LNUESMUnebwt0QzgECvqmUbA9Pv2aVf-t0s6MCiA4NadXccrjyfkOBuaLsFco/s1600/IMG_3763.jpg" height="204" width="320" /></a></div>
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When you are sure that you like the way your hexies look side by side, </div>
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stack them, right sides together.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pj4OfXQ0zgAkKC8jquIJ-C_ErUiv5p2CqaAZEOpihmiv2B6A9DMYsLqJVfzKUoVNcHGwpwos9GQ5X2cY2LWm-FawpCsWwAl5zw0bfBMoUUSOx9f94j4fWNFFfysI6q_EQKiQCh8Rqho/s1600/IMG_3764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pj4OfXQ0zgAkKC8jquIJ-C_ErUiv5p2CqaAZEOpihmiv2B6A9DMYsLqJVfzKUoVNcHGwpwos9GQ5X2cY2LWm-FawpCsWwAl5zw0bfBMoUUSOx9f94j4fWNFFfysI6q_EQKiQCh8Rqho/s1600/IMG_3764.jpg" height="254" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now, starting at the corner, stitch them together by "pinching" a little bit from each side as you whip stitch your way from one side to the next. Now remember, just a little pinch goes a long way. You want your stitches to be teenie weenie so you can wash this baby a hundred times and never worry about it coming apart...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswLajWa9UVIUZE657ANSnrIM2QY4qKS9Qb5Ji0FVPHA0mcEFh7tcuZTJ3oR8OEY9TmgO9TWDe-Nda_PCCQJZwrt5nowPg5cfZbfu1IzsOEUbxiJR7CpQr1JmfZtHOnaZ81ebe1h4GnlE/s1600/IMG_3766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswLajWa9UVIUZE657ANSnrIM2QY4qKS9Qb5Ji0FVPHA0mcEFh7tcuZTJ3oR8OEY9TmgO9TWDe-Nda_PCCQJZwrt5nowPg5cfZbfu1IzsOEUbxiJR7CpQr1JmfZtHOnaZ81ebe1h4GnlE/s1600/IMG_3766.jpg" height="320" width="302" /></a></div>
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This is what your stitched side will look like when it's done. </div>
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It kinda-sorta looked like a tent to me...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD00z3wtG1h9RaQZkMndEUnbmgRbNOf6NR-VFfaj1XSKzZIFh0_9rPJg2ldJJ5kBNZpmf7VMvjHFi5WgAby9pHfrxzasIltFCkhhhFFJiOHq3P7YaRWkWxAKosK44OBA8HtN4xHpX9Dpw/s1600/IMG_3767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD00z3wtG1h9RaQZkMndEUnbmgRbNOf6NR-VFfaj1XSKzZIFh0_9rPJg2ldJJ5kBNZpmf7VMvjHFi5WgAby9pHfrxzasIltFCkhhhFFJiOHq3P7YaRWkWxAKosK44OBA8HtN4xHpX9Dpw/s1600/IMG_3767.jpg" height="271" width="320" /></a></div>
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but then I pressed it down with the hot iron and baby, </div>
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it was looking pretty fancy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZJaUW2ihm8iTjsng-jvznvfYcDern85OuUTRvvY25pgDG2jDY0WY5db3n_YEofKM61vsPqtAwOg76NsopXry9Xp9D9qyg9_tC25Fe_S80E0TWKShvBdMUBj4qnwZIu_LKqau3O_iu7A/s1600/IMG_3768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZJaUW2ihm8iTjsng-jvznvfYcDern85OuUTRvvY25pgDG2jDY0WY5db3n_YEofKM61vsPqtAwOg76NsopXry9Xp9D9qyg9_tC25Fe_S80E0TWKShvBdMUBj4qnwZIu_LKqau3O_iu7A/s1600/IMG_3768.JPG" height="261" width="320" /></a></div>
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After that I was on a roll, so I added a few more stitches and whala... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TvoUconktgM6yMobLtlQwbwAJx2-i2gc-WHlR4V3W94sSYUmItFq33lVs8O39Fux1yE7-tYYVkz0ZStUFg8_Hl_uvCUf4HCvur7ccaZ-EeLMSpd41Cw2Zsq7ZKzFmQYSh39u6YXWs3M/s1600/IMG_3769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TvoUconktgM6yMobLtlQwbwAJx2-i2gc-WHlR4V3W94sSYUmItFq33lVs8O39Fux1yE7-tYYVkz0ZStUFg8_Hl_uvCUf4HCvur7ccaZ-EeLMSpd41Cw2Zsq7ZKzFmQYSh39u6YXWs3M/s1600/IMG_3769.JPG" height="320" width="318" /></a></div>
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WooHOO! I'm so good....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxVPPAR2eUSguDvbKKYXgHH0zYA3xdYXg6hC7utgbuUEUqclyvYs8GJvPXt9YBWHRFLhXQ6OGHrakEThjjbM2p93moTF-rkCSDWnJY3KkTdYXdBqhxKbEMxBQICc5YSTYEm0p1uPUNws/s1600/IMG_3770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxVPPAR2eUSguDvbKKYXgHH0zYA3xdYXg6hC7utgbuUEUqclyvYs8GJvPXt9YBWHRFLhXQ6OGHrakEThjjbM2p93moTF-rkCSDWnJY3KkTdYXdBqhxKbEMxBQICc5YSTYEm0p1uPUNws/s1600/IMG_3770.jpg" height="320" width="289" /></a></div>
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See? Nothing to it. You can do it too. </div>
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Trust me, no one was more Hexagonally challenged than I was... </div>
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if I can do it, so can you. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You're going to need some fusible hexies, so here's a link:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><a href="http://www.pumpkinpatchprimitives.com/catalog.php?category=153">http://www.pumpkinpatchprimitives.com/catalog.php?category=153</a></span><br />
They come in two sizes, I used the 1" size... I suggest you start with the larger size and go smaller as you become more confident.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You are going to love making these! They're fast, and fun...and they look so cute!!!<br />
<span style="color: #660000;">Note:</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">If you do not have an email registered with Blogger I cannot answer your questions and/or comments directly. If you have a question and /or comment (but do not have an email registered with Blogger), and would like reply, please email me@ pumpkinpatchprimitives@yahoo.com. I would be happy to send you a reply. Brenda</span></div>
Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05563689842824628301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096733110335593666.post-67531754606040255822014-01-20T02:25:00.001-05:002014-01-20T02:25:27.318-05:00The Case Of The Missing Mojo<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a class="ig-b- ig-b-48" href="http://instagram.com/pmpkingirl?ref=badge"><img alt="Instagram" height="200" src="//badges.instagram.com/static/images/ig-badge-48.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today marks the first day of what I shall call the<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_693805227"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Thirty Days Of Inspiration Project</span></a></span></i></b><a href="http://instagram.com/pmpkingirl"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">.</span></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's a thirty day quest to find inspiration and creativity. I seem to have lost these somewhere between Christmas and New Year's. Twenty days into 2014 I have yet to find anything that inspires me enough to pick up a paintbrush or a needle. I need inspiration!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think this could be a case of Winter Blues, or a case of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seasonal_affective_disorder" style="color: black;">SAD</a>; but it could simply be a case of Missing Mojo. Who knows? I certainly don't, and it is for this reason that I have decided to take to <a href="http://instagram.com/pmpkingirl"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><b><i>Instagram</i></b></span></a> to post pictures of things that inspire me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">I know I don't have the time or energy to blog for thirty days straight, and I already Facebook daily, or almost daily.... so I needed something out of my routine. I needed something that would document a conscious effort to find my inspiration. Following my dear friend, <a href="http://www.appliquetoday.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Joanna's</span></a> lead (you can follow her <a href="http://instagram.com/quiltamomma"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">here</span></a>), I decided that I shall take to Instagram for a quick picture. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">One picture a day, for thirty days... I can handle that.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So if you are feeling like you're in a slump, like you need a little inspiration... like you have a case of the Missing Mojo... follow me on<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><a href="http://instagram.com/pmpkingirl"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Instagram</span></a></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"> </span>and hopefully, we'll find it together. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not sure how to follow me? here's a great tutorial:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Follow-Someone-on-Instagram">http://www.wikihow.com/Follow-Someone-on-Instagram</a><br />
Have fun today!</div>
Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05563689842824628301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096733110335593666.post-85066454746206703712013-12-31T11:54:00.000-05:002013-12-31T11:54:16.874-05:00It's a Regifting Giveaway!<div style="text-align: center;">
'Tis the season for regifting. Fa La La La La</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh, you know there is a that one gift that you wish had never been under the tree. That gift that you cannot bring your self to throw away because you know it was given with so much love... but man, where are you supposed to put that thing? Or why did she think you were two sizes larger than you really are? Do you seriously look that fat? Ouch!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I believe that regifting can be the relief to your troubles. You can regift a heartfelt gift and never feel guilty about not appreciating the gift because you know that someone else will enjoy it. It might not be your color, but you know someone who would absolutely croon over it... ah, the joy of giving. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It never stops. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tMVmUWuRGHDKJYCoWI_jI-ZhSMbG1YbMzCOPojvZsHYmC23EvSkD4DPPnwES_tSOCH_Ilhy7J6RD3A6FeX9PUJ-auaWXLnlIxlxEf3qQ-WHprhIPRdMZjVOHQsQrJk6CF7-2KVZS7ck/s1600/POB-SideView.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tMVmUWuRGHDKJYCoWI_jI-ZhSMbG1YbMzCOPojvZsHYmC23EvSkD4DPPnwES_tSOCH_Ilhy7J6RD3A6FeX9PUJ-auaWXLnlIxlxEf3qQ-WHprhIPRdMZjVOHQsQrJk6CF7-2KVZS7ck/s320/POB-SideView.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>
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While unpacking one of my sister's moving boxes we came across this cutie. It's a hand painted box I gifted her many years ago. It was one of the first pieces I painted and it is far from perfect but wicked cute. However, she has had it and loved it for many years and doesn't have a place for it in her new home. My idea was to purge it and she agreed, but then SHE came up with the idea that it should go to a new home, so here it is up for grabs. Let the regifting begin!</div>
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This little box has a black over red distressed body and its compartments are lined in red wool. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-aRL9OUKtiH8qw9blwJviBiVLCWl7RHaYH8sUtUbadEhAwnIiHsjZ7320Rgn7fHit76nBFmOsjgi3_5CrtXybRBKljS_R1xnlMgee0cKZT8Edd7IA89Ury5HSYyquPck0FKZOG1cSF_8/s1600/POB-InsodeView.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-aRL9OUKtiH8qw9blwJviBiVLCWl7RHaYH8sUtUbadEhAwnIiHsjZ7320Rgn7fHit76nBFmOsjgi3_5CrtXybRBKljS_R1xnlMgee0cKZT8Edd7IA89Ury5HSYyquPck0FKZOG1cSF_8/s320/POB-InsodeView.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
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The top is painted mustard and has a gentleman carrying a pumpkin. It's painted in the Peter Ompir style. I have no idea whose pattern I used (It was a long time ago) but it is not my original design.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxro0mkqV6HVYRQ7pm8jTEw8fxV4kWxceTHzFQQexHTAVeLbOe5VIbebASfZGj6KGvSYo5Qv0WcK_WtLn9mAfr1qoTxmVW1bf46fBK6ysKafkjaSi93fkAEzKX_Cv_Qv7DWoaCqSXHilw/s1600/POB-TopView.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxro0mkqV6HVYRQ7pm8jTEw8fxV4kWxceTHzFQQexHTAVeLbOe5VIbebASfZGj6KGvSYo5Qv0WcK_WtLn9mAfr1qoTxmVW1bf46fBK6ysKafkjaSi93fkAEzKX_Cv_Qv7DWoaCqSXHilw/s320/POB-TopView.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I just painted it. It has been used and loved, and looks just like it did the day she received it.</div>
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It's so cute. </div>
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To enter the giveaway just leave a comment and tell me what you could not bare to purge and decided to regift. Can't wait to read it. I will choose a random winner tomorrow. See you then! Brenda</div>
Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05563689842824628301noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096733110335593666.post-54533168180823740532013-12-28T10:36:00.003-05:002013-12-28T10:36:55.797-05:00I Love Handmade Gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5M8hEtltqeqUUL2s4XGTjBL8OG-d2vaRzbfCTgfk52rVxgunSNecOJNsrSf9VRuFcF-FDNk-9z7X20yN-93FMj5HYzkXantm1HakH8WiyT7g4Yulc-ZdQNCAOkAldaG7PjbfSXw74BM/s1600/IMG_3665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5M8hEtltqeqUUL2s4XGTjBL8OG-d2vaRzbfCTgfk52rVxgunSNecOJNsrSf9VRuFcF-FDNk-9z7X20yN-93FMj5HYzkXantm1HakH8WiyT7g4Yulc-ZdQNCAOkAldaG7PjbfSXw74BM/s320/IMG_3665.JPG" width="236" /></a></div>
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As I was helping my sister finish trimming her tree before the big day, I spotted this little cutie already tucked in and hanging on it. I had to stop and touch it. It's so soft. It reminded me of the hours I spent making it (along with a few others because it's actually part of a set) that I made for her a few years ago. I remember having to ask my other sister how to make french knots for the eyes and berries because, at the time, I just could not make a knot for the life of me... In the end they all turned out well but it was a labor of love. </div>
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I love gifting handmade. It requires A LOT of forethought, a lot of planning and discipline. You have to be sure your keeping the recipient in mind and you have to hope they'll love it enough not to regift it, and you have to be sure that once you make it you'll let it go. I can't believe that some people actually gift with a disclaimer, "when you die be sure to leave it to XYZ". It makes me think the person who gifted it is actually "lending it". Either it is gifted, or not. I thought my friend's relative was weird but then someone else told me a similar story so I guess the practice is rampant, LOL. What is up with that? That's crazy!</div>
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Anyway, I truly believe that if you gift you need not lay claim to it after the recipient has died. That's just me and my thought on that matter...I always assume my "collections" will end up in a yard sale anyway so I am enjoying them now. </div>
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I hope that next year my life will have settled down enough to make some lovely new treasures to gift at Christmas. I love handmade gifts, don't you???</div>
Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05563689842824628301noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096733110335593666.post-73462881225407724022013-12-28T01:17:00.000-05:002013-12-28T01:20:56.916-05:00A New Home, A New Journey...<div style="text-align: center;">
I am in TX visiting my dear sisters this month. One of my sisters has moved to a new house, and has spent many weeks making it her own. It's been a long process but she's finally in it, with only a few unopened boxes to show for her struggles, but those too are on their way to becoming just a distant memory.</div>
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As I sit at her dinning room table listening to Christmas music and consuming that mighty Chai Latte that will give me the courage to face the chair assembly that is on my schedule this morning, I am so happy for her that I catch myself smiling and reminiscing of when I was young-ER and single, and childless... oh, it seems so long ago. I can't believe how time has just flown by. I used to change her diapers and now I sit in her house, at her table. It just amazes me how life goes on and it's like a book full of chapters. Some happier than others, but all integral parts of the plot of our lives.</div>
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I wish I lived closer to enjoy this new phase of her life with her. But like all birds, they spread their wings and they fly away. I wish her love, laughter and a table full of friends to warm this lovely new place....</div>
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Oh, but what's a table without chairs?! I better get cracking on this assembly before she comes home and finds me still sitting here on my tenth latte. LOL Hope your holidays are filled with love and laughter, and wonderful gatherings. </div>
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I'll leave you with <span style="text-align: center;"> a view from my perch at the dinning room table.</span></div>
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and a peek at her lovely new living room.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCYaaIBHQj78IFJ-JeCwQ99Q5jx5TcBaMGpE0Tfl3uUeE4HTkOMTejbh5TnvSbzUNU3c3srCNZBy_fE8VIULmX1YsRQJrVo1kEwjrz4XDqYdEfkDwLeecQsOZb8LmfPgtGCgS0vrBdH8/s1600/IMG_3667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCYaaIBHQj78IFJ-JeCwQ99Q5jx5TcBaMGpE0Tfl3uUeE4HTkOMTejbh5TnvSbzUNU3c3srCNZBy_fE8VIULmX1YsRQJrVo1kEwjrz4XDqYdEfkDwLeecQsOZb8LmfPgtGCgS0vrBdH8/s320/IMG_3667.JPG" width="277" /></a></div>
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Isn't it lovely???? I think she has found herself a keeper here. </div>
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Anew home for a new journey. Let the next phase begin!</div>
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Happy Holidays!</div>
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<br />Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05563689842824628301noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096733110335593666.post-74476229093917576922013-07-23T12:32:00.000-04:002013-07-23T12:32:50.331-04:00Stop Planning and Start Living!<div style="text-align: center;">
One day, not long ago, it hit me that I had lived in this house for almost a year and my life was "on hold". I found myself in a "holding" pattern that I am sure is not unique to me, but to many people in recovery. It's that state when you live your life waiting for the other shoe to drop...</div>
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and it's mentally exhausting.</div>
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The last couple of years have been challenging, to say the least. It seemed like I had the worst case of growing pains in history, but somehow I managed to hang on and come out on the other side. I can only explain it as a a white water rapids kind of ride... you hang on while the water beats the crap out of your vessel, you might even fall out, but you climb back in and ride it to the end where the pool is usually calm and you just stay in the raft pondering, in amazement,... did that all really happen? Am I OK? My ride was so long and hard that its taken me a year to realize it's time to get out of the raft. But how scary is that? Will my legs hold me or will my knees buckle?</div>
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I have a long tale to tell but I will have to share it a little bit at a time. For now I just wanted to say Thank You to those who have helped me along the way. For those who believed that I would eventually get out of the raft and step on dry land. You know who you are... thanks for believing in me.</div>
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Now it's time to stop planning and start living in this "no longer new" house.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ISJhCigfcinmE1_fRtnHGne4FuSsht-hl_R4uSzfQA3WBp4oyD76FAvwwJDwe_TEHxoAx9AD9O3_Mn3qBz9PuPwTXSt6naNdMwRcys78yLxpd-DvdtR2wIJhPZOIs6Eaa4g_fwu4wtk/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ISJhCigfcinmE1_fRtnHGne4FuSsht-hl_R4uSzfQA3WBp4oyD76FAvwwJDwe_TEHxoAx9AD9O3_Mn3qBz9PuPwTXSt6naNdMwRcys78yLxpd-DvdtR2wIJhPZOIs6Eaa4g_fwu4wtk/s320/photo.JPG" width="315" /></a></div>
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7/23/2013</div>
Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05563689842824628301noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096733110335593666.post-5336586265707903192013-05-24T01:09:00.000-04:002013-05-24T03:06:33.213-04:00Feeling Blessed<div style="text-align: center;">
Today a young man died of Osteosarcoma. I did not know him, I did not know of him either. I just found out about him today and his story touched me.</div>
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When a young life is taken so early it brings things into perspective. It reminds us of our healthy children and how lucky we are to tuck them in knowing that they don't hurt and that when we wake them in the morning they'll spring to life (or slowly come alive) and you'll face nothing but the challenges of being a Mom and helping him navigate life. No matter how hard his life is, how challenging it is... he is alive, and for that I am grateful. Hug your kids tight tonight and know that not every Mom is as lucky as we are .</div>
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This is Zach Sobiech, he was just a few months older than GP when he died.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6X9fmorSU_YzvXS2yfE5Jt3jRwihTCHkP2uIEeqe7auV1LptvudqHs2nhERfZpOXb5CobPyYngzWBBpyHpF1qjF17UWLuhkpAfATG62lPGCvWk4VFCYrQCDO6hkV10y-jb2nldFnhvs/s1600/Zach-Sobiech-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6X9fmorSU_YzvXS2yfE5Jt3jRwihTCHkP2uIEeqe7auV1LptvudqHs2nhERfZpOXb5CobPyYngzWBBpyHpF1qjF17UWLuhkpAfATG62lPGCvWk4VFCYrQCDO6hkV10y-jb2nldFnhvs/s320/Zach-Sobiech-600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Kind of puts things into perspective. He wrote a song and leaves a legacy of love. What a kid; I am sure his mom is hurting tonight, but she must be proud of the young man he became. RIP Zach. His You tube video is below. Just follow the link. It's worth it. </div>
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<a href="http://youtu.be/sDC97j6lfyc">Clouds by Zach Sobiech</a></div>
<br />Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05563689842824628301noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096733110335593666.post-78329557263183142492013-05-15T07:21:00.005-04:002013-05-15T07:21:59.120-04:00We Have A Winner!<div style="text-align: center;">
Congratulations to Robin who was chosen by Random.org as the winner of the Catchall Kit. </div>
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Thanks to everyone for joining in the fun! Brenda</div>
Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05563689842824628301noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096733110335593666.post-78772316901442784362013-04-07T13:08:00.001-04:002013-04-07T13:17:32.364-04:00Follow My Heart Fabrics Have Arrived!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Seems like a lifetime ago when I ordered these wonderful fabrics and they have finally arrived. </div>
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I love them so much I have even decided to cut some fat quarters because it's one of those lines where you just need to sample all the prints. They're whimsical without being cutesy... </div>
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<a href="http://goo.gl/photos/qTG42Ldoas" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4e5iGidRsr8/UWGYUkU3yZE/AAAAAAAAFA0/mRT7uAoCvk0/s160-c/FollowMyHeart.jpg" /></a></div>
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ou can order your yardage or a Fat Quarter Bundle (while supplies last) here:</div>
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<b><i><a href="http://www.pumpkinpatchprimitives.com/catalog.php?category=261&page=2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Follow My Heart</span></a></i></b></div>
Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05563689842824628301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096733110335593666.post-80705723090868574442013-04-06T17:42:00.000-04:002013-04-06T18:05:53.398-04:00Playing with the Big Girls<div style="text-align: center;">
Just a few weekends ago I went on my second retreat. Yes, that would be my second QUILTING retreat. I went to the <a href="http://bostonmqg.blogspot.com/"><b><i><span style="color: #660000;">Boston Modern Quilt Guild</span></i></b></a> Retreat in Kennebunkport, ME with my niece and the new pumpkin in our patch, Jessy. </div>
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I had such a great time just hanging out without a care in the world, just stitching the day away while the machines hummed my nerves into a craftiness coma that I only managed to wake from on Sunday, when it was time to come home.</div>
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I managed to complete (well, almost complete), ONE project. This one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-JgdAUyVL4psmtjGjeCxAXgA4d8rgh37C8tLvMxClHMis4E_L1MtLNgCx7NFKjgBXM0xyVvuss-R-uK9lnhcmKJOdE_845lKLsSaPgPI_0jk3fLVYavjmQzOeq3fJNVcwBTegn-T-7E/s1600/MyPixImage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-JgdAUyVL4psmtjGjeCxAXgA4d8rgh37C8tLvMxClHMis4E_L1MtLNgCx7NFKjgBXM0xyVvuss-R-uK9lnhcmKJOdE_845lKLsSaPgPI_0jk3fLVYavjmQzOeq3fJNVcwBTegn-T-7E/s320/MyPixImage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now I know you feel joy for me and my accomplishment. I mean, you're all so supportive and you know how hard I work at my craftiness perfection (or lack thereof) so I'd like to share with you, what I like to call my I spy pictures. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mFPrt2bb9HbXWdJPXhIWcaIhDyuaQYXUbPM21DDn0_UE7E3u34tyyg6tOWwQK8omSg1sr6aAf57MWMVVetf4SwL-1TvrjIebOPBP8w0NBHZ9nxBKvktMhjHXa-92D23XL0OY7xls-s0/s1600/IMG_2817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mFPrt2bb9HbXWdJPXhIWcaIhDyuaQYXUbPM21DDn0_UE7E3u34tyyg6tOWwQK8omSg1sr6aAf57MWMVVetf4SwL-1TvrjIebOPBP8w0NBHZ9nxBKvktMhjHXa-92D23XL0OY7xls-s0/s320/IMG_2817.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
I spy my quilt on the FAMILY wall (these are my niece's blocks, made at the retreat for a quilt she is working on. She worked on other projects too, but these are her "completed" blocks. And there under my "project" are Jessy's blocks, which she cut and stitched at the retreat. She cut TONS of these, but these are the ones that were "completed" and made into strips. This will be her first BIG project, and she was on a roll. She also made a knitting needle case for her mom while I worked on my one project... did you find it in the picture? </div>
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Oh, I did finish the stitching around my Wool & Needle January mat too. </div>
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I was so productive!</div>
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Oh, but there were other projects that were pretty impressive and as all girls do, I had to compare mine to theirs and see how I measured up in the productivity department. Soooo, I went on a little mission after hours... seeing how my guy "measured up" to the "Big Girls" quilts. Here's what I found.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnfZqRwVrkiHN1S0zuz1-hq4Pb5IBE_LK4ZZnKowoppByCJlLdiYk_JYfx1CdkFpw-oKwCZic6XBMewvymRy1CHqycvu0dtMqqJYuyMV7ZgA8FMVCuzqty_TwgBvtToYgfR44euOzim8/s1600/IMG_2814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnfZqRwVrkiHN1S0zuz1-hq4Pb5IBE_LK4ZZnKowoppByCJlLdiYk_JYfx1CdkFpw-oKwCZic6XBMewvymRy1CHqycvu0dtMqqJYuyMV7ZgA8FMVCuzqty_TwgBvtToYgfR44euOzim8/s320/IMG_2814.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Here I spy my project next to a hexagon masterpiece that had me wishing I had a love for piecing...</div>
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check out those block! Holy smokes! Yeah, she fussy cut the center blocks too. Sigh. </div>
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Mine was "almost" as nice as hers...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVht9OSB9NwRciFj6sM3ThNYf-PgypvKUwGOYeZnQKzdnmkCNdQ0rIEg03XtR74COaYXpqwM8z2ihjHUfpXJmFPoNNfI0BOg8NHUQzWMr_Sya6SUWrAopISVVs5_fJ-525Vqou1_HYvA/s1600/IMG_2815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVht9OSB9NwRciFj6sM3ThNYf-PgypvKUwGOYeZnQKzdnmkCNdQ0rIEg03XtR74COaYXpqwM8z2ihjHUfpXJmFPoNNfI0BOg8NHUQzWMr_Sya6SUWrAopISVVs5_fJ-525Vqou1_HYvA/s320/IMG_2815.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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But not feeling as accomplished as I hoped I continued my quest for my equal, and although I thought this wouldn't be a fair comparison, I did try to measure up to this one....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8wwaXX20UDLoK5kwwhzX08epOr0LsVQ_kYZ0wXz3FDyDdWohW-0Nc8TfomizL3qHlwFt6WuYW1tMRzzuqksPkNrqU6wRSUz7spb0SUd0au1hEdCBEyyPzHGr4uf3cYPM9cWzADYE8Zg/s1600/IMG_2816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8wwaXX20UDLoK5kwwhzX08epOr0LsVQ_kYZ0wXz3FDyDdWohW-0Nc8TfomizL3qHlwFt6WuYW1tMRzzuqksPkNrqU6wRSUz7spb0SUd0au1hEdCBEyyPzHGr4uf3cYPM9cWzADYE8Zg/s320/IMG_2816.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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but the scale was all wrong. Can you even see my project in this picture? </div>
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Yeah, the little spot on the big quilt, that would be mine, LOL...</div>
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Quilt after quilt I saw that each one was unique and ever so beautiful but none was quite like mine. Which made me think of how lucky I was to be welcomed into such a talented group... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCkrzuWKK8SkOJJdAEbY4jycJQYzVhsV2eXQtl4FU8vWmUIdqvdf7Di5E1qOek30EBezUzQXOTu8CytIE1713RZykF9pySFhZkQEJZjKxZBD7cFNsp-t8XByHwpMz6ot-xBI3fYxWaek/s1600/IMG_2813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCkrzuWKK8SkOJJdAEbY4jycJQYzVhsV2eXQtl4FU8vWmUIdqvdf7Di5E1qOek30EBezUzQXOTu8CytIE1713RZykF9pySFhZkQEJZjKxZBD7cFNsp-t8XByHwpMz6ot-xBI3fYxWaek/s320/IMG_2813.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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and to have my little guy playing with the Big Girls! <br />
Can't wait to do it again next year. =)</div>
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05563689842824628301noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096733110335593666.post-89382823853549682732013-02-27T20:13:00.001-05:002013-04-06T20:40:57.766-04:00My Favorite Snowmen Are Made Of Wool<div style="text-align: center;">
As you may or may not know, I am not snow's biggest fan. I appreciate the need for snow and understand that my garden has a crush on it but I personally, well... not a fan. </div>
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I prefer warm days and crisp nights as opposed to cold days and freezing nights. I hear snow is coming and I feel a chill up my spine. I get so stressed, "What if the power goes out? Do I have enough wood? Do I have enough groceries? Are my flashlights where I can find them?" UGH, There's so much drama in my head, you'd think it was a Tsunami alert. Yeah, I'm bad, LOL</div>
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Having confirmed that the pantry is full, that I have a stash of batteries that rivals Home Depot's inventory stock, I can now move on to how I spent the last few nights. I spent them making this cute little snowman pocket.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AwkHR6rWlOI6Lk3YihK3rO7M2bQDa3q3MvQz-soMzfN0RE2C61dJfXhBft92deyNRAnsVdPEFFupUu7e05QZVZyHCTOfxpigGdsXIc7MqPZgFWWuV30yptdGGcOfMUx3drUbrVS5zwk/s1600/SnowmanPocket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AwkHR6rWlOI6Lk3YihK3rO7M2bQDa3q3MvQz-soMzfN0RE2C61dJfXhBft92deyNRAnsVdPEFFupUu7e05QZVZyHCTOfxpigGdsXIc7MqPZgFWWuV30yptdGGcOfMUx3drUbrVS5zwk/s320/SnowmanPocket.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
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It's made of wool, lined in flannel, embellished with hand dyed buttons and even has a little painter's blush to complement his embroidery smile. A fast, fun and easy weekend project... or snowstorm nerve calmer.<br />
Hope you're staying warm and crafting up a storm while you wait for Spring. Be well! B=)</div>
Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05563689842824628301noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096733110335593666.post-72466481030009965892013-02-22T15:49:00.000-05:002013-02-24T09:21:24.509-05:00Winter Doesn't Last Forever<div style="text-align: center;">
As another snowstorm threatens the peace and quiet of our Winter landscape I have to ponder the age old question, why the heck do I live in NH if snowstorms send shivers up my spine? Why, oh why, don't I just move to the hot and spicy southwest like the rest of the women in my family?</div>
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Oh, it's the crisp Fall days and the sunny Summer afternoons that go on forever. It's the fresh apples picked straight off the trees and the blueberry picking, I love blueberries! NH has a lot to offer; and if I loved the cold I would be in heaven. Instead, I will whine about the weather and dream about the clear blue water that lies beneath that white chunk of ice in my backyard and remember that the best part of Winter is that it doesn't last forever....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKn7C-y05OMoF-kk8o3wtlZtt2gKl8scR8ejC1OOoyfpXWoGt1Yx1Ty2H4FPcQ1zdpnPTkFU1IesE9UXaBJNhod3usDROnyZhKVyBvUEDnXxmXEHio4wmhLY6KPHT3zqYTMQpMaTQu5oY/s1600/IMG_1646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKn7C-y05OMoF-kk8o3wtlZtt2gKl8scR8ejC1OOoyfpXWoGt1Yx1Ty2H4FPcQ1zdpnPTkFU1IesE9UXaBJNhod3usDROnyZhKVyBvUEDnXxmXEHio4wmhLY6KPHT3zqYTMQpMaTQu5oY/s320/IMG_1646.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cannonball!</div>
Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05563689842824628301noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096733110335593666.post-56137734933687707222013-02-21T06:17:00.002-05:002013-02-21T06:23:10.257-05:00We Have A Winner!<div style="text-align: center;">
Congratulations to <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b><i>Donna of <span style="color: #660000;"><a href="http://miascottage.blogspot.com/">Mia's Cottage</a>. </span></i></b></span></div>
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She is the winner of the Scissor case drawing.</div>
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Donna, drop me a note at pumpkinpatchprimitves@yahoo.com and I'll mail it right out. You're going to love it!</div>
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Thanks to all who joined in the fun. Brenda</div>
Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05563689842824628301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096733110335593666.post-72029529102459094662013-02-18T08:52:00.000-05:002015-02-16T08:15:42.519-05:00If the case fits, then it could be yours!<div style="text-align: center;">
I made something! I did! It's been so long since I actually started and finished something in a weekend that I'm giddy with excitement.</div>
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This past week I went away and before I even packed my undies, I pulled out all the kits that I had purchased this past year (which gave me a great selection to choose from, mind you) and chose four of my faves and stuffed them in my bag. Then, I proceeded to pack. It's all about priorities folks, get with the program! </div>
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I spent the weekend stitching away, and slowly but surely my little scissor case was completed. The outside and appliqué are all made of hand dyed woolens, the inside is flannel. I used Valdani, Cosmos and The Gentle Art threads, then I added the wonderful hand dyed buttons by Hillcreek Designs and TADAAAAAA! Isn't it the bomb? I love it! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqydrc8qaIWJDeumjkudmG3Huk8eZ_kw0I6aizP8Gljglre1KUZMXyA-uJfMYaL5axmfAJmP7amilZRCxLwHFv7su5GtIhbwn42gPiMidb-Wsr_9FqTi1O_gi5wclZSVqWDlatEOca7ws/s1600/IMG_2649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqydrc8qaIWJDeumjkudmG3Huk8eZ_kw0I6aizP8Gljglre1KUZMXyA-uJfMYaL5axmfAJmP7amilZRCxLwHFv7su5GtIhbwn42gPiMidb-Wsr_9FqTi1O_gi5wclZSVqWDlatEOca7ws/s320/IMG_2649.JPG" height="320" width="184" /></a></div>
Now for a true confession... I know I will never use it. I do. I have a gazillion scissors, all over the house, in every place I could possibly think that I might need one... but this case is sized for dressmaker shears. Ummm. I don't have ANY of those. WHAT? Yep...none, zippo, ninguno. It might be the only size I don't have. Soooooo, you guessed it, I'm giving it away.</div>
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Do you have a wonderful scissor that you would love to sheathe in this beautiful little case?</div>
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Then, leave a comment and it could be yours. </div>
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I will choose a random winner on Wednesday. </div>
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Good luck!</div>
Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05563689842824628301noreply@blogger.com