Poppies in Bloom

 Hello crafty friends,  I've been out a while, been busy with work and life in general.   Before I get caught up in too much thought, let me say this... after a family member passes it seems like it takes forever for me to get motivated to create a card... like my mind was full of fuzzy fog.   Well, yesterday, we got out to the antique stores and found lots of crafting things like punches, and pretty papers, it was the decorative papers that got my mind out of the fog,  one in particular has illustration of poppies.  And I had to have it.    As you can see below I have it made into a card for Mother's Day.   The iridescent green paper is from PaperTemptress, and the razzleberry pink card stock as well.   *Edited*  This is my own creation. *

This one is watermarked.  I colored it in with my Prisma Pencils and Memento ink in New Sprout, and sky blue ink pad for the sky.   I just love how this turned out.    

Anyway its another day of work, and tomorrow too.

Hope you all have a great weekend,  I hope you'll leave a comment as I do read each one!

Thanks for stopping by. ♥

♥ Hello, I forgot to mention if you are interested in using this image for a card, let me know in a comment.

Hugs, Mary 

What's up with me

 Hello crafty friends,  its been a busy time with work and we have decided to paint our kitchen.  The color we chose is: split banana  not quite a yellow, more of a light creamy color with a hint of tan.  I think when its all said and done it will look quite nice.   The inspiration for the desire to paint came from visiting his sister.   Her walls were done in a light grey finish, and the floors were done in a grey, the whole house had been remodeled and it was just beautiful.   Of course my kitchen floors are more of a light maple, so painting the walls grey would have made it look awful.    She added a modern effect in the living room with these really cool looking shelves, they look industrial but stylish.    We ran with that idea and decided our kitchen could use an industrial, cool look with this type of shelf.     Once we get everything just the way we want it I'll get a photo.    With all this going on, working on crafts that need to be sanded or painted will have to wait.  

Happy Easter!    This will be our first time to visit with his family during this time.   I think it will be nice.   The weather that day may not be warm as I had hoped.   

I haven't started to buy any flowers as of yet, just too cold and its best to buy in early May.   I don't think we will have snow but ya never know.  

Well that's about all I have for now, have to get up pretty early tomorrow.   Btw, I did receive my beautiful papers from the Paper Temptress, I will show those at another time.    I made another order,  not that I needed to but I am hooked on her pretty papers!  ;)  

Have a great weekend, hope all are well.   I will see you later gators.

Hugs, Mary

A Time to Heal

 Spring has sprung or is winter still visiting?   Either way, today was absolutely beautiful.   Two beautiful blue birds flitted about and looking into the old weathered wren house,  I thought sure they were already raising a family.   Maybe they will give it a second look. ;)    Hanging under our back eve is a bird house filled with dried grasses, and string... a pair of sparrows have been nesting there.   This little house was found at my mother-laws when they were thinking of having a garage sale to sell what was left of them down sizing.  That was three years ago, and every year since, we've had sparrows raise their offspring,  what a joy it is to see.    

Yesterday, we met up with my husband's family for lunch, what a good time.   We were given more eggs, which we used today to mix into brownies,  I think fresh eggs make a difference in how foods taste.    Isn't it wonderful how the Lord works in our lives, when we decide to allow him to take control of situations.   What if I had decided to keep a grudge and hold onto unforgiveness, what a bitter state I would be in...  many years ago, He got ahold of my heart, through the pages of the Bible, and in my quiet time in prayer, gently reminded me that I needed to forgive them, not just his parents but all of the family.   It didn't matter what all was said or done, what mattered is me forgiving them and myself.   When we are willing to let go, then God can work out his plan in our lives.    Healing takes time, but what I have found is there is joy in the healing process.    I must keep trusting in what the Lord is doing in my life,  I must be willing to take my hands off of the steering wheel and allow him to take control, his way is best.   

Psalms 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp unto my feet, and a Light unto my path.  KJV 

I wasn't planning to write a devotion type of post, just to chat about things in general.    His ways are best.

I would like to welcome our new follower, Jeanie.   She has been a long time online friend.   She helped with my challenge blog when it first started in 2017.   If you scroll all the way down to nearly the bottom of my page, you'll find a link to her website: https://scrapbookingmamaw.blogspot.com/    I saved you the trip. :)   Anyway she has all kinds of neat things to see on her blog.   

I have been tossing around the idea to sell online again, but it won't be through Etsy.  It would be using my own site.   I won't say when this will all take place, but its been in the back of my mind.   I won't be doing another challenge blog either, frankly I don't have that kind of time any longer to maintain working on challenges every month.  

  Also, I will mention that I was given a vintage wedding dress, it has all kinds of appliques and bead work.   Its absolutely beautiful.   The reason I bring this up is, I would be willing to part with these appliques, but I would need to know if there would be enough interest.    If you are a crafter that uses all types of mixed media or like making altered books then this definitely is right up your alley.    Jeanie has made some beautiful works using wedding appliques.   Or you could use them in scrapbook layouts... I'm sure the list is endless.   All I know is I have a drawer full of all kinds of wedding dress pretties.   I can insert a photo so you can see a sample of what I am talking about.    Leave me a comment if you would be interested in these type of things.   All the appliques are a creamy white, this was just put on a colorful background to show some of the details.   Smoke-free home.    I have to work in the earlier part of the day tomorrow, but I will be checking to see if you've left comments.     Thanks, and have a blessed evening, hugs, Mary

 

  

Just a chat

 Hello,  I'm not sure why I cannot add in a links page on my blog, but it won't publish properly.  If you would like to see what links I have to offer, please scroll all the way down to the end of the home page.

I have decided to make an order with PaperTemptress this evening, as I am addicted to craft papers of all kinds.   Hubby gave me that look, and said don't you have enough papers to work with?  Well, I do, but you can never have too much.   I don't have her shop in my links so I will place it here - papertemptress.com     Since it was my first purchase I wanted to try these: Heavenly White, Natural, Neenah Light Blue, Pink Lemonade, Razzelberry .   I will likely show off these lovely papers when I receive them.   Apparently the Heavenly White is good for copics, as it doesn't bleed through.  I don't have copics, but occasionally will use my Ohuhu markers, and even with the light weight card stock purchased from Hobby Lobby it does bleed through.  :(    So I cannot wait to try out these new papers.  

Today was my day off, and I do have a short list of things I need to get done but instead found myself resting in the lazy boy.    I cooked a good dinner of meatloaf, creamy scalloped potatoes, and mixed veggies.   Which hit the spot.   Since hubby has to watch his cholesterol levels, oatmeal gets added to the meat mixture, for extra flavor I love to add in a small bit of brown sugar,  mrs. dash, onion, rubbed sage, cracked black pepper, salt, dill, poultry seasoning, and forgot to add 1 large egg, and ketchup. Very important* :)    Actually, I use ground turkey meat.   Since turkey doesn't have a really good flavor I have to doctor it up a bit.   I quit buying hamburger.   One its way too expensive and we tend to like turkey better.   I know that grilling beef smells better when cooked outside, but mann, you just might have to take out a loan to buy the next time round.  ;)    We do like a good stew, but again beef... wowiee  the price takes my money (and my breath) away!    With today's prices one needs to be frugal.    We do have a small pantry of dry goods, and canned goods.    You know what, the nap I had earlier made me wake up a little too much, and have to get up and get to work tomorrow... go in just a little earlier.   So, I will see you all next time,  have a blessed day.   Hugs, Mary 

Crafty project

 Hello crafty friends,  my cross is finally finished.  :)  I am very happy the way it turned out.   The main color is cottage rose matte and the center cross was done in a country white (chalk base), with a very light dry brushing it gives a lacey look to the cross.  The "tips" were given a distressed look with the cottage white chalk paint.  I added a pretty colorful butterfly from Reneabouquets.com   I tried to get a closer look at the butterfly in the next photo.    I thought it was fitting that I should dedicate this cross to the memory of his dad.   I know it isn't done with a manly theme, but hubby said that it was okay, just make it the way you want it to look.   The butterfly signifies a new life in Christ.   

Last week was the funeral & celebration of life service for his father.   It was a jammed packed two days, of meeting family members that we haven't seen in years.   Everyone was very nice, the service was beautiful.   The weather was a bit cold with flurries, but by that afternoon the sun popped through the thick cloud cover.   He is missed, but will stay in our hearts.  ♥  

As I close this post I hope you all are well.   Have a blessed day,  hugs, Mary

Keep drumming... boom boom bah

 Hello,  having those drums, (teaching myself), and drumming loudly at times has loosened up that pinched nerve.  Wow, I just had no idea of the benefits.  :)  I had been praying too.   This condition of the nerve getting pinched started way back in 1981, back then the doctor told me that if I keep having frequent dizzy spells it could be a result of a tumor.   Well, I have since been to a doctor that showed me that when I get tense, or stressed out about anything then I will get a short dizzy spell.   This is just a chronic condition that I believe that Lord can heal, its just going to take some time.   

And on a another note, my husband's dad passed away.   We knew it wouldn't be long.   I'm doing fine emotional wise.  Hubby has been feeling down, and that is to be expected.   Anyway we would appreciate your thoughts and prayers during this time. ♥  Thank you.

I need to get ready for another work day,  hugs ~ Mary

Fine as frog hairs

🐸 Hello crafty friends,  Spring is almost here and there's a Frog on the freebie page.   Since I don't allow there to be comments on that stand alone page, I would however love it if you plan on using the image by letting me know in the comment section below.   Thanks...  I hope you'll make a card to brighten someone's day.    Hugs, Mary ♥

Crafty project, cross

 Hello crafty peeps,  Today I am sharing my project, a cross, that I picked up at a local thrift shop.   I liked it at first, and had it hanging on the wall of my craft room but one day it occurred to me that it just didn't look that great, so thought painting it would help.    Here's what I have done so far.

This is what it looked like, I removed the gem that was in the center.  It wasn't very pretty. 

Here is an updated photo, letting it dry.  I found that just using white craft paint wasn't totally covering the design underneath, so I used gesso.   This project isn't finished yet.  I have yet to decide what colors I want to use on it.   I want to add a butterfly in the center when its finished. 

I will post the finished photos of it later.

You know what I met a couple in my check out line the other day, (changing the subject), not sure what got us started on the subject of chickens, but they were buying something that related to what they do for their coop in the warmer weather, and well one thing led to another, they said raising chickens is a lot of fun, but I said doesn't it cost big bucks to feed and do all things to raise them?   They mentioned what all goes in to feed their hens, and I was quite impressed.  They have at least 9 hens.   Producing lots of eggs.   Like I mentioned before we aren't in any position to get any chicks, not where we live... my neighbors already have a problem with our dog, ( our dog is a sweetie ) she just likes to bark to see if their dogs will play then she gives up.  ;)   I wouldn't want to do anything to "ruffle" their feathers.  Mercy sakes! 

Anyway, just wanted to chat about something different this evening. :)

Have a good weekend, I will be working.  See ya later gators.  

Hugs, Mary

Hi just a quick update

 Hello,  We received some good news earlier today, my sister-in-law came through her surgery just fine.   It was a rather serious procedure that she had to have done.    They had to put off the surgery for several weeks, because of some such and such.   And that made her a lot more nervous.   We prayed that she would do fine and she did and that is important.   :)

And for the update on his Dad, let me say this, we are so glad that we had gone up to see him when we did, cause he has gone down fast, he is currently in a coma like state.   I really think he will not be around for his 88th birthday, which is next month.    My husband has a birthday in April as well.  

I was really hoping to get my craft done today, but other things came up like trimming bushes, and cutting away dead reeds.   Thought that could be just a bit more important since we may not have sunny skies for a while and this weekend I have to work.    But I really have started on the project and took before photos, its just in the draft mode right now.   

This time with his dad reminds me of what it was like just before my mother passed away.  So its kind of difficult to gather my thoughts right now.     I don't want my post to end on a sad note, I like to think of good memories of that person.   Just like I do with my parents being gone, I think of them being happy, doing something they liked doing.   Mom was always at her sewing machine working away the hours on a quilt, or something special she made.    Dad was sometimes working on his boat, finding just the right part that he needed.   The last memory I have of him was in 1993, he was on the phone hunting down a part for his boat!   So that's why I mentioned that.   :)    It was just before I flew to Japan to be with my hubby.   We were stationed there until 1997.   And that was the year that my dad passed away quite suddenly in a car accident.   

I am thankful for the blessing of healing.   Healing of the past.   I am looking forward to see how the Lord will work out all the details with the rest of his siblings.   I am thankful for prayer.  To be able to bring all my heart to God in prayer.   I don't want to struggle.   This is in the hands of the Lord.   

The effectual fervent prayer of a Righteous man avails much.  James 5:16 KJV   

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God.... I John 4:7  KJV

Okay, I am going to go for now, let me know your comments if you like, and thank you so much being a follower of my blog.   :)

Hugs to all, Mary ♥