Tuesday, February 14, 2012

iPad or Not toPad

Ha ha ha... Ok, So I got an iPad from my darlin husband, it has been a blast! Although I am still learning this technology and all the stuff it can do... I find myself spending too much time tinkering on it... I suppose it's the only way I know how to learn to use it...

I confess I have another addiction, it is the Pinterest world... What fun! Need I say more?

Ok, enough here, I'm off to do some crocheting... Oh, I forgot to mention that addiction is new too...

Happy Valentine's Day,

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Stitching Up Some Love

After a lovely camping/fishing trip I come home with renewed energy for my ideas in my stitching world and the "Mom Cave"... and I feel an even more warmth in my heart for my family... my dear husband who is always my best cheerleader in my crafting/sewing projects, he loves them all and compliments me and my 'talent', I love that dear man...
We also get to have our grandson with us where our spirits are lifted daily by his loving 4 year old charm.... something about him brings out the best in life, remembering the little important things, like feeding the chipmunks bits of crackers and watching his excitment in spying on those little creatures...  and his infectious giggle and smiles from ear to ear, just sparkles my heart... and granpa loves acting like his best buddy too!... actually they are best buddies...

Yup, the simple joys in life are the bestest... 

Even though I don't fish, I do take my stitching project along and sit on the banks to watch my 'boys' fish for that big one, now named Walter from the movie On Golden Pond...  he got away, but I know we will continue to trek out to that spot in the river for another try, I secretly hope Walter gets away every time...

My camping/stitching project will be finished by the time camping season is over, it is a quilt with stitched wildlife squares... I will post pictures soon...

Yup, it's the simple relaxing days in the sun on the banks of a cool clear mountain river that remind me of life away from the madness...

:-)

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Flowering Happiness

Even with a slow start this spring we have managed to bring out some beautiful blooms and a productive garden... zucchini anyone??

The flowers we planted have brought such delight this year... maybe it's the variety of colors we used different than past years, maybe it was the slow start due to the wet spring or maybe the great big yellow sun just managed to sprinkle magical blooming dust in the right places... whatever happened I feel very blessed to be able to enjoy the flower garden so much this year...

Most evenings we dine on the patio because I am nervous that the sunny summer warmth will soon move into the next chilly season... I love Fall also, but Summertime is my Favorite!

I also bring out my stitching and sewing and set up a crafting station on the table where I can enjoy the breezy summer... it comes with mosquitos and when I am really lucky I get to feel and breathe the rare humid air that reminds me our summer season is quite short in this northwestern part of the country...

It's all good...

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Becoming a Camp Stitcher

Ah... the air is sweet, the sky is calm and the bug bites are minimal... there is nothing like camping in the modern world. I remember the days (not so long ago mind you) when pitching a tent and filling an air mattress for a chilly nights sleep in a bag that may or may not hold creepy, crawlers and feeling thankful for wool socks. Those were delightful days and my children love remembering the real camping experience.

(sigh)

Now, I love camping even more... snuggled up on a nice comfy mattress with real sheets and quilts and a night light to read or stitch in comfort. This is all part of the new camping adventures that come complete with a lengthy camper, slide-out for roomy dining away from biting bugs and air conditioning for a brief respit from the extra warm sunny afternoons... the table has plenty of room for my Singer and the latest quilting/stitching project I begin while my husband is off fishing for the evening meal.

Yes, this is how camping should be... not saying the archaic method is bad, I just prefer my mattress fluffy and comfy when I awake... the more years I spend on this earth I am suprised at how dang hard and rough the mountain ground is... must be an age thing, I dunno it just seems I enjoy the camping adventure more and more...

Love this beautiful land God created for our enjoyment... and I plan on enjoying it more and more each season... 

Friday, June 3, 2011

Springing into Stitches

Finally after a looooong and blue winter the sun is shining and my flowers are planted... the frost warning last night didn't hurt the blooms and I just got plates on my new scooter, legal and ready to go, I just need to pass the DMV test for motorcycle operator officiality... oh and craft a matching red and white hat for riding in style.

My blessings have been coming in regularly, my darling love has built me a crafting/sewing space...

I call it my "Mom Cave"... it is fantastic! Lots of counter space, cutting board, peg board, cork board, shelves and a string of pink heart lites... sassy...

My stash of fabric and patterns has grown and filled up the cupboards, my projects are generating a life of their own... I am finding that I start out following a pattern and then I stitch outside the lines... it is a blast!

The long-ago days when my daughters were little and I sewed all their darling Sunday dresses, made nifty curtains and snuggly blankets as well as my own dresses and skirts, and the pillow cases I hand stitched have evolved.... a style that I am discovering and venturing into where patchwork, crazy stitches, Hawaiian prints and colors come alive...

Stitching and sewing aren't like mom used to do... there is much more room for creativity and personality of the sewing 'artist'... oh and I haven't stopped with needles and threads and fabrics, no... I have ventured into beading and creating jewelery, thanks to one of my creative daughters and her creative artistic talents and enthusiasm for the beading arts...

I have named my Mom Cave includes creations I am making for my grandchildren and friends as well... it is about time I brought back my stitching, sewing and creative hobbies, they are a perfect addition to writing... gardening and living!

Sunday, January 30, 2011

To plant or not to plant

sugarbeets that is... American sugarbeet growers are still waiting for the decision from the USDA - plant conventional beet seed or Roundup Ready seed... the battle is ongoing with alot of speculation throughout the media... even though it is still winter, planning for the upcoming growing season is still unresolved... the madness surrounding this drama sets the stage for frustration and impatience, at least for this editor (writing about agriculture for a publication) ... and then to my amazement I am reminded of the tenacity and resolve that is imbedded in the agriculture industry, more specifically those men, women and young people who make an honorable living in agriculture.

I recently attended a conference where university experts presented their research to sugarbeet growers... those attending the conference came to learn better methods for growing their crops, they came with open minds and patient hearts to gain understanding and share friendships... gratefully I was able to visit with many of them and hear their stories about how they will continue to farm despite the setbacks and tremendous changes in their plans. Their hearts are positive, they know what is important and they have not given up on their livelihood... this experience confirms my belief and admiration in the agriculture industry... as Americans we must continue to support and encourage our American farmers and their families...