WOYWW #143 A BOLT OF LIGHTENING AND A CRACK OF THUNDER

Winter or Spring?   Very Windy, Raining,  Thunder and Lightening never in February in Iowa!! but it is. And a great time to get crafty. Electricity is flickering and it just cracked another loud THUNDER.. Man I hope the trees don't start falling......

And today is the day to participate in peeping about many other crafty peoples desks.  Ms. Julia has all the details over at the STAMPING GROUND    It is addicting and fun.

Haven't done too much all week and Tues. I committed to another ATC swap and started to get organized to finish up some ideas. ATC's are so challenging because of size. I totally don't know where this blue plate came from..it should be in the picnic basket and I don't have a clue how it got on my desk.  Hmmm, someone eating snacks late into the night down here?  But is proved to be handy !!

Some of you inquired about the wire display in my work area, a post just previous to this will show this and info on it.

Thanks to all of you who stopped by last week. I'm kinda rotating visits, doing part of the list but peeping about to the past week just too many for me to keep up with.Kinda doing 2 at a time,  I guess I spend too much time also reading the great comments to all the weekly posts.

Thanks for stopping by today and have a wonderful WOYWW . Today is an extra day not many Feb.29th's either..

Looks like little Bailey's taking a little nap.  Oh the life of a cat in someone's life!!! Bet his brother Baxter's in the other chair!!!

WOYWW INQUIRIES on DESK DISPLAY

Some inquiries last week on  the wire rack above my work area was actually a jewelry organizer for over the door
I made it 2 pieces because of my space.  It can be found here  http://www.nextag.com/OVERDOOR-JEWELRY-ORGANIZER-665291662/prices-html

                                                                              ToP

                                                                           BoTTom

                                                                   FroM  the CoMpanY

Hope this helps, could be used for lots of different things.  The white piece with the earrings has a shelf that can come off and make a deep storage area also.

Eagles are Back

Last year thousands watched the pair of Bald Eagles in Decorah, Iowa  hatch 3 eggs and feed their young only to give their love and watch them fly away.  This year they are back, so far 2 eggs. You can watch them at this site:
http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles  until they leave again. It takes 35 days for the eggs to hatch.
When they hatch, you can watch them  being fed, how the adults repair the nest, take turns sitting on the eggs and venturing off for food.

                 They put a tracking device on the young and tracked them in Canada and Misouri.

These birds are so majestic. In person they are huge. Wabasha, Mn has  wonderful events and displays at the National Eagle Center. http://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/  It is well worth the trip if you are ever in the area.
Wabasha, is also the home of the filming of "Grumpy Old Men".  A funny funny movie.

With it being Lent, we will be attending our local FISH FRY sponsored by our 1st Responders, volunteer group raising money for their many needs.  It is such a great meal, Fresh Fried Cod, choice of potato, coleslaw, homemade bread and a drink. And such great people who volunteer their time for learning, taking classes and helping those in need.  Kudos to All of them.

Thanks for stopping by, Have a wonderful weekend,

IT'S #142 WOYWW TIME

Almost too nice to be inside. Temps to be in the high 40's.. and in Kansas 70's???   We had rain Monday !!
But before I attempt to take a walk here is my desk...it's a ritual you know Whats On Your Workdesk Wednesday.  Created by Julia at the STAMPING GROUND  if new to this just bop on over and she has all the details. It's worldwide, and lots of fun.

I've been working on some kids birthday cards. Bright Primary Colors. Must get a few soft and feminine things out this week also. Have LOTS of birthdays coming up in March.

The post previous covers a  weekend Winter Kite Festival we attended and A Look Alike previous to that.
Otherwise things are pretty quite around here, I'm working on the neck and shoulder muscles so I can get active again.  The massage was wonderful, but. I've some deep housework to catch up on..

Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful week

WINTER FUN--A KITE FESTIVAL

I've blogged about Clear Lake, Iowa before, but it sure has lots of things scheduled to keep the WINTER BLAHS at bay.  It has great Vintage Shopping, Fun Dining, and always some weekend adventure going on near the lake front at the end of main street.  A lovely park, which hosts a variety of events, music, antiques, art, etc.

Our temperatures were so warm for this time of year yet there was 14 inches of  ice so we were able to venture out on the lake and enjoy the sunshine, people and the variety of kites. There was not enough wind to be able to fly the BIG kites this year. Some of these in past years were 70 feet long and wonderful colors.
Some dance to the beat of the music playing.

It was so great to be outside, enjoying the sunshine and festivities. More and more locals are bringing their own kites to have some fun with too.  Children were making sand castles near the shoreline and lots of people bundled up just enjoying the fun.  It was a great way to spend our Saturday.

Golfer Kyle Stanley and My Story ...

A Look A Like

The scruffy beard, the body stature, the expression on his face..........................

His tall thin structure...and I could feel the heart pounding while he was in this bunker. the shot was great

The always on cap and sunglasses................

The hand....and the stride forward..........................

The emotion, and the flex of the arm...........................

The Treasure of Winning.......................................

                                                  Featured in GolfWorld   Feb. 13, 2012 Issue
Behind those sunglasses are some big brown eyes, and after his win, a shaky voice of thanks and some great heartfelt emotion.   Just like my son.. I bet he's kinda of quiet and always striding for perfection too. And I'll bet Kyle's mom and dad were showing the same excitement and  all the emotions that go with having a son do his best and making the parents proud.  Enjoy it MOM and DAD. You had a part in all this from little on.

 Haven't watched golf for many years. One Sunday flipping thru the channels, I took a second breathe. The young man was 3 over this tournament at Torrey Pines in San Deigo and was about to finish up on 18..His mannerisms, his smile, his build, his walk, his stance at the golf tee, and his good looks were ALL that of my son Josh.   I was almost in shock.
I called my son and said "Oh your home!!"  " yeah mom sitting back on a Sunday with the kids watchin some tv."   I replied " well I thought you were ON TV...turn on CBS and take a quick peep at this kid Kyle Stanley, he is like your twin brother!!" "He's about to win well over a million $...I thought maybe you were just doing this as a hobby!!!"   Finished our conversation....and Kyle overshot the 18th hole, ended up in the water and lost this by 1 stroke.   I was heart broken..

 I think it is the MOM in me. I was an intense on the sideline mom, when my sons were playing sports. Oh what memories of them doing it all right in their sporting ventures back then. I was so proud and happy they loved their sports. And now  I somehow felt these same emotions...

The following week I checked out the Golf Game going on..And guess what. Kyle was playing after that heartbreaking  loss and doing well.  I was glued to the TV and in Golf Worlds magazine  all of the pictures above are of him winning The Phoenix tournament the very following week by "1" stroke. Watching gave me  some great entertainment and excitement.  Then my nephew Travis a great family golfer gave me the magazine so I could be in a little bit of heaven!!   Our family is in awe of having someone LOOK so much like Josh.

  My sisters and husbands and I use to follow the Amana VIP Classic back in the 70's in Iowa City. Now those were some great "Old Timers" to watch.   Tom Watson, J.C. Snead, Jack Nicklaus, some others joining in, Don Knots, Gerald Ford, Charlie Pride and the list goes on.

I've never met this young Kyle Stanley, but I wish him much success, and if he's in the area (Davenport's John Deere Classic) or such...I hope to take in the tournament.  In the meantime, I'll be watching and wishing him the best, no doubt a bit of cheering within my heart and maybe for all to hear!!
He'll be at beautiful Augusta, and  the TV will be on.

GOOD LUCK KYLE..

WOW IT'S WOYWW #141

I am posting this late Valentine's Night, as I don't think I'll have a free moment Wednesday..and I'd hate to miss What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday.  Julia has had such wonderful fun going on at  the STAMPING GROUND,  that it is growing by leaps and bounds.

The outline of a cardboard boot, from a birthday card I made my "Cowboy" brother. I forgot to take the picture of the completed  project!!..a few "Tilda's" I actually finished and want to use in a color challenge.
If you're new to this, pop over to Julia's link andget the deets, about having a fun day peeping about the world's creative desks.

I need some sleep, a trying travel day (snowfall of 3inches) for my follow up medical appt from last week's hospital stay.  HEY, HEY...I'm 100%... and spent the evening with family for a Valentines get together at my Mom and Dad's.  They love it when we all show up with fun food!!! and a night of visiting.

And tomorrow we will lay to rest a dear friend.  We've had 2 wonderful ladies leave this life this week  So after Mass and Burial, we'll share a big church meal with their family and friends. And Reminisce

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your week and don't be shy about sharing your love and hugs.

A VALENTINE'S DAY GREETING

 A day to say I'm glad you stop by and share your time, your thoughts and your creativity throughout the year.
I'm glad you are a blogging friend and I wish you and yours fun and enjoyment with those you love today and throughout the year.

Thanks for stopping by.

Weekend Fun

I hope you all have had a wonderful weekend. Our weather was full of sunshine and rapid steps as temps were quite cold.
 Our local firemen always have a Valentine Supper this time of the year. They grill luscious steaks,prepare a great little salad and you have a choice of  potatoes. The community center is decorated, they sell Valentine cookies and have a raffle. All to make a little extra money for all their special projects.  Our fire department is all volunteers and they do a wonderful job of giving their time, taking required classes and helping the community.  So Hats Off Guys!!!  They usually serve 250 to 300 people from the area and it is a fun night of dining and visiting with lots of friends. We enjoyed our Valentine evening.

A few projects for Valentines Day:

My little quote for today:

When you hug, I hope you hug tight.
When you talk, I hope you talk with your eyes.
When you listen, I Hope you listen with your heart.

Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your week

Valentines Day and It's History

There was Some discussing a while back about Valentines Day...Opinions were expressed. I did not know that other areas of the world do not celebrate February the 14th.  Funny what a small little world our minds live in. Yes it might be a merchandisers way to sell things and a greeting cards shop way to sell more cards, and a restaurants way of having special dinners to dine on BUT you can just do your own thing and be happy about it.

As a child, we made homemade valentines. Remember the folding of tiny strips of paper criss cross, you glued one end to the inside of your card, put a funny face, a heart, or a fun saying on the other end and when the card was opened it jumped out to greet you?   The Valentine exchanges at school....usually with some sort of homemade treats,  a favorite was sugar cookies.
Over the years, our family made and sent or gave each other cards, a homemade treat, some candy in little decorated bags etc.  I usually have saved all of these ! ! ! ...I collected hearts for many years and  I use them to decorate after I take down Christmas decor in January.  But then I decorate for all changes of the season so it never seemed unusual to me not to put up Valentine decorations.

And it's not the only time of the year that we share a few fun things with our mates. It's just a day that we recognize there are special people in lives and we enjoy  "SHARING"  with them on a day set aside to do so.

The history of Valentines Day  can be found here :   http://www.theholidayspot.com/valentine/history_of_valentine.htm    I found it quite interesting. It goes back a LONG, LONG time ago.

Thanks for stopping by, I'll be here the 14th with more!!!!

IT"S #140 What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday

It's time for the Stamping Ground to have #140 WOYWW hosted by the lovely Julia  somewhere across the sea, as are many of her guests.  A fun way to spend  some time peeping about a great bunch of fun bloggers, crafters, real designers and interesting people.

My desk today is my computer area..I've not been down to my crafting area since last weeks #139.

I spent a day with my parents on a medical trip, which was a fun day. Warm temps, great Chinese lunch together, great medical reports and a little fun shopping. I treasure my fun times with my parents, I'm one of few my age who still have both, still living in there own home, still driving close by and who still love and support all of us.

I truly didn't get to many visits last week and I apologize..we had one day of internet weather problems.

Then I spent 2 days in the hospital, after my husband insisted I was going to ER ...had a numb left arm, left side and something in my chest area.   Well...all the Heart procedures were great, and they pursued no other avenues of what was wrong with me.  Kept me overnight to monitor my heart, ate their greasy chicken and had terrible after effects from it.   In my own mind, I think my shoulder was out of place from Friday vacuuming and the chest pain was bad heartburn, could be a weird flu bug, but I'm home and  have no appetite and want to sleep a lot.   You can NOT sleep in a hospital and I don't do well not eating or not sleeping.

I have a post just previous to this about the Valentine ATC swap I participated in. Also one on some Cork Angels, a Heart made from dryer sheets.AND a post about the history of Valentine's Day.  I hope you all have a wonderful week  I've babbled on long enough. Enjoy the fun and Happy WOYWW

SHARING VALENTINE ATC'S

Kimberly at  ARTJOYSTUFF sometimes offers up an "ATC Swap". I haven't participated for long, but since I have been involved, it has been great fun. Such a variety of talents and friendly gals.  Of course with it being Valentines month her swap involved sharing of 5 ATC Valentines. And I think there were 20 some involved.

These are the ones I sent on to share: I wanted to use more embellishments but because of mailing I omitted things with thickness.

Yesterday I received these from the others participating.

 From Marlene at  Uniquely Ella Adorable little image and precious red heart trim, some sparkle here and there and the tinyest little sentiment "Romance" Love the Neat tag too thick felt with a precious stick pin and pink flower.

Geralyn at Greetings from Geraly Quite Victorian, love all the flowers and the cute pink trim at the end of course I wonder what the 2 little girls are up to There is lots of sparkle here and 2 tiny hearts with an arrow..

 Dorthe at  Denlillelade Lovely little Vintage girl and the pretty trim around the heart, and what tiny little printing of the "Be my Valentine.  Topped with some aged trim and 2 buttons.  A little layer of tulle and ribbon  trim and pink flower

 Kimberly at ArtJoyStuff  A decorated little domino to the left and on her ATC are Two sweet kids sharing a hug, the circle of pink dots looks like maybe flower soft, and cupid tops the pretty colored frame and the great stitching around the edges.  Kimberly goes to lots of extra work/Joy to distribute all of these and always makes a fun exchange.  "THANKS SO MUCH KIMBERLY"

Erica at Zunky Chic  sent along this cute little ATC with script for the background, topped it with some lace and added  tiny sentiment  "Be Mine" on top The cutest little girl image and her sparkly white wings make it so precious..an aged strip of lace topped with a red heart.

I express my deepest gratitude to all of you as I know time and love were so involved with creating these for Kimberly's fun ATC swap.   I love each one of these and will treasure them. I have a valentine tree that they will be displayed upon.

Thanks for stopping by, Enjoy your week and all the fun it holds.