Artisant's 5th Color Challenge

So nice of you to stop by, I haven't joined any challenges for a long time.  I sometimes think I work my best by being challenged.  I've been following  ARTISANT  blog  for a short time and she has the most beautiful color palates. So I thought I'd try to compete. If you are interested she also has a page full of other color combo's to help you with your needs. 

Isn't it lovely....Her card is adorable, with a beautiful Color Palate,   and the theme  for January is A positive motto or a quote for the next year.
So my card has "Where you tend a rose, a thistle cannot grow" and the word "Cherish"   

I used the Graphic 45 "Secret Garden" papers, little butterflies punched out by my Martha Stewart hand punch, Heidi Swapp stamp "Cherish" love the font she creates. And some bling and ribbon from my stash. 
Thanks for stopping by, enjoy the fun over at Artisant's     

WOYWW #292

A Happy New Year to You and Yours....took a little blogging break I guess, but wanted to partake in Julia's weekly Whats On Your Workdesk Wednesday, at her STAMPING GROUND.

I did get some organizing done since my last post. Entertained my son and family over Christmas and my husbands family was here Sunday.  So still have up my Christmas decor and have been enjoying the little lights.

My desk:

 Looking for Inspiration for upcoming Valentines day  I did find the box of necessary things.

Above is left of my desk, a drop leaf table near my sewing machine. I mentioned to my nieces and sisters I'd make them all a fabric book, from some of mother and dad's things. They gave me colors and themes. Well I've not done any physical work on this, just mental !~! so thought I'd at least get the sizes cut, pick out laces and decide how to bind it all together. Just maybe I can get them done before the holidays 2015....MAYBE....
My niece knows from past experience how that works.  While she was in college I met her for lunch. We had a great time shopping, eating and laughing together.  I bought a panda bear pattern and all the fabric.   Every time she saw me she'd asked if I got the project done !...Well when her 2nd son was born about 6 years later...I got the idea.... just to prove to her I could finish it, I made the Panda for her son's little gift.  No how bad it that.

I am also working to find ONE spot for all my Christmas crafting supplies. I have 2 chest of drawers in my storage room, I need to work into the area, clean out and organize. Maybe one for Christmas and the other for other holidays.

I'll be spending most of this week "INSIDE"...can put away Christmas, and work on the above. We hare having 30 MPH winds, after our 4/5 inches of snow, and dangerous temps. -35 with wind chill.
Schools are closed  and advisory's to stay at home.  I'm good at obeying danger....

May you all have a wonderful 2015...accomplish and enjoy all that you desire. Thanks for stopping by, I'll play catch up on your last weeks posts, when I come around to visit this week.

WOYWW #290 CHRISTMAS WISHES

So glad you stopped by during this busy season, It's  Wednesday time to share a workspace, and mine has not changed one bit from last week.  Julia at the STAMPING GROUND  provides us a fun time visiting all around the world.  I am preparing for Christmas..last minute wrapping, a menu for Christmas, and a menu for the following day...So Happy 3 of the grand children will be here. After 3 trips I think we have more than enough grocery supplies.

Finished up the guest bedroom, lit the tree and thought oh how fun. I am so Blessed. I've truly enjoyed all of you each week stopping by. I've enjoyed  visiting so many of you and your workspaces and all the fun things you shared. 

Wishing you and yours, a Wonderful Christmas.

"Remember, the greatest gift is not found in a store or under a tree, but in the hearts of true friends."
                                                                         --Dr. Seuss.      Thanks for being my friend.






PS:  I have some sort of tree in every room..Just did not put up my "BIG" one with all the treasured ornaments.  Regret it as now my son & family will be here, but there's more to being together than a tree.

MERRY CHRISTMAS WISHES to YOU and YOUR FAMILY

Taking this chance to wish all my blogging friends "A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS".

I have many things to accomplish before company arrives,  and we celebrate the Birth of Jesus. So this will no doubt be my last post until after the 25th.

I wanted to share with you the Nativity at our church.  It's very old and the best part of Christmas, is our children's mass on Christmas Eve. It helps refresh everyone's mind of what the true meaning of Christmas really is. The little children dressed as Angels, Joseph, Mary and the 3 Wiseman and learning the traditions.

I have so much enjoyed your friendship and inspiration throughout the year. May you and yours enjoy the festivities and  have a wonderful Christmas.

WOYWW #289

 Tis' the Season !

Sharing of the workspaces on Wednesdays per dear Julia at  the STAMPING GROUND.  Take a visit and enjoy some fun.                     And I've been a busy little Elf.

Made some 15 Christmas tags for my Bunco Pals.  And a few cards for friends and family
Was so much fun, I've been away for so long from my crafty fun.

And for a special little girl who loves to do her chicken chores ! And under her name is a little saying
                                                               "The Chicken Chick"

Love this cute image of the couple  enjoying winter outdoors. My brother is one who enjoys nature to the max. Has mules and loves to ride so for him and his special friend I did this card.

The count down is on,,,hope you are all able to enjoy the time leading up to the big day. Have some cookies to make and a menu to plan. The best news of all is my son and family will be home for Christmas this year.
 PS:   and for those of you not on Facebook...My good news in previous post is my son will be coming home sooner than expected, Maybe February  not sure where they will be stationed but I was so excited.  I just had to cry with excitement.  And my other son and family will be here for Christmas Day...God Loves Me.

BEST NEWS OF ALL

I was so excited a few days ago when my daughter in law said they'd be coming home for a few days during the Christmas Season.  It's been a hard year and my family means so much.

Now today I get a facebook message from my daughter in law in Germany and they will be coming back to the USA much sooner than expected. Late February...

I'm one happy Mama !!

The REAL Meaning of CHRISTMAS

For my  Blogging and  Bunco Friends..


."CHRISTMAS CAROL" really pay attention to the words in this Awesome Christmas Song. I Played it LOUD as my kids grew up and a few years ago my son Josh wondered if I still did that. Oh Yes Josh and on it came..Plus they each got a CD of it to enjoy for themselves .....it's a TRADITION ....if only there were a few more people like this in our world today. Love this Season and Love the Song. 

FRIDAY'S SMILES

Oh Annie, I awoke to this little photo on Facebook and reminded me today is your "Friday Smiles"
New to this you can hook up at Annie's A STITCH IN TIME  and enjoy the fun.

Oh yes,  it could be our Bailey....he begs for clean up of dishes from ice cream.

And then I came across something simple to make for your cookie trays....or that "ONE" person who should have a piece.  Easy Christmas Idea!

Lumps of Coal

Melt the marshmallows and butter together.
Crush the oreo cookies.
Add to Marshmallow mixture
Let sit and cut

Have a lovely day....heading towards the 50's here in IOWA   another unusual trend. Have lots to do on finishing some things for a quick Christmas gathering tonight.  Enjoy.

WOYWW #288

Tis the Season to be Jolly !   OK, I'm hoping that soon sets into my little head.     Tis the day to share our workspaces also,  Julia at STAMPING GROUND  gives us the chance to share, snoop and enjoy a few hours of fun...Stop on over, she has all the info.

                                     My Creative Space

Click on the photo to enlarge, not too much activity, was hoping to get a few Christmas items finished but happy to have the desk so I can sit at it and have space. I have made a 40th Anniversary card and helped our friends celebrate

and a few Sympathy Cards. An elderly couple, growing up neighbors, and 2nd cousin to my DH were in an auto accident which took both their lives. A huge funereal, 10 grown children, 35 grandkids, and 19 great grandchildren. So one of the reasons for not doing WOYWW that week. It's always sad, you never saw one without the other but for them to be together was a blessing, as if one survived the other no doubt would not have been able to go back home to be alone. Rest in Peace dear friends.

Was not really going to do too much decorating, but to keep busy with the fun decorations I have. I have spread it out daily and am happy I have some twinkling lights in most of the rooms. TIS the SEASON!!!    Enjoy whatever season you have...We will have the 50's by Friday.  So will enjoy it. It's been an up and down year, in more ways than that.  

Friday SMILES

It's Friday Smiles over at Annie's A Stitch in Time she has us post fun photos to make us smile. It's a fun visit if you have the time .

I found this cute photo while looking for a pattern for a Tote for Mom's walker.  I think it was a photo someone took of their children at Halloween!  Just adorable.

Enjoying sunshine, enduring cold temps, and thankful for no wind.  Most of our snow blew away!
Have a fun weekend.

Andrews Christmas Lights Show

Thanks for stopping by, gather up the family, enjoy a keeping warm while you watch the movie!!




A good friend sent me this and I thought I would share.  It's a wonderful tribute to our Military men and women and their families.  Enjoy!!  Most don't get to spend time with their families during this season.

WOYWW #286

Hello my dear Friends,

It's been a few weeks, but I've had "Life" things to do.  But today I've a few extra minutes to share my desk, as that't what Julia over at the STAMPING GROUND  and lots of others do on Wednesday's.
If you are new to this she as all the fun info on her blog on how it all works.

Almost every area that is flat, *(tables, desks, chests, floor) have stacks of stuff.  Dishes, projects started and not finished, Christmas gifts lined up to be wrapped, labeled and mailed out, paper work to finish for mother, unopened mail and the list goes on, but I was able to get a few photos from my camera to the NEW 8.1 computer headache

It's as far as I could go......to get to my desk.

We got mother's house sold. So Saturday and Sunday, my brother came to visit and loaded up dads 1966 Ford truck. The 50 degree temps had the snow all melted and made things somewhat easier. We  were able to pick and choose items left and bring home. That's where all the stacks have come from.  I washed all the glass ware and sets of dishes, now to find a shelf or storage for them. So I have a table to eat on.

After another few days back and forth to the Realtors office, papers signed, keys turned over to the new owners. They move in today. 

Here in the USA it will be Thanksgiving Holiday tomorrow, quiet for us, but we will have the traditional  turkey, dressing, meal with mother at the Assisted Living. Everyone else will be out of town.   And maybe I can get things back in order little by little. The weather will be a factor today. More snow due, with the high winds, so snow advisory's are posted. 

Wishing you and yours a Blessed Holiday and a great long weekend.  I don't do the power shopping and don't believe in stores being open on Holidays, but that is the trend here now.  I don't like crowds when I shop, winter driving when people are in a hurry, so guess I am aging.  Family seems more important.    And getting organized again is a must or I'll lose my mind !!!!   Cherrio......                                                                                                                                       

   

FRIDAY'S SMILES

Here it is already Friday and Annie at A STITCH IN TIME lets us share some photos that should make us SMILE.  We all need that by weeks end.

Today I have my niece's little girl, who lives near the West coast, so I don't get to see here much, but these family photos were awesome. AND she looks so much like her mother did at this age it is hard to believe.

Now that's what I call a girl with some PZAZZ!!!!  I bet she has a mind of her own in a few years.
Have a wonderful weekend. !!

WOYWW #283

Good Morning WOYWW friends.   I have tried for over an hour to download a photo of my desk...this automatic  download of Windows 8.1  is crap.  Almost was going to close out  and get to work, when I went back to my Photos...and there somehow, someway appears the 1 and only photo, in a file unknown to me.  I think I'm losing it.

My desk, as a result of cleaning out a few drawers...making some room ....and making an added mess. I truly accomplished NOTHING.  I've got to find a home within this area to store these items before I get out Christmas themed items.

Why am I doing all this photo downloading?  To partake in Wednesday's with Julia at the STAMPING GROUND that's where WOYWW originated from and where a lot of us go on Wednesdays.  We are peepers, enjoying each others creations and messes.

I spent the most of today putting away Halloween decor, leaving out only a few fall pieces and dusting. Oh that precious word, DUSTING.  where does it come from...you would think I've never dusted around here from the looks of EVERYTHING.  It's a simple job but I don't like doing it.

Have a fun week, thanks for stopping by and enjoy your WOYWW visits.

JUST FOR FRIDAY SMILES......HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Once again I'm here for the Fun Friday SMILES ....over at Annie's A STITCH IN TIME she hosts a fun event of sharing some fun photos.  All to make you SMILE a BIT.

Here in the states it's HALLOWEEN !  I think kids enjoy the treats and adults have fun doing whatever crazy things that make them a kid again

So enjoy whatever it is that makes you SMILE.

WOYWW #282

Wow...what a deal, somehow my computer updated me to Window 8.1, without letting me know. To load photos from my disc is almost impossible.  Have to read some info off google. This really upset me. It's like you have no control.

Anyway, sorry for the rant, but wonderful Julia, at the STAMPING GROUND gives us the chance to share our workspace by linking up thru her efforts for us to participate.

Truly a MESS !

You can enlarge by clinking on the photo. I'm happy to return, but I think I need to get myself organized.  Most of my Halloween items are shown,  with no clue to what I will make. Whatever it might be, needs to be mailed in a day or so.  The one idea I have is to start on Christmas, so I will be prepared.

Thanks to all who paid a visit last week. I so enjoy your comments. Hope to make more visits this week, as I have missed you and your creativity .  Enjoy some fun creative time.

FRIDAY'S SMILES

Annie at A STITCH IN TIME has Friday set aside for SMILES....I can use all I of them I can find.  It is foggy, gloomy and dreary here today. What a disappointment...was foercast for sunshine and 70's so I think I'll make some comfort food !  Beef & Noodles.

This photo makes my heart smile...The featured kitten could be a twin to our Bailey.

Thanks for stopping by, Enjoy Smiles today and everyday.

WOYWW #281

Hoping blogger is going to co-operate, has taken a long time to get to this point.  Glad you stopped by. It's Wednesday once again and time for us to share our workspace.  Julia at the STAMPING GROUND  shares the details for our peeking around the world at others interesting and fun posts.

I've a few new dies waiting for me to get some MOJO to put them to use. I've been anxious to use the big leave dies but wasn't able to even get the paper out I planned to use.  I've no motivation for much lately.  My little pink tools have been there all week, but I did get the jewelry fixed and usable again.

Yesterday I spent a short time our doors in this beautiful fall weather,, picked up a few big branches, put some things away for winter into the little garden shed, and loaded up 4 pumpkins to bring to the front of the house for display.  Took my time and enjoyed some outside time.  When I awoke this AM I could not move my neck or shoulder, so ended up in therapy, with 2 more sessions this week.

Good news is my DH will finish up his harvest season tomorrow. And will begin to work ground for the winter season, and our weather is suppose to remain warm and sunshiny for another 10 days.
It was 70 here today and just a beautiful drive into the rehab center.

Thanks for stopping by, and thanks for all the kind words last week. Have a wonderful week ahead.

LOVE in Northern IOWA during HARVEST

The people in northern Iowa came to help...After the sudden death of a friend/family it was all about helping get his crop harvested.

http://kimt.com/2014/10/17/a-harvest-of-love/


We all have a lot to be thankful for.

WOYWW #280

Over at Julia's STAMPING GROUND we have become adjusted to Wednesday's for sharing our workspace.  Stop over to Julia's blog and she has all the details on how to come involved.

I've still been missing in action for quite awhile, but hope to be a regular once again. I've missed all of you and seeing what you have been up to. Click the photo for enlarged viewing.

I have 3 wonderful ladies dealing with Pancreatic Cancer, besides a few cards I am making, I've been praying for their recovery.  I've a couple of jewelry pieces needing clasp repair, an empty hard candy bag, a Crazy pumpkin and a photo card my sister gave me many years ago. The little girl looks so much like her daughter I just have to keep it. I feel lost downstairs. It's been so long since I have been creating anything, so I am trying to adjust.

Hopefully tomorrow my mother can go back to the assisted living and enjoy her apartment and friends once again. She has been in a nursing home, having therapy on her back.
I have quit wearing my glasses (advice from my eye doctor) to see if it helps with the headaches and dizziness. I think it has. I've still some right side head pain and plan to make another appt next week.

We have been enjoying a beautiful fall, cool, but pretty colors. Rain came yesterday and today lots of winds. Missing my walks...My hubby finished soy bean harvest and started with corn last Friday. Only to have his combine have the radiator explode and taken by a semi for repairs. He brought it home today so is back in the field harvesting his corn.  So I never know when, where or what I'll be doing. Like to stay close by in case he needs me.

Thanks for stopping by, wishing you a fun season of new colors.