Quotes

Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain.
~ unknown

soon a baby girl for Travis & Sarah!

I used to work at the Cabbage Rose Quilting & Knitting Store where I taught knitting lessons and sewed demos for the store.  I made a really cute skirt out of Amy Butler fabrics that I cut into squares and sewed together (picture later if I can find one).  The skirt was cut out on the bias and was adorable.  Well, I had leftover squares sitting in my stash of fabric, so I decided to piece a baby quilt with them.  I started the project nearly 2 years ago for someone and never got it finished...the quilt top was done, but that was it.  So a few weeks ago when I was supposed to help with a baby shower (and ended up not doing very much because I got sick and couldn't), I realized that one of my friends due date for her first baby was rapidly approaching and I had started nothing yet!!!  So I dug in the project started stash drawer and pulled this unfinished quilt out!  Though Sarah is doing pink and white in her baby room, its is always fun to have a stack of blankets and quilts available for use, so I decided it was time to get it done and would be perfect for Sarah's little girl. I do not have pictures of the process, so you will have to imagine the process or if you want tips on how I did it, email me.

CONGRATULATIONS
Travis & Sarah!!!

Brian Tracy Quote of the Day

All growth depends upon activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work.
- Calvin Coolidge, 30th U.S. president

Quotes

Train yourself to sustain yourself.
~ Pauline Baker

CHECK OUT the giveaway!!!

Looks like it's true - this guy is giving away this cool new book for charity. Grab a copy http://tinyurl.com/y3nbc9k

Another really cute clock idea at rufflesandstuff...you must check it out you clock lovers! I think I may have to make this!!!

reflections of message

Speaker: Jeff Grove
Title:  Sober Minded (Titus 2)
Date: 04.14.2010

(I am only going to write about the section that applies to me or that I want to reflect on more.)


Think about what you are thinking, because what you are doing is a direct reflection on what you are thinking.  What will be the outcome?  Picture in your mind what you want to be.



Titus 2:3-5
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober,  to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

reverent = honorable, grave, honest, behavior that commands respect, holy, sacred: to tower up (be conspicuous), a "hero".

not slanderers = traducer (to cause humiliation or disgrace, or malicious/false statements, false accuser, devil

not addicted to wine = just that

a teacher of good things = involve yourself in teaaching (vs4) to not discredit Gods Word

admonish = to make of sound mind, discipline, correct

love husbands = fond of your man, affectionate as a wife

love children = fond of one's own, maternal

discrete = moderate as to opinion or passion, sober, temperate

chaste = clean, innocent, modest, not provoking sensual desire

homemakers = domestically inclined, a good housekeeper

obedient = subdue unto, be in subjection, submit self unto



(vs12) teaches us that God wants us to correct ourselves by the vision we have of being bought with a price. 

Examine yourselves.  How do you think, by habit?  Think.

Proverbs 4:26 & 27
Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.  Turn not to the right hand nor to the left; remove thy foot from evil.

****************************************************************************

So as I reflect on the above, my heart is dear Lord, help me to be a virtuous woman and achieve the holiness you want from me!  I have areas that need work, attention, deeper development and I want you to make me more like you want me to be.  I pray that each day I will seek you with all my heart so that I grow to be the woman of faith you have created me to be!  Please show me how to do this in each thing I face and choice I make.  I need your direction my Lord & Savior.

wednesdays bible verse

you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free
John 8:32

CHECK OUT the giveaway!!!

do you like clocks???  I DO!  Do you know how many I have?  Over 30 and I am still collecting...and no, I really don't care what time it is!

These hands are very large (53”-79.5”l x 12.5”w) and very cute and I would love to win them...but maybe you will.  Check out the giveaway at My Sweet Savannah!

Quotes

In our lives, trouble is inevitable, misery is optional.

do you like books?

I have signed up with this place...I think its a fabulous idea...what do you think???

Quotes

The greatest geniuses sometimes accomplish more when they work less.
~ Leonardo Da Vinci

song ~ how can I keep from singing

How Can I Keep From Singing
by Chris Tomlin

There is an endless song
Echoes in my soul
I hear the music ring
And though the storms may come
I am holding on
To the rock I cling

 CHORUS:
How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing

(last time)...I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart
I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart
I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing



I will lift my eyes
In the darkest night
For I know my Savior lives
And I will walk with You
Knowing You'll see me through
And sing the songs You give



I can sing in the troubled times
Sing when I win
I can sing when I lose my step
And fall down again
I can sing 'cause You pick me up
Sing 'cause You're there
I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord
When I call to You in prayer
I can sing with my last breath
Sing for I know
That I'll sing with the angels
And the saints around the throne

blogging...

So, I have really grown into loving this blogging thing!  Can you tell?  LOL!  Originally when I was creating my blog page, I thought I would use it for the highlights and special events in my life like trips, vacations, weddings, other important things.  Then I thought I would add quotes that I found thoughtful, intriguing, inspiring, encouraging, etc.  Then I read other peoples blogs and liked how they sort of turned it into their journal, some its a way to post all their dreams and aspirations, others are about instruction, reference, articles, self-help, and then others just general life stuff.  Have I know made it more complicated by not keeping it to my original focus?  That I don't know...

but I was wondering, since you are one of my blogging friends, would you or could you give me any blogging tips or lead me to a resource or two? I have a couple friends who have some REALLY great blogs and ideas on them.  I know nothing about MckLinky, memme's (SP?), changing and creating your own background page thru coding, etc.  I wish I had time to do more research into it and know way more about it than I do, but alas, I don't.  I wish I had the time tor ead other peoples blogs and educate myself that way, but alas, I don't.  My focus right now needs to be on building my business.  So with that, any information you can send me, I so would appreciate it. Links, advice, tips, information, comments about what you like or don't like on my blog, think I should do or don't do, etc.  I welcome your comments below!

song ~ sweetly broken

Jeremy Riddle - Sweetly Broken

To the cross I look,
To the cross I cling
Of its suffering I do drink
Of its work I do sing

For on it my Savior
Both bruised and crushed
Showed that God is love
And God is just


Chorus:
At the cross You
beckon me
You draw me gently
to my knees, and I am
Lost for words, so
lost in love, I’m
sweetly broken,
wholly surrendered




What a priceless gift,
undeserved life
Have I been given
Through Christ crucified

You’ve called me out of death
You’ve called me into life
And I was under Your wrath
Now through the cross I’m reconciled

(Chorus again 2x's...)




In awe of the cross I must confess
How wondrous Your redeeming love and
How great is Your faithfulness

(Chorus again 2x's...)

wednesdays bible verse

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

Psalm 42:2 NIV

Quotes

When you blame others, you give up your power to change.

~ Douglas Noel Adams

Process for change

48Days Newsletter by Dan Miller
Issue 506 - April 6, 2010


Here is a step-by-step process for change:
1.  Clarify your current situation.
2.  Seek the advice and opinions of other people.  (I add pray about it.)
3.  Identify the alternatives.
4.  Choose the best alternative.
5.  ACT.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I found these steps interesting and helpful with some current things going on in both my personal and business life.  What steps do you use?  Anything else that you find helpful?  Can you expound on this for yourself?

Quotes

A good friend is a connection to life―a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world.

~ Lois Wyse

Happy Birthday Terry!

My brother turns 29 today!  

I have had two ideas that I have been contemplating as to what I would make for my brother as a gift...both requried time, I decided to go with second idea that came to me, painting a verse using acrylic paint on canvas.  This is the final product:

I have only worked with acrylic paint one other time and it was with tissue paper, this was a whole different ball game!  I can't say that I am totally pleased with how this project turned out, but its a first attempt at something like this and coming from someone who can barely draw stick figures and has no artist capabilities, I think I didn't do half bad!  This project took 5hrs to do...yes, more than I thought, I was guessing 3hrs.  I can't complain though, I already had the canvas in my stash of project things and I only had to buy a special acrylic paint brush and the paint because I had neither of these two things. 

Please note: item is handmade, no two letters are exactly alike. This is considered an enhancement, not a defect.  It was painted by an individual not seeking a professional career as an artist.

* * * * * * * * * * *

In support of The Viriginia House and the quest for "We Can Do It Cheaper" my cousin will post a picture of a product and then her creation.  I do not have a product to compare to at the moment, so you will have to imagine it!  Here is how to make this product. 

Buy desired size white canvas ~ $5.99 at WalMart ($0.00 as it has been in my project stash for 5yrs):

Deside on font and quote you wish to paint on canvas.  Type in Microsoft Word.  Print out on plain white paper. 

Supplies you will need:  scotch tape & scissors ($0.00 - had on hand); paint brush $5.99 after 40%off sale at Hobby Lobby (normally $9.99); Acrylic Paint $3.59 after 40%off coupon at Hobby Lobby (normally $5.99).

 

Cut apart and affix to back of canvas with tape so you can trace it. (The photo I took of this did not turn out therefore I do not have this image as part of the process). 

I then put the canvas in a stand I had and sat at the dinning room table where I had lots of light coming thru the windows to see my image.  Paint letters on canvas. 

Enjoy final product!

time or money???

They say you don't have both time and money.  I am not sure what to think about this comment.  There are times I feel I have both, others when it feels like I have neither...and then there are the times I know I have only one of the two and need the other!!!  Is this true for you?  Which would you rather have?  How do you create a balance for both? 

Let's reflect:

Time...
1. we all have the same duration of hours in a day
2. we all have to use it wisely
3. we can't take back what we just lost in wasted time, its gone forever
4. we & others make our own choices on how we spend our time


Money...
1. we all make different amounts
2. we all have different expenses
3. we all have to budget (or live with the consequences of not)
4. we all choose in one way or another where to spend or save our funds

So, how do you solve the quest for both???  What works for you?  Share your tips and comments below because I need them!

Chocolate Lovers Cake

16 oz semi-sweet chocolate (4 4oz Ghiradelli Chocolate bars)
1 cup unsalted butter
9 eggs, separated
1 cup sugar
Unsweetened cocoa or flour, for dusting



Preheat oven to 350°. Butter a 9” spring form pan; line bottom with buttered wax paper; dust pan with cocoa or flour. Slowly melt chocolate and butter together in a heavy saucepan over low heat; cool. Meanwhile separate eggs into two large bowls. Beat the yolks for about 1 minute; slowly add sugar and continue beating till thick and lemon colored. Beat egg whites until they just begin to peak. Add cooled chocolate mixture to egg yolks and blend thoroughly. Pour the chocolate and yolk mixture into egg whites and fold gently until completely blended. Remove 1/3 of the batter to refrigerate and cover. Pour rest of batter into prepared pan and bake 40-45 minutes. Cool 30 minutes before turning out onto serving plate. Frost with remaining batter.


Optional Garnishes Include: whipped cream, berries, berries in a glaze, sliced almonds, and sifted powdered sugar.

3 chocolate lovers cakes pictured here at the shower for RuthAnn 02.10.2008

CHECK OUT the giveaway!!!

Like to pour over idea books? home decorating? projects? colors? etc?  Then check out this giveaway from Susie Harris.  I sure hope I am the winner because this looks like a bunch of fun!!!

CHECK OUT the giveaway!!!

Do you like art?  Would you love to win a piece either for yourself or to give to one of your special friends?  Then check out Pretties and Posies giveaway!

CHECK OUT the giveaway!!!

Do you like jewlry?  Check out this blog: sweet as a candy.  There is a giveaway that you can enter between now and April 6, 2010 a 8pm.  This would be a perfect gift for one of my girlfriends that loves birds.

CHECK OUT the giveaway!!!

Another great giveaway!  Check out Chubby Cheeks Thinks for all the details. 

dreaming & drooling over this bolster pillow

Okay, seriously, I am coveting this Pottery Barn Bolster Pillow but have restrained myself from even contemplating trying to afford it......

closeup view

another view

I could save my funds and buy it, but really its not worth the price they are asking...unless it was 100% handmade then maybe thats what you would charge.  You really don't want to know what they are asking for this but since I am gasping for air, I will write it down for you:
$65 for the pillow form and $99 for the pillow cover. Yah...ouch!!!


I am determined to find a way to make it, and yes WAY cheaper!  even if that means I have to crochet or knit it myself!  That really isn't such a bad idea, because I do know how to do both, it just would be flat out time consuming which is something I don't have right now in my planner with other unfinished projects and deadlines taking up time slots.  In the meantime, I am dreaming and drooling all over it.  


Don't you agree its just way too cute and would look lovely on my shabby chic bed?  Yah, I knew you would totally agree with me!!!   So do you have any resources for these two items so I can fulfill this want?

start or finish projects???

There is nothing more inspiring or motivating than seeing something that you so want to create yourself!  You know that feeling that just pumps you up, makes you energized and gleaful to start a new project?  I am sure you have experienced it!  You almost feel like a little kid in the candy store with the happy prize you are gonna get.  I love it all: the dreaming, the searching for all the materials, the research on how just to do the project, the actual creating process, and even trying your hand at something completely new and maybe even making it look like an old knock off of someone elses.  But how do I do at finishing the project?  Sometimes, I am right on target and finish it in a day or two!  Sometimes I completely loose heart.  Why???  I only wish I knew.  Is it because I was still wanting to be there creating when the duties of life pulled me away from that fun thing or the bedtime hour was screaming at me and I knew if I didn't listen I would be paying the consequences the next day when I was supposed to be alive and working hard on the job?  or is it because this creative project is not turning out like I invisioned?  or because it has become totally exhausting and time consuming?  I have on more than one occasion made resolution to finish ALL started projects before I start another one, but the dreaming and creating is so fun...who wants to pick something up and try to figure out where you left off or how to make this limp looking thing alive and refreshed and inspiring once again?  I work well if I have a deadline, real or imagined.  There is just something about the thought of someone seeing my house with piles around of "things" or an unfinished job that makes me get my focus in gear and totally spurs me on to complete a project and work under time constraints that are usually beyond conceivable to accomplish.  I am just curious, are you a starter or a finisher of projects? How do you keep yourself inspired all the way through the project?  How do you keep yourself going? Share your tips with me in the comments because I am wanting to be inspired to do better and tackle that stack of unfinished projects.......