It's an Evolution

Signs of Hope...

2011-01-20T07:25:00.000-08:00

...appear at any given time!

I made a commitment to myself yesterday

and to my surprise this morning presented me

with the sign that I have been looking for.

These sweet birds sat outside my kitchen windows

and offered me a chance to just watch them relax.

There was something so peaceful about them as they sat perched on my elm tree.

It didn't last too long and soon they flew back to their protective nests in the evergreens.

But, for a short while they just enjoyed their freedom.

One of our Parish Priest said

"to spend 15 minutes in nature everyday is to spend 15 minutes alone with God"

There is so much truth in that statement.

I am leaving my protective nest a little more often these days and I have to say it feels good.

Something that caused me to pause....

2010-09-15T18:31:00.000-07:00

"I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure--which is:

Try to please everybody."

Herbert Bayard Swope

Can I just tell you... this may be one of the hardest lessons in life.

I try to please everyone and in return I just make myself crazy

With this new found inspiration,

I am going to focus on doing my best

and trust that will be good enough!

I am on my way back!!

2010-08-23T10:57:00.000-07:00

With two days left of summer vacation and a long break from blogging...I am ready to dip my toes back into the water. I hope your ready too! See you soon!
Love
Janet

To: The FCC and Our Government!

2010-04-05T14:35:00.000-07:00

Keep your paws off the internet!

Bloggers UNITE..........let the FCC know that you are free to share your thoughts and emotions the way they were intended to be read....unincumbered by censorship.

For more information....

http://americansforprosperity.org/stop-the-internet-takeover

http://www.nointernettakeover.com/

Yes, I have been out of the loop but this one really gets my goat. I will be back one day when I get it all together. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Janet

It's those little things....

2010-02-15T08:35:00.000-08:00

...that get you right in the heart.

The sweetest tradition or may I call it "an act of love" is...

... love notes strewn around the house

....handwritten with the uttermost love and affection.

The Accountant learned this little trick from his father, who did this same ritual while The Accountant was a young lass.

It was the little things that mattered most in the Doherty home.

A small hug just for the heck of it, the quick shoulder rub just to let you know you were appreciated and the hand written note to tell you just how special you were.

You see...The Accountant's parents were raised during the depression era and have imparted their wisdom of "keeping it simple" to their children.

To me...these notes are my diamonds. Getting someone to put into words how much they love you is often more difficult than shopping...

...hummmm let me think of that one again. Which is more difficult for The Accountant????

Shake, Rattle

2010-02-10T07:42:00.000-08:00

and Scream!

If you live in northern Illinois

you know what I am talking about.

At approximately 4:00 AM

we had an Earthquake!

In the middle of the United State of America

we had a ground popping earthquake!

Approximately 4.0

Our whole house was a rockin...I woke up yelling for

my husband and grabbed him around the neck

asking "what's going on!?!?"

My heart was in my throat as I looked outside to see the other

neighbors flicking on their lights.

The phone started ringing

as we all asked if each other felt and heard the same thing.

Thankfully we were all ok.

The funny side to this story...the Accountant always ready with a joke

said, "I was just afraid the pictures were going to tumble on my head."

Asking why he wouldn't worry about me, his reply was,

"the ones above your head are most likely bolted to the wall."

Our bedroom...I am on the right side of the bed.

How things change...

2010-02-04T17:25:00.000-08:00

....so quickly.

It's been almost 5 years since we moved into our "new" house

and I can remember it like it was yesterday.

Heck, I stressed out so much while bulding it I lost 15 pounds ... wish that still was a reality

As much as we love our "new" home..

... our kids still long for our

"old" home and talk about all the time.

I thought I would share with you some pictures of what

our first house looked like and why I think about it so often.

This was the view looking down on the living room from up stairs.

The dining room. Mom and I made all the slip covers and window treatments.

I was trying desperately to hid the danish modern furniture I inherited from my Aunt.

Who knew it was coming back in style???

This was my favorite decorating ever.

The door on the left was my pantry door.

It was salvaged from my parents house and I painted black.

I had to leave it with the house and boy do I miss it.

What a great solution for getting rid of an old bi-fold door.

The family room had a great faux finish on the wall.

Textured khaki paint was the base...when I tired of the khaki color we added

a brown and ocre wash over the top of it...giving it the look of suede.

My friend Barb was a master at mixing paint and texturizing.

Can you tell I love little lamps? They are everywhere.

The kitchen also had a faux finish on the walls and again I made every single

window treatment and curtain in this place.

The kitchen island was a converted breakfast bar from

Target. If you moved the curtains we added shelves underneath

to hid all the baby bottles and sippy cups. Everything was organized

in cute little baskets and fit just perfectly.

This was Mac and Hannah's room.

When Shea was born Hannah was kicked out of the nursery,

while Mac at the tender age of 4 was put in the top bunk.

They absolutely loved every moment of this transition.

There was a cool peg rail that went around the walls so all their stuff hung neatly off the floor :)

The master bedroom was neat but we didn't spend much time decorating.

Just paint and pottery barn.

The bathroom was open to the bedroom, so as you can imagine mornings were not so

restful with The Accountant getting ready for work.

Ahhhh....the nursery.

I loved this room.

Spent hours upon hours in this room.

The curtains were this perfect yellow and cream striped, embroidered fabric.

Ohhh ....and the patchwork fabric on the table was my all time favorite.

Looking through my old house, I notice now how much I made by hand.

Our new house is a little different. This time around we had a little more money

to get things built for us and less of our own handiwork.

Our first home will always stay in our hearts.

We lived there for just about 10 years.

Sadly, today we found out that the couple we sold it too is facing forclosure.

I will never forget at them at the closing, the wife had given me a big hug and

said thank you for making such a beautiful home for us.

I wish them all the best and hope that they can some how make it work...

it was a house built out of love and determination.

Gives me much more determination to start making some changes around this "new" house.

Maybe that is what the kids are trying to tell me????

"Get to work Mom"

Can you feel...

2010-01-25T11:10:00.000-08:00

...love in the air?

I feel the love of glass!

I hit one of my favorite "junk" shops last week

in seach of Valentine Finds.

Pink Toile Napkins fit the bill and how about a perfect little bowl to match.

Lots of pink depression glass

But what caught my eye over and over again

was plain Glass!

Cut Glass

Stamped or Pressed Glass

I also thought of a romantic lace table cloth or

my pink floral bedspread as a table cloth.

What to do with these fun finds.

Well, a tea party would fit the bill

but a little wine tasting could be fun as well.

A little game of HEARTS any one?

What do you have in mind for Valentines Day?

Glasses here...

2010-01-21T09:33:00.000-08:00

....there and everywhere!

I wear glasses...the Accountant wears glasses

and now...

Shea wears glasses.

The state of Illinois mandates that every child

entering kindergarden must have a complete eye exam.

Mac and Hannah did not have this mandate so

I just never thought about it.

When I received the letter from school, all I could think

was that "here we go again, more government involvement...

don't they understand moms know best."

Well, much to my surprise the doctor said Shea

really needed glasses. One eye is worse than the other and let

me tell you...these glasses are stong...yikes.

My guilt consumed me and I immediately brought

Mac and Hannah in.

Thankfully, they are just fine and no glasses needed.

I have had glasses since 2nd grade, so I understand that they are

a pain in the butt. I also understand seeing clearly is a blessing.

He's such a trooper!!!

What are you doing...

2010-01-09T12:11:00.000-08:00

...the Saturday Morning of February 13th?

Why not join me and a few blogger girlfriends

from the Chicagoland Area,

for a few hours of fun and sharing.

Jen Rizzo over at Sanctuary Arts at Home

and her friend Amy

have put together a morning in which

we can all meet and have some face time with one another.

So, if your a blogger and want to get to know other bloggers

in the Chicagoland area, think of joining us.

I plan on going because the friends that I have made though

the blogging community have been so

inspiring to me. They keep me going and challenge my creative self.

Fostering those relationships is important to me!

If you are interested visit Jen's website and get more information.

Hope to see you there!

What to do with my new....

2010-01-07T13:38:00.000-08:00

....Dremel Tool???

Oh the projects that lie ahead of me this year and oh how much fun I am going to have!

Yes, this was a gift I asked for and received from my dear mother.

Around my house I am Mrs. Fix It.

Got a problem, let me find a solution...although

I do not touch plumbing...yuck.

I am thinking of some of the following projects and might just use my new toy.

Although...on this one I am thinking of putting holes in the glass to

make the light speckle.

From Country Living

Refinishing some furniture is first on my list....

any one have a vintage secretary for sale?

....or my new Camera???

Nature really inspires me to take pictures.

The snow that came down after Christmas was amazing and

if I could have figured out how to catch

an individual snow flake in flight ... you would have seen it here.

But, I didn't catch it...not yet.

I have so much to learn about the camera and all the wonderful techniques

you can use with it. I want to catch those moments on my

kids faces that will make me smile forever.

So, with those words I am off to figure out what will come first...

Camera or Power Tool.

The last photos...

2009-12-29T08:04:00.000-08:00

....of 2009 and my hopes for 2010.

I have been reflecting on the

year 2009 and have come to many new conclusions.

It's been an amazing ride for this cowgirl and by God I am still on my horse.

Here are just few of my many tangled thoughts.

I have learned of a wider world out there and I know

it has so much more to offer... I only need to ask for it.

If I search out the answers to my questions

I will find them...eventually.

It only takes my time and desire to get more out of life.

Put forth an effort and the rewards will be ten fold.

There are good people in this world, who are ready to

open up their hearts and offer a kind

word or a compassionate gesture.

They are hiding in the most interesting places...just seek them out.

As the world seems to be falling apart all around us we need to

look into each others souls because, deeply

embedded in this world is its heart, a heart that thrives on the goodness that

is the human spirit.

I believe the human spirit keeps this world together.

With all the terrible things we hear each day,

we can counter those stories with 100 more

great stories of human kindness.

GOOD OUT WEIGHS THE BAD!

In 2010 my goal is to search out the positive in life, look for the goodness

in others and continue my quest for happiness in all that I do.

Sometimes easier said than done.

The road before me is filled with potholes waiting suck me in...but I am much

better prepared for this trip ... I have sharpened my defensive driving techniques this time around the block. My reaction time will be much quicker as I approach the rough roads because I have learned

and I will continue to learn how to keep focused on what great things lie ahead.

I will not get stuck on the negative...I will pry myself from its grips.

They say... take things in small step for best success.

In my world it's baby steps...

...each day needs to be taken on an individual basis and lived to its fullest.

If I can remember that...I should be good.

I am the TURTLE you know.

Finally...my pictures from Christmas Eve.

Oh ...you just had to be there.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL !

MAY GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU IN YOUR JOURNEY.

Merry Christmas to all...

2009-12-24T07:04:00.000-08:00

...and to all a Good Night!

Our Christmas Cards have finally arrived and are now in

transit to family and friends.

I have finally finished the decorating...

...well in my life it is never completed.

My gift to our feathered friends, covered with berries, bird seed ornaments and

stockings filled thistle.

We have had snow and now we have ice...

Oh the dichotomy in the midwest...

Wishing all of you a very Blessed and Merry Christmas.

A toast to the year ahead...

2010 will prove to be a wonderful

year for all...I know it!

All American....

2009-12-13T20:19:00.000-08:00

...Casserole Night

It was my youngest

6th Birthday

Since he really doesn't like

much food, I decided to pick a menu

that would stir memories of childhood delight.

Comfort food that would bring us all back

to the olden days of casserole night.

Now, for those of us that eat healthy on a regular basis

or those of us that have gone organic...

...this might make any of us ill.

But, bear with me this is good...it will remind you that

everything in moderation is the right way to go in life.

So, here is the line up of All American Classics...it will make you proud

to be an American.

To start out with with had to have my favorite,

Spinach Dip

Creamed Spinach, Chopped Spinach, Knorr Veggie Soup Mix

Just a dash of Miricle Whip, Sour Cream, Onion and Swiss Cheese.

Don't forget the red pepper flakes.

Trust me...it has spinach it has to be healthy.

You warm it up and it's the perfect winter treat.

Now the main course...hold on to your heart.

Broccoli Cheese and Rice

Made with Cheese Wiz, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Minute Rice and Butter

Enchilada Casserole

Made with Refried Beans, Cheese Soup and Cream of Mushroom Soup

I used turkey meat just to health it up a little.

Smother in Enchilda Sause and bake.

Much better the next day.

Chili Chicken Casserole

Made with Chunks of Chicken, Chicken Soup, Cheese and Grands Biscuts

"Somore Please"

Ground Beef, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Onions and Chinese Noodles on Top

"Goolosh"

Noodles, Ground Meat, Tomato Soup, Dried Onions, Durkee Onions

It's the item on the right.

Yes, I used our best china and silver for this dinner.

Baked Mac and Cheese

Sure sounds harmless enough...but added bacon, ham and peas, topped off with

Ritz Crackers

Now, I didn't provide all this food, guest were invited to bring their favorites.

We had a blast reliving our youth and remembering why

we all eat much healthier these days.

But, as I said before...

...everything in moderation is good!

LEFTOVERS ARE EVEN BETTER!!!!

This week you will find me walking my butt off and trying to

drink enough water to get my sodium levels down.

Oh the weather outside is...

2009-12-10T07:42:00.000-08:00

....DELIGHTFUL

With the first snow comes complete and utter joy in the Doherty Home.

Snow is clean, fresh and darn right fun.

Snowballs, Snowmen, Sledding, Skating, Snow Angels...

Busted!

you name it we do it, even eat it !!!

My kids almost jumped out of their windows when they saw our first snow.

Shea, even went as far as to put on his snow clothes

over his jammies and headed out the door.

He barely ate his cereal (which to those of you who know Shea...he survives on cereal)

After playing in the snow as long as humanly possible, the next great event

is "hot cocoa".

Shea's new favorite beverage.

"I need hot cocoa to warm me up, my bones are reawwie cold, REAWWIE MOM!"

The fresh air and fun seem to have created extra love in all of them.

Not as if they didn't have it before but... something is different.

This is Bob.

Our new snowman and latest magical friend.

They check on him every day and even go so far as to adjust

his pink scarf and insure he is not melting.

(Given it is sub-zero today I think we are safe)

So now that you know where I have been, please understand the lack of posts

these days. The Christmas Holiday has made for a very busy family and my mind

to be truthful is off in a far away land of sugar plum fairies and wrapping paper.

When I emerge on the otherside covered in tape I will report back.

HO HO HO...

2009-12-04T08:35:00.000-08:00

...Merry Christmas

"It's the time of year when the world falls in love..."

If I keep saying it...will you believe me.

My lapel pin from childhood.

This is going to be the greatest Christmas season ever.

Current mantel display in the Great Room.

Santa Claus or by whatever name you call him

is an icon of happiness and pure love.

Santa toy from my first birthday.

It is now an antique :)

Jolly, silly, chubby and generous.

Out of the kindness of his heart he gives to those who believe.

But, what is it that we are suppose to believe.

In our home we believe in love and the power that it holds over us.

Love doesn't act alone...it brings along with it so many more emotions.

Happiness, joy and kindness are just a few you will find.

Fill your heart with love and you will find your soul is lifted to a new place.

Believe in love and its magic.

Although it is important to remember...

the real reason for the season is the Birth of Christ and I honor

that moment every day of this Christmas Season and never forget

it's importance in our life.

Keep Believing.

Technology Vacation...

2009-12-02T08:01:00.000-08:00

...has ended.

When I looked at the date of my last post

I almost fell over.

I took a technology vacation, not by design but, by the sheer

fact that life just got too busy.

Oreo our Thanksgiving Vacation guest.

Christmas is here and it started well before

Thanksgiving.

As, soon as Halloween is gone I am well onto Christmas.

This is my season to shine!!!

I did a stint as a Christmas Designer for a local florist.

It was one of the best jobs I ever had.

We did Holiday designs and installations for businesses in the Chicagoland Area.

Can I just tell you...you have to love Christmas to

spend July through January emersed in tinsle and greens.

I find the cheer and happiness intoxicating.

It's not about the shopping deals or commercialism.

It's about good cheer and well wishes that we share with one another.

My kids have adopted the same philosophy and we have even

infected the Accountant.

Christmas lasts for more than one day.

It gets a whole "season".

We surround ourselves with happy thoughts and joyful

songs. We remember to be charitable and kind to others.

We remember to care about one another.

Looks like the right size according to the Accountant

Saying "Merry Christmas" is an opening

line most people can't refuse.

You can say it to a complete stranger and more often than not

that person will smile and return the sentiment.

You can't do that in the middle of the summer heat.

So, as I put the finishing touches on my my house today

I am going to think of more reasons as to why

I feel so giddy.

Tomorrow I will share the photos of the "almost" finished product...

what my dear neighbor calls...

"the house that threw up Christmas".

Figuring out my direction...

2009-11-19T19:25:00.000-08:00

... and insights gained from Silver Bella

I finally have all my take away items photographed and ready for show and tell.

Vintage Apron my inspiration of things to come!

Sit back and enjoy the show.

Parting Gifts Galore!

Lots of new materials to explore!

So generous!

Silver Bell held high expectations for me.

The message board spoke of unending fun and camaraderie.

So much so, that I let myself believe that when I arrived the hotel would

be teaming with women chatting, sharing glasses of wine and laughing

the night away.

Unfortunately, my entry on Wednesday night into Thursday morning did not meet

expectations. The hotel was quiet and lifeless. No parties happening, no women

hanging around chatting. So...apprehension sets in.

Not knowing what to do next I decided to strike out on my own...
off I went to do some exploring.

Many of the shops in The Old Market section of Omaha
were quiet, but as soon as I came upon

Second Chance Antiques

I knew there had to be some ladies in there searching out

more treasures to add to their collections.

The girls that were in the shop were all buzzing about what a collection of "stuff" they

had just stumbled upon.
It would take days to go through the two floors of crammed packed junk.

So with some vintage papers in my grasp I headed out to

lunch at a local restaurant just across the street from the Hotel.

Again, I was amazed as to how quiet it was both at the restaurant and back at the hotel.

A nap was in order.

When it came time to get our welcome packets that afternoon

I soon found all the women ... anxiously opening packets and checking schedules.

Following pics of Holiday Fabric Fatbook Swap...

The welcome dinner was very intimidating because the majority of
women either knew one another or came together.

I thankfully found another newbie while

getting a glass of wine.
She seemed to understand the anxiousness

we both felt.

At the table, conversations came easily among the women that sat with us.
This world of the unknown seemed to be coming a little more into focus.

After the dinner it was time to gather up our swaps.

I entered three of them as a way to introduce myself to others.

I thank all of the hostesses for their kindness and extra efforts in putting these

swaps together.

Again, too overwhelmed by the chaos and unknow...I retreated to my room for

a good nights sleep. Tomorrow was a new day and I had a few new faces to look for.

Looking through my swaps before I went to sleep gave me the courage I needed.
The talent of these women is incomparable and I knew this
was what I really came to experience.

Each of us had our own style but we were so impressed with the uniqueness each represented.
There is a commonality to us all and we appreciate each and everyone's individuality.

It is as if your eyes had been opened to a different way of thinking.

Charlotte Lyons Mobile...as with most projects they are unfinished

The classes I attended were something that I really enjoyed.

Pam Garrison...Holiday Countdown Wreath

Denise Sharp ... Paper Bird. Challenging yet inspiring!

If you haven't seen her work...please check it out.

Jennifer Murphy Snowman Ornament Clip

He just makes me smile!

Meeting others as we placed ourselves around the table

I was able to put some faces with the names that I had seen on the message board.

This did help ease some of the remaining anxieties and feeling of not belonging.

Friday evening was the Vendor Fair.
Well, if I can only tell you in words how overwhelming it was...it might take pages.
The creativity in presentation and product was something to behold and learn from.

This in fact was a learning trip.

I wanted to how people do what they do,

where do they get their inspirations,

how do they continually impress me?

My big sister Sheila spent sometime walking with me through the fair

after she snatched up her treasures.

It does seem that we all have someone who inspires us to continue

to create. For Sheila it was...

Rebecca Sower

I have to admit...I do love her sense of style, so much so I bought this journal.

After, this I headed out with a bunch of gals for some dinner...we had so much fun that we agreed we had to do it again the next evening. So...what does that tell you...the ice has melted.

I finally felt a sense of strength and belonging. I understood what was happening...others, who were nervous just like myself, stepped out of their comfort zones to meet new people and one of those

people happened to be me.

The instructors who opened up to share their "trade" secrets, the artists among us who

dove right in to tackle the same artistic adventure, the women who just

smiled and made you feel welcome...that is what it was all about.

Women...coming together, taking chances and putting themselves out there...together becoming stronger and more self confident.

My expectations may have been set too high or maybe it was my nerves getting the best of me.

My level of comfort was never really relaxed enough.

Crowds do tend to send me packing...but I have to say...I am proud of myself

for sticking it out and meeting the artists that do inspire me.

Thank you to Debbie Dusenberry of Curious Sofa...

your kind words and smile made my day.

You are just amazing.

My trips to Kansas City will continue and I look forward to meeting you again.

Thank you ...Charlotte Lyons

I so enjoyed the chats and inspiration...two classes with you gave me my dose

of creativity I sought. Your stories made me smile.

Megan Hunt ...aka...Princess Lasertron

As always your infectious style and personality make me smile.

Good luck to you as I know you will be and are a great success.

Another swap..recipe book :)

There are so many others that I really enjoyed but just too many to list.

Thank you to those of you that extended a smile or a kind word...they meant so much to me as I waded through a sea of women.

"Will I go back?"

That seems to be the question of the week.

I don't think so.

I am a small group kind of gal...I don't thrive if I am overwhelmed and anxious.

I found that when I create it tends to be solitary.

Not that I don't want to share what I am doing...I just tend to get deeper into my projects.

I did find out that my art work is "evolutionary"...it takes me time.

I have to walk away from something let it sink in and then readdress it later.

The wings in development state...symbolic isn't it?

I thank The Accountant for making this journey possible.

It was important to do ... because as they say... nothing ventured nothing gained.

I did gain new friendships and a new insight into the world of creative women.

We do need to connect with one another and we each have our own different ways

of doing that.

I thank all of you who read this, for your creative and emotional support.

Life is an Evolution

and I really believe each and everyone that I come in contact with

plays an important part in its direction.

The Dirty Socks...

2009-11-17T09:14:00.000-08:00

.... have been laundered.

I have returned home from my adventure and

I can honestly say it was a true adventure.

Any town with a bar named O'Connor's is ok with me

Taking off to an unknown event with just an small knowledge

of what lies ahead was certainly a test for

this creative soul.

I have to say... staying in my room became an option and I even went as far to call the airlines about booking a return flight the day after I arrived.

I couldn't figure out what the hell I was thinking when I booked this event.

While nerves and self doubt floated around in my head, common sense talked me back into reality..."you paid good money to do this and you know darn well why you wanted to come."

Original inspiration for going...Charlotte Lyons

My reasoning for attending Silver Bella was to meet some of the other creative women I have only seen through blogging and reading. I wanted to know if they were are real as me and if it would be possible to connect and learn from them.

It is hard to explain what goes on in this mind but, I know there are other gals out there that experience much of what I do on a daily basis.

I can't remember who did this but I love love love it and have saved it for so long.

One of those people I longed to meet was Jo Packham.

I read Where Women Create and have read her

Letters with great anticipation.

The specific letter in question, talked about succeeding and failing.

It spoke to me on so many different levels that I thought Jo really knew

what it felt like to be me, or at least I felt much like her.

She was a real person who made mistakes but has learned from them and in the end she, in my estimation, has overcome any faultering. She is succeeding and moving forward.

French General, Kaari Meng

Along the way she is taking time to inspire and touch others who can relate and who admire her for her strenght and honesty.

She is a real person without an aire about her,

who talked to everyone that wanted to connect with her.

She did not make you feel silly or small...she was genuinely interested in what you had to say

and in return you got a wonderfully warm feeling.

While Jo spoke at our Saturday luncheon, it amazed me as to how many women felt

compelled to laugh and cheer as Jo explain what it is that she does.

Her genuine appreciation for artists all over became apparent as she shed a little tear

and choked up, trying to explain how lucky she felt to have so

many wonderful creative people in her life.

I think we all had that tear in our eye for a number of reasons.

We too are blessed to have so many people in our lives that inspire, encourage and support our longing to create and to be appreciated for what it is that we do.

She could have talked all day ... personally, I think if she sat down and shared a glass of wine with all of us it would have been a perfect afternoon.

I meet several women who attended this event in the same fashion I did.

They left their home took off on their own adventures, not knowing what they would find.

Some how many of us found one another and shared our

experiences and talents

I thank all of you that I met.

You have made my life richer.

There are so many other aspects of this event that I think you should know so ...

tomorrow (since Shea and Mud Puddle keep asking for help with their

Spiderman Book) I will explain a little more about what it is that I learned and took away from this event. It's not as easy to put it into works as you would think.

Emotions are mixed.

I am off...

2009-11-10T10:27:00.000-08:00

...like dirty socks!!!

Silver Bella

here I come!

The excitement that started at the beginning

of the summer for this wonderful

event has finally come to

fruition.

I leave tomorrow for 5 whole days!

All alone in this sea of glitter and glue.

Technically I am not alone but I am doing this

trip solo.

I am walking into a

different world...one that I have longed to be a part of.

Creative souls learning together and

sharing pieces of their lives

with each other as they create and relax.

With my bags packed, my crafting supplies sent off via postal service and

my heart pounding, I bid you farewell for a few days.

I leave you with my inspirtation for this years Doherty Christmas.

PLAID

lots and lots of plaid!!!

Ruffled

Foret LA

Fun and Sassy Design

Borrowed and Blue

Ralph Lauren

My Hero

My next phone...

For the love of J Crew

and finally...a sweet party dress.

So with that being said...as I sit in the airport and relax in my hotel room

I will be visiting all of you my friends in blog land.

My time away has left me feeling empty and I look forward to

getting back in touch.

All my best to you!

Janet

Another birthday...

2009-11-08T07:37:00.000-08:00

...for my little girl.

Today my Hannah Mary

turns 9 years old.

I never thought I would ever see

such a wonderful time in my life.

The joy that our children bring to me and The Accountant

is overwhelming and immense.

There are days when life is handing me a blow and all

I need to do is look into their eyes.

All problems seem to melt away!

These past few weeks have been a little trying for me.

I suffer from depression and an autoimmune disorder which

after much testing, we still can not define.

So in trying to balance my mental heatlh and my physical health

I am hitting many bumps along the way.

It is nothing I can't handle...because I know what I need to do and

I have the courage to confront it.

Our kids are nothing short of a miracle, as all children are.

It's worth the fight to battle forth and fight for the

right to enjoy each moment we have

together.

What I thought was going to be a sad and mysterious post about depression has taken a turn.

Looking through these pictures from Friday at the Zoo I no longer

feel down or confused.

I know what is important again...I am brought to center by the love

I have from my children and my husband.

What is important in life?

LOVE!

ENJOY IT TO ITS FULLEST

It is finally...

2009-11-02T17:54:00.000-08:00

...over.

I think my friend Gina and I can finally relax and say with confindence

"A GREAT TIME WAS HAD BY ALL"

The party was amazing and all the hard work paid off.

Our friends and family could not

believe how it all came together.

To our friends...you are amazing...you really brought

your A game! The costumes were amazing and as promised

I will not post any of your pictures

I am going to just comment below each picture briefly as I think my brain

is done with Halloween and ready to move on to Christmas.

Some pictures are not that clear but I think you will understand the as you go along.

Front Entry in the day light.

Front Entry by the moon light.

Last minute adjustments with

Gina and Janet.

( Gina is Tippy Hedron from the Birds and I am Hell on Wheels)

Family Room pictures by daylight...

I made curtains to look old and tattered.

Can you see the moth man hidden in the webs on the ceiling?

Dining Room Scene shrouded by curtains.

Front Entry by night.

Amber lights were used throughout the house.

I just loved the glow of the fire...

Christmas Lights with colored tissue.

Kitchen all ready for guests.

Now onto my favorite part of the party...the garage transformation!

Yes, this is the garage...

We painted tarps or drop cloths to look like graveyard scenes.

The stumps came from my friend Mary's house...she is a true

pioneer, she used a chain saw to cut them all for us.

They acted as tables and chairs...notice the nice table cloths and

custom cushions for each stump...

All the tree brances we used came from her yard as well.

I don't know what we would have done

without the free material...the other choice was hay bales.

The transformation and development of this table in the garage is my favorite.

We used the square kitchen table and put a round glass coffee table on

top of the square.

It worked perfectly because the torso (which was purchase on Etsy and is a true work of art) was our signature piece. It fit the occasion and acted as inspiration for the garage.

This last picture is blurry but you get the effect of up lighting under the table

to cause everything to glow. It made me so happy to see it all come together.

The Accountant and I had a great time... I was

able to roller skate around the house and

serve food and beverages to all.

Can you guess what The Accountant was?

Bucket full of money!

Still thinking....

Hannah was Vlad the Cookie Bunny from

Horton Hears a Who.

Maggie was a french maid...for two reasons.

She cleans up the floor for us but she also loves

to visit all the neighborhood dogs as well.

She is a tease.

Still trying to figure out the Accountant???

TARP

BAILOUT

Witchie Poo...

2009-10-24T08:59:00.000-07:00

...I love you!

Just a short one today, as I must get to my

last swap and finish organizing my craft room.

Cindy Ellison

Plus, I think we finally, have the

Halloween House all decorated

and ready for next weekend's party.

I will post after the party as I don't want to

ruin the surprise for the guests.

Mantagni

My style has been going through an evolution as I told you in the past but,

there are certain things that I collect on a continual basis.

One of them is Witchie Poos.

I love their faces, full of mystery and haggard good looks.

Surrender Dorothy

Kind of like me when I get up too early.

Enchanted Gypsy

I am not into today's wicken movement or anything magical.

I just like the iconic image and enjoy the folk lure behind them.

My Grandma Corky (Corcoran) was often referred to as a

good witch, because she had this

amazing talent of knowing something was amiss

before anyone would even tell her...

(not posting a picture of Grandma this time, I have to scan in some of the images since

she has been in heaven for some time now.)

Plus, she had this hysterical laugh...it was kind of a cackle but filled

with so much joy and happiness, you couldn't help

but laugh along and feel good in the moment.

This witch did not make me smile...she gave me more

nightmares than anything.

Yet, I have her in my collection to prove that

I have grown up ... but in the all truth, she still freaks me out.

Enjoy the bewitching spirit of Halloween and just have fun

with it. It's evolved into a holiday of fun and frivality

for kids and adults who want to relive their

childhood love of candy.

The Peak of...

2009-10-21T16:53:00.000-07:00

...perfection!

Well, this week in Sugar Grove, Illinois the colors

of fall have reached pure perfection!

The trees and bushes are at their brightest and most vibrant moments.

We have a newer home, our little trees have

big tree envy. This one is at the entrance to our

neighborhood...

...as small as they may be, they have lived up to our

expectations and provided us with some

outstanding hues of red, crimson and gold.

As I drive to school each morning, I can't help but

be thankful for all that God has created.

I am going to enjoy this brief art show that God has provided us with...

Because I know...

... we will soon have a big,

driving, rain storm that will

take all the leaves

to the ground and end this spectacular display of nature.

It seems to happen every year.

By the way....

How many of you have these Japenese Beetles invading your home?

Did you know when you feel them pinch or bite you, they are actually peeing on you..

Thus, the terrible, horrible smell right afterwards, the one that you just can't get rid of.

Grossed out aren't you??

It's the weekend....

2009-10-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

...what are you going to do?

I don't know about you but, I really look forward to the weekend.

It's a time when you can relax a little or get some long needed

projects done...with some assistance. (Hint, hint Accountant)

It's a time the family spends together without the contraints of

timelables or deadlines.

It's a time to breathe in and just take things as they come.

In the past week, I have read a number of blogs where we seem to be

focusing on dreams and finding what it is

that makes us really happy.

What makes me really happy ... WATER

I need to live on WATER.

I want my family to have the tranquility and serentiy that only

water can provide their souls.

For years I have dreamed about owning a cottage home on a lake

somewhere, anywhere, just take me there!

I have dreamed of what the exterior would look like, how many beds we can fit in

so that friends and family can visit us frequently.

I dreamed the kitchen would be big enough to accomidate a large crowd with

sandy feet and dripping wet swimsuits.

It would have a large fireplace so that in the winter months we could

warm up by a roaring fire after ice skating and sledding on the lake.

Big comfy couches and chairs would be covered in washable

slip covers and soft rugs would be underfoot when it came time to relax after

an exhausting day fishing, skiing, swimming, and just plain

breathing in all the fresh air that mother nature would allow us.

Life would be a little slower paced and relaxation would be the rule.

Yes, there would be projects and upkeep but, hey... your on a lake with a beautiful view,

you are blessed to have this kind of peace in your life...how bad could it be.

One day I know my dream will come true.

"The Accountant" has come around to understand

the magic that is WATER.

I only wish it would happen sooner than later.

I am kind of impatient when it comes this things like this,

but I also know that the right time

will present itself...this is an event not to be rushed.

God if you can hear me...I am really trying :)

Enjoy every moment of your weekend and if you are fortunate enough to live on a lake...

as you look out over the water and have one for me!

Wand's...

2009-10-12T12:31:00.000-07:00

....here there and everywhere!

I have been busy in my "oh so messy" workroom lately.

(NO I WILL NOT POST WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE)

I am always happiest when my hands are busy creating.

So, let me share my latest with you.

First of all I had the pleasure of making a

gift for a very dear and talented

young lady.

Most of you already know

Kasey

Lola B's

Well...

Friends that she had recently spent time with

thought a wand suited her "Twinkle Toes" persona, and

sent one as a gift to Kasey.

Lucky for me, Kasey was having an open house and

I was able to hand deliver the special wand.

The wand came complete with charms of a shoe, the Eiffel Tower, a statue of Mary,

vintage laces and papers.

I hope you are enjoying the "Magic" Kasey.

Next order up...

Courtney

A mother who was looking for some extra inspiration

in her busy life of being a mother of three.

While talking she decided she wanted a bouquet of wands

to display on her bedroom dresser.

Each of the wands has a specific source of magic.

Faith, Family, Strength, Peace, Love

Personally, I couldn't think of something more fitting...

when you need a little extra bit of magic, you can pick the wand that

suits the occasion!

Then to my surprise... The ILash Girls

featured me not once but twice!!!!!

On Sunday they did a Surprise Feature

and a Giveaway

for one of my wands!!

Just for the occasion....

Fall Beauties

Thank you so much

Leigh Anne and Sherra!!!

I am honored that you enjoy the wands!

These will be listed in my Etsy Shop

or just contact me if you would like

specially created for you.

Have a wonderful Monday everyone...

My Baby....

2009-10-08T07:51:00.000-07:00

....turned double digits.

I can't believe my Maguire Gerard Doherty

is 10 years old today

It is just like yesterday that I rocked him to sleep for every nap time.

I never wanted to let him go and savoured ever minute I had with

this tiny (well 8lbs 11oz is not so tiny)

"sack o' potatos"

He has filled our lives with such love and joy,

it's hard to imagine he is growing so quickly.

Thank you God for the blessing of being his parent and

having the opportunity to love him and guide him.

Now...as you will see my other to nuts, have birthdays in the following months

November 8th for Hannah

exactly 1 year and one month from the date of Mac's Birth.

December 12th for Shea

He has a little more spacing 4 years 2 months.

HUMMMM...could you tell my cycle .

Let me tell you a story...

2009-10-06T19:00:00.000-07:00

...about me Da.

He's a funny one to be sure.

Today he sent me these pictures of his Bougenvilla that sits

outside his office window at home.

Along with the picture he sent a little spiritual message.

Jan,

I’m sending you 2 more photos ( by separate transmission)

of the beautiful Bougenvillea you gave us. It has been the

absolute star of our summer plants. Maybe we can learn

from this creation. If water is withheld, the blooms become

more colorful. Then, when it’s given a healthy drink, the flowers

multiply! You think it might follow that if we humans deprive

ourselves of some small comforts, our aura or demeanor

might be more pleasing to those around us?

Dad

PS In the spirit of “full disclosure”, I think I’m trying to get you

to show the plant on your blog!!!!!!!!!!

Now for those of you that know me well, you have a broad smile across your face and those

of you who do not know me might be saying...oh how sweet or how profound.

Yes, he is sweet but oh so "DEEP".

He could be a great poet and we definately know

he is already a great story teller.

Better yet, he is the one that provides us with the stories that can fill a library.

There is never a dull moment for my dear Mother who has been married to him for over 45 years now.

They have been through many storms but weather them all with a smile and a profound sense

of humor.

Now some stories are not allowed to be repeated, so I will share some of the

unrestricted variety.

How about the time when Dad went to work with two different shoes on

and didn't notice until the end of the day. Walked all over Downtown Chicago

in and out of client meetings, never noticing something felt different.

Most likely because he walks 100 mph.

How about one of the millions of times he sat on a plane and

started up an innocent conversation with the person sitting next to him.

This time he happened to be sitting in this beatiful lady's seat and thus a conversation insued.

While they were talking a third party, which happened to be a man of another race, sat in the open seat.

Conversation continued and she indicated that

she and her husband were off to Paris for their honeymoon.

Insert Dad's comment..."Where is your husband?"...she comes back..."He is sitting next to me."

Dad inserts foot into mouth and quickly starts the back stroke.

Fumble fumble fumble... numberous rounds of cocktails for all, not to mention getting

them into the Red Carpet Club at the Airport and things are

hopefully smoothed over.

This one goes a little further back to my niece's birthday party with a bunch of I believe 8 year olds.

All children are finally seated for lunch and it is now down to a low roar.

Too quiet for Dad, so he taps (open handed slap) one of the kids on

the back of the head and says "Pass it On."

Just put the picture in your mind...pure chaos insues and my Mom about kills him.

How about Golf...love love love it but he is constantly trying to come up with a new swing.

With those new swings he has hit my cousin in the back of the head not only once

but twice on the same hole

just another day.

Practicing golf in the back yard with a net...hummm...

Mom says, "your a little too far back...don't you think..."

Dad, "Wow, that one went far"....CRASH

One house house down and another to go...and he finally gets it...

move closer to the net.

But for all the funny stories I can tell you ... which makes our life that much better...there are those

that would melt your heart.

He is a man who would give you the shirt off his back and help you any

by any means in his powers.

He stands up for those who can not stand for themselves.

Puts their needs above his own.

His grandchildren adore him for his sense of humor and ability to be "silly"

His children look up to him as he has shown them how to

be the "good" people we are. ( Just a few little knocks in the head along the way)

His family and friends would have had a completely different life

without his influence and guidance and I can honestly say,

we are all better off for having my Dad in our lives.

While the stories can fill volumes of books, I must close now, because that sentamental feeling

has come over me. The pictures throughout the years bring back a flood of memories

and remind me how blessed I have been and how lucky we all are.

You asked for it you got it Dad!

I love you!

Oh the finds....

2009-10-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

...I found

Michelle and Mame of Willows never cease to amaze me with the amount

of product that they bring and how they display it.

Their talent for styling is amazing and it just makes me drool.

We did get to talk about lots of things and one of them was

the influence that Eddie Ross is having on the way that we

look at "junk" and the way that we display that "junk".

Now you and I know it is not junk but to some they just don't get it.

Someone discards these items and we rediscover them and make them our treasures.

When I traveled to KC this summer Mary Carol Garrity amazed me as well.

The difference at Willows' booth, all the items are "found" and not

mass produced in China. They have a history and were once loved

by their previous owner.

Again, it's all about how you display it and how you show someone why you love it.

Something as simple as the flash cards we used in grade school are now

ALL THE RAGE!

Another key is having lots of similiar items.

One of a kind might not be enough so collect like crazy.

Collect what you love!

So what did I come home with....here are my finds and why I love them!

Love, love, love, these apothecary bottles and I had to

pair them with

this oh so cool vintage syringe I found on etsy.

That syringe is huge and is made of glass. I do not know the guage of the needle but

let me just tell you it would really hurt. My kids are most scared of this item ... not even the

witches scare them more.

Perfect for my new style of Halloween decorating.

Yes, I said new style and The Accountant is just going to cry again.

Another new love... and Michelle if you are reading...I want more of these.

These are old iron arrows from weather vanes. I want a whole wall full of them!

I can see them just above the wall leading into my family room.

They are very heavy and well detailed.

Michelle please I need more !!!!!

These are both pewter and silver pitchers. I love pitchers because in the next week they will

be filled with lovely fall leaves. I am trying something to preserve my colorful

leaves by sitting their stems in glycerin and water mixture. That way they won't fall apart after the first week.

Another display of old books with my creepy witch hand.

The book I picked up is in the middle.

This is a School District Register for District Two in Stephenson County Illinois.

The earliest date in this book is 1863 and it chronicles the schools development,

building and funding. Money coming in and going out. It is amazing to look

and see what things cost and how they built this school from the ground up.

Finally, I have a collection of bird cages and picked up one more...

This one is over 100 years old and is a nice companion to my other little one...

Opppps ... I have one more sorry...

I left Shea in the background because it just cracks me up!

This box has a wonderful patina (yes, I have a collection of boxes) and this one

is specifically colored for Halloween. So I am pairing it up with

my friend from last years Country Living Fair.

Now ... in my next post ....if I survive working through my Halloween Decorations...

I will tell you about my love of old witches.

It just so happened that I lost a great deal of my decorations up in the attic. A glass globe cracked and spilled water in a box.

That box baked in the heat and created the must unbelievable amount of

mold you have ever seen in your life.

Thank goodness it was a rubbermade box and it did not infect anything else.

So, a little fyi for all of you who might store decorations in your unheated/uncooled attic....

don't store snow globes, they will crack and cause a great loss.

The up side...I get to start over with some new items for my every changing style...that is what is driving me crazy. I don't like many of my stuff any more....yes big problem right now.

Creative Challenge!

While spending some alone time...

2009-09-27T17:39:00.000-07:00

...I made a new friend.

I would like to tell you a little story of two girls who just

happened to meet one foggy, Sunday morning.

One of the girls was happily driving to her favorite shopping destination...

The Sandwich Antiques Market.

They roads were covered with fog and visibility was just terrible.

Luckily she was able to pull over to a safe resting place.

Rather than risk going further this freedom loving mom

decided to pull over and wait for a little of the fog to burn off.

Much to her surprise another young lady happened to be enjoying the same spot, listening to

nothing but the peaceful sounds of the early morning.

As the two young ladies chatted they learned so much about one

another and soon became instant friends.

In order to make this meeting work, the normal ritual of making

new friends had to be put aside.

The best way of getting to know one another was achieved by

first sniffing, than carefully licking.

My shirt seems to be her favorite,

told her I picked it up at Anthro with my Birthday Coupon.

Not sure if they have her size??

I know it sounds awkward, but let me tell you my new best friend is an outstanding listener. Her insight would just blow you away....Dr. Phil watch out you have competition!

It made my day... spending time with someone so at peace with life and so sure of herself.

She really understood what it's like to be a woman!

(Please just don't tell me its a male cow...I did try and check)

Thanks my dear friend...until next time!

The fog did lift and it was time for me to be on my way to the Antiques Market where I met up with my dear friends from Willows - Michelle and Mame...but that is for Tuesday's Story.

Just to give you a little taste of my finds...here's a sneak peak.

Just felt like making new friends all over the place....but I had the choice to bring this cutie home with me. I don't think the Accountant would approve of a Cow???

Honest....

2009-09-24T09:45:00.000-07:00

....Scrap

My heart is a flutter with the honor of the Honest Scrap Blog Award. My new and dear friend Tracey at French Larkspur has passed this award on to me and I am very flattered. Thank you Tracey!

Rules of the game:

1. Say thanks and give a link to the presenter of the award.

2. Share "10 honest things" about myself.

3. Present this award to 7 other people whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged me.

4. Tell those 7 people they've been awarded the HONEST SCRAP AWARD.

Off to the races with the 10 Honest Things About Myself.....hummmmmmmmmmmmm

Do you really want to know ?

1) I am actually a very shy person...but overcompensate for it by taking charge of situations where I am uncomfortable.

2) I am an over protective mother and struggle with the thoughts that I should be doing more.

3) I hate laundry with a passion....sometime my clothes will be left for days, just waiting to be folded. The only way I can get through it is to have a nice long phone conversation; it makes the pain more tolerable.

4) Making others happy makes me happy. If I could I would fix all the world's problems, I would .... too bad the world is not listening to my suggestions.

5) I am adopted and proud of it!

6) I am terrible with money, will not discuss it or even utter the words "budget". YUCKY

7) I live for new decorating projects. If I could change my house around on a yearly basis I would. My furniture moves every three months, seasonal decorations excite me to no end and I enjoy collecting "finds" and fitting them into our lives.

8) My motto for life, every since I was a young girl, I told my father...."LIFE IS LIFE". Later, as I got older and asked myself what do when you just don't have any more answers... "PUNT". I always remember, somehow even in our darkest moments we alway end up coming through them on the sun filled side of life. You just have to ride out the storm.

9) I enjoy a nice glass of wine, well maybe a couple.

10) It amazes me how much I have enjoyed this journey into blogging .... it gives me hope and faith in humanity that good people do exist, that kindness is a natural extension of self, and that people can accept you even with differences.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE MADE THIS EVOLUTION A WONDERFUL PART OF MY EVERYDAY LIFE. I AM A BETTER PERSON FOR HAVING MET ALL OF YOU!!!

Now onto the fun part of passing on this award!!!!!!!

Patina Soul
Fawn Hamilton has inspired me in so many ways!

Faded Plains
Andrea has an amazing sense of style!

Remnants of the Past
Judy's Antiques are Amazing...only wish I lived closer.

Acorn Cottage
Nancy helped me find some of the best places to visit on my last trip to KC...

A Little Sussy
Nicole is an amazing photographer and a great sense of style!

Modern Country
Makes me want to change to all white...

Thinking Out Loud
I so admire Jan for her honesty and passion!

Ok that is it....I hope you enjoyed this post. The pictures are my latest of design inspiration. I am finding that I am going through another style evolution and want to find a new fresh direction. It is hard to figure out what works for me and what fits our life style. More on that later .... enjoy your day Girls!

The Grim Reapers Sergeants...

2009-09-21T10:32:00.000-07:00

....Made Their Delivery.

Well it all came down on Friday Night.

As soon as the owl's started their nightly conversations, the Grim Reapers Sergeants took off to do the gruesome task of delivering the "Death Certificates" to the ill fated Halloween Party Invitees.

Their Chaufered Chariot carried them to their destinations.

Where upon answering the door, the victims soon learned their fate.

Screams could be heard traveling through the darkness of the night, people slammed their doors on the "Scarey People" and even went so far as to call them dirty words.

In the end all would turn out well, even with their lives ended, they knew in the after life the party would be one they would truly enjoy!!

On a final note...this was one of the scariest sites on their trip.

Can you....

2009-09-18T08:41:00.000-07:00

....smell it in the air?

It's FALL

I absolutely love the clean, fresh, crispness of fall air.

There is nothing like it.

Cool and invigorating with skies of glistening blue.

The leaves changing ever so slowly to their destined colors of gold, amber and scarlet.

Most of all I love to change things up around here as well.

Out with the withering summer flowers and in with the fresh fall selection.

There is a time in between fall and Halloween where your decorating is in limbo,

so right now the porch is in stradling between the two.

Come and have a sit and a glass of wine, we can discuss all the great things that are coming up...

Namely for me, Silver Bella, which happens in November!!

We received our packing list of supplies to bring and most imporatantly we have to finish our swaps.

I just finished my second swap..."Sugar and Spice" ATC Cards.

I have never made and ATC Card but hope that these will do....

One more swap to go and it's one that I think one will really challenge me...Holiday Fabric Fat Book!

Michelle Geller is hosting this swap and I was lucky enough to squeek in because of a miscount .

While doing some research about Fabric Fat Books, I came across some of these pictures.

This was last year's FatBook as seen on Inspireco

I only hope I can pull this one off...some great works of art to live up to.

I have....

2009-09-14T07:13:00.000-07:00

...an exciting announcement.

When I started this blog, I promised that it would be "an Evolution". As I sit here today I realize so much has happened in my life that I am ready to bite off a bigger piece of my business development plan.

My wands have been doing well as people become more aware of them and begin to understand their magical power.

I have learned they mean more to me than just a project, they are an extension of my feelings.

Often times I find words and actions are not appropriate for certain occasions and I feel the magic wand can say or do more than we could ourselves.

It's a symbol of many things, most of all friendship and love.

It's a lasting reminder of a person's feelings and desires to make you happy.

Every time I create a new wand a little bit of me goes into it and it is my hope the magic is transferred to the recipient.

So...with my Evolution, I needed a new logo.

I have decided to work with a talented artist, Emily Grandin. Emily's blog, Art of the Masses, is a great example of her work and the inspiration around her.

I am going to use this line drawing Emily created as my new logo...its simplicity yet intricacy drew me in the first time I saw it. I love how the bird is using found elements to create it's home/nest.

Very much like me, taking bits and pieces of things found to create something comfortable and inviting, a safe yet beautiful place. The making of a home and a life is an Evolution, and this little bird tells the story oh so simply.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Is it too early...

2009-09-08T17:16:00.000-07:00

Scene from last year's party

...to start decorating for Halloween?

Not in this house! First of all I am a fanatic when it comes to changing the house for the seasons. Every bird and nest must be carefully packed up until next spring, kind of like a little flight south for the winter.

Then comes the complete transformation from warm weather to cooler weather and fall colors to compliment my homes decorations. What it will be this year is just coming together in my head.

The biggest reason for wanting to get the ball rolling is because my neighbor hosts an annual Halloween Party and hires me to assist her in both decorating and creating the theme for each year.

This is the time when invitations go out and boy do we a great plan in place. I can't divulge it until after the recipients get their packages. What I can show you is how sent out the invitations last year.

We ordered small Chinese take out boxes and filled them with shredded paper. Inside each box was a bloody, chopped off finger wrapped in gauze.

If you were worried that we hurt someone in the process of making these invitations, you are correct.

We hurt our children's feeling because they were not allowed to eat any of the fingers until we were done with the project.

The invitation was produced on crepe paper with the edges slightly burnt to resemble an old piece of paper.

After putting them all together we set out deliver them to each party goer. This was the most fun since we got to play "ding dong ditch".

With my minivan doors open we drove up to the houses, snuck quietly to the front door, dropped the package, rang the doorbell and ran like h-e-double toothpicks.

The funniest part was us flying into the open van door and fleeing the scene laughing our butts off.

I promise this years delivering will be more frightful and fun filled. Stay tuned...next week sometime we will be announcing the party.

PS...I have some great Halloween Wands in the making and should have them ready by the weekend!

A small gesture....

2009-09-04T07:24:00.000-07:00

...means so much.

Last night around 8:00 our doorbell rang. As usual I let The Accountant handle any strangers coming to our door, especially the back door.

It was a curly haired, slightly accented young man. He told The Accountant he and 12 other artists were trying to raise money and awareness of their up and coming art gallery. While talking he proceeded to show him a portfolio full of oil paintings and continued telling their story.

To my amazement, The Accountant called me to the door and asked if I liked any of the artwork. Personally, I was in shock that he would even think of buying something presented this way and even more so since this past year has been a little more frugal than those of years past.

My eyes came upon this painting of Paris and it kind of jumped out at me. I am a big fan of black and white, so it's appeal with the gradients of the two colors intrigued me. I also like to collect art as it inspires me and reminds me of how blessed we are to be able to both create and enjoy such God given talents.

But, honestly the biggest joy was the kindness and love in The Accountant's actions of simply purchacing this for me. It wasn't his usual well thought out decision that took months to calculate, it was a decision based on his question to me, "Do you like it?"

My simple "yes" was all it took, we wrote a check to this young man who may or may not be opening a gallery in Naperville and became the new owners of an oil painting.

This small gesture means the world to me because The Accountant did something based purely on emotion and love, something to simply make me smile a little more everyday as I look at the scene in Paris.

Thanks my "Bean Counter"

It's a long one so please stick with me....

2009-09-02T09:16:00.000-07:00

I have been avoiding this post for too long now. It has been formulating in my mind since Saturday and I can not put it off any longer.

On Saturday I attended a funeral and as we all know funerals tend to be filled with sadness and mourning. This funeral was by far the most upsetting one I have ever attended and I am troubled by it still.

My cousin Jennifer, who is just a year younger than I, lost her 9 month old daughter Jessica. The story of Jennifer is an extraordinary one due to the fact that Jennifer was in a near fatal car crash over 15 years ago.

While driving to her job as a school teacher, Jennifer was in a terrible car accident that left her in a coma for many weeks. Family and friends gathered day after day as she lay in Cook County hospital struggling to survive and survive she did.

It would take months and years for her to regain her sense of “normal”. Jennifer’s boyfriend at the time, Tony, stuck with her through all the rehab and all the life changing events that would follow.

Tony eventually asked Jennifer to marry him and together they wanted to start a family. Now as many of you can imagine, after a person’s body has been through so much trauma it would be difficult to conceive. Difficult may be an understatement in this case, many miscarriages and losses seemed to pile up on Jennifer and Tony but they were never swayed from their goal to have children.

The first successful pregnancy was that of their first son Sean…the celebration of that little boy was immense as they finally had a child. Yet, there was a longing for more children.

Through more losses there was another successful pregnancy that resulted in the birth of their second son Michael. Both boys were healthy, happy and filled with love. Jennifer and Tony were living out their dreams.

Jennifer became pregnant again and this time it was a very difficult pregnancy, one plagued by health concerns for both mother and child, but with God’s helping hand and the help of the staff at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago, William was born prematurely. He spent many weeks in the NICU gaining strength and weight.

Taking him home was all the Jennifer could think of and finally that day did arrive. He headed home to his brothers and the nurturing arms of his mother. Just as they were getting settled into life with a premature baby and all the extra attention he need, Jennifer became pregnant again.

This pregnancy was very guarded as Jennifer’s body was just coming off having Will and all the life threatening complications that came along with his birth.

At approximately 27 weeks gestation, Jessica Anne was born prematurely, weighing just over a pound. She struggled to life as her lungs were not yet strong enough to support her. She lay in Northwestern Hospital, where they worked miracles that helped her grow stronger and fight off the numerous maladies that tried to hold her back.

Jennifer and Tony worked as a team with their closest relatives, friends and church. They handled their new responsibility with as much fortitude as they could muster. Jennifer would always say, “Jessica is a fighter”, I think it was a great reflection that Jessica was much like her mother.

She fought numerous surgeries, tubes and needles for 9 months. She grew to be 12lbs a far cry from her 1 lb at birth. But the stresses on her poor system were too much, so much so that Jennifer and Tony had to make the decision to take her off of life support in her final days.

As Jennifer told me the story last Saturday morning as we stood in front of a tiny casket covered with flowers and a baby blanket, I was amazed to see a mother’s strength.

She told me how her parish priest rushed her to Jessica’s bed side because the doctors were going to unanalyzed her at any moment and she needed to be there.

When she arrived she would finally get to really hold her daughter for the first time in 9 months. There would be no tubes or monitors blocking the connection between mother and child.

Jennifer proceeded to tell me how she cuddled Jessica, sang to her in her off key voice and even dance with her until her last tiny breathe. The strength in her voice amazed me as I sat their crying.

The church where Jessica lay in state was filled with pictures and art work all dedicated to Jessica. A family photo that was taken just before the decision to let Jessica go shows the love and devotion of their family. Pictures of Jessica’s chubby sweet cheeks and pursed rosy red lips left you believing that there had to be some kind of mistake.

This child did not look ill or weak, she looked healthy and strong and ready to take what the world had coming. But, it was not meant to be … she was gaining strength for her journey into Gods arms, where he would show her all the joys of heaven. A heaven where she would become an angel to her family and most certainly give her mother the strength she needed to get through her coming days.

My sadness is for Jennifer and Tony, for all the struggles, for all the triumphs and all the love they have shown their family, for the courage to be strong and make the tough decisions, to defend a life and yet let that life take its natural course.

My tears are for the sorrow that they will feel in coming days, months and weeks. My sorrow is for the longing of a mother’s heart to hold her baby girl and for the loss of a life.

I only hope my prayers, thoughts and love help them get through this difficult time and I pray that Jessica’s wings take her to Jennifer’s side.

A little productive...

2009-08-27T07:09:00.000-07:00

...just a little lost.

The kids are gone off to school and I am left alone to complete my oh so long list of projects. Some how it's a little overwhelming at this point but I am up for the challenge.

First on my list was to finish my swaps for Silver Bella. I have to say I am not sure if this is how is was suppose to be done but this is what I came up with for the mini-Quilt swap.

They are 5x7 pieces of material decorated. Sheila of Blessed and Distressed, has offered to host this swap and will put the panels together to form 12 different 4 paneled quilts to share.

I incorporated very little embroidery as my stitching needs refinement, so what I did sew was small.
This post is cut short by the needs of my youngest...he needs me :) Kindergarten doesn't start until 12:45.

Tomorrow Starts School...

2009-08-25T07:54:00.001-07:00

...and I have to say I am really going to miss my kids.

But I won't miss scenes like this...

A roll of tape later and this is the "guys jail"

Some how my candles and other oddities made it into my boys room where they had a blast creating a new and exciting game.
I can feel my cleaning bug doing the happy dance inside...the rooms may actually stay cleaner longer than 1 hour.

Hooked on Friday...

2009-08-21T06:52:00.000-07:00

...Anthropologie
I got the most adorable card in the mail yesterday.

It is a birthday card offering me 15% off this entire month.
How sweet!
That store never ceases to amaze me...

Hummingbird Rescue...

2009-08-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

It was another amazing day here in Sugar Grove…

Last week my neighbor Cindy Babka called me and asked for my help. She explained that when she opened her front door, a small hummingbird flew in and tried desperately to fly out through her closed family room window.

I grabbed a net and headed over. To my surprise there it was, this tiny little bird fluttering like mad, desperate to get out the solid glass window.

The angle of the window did not allow for use of my net so I jumped up on a stool and gently cupped the bird in my hand. I thought my heart was going to pop out of my chest as this oh so tiny, living, thing climbed into my hand and did not try to escape.

I held this amazing creature in the palm of my hand, stroked its back and checked it for any possible injury. I could feel it’s tiny, fast, beating heart as he/she let me do what ever I needed to.

It felt like an eternity as we sat on the front porch staring at one another. The hummingbird even allowed me to get back into my car and drive home to show my kids just what had made my heart so happy.

The kids could not believe their eyes, something with such beauty sitting right in front of them, allowing them to stare and be just plain amazed.

\

After all of the kids had their chance to look at our newest friend we decided to give it a rest in my decorative bird cage. We were afraid that it was injured since it hadn’t left my hand since getting him off the window.

Easier said than done, he/she didn’t want to leave my hand and held on tightly with its teeny little feet. As it fluttered around the cage, we realized it wasn’t hurt and let the cage open to allow it to fly free.

Honestly, I never in a million years would have imagined I would get the opportunity to hold a hummingbird. They are only something of my dreams and a miracle of God’s handiwork.

Random Poll...Sleep

2009-08-18T07:34:00.000-07:00

How much sleep do you get?

I was reading an article in Better Homes and Gardens last night and it asked accomplished women how they maintained their health during their rise to success.

It was something quoted by Alexandra Stoddard (a designer and author) that caught my attention and gave me pause. She talked about how important it is to make time for yourself as you cared for your family.

Time is something that is relative to each person and unfortunately I am thinking I spend too much time sleeping. To be completely honest, I love my bed.

If I really want to be productive and successful, maybe I need to give up some of my sleeping hours?

It is something that confuses me…

I have friends that can’t sleep at all and spend most of their nights reading, on the computer or watching TV. Some go to bed early and some go to bed very late.

What is the right combination and if there is a combination does it make for a more successful person?

Is it a question of what you are willing to sacrifice to make it all work?

Ok…now I want to ask you what is your sleeping pattern? This is a random poll that I think will provide some answers. I have my predictions but want to see if I can prove them.

So please leave a comment…I would really appreciate it and I will report back to you on its results.