I Left My Heart In... 5 Oct 2014 10:40 AM (11 years ago)

I would like to visit Kennebunkport Maine and stay until I don't want to be there any more.

The Señor says that would happen come the first winter but I'm not so sure.

Kennebunkport is part of a wonderful little area known as The Kennebunks.

The Kennebunks consist of three small towns located in southern York County; Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel.

They are bordered on the southeast by the Atlantic Ocean and the west by the state of New Hampshire.

All three are lovely but Kennebunkport (population 3,474) and its little fishing village of Cape Porpoise hold my heart.

Kennebunkport is every bit as quaint as you might think.

The streets are lined with lush lawns showcasing homes worthy of their own Coastal Living pictorial.

The Lower Village and Dock Square are filled with wonderful speciality shops that can occupy a shopper for hours on end.

The Señor and I stayed in a boutique hotel located in Dock Square; The Boathouse.

(I wish I could take credit for this photo but; alas, The Boathouse gets the credit.)

The Boathouse provides impeccable service. We were never so surprised as when we pulled in to the valet and were told guests are assigned a personal parking space during their stay.

The gentleman pointed out our spot; complete with a personalized sign, and explained it would remain assigned to us throughout our time there.

No calling to have the car brought around.

No searching for a parking spot.

The space was steps from the entrance.

What a way to make a first impression!

The service; as well all as the room, were top-notch all the way.

Should one be so lucky they even offer temporary boat slips for guests who arrive by water.

Their restaurant, David's KPT, offers outside dining and features wonderful dishes local to the region.

Did I mention Kennebunkport has beaches!

We spent some time at Goose Beach and Mother's Beach which are located appropriately on Beach Avenue.

Beaches in Maine are breathtaking and nothing like the deep sandy beaches in Texas or Mexico.

The ground is flat and the sand much more packed. It is also darker in color.

Let me tell you, even in July that water is pretty dang chilly!

Directly across the street from this beach sits some of the most incredible homes I have ever seen. I still have to wonder who lives or "summers" in one of these.

The next stop on this adventure is Cape Porpoise and a quick glimpse of Walker's Point; the summer home of President George HW and Barbara Bush. I hope you'll join me.

In Search Of The Perfect Lobster Roll 3 Oct 2014 4:18 PM (11 years ago)

With lobster shack map in hand we bid the Pierce family and their little piece of heaven adieu and headed south.

As luck (and perfect timing) would have it we pulled in to Wiscasset Maine just in time for lunch.

Wiscasset is the home of Red's Eat's.

According to my research Red's is the "undisputed" best lobster roll in Maine.

Judging by the traffic into town; as well as the line around the place, I wasn't the only one who had done their research.

Red's Eats is a shack, albeit a shack with people lined up nearly a city block waiting to place their order.

The Señor, with his aversion to lines, wasn't too keen on the idea of standing in this one.

I, on the other hand, was dead set on it.

He, being The Señor, was a real trooper and agreed to stand with me.

We, noticing the two or three other shacks across the street, pondered the fact they had no lines.

I, being on a mission, reasoned it would be worth the wait.

He, quiet frankly, wasn't so sure.

We, in total agreement, declare this to be one of the most decadent bites of all time.

Yes folks, this is a Red's Eats lobster roll.

This roll is served on a piece of tin foil.

This roll includes the meat of an entire lobster (mayo or butter on the side - I prefer butter), sitting atop a hot dog bun.

This roll is served by a person who a few minutes earlier took your order through a walk-up window, collected your $12 and handed you an order number.

This roll is simple, simple, simple and it is incredible!

It was now time to continue our journey down the coast; and to number two on the list, Five Islands Lobster Company - Georgetown Maine.

Thank goodness it was several miles and traffic was heavy!

Five Islands Lobster Company is exactly what I I pictured a lobster pound to be.

It sits at the end of a long and winding road on a tiny point.

The roll was fresh and very good. It was served with lettuce and mayo. Not my favorite style but certainly nothing to complain about either.

It was definitely worth the stop.

After all, who could complain about eating lobster that most certainly was swimming in these lovely waters a mere few hours earlier?

Certainly not this girl.

Next stop Kennebunkport and trust me when I say; you're going to love it!

Lobstah... 2 Oct 2014 9:01 PM (11 years ago)

The Señor and I were invited to spend a few days in Bar Harbor Maine with dear friends and their precious kiddos last summer. I had been on a day trip to the southern part of Maine several years before and fell in love with it. I couldn't wait to get back and see more.

Anyone who knows me knows I have always been a beach lover; however, after a few summer days in Maine my loyalties strayed. The combination of perfect temperatures and lush vegetation makes for pretty-as-a-picture moments at every turn. July temperatures range from highs in the mid 70's to lows in the upper 50's. Not too hot. Not too cold. Just right.

And if that's not enough to make you dream of being a wannabe "Mainer" consider (as the locals say) the lobstah. My goal on this trip was to eat the lobstah at least once a day . If I recall correctly this guy cost me less than twenty bucks when it was all said and done. Unheard of in Dallas Texas.

Prior to the trip I researched and mapped what some of the more well known food writers claim to be the Best Lobster Shacks on the East Coast. There were seven on the list. I hoped The Señor and I might hit a few as we made our way from BOS to Bar Harbor and back.

As luck would have it our first stop was number seven on the list, Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier, Kittery Point, Maine.

How I ended up without a picture of a Lobster Roll from this pretty little spot is beyond me but for some reason or another I don't have one. The roll was very good but watching the lobster boats go up and down the river from the dock while taking in the crisp cool air was the highlight for me.

After leaving there we drove on to the cabin where we had a perfect nights sleep in a cozy bed with the windows open and the crickets chirping. My kind of camping!

The following day we headed in to town for birthday girl Mattie Mae's favorite brunch spot, Two Cats. I'll just go ahead and tell you, if you find yourself in Bar Harbor Maine, Two Cat's is must!

Yes, it's Lobster Eggs Benedict (remember my goal!).

Some random shots from around Bar Harbor...

Our days with the Pierce family were perfect. We spent glorious days taking in the scenery, eating delicious food and enjoying the climate. We spent lovely evenings on the deck drinking wine, watching shooting stars and feeling the stress fall off.

Next stop Kennebunkport Maine but first; how about a lobster roll?

While I Was Away... 2 Oct 2014 7:05 AM (11 years ago)

This morning I realized it's been 15 months since my last blog post.

As I type these words I have to smile and ask myself; is this something like blogger confession?

Is this the part where I say forgive me Blog Land for I have been neglectful; it's been 15 months since my last post.

Perhaps so.

While I was away life was chock-full of adventures. Why I haven't memorialized them here; I have no idea.

I've missed it though.

That I must confess.

So check back soon as I reflect on the pristine beauty that is Maine.

Happy Fall Y'all! 29 Sep 2014 2:27 PM (11 years ago)

Happy Fall Y'all!

You Are My Sunshine... 7 Aug 2013 5:38 PM (12 years ago)

My precious niece turned 16 this past month.

To celebrate her special day my Mom and I took her and her BFF to the beach for a little girl time.

Here's a few shots of those beautiful girls enjoying Gulf Shores and some of what is has to offer.

Happy Birthday Mc - you are my sunshine!

Images of Spring - Italian Style... 21 May 2013 12:07 PM (12 years ago)

Amore!

Today... 20 May 2013 8:17 PM (12 years ago)

Today I am blessed by friendship.

I am grateful for a bond built upon countless moments in life.

Some good. Some bad. Some ugly.

Today I am humbled by the power of forgiveness.

Thankful for new beginnings and the power of love.

Hope and dreams... 5 Mar 2013 12:16 PM (12 years ago)

Yesterday's post got me thinking about bucket lists and the hopes and dreams I've had over time.

Some are reasonable; some probably not so much.

A couple simply aren't happening.

Even so, they have been and are mine to reflect on and strive for.

So here goes, in no particular order (other than the first four)...

My Bucket List now and from days gone past...

**Completed items in bold.

Marry my soul mate & the love of my life.
Travel to Italy.
Live at the beach.
Tour the US east coast by car.
Visit New York City.
Own & operate a Bed & Breakfast.
Ride in a hot air balloon.
Take my parents on a trip they'll love.
Be the best Mimi there can be.
Live in a great apartment.
Travel to all 50 United States.
Visit the wine country.
Become a gourmet cook.
Snorkel.
Own our dream home.
See the Vatican.
See a game at Fenway Park.
Remodel and design our house to fit us just right.
See a broadway show.
Expose the young people in my life to as much travel, culture and diversity as I can.
Be a prayer warrior.
Own a convertible.
Visit San Francisco.
Obtain and maintain a healthy weight.
Have a tree house.
Ride through Central Park in a horse drawn carriage.
Visit Savannah.
Become a philanthropist.
Go sailing.
Swim in a natural body of water complete with water fall.
Create a blog.
Visit New Orleans.
Walk barefoot on the beach.
Be a mentor.
Have a lake house.
Travel to Greece.
Own a boat.
Plant a tree to celebrate the birth of a child.
Attend the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Create holiday traditions.
See the Golden Gate Bridge.
Travel to France.
Hang out with my Mom in Playa.
Travel to Easter Island.
Travel to Mexico.
Become proficient at yoga.
See the Eagles in concert.
Have a house with a fountain in the back yard.
Attend worship services on a regular basis.
See Barbra Striesand in concert.
Have a Maltese.
Buy myself a Rolex before I'm 40. (I failed at this one!)
Visit the carribean islands (St Croix, St Thomas & St Maarten).
Visit Seattle.
Start the business of my dreams and it be successful.
See George Strait in concert.
Become proficient at floral design.
Be debt free.
See KISS in concert.
Learn to speak a 2nd language.
Visit Vancouver.
See the French Riviera.
Visit Maine.
Fly first class on an international flight.
See Springsteen in concert.
Become proficient at furniture refinishing.
See the Amalfi Coast.
Visit Boston.
Visit the Florida Keys.
Spend time in the mountains.
Be a volunteer.
Swim with the dolphins.
Knit a scarf.
Have a successful career.
See a game at Yankee Stadium.

And there it is - as of today.

It and I have changed over the years.

One thing seems constant though; my middle name has always been go-go-go!

There's a great big world out there and I want to see and experience as much of it as I can during my God-given time on this earth.

Do you have a list?

If not, I suggest you make one.

Remembering the things I've checked off and contemplating those that may someday be brings a smile to my heart and reminds me; it's a beautiful life.

E 'una bella vita... 4 Mar 2013 8:14 AM (12 years ago)

Before I ever heard the term bucket list I had one; I just didn't know there was a name for it.

My list has evolved over the years but one thing has never changed; it has always involved travel.

I've been blessed to see some amazing places over the past few years and have checked several destinations off the list.

My dream of seeing NYC has come true not only once but three times.

I've seen the California wine country and some breath-taking Mexican beaches.

I've traveled the streets of San Francisco and done the Duval crawl in Key West, Florida.

I've marveled over snow-capped mountains in the US Pacific Northwest and the Canadian city of Vancouver BC.

I've seen twenty-two of the fifty United States. My bucket list includes seeing them all. I'm almost half way there.

At the top of my travel list has always been Italy, and in a dream come true, The Señor and I will be touring the Italian countryside in just a few short weeks.

I don't believe I've never been as excited about anything!

I've been trying to master a few phrases in Italiano, studying maps and brushing up on a little history.

We look forward to touring Italy's nooks and crannies while partaking of each regions food and wine.

We will tour museums, the Vatican and take a gondola ride.

We'll toss pennies in fountains, eat gelato and spend time hanging around piazzas simply watching the world go by. After all, Questo è il modo di vivere italiano and E 'una bella vita!

Until next time, arrivederci!

Colors... 4 Feb 2013 9:48 AM (12 years ago)

Oh my, look at these beautiful colors.

The Señor and I visited a nearby Mexican grocery store over the weekend. I absolutely love their produce section. Although I didn't purchase anything exotic I thought the colors of what I did buy were gorgeous when I piled them all together in my fruit bowl.

All that citrus and spice...makes your mouth pucker doesn't it!

I hope you are enjoying the colors of the season as much as I am.

Celebrate the coming of Spring!

These Three Guys... 31 Jan 2013 8:30 AM (12 years ago)

These three guys...are amongst my heroes.

The wagon... 25 Jan 2013 7:58 AM (12 years ago)

I fell off the wagon over the holidays but I'm crawling back on.

Right before Thanksgiving I was down 12.9 pounds.

Unfortunately between the holidays and stressful days I have put some of that back on (dang my love of cornbread dressing, hoe cakes and brownies!).

So, here we go again; I'm dragging myself up and back on that wagon.

Next stop: the gym.

For all time... 15 Jan 2013 6:21 PM (12 years ago)

January 15, 2012 - Today I lost one of the most influential people in my life. My heart has been bound to hers since the day I was born and will remain so for all time. Godspeed Grommie. What I'd give to share just one more eskimo kiss with you.

Repost from January 2011.

A Letter To My Grandmother On The Occasion Of Her 90th Birthday...

Happy, happy birthday to my Grandmoma, my Granny Hot-Rod, my Grommie and my friend. Throughout my life you have been a constant source of support and an inspiration. I was your first Grandchild - and a girl for you to love after raising those boys.

Our hearts were immediately bound together.

My life has been filled with fabulous Grandmoma times; trips to Seven Seas, Lion Country Safari and Six Flags.

Waking up all snug and happy at your house on summer mornings to a special breakfast of fried eggs, sausage patties and your fabulous homemade chocolate milk.

And oh how I loved sharing “eskimo kisses” with you. They were the best.

Those lazy summer days we spent in Granbury with Ma Maw and Pa Paw playing on the lake swimming and fishing. Being a kid with you was fun!

Then I became a teen-ager and even though I was a silly young-girl you always listened to me and treated me as if whatever drama was going on in my life at the time were important.

I am so thankful for the time time we spent together after Jim’s accident. As difficult as that time was it gave us the opportunity to share our hearts with one another in a way we never had before. I can remember sitting in the living room sharing stories of joy and heartbreak and getting to know you through the eyes of a adult rather those of a child. That experience brought us even closer and bound our hearts even tighter.

And, of course, let’s not forget a few years later when you took not only me but my shaggy dog in to your home. You not only fed and cared for both of us but loved us when we were very often difficult to love. During that time I experienced a broken heart and you supported me, shared my tears and helped me heal.

The years since then have passed so quickly. As a family we have celebrated new lives and been forced to say goodbye as other lives have ended. We have experienced incredible joy and unthinkable sorrow along the way and through it all our hearts remain firmly bound to one another. For this I say thank you. Thank you for loving me and for allowing me to share this special bond with you. The influence your love has had on my life lives firmly inside my heart - as does my love for you.

Birds sing. Bees sting. I have MS. 13 Jan 2013 7:41 AM (12 years ago)

I have MS. It's a fact of life. Birds sing. Bees sting. I have MS.

There are several types of MS. Fortunately mine is a type that is normally pretty quiet.

I treat my illness with what is called a "disease modifying drug".

The drug requires I take injections three times a week.

The injections themselves are not painful.

The medication entering my body hurts like the dickens.

It's a short-lived pain so I count myself lucky.

I must admit though that during the short-lived times I have been known to curse like a sailor.

There's really nothing nice that can be said about MS.

It is a brutal disease that lurks in the crevices of the body just waiting to show its ugly head.

It affects each of its victims differently.

Some are luckier than others.

I myself am one of the lucky ones.

I am aware of this.

However, when it does show itself the results can be devastating.

Or somewhat of an inconvenience.

Or somewhere in between.

You just never know.

My disease is currently active but by looking at me you wouldn't know.

Recent MRI's show no new lesions.

But inside; inside my body is telling the tale.

Because of existing damage; or possibly a new lesion too small to be seen by MRI, the disease is currently having its way with me.

It causes me to be weak and sometimes feel like I'm walking in quick sand.

It causes me to stumble and sometimes fall.

It causes me to ache deep inside.

To be unsteady, dizzy and sometimes a little confused.

It causes me to lose control.

I must admit that's the hard part. Let's be honest. We all want control. Especially of our own body.

I remind myself every day; sometimes more often than once, how lucky I am.

After all, I have a disease that can be somewhat controlled by medication.

I am mobile and can walk.

I have my eye site.

My pain is manageable.

I could not ask for a more caring or understanding husband.

The list goes on and on.

It's a fact. I am blessed beyond measure.

Unfortunately there are those brief moments when all that flies out the window and I want and need to wallow in my frustration.

Times like now when I take a few minutes and allow my fingers to fly; fast and furious, spilling my heart to myself and to the semi-anonymity of the blog world.

Sure, a few people I know will read this. Hopefully they will allow me my few minutes of self pity and love me anyway.

What is more important is that maybe someone else who is experiencing their own difficult time will stumble upon my little pity party and realize they are not alone.

Truth is - we all have difficult times. We all have our own burdens to bare.

They may not be brought on by illness. They could brought on by the loss of a job, a troubled marriage or even a disappointment.

Difficult times are a part of life and sometimes the best thing we can do for ourselves is to take a few minutes and wallow in them.

But only a few minutes. That's right; allow yourself a short pity party then get up, dust yourself off and get on with it.

Identify something that gives your spirit a pick-me-up and do it.

Take a walk, pray, cook, lose yourself in music or like me spill your heart on paper.

In the time it has taken me to write these words my burden feels a little lighter.

There are no new revelations here but having an outlet to express myself brightens my heart, clears my mind and brings all my blessings to the light.

Knit 1, Purl 1... 9 Jan 2013 1:34 PM (12 years ago)

Knitting intrigues me. I have a genuine desire to become a knitter. Hand knit items are so personal and rustic; so earthy. Each stitch seems to be filled with love.

A couple of months ago I took a knitting class for beginners at my local craft store. I went in to the class with the thought that I would be a natural born knitter if for no other reason than at one time I was a voracious crocheter. I came away from the class with nothing but a headache, a ball of yarn that had been ripped and stretched ten too many times and a pair of needles.

That night I spent hours watching and re-watching YouTube tutorials working to perfect the basic knit and purl stitch. I have spent countless hours since practicing, ripping out and practicing again. I honestly cannot believe how difficult a time I've had learning to knit. However, I'm back at it again today.

I dream of creating something like this...

Or maybe this...

Or I can even dream of this...

Instead I have something similar to this...

So, as they say, practice makes perfect. I'll keep knitting and purling but I really want to know from someone who knows; should it really be this dang hard?

Full Of Possibility - A Repost 1 Jan 2013 11:10 AM (12 years ago)

Welcome 2013 - Full Of Possibility.

In Memory...

Well, it's almost that time. Time to close out this year and welcome a new one. The time of year when some folks reflect back on the previous three-hundred-sixty-five days with pleasure, some with disappointment and then there are some who don't give it much thought at all.

Some set resolutions.

Resolution...to resolve.

Do you set resolutions?

I can honestly say I don't recall ever setting one. Probably because I know me and I know that I am more likely than not to break it.

What is it about a new year that causes one to make resolutions?

Better yet, what is it about a new year that causes some to acutely analyze the previous 365 days? We sure don't put that much stock in a week or a month.

So why do we put so much focus on a year? I don't have the answer but for whatever reason the summation of 365 days gets a lot of attention from some people.

I once had a dear friend who told me each year on December 31st that the new year had to be better than the last because the last was the worst year of her life.

I never understood her fascination with those cumulative days - the year.

Each new year was a daunting thing to her - so daunting that one January day she took her own life.

A few days from now will mark the 23rd anniversary of her passing. There were no words then and are no words now to describe the devastation brought on by her actions. She had an illness... and as her illness progressed she became unable to see past each day... and although there had been many happy days in her past she could no longer see them in the rear view mirror... she saw no joy in yesterday and no hope in tomorrow... and no matter how hard we tried, we couldn't help her to see.

I don't know for sure but I'd say there aren't many days that slip by me that I don't think of her. And it might sound odd but when I do think of her it is no longer with sadness for my rear view mirror does work and I can clearly see our happy days. I also clearly see tomorrow and know that there is a great big world out there just waiting for me.

Yes, a new year is on the horizon... there will be no resolutions from me... there will also be no looking back regretting what might have been... Her memory reminds me to live my life one day at a time... I will say my prayers and try to make each day the best it can be... and if its not... there will be tomorrow... clear and full of possibility.

Thanksgiving... 21 Nov 2012 5:24 AM (12 years ago)

On this Thanksgiving eve 2012 I share with you my post from Thanksgiving eve 2009. My gratitude and thanks for each grow daily. I am blessed beyond measure.

Give Thanks To The Lord For He Is Good...

On this day before Thanksgiving a few things I'm thankful for...

God's never ending love.

The Senor - he amazes me daily with his love, support, kind heart and sense of humor. With him I have learned it is possible to fall deeper in love each and every day.

The tradition of making cornbread dressing with Dede which has now been passed along to Mom, Sandra, McKae and me.

Family - the one I was born to and the one I married.

The Armed Forces of the United States of America.

Taylor, McKae and Cate have never had to go without health care and have never been truly hungry or thirsty.

Friends from Mrs. Curry's Kindergarten, Elementary school, Intermediate school, Junior high school, High school, the twenty-somethings, the thirty-somethings, the forty-somethings and those who have spanned some or all of those times. What blessings they are.

Eating raw cornbread dressing with Mom, Sandra and McKae.

The honor of being a Mimi and a Step-Monster.

Health care, health insurance and access to the medication needed to treat my illness.

I was born in to a family who lives in a country where there is freedom of religion, freedom of speech and where human injustice is against the law.

I was diagnosed with a chronic illness and not a terminal illness.

My parents. They love me unconditionally. Through example they taught me the value of work ethic, respect for self, respect for God and respect for others.

And of course, I can't forget the cornbread dressing!

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 107:1

It's your right.... 31 Oct 2012 8:13 AM (13 years ago)

Unless you have been living under a rock you are all too well aware that the 2012 Election is underway. Despite the negative ads, disgraceful mud-slinging and flat-out embarrassing behavior displayed by the Presidential candidates during the debates we still need to take full advantage of our right to vote.

Election Day is Tuesday November 6th; however, early voting is now available. I like to take advantage of early voting. It allows me to avoid the crowds and make certain nothing comes up to prevent me from voting by the first Tuesday in November.

I cast my ballot last week and left the polling location with my head held a little higher. It feels good to know I live in a country where my vote counts (I'll refrain from sharing my opinion on the electoral college and it's terrifying ability to override the popular vote in some cases.)

I hope everyone who is registered to vote will get out and do so. Make your voice heard. Take advantage of the right given to you as a US citizen. It is a right millions of people across the world can only dream of.

Transformation... 19 Oct 2012 7:31 AM (13 years ago)

I'm still plugging along. Today is "weigh day". I'm down 12.9 pounds. Yep, it's still slow, slow, slow. Oh well, at least the number is going down rather than up! I must confess that I haven't made it to the gym yet. Hopefully soon. This craft bug I have seems to be taking up all my time!

I've done a couple of more jewelry frames since my last post. Both are painted with Annie Sloan chalk paint and distressed to hopefully look "shabby chic". Both currently appear in my Etsy shop but I plan to show them at a craft fair I am participating in on November 10th if they don't sale before. I am excited about the craft fair. I've never done anything like that and I think it sounds fun (although it also sounds like a lot of work!).

This frame is painted what Annie Sloan calls Emperor's Silk. The original frame had some very light blue in it and can be seen in some of the distressed areas. It really gives it a cool look. I left the back of these frames open to allow the wall paint to show through.

This next frame is painted Napolecnic Blue. The original frame was gold and I love how distressing it allowed the gold to peak through in the detailed areas of the frame.

I just love turning something dirty and beat-up into a newly repurposed, pretty something. Transformation is a good thing. I need to remember that when trying to get myself to the gym!

Happy Friday everyone - we're off to Lubbock this weekend to spend time with some most precious faces.

The craftiness continues... 9 Oct 2012 12:18 PM (13 years ago)

I came across another old frame and decided it needed to be repurposed. Wallah!

I had some of the mesh screen left from the first jewelry frame and decided it would be perfect with the Annie Sloan graphite chalk paint I used on this one.

As you can see I distressed it a bit but not much.

I decided to leave the fabric backing off of this one so that the wall paint from where it is hung will show through. This should allow it to be right at home wherever it ends up.

Another item for the Etsy store. Or who knows, someone I know may end up with it for Christmas!

Craft kick... 8 Oct 2012 11:44 AM (13 years ago)

As I mentioned I've been on this craft kick.

I discovered the joy of making fabric covered buttons and have been trying out all kinds of methods for using them.

So far I've made push pins, magnets and hair pins! I have this thing for pretty fabrics, papers, crayons, and markers - Anything colorful and fun - so this fits in perfectly!

Here's a few pics of a few of my creations! You can also see them in my Etsy shop. I think they would make really fun little every day gifts or stocking stuffers.

My creative bug... 5 Oct 2012 7:49 AM (13 years ago)

The last few weeks I've been feeling, for lack of a better word, crafty. Or maybe a better way of putting is that I've been needing a creative outlet.

In an effort to satisfy my creative bug I dug out some fall flowers from my foliage stash and designed a (if you could call it that!) a fall arrangement (see previous post!). That didn't do the trick.

Something about the fall always seems to bring out this need in me to go junk shopping. I know, I know. I'm weird like that. Anyway, the Señor was out of town so I put on some comfortable (i.e. ugly) shoes and hit the local junk store circuit. And yes siree, some treasures were found!

I'm mad at myself because I didn't take any before pictures but the short of it is I bought a filthy old beat up antique frame and turned it in to a pretty jewelry frame. (Of course, pretty is in the eye of the beholder!)

Ta Da!

First things first, I had to clean it up real good. Once that was done I broke out the Annie Sloan Old White chalk paint and gave it a first coat. After allowing it to dry I gave the frame a light sanding and went back over it with a second coat, allowed it to dry and gave it a second sanding. Since I was going for the "shabby chic" look I went over some areas more than others allowing much of the original finish to show through.

Next I took a piece of project board from the craft store, cut it to fit the back of the frame and covered it with what I call a "french-looking" fabric. The fabric is a dark taupe color and has a lovely script handwriting in black scrawled across it (in French of course!).

I then cut a piece of mesh screen to fit the inside of the frame (where the glass would normally fit). This screen is what some call radiator screen and can be purchased at Lowe's or other hardware stores. This particular screen has small cut outs in the shape of clovers.

After inserting the mesh screen (I used a staple gun to secure it to the frame) I took the fabric covered project board and stapled the board to the back of the frame as well. The fun thing about the mesh screen is it allows small glimpses of the fabric while also providing ample places to hang earrings or hooks for hanging necklaces, bracelets or any other accessories of your choosing.

I am pleased with how it turned out and believe I will try my hand at a few more. This frame is for sale in my Etsy shop along with a few other little trinkets. If you think you might enjoy a jewelry frame pop over and take a look. My shop is BRAND NEW and would love some traffic. There are just a few little items there now but keep checking back as I plan to continue to nourish this creative bug of mine!

Happy Fall! 4 Oct 2012 11:14 AM (13 years ago)

Happy Fall!

This little guy gives a great big Fall welcome to our back door guests this season. After all, back door guests are best!

Don't you just adore this time of year? What with the scarecrows and the pumpkins and the hay bales scattered throughout our humble little town - Fall is definitely in the air.

The weatherman is predicting a weekend of temperatures in the fifty to sixty degree range.

Yippee - my favorite time of the year is upon us!

A yummy and healthy dish... 24 Sep 2012 4:37 AM (13 years ago)

I love discovering yummy new food choices; especially when they are both yummy and healthy.

My latest discovery is spaghetti squash. I have always heard how good (and good for you) it is but was intimidated by its appearance. This past week I decided it was time to broaden my horizons and give it a shot. By the time it was roasted and on my plate I felt like a very silly girl. It is quiet simply one of the quickest and easiest dishes I have ever prepared. This particular recipe comes to us complements of www.marthastewart.com.

Spaghetti Squash With Garlic

Prep Time 15 Minutes
Total Time 1 hour, 15 minutes
Yields 4 servings

Ingredients

2 spaghetti squash (2 pounds each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, slivered
Coarse salt and ground pepper

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. With a fork prick squash several places. Place on a rimmed baking sheet, bake until soft to the touch, about 1 hour.

2. When cool enough to handle, halve squash crosswise. Scoop out seeds; discard. Scrape flesh into strands.

3. In a large skillet, heat oil over low heat. Add garlic; cook until fragrant and just starting to color, about 4 minutes. Add squash; season with salt and pepper. Cook, tossing frequently, until squash is very hot, about 5 minutes.

Cook's Note - Holding squash half over a wide bowl, use a fork to scrape the flesh into long, thin strands.

Salute!

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