The Infinite Wisdom of the Power Company!

You may see me melting like the witch in The Wizard of Oz! The weather has taken a turn for the HOTTER and the power company has decided this is the best time to turn off all electricity in our neighborhood so they can do maintenance!! So today (Thursday) between 8 AM and 5 PM the electric will be off. Guess what the temperature is supposed be.....108º!!



The shopping mall is looking mighty inviting....and anyone who knows me, knows I hate shopping malls! But it's either that or movies or both. There's no way I can stay in the house with temps that high. The thing that concerns me is the kitties! What are we supposed to do about our pets?

Needless to say with no power I won't be visiting any blogs! Send cool air!!

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I couldn't just leave without a quiz thingie!! So here's one for today....and the answer surprised me!! Shouldn't this say purple!!

You Are a Red Crayon

Your world is colored with bright, vivid, wild colors. You have a deep, complex personality - and you are always expressing something about yourself. Bold and dominant, you are a natural leader. You have an energy that is intense... and sometimes overwhelming. Your reaction to everything tends to be strong. You are the master of love-hate relationships. Your color wheel opposite is green. Green people are way too mellow to understand what drives your energy.

What Color Crayon Are You?

ABC...All About Me-me!

Recently I was tagged by Maryellen to do this meme so here goes!!

Rule: Without changing the first word after each letter of the alphabet write a sentence that captures you/your essence.

*A* Accept love and friendship when it's given.

*B* Break all the rules!!

*C* Create whatever makes you happy. Don't follow the crowd.

*D* Decide to be happy and you will be. Decide to be sad and you will be. I choose the first one.

*E* Explore all the little nooks and crannies of your brain. You never know what will be hiding in one of those corners!

*F* Forgive as often as possible. Holding a grudge only hurts the one holding it.

*G* Leave them wanting more!

*H* Hope for the best.

*I* Ignore criticism if it's only made to hurt you or to hold you back.

*J* Journey anywhere your mind or your feet can take you.

*K* Know yourself. Then you will be able to know others.

*L* Love is everywhere. Just open your eyes and your arms to it.

*M* Manage to have some time to yourself every day.

*N* Notice the little things....the details.

*O* Open your heart and your arms and let love in.

*P* Play every day. Do something fun and enjoy it.

*Q* Question everything!! (When I was a child I was told not to ask questions! Now I know that's the only way to learn anything.)

*R* Relax every chance you have. Tension and stress can kill you!!

*S* Share whatever you have.

*T* Try something new once in awhile.

*U* Use it all up! Use everything life gave you.

*V* Value life....your body, your mind, yourself. If you don't value yourself how can you value anyone else?

*W* Work is a yukky four-letter word!

*X* X-Ray....this is a toughie....all I could think of was vision! But use it sparingly and with discretion!!

*Y* Yield the best you have to offer. I chose to go with the meaning to give or return.

*Z* Zoom zoom!! This made me think of the commercial for Mazda! Sorry to end it on that!!

Now I'm supposed to tag people but you all know I never tag anyone. I always just say if this looks like fun (and it is) and you want to do it then go right ahead but be sure to let me know so I can come read your answers!!

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I'm still working on the baby blanket for LRO and I hope to have it finished later this week.

It's a New Me....Well, Sort Of.....

My weekend did not go as I had planned (what a surprise!) but I did have more fun than if I had stuck to my original plan so I guess it all worked out to my advantage....and I got to spend some time with my cousin and her family which is always fun. What I didn't get finished is my baby blanket for LRO (Love Reaches Out) so I don't have anything to show you today....except you might have noticed I have a new profile photo. HB took some photos of me yesterday and this was my choice....



I do NOT like having my picture taken and usually avoid the camera at all costs but I thought the old profile photo needed to be updated. This one isn't all that much different....it's still the same old me!!....but it's a little better. HB thought I looked "impish" or like I'd just done something I shouldn't have. We all know I would never do anything like that!

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Don't forget to email me if you have anything to put on Love Reaches Out. Just send me the info and I'll post it right away.

Bargain Shopping....

If there's one thing I need it's more "toys"....you all know how much stuff I have in my studio!! I boxed up quite a lot of it when the house was put on the market but the room is still full to the brim!! But today while HB and I were out doing some shopping we came across a couple of bargains we couldn't pass up!!

This is a Dremel-like tool that we bought for $6.99!!!!



HB has a Dremel tool but now I have one to keep in the studio....and all his attachments work with this new one. That's a stroke of luck!

And then we found this....



An 11 piece set of wood carving tools for $1.99!! I've been wanting to try my hand at carving some stamps so these should come in handy. All these fun little tools we found are brand new, in the box, from a discount tool store.

Don't you just love bargains!!

One Little Kitty....

I've been working on several things over the past couple of days but this is the only thing I've completed....



A little (only about 4" tall) kitty with a beaded tail. I'm not sure how to attach the tail permanently. I put beads on a piece of wire so I could curl it, and then I just stuck the other end of the wire inside the stuffed cat. Do you think it would stay if I just put glue on the wire? I'm open to suggestions.

Something to think about....

Many of you have written to express an interest in getting involved but say you don't knit, crochet, or sew....that doesn't matter. Get creative and think of other things to make. Make an inspiring card or a collage for someone, a journal or small altered book where private thoughts and dreams could be recorded, or a little polymer clay figurine, and just about anyone can make a fleece no-sew blanket for a baby or small child....get creative!

Think about some woman and her children leaving their home, maybe in the middle of the night, with nothing but what they have on....when they reach a women's shelter they will need EVERYTHING. And even though it's good to feed and clothe them, everyone also needs their soul to be fed.

Maybe it's a small piece of jewelry that will make a woman feel better about herself. (Be sure to read Tinker's blog before making any jewelry. She has some invaluable information that might be difficult to read but essential to know.) It might be a blanket for her baby or a small toy for her little son or daughter. Maybe it will be a little healing/comfort/spirit doll she can hold in her hand that will give her the courage she needs to face her life and move forward. We never know what small thing will touch someone's heart and show them that we do care about what happens to them.

Women's shelters are not the only places to think about either. I'm sure nursing homes or other elder care homes would love to receive small gifts, too.

This is a creative blogging community so let's get creative! We can be creative by thinking of that one place that needs __________ and then we can fill the need. Let's see if we can make some big changes in small ways.

If you have a good idea and want to share it here, just email me and I'll post it so others can read about your idea.

I'm just one person but I think if I can help one person then I'm doing something positive....and if we all help one person think how many that would be! So put on your thinking/creative caps and get busy.

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Tinker is the first blogger to jump in and make something for Love Reaches Out. Be sure to check out her blog (linked above) and you can also see her fantastic donation here. Thank you, Tinker!!!

More Love Reaches Out....

I'm getting excited about my Love Reaches Out project! Lisa Oceandreamer has been kind enough to create a button for me to use and it's over there on the sidebar....but it will be changing sometime in the next few days because I've created a special blog just for this project!



You can go here to see it and read about my idea.



I hope you decide to join in and participate.

My scarf that I had started for the Red Scarf project is finished and I will be posting about it on the new blog later today. I know it isn't going to a local charity but I had already committed to it before I had my idea. You can see who it's dedicated to and I'll post a photo.

Life is Just a Box of....

First I want to say that several people have emailed me to say they aren't able to comment on my blog. I've been having the same problem on other blogs, too. My email is in my profile if you want to contact me directly.

I may be able to get a button for my Love Reaches Out project. Please stay tuned!!

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Now for something completely different.....



Isn't he just gorgeous! My favorite honey captured here in a work of art. What do you think the artist used to create this?? Acrylics, oil....you would be wrong! This was done with a box of Crayola crayons! Check out the artist's website here and just see what he accomplishes with this simple medium.

I can't take credit for finding this artist. I saw his work on Kathy's blog and could hardly believe my eyes. This guy takes crayons to a whole new level!

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PS - Dianne, he's ALL mine!!

Making a Difference....

Two posts in one day!! That's unusual for me but I just saw this and wanted to pass it on.

Suzi-k recently had a link on her blog and some information about something I think is important.

She wrote: "The goal is to get a record number of bloggers writing on the same subject, so September 27th is Anti Abuse day... how about joining in and making it a really worthwhile and thought provoking day, when bloggers across the globe are informed and challenged to make a difference. The cool thing is that the topic is so broad, because there are all types of abuse that need to be addressed, and each of us has certain topics which we are particularly passionate about. Imagine if we could all impart some of our passion for our area of concern to a huge audience of fellow bloggers worldwide? What abuses freak you out? Animal abuse? Abuse of power? (as in corrupt politicians, bosses, teachers etc) Abuse of women and or children? Abuse of the planet? Abuse of the legal system?.... The possibilities are endless, so please consider joining up, and thinking about it, so that on September 27th we can produce a worldwide protest against many kinds of abuse."

This seems like such a worthwhile cause and something we can all write about. You can check out the official site to get all the details. Let's make this happen! We can do it.

Love Reaches Out....

My next door neighbor came over yesterday and we were just chatting....I showed her my beaded doll and the scarf I was working on for the Red Scarf Project and told her about the Comfort Dolls being made around the blog world. She asked me why I didn't just support the local women's shelter. I sadly had to admit I didn't even know we had one!!

My neighbor, "T" works at one of our schools and is very connected to and knowledgeable about our community. "T" told me she takes things to the women's shelter quite often and they are always very appreciative. She told me of several other places where gifts are always needed.




This all made me think about what I had written here yesterday and I began to formulate an idea. I'm going to begin crocheting or knitting scarves, blankets, hats, etc and as I finish these pieces I'll dedicate them to one of my blogger friends....a bit like making a donation in someone's name. I'll put a photo on my blog and tell who it's dedicated to and where I will donate it.

This may not be popular with everyone but I think it makes sense. Why don't we all find local places where we can donate our items and give to those places rather than continue to send things to one another. As I stated in my blog yesterday, we all receive so many gifts....I can't even think how many times I read a blog that says "Look what I got in the mail"....and yes, that's always nice to get a surprise in the mail but think of all the people who NEVER get anything in the mail or at any other time.

There are so many wonderful giving projects going on around the blog world and I love to participate in them but it would also be nice to actually see where my gift goes and to know that someone in my community got it.

This doesn't mean we can never send gifts to each other but just think about how many things you've received over the past year and then think about someone sitting in a shelter or some other facility who never got anything....not even a card. You all make wonderful items and anyone would be thrilled to get a gift from you. Let's spread it around and make it possible for lots of people to enjoy all your talents.

And nothing says it has to be a crocheted or knitted item. There are so many things that could be made. The Comfort Dolls are a wonderful example. Any small, cheerful item that someone could just hold and look at would surely bring a smile to their face and warm their heart. It could be anything! You girls are all so creative and imaginative that I know you can come up with tons of ideas and wonderful things to give. And you could do it right in your own community.

What do you think of this idea?? Create something, dedicate it to one of your blogger friends, then donate it to a place of your choice in your community....I'm calling it Love Reaches Out.

If you decide to join in please leave me a comment and I'll make a list of everyone who is participating. And feel free to take the button from my sidebar and use it on your blog to tell others.

Doing for Others....

There are so many worthwhile things to do right now that I may not get anything done except charitable creating! Once again I'm working on a scarf for the Red Scarf Project but this year I'm getting an early start! Usually I begin working on my scarf sometime around Christmas when I'm busy with so many other things....not this year! I've already got my scarf about 3/4 finished.



And here's a close-up view of the stitch....it's just a simple combination of singles and chains with a half-double at each end.



I like doing things like this for someone I've never met. I'll most likely also be making another scarf for the WWII veterans. I made one last year and it felt good to think that my scarf would go to someone who had sacrificed so much for us.

I'm also working on a couple of dolls for Pat Winter's comfort doll project. I should have some photos in a day or so. This is such a great idea. If you haven't heard about it already be sure to check it out.

I hope everyone will understand if I postpone making things for all my blogger friends and concentrate on making these things for others who need them. Somehow it makes more sense to me....we bloggers all receive so many gifts and there are so many other people who receive very little if anything.

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You know how I love these quiz thingies!! So here's another one....

You Are 2: The Helper

You always put on a happy face and try to help those around you. You're incredibly empathetic and care about everyone you know. Able to see the good in others, you're thoughtful, warm, and sincere. You connect with people who are charming and charismatic. At Your Best: You are deeply giving, altruistic, and humble. You devote your life to others while caring for yourself too. At Your Worst: You are manipulative and enjoy making other people guilty. Your Fixation: Rejection Your Primary Fear: Being unworthy of love Your Primary Desire: To be loved unconditionally Other Number 2's: Mother Teresa, John Travolta, Princess Diana, Dr. Phil, and Mr. Rogers.

What Number Are You?

A Meme....How Unusual!!

It's been awhile since I've done a meme and I've seen this one around several places. I had saved it in my documents so I'm not sure where I got it from originally....sorry!

The thing is to answer each question with a word that starts with the first letter of your first name. For me that was definitely a challenge...."J" is just not that common for some words! But here goes:

1. Famous Singer/Band:
Joe Cocker
Joni Mitchell....am I showing my age??

2. 4 letter word:
jerk

3. Street name:
Jackson or Jefferson Street....many towns have streets named after presidents.

4. Color:
jade green....this one was tough! Can you think of any other "J" colors??

5. Gifts/Presents:
jewelry

6. Vehicle:
jeep....HB and I had an older jeep when we lived in CO. I wouldn't mind having one like this....




7. Things in a Souvenir Shop:
junk!!

8. Boy Name:
Jeremiah

9. Girl Name:
Jane....come on, no one said I had to be original!! and at least I didn't use my own!

10. Movie Title:
Jerry Maguire

11. Drink:
juice

12. Occupation:
jousting....Hey, it was a job once upon a time!!




13. Celebrity:
Johnny Depp, who else!!

14. Magazine:
Just Cross Stitch....I cheated and looked this up online as I couldn’t think of any magazine beginning with J!

15. U.S. City:
Jacksonville

16. Pro Sports Teams:
Jacksonville Jaguars or Utah Jazz

17. Fruit:
Jujube....It is too a fruit!! Here’s a link to learn about it.

18. Reason for Being Late for Work:
just bee-cause!! Sorry....I couldn't help myself!

19. Something You Throw Away:
junk....But not always 'cause it might be good for creating something!

20. Things You Shout:
Just stop that!! Usually shouted at Harley when he’s chasing LuLu around the house!!

21. Cartoon Character:
Jerry of Tom & Jerry

1-2-3-4 Awards!!!!

What a wonderful surprise I received over the week-end!!



I got not one, not two, but three of this same award!!! Does that mean I'm four times as nice?? I didn't think so. But a gal can hope, can't she?!!

These are the people who gave this to me: Gemma, Maryellen, Sheila and Annie. Thank you!!

And now I'll pass it on to the following people:

Dee at thea quilts

Zorana at Zorana

Tinker at Tinker Art

Mary at Beadfluff

Gail at Rivers Living

Let's all be nice! I'd love to pass it on to everyone else on my list of blogs so consider yourself awarded, too. I'm just to lazy to write out all those links!!

And the Decision Is....

Your Blogging Type is Logical and Principled

You like to voice your well thought out opinions on your blog. And if someone doesn't like what you write, you really don't care! Serious and blunt, sometimes people take your blog the wrong way. But you're a true and loyal friend to those who truly get you.

What's Your Blogging Personality?

I took this test a few days ago and was surprised by the result. Especially the part about if people don't like it, I don't care. How very far from the truth that is!! Although in some instances I guess it would hold true. I've heard about some people removing posts because someone didn't like what they said and I don't think I would ever do that. But I do care what people think of my blog. The part about being serious and blunt is also true. I can be both those things....but then that's just me.


photo from www.fuzzyplanet.co.uk

There has been a lot of soul-searching and contemplation of my navel over the past week or so and I've decided to keep the blog but only write when I actually have something to say or something to show you....which means it could not be very often! I'm still trying to find my niche and to find something that I want my blog to be about. It has almost become a whine-fest and I don't want that.

So if you don't see anything here for several days it just means my "exciting" life hasn't given me anything to write about. I'm hoping that when the weather starts to get cooler I will have more of an inclination to spend time in the studio....and finally either selling the house or taking it off the market should give me a little more energy, too.

I deeply appreciate all the comments you left and all the emails I received concerning the blog. The friends I've made through this blog are reason enough for me to keep it going. You don't know how much it means to me that you still come here to visit even when I'm whining and feeling crappy about everything! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are all such good friends.

Introducing "The Dream Dancer"

Drum roll, please. The beaded art doll is finally finished. It took me almost the whole month to do it but that was not working on it full time. I only beaded a little each day due to the heat. Even with a/c my studio is warm.

Without any further delay may I present The Dream Dancer....


Front view....

I think these photos are clickable to see them larger.



Back view....

I'm quite happy with the way my first ever beaded project has turned out. Oh, there are some mistakes!....and the beading isn't always the neatest in the world but all in all I am pleased with what I've created. And there will definitely be more beaded projects in my future. I find it very relaxing to bead.

Decisions Can Be Difficult....

Thank you to all who left comments on my "getting calm" post. I've taken a few days to just think about life in general....oh, and I did finish the beaded art doll. I'll put some photos on a bit later.

Since I started this blog I've been conflicted about what it's real purpose is going to be. In the beginning I started the blog simply so I could leave comments on other blogs, and that worked for awhile but then I started writing about different aspects of my life and people seemed to enjoy that.

Then I began sharing some of my creative side and that was both good and bad. It helped me recognize that I could be creative but it also showed me how much more other people were doing. That is frustrating!

Then there's all the time involved just reading other blogs and leaving comments. If I stay current with everyone then I have no time to be creative. It's like a double-edged sword.

I've never been good at social things. I'm either too friendly or not friendly enough. I either talk too much or I don't say anything. I either turn everyone off or I make everyone laugh. I never know "The Rules" and so I break all of them! I never quite belong. And no matter what I do I always feel like a fifth wheel or the uninvited guest. I am not part of anything and yet I am. Does any of this make sense?? Plus I've received so many lovely gifts and I haven't reciprocated. Part of that has been my situation with our house, and the other part has been my lack of creativity over the past several months. And no matter what anyone says I feel as if I've let everyone down.



I guess what I'm trying to say is I am deciding if I want to continue with my blog. I've invested a lot of my time into it over the past year and a half, met some really wonderful people, learned so much, and yet it feels empty right now. I have no direction, no subject matter, nothing to write about that even remotely seems interesting.

Just by coincidence, as I had written most of the above a few days ago, I came across this post and it made me realize a couple of things. First, that I'm no longer enjoying my blog and second, that I need to focus on making it either be "me" or just let it go. I've become so involved in reading everyone else's blogs that I forget about my own! I just want my blog to be a reflection of who I am and the things I like....and if you also like those things that's great.

Creating is what I really want to do and if I occasionally have time to write something on my blog then I'll do that but I won't be on here every day and I may not even visit other blogs every day. I just can't keep up!! Apparently I'm not a very organized person because I can't seem to juggle reading a "million" blogs, leave interesting comments on all of them, maintain my home and family, and in my spare time create wonderful works of art! I can't do it!! I'm not a heavy-weight blogger!

So with all that said if I still have any readers left, then I'll continue with random blogging and hope for the best. I love all of you and I hope you aren't offended by this....sometimes my words come out all wrong.

Becoming calm....hopefully!

photo from jupiterimages.com

As you all know I've been stressing out lately over just about everything! So I've decided to take a few days off from blogging and try to get back into a more relaxed state of mind. I plan to finish my art doll and maybe do some other projects that I've had rolling around in my head.

I will pop in and visit if I have the time and I will answer emails but I just won't be writing anything new on my blog for a few days. See ya later.....