To Make You Laugh...And Wonder

"This is the best thing to wear for today, you understand. Becaue I don't like women in skirts and the best thing to wear is some pantyhose or some pants under a short skirt, I think. Then, you have pants under the skirt and then you can pull the stockings up over the pants underneath the skirt. And you can always take off the skirt and use it as a cape. So I think this is the best costume for today."

~ Edith 'Little Edie' Bouvier Beale

Though the Beales are not pictured above, I think this photo is a great background for this quote! Who can watch GreyGardens and not feel like you are witnessing an amazing and curious disaster unfold, only to realize it may not be a disaster afterall. Though at first seeming to be completely nonsensical, this mother and daughter team may make more sense than we realize. They became a national attraction for their reclusive and often downright bizarre and hygiene-challenged lifestyle, it makes one wonder what the world might think if they followed us around for a year or two. Here's to you, Beales!

Big Edie: The cat's going to the bathroom right on the back of my portrait.

Little Edie: God, isn't that awful?

Big Edie: No, I'm glad he is. I'm glad somebody's doing something he wanted to do.

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not;

remember that what you have now was once

among the things you only hoped for."

~ Epicurius

Book...Continued

Still putting the finishing touches on my son's First Communion Book...you may recall from a few posts back?

I put small envolopes inside to hold notes from family members about his big day. Hopefully he will appreciate it one day...

I just hope he has a girlfriend who won't let him throw it out! (lol)

~ Tuesday ~

My girlfriend lent me her copy of New Moon to read. (Don't worry, I'm not a fanatic. But it is fun!) When I returned it to her, I knew it would have to be with a card that had a little...something extra. I found this 'creepy couple' on Flickr a while back, and knew they had been waiting for just this moment! Check out his creeeeeepy fingers!

Happy Weekend...

Whew! Was I ever glad to see the weekend get here...

Somehow I managed to convince the hubby to drive me two hours to my favorite antique mall. There are loads upon loads of goodies there for next to nothing. Of course, he's always ready to leave after an hour. One hour?!?!?Have a great week...

I've Been Crafting. Seriously.

Honestly, girls. I have been. A little here and there. You know how it goes. My main project I've been working on is my son's First Holy Communion book. I made one for my daughter as well when it was her turn for the big day, but this one is definitely up a notch. The envelopes are for notes from family; a hopefully nostalgic reminder of good wishes and love. Plus, there's the added benefit of loved ones' handwriting. Something I didn't appreciate the value of until I was much, much older than he is now.

I think this one is my favorite...

Have a wonderful week.

~ Eye Candy ~

With the snow slowing everything down, I had the extra time to peruse some beautiful photos in the book Vintage Paper Crafts by Anna Corba. So pretty...

I also got to spend time on another page of my son's First Communion Book...

...a labor of love and gratitude.

~ Snow Day ~

"There is nothing in the world more beautiful than the forest clothed to its very hollows in snow. It is the still ecstacy of nature, wherein every spray, every blade of grass, every spire of reed, even intricacy of twig, is clad with radiance."

~William Sharp

Decide...decide...decide about Steve

Working on some projects today using an old hymnal that I love. Suddenly took notice that something was written on the front...it says, "Deside, deside, deside, deside about Steve." Huh. I wonder what she decided? Hopefully to take a spelling course, at least. Meanwhile, made this tag...

Not finished with the ribbon yet, but I know it doesn't have to be perfect to share with you. Listening to some Joni Mitchel today while I worked. I know, I'm a sap. Who can't get a little teary to "Both Sides Now"? Have a great weekend ~

~ Happy New Year ~

I used tiny matchboxes to make these New Year's Fortunes for our holiday party. I was a little nervous about how they'd go over, but they were a hit! Tonight, like many, I'm thinking about what my resolutions should be. More time for crafting would be nice to carve out for myself! Wishing you a wonderful New Year!

~ Happy Holidays ~

I wanted to make this 'holiday journal' of sorts for a friend for the holidays.
Slightly derailed by a stomach virus...

...but still happy to give something I made myself to someone who would value it.




I used clippings from an old magazine...

...that still ring true to me today.

Determined to make a crafting resolution for 2009.

Have a wonderful holiday...

...with family and friends...

... wherever you are!
Thank you for reading this year!

Thinking of...you?

Sometimes a conversation I've had with a friend will stick with me, as this one has from Thursday/and a little bit of Friday. As a counselor, I am so honored to be the recipient of people's thoughts and feelings, sometimes feelings they have never shared before with another person. Occasionally, I can't help but be part friend, part counselor. These conversations are gifts to me. I was thinking about one such friend, and was inspired to make this today. Being short on time at this time of year, it was a treasure in many ways to myself, as well as (hopefully) my friend. Here's the poem on the back, from a vintage prayer card ~ Something we might all remember:

He Maketh No Mistake

My Father's way may twist and turn,

My heart may throb and ache,

But in my soul I'm glad I know,

He maketh no mistake.

My cherished plans may go astray,

My hopes may fade away,

But still I'll trust my Lord to lead

For He doth know the way.

Tho' night be dark and it may seem

That day will never break;

I'll pin my faith, my all in Him,

He maketh no mistake.

There's so much now I cannot see,

My eyesight's far too dim;

But come what may, I'll simply trust

And leave it all to Him.

For by and by the mist will lift

And plain it all He'll make.

Through all the way, tho' dark to me,

He made not one mistake.

-A.M. Overton

The One Where She Blogs About a Cause

Well, you know I don't usually add Youtube videos to my blog, but I couldn't resist this one. Inspiring women and causes is one way I find joy for my journey. After browsing through my latest issue of World Pulse, I stopped by these rockin' mamas at Mothers Acting Up. One thing I like about them: joyful, not militant. They know they can, I mean we can, and will make a difference. This led me to find Girl Effect.

Don't feel you have to glom on to my causes, sisters.

Go find one you love, and bring out the joy.

~ Sunday ~

Of course, I left my post at the Antique Show and Sale to browse around abit, and found more of what I don't need...Nany Drew Books and other vintage mysteries. I even bought a few of the Cherry Ames nurse series - man, that girl could really get around!

I love the picture on the old 'Dana Girl 'covers.

And of course, who can resist a mysterious telephone call?

Still trying to figure out what exactly to do with this couple. They look nothing like me, or my family, I should note. But seeing them in the shop over the summer....well, I couldn't resist. I love her bouquet! Any of youflower buffs know what kind of flowers those are??

As I have said before, when I am determined to find some inspiration I always do, and usually in the strangest places. In church this morning, I pulled a program from a funeral yesterday. It was beautifully done, with a sweet note from the family inside. This picture was on the back. The woman is the one whose life was being remembered. The large sign in the back denotes a ski school, and the caption at the botton says, "See you at the top". I love it!

Have a great week and a wonderful holiday.

Rest and be thankful.

Empowered By So Many

Today, feeling empowered by so many great women. When I first signed up to work the Daughters of the American Revolution Antique Show and Sale, I admit I was feeling a bit over-zealous. It was weeks away, and right up my alley, right? But in the harsh reality of a long week at work, and the bustle of the upcoming holidays, I was a little daunted this morning. But what a great surprise! With my daughter in tow, we dutifully arrived to pitch in in whatever way we could. Now, I'll admit I did NOT don the pantyhose and stockings that I knew these other women would. And I was not wearing a brooch. And I was not 10,000 years old. But what a hoot! Admittedly, I broke the one semi-promise I made to my husband about not coming home with more 'stuff'. But what could be better than spending and afternoon in a gorgeous old home surrounded by antiques, tea cups, and feisty, and dare- I -say fascinating women. And to boot, I found another vintage charm bracelet, a great old locket, and lots of other treasures. Refreshing for the soul.

It reminds me of an idea of Sarah Ban Breathnach's (did I mention this already?) She suggests, "...creating an imaginery council with a group of 'Invisible Counselors,' composed of the people you admire most. At night before you go to sleep, close your eyes and conduct success strategy sessions in which you seek the advice of your heroines.'

How awe-some that these people are often right before our eyes.