I CAN Do It!!!!

Not being very computer literate and not very curious by nature I signed up for a free computer class offered through our library system. (It was for 3 consecutive Wed. evenings from 6-7:30) Plus,I just wanted to do something "different". The class was titled: Files, Folders, and Storage. Great instructor! He was very clear and didn't teach over our heads. He explained some basics at the first class, which, I was pleased that I actually knew! He taught us how to make files, how to store them in folders, how to label them, and how they can be organized in various ways. I learned how to use a USB flash drive and the purpose and how to's of icloud. Of course, he went off on tangents and I learned things not even pertaining to the subject. New classes will be offered in January and I'm looking forward to signing up and learning something new.

Fall Favorites



 
Of all my fall decorations, these two items are my favorites. The first is my wreath that Brianna made for me. I love the sunflowers and all the fall colors that look so awesome with my purple front door.

The harvest gal,below, measures in at about 6" in height. She does not have distinct facial features but all the fall harvest that she carries and adorns her skirt is very detailed. She just makes me happy and causes me to be mindful of the great bounty that God has given to my family.



An Assignment

It is hard to see the title on this little gift book. It reads: I Am Beautiful: A Celebration of Women in Their Own Words. I absolutely love it!!! The authors posed this question to women: Tell us why you are beautiful. I laughed and cried my way through this little book of women's views of themselves. So I've posed that question to myself and am formulating my answer. Surprisingly this is not an easy "assignment". I'm digging into myself and really being honest with me. I have loads of "pat" answers that I can give but it's good for me to get into the heart of me. So, what about you? Why are "you beautiful"? Think about it; give yourself an answer. It's okay to think you're beautiful.

Pizza Anyone?

I have sooo been wanting to try grilling pizza. I didn't grill it but Charles did. Here's a look:

tomato, basil and mozzarella

Charles also made a sausage pizza.



This is the first time he has made pizza this way. Charles did an awesome job!!!!! This pizza was absolutely delicious!!!!

Backward Reading

I've been pondering something for a few days. I like to read newspapers, magazines, and such from back to front. With newspapers, I read my least favorite section first and then read my way through to my favorite section last. My friend, Bubbles, likes to read the ending of books first and then enjoys reading the book to see what the characters go through to arrive at the end.

As a Christian, saved by faith in Christ, I know what my end will be: eternity with Christ!!! Knowing that enables me to walk through this life, with all it's hills and valleys, with my eyes set on the hope of eternity.

So maybe there is something to this backward reading thing. What do you think?

New Shoes...Lost Coins

Walking is my chosen type of exercise. I do not walk any certain amount of time or miles its just basically what works with my life on any given day. I do swap out my shoes every few months because they break down so quickly and my feet, shins, and knees will start aching. This last pair of shoes had a longer life because I put off getting a new pair. Well, actually, Chris gets my shoes, yes, he picks them out and pays for them. Yahoo for me!!!!  So, my new pair of shoes came in this last week and my tired, worn out , broken down  old ones went straight into the trash. Today, I wore my new pair for the first time. Like most people, I pick up coins when I come across them. Unlike most people, I put them in my shoes. While walking this morning I came across my first coin and put it in my new shoe. It was at that moment I realized that I didn't take my coins out of my old shoes before throwing them away!!!! I am out about $0.15!!! Trash pickup has all ready come and those babies are gone!!! I guess, live and learn.

Such Confidence!!!

Chris and I headed to G's for our Saturday morning coffee tryst. (I just looked up tryst, though we're not meeting secretly isn't it okay to consider ones husband ones lover?) I digress. I LOVE to talk to strangers, anywhere I am. By G's door sat a woman with a cute top on and I told her so. She said, "I KNOW!!!" What??? Did she really say that??? I was so caught off guard it wasn't until we were inside that it fully hit Chris and me and we burst out laughing. I just loved the nerve that she had and confidence in knowing her top is cute. Why not own it? I don't know you girl-in-the-cute-top but you rock. You made my morning and gave me the best laugh for the day!!!

Caution...This May Affect Your Conscience...or Not

I was listening to a program on NPR the other day in which they were discussing collection of taxes on purchases. They were specifically discussing purchases from companies like Amazon who do not collect taxes in the majority of states because they do not have a physical presence. Here it is: if I order something from Amazon or such company it is my responsibility to figure the taxes and put that on my year end tax forms. I'm a rule person and that just caused all kinds of craziness in my conscience. Chris is not a rule person. He just shook his head and, with a raised voice, said how ridiculous that is. So, what are you going to do with this? Just curious.

Sunset Over the Arkansas River

I met some young women for a picnic dinner at a local park last night. As we were leaving this was the beautiful sunset we were blessed to see.

Beauty Outside My Window

My sister, Lori, planted this Gerbera daisy for me when she was visiting in April. Lori, you have quite the green thumb. These daisies are incredible and I love looking out my kitchen window and seeing them. Great job!!! Now, when are you coming to help me with my grass?

The ABSOLUTE Bomb!!!

One Thing Leads to Another

This is my backyard gate area, yes, I know, it's a little obvious. I went out Sunday afternoon to plant my hostus' that have been in containers for a few weeks. What was to be putting plants in the ground turned into finishing my little planter area. I'll finish the other side perhaps this next weekend. See my wheelbarrow in the lower right hand corner? That is my FAVORITE yard tool accessory gadget thingy. I load it up with whatever and easily get my stuff from one point to another. Wouldn't it be great if it had a cupholder?

   

 After all my hard work, a slice of apple pie was my reward!



Surprise in the Middle

 This beautiful cupcake is Brianna's creation. BUT this is no ordinary cupcake.

Ta...Da...Check out the middle of this baby. That's right, plopped right there inside is an Oreo cookie. Can you guess what kind of fabulous frosting that is? It is none other than white chocolate cream cheese frosting~absolutely scrumptious!!!! Yes, they are all gone. 

Creativity Explosion

Brianna and I watched the 5th episode of The Fashion Fund and it helped inspire me to get going on Brianna's Easter dress. I got my tools out:

Next, I made her basic block. This is a basic pattern with her measurements. I will change this to the look that she wants.

 This is the muslin from the basic block. I fitted this to Brianna and marked it where I need to make changes. I'll transfer this to the pattern and make the changes.

 This is my second muslin. I took in the sides, shortened it. trimmed down the staps, lowered the neckline, and a few other tweeks.

I just fitted her again and have more changes~no suprise to me. I'll be getting the skirt attached soon to see the whole thing. I'm having such a good time with this! As I was working earlier, I realized that it has been YEARS since I have done pattern work and, oh my, I absolultely LOVE it. I can so get in the zone and go for it.

Valentine Goodness

 

       I love flowers! I enjoy flowers on Valentine's Day!!!

                               BUT... more than flowers...                             

  

I LOVE homemade Valentine cards!!! I do not need anything fancy just the love poured into the card. It's even more special to me as my kids get older and still carve out the time to make them.

Wardrobe Planning for Fall

So, are you curious about Fall 2012 fashion colors? You can go here to view them:  www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/index.aspx 

The Spring 2012 palette is posted here as well.

Kissed by Sunshine

Yesterday morning, Sunday, I was fast asleep. All of a sudden I felt this sort of caress or sensation on my face. The sun had risen and was ablaze upon my face. It was wonderful! I just lay there soaking it in and enjoying this part of creation that God has made. Great start to the Lord's day! That moment came back to me throughout the day. Thanks be to God!

2012!!!

A BIG fat happy heartfelt HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone!!!!