~white slipcovered stool~

Today I made this slipcover for my foot stool.. Love the white!
Thinking about having a "White Christmas" this year...
looks like I better get busy..
Hugs to you sweet friends!

~Happy Halloween!~

Hope you all have a safe and

~Happy Halloween~

~Clean up on aisle 2,3,4,and 5!~

Yesterday about 4:30 PM I was sitting outside reading

enjoying the beautiful day before leaving for work.

Suddenly I hear the squealing of tires & then a very loud boom..

My neighbors and I ran to see what happened.
A car had crashed into the BP station

(3rd time since I've lived here)..

God had been watching over everyone.

The man narrowly missed a large Gas tanker

drove between occupied fuel pumps and into the BP store.

Only the owner was inside at the time,

luckily he had been on the other side of the store.
The man driving the car admitted to police he had been drinking.

He was not injured just very shaken up

What a mess!

At the BP owners request

my neighbor took many photos with my camera.

~Trick or Treat 2009~

Some bagged candy & dog treats too!

more candy

My Grand kids Sam & Bella

Loved the Witch handing out candy

Above is the walk in front of my daughters home..

She had $70.00 worth of candy to give out,

and she ran out before it was over!!

****

and one tired little prom Queen below

Trick or Treat is always the last Sunday of the month
in October here from 3 to 5..
Some of us walk with the Kids.

My Daughter hands out candy at her house

then it's back to her home for

our traditional Halloween get together..
Good food, family, and friends :-}

~Halloween Decor~

I LOVE Halloween!

What great fun it is decorating for it..

These photos were taken by my daughter Michele of her home.

I got to help a bit with her decorating this year..

~Happy Halloween~

~My carbon footprint~

This morning as I walked to the grocery store

about 8 city blocks away

using the above cart

(today it held $43.96 worth of food)

I use no plastic or paper bags..

I got to thinking about my carbon footprint

on the world..

So I visited the site below.

Check out Carbon Footprint

Here is my carbon footprint results:

Your footprint is 0.83 tonnes,

which equates to 10.42 tonnes per year
The average footprint for people

in United States is 20.40 tonnes
The average for the industrial nations is about 11 tonnes
The average worldwide carbon footprint is about 4 tonnes
The worldwide target to combat climate change is 2 tonnes

We all must work harder to decrease our tonnes.

Go green!

~2nd Annual Massillon ZOMBIE WALK~

My grandchildren Bella & Sam

ready for the

2nd Annual MASSILLON ZOMBIE WALK

Sam the Rock Star Zombie..
neighborhood kids with Sam & Bella

Bella the cheerleader with a Zombie friend..
such fantastic make up!

Zombies walking into Duncan plaza

Wow what fabulous make up job

he looked great..so scary too!

Loved her look

Jack with his 2 grandchildren.. what fun!

Prom Queen Zombie ...

one of the prom Queen Zombies

ran up to me grabbed me

and pretender to bit my neck!
Omg!!

The Ananda center Zombies

dancing to Thriller

what fun it was watching them..

They did a great job..

Look even a Zombie dog!!

Sat was Massillon Ohio second Zombie walk

and oh what fun we all had!

My grandchildren Bella & Sam dressed the part

we all walked the town!
Last years video of the Zombie walk check it out!

~I received this very interesting email~

Onions fight flu virus (?)

After reading this you'll probably think I'm crazy.

I received this email (maybe you have too).

However I feel a need to pass it on..

It may just work!

It's said to be a true story.

****
In 1919 when the flu killed 40 million people

there was this Doctor that visited the many farmers

to see if he could help them combat the flu.

Many of the farmers and their family had contracted it

and many died.
The Doctor came upon this one farmer and to his surprise,

everyone was very healthy.

When the Doctor asked what the farmer was doing that was different

the wife replied that she had placed an unpeeled onion

in a dish in the rooms of the home,

(probably only two rooms back then).

The doctor couldn't believe it

and asked if he could have one of the onions

and place it under the microscope.

She gave him one and when he did this,

he did find the flu virus in the onion.

It obviously absorbed the bacteria,

therefore, keeping the family healthy.
Now, I heard this story from my hairdresser in AZ.

She said that several years ago many of her employees

were coming down with the flu and

so were many of her customers.

The next year she placed several bowls with onions

around in her shop.

To her surprise, none of her staff got sick.

It must work. (And no, she is not in the onion business.)
The moral of the story is,

buy some onions and place them unpeeled in

bowls around your home.

If you work at a desk, place one or two in your office

or under your desk or even on top somewhere.

Try it and see what happens.

We did it last year and we never got the flu.

If this helps you and your loved ones from getting sick,

all the better.If you do get the flu, it just might be a mild case.
Whatever, what have you to lose?

Just a few bucks on onions.

***

I'm on my way to the kitchen for onions

I'll place them in my

studio

living room

bedroom

Hope you all stay healthy!

~Could you live without your phone & computer?~

Hello.. I've been without a phone and my computer/Dsl service since Fri Oct 9 at 9:05am..
I was having a Dish network satellite installed Fri and the installer cut my phone/Dsl lines.. Dish installer said "yes I cut them but can't fix them call ATT" ..and walked out the door on his second visit... I called ATT (using my Daughters cell phone) Fri ATT was to come by 8:30 pm no show again.. I called ATT Sat at 8:00 am again no show. I called ATT and Dish Sun at 8:00am another no show.. I emailed ATT 2 times today.. no show AGAIN today but Dish came back to say "we can not fix it just wait for ATT"..Hopefully by tomorrow they ATT will email me and come fix the lines... I sure hope so. I have not been very nice to Dish or ATT...I've had to stay home everyday and wait and wait and wait.. only going to work a few evenings..so my question is "Could you live for 4 0r 5 days without a phone or computer?" It has been very quiet around here..

~Make your own foaming hand soap~

I love this!

I live on a very limited income and moneys tight like so many of you.

I ran out of the foaming hand soap I use for guests/company/grandkids..

for myself I use the messy hand soap but no more LOL!

Rather then toss out the foaming soap container I thought.

wonder if I can make my own?

Well yes I can and I did!

Here's how:

Add about 2 tablespoon of liquid hand soap to your empty foaming soap dispenser.
Fill the dispenser with water a little less then 1 cup will do

Do not fill to the top leave a little space in the container.
Stir with a spoon or put lid on and shake..
Pump the dispenser a few times to get the foaming started.

It really does work!

Let me know what you think :-}

~Halloween at my coTTage~

Here are photos of a few

Halloween decorations at my cottage

I made this bag a few years ago.

I carry it the month of October
****

~Mary's wood yard Witches~

Here are my wood yard Witches..

Grammy, Mama , and little Girl...

I have 2 patterns for sale on Etsy

Grammy Witch

Mama Witch

~Happy Birthday Bella!~

My Granddaughter Isabella is 13 today..
What a beautiful lady she is inside and out!

Bella I love you so much!!! Grammy

~my Halloween cloth bunting flag banners~

I love making cloth buntings/flags/banners!

these Halloween banners are made with fabric

one fabric triangle for front one for back

sew front to back pink the edges

sew triangles to extra large double fold bias tape

top banner was stamped by my daughter Michele

bottom banner was stenciled by me..

go make a set...have fun :-}

~My round head Witch doll pattern~

Mary's Witch Doll

Paint on eyes lips... blush for cheeks

black embroidery for lashes..
Hand draw eyes, lashes, lips, smile..

attach head to body

body

I used 5 football shaped pattern pieces to make head..

I LOVE designing and making cloth dolls!

Here's my latest

She's a round head Witch doll..

she's fun to make!

I used Antique trims and button for her dress..

hope these photos help you

if you'd like to make one of your own.

Hope you like her :-}

~Boo Witch door greeter stockings~

I came across Witch stocking

on Etsy or eBay

they were not in my budget to buy

so I made my own...

I cut out 6 stocking using medium cotton fabric

used sewing machine to put them together

stuffed insides 3/4 way up with polyfil

the rest with newspaper

I painted 3 coats of white paint on stockings

last coat of paint (#4) I used the orange & black

stenciled on B O O

then antiqued them

added fake cat tails

hot glued moss on top

and moss on the front to look like buttons

sewed 3 rusty bells to the toes

antiqued 3 battery tea lights

and hot glued them between

the inside edge stocking & moss

nailed stockings on wood branch

added a black cord to hang
Now I have a Halloween door greeter

decoration for my Studio door

Give it a try

it's an easy project!

~Another Witch pattern~

Check out my new "Skinny Witch" life size with pattern!

She's 65" tall!

I have this pattern on sale in my Etsy shop..

~My "Dancing Witch" Halloween pattern~

~Dancing Witch~silhouette..

I LOVE Witches and Halloween!

So I've designed this LIFE size Dancing Witch..

The pattern is for sale in my Etsy shop..

If you are interested in her please stop by

and check her out!

IsabellasCloset Etsy shop

Etsy shop

65" tall

***Info added Aug 29***

I used 3/8" ply wood for my Witches. I bought it at Home Depot for $9.98 for 4' by 8' sheet. I had them cut the sheet into 2 -65" pieces and still had wood left over for the cats I'll make. In the past I've only ever worked with a ban saw for cutting out my wood pieces.. My Witches are to large for that. My 15 year old neighbor (with the help of his Grandfather) cut out one Witch his Grandfather cut out the other. They used a jig saw. The Grandfather said my Witches were not hard to cut out.. I'd love to buy a jig saw (someday) and try cutting out this large stuff..

~Samuel's back to school day~

My sweet grandson Samuel

started back to St. Mary's today

he's now a big 4th grader!

My Daughter says he was so happy this morning..

Sam & Bella

are thrilled to be back to school

I asked Bella how her first day of Middle school went yesterday.

she said "Grammy it was just awesome!"

... how wonderful ...

Oh my gosh.. how I LOVE this photo!

They are the best kids..

we are so blessed to have these precious kids in our lives..

I know I've said that before LOL...

Hope they always stay so kind to each other.
God please bless these children and watch over them!

~Vintage 40s tablecloth banner~

While treasure hunting at a flea market

I found a wonderful vintage 40s tablecloth

for only $1.00!

It had a few small holes and some light stains..

so I cut it up and made this fun cloth banner.

What do you think?

Any ideas as to where I should put it?

Maybe outside?

*** Thanks for stopping by my blog***

Have a happy day :-}

~Bella starts Middle school~

Bella with best friend

***

Bella

Such sweet girls!

****

My Granddaughter starts public Middle school today.

I'm disappointed that Bella will no longer be

attending a private Catholic school.

She's made the Volleyball team at her new school..

what a thrill!...you see Bella suffers from

Polyarticular Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
and sports can be a struggle.

I called Bella at 6:30am to wish her the best today..

she was so excited.

My thoughts and prayers are with Bella today & everyday.

Good luck to all who are starting back to school.. have a fun year!

Julie and Julia - fun movie to see :-}

My Daughter & I went to see the movie Julie & Julia..

it was fun!

I loved Amy Adams.

I'm not a big Julia fan & thought I'd not like the movie but I did.

Meryl did a very nice job too..

click link below to view the trailer.

Enjoy :-}

Julie and Julia - Trailer No. 1 - Moviefone

~just call me a copy cat!~

above photo taken last year on a sunny day..

****

On my down time

I love to sit & read at this table in my side yard.

dark cloudy morning in Ohio
like my clock?

studio clock

Well just call me a copy cat!

I was visiting Jackie at

In The Land of The Living Skies II this morning

and loved her idea about her outside clock..

so I plucked the clock off my studio room wall

ran outside clock, hammer, nail, (and camera) in hand

and added my studio clock to my fence..
now the only problem is

when I look up to check the time here in my studio theres no clock.

I could just check time on my computer but that's to easy.

now I'm off to find a clock to put up where the old one was..

Gee am I doing this a bit back word?

Oh well that's just me.. LOL..

have a beautiful day!

~my lovely gift~

I LOVE my new watch!

This beautiful watch

was made & given to me by my talented neighbor Missy

What a lovely surprise!

I wear it every day
Thank you Missy, you are such a sweetie!

Missy sells on eBay

and also has a web site called Forgotten Primitives

check out her very well made treasures!

SOLD

Missy is selling this handmade

Green beaded Swarovski crystal watch on eBay
..it's a "buy it now" for only $12.99 shipping is included!!

If you are interested get over there FAST before it's gone..

SOLD

Lavender/Lilac Swarovski crystal watch on eBay
I wish you could see the true beauty of these watches..
they are so much better then the photos!
I just love how they sparkle..

~my barkcloth Converse shoes & a flea market road trip~

OK you asked to see em..here they are LOL..

my barkcloth Converse ALL STAR shoes.

Men's size 8, now what Man would wear floral shoes?

I LOVE barkcloth fabric new or old.

Found these years ago

on sale $8.00 & had to have em :-}

********

2-14" by 16" vintage Provost framed prints $3.00!
flea market finds
2- aqua hand painted rose lamps $4.00!
******
One of my passions is flea market shopping.
Sunday my oldest daughter said to me

"Mom what to go on a road trip?"
I said "Sure Michele where to?"
"She said you'll see..just wear comfy shoes"
so I put on my barkcloth Converse shoes
and was ready for a road trip.
You see my favorite flea market had
re opened this Summer
and I'd not yet been there..
To my surprise that's where our road trip ended.
Yippee!
for only $10.00 I bought
4-zucchinis
4-bell peppers
4-cucumbers
2-pictures
2-lamps..
Time spent with my daughter priceless!

~Enchanted Makeovers~transforming shelters for women & children

This is Terry Grahl,

founder and president of Enchanted Makeovers.

She is a mother of four and an award-winning interior decorator.

“The mission of Enchanted Makeovers

is to transform shelters for women and children

into heartwarming havens, forming the catalyst for all that become involved,

that create the realization that everyone’s dreams can come true.”

Learn more about how you can become part of the team,

and, with your help, they can turn everyone's dreams into a reality.

Please take a few minuets to check this web site out!

Thank you :-}

~It's party time! "Where bloggers create"

Welcome to my studio

It's where I work and create!

***

Thanks Karen from My Desert Cottage

for letting me join in on all the fun!

Many projects

have been made at this table

I find that having things where I can get at them

is very important

so my studio is cluttered

but most everything I need is close at hand!

my ugly but functional desk...

my old commercial Pfaff sewing machine

I made these barkcloth pockets

to hold a bit of everything

mainly cards from my blogging friends

a few paper projects



One of my vintage cupboards
it's holds/hides
just some of my fabric

My "friends" banner made
by a blogging friend

My sink and cupboards...

come in very handy

my favorite little sewing machine.. works great!

a bit of fabric

just a few jars of my button collection

*****

Thanks for stopping by!

~The winner is.......Forever Vintage~

The winner of my 400th post give-a-way...
is Caroline from Forever Vintage..
Congratulations!
I hope you will be pleased with your banner & background.

~My 400th post give-a-way! ~

My 400th post give-a-way!

To enter a chance to win the above

custom banner and background for your blog

please leave me a comment on this post

no later then July 23

I'll then pick a winner

If you add the above

"400th blog give-a-way" banner

to your blog post or sidebar

and let me know you've done so

you'll get 2 chances to win.

If you'd like to see what the banner & background will look like

on a blog

please stop by my Bella's Banners blog.

Good luck!

~I won The White Farmhouse II give-a-way!~

Yippee!! I'm the winner :-}

Maggie from The White Farmhouse II
had a 100th post giveaway on her blog...

the gift was a $25.00 gift certificate

to her newly opened Esty shop

Thank you Carole from a Bohemian market

for telling me to check out Maggie's blog

I picked out this great ticking pillow.

It's so lovely and very well made!

Thanks so much Maggie..

I'm enjoying my pillow :-}

~decorating my living room on a slim budget~

Larger white tray on table from thrift shop $3.

Wicker suitcases $1.-$3.

Old child chair antique show $10.

Wicker chairs belonged to my Mother

sewing bags on wall eBay & flea markets $5. each

cottage photo above chair $1.50 thrift.

the hutch belonged to my Mother

on hutch an old cottage tea pot $1.50 from thrift

Chandelier given to me by a friend

Candle stick lamp given to me by sis

Large old mirror $8. flea market
all 4 Rose pictures $5. at flea market
gold rose plaque (below mirror) given to me by a friend..

I made the mantel scarf from an old
hand cut & embroidered Italian sheet $2. from a thrift
smaller old Madonna pictures from thrift & flea markets $1.- $5.

Large gorgeous picture of Madonna & child $12. at a thrift

"Pieta" belonged to my Mother

clock $5.

clock stand 90 cents

***

my $6.99 Franciscan dishes from Salvation Army thrift

I've always had to decorate on a very slim budget

I've been very blessed to have many of my things

handed down, given to me,

or I've found at thrift shops/flea markets

to re decorate my living room I only had to put $11.99 in to it

this time,

that was to convert my chandelier into a hanging light..

I slip covered my stool

and made a few pillows with fabric I had..
the rest I gathered from other rooms in my cottage

my old soft

when the fabric wore out I made and added the gathered skirt

curtains $2. thrift

I made the dolls & 2 checked down pillows

Handmade crochet tasseled throw $8.

I slip covered the foot stool
Annie doll I made for my precious daughter Nikki
the wonderful picture is hand drawn work
of my Granddaughter Isabella by my friends Mother..
more about that another time.


old Barkcloth era curtains
I made from old fabric $9. found on eBay
fabulous old rose hand painted lamp $3. thrift

old rose pictures $.50-$2. thrift flea markets

The 2 Oriental ladies on top my hutch were my Grandmothers

My $20. transfer wear dish set..from a thrift!

2 tall cranberry vases were my Grandmothers

most frames from thrift shops
$1.-$2.

some of my before photos
I also loved the look of my old living room..

~My new sofa~

My new sofa

My sister gave me one of her sofas

from Arhaus furniture, my favorite furniture store.

Thanks so much sis!

It's been a dream of mine to own an Arhaus slip covered sofa.

On my income that's a dream that I thought would never happen.

Well it did!

The 3 year old sofa

is a slipcover style, gold cotton damask, down filled

I REALLY love it! It's so comfy too..

With my new sofa I needed to re decorate my living room

but had no money to do so

my mission was to

searched my cottage and find things to re do the room..

and I did

Next post will be of my re decorated living room.

~a Suprise package for Me!!~

Kitchen-Linens-Book Yesterday I received a wonderful surprise package
in the mail
with all these lovely wrapped gifts..Yippee!
It was from my sweet friend Mary of crash-n-smash
for my birthday
What a sweet thoughtful Gal Mary is..
Thanks Mary!
Look at ALL these goodies!
a fabulous Kitchen-Linens-Book
a beautiful handmade banner & card
made by her daughter Brandy of
Stamp with Brandy
a lovely silver cross on pink
pink covered button magnet
lemon candy
more yummy wrapped candy
RedRose tea bags
see this sweet beads.. they say Mary Rose!
click on the photo to get a better look.
check out this adorable handmade birdie banner & card
from Brandy..
Wow! Wow! Wow!

~My lovely bracelet has arrived!~

Here's the bracelet I won for entering

Darcy Knotty Knitter give-a-way..

Thanks so much Darcy!

And thanks to Leslie Wind for designing

and making

this lovely sterling & gold bracelet just for me!

It's signed inside

"Mary with love from Darcy & Leslie June 2009"

What a special added touch this is..

I'm so lucky.

How I LOVE this bracelet!

What a joy it was talking to Leslie on the phone

discussing my bracelet.

Leslie your jewelry is fabulous!

Darcy you are such a wonderful Gal.

bless both of your Gals for all your kindness....

Front of bracelet

****
back of bracelet
****

My bracelet on my old...but very happy hand! LOL..

~ I won! I won! I won! Darcy Knotty Knitter give-a-way~

I won! I won! I won!

Yippee!

Darcy from Darcy's Knotty Knitter had a

a 100,000 views give-a-way so I entered

(never dreaming that I would win)

This afternoon I received an email stating I won

her give-a-way.

As I was reading her email,

trying to let it sink to what just happened

my phone rings..

Well here it's Darcy calling me to tell me I had won.

It was her hubby that picked my name out of 101 of her followers!

How about that.

So....I am the VERY lucky winner of

a custom piece of art jewelry designed and made

by Leslie Wind

I've admired this talented artist for awhile now.

I first saw Leslie's work on Darcy's blog.

Thinking about how I'd love to own a piece of

Leslie's jewelry... it is fabulous!

I am so excited that I will be able

to speak with Leslie about my win.

Thanks so much to Darcy & Leslie

for making my day!

~my eBay items~

Southern Belle pillowcase

SOLD

Paisley tote bag

Gorgeous cabbage rose sheet
SOLD
Very well made embroidered apron
SOLD

Wilendur tablecloth

SOLD

***

Here are a few of my eBay auctions..

If you are interested please check them out.

Thanks so much!

~Please welcome ForgottenPrimitives~

Will you please stop by and give

Missy of ForgottenPrimitives

a warm welcome

she's new to the world of blogging..

Thanks so much!

~Happy Flag Day!~

*** Happy Flag Day ***

2009

~Just listed on Isabellas-Closet.com~

Treasures just listed on

Isabellas-Closet.com

~IsabellasCloset eBay auctions~

SOLD
SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

Here are a few of my

IsabellasCloset eBay auction
Hope you are have a fun day!

~Isabellas-Closet.com NOW opened!~

Well I did it..

Isabellas-Closet.com

is now opened..

from May 29 to June 1 I got my website together!

Still much to do but this is a good start for me.

Thanks Gals for all your great comments

and wonderful encouragement!

You are just the very best..

~Isabellas-Closet.com coming soon!~

Coming June 1, 2009

Isabellas-Closet.com

Gal's what do you think?

I know it's not the best time to start a small business..

Thanks to my dear friends

Amy FourSistersInACottage

and Carole ABohemianMarket..

for all their support, encouragement, and info

I'm finally working on my own Website..

Yippee!

I'm scared but thrilled at the same time.

If all goes well I will have it up and running June 1..

I'm building the site on my own.

I'll be selling new, vintage and handmade treasures..

Please..Wish me luck!

~Poison Ivy..Leaves of Three, Let It Be!~

Poison Ivy.. DO NOT even GET CLOSE to this stuff!

I found the above on the Internet.. Oh my the poor girl!

***
Well I've had a close encounter with poison ivy
I'm a bit miserable.. can't open my one eye.
Sunday I was landscaping..
I found that my poison ivy was back again this year.
Last year I removed it with no problems.
So again I was VERY careful removing it.
I bagged & tossed out my gloves, old clothing & the ivy.
Ran & took a shower..scrubbed & scrubbed..
Well on Tues the rash started & it's not stopped!
Rash/swellings on my arms, neck, fingers, ears, face & one eye..
Yesterday just happened to be my Doc visit.
Doc says use Kaolin..
I think I may have gotten the posion ivy
because it was windy Sunday..
the oil/resin must have gotten on me via the wind.
So dear friends.. like the old saying says
Leaves of Three, Let It Be!!!

~"Girls day out" at the movies~

I took this photo as Bella was leaving

the movie Angles & Demons.

Credits were rolling.

Yesterday was "Girls day out" for

my Granddaughter Bella, daughters, sister, niece and I.

We went to see the much anticipated movie Angles and Demons..

We loved it!! Especially Bella...........

She read the book (along with my sis, daughter, & niece)

Bella could not sit still waiting for the movie to start.

She wiggled and laughed and shared many

parts of the book with me.

This avid 12 year old book reader amazes me!

How she loves reading adult books.

(but only the ones her Mother approves) .

Bella and I held hands through the entire movie.

I enjoyed watching her face light up at this fast action mystery movie.

Being Italian, Catholic and understanding the workings of the Church

this movie had special meaning to us.

Many years ago I was lucky enough to visit Italy

and the Vatican City...

I stood at many of the fabulous sites in the movie!

Visiting Italy was truly one of the highlights of my life.

Bella gave me her Angles & Demons book.

Today I'll spend part of my day outside reading.

Have a happy Sunday :-}

~a bit of sewing~

What have you all been up to?

I've been working in the yard, reading, sewing,

doing my graphic design work

and going to my evening job.

I made the above pillow using vintage barkcloth

one of my favorite fabrics to work with and

pink gingham (another favorite)

antique white buttons.

I also make a bag from scraps of fabric and a large old button.
Hope you all are having a very Happy Spring!

My 400 post is coming up soon!

~Happy Mothers Day~

I'd like to wish you all a very

Happy Mothers Day!

Hugs and much love for ~Mary~

~Zoe round head doll "Keeper of the key"~

I'd like you to meet Zoe "Keeper of the key".

She's the newest addition to my handmade dolls.

She's a round head doll.

Her hair is lambs wool,

her face/lips has been painted on (not very well),

separate cloth eyelids, and 3 dimensional nose.

Her head was made using 6 pieces of fabric

I prefer using my 5 piece round head pattern

I like the shape just a bit better.

See my Annie doll.

If you enjoy doll making give a round head doll a try.

They are fun!

~May devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary~

The month of May is devoted to

honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary.

I remember as a child making

a May altar in my bedroom

on the first day of May.

Each day I would try my best to bring

fresh flowers to place before the

beautiful statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Many days I would visit my neighbors homes

and ask if I could please have

some of their flowers.

A few times I only had

dandelions to give to the Blessed Mother.

~A Bohemian Market is having a give-a-way~

My sweet friend Carole

at a Bohemian Market

is having a give-a-way.

Please stop by her blog

leave a comment on her post to enter..

How great it is to see her back blogging again!

~Nikki's birthday~

Nicole Renee Rose

April 28, 1973 - December 10, 2003

If roses grow in Heaven,

Lord please pick a bunch for me,

then place them in my Nikki's arms and tell her they're from me.

Tell her I love and miss her, and when she turns to smile,

place a kiss upon her cheek then hold her for awhile.

Remembering Nikki is easy, I do it everyday,

but there's an ache within my heart

that never goes away!

~Grandma-Your Angel~

For all the Grandmas in blogland

*****

~Your Angel ~

Once upon a time there was a child ready to be born.

The child asked God,

"They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow.

How am I going to live there being so small and helpless?

"God replied,

"Among the angels, I'll choose one for you.

Your Angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired,

"But tell me God, here in heaven

I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said,

"Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you every day.

And you will feel your angel's love and feel very happy.

" Again the child asked,

"And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me

if I don't know the language?"

God said,

"Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear,

and with much patience and care,

your angel will teach you how to speak."

"I've heard that on earth there are bad people. Who will protect me?"

God said,

"Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

At that moment there was much peace in heaven,

but the voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked,

"God, if I am to leave now,

please tell me my angel's name."

"Her name is not important.

You will simply call her GRANDMA."

~Sick Sam and a day with Bella~

I had planned to spend yesterday with

both my Grandchildren Sam & Bella....

but

Sam was sick and he had to go to the doctor.

He has strep throat, bronchitis, & a sinus infection!!!

Oh my gosh this poor sweet little guy...

I feel so bad for him..

What a way to have to spend your Easter vacation.

Darn!!
So only Bella and I spent the day together.

We made a pillow of Twilights Edward Cullen.

Watched the movie Twilight (again)...LOL..

and giggled and giggled and giggled.

Nothing like being with a 12 years old to make your day!
The above bag is Bella's.

I made it and added it to her Easter basket.

She added all the buttons.....

Hope all of you had a lovely Easter :-}

~Happy Easter~

Another busy day for Bella & Sam..

an Easter egg hunt & coloring eggs at their house.

~ Hope you all have a very Happy Easter~

Blessings ~Mary~

~Italian Wedding soup our hoilday tradition~

Italian Wedding soup has always been a family holiday tradition.. I'm the one who makes it.

My family had planned to get together today to celabrate Easter

....so I made the Wedding soup.

Well we will not be getting together after all :-(

So I enjoyed a bowl of Wedding soup alone today and it was very good!

I'll spend tomorrow with friends.

Happy Easter to all of you..

Hope you have a blessed day.. ~Mary~

Mary's Italian Wedding soup..

6 qts. water

1 whole chicken

4 large bay leaves (make sure you remove before serving)

1 large chopped onion,

1/2 pound baby carrots cut up

2 tsp. salt (more or less)

1 tsp. Garlic salt

1/2 tsp. Onion powder

Small meatballs for Wedding soup

1 lb. lean ground beef

1 tsp. dried parsley (fresh is better)

1/4 cup cheese, grated

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

Sprinkle (or more) of garlic powder

1/4 tsp. basil (fresh is much better)

2 eggs

3/4 cup bread crumbs

mix all ingredients together

roll each meatball to the size of a medium olive

(get the kids, hubby, or Grand kids to help this takes awhile)

In large pot combine water, bay leaves, seasonings. Bring to a boil & then simmer until chicken is tender/cooked. Remove chicken, tear or cut into small pieces.. set aside. Strain broth (make sure you remove any small chicken bones and bay leaves toss them out) Return broth & chicken to pot. Add one large onion cut up, 1/2 pound cut up baby carrots, 1 large bunch (soaked & cleaned) cut up endive cook 30 minuets. Add meatballs cook another 30 minuets or so.

This is opptional..Before serving, while soup is simmering add very slowly: 2 well beaten eggs to soup. Stir constantly. Enjoy :-}

~Sad day for L'Aquila Italy~

Mourners gather for Good Friday's open-air ceremony in L'Aquila
What a sad photo.
My thoughts & prayers are with the people of Italy who are suffering..

~Thoughts & prayers for L'Aquila Italy~

L'Aquila

~The above map shows where my Mother lived~

***

My thoughts & prayers are with the people of L'aquila Italy this day.

I have realives that live South of L'aquila, I'm worried about them..

I remember my Mother telling me stories about

the many earthquakes she lived through as a child.

She told me how her, my Grandparents & Uncle sleep outside for days

after an earthquake because of the after shocks.

When I traveled with my Mother to Italy (many years ago)

what a joy it was visiting all my relatives & seeing their way of life..

My Mother lived in a very small town called Liberi way up in the hills..

Please keep all these lovely people in your prayers

at this time of such devastation.

God bless them..

~my eBay auctions~

I've finally listing some eBay auctions

Please stop by & check them out.

IsabellasCloset

Thanks so much :-}

Have a great day!

~Bella's back to school~

After a painful antibiotic shot and 2 oral antibiotics

Bella's doing better and is back in school..

Just another week in the life of a child living with Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Bella and I got to spent a day just being silly..

We watched the movie"twilight" on my sister's 60" TV.
Wow It was like being at the movies! We had such a great day.
Thanks so much for your thoughts & prayers for Bella..

Gosh how I worry about this kid!!

~ A prayer needed for my Granddaughter Bella~

Could you please keep my sweet 12 year old

Granddaughter Bella in your prayers..

She had to spend today in the emergency room ..

She again has an infection. We'll know more when the blood work is back.

Bella has Polyarticular Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

The medications she takes depresses her immune system

causing her problems.

Bella was so upset because she could not go to softball practice today..

God bless her, she's such a sweetheart!

Thanks so much..

~Twilight obsession~

Twilight obsessions.

Isabella AKA Bella (my 12 year old granddaughter)

my daughters and I are a bit "twilight" obsessed.

Bella got us hooked on the "twilight" book series.

She read the books before they were so popular and was hooked.

She LOVES to read, never without a book in her hand.

I remembered how thrilled she was to hear

the movie was coming out, she saw it twice before we did.

A few months ago we did a "twilight movie girls night out"

with Bella, my 2 daughters, my sister and I.

I enjoyed the movie, but I'd not read the book yet..

Last Monday I started on book one "twilight"

now a week later I'm on book 4 (last one) yep I'm hooked.

Yes the books are about vampires and werewolves.

Yes they are written for teens....

but they are such endearing books about young love & devoted friendship.

It's been great fun chatting with Bella about these books..

We spent Friday making twilight jewelry, reading & chatting.

What fun it was for both of us!

Nothing like the bond between Granddaughter & Grandmother.

Twilight comes out on DVD on March 21.

Bella and her Mama will be at one of the many

"twilight" midnight parties.

~Me & facebook~

Thanks to my daughters I'm now on facebook.. are you?? It's fun.. funny..

I get to see what's going on with my daughters, grand kids, friends
I go to facebook to see new photos of Bella & Sam
I read whats going on with them..very interesting..

Some of my blogging friends are also on facebook
If you are on facebook check out the Video above it's funny & so true..

~Happy Birthday Samuel~

Today is the #1 man in my life's birthday..

This is my Grandson
Samuel he is 9..

This little guy is the sweetest kindest child..

He is so gentle.

He brings me so much joy..

I love his sweet smile!

Happy Birthday Samuel

~My grumpy littlle Fairy altered art~

When searching through vintage graphics

I came across this adorable little grumpy girl..

So I thought I'd try my hand at a bit of altered art.

I've seen these adorable fairy/angels before.

With vintage book pages, sheet music

crape paper, ribbon, trims

I put them together..

~Kreativ Blogger Award~

I'm thrilled to have been tagged by these
2 delightful blogging Gals
Marilyn of OurVictorianHome
and Jann of ForEverJann
to receive the "Kreativ Blogger Award"
What a lovely honor this is..
Thanks so much, you have touched my heart!
*******************************

Here are the award rules:
List 7 things that you "Love,"and then pass this award on to
7 Bloggers that you love!Be sure to tag them,
and let them know they have won!
You can copy the picture of the award and place on your sideboard
Letting the whole world know.....you are KREATIV!

Seven things I love...
1. I Love Love Love my Grandkids Bella & Sam!
2. I love my blog & other sweet friends
3. I love to sew & make all kinds of stuff
4. I love to shop flea markets & thrifts shops
5. I love to decorate my sHabby coTTage
6. I love designing banners!
7. I love to sit outside & watch the little guy next door play
This was not an easy task.. there are so many Kreativ bloggers..

The 7 people I pick are :
Carole http://a-bohemian-market.typepad.com/my_weblog/
Mary http://devondesigns-mary.blogspot.com/
Niki http://nostalgiaatthestonehouse.blogspot.com/
Betty http://shessewpretty.typepad.com/
Carol Anne http://carolannesboutique.blogspot.com/
Becky http://sweetcottagedreams.blogspot.com/
Rebecca http://rebecca-gatheryeroses.blogspot.com/
Check out these Kreativ Gals..
Have fun! ~Mary~:-}

~Such beautiful advice~

An Angel says

"Never borrow from the future.

If you worry about what may happen tomorrow

and it doesn't happen,

you have worried in vain.

Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice."

***

Such beautiful advice

sent to me by my friend Debbie

Thanks I needed this :-}

***

1. Pray

2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19 Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good 'Thank you Jesus .'
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33 Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.
GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.

~Happy Pink Saturday!~

Happy Pink Saturday!

Hosted by Beverly from How Sweet the Sound..

Today I'm showing off my bed..

I love my hand painted pink rose headboard..

Found it on eBay.. it's a favorite of mine!

I wanted to add more but I didn't wake up until 8:00Am

now I'm running late for a day of thrifting with my daughter!

Hope you all have a beautiful day.

Hugs ~Mary~ :-}

~What's your brain gender?~

Let's have some fun..

Tell me

what your brain gender is.

Take this test.

What Gender Is Your Brain?

My Brain is 67% Female, 33% Male
Your brain leans female

You think with your heart,

not your head Sweet and considerate,

you are a giver

But you're tough enough not to let anyone take advantage of you!
What Gender Is Your Brain?
******************

~Thanks Angie for my Spring Where Women Create~

Many thanks to my friend

Angie from A Slipcover Diva

for sending me

the Spring "Where Women Create" book.

What a lovely surprise it was to receive this.

God bless you Angie for your kindness!

I've been so blessed with the very best blogging friends..

I'm truly such a lucky Gal..

Thank you!

~Happy Pink Saturday & Valentines Day!~

A few Valentine's I've made

2 door greeters I made for friends

I used antique cutter quilts

vintage family photos

Heart made for me

by my sweet friend Amy

FourSistersInACottage

A pin cushion I made from vintage fabric

Sweet heart I made from vintage pillowcase fabric

I made the large above heart using vintage crochet trim

the small from matlelasse

Here are just a few of my Vintage hearts..

Hope you enjoy your Pink Saturday

hosted by Beverly

Happy Valentines Day!

~My new Raggedy Ann doll~

I designed & made a new Raggedy Ann pattern & doll.

She has a round head, eye lids, & lashes.

I used some old 40s cotton fabric for her dress..

She's a bit different but I like her.

She was great fun to make..

What do you think?

~Prayers are needed for tiny baby Aaron~

PLEASE pray for tiny baby Aaron

he's Joyce from The Secret Gardeners nephew..

Please stop by Joyce's blog to read more about this precious little guy..

Thank you!!

~Faith-Amore lovely blog to visit~

Here's a lovely blog to visit..

Faith-Amore

The bloggers name's Heth stop on by and say hello..

Welcome Heth!

~Pink Saturday~my Sourthen Belle pillowcases~

Welcome to Pink Saturday hosted by Beverly.

Today I'm showing off my pink Southern Belle pillowcases..

I've hand embroider them.

I found the unfinished pillowcases at a thrift shop for $2.00.

How I love to embroider!

My Italian Grandmother Lena taught me how to embroider

when I was 8 years old, it's stuck with me all these years.

Happy Pink Saturday!

~Mary~

~Happy Birthday to Amy! ~

Today is Amy of FourSistersInACottage birthday..

Happy Birthday Amy!

Let's all wish her a very happy day

Tuesday Feb 10 she will be having surgery.

~Please keep Amy in your thoughts and prayers~

~Prayers needed for a dear blogging friend of ours~

One of our dear blogging friends Becky of SweetCottageDreams

oldest son has passed away.

Please keep Becky, her husband & youngest son in your prayers..

How my heart goes out to them.

Sadly I know the pain of suddenly loosing a child.

Please stop by her blog.

Becky's well loved by many in our blogging community..

~Trash to Treasure?~

I'm calling this "trash to treasure?"..

These 3 old wood oak drawers were going to be trash..

I rescued them.

Took off the solid brass handles, sanded them clean.

Painted the drawers white in & out.

Added 4 rollers to the bottom drawer.

Lined them with wallpaper.

Added brass name plates

and stacked them together.

I now use them to hold stuff!

~Amy FourSistersInACottage needs support~

Hello Gals...

Please stop by Amy FourSistersInACottage blog

she could use a bit of support..

Thanks!

~The making of "Moody Mary" rag doll~

Yesterday I drew up a pattern for my "Moody Mary" rag doll
Today I made her...

I love cloth Rag dolls.. Annie's are my favorite..

She looks like how I've felt the last few days..... Moody.

That's why the name & no smile.

~Pink Saturday, I LOVE ticking fabric!~Here's what I've made~

2 emery pin cushions

This child chair slipcover reminds me

of a little girls dress.. so sweet!

Baby blanket

Doll made from Antique quilt,

Ironing board cover,

Child chair slipcover,

Tote bag

I recover this small rocking chair using vintage Chenille

another of my favorite things to work with.
The sling bag was made with vintage ticking & barkcloth..

Pillowcases and vintage down comforter

Miss Anne Rose

Welcome to Pink Saturday

Thank you Beverly for being our host.

****

How I LOVE pink ticking fabric both new & vintage!

Here are just a few things I've made using ticking fabrics..
~Mary~

~Pink Saturday banner give-a-way Winner~

The winner of my Pink Saturday banner Give-a-Way is

Kat Collects

Congratulations! Hope you enjoy your banner.

~Snow & more snow here in Ohio~

My snowy cottage..

I shoveled a path to the street..

Snow down the street

Snow up the street
........
Lots of snow in Ohio today
I'm grateful to have power
and a snow shovel LOL...
Hope I can get to work tonight!
Hey how's your weather?

~3 Awards from blog friends!~

Oh So Vintage award

Thanks! Sharon Kay from Amelia Rose Cottage

Kreativ Blogger award
Thanks! Pat from The Urban Chic

Sisterhood award
Thanks! Stephanie from Angelic Accents
*****

How kind of these blogger friends to honored me
with these 3 lovely awards..
Thanks so very much!

~WINNER of my Valentine Banner Give-a-Way~

Congratulations goes to Darcy of Darcy's Knotty Knitter

for winning my Valentine Banner Give-A-Way.

To make it easy & fair

I used Truly Random Number Generator to pick the winner.

~Pink Saturday~BANNER Give-a-Way~

Welcome to Pink Saturday!

Would you like a chance to win my above

"one of a kind custom designed"

Pink Saturday banner to add to your blog?

If so leave me a comment on this post.

On Friday Jan 30 I will pick a winner.

Your blog name will be added to the banner

instead of the text "Pink Saturday blog banner give-a-way"

and sent to you in an email.

If you'd like to see my other banners click blog banners

Thanks to Beverly for hosing Pink Saturday!

Hope you have a lovely Pink Saturday ~Mary~

~Valentine banner Give-A-Way~

It's time for another of my blog banner Give-A-Ways..

If you'd like a chance to win the above Valentine banner

please leave me a comment on this post.

On Sunday January 25 I'll pick a winner.

Add this post to your blog & let me know

you'll then get another chance at winning..

Please leave a way I can get in touch with you

if you are the winner.

Thanks so much!

~My "Pink Saturday" is for Deena~

This is my first "Pink Saturday"

...I thought I'd join in on the fun.

Thanks Beverly for hosing this fun weekly event!

Today I dedicate my "Pink Saturday" to my friend Deena who's fighting cancer..

the above banner is one I made a while back for her.

This sweet Gal has had a very hard time of it

through all her surgeries, chemo, radiation,

she's put on a smile and has shown us all such courage and love!

So too all who see this post PLEASE

stop by Deena's blog "Can I be Pretty in Pink?" to say hello

& also say a pray for this wonderful Gal..

Yes Deena you are pretty in Pink and we love you!

~Pray for Deena~

Our dear sweet friend Deena

from "Can I be Pretty in Pink?" is not feeling well

and in need of our prayers.

She has no appetite & needs to eat..

PLEASE stop and say a prayer for Deena.

This dear lady has gone through so much..

she truly is such a sweetheart!

Will you please pass this on to everyone you know

tell them to pray for Deena.

Thank you!

"God please help Deena's appetite return"

~More cold weather~

OHIO weather forecast
January 16, 2009
Snow Showers
-10 ° feels like -29 °
8 High -2 Low
Precipitation 10 %
Relative Humidity 66%
Barometer 30.50atm
Dew Point -17
Visibility 9.00 Miles
UV Index 0 Low
Wind Speed SW 13 mph
Today
Generally cloudy. Very cold. Wind chills may approach -25F. High 8F.
Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph.Sunrise: 7:48 am Sunset: 5:23 pm

-19 degrees here in Ohio Brrrrr...how cold is it at your house?

Brrrrrrrrrrrr it's so cold here in Ohio.

I just walked to the bank about 1/2 city block away

oh my gosh it's so cold out there!!!

The radio says it's -19 with the wind chill..

HOW COLD IS IT AT YOUR HOUSE???

*****

Poem
Age and Cold

There is a combination which I have found to be a chilling pair.
It’s the wrinkled and tattered skin of mine and this cold arctic air.

My joints are sore already so they do not need the chill.
To say the least my aching knuckles are not a real great thrill.

Oh for the days when a snowball fight was considered a really fun game.
These days I will stay inside by a roaring fire if it’s all the same.

I look forward to the days when the kids come for a visit.
I can hint how wondrous the fire would be and maybe they will build it.

Either way I prefer the warmth these days as do my fingers and my toes.
Whenever it’s cold and snows.

~my handmade photo bag~

I used my favorite photo of my Grandchildren

and vintage fabrics, trim, buttons

to made this small sling bag..

I love this photo of Bella & Sam

Many of you know how I enjoy showing off

of my grandchildren "the loves of my life".

When I've needed a large tote in the past I used this one

with photos of Bella & Sam..

It needed to be retired so I

made the small one.

***

~Noblesse Oblige Award~

I'd like to thank Jackie for giving me this delightful award.

Bless you darling!

I'm very honored to receive this award but not sure I am deserving of it..

"Noblesse Oblige Award"

The Blogger manifests :

* Exemplary attitude, respecting the nuances that pervades amongst different cultures and beliefs.
*The Blog contents inspire; strives to encourage and offers solutions.
*There is a clear purpose at the Blog; one that fosters a better understanding on Social,
*Political, Economic, the Arts, Culture and Sciences and Beliefs.
*The Blog is refreshing and creative.
*The Blogger promotes friendship and positive thinking.

The Blogger who receives this award will need to perform the following steps:
1. Create a Post with a mention and link to the person who presented the Noblesse Oblige Award.
2. The Award Conditions must be displayed at the Post.
3. Write a short article about what the Blog has thus far achieved – preferably citing one or older Post to support.
4. The Blogger must present the Noblesse Oblige Award in concurrence with the Award conditions.
5. The Blogger must display the Award at any location at the Blog.
So without further adieu and in the hopes that these bloggers will pass the award on to others,

I present this award in to:
Laura Catholic Teacher Musings

Lorie Encouragement From My Heart

Joyce The Secret Gardener

Jackie Valentine Hearts

Ladies enjoy the award and please pass it on to others who fit the criteria.

Thank you ~Mary~

~Spiritual Sunday~

Spiritual Sunday

~Lot's of snow in Ohio~

Hello sweet friend come on in & get out of the snow...

sit down

& have a cup of hot tea &

a piece of pineapple orange cake with me.. it's yummy!

let's chat & look out my studio window to watch the falling snow..

not much else to do right now

and here's the view out my studio door

and a view out my (opened) studio window..
well Gals I wish you a Saturday filled with sunshine & smiles!
****
This is Ohio...

~My soldered charms~

My try at making more soldered charms..

Hopefully someday I'll get better at this.

they are fun to make..

Ms. Bella shows off some of my charms & jewelry

*******

~My smile is back :-} Thanks to Carole!~

Look what came in the mail for me today! Yippee!

The book Where Women Create

It's the book I've been wanting since 2006.

I even asked Santa for it, but he must have forgot.

Well Carole from a Bohemian Market had it sent to me..

Thanks so much Carole!

I can't wait to sit down with a cup of tea and check it out...

Can you see me smiling! Well I am :-}

Here's where I create.

Some things have changed since these photos.

My studio is in need of a clean up & de-cluttering.

Maybe this book will give me the push I need to get busy.

a few of my buttons

My smallest sewing machine..

My old chair, it broke a few weeks ago...
I have another now I need to make a slip cover for it...

My love seat is gone..
I gave it to a friend who needed it more then I did.


I painted this book shelf white & moved it into my living room
I have another in it's place.

The barkcloth pocket storage I made,

it comes in handy.

my sink.. great to have one in my studio.

Cupboards need to be painted white..

thats on my list of things to do

"friends" banner made by yet another of my sweet friends

Mary from the blog Crash n Smash..

Thanks again......Mary

~Happy 2009~

A bit of silliness..

My side studio window faces my sweet neighbors home..

They are smokers, but do not smoke in their house..

Bless them for that!

they come out their side door to smoke (rain, shine, freezing cold )

and stand and look toward my cottage..

These dear neighbors are having a very hard time of it..

a few weeks ago I started leaving them little signs in my window..

signs that read

"82 day till spring" on a cold snowy day

"have fun at work".

"enjoy your day"

"a smiley face" with a tongue sticking out.

or

"I love you guys!"

They say how they now look forward to my little signs..

So to you my friends I'd like to wish you a

Happy 2009..

~Please pass this "Smile award" around~~

Weeks ago I designed this little "Smile award" button. My plan was to give it to you Guys & Gals in blog land who make me smile..There are so many. Now instead I just want you to take this "Smile award" & pass it around. Give it to blogs that make you smile, Guys or Gals who make you smile.. whatever whoever.

I myself could use a smile.. my seasonal depression is starting to set in. I have fought hard for weeks now determined that it would not over take me (again) this year..I thought I was doing OK but I guess not. Yesterday the tears started, today I just can't turn them off..as I type they are streaming down my face. I am so upset with myself! Sorry..

I've been visiting your blogs reading such sad upsetting things and I take it all to heart.. deaths, illnesses, job loss, the sadness goes on & on.. how my heart goes out to all of you with such problems. I wish there was something I could do to make things better.

OK enough said.. My sweet neighbor stopped over and invited me to "movie night" at their house tonight. God bless them!

So hugs to you my sweet blogging friends. I wish you all a new year filled with many smiles.

~Artful Blogging~

My sweet Daughter Michele got me this FABULOUS book for Christmas

It's called Artful Blogging

Both Michele & Carole of a Bohemian Market

told me about this book but I'd not seen it..

Well I was so thrilled to receive it for Christmas.

I'm VERY impressed with it!

So all you artsy blogging Gals out there

you have got to check it out!

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas..

I sure did :-}

~My Christmas Blessings~

These are my Christmas Blessings..

Isabella 12 & Samuel 8

"They are the loves of this Grammie's life!"

Wishing you all a very blessed & Merry Christmas

~Mary~

~Yesterday a day of blessings~

Beautiful gifts from my "cyber Son" Rob & his family..

Found this huge box at my door yesterday

after coming from the movies with my Grandchildren Isabella & Samuel..

went to get warm & to see the movie Beverly Hills Chihuahua

The box was from a long time eBay customer & friend of mine Rob

This sweet guy has never missed my birthday, Mothers day, Christmas!

God bless you Rob you are so thoughtful.

He's like the son I never had & wished I did.

It's amazing how such dear people come into your life.

He lives in Massachusetts & has been without power for days!

He has a sweet wife Cathy & 4 beautiful children..

Rob if you read this I love all the gifts you picked out for me..

you have great taste!

Thanks so much.. I sure hope your heat is back on too.

Also I received the above card

with a welcome gift inside from my friend Carole.

Thanks so much Carole you are so kind to me!

Carole has a new blog please stop by & visit.

Many of you already know this fun Gal!

a Bohemian Market
So my cottage is now warm again 62 degrees.. Yippee!
I know that's a bit cool to some of you
but I must keep heating cost down..
So with a smile on my face
I thank God for my warm cottage, and for kind friends
like Rob & Carole
I truly am so very blessed!
Hugs, much love & Merry Christmas to all of you!
~Mary~