jackie's blog

Candy's Story

2011-12-05T21:45:00.001-06:00

On December 23, 2010, my two brothers and sisters-in-law presented me with a precious female Maltese puppy - she was 3 months old and just adorable!! A month prior to this, my 13-year old Maltese, Mali, had died and I was still in a state of extreme grief. How wonderful to have a new fur-baby to love and pamper!! My family and I brainstormed trying to find the perfect name for this wonderful Christmas gift and my niece Brandi suggested Candy Cane - that was it - it was just right for this little sweet bundle of joy!!

A few days after Christmas, Candy and I headed for my Dad's beach house in Panama City, Florida. It was meant to be a short stay but we ended up staying for eleven months. We returned home on Thanksgiving Day for our family get-together. On the 5 hour drive home, Candy mangaged to chew through her leash (I had her in a harness with her leash attached and secured to the car's seatbelt.) When we arrived home, Candy managed to jump from the car - she stayed within my eyesight and did her business but refused to come as I called her. I went inside to prepare my food for Thanksgiving - Candy stayed downstairs and I opened the door so that she could come up the stairs. I could hear her on the stairs so I knew she was okay. However, one and a half hours later, Candy suddenly went up into the backyard chasing something - there are many deer that come into our yard so I am almost certain that is what she was pursuing. My brother Charlie went up into the woods calling her over and over - it was already dark and he did not see her or hear her. All night we looked and called. I was so distraught and sad and afraid!! Because Candy had only had a week here before we left, she was unfamiliar with the area which made me even more anxious and upset! The next day I made flyers and my sisters-in-law, Debbie and Teresa, distributed them all around the neighborhood. My friend Jo Ann posted ads online and I posted one on Craigslist and the local Humane Society. Family and neighbors searched and called and of course we all drove around the neighborhood calling and whistling for Candy. We live in a "gated" neighborhood but we have lots of woods behind our home. I sent an email to all of the neighbors asking them to be on the lookout for my baby. On Sunday, a neighbor couple that I had never met searched the woods for a long time in the rain. Still no signs of her! All of these days that went by were so devastating to me - I cried more tears than I knew I had! I prayed and asked for prayers from everyone I knew. By Tuesday there was still no word or signs of Candy so my Aunt Sue and I left to go back to the beach house to do some chores and packing and close everything up. We all thought the trip would help keep my mind off of Candy. Each day I never let my faith waiver - I continued to pray and always felt in my heart that my baby would be found - safe and sound! On Friday, my aunt received a cell phone call from our Lakeview Estates neighbor who lives across the street from us - and before she answered the phone I just KNEW that it was about Candy!! And it was!! The neighbors who had searched for Candy on Sunday in the woods were across the street (trying to find my dad and I who were both out of town!) WITH a cold, shivering, dirty, skinny little pup - still wearing her pink sparkly collar and pink harness/vest! The neighbor, Adam, had been driving down John's Road and saw a little dirty white pup sitting on the side of the road - he knew immediately that it was my Candy! He pulled over, called her name, and walked toward her but she took off and was not trusting anyone! He ended up chasing her for about half a mile - he finally got close enough and threw his jacket over her and grabbed her up and drove her to our house and then took her across the street. I have so much gratitude for Adam and his wife - I will never be able to repay them for rescuing my baby!! Since I was still out of town, my brother Charlie went to the neighbor's house and took Candy back to his home. My nephew Brannon and sister-in-law Teresa found an infected place under her arm where a thorn had embedded itself. They performed "surgery" and removed the painful sticker. Brannon bathed her and they fed and watered her and cuddled and loved her. The next day they took her to the vet (my dad and I were on our way back home, of course!) The vet examined her and found that she had a scratched cornea, she weighed a whopping 5 pounds, but was not dehydrated and otherwise okay. I can't describe the relief and joy and appreciation that I had when I stopped at my brother's to be reunited with my baby!! When Teresa, put her into my arms, I cried tears of joy!! Her wagging tail and kisses of love made me the happiest girl in the world!! That baby had apparently been fending for herself out in the woods for 8 nights!! What a miracle!! What a positive outcome to show that prayer really does work!! Candy has been a bit lethargic and has had some tummy problems since she got back home but she is the same little loving, snuggling, adorable pup! Oh how I would love to know just what adventures and frightening things the poor little thing experienced!! The vet said there was no telling what she ate to keep herself alive!

I have viewed the aerial photo of the area - I wish I could estimate just how many miles my little one traveled before she ended up on John's Road which has a lot of traffic.

The important thing is that she is now safe and sound - thanks to the thoughtfulness and concern of friends and neighbors who never quit praying, looking and caring!! As for my neighbor Adam, we will visit with him soon and he will be rewarded for his heroic deed!!

Still Cancer Free after 4 Years!

2011-06-27T23:15:00.000-05:00

How very blessed I am! Four years ago today I had surgery to remove my cancerous female organs and as of today, I am still cancer-free!
I feel joy and gratitude as I reach this milestone!
On my first year of being cancer-free, I wrote the following blog post:
http://jackiesmithblog.blogspot.com/2008/06/im-cancer-free-one-year-today.html

Not much to add to that but to say that each day I am thankful for my life, my family, my friends, my doctors, my puppy and all of my life experiences!
I am truly blessed!

Happy Father's Day to my wonderful Dad!

2011-06-19T17:03:00.000-05:00

I could never find the words to express my love and appreciation for my wonderful daddy! I am so very blessed!
He will turn 86 this August yet he still works daily at the company that he founded (S&W Minicomputers, Inc.)
Of course he has health challenges but he's still going strong!
I love you and appreciate you Daddy!!!

Bookworms

2011-05-16T23:30:00.001-05:00

My niece Brandi is the Reading Coach at Oak Grove Elementary School in Alabama (and I am SO very proud of her!!)
I saw this cute idea on my newest "hangout" place, Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/ and specifically from this great site: http://sweetserendipity23.blogspot.com/2011/03/reading-treats.html - thank you JULIA at Sweet Serendipity) and I thought I'd whip some up for Brandi to reward reading students at her school.

Since I am such a procrastinator, I was very pleased with myself that I made them this morning and mailed them the same day! I hope she likes them!

Inchie Monday 01/24/11

2011-01-24T06:08:00.000-06:00

Inchie Number Four. Today's word is "maudlin" -
Main Entry: maudlin
Part of Speech: adjective
Definition: teary, overemotional
Synonyms: bathetic, befuddled, confused, cornball, drippy, gushing, insipid, lachrymose, mawkish, mushy, romantic, schmaltzy, sentimental, slush, soap, soapy, soppy, syrupy, tear-jerking, tearful, weak, weepy Antonyms: calm, matter-of-fact, unimaginative

Metal Alphabet Stamp Giveaway

2011-01-22T17:09:00.000-06:00

Check out the free giveaway!

Click on the link below:
Lori

Inchie Monday 01/17/11

2011-01-17T13:40:00.000-06:00

I have always loved the art of Mary Cassatt - she captured the nurturing love and caring of mother and child in many of her paintings. This is "Mother and Child 1897" - I added a background paper and light blue lace - then the image and the word "Caring". It's unfortunate that my scanner causes a blurriness that does not appear on the original.

1.11.11

2011-01-11T23:26:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to have an entry before the day ends because I like to type this date!

The Littles love helping Mommie in the kitchen!

Inchie 01/10/11

2011-01-10T18:13:00.000-06:00

This week's Inchie word is "Powerful" - what came to my mind immediately were the heart and the brain - two very powerful organs in our amazing bodies.

Inchie #1 "Eclectic"

2011-01-06T06:04:00.000-06:00

As I mentioned in this earlier blog post Inchie Art for 2011 everyone is invited to participate. This is my first attempt in working so small. The scan is terribly blurry - can't find my camera but I'm not sure I can get a better image since this 1 inch square is so tiny.

I hope anyone who is interested will join in the fun!

Every Inchie Monday

On the Third Day of Christmas . . .

2010-12-15T09:22:00.001-06:00

Today's delightful page was from Jeanene - beautiful background page with a green glittery layered bow attached to a textured piece of red wood-like piece. Just lovely!

Well - how surprised I was to find out from another recipient of Jeanene's lovely page that IT OPENS UP to reveal the 3 French Hens! They are all sparkly and pretty and hiding behind the green bow!

Thanks again Jeanene - this is so clever and I love it!

On the Second Day of Christmas . . .

2010-12-14T08:42:00.000-06:00

Day 2 is from Jan LaFollette - a delightfully wrapping featuring 2 Turtle Doves on a birdcage, framed and attached to a piece of sheet music and inserted into a cello bag. What a delightful page was tucked inside!!

A white background, a painted bingo board, handpainted paper - all layered with 2 birds - the first is cut from tea-dyed muslin with a sweet woven wing, cheesecloth tail and covered with netting. The second bird is cut from batting and has a silver edging, a polka-dot fabric tail, a rhinestone eye, and adorable little feet/legs made from flower pistils. There is a wooden bingo marker stamped with a 2 to complete the adorable collage - I LOVE it!

On the First Day of Christmas . . .

2010-12-14T07:15:00.000-06:00

Okay, I was under the weather on "The First Day of Christmas" (December 13) so I am a day late in opening my first 5x5 page - it is from Corinne http://www.glitz-oh.com/ and was wrapped in lovely white and gold (angel) tissue paper and some cool tape and a lovely Santa tag (forgot to take a photo before I ripped it open!) Inside was a gorgeous Partridge in a Pear Tree piece! It appears that Corinne created a beautiful digital collage and printed it on a transparency and attached it to painted paper. I just LOVE it!
(The top photo shows all 12 packages. This is going to be fun!!)

Twelve Days of Christmas 5x5 Page Swap

2010-12-14T06:40:00.000-06:00

One of my Yahoo groups is involved in a swap featuring the 12 Days of Christmas - 12 of us were to choose a number from 1 through 12 and represent that number (and day - from the song) by creating 12 - 5"x5" pages. We were to wrap each page so that everyone would have a surprise when the specified day arrived.

I chose Day 11 - Eleven Pipers Piping. I cannot show the pages that I created until later but here are photos of what mine looked like before I mailed them off to the hostess, Elizabeth .

I was delighted to find panels of fabric at fabric.com that featured the Twelve Days of Christmas. I cut out the panels, one for each day, and then sewed a coordinating fabric to the back. I then stamped cotton twill with each person's name and sewed to the fabric "bag". I enclosed my 5x5 page into each one (I coordinated the DAY that each person had with the number on their bag - this will give them a little storage pouch for their pages until they bind them) and then stitched them closed with a long (easy to open, I hope!) stitch. Clicking on the photo will enlarge it so the names are visible. On a very sad note, Gina Wise was one of the participants and she suddenly died a few weeks ago - this saddened all of us greatly! It will be an extra special day when we open the package from dear Gina!

Free Images for your Art Projects

2010-12-14T04:13:00.000-06:00

Lisa Vollrath is featuring another Countdown to Christmas - free images for your art!

Fifth Annual Countdown from Lisa Vollrath

Inchie Art for 2011

2010-12-12T22:04:00.000-06:00

I am looking forward to 2011 and the art projects that I will be participating in. One has been started by my friend Kris and I think it will be lots of fun! Each Monday we will create one tiny piece of art - one inch square! Now surely I can handle this! I guess I should buy me one of those magnifying lights for Christmas since my eyes are getting old! Everyone is invited to join in on this fun project! Check it out!Every Inchie Monday

A Year Later . . .

2010-12-12T21:57:00.000-06:00

I cannot believe an entire year has flown by since my last post!!

For the past 11 months I have been at the beach - oh how I love it here!!

But the past few weeks have been very hard - my precious furbaby Mali passed away on November 22. I miss that sweet little thing SO much!! She was 13.5 years old and she lived a pampered, happy life and was such good company for me and gave me so much unconditional love. May she rest in peace and love.

Mali's little funeral service was held while the family was all here for Thanksgiving. It certainly helped to have my loved ones with me shortly after Mali's death.

I miss you Mali!

Creative Gift Wrapping Ideas

2009-12-16T03:06:00.000-06:00

Laurie at TipJunkie.com has shared some great gift wrapping ideas! Check them out:
Beautiful-gift-wrapping-ideas

Free Christmas eBook Downloads!

2009-12-15T05:40:00.000-06:00

I love these free eBooks from Fave Crafts and Recipe Lion!

Kids-Holiday-Crafts/Santas-Guide-to-Easy-Christmas-Crafts-for-Kids

Christmas-Recipes/50-Favorite-Christmas-Cookies-Recipes-Free-eCookbook

Christmas-Recipes/Mason-Jar-Recipes-34-Holiday-Ideas-for-Gifts-in-a-Jar

Quick and Easy Christmas Crafts

Free Christmas Images from Lisa Vollrath

2009-12-10T22:31:00.000-06:00

I always enjoy the wonderful free images that Lisa Vollrath shares:

http://countdown.tentwostudios.com/

Wonderful Family Thanksgiving!!

2009-12-02T00:56:00.004-06:00

It just doesn't get any better than this! Most of our family was together here at Panama City Beach, FL, at Daddy's beach house for our Thanksgiving celebration on the Saturday after Turkey Day. Daddy smoked turkeys and ham, Teresa made Mother's wonderful Cornbread Dressing and
Gravy and Pecan Pie, I made my Green Rice Casserole and Stuffed Celery and Hot Apple Cider , Debbie made Sweet Potato Casserole, Bobby's Slaw, and Corn Casserole. Nicole made Hash Brown Casserole and Brent did the Crescent Rolls. Brandi fixed Green Beans. Brannon made a wonderful Pumpkin Trifle. As usual, Bobby sliced all of the meat. Charlie, Bobby and the kids set up the tables and chairs on the deck. We followed our usual tradition of giving each other Christmas tree ornaments/gifties. Then Daddy presented each of us with VERY generous monetary gifts after we ate, a tradition he and Mother started many years ago. The weather was beautiful, the love was all around, and the day was perfect!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2009-11-25T21:56:00.004-06:00

I really enjoy Christine Kane's music and writings. I like what she writes about gratitude - I thought I would share her article:

Why Gratitude Makes You Happy and Wealthy
by Christine Kane

Gratitude is more than being thankful one day a year. Gratitude is a practice. For some, it's a way of life.

Why do some people swear by the practice of gratitude? Why do these people have joy-filled and abundant lives?

In other words, why does gratitude make you happy and wealthy?

• Because gratitude is about presence.

It's about waking up in this moment and being here - really being here - and noticing what's around you. Most people are so busy thinking about the next thing, or about their horrid past, that they don't wake up and look around at their present moment - the only moment there is.

• Because gratitude is about honoring YOUR precious life.

Do you ever compare your life with someone else's? Do you ever wish your life were better and more like [insert famous person's name here]? Sometimes we can lose ourselves in wondering how we "measure up" to some standard set by our families or by the media. Comparison is the mind killer. The antidote is gratitude.

Gratitude requires that you validate your own life. (And you really don't have any other life, do
you?) It forces you to say YES to the gift that is you. The choices you've made and the changes you've gone through - they have brought you here. Even if here is a place that needs a little adjustment, that's okay. There are always gifts in any present moment.

• Because gratitude is about attracting.

It's difficult to attract abundance and joy if you are constantly saying "no" to what IS. You say "no" each time you focus on the future or past, or when you criticize something that is in your present moment.

Attraction is about saying Yes. When you say Yes, you shift.

Gratitude says, "Yes, I love this!" And then more of this is attracted, because the this is what you're focusing on.

• Because gratitude is about choice.

How you translate any situation is the situation. What you choose to see is the truth (for you).

This isn't proposing that you live in denial or phoniness. It's reminding you that your translation of any life situation is your choice. We've all heard stories of people who have ignored others' translations of their talent, their projects, their art, their looks, their lives. These people chose their own translations and succeeded. You always have a choice when it comes to how you look at things. Choose to choose gratitude.

• Because gratitude is about wisdom.

I think people believe they're being smart if they criticize, complain, and focus on the problems of the world around them.

Smart? Maybe.

Clever? Sure.

But not wise.

It is wise to look for and find the knowing place in your heart. It is wise to choose joy. It is wise to honor your riches. It is wise to focus on and grow the blessings of your life.

• Because gratitude is about recognition.

Use your power of focus to hone in on beauty and on what makes your heart sing. Recognize the spirit in your life. It's all around you waiting to be noticed. In the words of Franz Kafka, "It will roll in ecstasy at your feet."

• Because gratitude is about receptivity.

Gratitude makes you receptive. It makes you a vessel, waiting to be filled.

I carry a tiny notebook with me everywhere I go. In it, I write down song ideas. I write down quotes I hear. I write down ideas for stage stories. As I do that, I become more receptive, and more ideas and songs come to me. It's a tool that says to my subconscious, "Send more my way!" And the subconscious always responds.

Gratitude is the same way. It says, "I am receptive! Send more!" And more arrives.

• Because gratitude is about creativity.

Creativity is really all about attention. (So is genius.)

When I write a song, I build a relationship with that song. I spend time with it. I get to know it. I pay attention to it. Artists do the same thing with drawings. They spend time in rapt attention, and the drawing is born.

Gratitude is how we Live Creative. It is a creative act to notice and pay attention to the moments of your life. Some days it's an enormous act of creativity to find things for which to be thankful.

Start today.

And have a Thanksgiving of presence, creativity, and gratitude!

Performer, songwriter, and creativity consultant Christine Kane publishes her 'LiveCreative' weekly ezine with more than 8,000 subscribers. If you want to be the artist of your life and create authentic and lasting success, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to LiveCreative at www.christinekane.com

Free Thanksgiving Recipe eBook

2009-11-17T07:22:00.004-06:00

From RecipeLion: a Free Recipe eBook for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Crafts

2009-11-16T04:23:00.004-06:00

Free Thanksgiving Crafts eBook to download

Thank a Vet!!

2009-11-10T22:52:00.003-06:00

We owe our Veterans so much - let's show our gratitude!!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T16:05:00.009-05:00

Wow! The day got here so quickly! I had a few things more things that I wanted to share even though they are probably too late for this Halloween. Wishing everyone a fun Halloween!!

Last Minute Quick Stuff from Swell Designer.

Martha's Stuffed Skeleton

Crafty Chica's Stuffed Skeleton

Free Halloween Images

2009-10-25T16:02:00.004-05:00

Free Halloween Book to Download and Print

2009-10-25T15:54:00.003-05:00

Print this free ebook for Halloween fun and crafts!

Make your own Face Paint

2009-10-25T15:44:00.004-05:00

Make your own Face Paint:

Homemade Halloween Face Paint
By: Allrecipes Staff
Learn how to make face paint with edible items you probably already have!
Edible Makeup
Basic Foundation
· 10 teaspoons (3 Tablespoons + 1 tsp.) cornstarch
· 2 teaspoons white flour
· 5 teaspoons vegetable shortening
· 1/8 teaspoon food coloring or fresh juices
· 1/4 teaspoon glycerin (available at cake decorating and craft stores)
1. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and flour. Stir in vegetable shortening. Add any food coloring you would like. Stir in the glycerin; mixing until well combined.2. Use your fingers or a makeup sponge to apply face paint. Use small brushes or your fingertips for detailed designs.
Warts, Scabs and Road Rash
Basic Goop Recipe:
· 1 ounce gelatin (plain or flavored, depending on desired color)
· 2 tablespoons boiling water
· Mix-ins as needed: couscous, paprika, colored sugar
· 4 tablespoons corn syrup
In a small bowl or cup combine gelatin and water. Mix and let set 3 minutes. It's now time to begin experimenting with the gelatin. There are a variety of techniques that can be used to create special makeup effects:
· Warts, blisters, and general skin growths: Before the gelatin sets completely, make moles or blisters by dripping the liquid gelatin onto a ceramic plate and letting it set completely. When set, carefully peel the formations off of the plate. Stick them onto your child's body and face by using a drop of corn syrup as adhesive.
· Apply color to growths, make additional growths and make convincing-looking blood: Use a spoon, popsicle stick, or other makeup applicators (including your hands) to apply the partially-set gelatin to your child's body and face. The gelatin will drip or clot depending on the degree of set it has reached. If the gelatin sets before you're ready, reheat it briefly in the top of a double-boiler or in a microwave for approximately 10 seconds on high until it thins out and the process begins again. Use a spoon to drip semi-liquid red gelatin over scars, scabs or out of wounds. After 3 to 5 minutes, the gelatin will set in very realistic-looking drips. If the gelatin doesn't set, let it sit another minute and try again.
· Other gooey, slimy, stretchy effects: Let the gelatin set about 5 minutes. Stretch or grab gobs of the almost-set gelatin and string it or glop it as you desire. Attach to skin with corn syrup.
· Add texture to the makeup. Stirring in mix-ins adds texture to the effects. Sprinkling colored sugar into the unset gelatin will make grainy textured effects, while sprinkling couscous or paprika on top of the globs once they've begun to set will make some wounds look scabbed over.

More Fun Food

2009-10-24T05:59:00.008-05:00

Ghastly Grins from instructables.com

Candy Corn Sugar Cookies from Little Birdie Secrets

Moon Pie fun from SouthernLiving.com

More Halloween Stuff

2009-10-24T05:24:00.010-05:00

This isn't really a Halloween site but it's one of my favorite "creepy" sites. Make sure you hover your mouse over each graveyard image - some will make you jump! There are 4 seasons of beautiful, eerie cemetery photos here by Jonathan Clark! Click on the SEASON and then click on each cross to view each photo.

How about some Halloween Ghost Stories to get into the Halloween spirit?!

Fun Halloween Food and Drinks

2009-10-15T06:29:00.018-05:00

I have gathered several fun Halloween recipes and wanted to share them here. Also, there is a FREE ecookbook for you to download. Enjoy!

Caramel Apple Martini
By: Van Gogh Vodka

Don't you just love caramel apples? Halloween just wouldn't be the same without them. Now there's a delicious drink recipe that will take you back to your childhood - it captures the flavor of those yummy caramel apples, but is for adults only!

Serves 1
Ingredients
1 1/2 ounce apple cider or juice
1 1/2 ounce Van Gogh Wild Appel Vodka
1/2 ounce Van Gogh Dutch Caramel Vodka
1/2 ounce apple schnapps
caramel syrup
apple slice (round), seeds removed
Instructions
Glaze the inside of a chilled martini glass with caramel syrup and place glass in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
Strain into chilled glass glazed with caramel syrup.
Float a thinly sliced apple round (seeds removed) on top.

(I got this recipe from RecipeLion.com)

Creepy Stuffed Eggs
Decorate your favorite stuffed eggs with black olives that are cut to look like spiders:

Or here's another stuffed egg recipe. If you like deviled eggs, you'll love these deviled eyeballs. This is one of those fun Halloween recipe ideas that's easy to make, tastes great, and looks terrific on your Halloween food table. You can adjust the amounts as desired-- this is a very flexible recipe, and you can add pretty much whatever you like.

Ingredients:12 hard boiled eggs1/2 C. mayonnaise or Miracle Whip2 green onions, finely minced1 tsp. dried parsley flakes1/2 tsp. dry ground mustard1/4 tsp. salt1/4 tsp. paprika1/4 tsp. garlic powderblue food coloring, as neededred paste food coloring, as needed24 slices of black olivespimentos or fresh red peppers
Instructions: 1. Peel the hard boiled eggs and slice in half lengthwise. Scoop the yolks out into a medium bowl and reserve the whites until needed.
2. With the back of a fork, mash the yolks until smooth.
3. Add mayo, onions, parsley, mustard, salt, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well.
4. Add a few drops of blue food coloring to turn the yellow mixture a soft green.
5. Spoon green yolk mixture into the cavity in each white half, dividing evenly.
5. On top of each yolk filling, place one black olive slice. Add a small piece of pimento or red pepper for the pupil.
6. With a toothpick dipped in red food coloring paste, draw red veins on egg white's surface.
7. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Severed Bloody Fingers

Heat Lil' Smokie cocktail sausages in your favorite BBQ sauce. Remove and drain. Wrap each sausage with a strip cut from a flour tortilla (to resemble bandage). Cut a small niche out of the tip and fill with mustard. Serve on a plate drizzled with the BBQ sauce.

These Vampire Cookies look fun and tasty!

Halloween Altered Art Diva Tea Party!

2009-10-11T16:44:00.042-05:00

Some of my friends and I are having a Halloween "Altered Art Diva Tea Party". Please link to my friend Angela's blog here - there you will find her fantastic home decorations plus other fun stuff AND a list of the other Diva Bloggers participating in this fun Halloween Blog Party:
Angela's Blog

I hope to share all kinds of fun Halloween stuff between now and Halloween.

First, some fun decorated pumpkins!
I love this Vintage Pumpkin Tutorial by Jodi Reeves:

And this fun pumpkin "family" from Craftzine

Fun "Altered Pumpkins" from "Country Home" magazine a couple of years ago:

Some fun free paper dolls from Dover:

More on "Ties That Bind"

2009-07-08T05:36:00.005-05:00

This cause is SO VERY IMPORTANT!
Please visit my friends' blogs below and follow instructions on how to vote - each vote is important and voting deadline is JULY 23, 2009:

http://brain-bubbles.blogspot.com/

http://aileensmusings.blogspot.com/

Ties That Bind

2009-06-17T10:57:00.004-05:00

Many artists, some that I know quite well, created a beautiful Art Doll to be auctioned off in September to raise money for Ovarian Cancer research. Please visit the link and do what you can to help this very important cause:
http://www.scrapbookroyalty.com/tiesthatbind.html

National Drawing Day

2009-06-05T15:25:00.004-05:00

I was unaware of National Drawing Day until I read about it on Jessica's blog: http://web.me.com/jwesolek/cre8it/Blog/Blog.html
I hope everyone will dig out those colored pencils, markers, paints, pens, etc. and just DRAW something - even if it's just a stick figure! I will if you will!

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T12:25:00.007-05:00

NO, FREEDOM ISN'T FREE

I watched the flag pass by one day.

It fluttered in the breeze.

A young Marine saluted it,

And then he stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform

So young, so tall, so proud,

With hair cut square and eyes alert

He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him

Had fallen through the years.

How many died on foreign soil?

How many mothers' tears?

How many pilots' planes shot down?

How many died at sea?

How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?

No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of taps one night,

When everything was still

I listened to the bugler play

And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times

That taps had meant "Amen,"

When a flag had draped a coffin

Of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,

Of the mothers and the wives,

Of fathers, sons and husbands

With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard

At the bottom of the sea

Of unmarked graves in Arlington.

No, freedom isn't free.

Words to Taps
(Note: there are no "official" words to Taps
below are the most popular.)

Day is done,
gone the sun,
From the hills,
from the lake,
From the skies.
All is well,
safely rest,
God is nigh.
Go to sleep,
peaceful sleep,
May the soldier
or sailor,
God keep.
On the land
or the deep,
Safe in sleep.

Love, good night,
Must thou go,
When the day,
And the night
Need thee so?
All is well.
Speedeth all
To their rest.

Fades the light;
And afar
Goeth day,
And the stars
Shineth bright,
Fare thee well;
Day has gone,
Night is on.

Thanks and praise,
For our days,
'Neath the sun,
Neath the stars,
'Neath the sky,
As we go,
This we know,
God is nigh.

Tribute to My Mother

2009-04-23T19:04:00.005-05:00

Three years ago today my dear mother passed away. We all miss her so much!!! She was so beautiful, smart, loving, funny, talented, classy, and amazing!! She was a pro at cooking, designing, crafting, decorating, sewing, caregiving, building, mothering, grandmothering, wife-ing, sistering, daughtering and so much more. She taught each of us so much about life and love and handling disappointments and celebrating victories. We are so blessed that she gave so much of herself to each of us. We love and miss you so much, Mother!!

Heart Warming Video

2009-04-12T03:06:00.000-05:00

Another Tree Hugger

2009-03-22T11:07:00.006-05:00

This is my Little-Little (great niece) yesterday on a family outing. She hugs trees like I do - what a sweetie-pie!

Snow in Alabama!!

2009-03-01T11:51:00.006-06:00

It is SO rare to have snow here in the south but today we have about 2 inches on the ground - it is so beautiful!! These pictures are from my windows.

Free St. Patrick's Day Images

2009-03-01T06:32:00.003-06:00

Lisa Vollrath is once again offering free holiday images:

http://countdown.tentwostudios.com/

I Won Two OWOH Gifts!

2009-02-27T11:05:00.010-06:00

I am delighted to have won two different gifts from the One World One Heart event (http://oneworldoneheart.typepad.com/) The first one came from Nancy Donaldson (http://www.allpulpedout.blogspot.com/) It is beautiful! She also included a lovely handmade card. I truly appreciate her generosity and her amazing talent!

The second one came from Rob in Australia - http://creativspirit.blogspot.com/2009/01/one-world-one-heart.html - it is a lovely Friendship Flag Book. It is filled with quotes about friends and the mechanics of the little book are so cool!

I am blessed to be the recipient of these lovely gifts! Thank you Nancy! Thank you Rob! And thank you Lisa for creating this wonderful event - I've discovered much talent and made new friends as a result!

Wonderful Valentine's Day!

2009-02-15T00:18:00.014-06:00

I've had a bad week - but today everything got so much better!! First, I received a lovely box of chocolates from my daddy - he has given me a gift on every Valentine's Day that I can remember (except for one, when he and my mom were both very ill). Everything from stuffed animals (I still have most of them!) to jewelry to flowers to candy - I've always loved how special he makes me feel! He has always called me "Princess" so I was extra delighted to receive the Valentine card he gave me - so sweet!!
BTW, my dad is so sweet, thoughtful and generous - he also gives Valentine candy to each girl in my family and also to all the women who work for him - even remembering to buy sugar-free for the diabetic employee. He's such a sweetie!!
So the next wonderful thing: as I mentioned in an earlier post, a group of girls swapped Valentine boxes - today was the day we opened them and OH MY!! I had the most gorgeous box from Debi! She decorated the heart-shaped tin so beautifully - the colors are pastel and sparkly and lovely! And she filled it with so many fantastic goodies - things I will use in my altered art. I love each and every item! She also made a precious little album that she filled with lots and lots of vintage images. And she included a fun book called "Rear Ends"! The photos I took don't do the gifts justice, but I wanted to share anyway. I am so lucky - thanks again Debi!!

And then tonight some friends called and insisted that we go out to eat - their treat! So we had a delicious meal at the neighborhood barbecue place and then we had fun in Walmart - just a perfect ending to a wonderful day!! Thanks Tim and Linda!!

Free Valentine Images

2009-02-08T16:10:00.003-06:00

Lisa Vollrath is again offering free images in her Valentine Countdown - click on the title above to go there.

Valentine Box Swap

2009-02-08T15:29:00.005-06:00

My Diva group has a Valentine Box Swap going on. (I hope Jeri doesn't see this before Valentine's Day!) She said that she likes the colors pink, green and grungy white and she likes old spoons, old hankies, dragonflies and other things. I included 6 old spoons and 4 old hankies that I ordered from eBay. I also included lots of embellishments (charms, ribbons, paper lace, brads, shells, bamboo tiles, paper flowers, satin roses, etc.) to add to her art projects, a Valentine frame, candy, vanilla dusting powder, scrapbook papers, pink "Stickles", a small bag of printed images, and other stuff. My favorite thing was the necklace made from a plastic eyeglass lens - I found a photo of Jeri's mom on her blog and used it to insert in between the lenses. The final photos here show it better. I started with a tin like the one in the first photo (mine contained candy rather than cookies). After sanding and gessoing the top and bottom, I covered it with paper napkins then added embellishments. I hope she likes her box - I had fun putting it together!

IBC - Serious Health Info for Women

2009-02-04T19:27:00.002-06:00

Pregnancy Widget to Follow Nicole's Progress

2009-02-01T04:10:00.004-06:00

I was so happy to find this widget to add to my blog (and also glad that it was so simple add!) The little graphic to the right shows Nicole's progress and if you click on the box, there is lots of information. Since Nicole has been through this all before, she will undoubtedly remember most of it, but her family and friends can read along and understand more about what her body is going through. Pregnancy is such an amazing miracle!! Here is one of my favorite photos of Nicole's first pregnancy.

Valentine Mail Art Envelope 2008

2009-02-01T03:43:00.003-06:00

Photos of my Valentine envelope from last year - I just love how it turned out after everyone added their own thing!

56 Things You Can Toss Out Now

2009-01-14T08:21:00.004-06:00

My name is Jackie and I am a junk-a-holic! I cannot throw stuff away! I am a clutterbug! I collect way too much stuff! And my habits got worse when I discovered the world of Altered Art! I subscribe to Christine Kane's newsletter and blog (see below and right side-bar) and today's article really hit home! There are a few items that I don't agree with (I could NEVER get rid of my grandmother's doilies!) but she has some very good advice and I'd like to share it:

56 Things You Can Toss Out Now
by Christine Kane
We hold onto our stuff for two reasons: Love or fear. We either love things. Or we fear letting them go. We cherish them and know they have value to us. OR... We fear that we'll need them someday. We fear that we wasted our money on them. We fear what others will think if we let them go. We even fear making the decision to release our mistakes, so we don't make any decision at all. Instead we passively hold onto stuff out of guilt. Well, guess what? When you begin to make choices from a place of LOVE and EXPANSION, then your world will change. Love is the clearest reason to do anything. If you don't love it, toss it. Give it away. Your abundance and energy will increase when you begin to live by love, and not by fear. Here are 56 things you can toss out (or give away) right now...
1. All the hotel key cards you forgot to turn it when you checked out.
2. The doilies your Aunt Missy crocheted 45 years ago that got handed down to you.
3. CD's you haven't listened to in three years or more.
4. The boxes of cassettes you've been meaning to transfer to CD's.
5. The bread maker you haven't used since 2003.
6. Your wedding dress
NOTE: You can say you've been saving it for your daughter, but here are three signs that your daughter doesn't want to wear it: a] she's already married and wore her own dress, b] she's been roommates with a woman named Pat for nine years, or c] you don't have a daughter.
7. Credit card bills from 1995.
8. The Allen wrenches from every piece of IKEA furniture you ever assembled.
9. The jacket you spent way too much money on and never wore. NOTE: Keeping it around just to punish yourself for your bad choices is like going to parochial school all over again.
10. Every scratching post or toy your cat doesn't like. NOTE: Your cat didn't go to parochial school so there's no sense punishing him.
11. House plants you no longer love.
12. The stacks of O Magazine you swear you'll re-read.
13. Every little zippy bag that came with a Clinique purchase.
14. Every unopened perfume that came with a Clinique purchase.
15. Leftover scrunchies in case you grow your hair long again.
16. The "Cherries Jubilee" flavored lip balm that makes you nauseous.
17. Every single regretful lipstick color you bought on a whim. ("Cherries Jubilee" is probably there, too.)
18. Your last four cell phones and all their chargers and blue teeth.
19. Single socks.
20. The Spode Christmas plates and mugs you don't like. (Along with the Christmas bath towels and welcome mat.)
21. The framed posters you had in your college dorm room.
22. Old stereo wires.
NOTE: If your husband refuses to let go of any of these mysterious wires, try this: Put them (not him!) in a bin and label it "Random Cables and Wires." After two years, bring it out of storage and kindly note that no one has thought about it in two years. Ask if it would be okay to let go of half of them. Repeat process until all mysterious cables and wires are gone.
23. The nails, screws, anchors, and cup hooks rusting in the bottom of your tool chest.
24. Remote controls that don't remotely control anything you own.
25. Lamps, toasters, blenders, coffeemakers that no longer work.
26. The notion that you will ever be one of those moms that makes beautiful scrapbooks.
NOTE: Put your photos in boxes. No one will judge you.
27. Old blankets and linens you keep in case you suddenly have 27 sleepover guests.
28. College text books
29. Any boring decorative item that does little more than fill space.
30. Vases you don't love or use.
31. Candle holders you don't love or use.
32. Picture frames you don't love or use.
33. Class notes from college.
34. The idea that you have to save every piece of your children's artwork and school work because it might mean you don't love them if you don't.
35. The "good silver" you don't use that was passed down to you.
36. Old VHS movies
37. Unlabeled VHS tapes. (And don't waste your time watching them just in case.)
38. The stationary bike that got even more stationary after you got it.
39. The fabric pieces you've been collecting in case you ever become a quilter.
40. Flashlights that dimly light up only after you bang them over and over on your thigh.
41. Old keys that open some door somewhere in the past.
42. Suitcases you don't use.
43. Old computers.
44. Old stereos.
45. Promotional duffel bags with ugly logos and bad acronyms stitched all over them.
46. Anything that makes you say, "But I got such a good price on it!"
47. Anything that makes you say, "But I paid so much for it!"
48. Half-full cans of paint.
49. Extra baby items/Old baby items.
50. Record albums. NOTE: Don't spend your extra hours in a day trying to figure out if someone will buy them. Really. They won't.
51. Gifts you never liked.
52. All the cross-stitch, knitting, or sewing projects you never finished.
53. Any glassware or dinnerware that is a "memorabilia" item from proms or sororities or sports events.
54. Old information packets you no longer need or that you can easily find on line.
55. All the hotel soaps that you took with you. (And stop taking them. You've got plenty of soap!)
56. The belief that you only have to go through the de-cluttering process once and won't ever have to do it again.

Performer, songwriter, and creativity consultant Christine Kane publishes her 'LiveCreative' weekly ezine with more than 4,000 subscribers. If you want to be the artist of your life and create authentic and lasting success, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to LiveCreative at http://www.christinekane.com/.
WANT TO SEE HUNDREDS MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS ONE?See Christine's blog - Be Creative. Be Conscious. Be Courageous - at ChristineKane.com/blog

My Christmas Envelope Completed

2009-01-10T19:40:00.010-06:00

I have mentioned before that I am in a group that alters envelopes (Pass The Altered Envelope - P_T_A_E) I recently received my completed Christmas envelope and I just LOVE it! There were a total of 8 people playing in this RR and I think each individual did a fantastic job on each envelope!

Front

Back

We are in the process of doing a Valentine RR now and the next theme will be Marie Antionette.

Here is what I did to my Valentine envie - 6 more folks will work on it.

Front

Back

In a previous post, I shared the beginning of my Halloween envie - unfortunately, it never returned home so I was unable to post the final results.

A Giveaway from Lani Kent

2009-01-10T14:03:00.004-06:00

I love giveaways! Go to Lani's blog by clicking the title of this post and sign up!

Christmas was great!

2009-01-05T13:27:00.021-06:00

Our family had a wonderful Christmas together (missing Robby, Holly, Lillian, and Lainey again!!) But how does it pass so quickly when so much time and effort go into the preparations?! Here are some photos:

Charles Brannon Smith IV (Chase) and Jay Lauryn and Charles Brannon Smith, Jr.

Kyle

Bobby
Debbie

Lauryn and Chase

And the stockings were hung by the chimney with care - all 21 of them!

Chase, Jay, and Kyle

Brandi Diane

Brent and Jacqueline Nicole

Kyle, Chase, Taylor, Jay, and Lauryn

Teresa

Robert Taylor

Charles Brannon Smith, Sr.

Charles Brannon Smith IV, Charles Brannon Smith III, and Kyle and Taylor

Richard

Nicole and Brent are Pregnant!

2008-12-17T03:24:00.005-06:00

Our family is so blessed! Nicole is pregnant with her second child! Taylor will be 3 when the new little one is born in early August. I am SO excited!!

When Nicole was growing up, she spent many weekends with me (both nieces and both nephews did so frequently - I loved those visits!) Here is a photo of her trying on my veil.

And 4 years ago she and Brent were married.

Two and a half years ago, Robert Taylor joined our family!

And here he is today - precious!!

Christmas Past

2008-12-11T06:12:00.015-06:00

Mother and Daddy - happy times!

An early Christmas card.

Can you find Charles Brannon Smith, IV (Chase) snuggled beneath the Christmas tree? This photo was Mother's idea.

I was an Angel in a school Christmas play - Mother made my outfit and I loved it!

Chase, Kyle, Jay, Lauryn and Brandi - another photo op staged by my Mother.

We LOVED these cowboy outfits! Charlie was 2, I was 4.

Money was tight so we made all our Christmas ornaments this year - 1970?

"Jolly Old St. Nicholas - lean your ear this way . . ." (Charlie and me)

The Beach House adorned for the holidays.

Charlie and me again - old enough to know better!

Mother and Daddy LOVED to dance!

Bobby's First Christmas - Charlie got a train!

div>
Mother, me, Teresa and Brandi - I made her dress to match ours.

Thank you for indulging me while traveling down Christmas Memory Lane!!

Christmas at our House

2008-12-11T05:39:00.005-06:00

I took the first photo of "our" house several years ago when we had one of our very, very rare December snows - or maybe it was in January and the Christmas decorations were still up - I know it didn't snow on Christmas because in all of my 61 years, I have never had a White Christmas!
The other photos are from last year. "Our" house is actually Daddy's house and the decor was all created by my mom years ago. My aunt Sue now does all of the holiday decorating and does a beautiful job of keeping Mother's spirit alive. The stockings on the mantel - one for each of us - were all handmade by myself and my sister-in-law, Teresa.

Here is a photo of us as we hung the stockings when there were only about 9 of us - that was over 30 years ago!

Winter of Life

2008-12-10T09:16:00.004-06:00

I received this in an email from a friend today and thought I'd share it on my blog:

And it's winter before we know it....
You know, time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years. It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all...
And I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams... But, here it is..the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise... How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my babies go? And where did my youth go? I remember well.. Seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like... But, here it is....my friends are retired and really getting gray...they move slower and I see an older person now. Lots are in better shape than me... But, I see the great change... Not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant... But, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be. Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore...it's mandatory! Cause if I don't on my own free will...I just fall asleep where I sit! And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!! But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last...this I know, that when it's over...its over....Yes , I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done ....things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime.....So, if you're not in your winter yet...let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Don't put things off too long!!Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not! You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life...so, live for good today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember....and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!!"Life is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one.
LIVE IT WELL!!----
ENJOY TODAY!!!!-----DO SOMETHING FUN!!!----BE HAPPY!!!----BE THANKFUL!!!!!

Finding Joy

2008-12-08T00:22:00.005-06:00

A nice little slide show with great photos and quotes - enjoy it!

Christmas Art I Have Done Through the Years

2008-12-06T14:57:00.004-06:00

I love this time of the year!

2008-12-06T14:21:00.004-06:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving here at the beach - all of the family was here together except for Robby and his family - we missed them. As usual, we all contributed to make it a wonderful, happy, memorable day! The nephews moved furniture and brought in tables and chairs so that all 16 of us could sit at the "same" table. Daddy smoked a turkey and a ham and they were delicious! The girls each made a dish or two to complete the delicious meal. The evening was topped off with a very generous monetary gift for each of us from Daddy, a tradition he and Mother started many years ago. And then I coaxed Bobby into playing his guitar while we all sang along to some favorite songs. I didn't get any photos, but I did take some videos that we'll enjoy for years to come! Above is an earlier photo of Bobby playing - so much fun!

Mother's Recipe Box

2008-12-06T13:58:00.003-06:00

A few weeks ago I opened my mom's recipe box for the first time since her death 2 1/2 years ago. Oh my, I was not prepared for all the memories and emotions that floated out of that box! Seeing her splotched and well-worn favorite recipes, some written in her own scrawling penmanship, some typed carefully yet splattered from many uses, some torn from magazines and newspapers - all of them took me back to the many wonderful meals and goodies that she lovingly prepared for her family. It took me back to the fun times we had in the kitchen together, making our favorite holiday treats. It reminded me of being a little girl and watching and learning and helping as she taught me with patient love how to cook. I remembered the many times that my mom, her mom and I would spend in the kitchen together making jellies and jams and Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts! It made me happy and grateful that I was raised with so much love, in the kitchen, in our hearts, in our lives.

I Voted

2008-10-25T15:19:00.007-05:00

"Freedom is an option, not a given. Exercise your options."

Daddy and I are both registered voters here in Florida so we opted to exercise our early voting rights today. We were surprised that there were no long lines.

Today's weather is absolutely gorgeous! We ate at a new Chinese restaurant for lunch and will enjoy margaritas out on the deck later and then watch the Bama game tonight - life is good!!

Halloween Envelope Updated

2008-10-24T01:06:00.003-05:00

Karen and Kathy each worked on the front and back of my Halloween envie - I'll continue to update.

Fun at the Beach

2008-10-15T03:04:00.003-05:00

Four of the seven Littles came to the beach this weekend - what fun!!

Fun Envelope Art Again

2008-10-04T04:27:00.004-05:00

A group of us are doing mail art again - the current theme is Halloween! Such fun! The photos below are the front and back of my own envelope - I had fun painting each side with Lumiere paints and adding stitching (on the mummy's eyes), cheesecloth, an autumn leaf and some images. I will post photos when it returns back home. Next we are doing a Christmas envie - I can't wait!

My Birthday

2008-10-04T04:22:00.004-05:00

October 3 was my 61st birthday - how the heck did this happen so soon!?! And why are the days and weeks and months flying by faster and faster the older I get?? Well, anyway - I had a very nice quiet birthday alone. I received loving phone calls, emails, ecards, cards and messages from my wonderful family and friends. I read and relaxed and I spent some time on the beach and took a few photos - the weather is gorgeous and I LOVE this time of the year!

I'm Old!

2008-09-12T13:04:00.004-05:00

You Belong in 1951

You're fun loving, romantic, and more than a little innocent. See you at the drive in!

What Year Do You Belong In?

9/11/08 - We Cannot Forget

2008-09-11T08:19:00.002-05:00

At the Beach, finally!!

2008-07-21T15:41:00.011-05:00

This is one of my very favorite photos - it's my great-nephew, Jay, taken by my nephew, Brent, in July 2004.

I can't believe I was away for over 7 months! It's so wonderful to be back! These photos are from last year but I will add some current ones soon.

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-03T17:15:00.013-05:00

Your Flag and My Flag

by Wilbur D. Nesbit

Your flag and my flag,
And how it flies today
In your land and my land
And half a world away!
Rose-red and blood-red
The stripes forever gleam;
Snow-white and soul-white -
The good forefathers' dream;
Sky-blue and true-blue,
with stars to gleam aright -
The gloried guidon of the day,
a shelter through the night.

Above is a calendar page I made for a 2004 RR that my friend Aileen hosted. And also, a few years back, I participated in an Altered Book RR whose theme was "Color" - my friend Jean chose "Red/White/Blue" - above are some pages I did in her book.

I wish each of you a very happy and safe 4th!

Pan Pastels and Twinkling H2O's

2008-07-03T17:07:00.003-05:00

I recently bought some Pan Pastels http://www.panpastel.com/ and love them. I played a bit with them and my Twinkling H2O's - I printed out the clip art of the birds on 140 lb. water color paper and then had fun.

I'm Cancer Free One Year Today!!

2008-06-27T13:06:00.006-05:00

One year ago today, I was undergoing a total hysterectomy due to uterine cancer. When I started my blog I declared to myself that I would only write about meaningful things – mostly happy things – and that I would NOT complain about all of my health issues. But I am making an exception today. A year ago, I underwent cataract surgery (very successful!) a colonoscopy and an endoscopy (I have several problems, but I can deal) and a D&C. The result of the D&C determined that I had uterine cancer - thus, the hysterectomy. I will never forget how I felt when my doctor announced those dreaded words: “It’s cancer”! My whole world crumbled around me, I was sick to my stomach with fear and uncertainty. I remember the days that followed the diagnosis and I kept thinking it was not really true – just a terrible dream. But it was true and I had to hold myself together and pray that the upcoming surgery would “get it all”. It did!! I am so very blessed that no radiation or chemotherapy treatments were required, although I must have quarterly CT scans.
I recently read Moon Willow’s blog http://moonwillow.blogspot.com/ and she had a link to this beautiful slide show: http://thesurvivormovie.com/ - I think it is very powerful!
So now that I’ve completely recovered from the cancer and surgery, all I have to deal with health-wise is my 24/7 indescribable pain from fibromyalgia and arthritis. I also fight depression but fortunately my meds have it under control. And as with most fibro sufferers, I have chronic fatigue. My obesity is also a real health challenge too. But I have learned to get by one day at a time and deal with the pain and immobility and being home bound for the most part. I have a wonderful, loving family, my precious furbaby and dear friends plus I enjoy my art and other pastimes - life is good!
Today I cut up a myriad of medical bills and other health-related stuff and created the collage above. It's not my best work, but it will be a happy reminder of where I've been and how many blessings I have to be grateful for!

4 Legs Good, 2 Legs Bad

2008-06-23T16:34:00.003-05:00

I just love Christine Kane - (http://christinekane.com/blog) I love her music and her uplifting essays and her self-help emails. My new favorite song can be seen on this YouTube video - "4 Legs Good, 2 Legs Bad" - funny!

Free Fonts

2008-06-23T15:44:00.007-05:00

If you're like me, you love free stuff! I am a font fanatic! I collect them and store them and sometimes use them!
Someone from one of my Yahoo groups shared this link a couple of years ago and I thought maybe there are some who don't know about it - you just send a blank email to this address: fontpacks-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and then about every week or so, you'll get an email with a link so you can download dozens and dozens of free fonts - all kinds of cool ones! Enjoy!

Vidalia Onions and Blue Angels

2008-06-22T11:59:00.009-05:00

I love Vidalia onions! Only available for a few months of the year, they are the sweetest onion ever! I took the photo above the other day after my dad's visit to the local curb market.

For anyone not familiar with them, here is some info from the Vidalia site:

SWEET FACTS ABOUT VIDALIA ONIONS
This unique onion known as "The World's Sweetest" gets its flavor from the sandy, low sulphur soil and temperate climate found only in southeast Georgia.
Availability
Fresh Vidalias can be found not only in their peak season-from late April to mid-July-but often through December thanks to atmosphere-controlled storage.
Buying Tips
These sweeties have a golden brown skin, white interior, are slightly rounded on the bottom and somewhat flat on top. They should be firm and dry with no blemishes or soft spots.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dry place separate from each other. For long storage periods, wrap each onion separately in a paper towel and refrigerate.

I like to have them year long so I chop them and spread them on a cookie sheet and freeze them. After they are frozen, I store them in a freezer bag - it's easy to scoop out the amount needed since they are "flash frozen" and don't stick together.

I found this video on youtube.com - it was taken at Georgia's "Vidalia Onion Festival" - I am crazy about the Blue Angels and was lucky enough to see them perform in Pensacola, FL, last year - WOW! They are amazing!

"Show Me Wednesday"

2008-06-22T11:34:00.008-05:00

I really enjoy visiting http://hazelruthes.blogspot.com/ and this week Cathy has challenged us to show our wedding dress. I can't find my wedding album so I'm sharing a couple of snapshots.

I was married in 1968 but after a wonderful 23 year marriage, he ran away and I haven't seen him since. But I have happy memories of our wedding and life together. These photos don't show my dress very well, but I thought it was so beautiful! It cost $150.00 at Pizitz. I still have it around here somewhere, along with the veil. And oh how I wish I was that size again!!

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-15T18:17:00.009-05:00

I love my daddy dearly! He is the most admired man I have ever known, not only by his family, but by his friends, employees, and strangers. He will be 83 this summer and he is still going strong. He has always been a hard worker but also believes in playing hard. His first job was at the age of 5 when he went door-to-door selling household supplies (he can still recite the sales pitch he gave each person as they opened their door to him!)

He dropped out of high school and lied about his age in order to join the Air Force. He served his country with pride for four years, returned to marry my mom, his sweetheart since age 10, raised 3 children, graduated from Birmingham Southern College, and worked for U S Steel for 23 years. He then worked for Jefferson County as Manager of Data Processing and retired from there. He is still working daily at the company (S&W Minicomputers, Inc.) that he founded with his business partner in 1978. He has always loved gardening and animals and the beach and traveling and most of all, his family. He probably won't read my blog, but I just want to say that I am so very proud to be the daughter of this wonderful, generous, loving man! I am so blessed!

Desiderata

2008-05-27T23:52:00.007-05:00

This has always been one of my favorite essays on life. And I'm sure everyone has heard and read it hundreds of times. If I am not mistaken, it was read at my graduation from Bethel Park High School, Pittsburgh, PA, in 1965. It would be lovely to include a copy of it in the card or gift of any graduate.

I used a photo of a Panama City Beach sunset that I took back in October as the background but had to fiddle with the photo so that the words would be visible. (Click photo to enlarge.) So the colors here are not "real" - they are gorgeous on the original photo.

I have the Les Crane CD that features "Desiderata" - he speaks it nicely with a chorus group in the background. I was happy to find it on YouTube! Hope you enjoy it!

Happy Birthday Mali!

2008-05-22T06:20:00.007-05:00

Today my sweet furbaby Maltese is 11 years old. Mali (pronounced "Molly") is such a wonderful companion - she is funny and and quirky and smart. I lost my loving cat Freddie 2 years ago - he was 19 years old. Mali and Freddie were great friends and she learned some things from him - like how to open an unlatched door with her paw, how to groom herself (especially her feet) and I swear she purrs when she's content - a low guttural sound that comes from her throat when she's eating something especially tasty, cuddling, or resting. She is beginning to show her age - she's a little overweight, has some dental issues and joint problems, but she still has her sweet puppy personality and I love her dearly. I am so grateful to have this wonderful little furry friend who loves me unconditionally.

I've always liked the following poem/essay:

Things We Could Learn From Dogs

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride
Experience fresh air and wind in your face as pure ecstasy
When loved ones come home, run to greet them
When it's in your best interest, practice obedience
Let others know when they are invading your territory
Take naps and stretch before rising
Run, romp and play daily
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm
Be loyal
Never pretend to be something you're not
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it
When someone is having a bad day, be quiet and sit close by
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do
When you're happy, dance around and wag your whole body
No matter how often you're scolded, don't pout- go back and make friends right away!

Mail Art

2008-05-19T17:42:00.009-05:00

I am in a group that decorates envelopes and passes them around (via the postal system) until everyone has added art to the original envelope. We select a large envelope, choose a theme, decorate it a little, seal it up with cardboard inside, then mail it to the pre-determined person who will then add to it and send to the next person and so on. There have been several postal employees who really get into this and look forward to seeing the next arted up envelope. Today I got my "Paper Doll" envie back and it is just wonderful! Here are the front and back as the envie looked before it left my house:

And this is what it looks like now! I am so excited about it!

The little wardrobe opens up and tucked inside are some adorable little paper doll clothes - isn't this the sweetest thing! Like I said, I love it!

Free Stuff

2008-05-14T19:30:00.004-05:00

Free stuff is good!
http://www.frugalfreebiesanddeals.com/

Bragging Rights

2008-05-12T11:32:00.005-05:00

I was never blessed with children of my own. I have two brothers who married dear girls and each family produced a daughter and a son. My two nieces and nephews became the center of my life and helped overcome my infertility woes. Today, each has grown into a fantastic adult and produced children of their own. In an earlier post, I bragged about Brandi, my first-born niece, and her teaching award. Today I will unabashedly brag about Nicole. BTW, my name is Jacqueline Diane - my first niece is named Brandi Diane and my second niece is Jacqueline Nicole - cool, huh?! Nicole is an interior designer - she earned her degree at Samford University and went on to earn her professional ASID standing and I am so proud of her! For two consecutive years, she was selected to design the interiors of Montgomery's Idea Houses. She did beautiful work and made the cover of the magazines! She is now beginning work on the 2008 Idea House. And in between all of this, she is a mom to precious Taylor who will be two in July. She has so many other accomplishments that it would take a day to name them all. Did I mention that I am proud??

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T05:09:00.007-05:00

I found this lovely poem on the "Two Peas Soup" site - author is unknown.

Your Mother lives inside your laughter.
And she's crystallized in every tear drop.
A mother shows every emotion..........
happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love,
hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy,
sorrow..... and all the while, hoping and
praying you will only know the good feelings in life.
She's the place you came from, your first home,
and she's the map you follow with every step you take.
She's your first love, your first friend,
even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you.
Not time, not space...............not even death!

This photo was taken in the 70's - it's my mom, her mom, and me.

Here is one of my favorite Il Divo songs:

Elephants

2008-05-08T03:09:00.010-05:00

When I was a little girl, my uncle took our entire family to the circus. That was my first - and last - circus experience! I hated it! The clowns terrified me (and caused me to have nightmares), everything was so loud and confusing, but most of all I remember feeling so sorry for all of the animals, especially the elephants. I adore elephants!
I'm sure most of you have seen the Youtube video of the elephants in Thailand painting - literally doing self-portraits better than many humans could do! In case you missed it, here it is:

These mammoth creatures are amazing!
I recently found out that there is a haven for elephants in Hohenwald, Tennessee:

http://www.elephants.com/

Check it out and watch the live cam and read their stories.
How wonderful that these beautiful souls can live out their lives, unshackled and free, in peace and harmony.

Cinco de Mayo

2008-05-05T16:05:00.004-05:00

I'm sure lots of folks are celebrating today with tecates and margaritas and parties and fun. I will have a quiet little day with my favorite snack (see below), some art projects, some TV and my sweet pup, Mali.
About a year ago, I discovered a green salsa that I just love! I found it at Walmart and the price is a mere sixty-two cents per can. It's available at other stores too but they charge over a dollar per can. My favorite way to eat it is as a dip with Tostitos. But it's also good drizzled over grits, tostados, enchiladas, eggs, and any bean dishes. I have also mixed it half and half with creamy ranch dip. It's made with tomatillos and jalapenos and onions and seasonings and has only 50 calories in a whole can. Apparently sometimes the jalapenos are more potent in some batches because my tears will flow. But other batches have just the right amount of tanginess mixed with the hot flavor - yummy!

Raul Malo

2008-05-02T16:35:00.002-05:00

I LOVE Raul Malo, formerly of the Mavericks - and this video is cool and artsy!

May Day

2008-05-01T12:42:00.018-05:00

When I was in grammar school, the first day of May was always an anticipated play day. No tests, no studying, no classes - just a day of fun out on the playground. Our "Room Mothers" would bring refreshments, our teachers acted like "real" people, and the kids were wild and happy! I remember some of the activities included potato sack races, three-legged races, Red Rover, etc. But my most favorite was the May Pole Dance - how fun it was to weave and duck and go round and round until the pole was completely wrapped. I never thought about it back then, but our teachers must have worked really hard to bring this day of fun to us.
I found this photo of a typical May Pole Dance on the net - sure wish I had a photo of my classmates and me doing this way back when!

I DO have a photo of my 4th Grade class at Rutledge school (in Fairfield Highlands, Alabama) - I think this was taken in 1955.

That's me, third from the left on the front row. What's amazing to me is that 53 years later, I still remember every single person's name - first and last! And I remember Miss Rutledge as the most wonderful teacher - I loved her dearly! I think all of my elementary teachers inspired me to want to follow their footsteps which is why I got my degree in Early Childhood Education.

And speaking of teaching, my sweet niece Brandi has received an awesome award - she teaches 3rd Grade and I am SO proud of her! She is an awesome mom, wife, teacher, friend - and inherited my brother's wonderful sense of humor!

Another May 1 tradition for some people is making May Baskets and hanging them on their friends' doors.

http://www.marthastewart.com/good-things/may-baskets?lnc=40b8758a65cee010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&xsc=eml_crd_2008_05_01

Sorry I have not figured out how others make their URL's into one-word, clickable entries - any help sure would be appreciated!

Here is a piece of art I created for the Diva group lottery - the theme was "Coffee":

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

2008-04-25T00:42:00.005-05:00

Years ago when "e-toys" was in business, I fell in love with the music on their commercial and when I found out that the artist was Israel Kamakawiwo Ole', I immediately bought his CD. It is on my top ten favorite list! I really like this You-tube video:

I Miss You, Mother!

2008-04-23T05:32:00.000-05:00

Two years ago today we lost my mom.

Alzheimer's is such a wicked, devastating disease that took a vibrant, beautiful, loving, talented woman much too soon! Above is a photo of her that was taken in happy, healthy times. Wasn't she just gorgeous!? Below is photo of my family - it was taken in 1951 when she was pregnant with my baby brother. Mother taught each of us so much about life, happiness, disappointment, and love! I miss her terribly - I miss our daily phone conversations, our fun shopping trips, our creative decorating escapades, our family get-togethers, her fantastic cooking - I miss everything about her! I am so grateful that I have so many wonderful memories of her - this helps the grief easier to endure. I know that as time goes by, the pain will continue to ease - in the past two years I've done lots of healing. Journaling is therapeutic - that is why I have written this post.

I love this poem and wanted to share it with my family and friends:

Letting Go
God saw you getting tired.

When a cure was not to be,

He closed his arms around you and whispered,

"Come to Me".

In tears we saw you sinking.

We watched you fade away.

Our hearts were almost broken, you fought so hard to stay.

But when we saw you sleeping so peacefully free from pain,

We could not wish you back to suffer so again.

So keep your arms around her Lord, and give her special care.

Make up for all she suffered and all that seemed unfair.

Finally Blogging!

2008-04-21T06:47:00.000-05:00

Well I am finally joining the ranks of the blogging world! I hope that I will be able to post regularly and that my posts will be of some interest to a few people.
I have spent many wonderful hours reading the blogs of my artist friends and I appreciate all the inspiration that I derive from them!
To the right is a post card I created a while back - Flavia's quotes touch me.