A Happy Valentine...

Welcome to the first "Tuit Tuesday"!

2012-01-23T14:12:00.007-06:00

What is Tuit Tuesday?

This is the day to show us what you've done once you got
"around to it"

(a round tuit)

Such as:

taking a walk in the rain
buying a new bedspread
trying a new recipe
making an appointment for a haircut, physical check-up, etc.
getting a library card
adopting a pet
a sewing project
sky diving
cleaning out your car
signing up for a class

You get the idea, anything goes ~ as long as it's family-friendly. We're interested in the exciting as well as the every day stuff.

My contribution this week is the making of the Tuit button and starting the Party.
I finally got around to it!

Thanks to everyone that voted on which button you liked best.

Pink is the winner!

So here's your round tuit!

Now it's your turn.

If you would like to join in for Tuit Tuesday, please enter your name and the direct link for your

Tuit Tuesday post ~ not just your general blog link. Please include in your post, the Tuit button or a text link back to my blog so others may join in.

That's all there is to it!

Now it's your turn.

Let's Party!!!

Post linked to: Whatever You Want Wednesday

Dear Anonymous,

2012-01-21T18:07:00.000-06:00

You have left me two comments lately that were meant to hurt. I must admit, you accomplished your mission. My first reaction was shock, then hurt, then the very unChristian reaction of anger. I must admit that I typed out a hurtful remark to zing back to you when I read your first comment from a few days ago. But before I could hit "Publish Post" I heard a Voice whispering to my heart that that wasn't the way of Love.

After today's hurtful comment (which I immediately deleted) I didn't even think about replying to you. Instead, every time I've thought about your comment today, I've said a prayer for you. I hope you've felt God's love for you today. He does love you. He cares about what you're going through. He cares about your hurts. If you just ask, God will wrap you in His arms of love and give you comfort for your heart.

Please let me know if there's any way I can help you. In the meantime, you will continue to be in my prayers.
Love, Sherry

I Finally Got a Round Tuit!

2012-01-20T13:31:00.003-06:00

And in honor of Pink Saturday it's

(of course)

Pink!

Wishy-washy (me!) can't decide which button she likes best though.

Will you help me?

Do you like the pink button best ~ the one I made here: CoolText.com

the quilty-looking one (which I made myself!)?

***

But wait, I got the cart before the horse here.

I need to back up and tell you my plans for the button.

I'm having my very own Linky Party and you're invited!

I hope to make it a weekly party where you can come by my blog and link up to your post about something you've done that you've been putting off until you got a Round Tuit (around to it :)

For Instance:

getting a haircut
a crochet project
learning to sew
trying a new recipe
going outside for a walk
visiting a special place
going on a diet
trying a new deli
hugging a child

You get the idea.

It could be anything you've been planning to do when you got a Round Tuit.

Doesn't it sound like fun?

Would you be interested in participating?

I'm planning the party for Tuesdays (beginning next Tuesday).

Doesn't Tuit Tuesdays just have a lilting sound?

So, start planning your post now and come back to get your Round Tuit on Tuesday.

Okay, now back to the button.

I want to have a button for anyone that wants to participate and link back to my blog for the party.

So, again I ask:

Which button do you like best?

The Pink button

the quilty button?

Don't be nervous, speak right up!

Just leave your vote in the Comments section.

Your help is deeply appreciated (and needed)!

This post ~ and the buttons~ are dedicated to my Pink Saturday friends and Beverly at

How Sweet the Sound.

I'm so glad Beverly got a Round Tuit and started Pink Saturday!

It's the reason I started my blog Way Back When!

Wishing you all a Happy Pink Saturday!

I hope you come back for

Tuit Tuesday!

Post is linked to: Show and Tell Friday

I've got sunshine on a rainy day

2012-01-18T09:38:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was such a rainy, gray day, so I made my own sunshine!

I made up a batch of my favorite jelly, apple~cinnamon.

The jelly is very simple to make with easy-to-find ingredients.

You can find my recipe and instructions here.

It's a proven fact that gazing at anything red will uplift your spirits.

It works for me!

This post is linked to: Rednesday, Whatever You Want Wednesday

A Happy Sunday

2012-01-15T08:53:00.000-06:00

Sweet hubby's back is better and he's going to church with me today.
Lunch is in the Crock pot ~ roast and veggies.
It's cold outside but the sun is shining.
What a beautiful day to:
   worship
   laugh
   love
   rest
   and
   renew

Hope you

Outside my window

2012-01-11T11:10:00.000-06:00

It's a gray, blustery, rainy day.

I can't go outside and walk.

Sweet hubby has been home all week with back pain.

I think I'll pluck an apron off the rack on the back of my laundry room door and get a few things done.

I sweep, mop, dust, and clean the baths.

It's still raining and the wind's still blowing.

I read a while in my little reading corner under a bright lamp while pretending it's sunshine that I feel.

I get up and do a little Valentine decorating.

This brings more color to my little world.

Think I'll warm up a bowl of baked potato soup and cornbread for lunch.

After that, I'll take the suggestion my calendar is giving me and think about supper.

Maybe I can cook up a little comfort.

Breakfast food is always comforting on days like this.

Too much time on my hands maybe?

2012-01-09T19:57:00.005-06:00

During the holidays

I didn't:

Do any painting

or stitching

or drawing, but

I did a lot of cooking, and eating, and

my family and I worked several jigsaw puzzles!

I'm thinking maybe too many.

When I look in the mirror now I look kind of funny.

I hope to be back to normal soon because I have a grand idea for my very first linky party!

Whimsy and I will work on the idea and unveil it soon!

Maybe as early as Friday!!!

Edited to add:
I had fun making these pictures by playing around with a couple of free on-line photo editing sites and using the handiest photo I had to edit ~ my profile picture. (Here are the sites in case you want to try them: Photofunia.com Pho.to.com

Sorry you were offended, Anonymous (see comments).

My One and Only New Year's Resolution?

2012-01-03T15:23:00.000-06:00

To add fun and color to my life and to the lives around me!

Did you make any resolutions?

I'd love to hear them!

Shoes and Family

2011-12-29T20:02:00.001-06:00

Christmas has come and gone.

Family has come and gone and

I miss them already!

I got new shoes to wear with my favorite winter outfits~skirts, sweaters and tights!

New shoes can do a lot of things.
But

they can't make me as happy as my family does.

They are cute and comfy but then ~ so is my family.

Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the World.

~ Marilyn Monroe

Cinderella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life.

Love is...

2011-12-23T13:17:00.000-06:00

...a blogging friend that sees a little coffee cup and thinks of someone who mentioned in a blog post that she was hunting for just such a cup.

Love buys that sweet little cup for her friend.

She carefully packages it along with a beautiful Love stocking and cheery Christmas kitchen towel...

...and even pays the extra bucks to send it priority mail so that her blogging friend will get it in time for Christmas!

I will think of you, my sweet friend Elaine, every time I sip my morning coffee from my new cup!

Thank you!!!

Love is also a husband that spends his hard earned vacation time with his bride of thirty years.

We have spent a lot of special time together this holiday season.

We've:

shopped together
attended our church's Christmas program
spent time around our piano singing Christmas songs together
visited Noccalula Falls Park in a nearby county where they have put up thousands of lights ~ beautiful!

And

We have have another date tonight!

We're going to a community college where they are showing free Christmas movies.

Tonight they're showing Elf.

I don't know if the movie is any good, but I know the company will be!

I am so blessed with family and friends!

Coffee Happiness

2011-12-16T09:03:00.004-06:00

I enjoy coffee.

It makes me happy.

So I have two cups every morning.

Black.

No sugar.

Free embroidery pattern
Wild Olive

I had graduated to drinking two MUGS of coffee each morning, but decided I was going a little overboard.
You can get too much of a good thing!

I got to thinking about coffee drinkers from the 1950's.
Think of the cups June and Ward drunk their morning and evening coffee from.
What about Lucy and Ricky's coffee cups?
They weren't 12 ounce mugs like I was using.
They were tiny.

If June could get her housework done on a tiny cup of coffee (or two) so could I!

So, I set out to find myself the "perfect" coffee cup.
It should be small... dainty even.
It should be dark so I don't feel guilty when I see coffee stains in it that I don't won't to scrub out.
It should make me happy when I fill it up every morning with my happy brew.

It wasn't easy finding the cup to meet all my requirements.
I searched for quite awhile and then
Ta-Da!
There it was sitting on a shelf in the thrift store, just waiting for me!
Simple perfection!

I can now enjoy my small, girly cups of coffee each morning guilt-free

because

I now read that coffee...in moderation...is good for me!

It can help me lose weight!

(You can read that article here.)

And

It keeps me happy and fights off depression!

(Read that article here.)

I'm trying to apply the idea of moderation in other areas of my life.

Maybe I should next look at my sweets consumption.

Would this be considered moderate?

uncommon goods

How about you?

How do you like your coffee?

From a mug?

From a dainty little tea cup?

Black?

Sweet and creamy?

P.S. Thanks to everyone for your helpful comments on my last post! I'm still reading and rereading them all and mulling it over. In the meantime I remain

~A Happy Valentine~

Linked to: Show and Tell Friday
Pink Saturday
Whatever You Want Wednesday

Whimsy and I need your advice

2011-12-06T08:26:00.001-06:00

I'm thinking of changing the name of my blog.
Why?
Because I think it may get overlooked because people think it is a blog only about Valentines.

The problem?
I don't know what to call it.
"Experts" say the name should reflect the content of the blog.
That would make mine the: cooking, cleaning, teaching, whining, laughing, sewing, photography, random thoughts blog.

I would love to hear your thoughts.
Have you changed the name of your blog?
How has it worked for you?
Do you have a suggestion for a new name for my blog?
All input is appreciated!

Linked to: Whatever You Want Wednesday

On Sunday I...

2011-12-05T08:14:00.000-06:00

...went to church
...came home to a warm, wonderful smelling home

My two good friends ~ Mrs. Crock Pot and Mr. Bread Machine ~ had us a wonderful meal cooked up!

Crock Pot Lasagna

and Paprika Onion Bread

TasteofHome.com

After sharing the meal with my sweet hubby, two sons, and one son's girlfriend, we cleaned up the kitchen, shared some old family photos with son's girlfriend, and then sweet hubby and I took a leisurely walk on our country road. The weather was beautiful ~ warm and sunny!

Then I worked on my decorations a little more. I can't seem to get them just right, but I'm still puttering with it.

I've been craving some homemade granola so I made up a batch and enjoyed a bowl full of it while it was still warm. Yum!

(Recipe below)

Lastly, I finally got around to something I DO NOT enjoy, making a menu for the week.

I was so happy to get it finished up so that I could make out my grocery list for Monday.

All in all, I think it was a perfect Sunday!

Homemade Granola

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/3 cup honey

4 cups oats

1 cup chopped nuts

1/2 cup dry milk

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix sugar, oil and honey in a saucepan. Heat until sugar is dissolved. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. Pour sugar mixture over dry ingredients and mix well. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes. Let cool and store in an airtight container.

Optional ingredients: raisins (add after baking), wheat germ, dried fruit, etc.

Today I...

2011-12-02T11:02:00.002-06:00

washed and rehung the shower curtain and

our fluffy white towels...

...cut my hair (big mistake!)...

...trashed the dining room with boxes of Christmas decorations...

....escaped to the breakfast room to enjoy a little peacefulness...

...had lunch with dear friends (fun!!!)...

...returned library books...

...decorated the tree...

...pondered over the complexities of life

(like how can ornament hooks go separately! into a little plastic bag one year and come out like this the next year!?)...

...cooked Cheddar Chicken Pie and toasted biscuits for supper...

TasteofHome.com

...bundled up and went to our little town's BIG Christmas parade...

...came home and watched The Miracle on 34th Street with sweet hubby.

What a wonderful day!!!

I should have known better...

2011-11-23T08:32:00.000-06:00

... than to have tried to carry on a conversation at the same time I was putting ingredients in the bread machine. The result? I didn't put in as much water as the focaccia bread recipe called for. And that's why you find me perched on a stool - for leverage - rolling out a lump of stiff, hard, unyielding bread dough.

These flabby middle-aged arm muscles aren't up to the job of spreading that resisting dough out to the edges of the pizza stone.

After many minutes of my struggling with the impossible, my photographer (eldest son) takes pity on me and trades me his camera for my rolling pin and with those young muscles, gets the job done quickly!

The bread turned out wonderfully, by the way.

Wish I had gotten a picture of it before we gobbled it up.

We're planning His/Her Thanksgivings again this year.

Thursday, Thanksgiving with my parents and family and Friday, Thanksgiving with sweet Hubby's family.

I wish you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving season!

Love, Sherry

Color My World!

2011-11-22T09:37:00.001-06:00

I'm over my whining spell about the time change and now I'm working on adding color to my grey surroundings.

I started out my colorful journey at the plant nursery where I bought some bright plants and flowers that can handle the winter chill.

I snapped this picture of the ornamental cabbage after bringing it home and setting it on my front porch where the afternoon sun was bringing out its colors.

Below is the same plant on this cloudy day (first large plant on the left).

It's funny how the sunshine affects the color, isn't it?

I think sunshine has the same effect on me...it just brings out my color.

ornamental cabbage, kale, and pansies

I surrounded the cabbages and kale with many, many pansies.

Pansies always make me think of children's happy smiling faces.

I still have this brave, lone, little bud on my front yard rosebush.

I found this picture in a store yesterday while out and about in town.

It's very large and took the saleslady and me quite a while to squeeze/wedge it into the backseat of my car after my purchase.

It took even longer to get it out once I got home, even though I had help from my son!

Sweet hubby hung it over the living room couch last night and I think it carries on the Color My World theme quite well.

And last, but not least, I went through some of my many pounds of cotton scraps with ideas of making some colorful throw pillows for the couch.

Below are pictures for happy-scrappy throw pillows I found on Cluckclucksew.com.

(The links below the pictures will take you to the tutorials.)

Sprocket Pillows

Petal Pillow

And today?

Well, I should be cleaning house.

But.....

I may go out in my backyard and walk around barefoot instead.

The day has started out warm with just a little peek of sunshine here and there but

thunderstorms are expected later today and then cooler weather behind that.

So I think I'll just play hooky from housework and enjoy this "snappy new day!"

I JUST CAN'T GET USED TO THE TIME CHANGE!!!

2011-11-16T14:37:00.003-06:00

I hate it, I hate it, I hate it!!!

I don't like darkness settling in before 5:00 p.m., or even earlier on cloudy days.

I don't like not being able to take an after-supper walk with my sweetie because it gets dark before we even start our meal.

I don't like the closed-in feeling that comes with the early evenings.

I want more light, more sunshine, more happy things in my fall and winter days!

Thank you for listening to my whining. And now....

I have a Plan!!!

I plan on LIGHTING up my life!

I'm starting with winter blooming flowers for my backyard garden.

I plan on going to a plant nursery tomorrow and bringing home some pansies to plant outside my kitchen window.

Those little smiling faces will make me so happy while I wash dishes at my kitchen sink this fall and winter.

I want to cheer up our home.

I've been searching for bright ~ but cheap ~ ideas to chirp up our living spaces.

I love the brightness in the rooms below:

simplecasualliving.blogspot.com

images.meredith.com

micasarevista.com

vintagehome.tumblr.com

homegoods.com

justinetaylor.tumblr.com

creamofwhite.tumblr.com

inspirationfordecoration.blogspot.com

I have a list of some other things that I hope will help fill the shorter winter days with cheer:

fill bird feeders with food to attract a wide variety of winter birds (I enjoy bird watching out my patio door in the winter)
add lemon to my tea/water (lemon tastes like sunshine! :)
play uplifting music
get more caffeine ~ (my favorite idea :)
keep volunteering in the kindergarten class
keep up weekly eat out date with my friends
daily exercise (walk outside when possible or exercise to a DVD when I can't get out)
take advantage of every minute of sunshine possible
buy a cheery new coffee cup

Do you have any ideas I could add to my list? I would love to hear how you deal with the shorter fall and winter days. Your comments always cheer up my day!

This post is linked to: Whatever You Want Wednesday

Camping Through the Years

2011-11-14T14:02:00.005-06:00

Sweet hubby and I squeezed in another camping trip before Old Man Winter forces us to park our camper for a few months.

We love fall camping trips. As a matter of fact, we just love camping trips whenever we can take them.

This trip was to Guntersville, AL State Park.

While there, we saw this cute little camper and it got me thinking of the campers we've owned over the 23 years since we first started camping.

Our first camper was a 10 foot Scotty similar to the one below.

Picture courtesy of Roaming Times

It was a 1960 something model that we bought for $300 in 1988.

It didn't have a bathroom and we could barely stand up in it because it was so small.

We had two small children at the time.

Sweet hubby and I put a lot of labor into the little camper along with about $200 worth of materials.

We were so happy when we went out camping in it for the first time and we fell in love with camping on our first trip.

After only one trip in our little camper we were offered a bigger camper ~ 15 feet long!~ at a very good price. And it even had a bathroom! Okay, the bathroom was a little space about two feet square with a toilet that you had to close the lid on to be able to take a shower. But still, it was a bathroom!

We snapped that one up and sold our little Scotty at a $350 profit.

We kept that one for a few years and then bought one a little newer, but still only a 15 footer.

Then along came baby #3 and one trip out in our 15-footer made us hit the road looking for something a little bigger.

That's when this new friend came into our life.

Our 1971 Airstream (Avion peeking around the end)

Our family of five had 14 years of camping fun in our 27 foot Airstream.

We have so many fun memories of our camping adventures over the years.

We found having a camper made Alabama History come alive for our little homeschool.

We were able to visit the places we were studying.

My favorite was Helen Keller's birthplace in Tuscumbia, AL.

My clever hubby built the blue fabric cot you can see over the bed below.

Our three children giggled (and sometimes argued) themselves to sleep many nights in their cozy beds.

The table (below) let down and the couch pulled out making a full size bed for hubby and me.

It was a pain to have to set it back up every morning for breakfast, but so worth the trouble.

Here's a few more interior shots of our Airstream.

A few years ago we found our current camper, a 1988 Avion.

It was larger and nicer than our old Airstream, so we decided to make a change again.

We have always seen camping as a blessing to our family.

I think we are closer-knit because of it.

We were able to take family vacations that we couldn't have afforded if we'd had to stay in hotels and eat out.

Oh, and here's a hint in case you decide to go camping and want a private spot:

When using a public campground, a tuba placed on your picnic table will keep the campsites on either side vacant. ~Author Unknown

Thank you for taking this camping trip with me down Memory Lane today.

Come back soon!

A Fall Tour

2011-11-02T08:49:00.002-05:00

My happy little friend and I took a tour of the flowers that are still blooming in my yard.

We thought you might want to join us before Jack Frost comes and steals the beautiful blooms away.

Earth laughs in flowers.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

Thank you for joining us.

I hope you have a happy day!

~Sherry~

Hello November!

2011-11-01T08:25:00.000-05:00

What a beautiful weather-wise start to a new month!

We've got a fire in the fireplace on this chilly morning but the temps are supposed to get up to 70 degrees later today!

The leaves are beautiful!

And even better than that, I'm back in the classroom today!

I'm a substitute teacher in a fourth grade classroom again today.

I just hope I remember WHY I signed up for this job:

I love kids!

Just Blogging Along...

2011-10-25T09:33:00.003-05:00

It's been a while since I posted.

I've been enjoying our beautiful Alabama fall.

The leaves are wonderful right now.

The skies are a perfectly clear blue.

And the temperatures couldn't be better.

(I wish I was a poet so my lines would rhyme. :)

I've been using my oven more since I don't have to worry about heating up the house.

I made my favorite Focaccia Bread.

Picture courtesy of Taste of Home

The bread was wonderful paired with this Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry!

My recipes came from the Taste of Home website and my family loves them!

Picture courtesy of Taste of Home

Well, it's off to school for me again today.

I've really enjoyed my first couple of subbing jobs.

In fact, I've enjoyed them so much that I've now asked to be a classroom volunteer.

I especially enjoy the happiness and enthusiasm of five and six year olds, so I've asked to be a classroom volunteer for kindergarten and first grade classes.

My first assignment is helping a kindergartner with his letter recognition and I can't wait to get there!

I've missed teaching children.

My youngest graduated from our homeschool last year so I was forced into retirement after 16 years.

But I still have the love of teaching in my heart and can't seem to be completely happy without it.

So, I decided to take some advice from a wise old bear:

You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you.

You have to go to them sometimes.

~Winnie the Pooh~

And that's the reason I'm off to school today.

Won't you join me in my happy dance?

Welcome to my backyard...

2011-10-09T16:13:00.001-05:00

Meet my watchdog, Bowzer...

... and take a peek at my beautiful plants....

Just joking!

All the pictures above were taken at the Birmingham, AL Botanical gardens this weekend.

The picture below was my surroundings for the weekend.

Sweet hubby and I took a long weekend and stayed at Oak Mountain (AL) State Park.

The fishing was bad but the vacation was wonderful!

Happiness Is...

2011-10-03T12:31:00.000-05:00

I've spent this cool Monday morning getting my homey chores done up because...it's back to the classroom tomorrow!

My laundry's washed, dried, and put away. The floors are all clean and my menu's made out.

Here's what's on the menu for tonight:

                Black beans (cooking away in the crock pot right now)
                Coleslaw
                Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes (see recipe below)
                Cornbread

I made tonight's meal with an eye out for tomorrow night since I'm substitute teaching tomorrow and don't want to come home and cook a meal from scratch. So here's what's on the menu for tomorrow night:

Black Bean Soup
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 medium bell pepper, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans black beans (or leftover beans)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can Rotel tomatoes
1 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoon cumin
1 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon sugar

Heat oil in saucepan. Saute' bell pepper, onion, and garlic until tender. Add beans, tomatoes, water and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 15-20 minutes. Serve with sour cream, grated cheese and bacon bits.

I plan to put this in my crock pot in the morning so that I can just come home and warm up the left-over cornbread to round out the meal.

Gather the crumbs of happiness and they will make you a loaf of contentment.

~Author Unknown

Do You Blog Even When You're Uninspired?

2011-09-29T08:44:00.001-05:00

I don't usually, but I am today. I seem to be in a slump lately. My passion for homemaking and my hobbies seems to be in hiding right now. I know what you're probably thinking, but it's not depression. I still have that joy deep inside.

I think I know what my problem is, and I'll whisper it to you ~ it's hormones.

Shh! Don't tell anyone, they might think I'm not perfect.

Anyway, while I find my balance, I'll enjoy the simple pleasures of life; a beautiful new season wrapped in my sweet hubby's arms.

I'll treat myself to some (very little) of my long forgotten pleasures.

I've been craving some, and finally gave in. :)

And I'll enjoy time out with my friends.

Would you like to join "The Hormone Club?"

Sunshine for My Day!

2011-09-22T08:15:00.002-05:00

I enjoy taking my little Maggie dog on my daily walks.

She gives me a good reason to talk and sing out loud.

And with rain sprinkling on our walk yesterday,

it just brought a song out of me that I learned in church when I was a little girl.

I sung all the way to the end of our lane and back:

When He Put a Little Sunshine In

by Albert E. Brumley

All the world is bright and cheery And I'm singing ev'ry day,

In the place of burdens dreary, I sing a joyful lay;

For He put a ray of gladness Where the sorrow once had been,

Since Jesus took my heart all to pieces

And put a little sunshine in.

All the clouds have silver linings, Not a shadow is in sight,

Not a tho't of sad repining, The way is always bright;

I was lost in sin and darkness But the way is bright again,

Since Jesus took my heart all to pieces

And put a little sunshine in.

So I press along rejoicing On the blessed glory road,

And I know that my Redeemer Will share my ev'ry load;

I am singing hallelujah For my soul is free from sin,

Since Jesus took my heart all to pieces

And put a little sunshine in.

Chorus:

When Jesus took my heart all to pieces

And put a little sunshine in,

He put a little joy and gladness

Where sadness once had been,

He gave a little love and glory

And took away the doubt and sin,

When Jesus took my heart all to pieces

And put a little sunshine in.

I wish you a sunny day today, my friend!

What's making you happy today?

2011-09-20T07:55:00.000-05:00

I'm counting my blessings today.

And you are one of them.

Thank you for stopping by.

Your comments make me so happy.

What's making you happy today?

Friends

2011-09-15T10:14:00.000-05:00

My chores are all done for the day (except cooking supper) and I'm meeting my girlfriends for lunch.

There are four or five of us that meet most Thursdays at Subway for Chatter Therapy.

One of the group calls us The Hormone Club.

I think we need to come up with a happier name,

like maybe The Cheerleader Club!

I think I'm going to like to today...

2011-09-14T08:02:00.004-05:00

...I think I'll call it fine

I'll wrap it in ribbons, and make it mine.

I think I'm going to like today,

It's very plain to see, I like every minute, and it likes me.

~from a song by Mr. Fred Rogers~

There's nothing like a day out in the work world to make me appreciate my peaceful stay-at-home life.

I'm filling my mind with happy thoughts today while I hang out the laundry...

... and enjoy some time outdoors on this beautiful day.

I'm the Teacher!?

2011-09-06T08:10:00.001-05:00

I have my very first Substitute Teaching assignment today! I'm teaching fourth grade and I'm excited AND nervous!

Apple Butter!

2011-08-25T11:27:00.002-05:00

I'm making apple butter today and the house smells delicious!

You can find my Crock Pot Apple Butter tutorial here: Homemade Apple Butter

It's easy and wonderful! And there's no better air freshener in the world!

Back to School!

2011-08-23T08:31:00.000-05:00

It has a whole new meaning for me this year. You see, I've signed up to be a substitute

I've missed being a teacher!

I have taught children's classes in church since I was a teenager, starting with a Beginners' Sunday School class. I've also taught classes for Missionettes, Rainbows and helped with Royal Rangers. I've shared the job of co-youth director with my hubby at two different churches. I've played piano for children's choirs. I was a volunteer 4-H Club leader for eight years. I homeschooled my own children for sixteen years. And I currently teach Children's Church.

I love kids!

Who knows how long it will be before I get called into the classroom? But, while I wait for that first phone call, I'll be trying to get my ducks in a row.

I want to have my morning routines down to just minutes in case I get a last-minute phone call from the school (which just happens to be at the end of my country lane).

I hope to get my hair trimmed, so I can wash, dry, and run.

I'm putting together a very simple wardrobe of clothes that mix and match.

I've written a list of easy-to-fix meals and am off to the grocery store for the fixin's this morning.

I would love advice/ideas from any of you that are/were teachers or substitutes!

Joyful Homemaking

2011-08-17T08:26:00.002-05:00

I'm settling back in at home now after our long camping vacation.

Sweet hubby went back to work yesterday and I missed him very much!

But, I'm joyfully getting back to my homemaking routines today.

I hope to accomplish everything on my To-do list and maybe have a little "me" time left over.

Checking off my list:

sweep/mop
wash throw rugs/hang out on line
water flowers
vacuum
dust
take a walk
cook supper

Speaking of cooking, look at the little cook book I picked up at an antique shop while on vacation.

First, I want to try the Blueberry Buckle recipe with some of the blueberries we picked from our bushes and put into the freezer this summer.

Well I must get busy if I want to get all my joyful chores done and still have time for a nice cup of hot tea and a little special reading time.

I hope you have a wonderful day!

~ Sherry ~

We're Home!

2011-08-15T16:55:00.003-05:00

Neil and I had a fun-filled ten day camping trip!

We got a wonderful camp site at Wind Creek State Park.

The beach was in our back yard where we enjoyed some swimming.

My faithful book kept me company on the pier late into the night while Neil did some serious fishing.

He caught enough catfish to fry up some for lunches while there and even brought some home for the freezer.

We enjoyed the wildlife, both day...

...and night.

We biked out to the silo...

...and climbed to the top...

...and were awed by the breathtaking view of beautiful Lake Martin.

It was such a wonderful and relaxing vacation!

We came home to a pouring-down rain yesterday, but today is sunny and cool and feels like fall!

I've done the laundry and some housework but the nice temps keep luring me outside.

I guess I got used to the outdoor life while camping.

le voyage!

2011-08-03T09:37:00.002-05:00

No, we're not going to Paris, but at least we are going somewhere!

Sweet hubby and I are finally going to take a vacation!

We've looked forward to it all summer but have had many delays.

But, hopefully, and with God's blessings we'll be leaving on Friday for a ten day camping trip in one of Alabama's wonderful state parks!

We woke our camper up and gave her a sprucing up.

She's had too long of a nap this year.

I'm getting my house all spruced up too. I like to leave my home clean.

The floors are all swept and mopped, the furniture is dusted, and the baths are scheduled for their cleaning today.

I love coming home to a clean home.

I'm being quite optimistic here, since our two sons are staying home. :)

I've got my homemade personal products all replenished.

My antiperspirant is made and tucked into its rose-bedecked porcelain home, although I'll switch it over to a little covered tin container to make it more travel-friendly.

My toothpaste (baking soda) bottle is refilled.

And, last-but-not-least, I ran some coarse salt through the blender for my saline nasal rinse.

Eeeeewwwww!

That might sound nasty, but I make it cute by topping the jar with my cute kitty fabric!

Groceries are bought and the meat is in the freezer just awaiting sweet hubby's grilling talents.

I'll make dinner rolls today to tuck into the freezer. They'll be all ready to pop into our toaster oven and add to the fresh, raw veggies and grilled meat for a simple fuss-free meal.

That's one reason I love camping, I get out of most kitchen duties.

After checking off everything on my To-Do list today, I hope to have a good night's sleep and awake refreshed for Thursday and the three L's:

Laundry
Library (gotta have fluffy reading material while on vacation)
Lunch out with my girlfriends

See you soon!

~ Sherry ~

Celebrating the Day!

2011-07-31T08:57:00.000-05:00

I look on any month with 31 days as a month with a bonus.

I like to treat the 31st day of the month as a special gift from God and do something fun with it.

July is one of those months and today is the day!

I started the day out with thanks to God for such a wonderful month filled with fireworks, birthdays, reunions, homecomings, good health, and happiness.

Then I asked for God's blessings on our new month.

It's a bonus month too!

After church my family usually comes home for lunch, but we plan on

going out to eat for a special treat today.

Family and Fun!

What are you doing with your bonus day?

Happy Saturday!

2011-07-30T07:59:00.000-05:00

It's a beautiful sunny Saturday and we're off to Georgia for a family reunion!

Hope you have a great weekend!

~ Sherry ~

I've Got a Hot Date!

2011-07-25T08:54:00.000-05:00

It's in my kitchen with 60 pounds of tomatoes.

All red, ripe and waiting to be canned!

I miss my canning partner.

She could sure peel some tomatoes.

Heather 1995

My little girl and I spent many summers in the kitchen together peeling and canning tomatoes.

I miss her since she's grown up, married, and living too far away.

Love you, Heather!

A Change in Attitude

2011-07-22T10:25:00.000-05:00

I awoke feeling as grey as the day looked outside my bedroom window this morning. I still had the sinus headache that's been weighing me down for the past few days. My sweet hubby's neck and arm are still hurting him even though he's been going to the chiropractor for the past three weeks. And if hubby's not happy, I'm not happy.

I wanted to wallow in my "depths of despair," as Anne of Green Gables would put it.

Anne Shirley: Can't you even imagine you're in the depths of despair?

Marilla Cuthbert: No I cannot. To despair is to turn your back on God.

Marilla had the real answer didn't she?

Looking for inspiration, I made myself a cup of herbal tea, and pulled out my Bible and it fell open to the same verses that gave me clear instructions just a month ago:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.

This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

Proverbs 3: 5-8

My spirit was already lifted just by reading these words and breathing a prayer for help with my mully grubs.

Making up my mind to change my attitude I decided to get outside for a walk.

I gave myself a BIG smile in the mirror as I walked by.

I went outside and gave my little dog a sweet pat on the head and she rewarded me with such affection.

I set off up the road on my walk and guess what?

The sun came out!

Mr. Sun was quite the bright and happy companion and I was cheered up immensely.

After coming home, I gave little Maggie another pat on the head and came inside and fixed myself a cup of juicy, sweet strawberries and a glass of ice water.

This was just the prescription I needed for my day.

I now have a smile on my face and another one in my heart.

And something else,

my headache is gone!

I wish you a very happy weekend!

~ Sherry ~

Good Enough

2011-07-18T11:32:00.004-05:00

I have such a struggle with the disease of

Perfectionism

Does that mean that everything I do is perfect?

On the contrary.

It means that a lot of things get left undone because I don't have the time or skills to do them perfectly.

Take my housework for example. I used to put off a simple chore such as vacuuming until I had the time to pull out furniture and vacuum perfectly.

But thankfully I found Flyady and she gave me "permission" to vacuum just the middle of my floors.

I try to choose one room each week to detail-clean but all the other rooms get just a lick-and-a-promise.

And if I don't detail clean a room this week?

It will still be there next week.

Thank you Flylady!

But my perfectionism didn't stop with my house. It spilled over into my health. I posted lately about my struggle with the They Says.
Then I found this eye-opening book:

Live a Little! Breaking the Rules Won't Break Your Health
by Susan M. Love, M.D. and Alice D. Domar, PH. D.

In this book, written by a surgeon and a psychologist, I found out that perfect health is a myth!
No one can follow ALL the "rules," and no one knows if these rules would keep us perfectly healthy anyway.
I learned that eight hours of sleep is not the perfect amount for everyone. I probably won't die from sleep deprivation if I have a toss-and-turn night once in a while.
The "rules" on the issues of stress, health screenings, nutrition, and relationships are also looked at and brought down to more livable standards.
Oh, and the title of my favorite chapter?
It's Not Religion, It's Just Exercise

While taking this close-up look at my life, I'm amazed at the huge role that perfectionism plays in it. It touches almost everything I do: cooking, cleaning, art, piano, blogging, teaching, loving...In short; Living.

So instead of looking at myself critically through this magnifying glass today, I'm going to try to see my reflection through the eyes of Christ as He gazes on me. He knows I'm not perfect, but He loves me anyway.

Am I the only one that struggles with perfectionism?

I would love to hear how others deal with it.

Be brave!

Shorts Refashion

2011-07-10T17:58:00.011-05:00

I didn't get all my To-Do's done over the last two weeks. But I have really good excuses.

Really!

Here's the condensed version:

AC went out
had close encounter (of the torturous kind) with jalapeno peppers (see story here)

had precious visiting family
and an 80th birthday party thrown in (my loving daddy's).

So, I didn't get my jelly made.

And I didn't get many Refashions completed, well only one actually, but here it is.

My Shorts Refashion

Now don't laugh at my Before picture.
I can't believe I'm actually posting this unflattering picture for everyone to see. There's a reason you don't see my face (it was verrrrrry early in the morning). Oops, there I go with my excuses again. :)

I found this refashion quite a bit more challenging than I expected.

I bought the Express shorts at the thrift store for $3.49. They actually fit pretty well in the waist/hip area. I thought I could just trim those loose legs down by taking in the side seams.

But, after searching on the internet for directions, I found that I also needed to take in the inner leg area.

So, I tried the shorts on ~wrong side out~ and pinned them the way I wanted them to fit. I then took the shorts off and basted (long hand-sewn running stitches) where I had the pins. I ended up taking them off and redoing this step several times before getting the fit right.

Then I serged them along the basting stitches.

Lastly, I tried them on again, pinning up the hem and hand-stitching it in place.

But I'm quite happy with the results. Actually, they're the best fitting pair of shorts I've had in a looooong time!

The post is a participant of:

Made by You Monday
Life Made Lovely
Metamorphosis Monday
Making the World Cuter Monday
Sew Cute Tuesday
Take-A-Look Tuesday
Wow Us Wednesday
Whatever Goes Wednesday
Whatever You Want Wednesday
Transformation Thursday

Show and Tell Friday

Chocolate Waffles and a Book Review

2011-07-09T13:09:00.005-05:00

This is what we had for Breakfast this morning:

Chocolate Waffles with a choice of maple syrup or strawberries and whipped cream.

(We all liked the strawberries and whipped cream best. :)

I got the recipe from my current read.

I've fallen in love with the Tales from Grace Chapel Inn series of books from GuidepostsBooks.

They remind me a lot of the Mitford book series by Jan Karon.

One difference with this series is that the books are not all written by the same author, but by several different authors.

These stories are about three sisters ~ two in their 60's and the "baby" in her 50's ~ that have started life anew by opening up their childhood home as a bed and breakfast.

Each sister is an artist in her own way; Louise, the eldest at 65, is a classical pianist, Alice, age 62, is a caring/compassionate nurse, and Jane, the baby at 50, is a very well-trained chef.

Here is the blurb from the back cover of Recipes & Wooden Spoons :

While cleaning out the cluttered basement of Grace Chapel Inn, Jane Howard finds an old cookbook brimming with her mother's recipes and handwritten notes. Through these precious, fragile pages, Jane comes to discover the spirit of her mother, Madeleine, who died while giving birth to Jane. But when the inn gets busy and money troubles threaten, Jane wonders if moving back to Acorn Hill was a big mistake. Can her crisis of faith lead to a new solution for the inn ~ and for Jane herself?

This book includes wonderful descriptions of the dishes Jane prepares from Madeleine's cookbook, along with the recipes.

I look forward each night to opening my current book and falling asleep while reading about the fun but peaceful life in Acorn Hill.

And I especially look forward to our Book Mobile driving into my Pleasant Valley each month bringing me more Tales from Grace Chapel Inn.

Life is grand!

~ Sherry ~

P.S. The waffles were WONDERFUL!

This post is linked to: Show and Tell Friday

Don't Try This at Home!

2011-07-01T12:11:00.005-05:00

Please, come on up and join me on my front porch.

I have a story to tell you.

It's a story that taught me some lessons.

See this beautiful, innocent jalapeno pepper?

If you look closely you will see what looks like dew drops on it. But really? They're tears.

The tears are for what its brothers and sisters did to poor me this week. Being so proud of the bounty from my little square-foot-garden, I gathered up all the full-grown pepper pods from my two plants and carried them into my kitchen where I washed them, cut them open, took out the seeds and membranes, then chopped them into tiny pieces for the freezer.

A little voice in the back of my head said, "Sherry, when you were a little girl, didn't your mother have a bad encounter with a sink full of peppers?" Searching back through my memories, I remember coming into our house one summer day and finding Mama fanning her hands around and groaning because they were burning so bad after having them submerged in a sink full of peppers and water most of the morning.

"Oh yes," I said to the little voice, "but she had them in a sink full of water and mine aren't in water, and anyway it won't happen to me. Besides, I cut them up all the time with almost no burning."

And back to work I went. After chopping all the peppers up and putting them in a freezer bag, I washed my hands.

That's when the trouble began! Such intense burning!

I sluffed it off, put my bag of peppers in the freezer and fixed a sandwich for my lunch. But wait! Now my face is burning! My lips are on fire and I haven't even touched them! I did, however, touch the sandwich that touched my lips.

I'm thinking I may have a real problem now, so what do I do? I Google it! I found much advice, and was comforted (just a little) to know that I am one among many sillys that have cut up peppers without heeding the warning to WEAR GLOVES.

I found one very entertaining blog post with almost 300 comments full of advice. I tried MANY of them: rinsed my hands in alcohol, rubbed them with a baking soda paste (this helped my burning lips but not my hands), slathered them with calamine lotion, washed them with very HOT water and dish soap (TORTURE!), rubbed them on stainless steel, rinsed them in lemon juice, soaked them in milk, rubbed them with aloe gel, and poured witch hazel over them (my own idea). I drew the line at peeing on them~yes, one of the commenters on the blog was adamant that it would help, but I never found out.

Nothing I tried helped. Finally giving up on the treatments, I just laid my hands on an ice pack for rest of the day to wait it out. In fact, I melted down several ice packs we had stashed in our freezer.

Sweet hubby cooked supper for the family while I groaned.

Oh, and did I mention, our air conditioner had quit and had been out for two days when this happened? The Alabama heat and a sweltering house didn't help cool my hands any.

I was afraid that I would be up all night cradling my ice pack. This burning lasted about twelve hours, then it slowly subsided. So sweet! Finally, I was able to fall into a peaceful sleep, with an ice pack on my nightstand ~ just in case.

At least I learned some lessons from my pepper encounter:

Listen to others' advice to wear gloves when chopping up even ONE hot pepper.
Never think, "It won't happen to me."
Listen to that little voice in the back of my mind. God put it there for a reason.
Appreciate any day without pain!

Thank you for sticking with me through this story.

Now, with a little help from my plants, I want to wish you all a very happy

Red, White, and

Blue Independence Day weekend,

our blueberry plants

with a big splash of Pink thrown in for my Pink Saturday friends!

Enjoy!

~Sherry~

A week of Refashioning

2011-06-27T09:49:00.002-05:00

At least that's what I'm hoping to get around to this week. I started my refashioning project many weeks ago.

I also hope to make up a new batch of my apple cinnamon jelly this week (click here for recipe). I opened my last jar for my breakfast toast today.

With all this in mind, I got up with the chickens this morning...

... made the bed, fed the animals, cleaned up the kitchen, washed the clothes, and hung them out on the clothesline.

Then, trying to beat the summer heat, I set off up the road for my walk in the early morning coolness. I try to forget all the to-do's running around in my head and enjoy my walk on this beautiful, clear new day. The sun has come out and burned off the early morning fog. Not a single car goes by to intrude on the peacefulness of my surroundings. Squirrels are playing back and forth across the road. The birds are singing. Cows are contentedly munching on their breakfast grass as I walk by their pasture. The young calves pause to look up at me and we share a moment of happiness on this beautiful day.

Then I get to the end of the road and turn around to head back, and what do I see!?

My little Maggie!

She had followed me so silently that I didn't even know she was there. She knows she's not so supposed to follow me unless she's invited, so she turns around before I get to her and walks/runs ahead of me all the way home. It's not that I mind her going with me, it's just that she thinks she owns the road and that cars (if any should come by) should get out of her way, so I don't let her go unless she's on her leash. But of course, she was nowhere to be seen when I left home for my walk so I couldn't tie her up or put her on a leash.

Don't let her fool you, she only looks sweet and innocent. She's much smarter than I am.

But I'm not going to let Maggie spoil my day or my walk. I'm home now.

Maggie has collapsed on the front porch, in her favorite position, ready for a long snooze.

And I'm going to get busy with my refashions.

Wish me luck!

Dear Diary,

2011-06-22T07:28:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was the first day of summer and I've made a decision; I'm going to enjoy it!

I've been listening to too many "They say's" lately. You know, They say I should wear sunblock every second I'm outside, cloudy or rainy. Oh but now, They say sunblock may actually be bad for me and I need some unprotected time in the sun or my vitamin D levels will be too low.

They said a low fat diet was absolutely necessary for me to have ultimate health. But wait a minute, now They say I actually need fats for my body to perform the way it should!

Oh last month, They said a high carb diet would give me energy and keep me satisfied while keeping my weight stable. This month They say, no, it's got to be low ~ or no ~ carbs all the way or I'll get all kinds of inflammation in my body!

I don't really know who They is, but I'm tired of listening to They and being jerked around. I truly want to be healthy, so who should I believe? I think I'll go to my body's owner's manual and see what it tells me. Here's the words I'm looking for, straight from the manufacturer:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.

This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

Proverbs 3: 5-8

Well it's quite simple after all, isn't it? I'll quit listening to what They say and just listen to what

He says!

Thank You, Lord, for giving such a simple answer to my many questions.

P.S. And thank you Keren for the wonderful picture of the little girl in her itsy, bitsy, teenie, weenie, yellow polka-dot bikini! How did you know what my inner giggly girl looked like in a bikini? :)

Want to chat ~ heart-to-heart?

2011-06-17T09:03:00.004-05:00

Do you ever just feel uninspired?

That doesn't usually describe me. I usually can find excitement in cleaning out a closet or cooking a special meal. But not lately.

I don't know where my bounce has gone.

I walk out into my yard, hoping for a little inspiration.

How could this perfect rose not excite me?

Could it just be my outlook?

Because now, when I look closer, I see mildew on the leaves. Does the flaw actually make it less beautiful?

Does everything really have to be perfect to be inspiring or joyful?

I check out my Square Foot Garden.

It's just a little square out in my backyard.

But on closer inspection, it actually holds such beauty.

Again, it seems to be all in my outlook.

Beauty abounds in my yard.

I know this slump is temporary. I know the joy is lurking around the corner. I've just got to look for it again.

In the mean time, I'll enjoy God's beauty and abide in my favorite Bible verse:

Be still, and know that I am God.

Psalm 46:10

Thanks for stopping by for a visit. Don't forget to leave me a comment, I would love to hear from you. ~ Sherry

This post is linked to: Outdoor Wednesday

More of My Colored Pencil Drawings

2011-06-09T13:56:00.000-05:00

I finished up my colored pencil art lessons book!

Well....

...I guess I should say...

...that I finished up with the lessons that I liked best.

I skipped a few that weren't my style of drawing. I thought about going back to my least favorite lessons later but I'd renewed the book to the limit, six weeks!

So I had to take it back to the library today. It was due yesterday but the library gives one day of grace.

Grace is such a wonderful gift!

I highly recommend this little book if you're interested in drawing with colored pencils.

Colored Pencil by Eileen Sorg

Our temperatures are up, up, up, so I get up early and get all my outside work done, including my walk, before the heat hits. After that I come inside, finish my household chores, then I have the afternoon to play away until it's time to cook supper. What's play? Artwork, sewing, reading, napping... It's all good! :)

Some people would call it Stuck in a Rut...

2011-06-07T15:50:00.002-05:00

...I prefer to think of it as Happy Routines.

Sweet Hubby and I just returned home from a four night camping trip in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. We had a wonderful time but while there, I missed my routines!

I missed my daily chores!

I missed the flowers in my garden!

In short, I missed home!

I have enjoyed returning to my routines. It's not only a mind thing, my body even seems to crave the peacefulness of them.

I love checking them off my list.

Daily (early in the morning):

feed and water the animals
take walk
water plants/work in garden

Monday

laundry
vacuum
make menu for week

Tuesday

dust
iron
buy groceries

Wednesday

laundry
sweep and mop

Thursday

wash sheets
clean baths

Friday

laundry
prepare my Children's Church lesson

How about you? Do you thrive on routines too? I would love to hear how you order your days.

Home, the spot of earth supremely blest,

A dearer, sweeter spot than all the rest.

~Robert Montgomery

This post is linked to: Outdoor Wednesday, Good Life Wednesday

Just a Busy Little Bee

2011-05-31T09:15:00.006-05:00

The sun is just beginning to peek through the trees in our backyard this morning as I'm out hanging out my first load of laundry.

I wanted to get an early start for my busy day.

My laundry is now finished.

I've watered my garden.

I've taken my early morning walk.

I've got a little time to enjoy the outside beauty before beginning my inside chores.

The Blackeyed Susans are cheering me on as I check off my To-Do list.

One in particular teaches me a lesson as I pause to snap its picture.

It seems to ask me the question, "Do you have to be perfect to bring beauty into the lives of others?"

I spread out my newly completed Log Cabin quilt table topper.

Another cheery spot to my morning.

Looking around for a special centerpiece for the table, I spy my gardenia bush right outside my breakfast room window and it's covered with heavenly scented white blooms!

Perfection!

The reason I've got such a long To-Do list today is because sweet hubby and I are heading out on an anniversary celebration trip!

This post is linked to: Outdoor Wednesday, Whatever You Want Wednesday, Show and Tell Friday

Happy Birthday Pink Saturday!

2011-05-27T15:58:00.000-05:00

I'm joining in on the celebration of Pink Saturday's 3rd Birthday!

Thank you, Beverly, for making Pink Saturday possible.

You're the reason I started my blog!

Go on over to Beverly's blog and join in on the celebration on this special Pink Saturday Birthday Party!

Happy to be Me!

2011-05-26T18:15:00.001-05:00

I brush up against my lavender plant while hanging sheets on the line this morning. It sends up its heavenly peaceful scent, reminding me to stop and enjoy the simple pleasures of my day. Wasn't that my intention when I planted it at the clothesline post? It's doing its job well this morning.

While outside I stop to enjoy the other miracles God has blessed me with.

I'm never lonely in my backyard.

My little Maggie

Refashions

2011-05-22T14:45:00.006-05:00

These are my first two attempts at refashioning.

I didn't get a before picture of this blouse, but I did change it quite a bit. Just use your imagination and see a puffed-sleeve, maternity-looking, too long blouse. I made cap sleeves, put in princess seams and hemmed it shorter.

I paired it with my thrifted Limited skirt and am very happy with the results.

In a way I'm sorry that I did get a before picture of this next one. Pretty pathetic, huh? It didn't help that the only time I could remember to get sweet hubby to snap the before was at 6:00 in the morning.

This dress was two sizes too big for me so I fitted it by taking up the side seams (including the low arm holes) and taking in the princess seams more. I also took off about 10" at the bottom and hemmed it.

You'll so NOT see my third refashion attempt! Who knew that you would end up with huge armholes when you take out the sleeves? I can't get it right no matter what I do. Bummer! It was a light blue pure linen blouse that I loved! Oh well, it was a cheap mistake. As I mentioned before, I got all these garments at a church yard sale for 19 cents per article.

Have you tried your hand at refashioning yet? I'd love to see what you've done. Please leave me a comment with links to your work and I'll come a-visiting!

Colored Pencil Lessons ~ Continued

2011-05-20T08:56:00.000-05:00

My Results from Lesson Three

I'm having such a fun time with this wonderful book!

Colored Pencil by Eileen Sorg

You can see the results of my first two lessons here.

Refashioning Project Update: I've completed the make-over on three of the garments. I'm happy with two of them but one was a big flop. Pictures to follow soon!

It's Art Time!

2011-05-17T19:22:00.001-05:00

I finished the first two lessons in my colored pencil instruction book!

I'm having such fun!

New Project Alert!

2011-05-12T15:07:00.000-05:00

New Project Ahead!

For the past several months I've been staying away from yard sales and thrift stores. Yes, I've had withdrawals. But now my dear friend, Kathy, has introduced me to refashioning.

Thank you, Kathy!

So, I went to a couple of yard sales early last Saturday morning. I hit the jackpot at a church sale and came home with a bag full of projects for only $5.00! A few of them are lined up waiting on me.

I now have enough projects to keep me happily occupied for weeks, and all for the amazing price of 19 cents per garment!

Stay tuned and I'll keep you updated as I begin my new hobby of refashioning.

Note: Are you interested in refashioning? Just Google it and you'll find tons of inspiration!

Dealing with Disappointment

2011-05-04T08:55:00.002-05:00

My inner giggly girl (Little Sherry) wasn't so giggly this morning. She is disappointed because something she had been looking forward to very much was called off. She just wanted to stay in bed this dark foggy morning.

But I talked her into getting up and making the best of things. So we got dressed and shared breakfast with Neil before sending him off to work. Then, longing for a smiling face, I went into the bathroom and put on a little makeup. I was giving myself such a big smile that those old doldrums just started dropping away.

Now, with laundry in the washer, supper in the Crock Pot, and my floors all swept and mopped, I pulled out a fun library book that I've already had for three weeks but haven't used, and showed it to Little Sherry. I told her not to be sad, that we could have fun today with our book and colored pencils. And guess what? She cheered right up!

Colored Pencil by Eileen Sorg

The book's pages are full of happy, bright colors!

And just look at the many fun projects we can choose from!

Everything looks rosier already.

Brilliant sun rays have dried up the fog and are beaming through the trees in my backyard.

I'm so glad I climbed out of bed this morning and decided to look at the bright side of life.

Paint by number done by me

Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

My bookmark reminder

2011-05-03T15:24:00.000-05:00

Amen!

I'm making chili for supper on this cool rainy afternoon and looking forward to a peaceful evening at home with my family.

~ Sherry ~

All's Well in Pleasant Valley

2011-04-30T09:46:00.001-05:00

We are getting back to "normal" on this beautiful spring day God has blessed us with.

My freshly washed laundry is hanging outside in the wonderful sunshine.

Our electricity and water have been restored.

We are counting our blessings.

Note: My own Pleasant Valley was hit by the 100+ mph winds on Wednesday morning. Huge trees were uprooted the entire length of our little country road, but no one was injured and only minor damage was done to any homes here. We had no damage to our home at all. We watched out our kitchen door as trees were being uprooted and broken in two across the road, but my hanging baskets were not even blown off my front porch. God is good.

Later, that same day, a community less than five miles from us was hit with a tornado. Homes, a little country store, and a church were blown away, and there were many injuries and a few deaths. But, there are also many, many, reports of miracles that occurred. You may not hear the reports on tv of the man (a fellow high school classmate of mine) that was standing on his front porch when the tornado hit. He and his porch were picked up and moved to safety before his house was taken. My sister-in-law's niece and her child took shelter in a room in their home, the only part of their house that was left after the storm was that room.

Many miracles have occurred and neighbors and community ~ near and far~ are helping each other with a compassion you might not see on your tv screen. There is much good among the bad.

I want to thank everyone for your prayers,comments, and emails for your Alabama friend.

You make me feel so loved!

Sweet Blessings

2011-04-26T09:32:00.001-05:00

Sweet blessings call out to me, even when I forget to slow down and enjoy them. In the midst of a couple of very trying weeks, God has just flooded our home with His show of love.

My sweet hubby stopped and picked me a bouquet of honeysuckles on our evening walk yesterday. I added a few carnations from my backyard garden, put them on my breakfast room table and walked in to the sweetest smelling kitchen in the world this morning. So that's what love smells like!

We had rocks put around the foundation of our home a couple of weeks ago, but I was so wrapped up in life's little trials (not so little to me at the time), that I didn't really stop to enjoy the rock wrapping process of our home. After all, we've lived here 26 years, it's just home.

But there was an unexpected, and unplanned message left for me in those rocks. Do you see it? It was even a surprise to the rock layer when he stepped back to examine his work.

What's even more wonderful to me is that the cross is in the section of foundation directly under our door. It just confirms what I already knew but needed to be reminded of. God watches over our goings and comings. He cares. He loves me. He's right there in the middle of my biggest trials, so I don't need to worry.

Luke 6: 47, 48

I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.

~ Jesus

Getting My Ducks in a Row

2011-04-22T11:40:00.001-05:00

We've had quite a few gray rainy days lately.

But today broke that trend. The sun is smiling its happy rays out through a perfectly blue sky.

And I want to enjoy every minute of it!

I got up before the beautiful sun this morning so that I could get my ducks all in a row and then go outside and play!

Laundry is washed and hanging on the line
Cookies are baked (Peanut Butter!) for our church's Flashlight Easter Egg hunt tonight
Lasagna ingredients are set out and ready to be put into the Crock pot for tonight's supper
The pepper plants are planted
I took my daily walk (It's a perfect day for that!)
My Children's Church lesson has been chosen for Sunday

Now I'm going outside to enjoy a little play time!

I hope you have day that is as weatherly perfect as mine.

Celebrating a Rainy Day

2011-04-20T07:58:00.002-05:00

We woke up to another rainy, windy, stormy day in Alabama. But that's OK! I've got lots of things to do right here at home to keep me happy, busy, and contented.

It's 7:30 a.m. and I've breakfasted with my sweet hubby and seen him off to work. Then I moved on to my routine chores, taking joy in the order they bring our home. The floors are now mopped. A load of laundry is washed and thumping happily along in the dryer. No clothesline work for me on this rainy day.

After the clothes are dry, I'll pull out my iron and lavender water and get my ironing all done up. No rush. I enjoy smoothing out what wrinkles in life that I can.

Supper is all planned out in my head. I find such peace on a rainy stay-at-home day. There's no push to go outside and work in my gardens. I got the last of my plants in the ground yesterday. The weatherman had warned me we would have storms again today, so I planted the little flowers' roots a little deeper and snugged the rich brown earth up around their chins. They're going to enjoy this rainy day...

...and so am I!

You never know what a week will bring...

2011-04-18T10:42:00.000-05:00

Last week was a week of blessings.

Our family shared several meals around our little breakfast room table with some special visitors. A few lunches were shared with our older son's co-worker. Our youngest son brought home some of his college friends one evening to meet his family and share a meal with us. Out-of-town family dropped by and stayed over the weekend.

The most wonderful part of it all was that they were all unexpected visitors!

That meant that I hadn't fretted before they came. I didn't have a bit of time to worry about cooking a huge meal. I didn't have time to worry if the house was perfect. We just warmed up left-overs and enjoyed special time together. And we were all happily fed; body and soul.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for knowing just what we need.

I have an excused absence...

2011-04-15T07:21:00.003-05:00

...for my lack of posts. I've been outside playing in the dirt!

Way back in the winter, while we were still having snow and frigid temps, I was making little newspaper cups for my seed starting. Thoughts of my spring garden helped keep me warm on those cold days.

I lined the little pots all up, filled them with homemade potting soil and dropped in the seeds,

and I was rewarded with many, many little plants for my yard and garden.

The Morning Glorys were especially happy in their little pots.

I hope they're as beautiful as the ones that brightened my mornings last summer.

So now, my little Square Foot garden is all planted and I'll just enjoy the sunshine (and the rain) while patiently waiting on the bounty!

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us.

Psalm 67:1

I'm Taking Your Advice

2011-04-11T08:31:00.002-05:00

I have read and re-read every comment that was left on my last post. You have all touched me with your heart-felt advice and encouragement. Thank you for each word you wrote to me.

Thank you to my real-life friends that follow my blog, even though you know what a simple soul I am in real life. You're all treasures to me.

Thank you, my precious daughter, Heather. The sweet words you took the time to send me from "way up north" brought tears to my eyes. I love you!

And thank you, to all my blog friends that came out of hiding long enough to leave me your much appreciated comments when I asked for your help. You'll never know how much your kind words mean to me.

And yes, the Happy Valentine will joyfully continue! I don't plan to ever stop blogging. I was just having thoughts of making it a private blog just for me. But if my simple words and pictures can bring a little joy to others, I'm more than happy to share it. I'll take everyone's advice and just ignore the changing numbers of followers...well I'll try my best.

Thank you friends, for all your kind words.

And, true to my word, I was sewing while waiting on, and reading all your comments! I finished putting my little table cover together and have got it all layered up, basted together, and stretched out into my quilting frame. I look forward to many happy-quilty spring evenings. Who knows? It may even keep my sleepy eyes open when sweet hubby and I settle down in front of the tv to watch a little Andy Griffith. ;)

Thoughts of Ending it! Help!

2011-04-06T10:49:00.000-05:00

My blog that is. :)

Now that I have your attention, I really do need your help. I'm in a quandry over what to do with my blog. I know that I have quite a few folks signed up as followers, the number goes up and then it goes down, but I don't know if there are many that truly follow. It really doesn't show by the number of comments. And if I see that Follower number go down, I start wondering why. Did I offend someone? Did they decide my blog wasn't worth following? I try to tell myself they were just trying to simplfy their life by eliminating distractions. But I'm still full of doubts and questions.

I make maintaining my blog such a hassle for myself because I'm such a perfectionist. My husband has another title for me; OCD. I admit, I can obsess over even the little things. Especially the little things! Thus, I sometimes will spend 2-3 hours making one post. Then other times, I make a post in less than ten minutes. And usually the ten minute post is more me. I often feel guilty if I go a while between posts. Or maybe I'm more scared if I have a long break. Scared I'll lose a Follower. Again, I'm thinking of those followers. I keep trying to remind myself that I started the blog for me, not so that I would have followers.

Because of all of the above, I'm rethinking my blog and asking myself questions while trying to sort it out.

Should I:

Hide my blog from the world and keep it privately just for me?
Take away the Followers option so that I won't even see the number?
End the blog completely?

Here's where your help comes in. I would love to hear what you think about my blog. If you come by regularly, may I say, "Thank you!" and ask what keeps you coming back? If this is your first visit, I would love to hear your opinion too. How did you find me, and do you think you'll come back?

Here's my plan right now based on feedback from all of you:

Plan A: If a few faithful readers want me to keep it up, I will do so, but with a few minor changes (for me :).
Plan B: If no one is really reading my blog, or cares if it disappears, I will just keep it as my own private online journal.

While making my final decision, I will keep in mind these words of the late, wise Mr Fred Rogers:

You rarely have time for everything you want in this life, so you have to make choices. And hopefully your choices can come from a deep sense of who you are.

Thanks for your help!

~Sherry~

Oh, Joyous Monday!

2011-04-04T11:03:00.002-05:00

My floors are vacuumed. The laundry is all washed and out on the line enjoying the fresh breezes and the shy little glimpses of the sun.

I finished my Happy Apron...

...all the way down to the zig-zaggiest details.

The quilt blocks for my new table cover are stacking up, one happy square at a time.

What a joyous beginning to a new week!

The dreams dearest to my heart are right here.

~ Anne Shirley of Green Gables ~

Happiness in My Sewing Corner

2011-04-01T08:53:00.003-05:00

It's been a dark, bone-chilling cold, rainy week. And today is no different. But it's bright and cheery in my corner of the world!

I got my fabric for my reward apron! I spreaded it out on my breakfast room table and it cheered up the room so much that I left it there for a day.

In fact, it gave me the idea of making a bright and cheery table cover. So I'm in my little corner of Paradise (my sewing corner) this morning, working on a project that I just know will bring sunshine into my cloudy days.

This post is linked to: Show and Tell Friday, Pink Saturday

We did it...we did it...we did it...

2011-03-29T06:00:00.005-05:00

With the help of Little Sherry, I finally lost those extra five stubborn holiday pounds. I've been struggling with them for over three months now, but just couldn't seem to get rid of them. Deciding I needed help, I made a deal with my inner giggly girl. I promised I'd make her a new apron if she'd help me lose those five offending pounds. And together, we did it! Yes!!!

Guess where we're going today? Well, first a trip to the Bookmobile, and then on to the fabric store! I'm going to let Little Sherry pick out any piece of fabric she wants for her new apron. I think she deserves it!

I'm still taking things slow and easy today, just enjoying life. It's not easy for me because that's not my style. But hey, styles change! Hope you have a great day! I'm sure we will!

~ Sherry ~

P.S. What do ya know? My drawing of Little Sherry looks a bit like me. What a coincidence!

Post linked to: Whatever You Want Wednesday, Good Life Wednesday, Show and Tell Friday

Slow and Easy...

2011-03-28T12:49:00.000-05:00

...that's what I'm practicing this week.

I'm not sure why I rush through one chore, just to get on to another one. I'm not sure why I hurry to swallow a bite of food I'm enjoying, just to take another bite. Why do I gulp down my cup of hot tea when I enjoy it so? Why can't I sip and savor?

So, starting today, I'm making an effort to pay attention to one thing at a time. Do my best at each chore. Enjoy every bite of food and sip of drink. It's supposed to take 28 days to make a new habit. For the next 28 days, I'm going to try to remember to practice my new habit of enjoyment. One day at a time. Slow and easy. Want to join me? It'll be fun!

A task takes as long as it takes. ~ Amish Proverb

How Simple Can It Be?

2011-03-24T16:24:00.002-05:00

I have a mission: Enjoy my life.

I have a plan: Simplify my life so that I have more time to enjoy it.

I bring to you Step 1 of my simplifying efforts.

Step 1:

Simplify my grooming routine.

I bought new dish cloths to clean my face with because they're scrubbier than my washcloths. Before bedtime every night I simply wet a cloth in warm water and wash my face. No soap to dry it out. My skin seems to love it. Then I moisturize with a little dab of coconut oil. No, I don't buy organic oil from a health food store. I'm going for simple. I buy plain ol' coconut oil from Walmart. It's on the shelf with all the other cooking oils. Again, my skin seems to love it.

In the morning I splash my face with a little warm water (it wakes me up), dry it, and apply my makeup for the day: face powder and lipgloss. (I love the Lacura powder from Aldi!)

Now I'm ready to face the new day.

Are you a simple groomer too? I'd love to hear about it!

I'll be back soon with Step 2 in my simplifying efforts. In the meantime, I'm off to ENJOY my day!

This post is linked to: Show and Tell Friday

Will the Real Me Please Stand Up?

2011-03-18T08:23:00.002-05:00

I love pink kitchens!

from Country Living's 500 Kitchen Ideas

In fact, my kitchen has been through it's pink phase for the last few years. Then I made THE curtain. I loved the brightness and cheeriness that it brought into my little kitchen again. It made me wonder if I wanted to put my kitchen back through it's red phase. Then I found the picture below,

from Country Living's 500 Kitchen Ideas

and thought, why not just be me? More eclectic. Forget color schemes and trying to make my kitchen fit the latest style. So, here's one last peek of my kitchen "before." Because it's soon going to be much more me, uncluttered but with splashes of bright color!

While reading this book (which I thoroughly enjoyed),

I came across this wonderful quote:

You know what? I think it works for me! Have a great day!

~ Sherry ~

Post linked to: Show and Tell Friday, Pink Saturday

A Page from my Happiness File

2011-03-16T09:02:00.004-05:00

It's a perfect day weatherly. My laundry is washed and flapping on the line. Now I'm going to scrub my floors and then go out and enjoy the sunny day I'm blessed with. Hope you enjoy your day!

~ Sherry ~

This post is linked to: Whatever You Want Wednesday, Outdoor Wednesday, Good Life Wednesdays

Playing on a rainy day

2011-03-09T10:23:00.004-06:00

This is quite the rainy day in our neighborhood. It follows on the heels of quite the rainy night. But that's okay. I turn on all the lights in my little spot of the world and everything is bright and cheery here.

Since I did today's homey chores yesterday, I have the whole day (until time to cook supper) to just play and indulge my inner giggly girl's whims! Believe it or not, she first wants to play house. So we catch up on a little sewing. Just little odds and ends of things. Then I take out my ironing board and lavender water spray. The bottle's original lavender water is long gone, so I replaced it with tap water and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Mmm, it smells even better than the original stuff.

My little inner girl (I call her Little Sherry) wants to iron her newest favorite sweater. And while ironing, Little Sherry and I start thinking of how best to accessorize the new antique sweater.

So we move on to our closet where we choose a creamy color skirt and pearly accessories to go with the soft pinkness of the sweater.

There's nothing like pearls, whether real or make-believe, to make a girl feel even more girly.

We choose our pearliest looking purse to complete the look. Now we have the perfect outfit all picked out, wrinkle-freed, and smelling of heavenly lavender. We're all ready and waiting for our next sunny day.

Aren't we blessed to have a whole rainy day in which to indulge our playful mood?

~ Sherry and Little Sherry ~

This post is linked to: Frugal Friday, Show and Tell Friday, Pink Saturday

50's Style Cafe Curtain ~ homemade version

2011-03-08T13:04:00.013-06:00

I've been wanting to replace the curtain over my kitchen sink for several months now. It's actually just a piece of pink chiffon fabric draped over a tension curtain rod. I wasn't sure what I wanted to hang up in its place though.

Then I saw the perfect pink and red 50's cafe curtain at an antique mall a couple of weeks ago. Perfect in every way except the length, too long, and the price, $38! So, I came up with a plan.

I got sweet hubby to design a scallop pattern for the top of the curtain. We make a great team; if he can design it, I can make it. I bought pink and red paisley, vintage-looking fabric at Hobby Lobby along with a package of plastic cafe curtain rings. Using an old white sheet for the lining, I made it just like the one in the antique mall. Except the price of mine was only $12.

And, TA-DA! It absolutely brightens up and cheers up the whole room! It puts a smile on my face when I walk into the kitchen every morning to make my coffee.

Thanks for stopping by! Your visits and comments make me as happy as my little curtain does.

~Sherry~

Post linked to: Not Just a Housewife, We Did it Wednesday, Show and Tell Friday, Frugal Friday, Made By You Monday, More the Merrier