It's A Small World....

Okay, now that you have that song running through your head...(no need to thank me....it was my pleasure!), I thought I would tell you about my surprise!

Several days ago, I came upon a blog called Cottage Days and Journeys. I signed up for her PIF, and heard back from her. Then, in another post, she mentioned that she spent quite a bit of time at "Sisters At Heart". Well, Donna was her name....and as soon as I saw "Sisters At Heart", I had a major flashback!

I used to be a member of Sisters At Heart....for about a year or so. They livened up my days in the desert when it was too cold to go out! I had so much fun there! I could hardly wait to log on in the mornings, and they were my last visit before I headed to bed. (Okay, they were like a drug...and I was addicted...I confess...)

Well, life took a different turn, sickness, surgeries for our Alex, a bad case of Anemia for my MIL, a Stent for Max...A badly stripped muscle (again for Max), my Mom was diagnosed with RA, she broke her hip, it seemed endless! And, I just dropped out of sight...the computer was more than I could handle, I logged on for emails, and at long stretches of time, not even that. So, I just dropped everything, and that included Sisters At Heart.

When I started back on for longer periods, I thought of Sisters At Heart, but felt guilty that I had just dropped out of sight..(reading that it sounds a bit conceited I must admit....they probably hadn't even missed me), and I just didn't have the nerve to go back.

So, back to Donna....as soon as she mentioned Sisters At Heart (and invited me to visit them), I realized that this was "MY" Donna! I had won a contest there, called the "Mosty Posty"....I know, how appropriate...it fit right in with my "gift of gab"....and she had created a beautiful beaded necklace for me (in the coolest tin box I had ever seen). I wear that necklace a lot...it was just perfect, and everytime I put it on, I thought of her! And, by golly, here she was!!!

I emailed her and said..."Donna, Donna, Donna"....(more talking, I will spare you that), and she came back with..."that was me"! And after more emailing (sparing you my gabbing yet again!), I realized that I had found a long-last friend! I am so happy! She and I had some fun conversations, and yes, she helped me win that "Mosty Posty" award, she enjoys a good conversation as well as I do!

So, I have to say....she lives in the most beautiful state (TN), and has a WONDERFUL Cottage home....(and if you click on the photo below? You get an AWESOME up-close view....sigh...)



So, now...want to know that name of it? "Grey Havens" Isn't that just the perfect name?


Isn't it gorgeous? I love it! What a wonderful welcoming place to come home to! And what an awesome place to retire too...if it was me? I would never leave the house!

Now for the kicker? It's for sale!!!! Brenda, are you reading this? It's FOR SALE!! Maybe you and Jeff can go to TN for your next tour of duty? It's your cottage!

Well, I know that Jeff and Brenda won't be hitting the Knoxville area, but if anyone else is wanting to relocate? This is the place! OH! And it has 6 acres with it....I can see fruit trees, an herb garden out the kitchen...a swing, a book, and a cup of coffee.....or tea....or maybe a Mint Julep? Donna has an awesome photo of the stairs, all decorated for the holidays Check it out! This is just a wonderful home! (and if you find you just want it? Contact Donna!

I hope that everyone is settled for the weekend? It looks like it is going to be a doozy! We, on the Oregon Coast, are getting quite the weather! Last night it was high winds, and hail and rain...and rain, hail and high winds, followed closely by hail, rain and high winds. I went to the store last night...and loaded up on essentials.....(Hershey Bars, Paydays, chips, Pepsi, Sauerkraut (Kraut Dogs for dinner...), and of course, salad fixin's...which is what I...okay, I cannot tell a lie....I went for the Hershey Bar, Paydays, Chips and of course Pepsi's.....one has to be prepared for all emergencies, and I have to admit, Pepsi and a Hershey Bar can do a lot to make that emergency go better.......As for the salad fixin's....they just fell into the cart......AFTER I hit the other aisles...............Now, we are all ready...and they are saying that we might even get SNOW! SNOW! I love snow! It is so exciting....I keep watching the windows, just in case it shows up early...so far, no luck...but I've got my fingers crossed!

Well, I think I will close for now....there is laundry to be done....I just realized that if the power goes off (as it is prone to do), there will be no clean clothes.....which is okay with me...who needs 'em when you have sweats? But, what if I have to go somewhere in the car....gotta have that clean pair of underwear on...just in case....

Hope you all have a wonderful and safe weekend!

A Day of Reflection....

Well, today was a full day, and I am exhausted. I just don't bustle around like I used to!

I don't know about you, but I hate waking up and knowing that I have to go somewhere...(okay, shopping and coffees excepted)...and today was one of those days. And it didn't help that the reason we were going out was a funeral.

Max's boss died last week...he was 74. He had fought a valiant fight against Prostate Cancer, 18 years worth of fighting. We were there at the beginning, when they found it, and then when they did the surgery, and as he battled on.

Now, I cry at TV commercials...so you can imagine my thoughts about this funeral. But, I got out of the house without any Kleenex, and I was bound and determined that I would NOT CRY! Bud was a strong person, and very seldom did one hear him complain about his lot in life. You have to respect that.

We were given a blue strip of paper that had information on Prostate Cancer, and a ribbon that represented Prostate Cancer Awareness was attached. We were asked to wear the ribbon in memory of Bud. The service was wonderful. He was well-known in town, and it was held at the Events Center. He wrote his own Eulogy, and promised us that we would laugh and we would have a good time. And laugh we did...he had a long and full life, and well, it was funny! He chose his music, and one of his daughters and his best friend read the eulogy and told stories. Another daughter had put together a slide show with music. The service lasted 2 hours. 2 hours. It seemed so long at the time, but when you stop to think of it......it was a 74 year life...all condensed to 2 hours. He mentioned Gene and Max, and then Craig...the three drivers that he had....he thought enough of them to mention them by name. Gene and Max were each there for 10 years apiece..Craig was there for several years, and when he found a job in Eugene, a much better paying job and one with better benefits, Bud had no trouble recommending him, though it meant that he and Bob (his son), had to find another driver. And find one soon. Maybe he grumbled about it at home, but not in public.

The minister, at the end, read a chapter in Psalms, and then he said: "I know exactly what Bud is thinking right now. Exactly what he is thinking....he would want you all to open your hearts to Jesus. He would want to know that you would be joining him in Heaven". Then he went on to say, that late this summer, he had gone to Bud's house to visit and Bud had accepted the Lord. I cried. I cried for several reasons....one, thankfulness....Bud was in Heaven. And then in sadness....that it was so late in his life that he did find the Lord. But, he had found The Lord, and that was what counted.

The final tears were brought on by his daughter...who came back up to the microphone and said...."we were so fortunate that we got to be with Dad and talk to him...we got to tell him we loved him right before he died. Not everyone has that chance. When you go home today, hug you loved ones, and tell them that you love them....do not let them go to bed without telling them...because you never know....."

She's right...you just never know.......

6 Things you don't know about me!

Yikes! Well hmmm !! I thought this would be easy but now I am starting to wonder. LOL!
1. I have a house full of stuff.
2. I love to daydream about my English stone cottage that I want someday.
3. My favorite book is Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.
4. I don't enjoy housework
5. I have a deep desire to live like a hippie.
6. I love to sit on a mountain top, quite my thoughts, listen to the sounds of nature and be awe of God's creation.

OHHHH Brenda..............

Well, TAG, YOU'RE IT!!!! Come on, give everyone 6 things we don't know about you!!!!!

Happy Monday!

Well, here we are...another day...and I spent yet another dollar.....LOL!

I forgot last night that today was Monday! I had all these wonderful plans for today, and didn't realize until I had my third or so cup of coffee this morning, that I had to go to town. Now....I have to admit, reading that last sentence really sounds like I had to really GO to town! But, in all honesty, I live in town.....it didn't used to be town, but by golly, now, we are almost just in the middle of town. And I hate to go to town. I love staying home, all locked up nice and warm! But, I dragged my body into the bedroom, into some "go to town clothes", (just didn't think the sweat pants and baggy t-shirt would do.....of course, we live at the beach, technically.....and we have lived here a long time now...so maybe I could have gotten away with it...I mean, I didn't run into anyone that I knew...), but I spiffed up about as much as I could......dare I admit, that I forgot to brush my hair? Anyhooo...off to town I went to buy milk, eggs, and OJ and bananas. Now, with coupons? That should have set me back about $10.50.....so how on earth did I get out of there with FOUR bags, and a ticket that said $36.00? I mean, really......HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN?

As I drove home, I rehashed the trip to the checkstand in my head.....I did get:

1. eggs, 2-18 packs for $3.49
2. Milk, 3 (1/2 gallons) for $3.00
3. OJ, 2 (1/2 gallons) for $2.00
4. Bananas - $2.04
For a grand total of (ta dahhhhh), $10.53
(Coupons Rock!)

SO, how on earth did I manage to do $36.00 worth of damage? I was horrified....pulled over and looked at the receipt.....(just outside of Taco Bell, so I pulled through and got a Pepsi....large or small they ask? Well, duh...I am looking at a RECEIPT from a store that obviously messed me up...make it a LARGE.....)

As I perused the receipt, making slurpy noises with the straw to the absolute frantic excitement of the seagull that had settled down in the flower bed next to me...(why oh why didn't I get some fries?)...it came to me...I didn't go through the checker line...I DID IT MYSELF! So, obviously...it was the computer at the Self Check line that messed me up.....you know what they say about computers...oh, yeah..... they are only as smart as the one running them.........

This is what I saw:
Eggs, Milk, OJ, bananas......okay so far so good.......

Ice Cream.....WHAT? Oh, right...coupon, 5-1/2 gallons for $5.00....still, that doesn't add up to the grand total......and everyone knows that if you don't have lots of ice cream in the freezer, you do not have a well-stocked pantry...and heaven forbid that I fail at that.....

The New Country Sampler, which was a very hard decision....I had done a new subscription, but I didn't have it yet, were they going to send THIS issue to me? Or would it be the next one? And, if I waited and didn't get this one? Would I be able to sleep....but what if I bought it and then they sent it? Hmmmm? Well, I certainly didn't need two.....besides we are in a Recession..(I heard this from a very reliable source), and I should be careful with my money. Investments...that's what I need to do. Well, after thinking this through, (and putting the magazine back on the rack, off the rack, on the rack....muttering to myself.....) I realized that the magazine was an investment.....(towards Maxs' sanity), and if they sent me another one? I would donate it to someone who didn't have one.....So, that added $5.99 to the total...but still....

OH! The last book of the newest Nora Roberts Trilogy...but really, I couldn't count that, as I have been waiting forever for it......and I did get it for 25% off...so that was a steal......and now I would know FOR SURE, that the third guy got the third girl....(okay, I know that this is ALWAYS how it goes, at least for Nora...but what if this is the one book that she changes the formula? Could I look another person in the eye, knowing that I wimped out on the third book? I think not...)

Next out of the bags, a Large sized PayDay candy bar....(Max's request), that was a stunning $1.29 (no coupon), a Hershey Bar with Almonds $1.00 (no coupon), my request I believe....but honestly, by then, it was all a blur......OMG, the ice cream is melting.............

A Busy Sunday!

Well, today is not a day that I will have to wonder what I did.....(which happens much more often than it should around here!). I worked on table runners all day today. If I get it all together early tomorrow, I might get them finished! And, before I pat myself on the back too much...I have to admit, these are Christmas presents and should have been finished, okay started a month ago! I don't know why I do it, but I seem to always be behind! Anyway, if I do get them finished tomorrow, I will post a photo...I am pretty pleased with them so far.....especially since I cut one wrong and as my cousin would say "I had to punt"! Poor Max has spent the day saying "you are your own worst critic" and "what have I always told you"? (see the first comment). And yes, I probably am my worst critic, but, it is what I do, and I do it well!!

Since I was so full of myself, and I felt guilty at ignoring the others, I cooked Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy and Greenbean Casserole for dinner. After all, it is Sunday. The faces were priceless. I probably should be a bit cranky about it, one would think that I never cooked a full dinner! Oh, they would be right now that I think of it....Friday? We ate out all day! Except for dinner, that was pizza, and I actually had to GO TO THE STORE and get it, then I had to COOK IT IN MY OVEN! Now that I think of it, that counts as a full, homecooked meal, don't you think? LOL!

Brenda called this afternoon, and she and Jeff stopped by before they left for Alaska. She picked up some of the goodies that we bought on one of our shopping trips. It has been so nice to have her in the same state! We actually got to spend almost two days together, and we had a blast! Now, she is home, and they won't be back until September. But, there is the telephone!

Well, I guess I better get busy and add one more side to one of the table runners, and then I am crawling into my jammies....I would love to get a book out, but if I do? No one would get ANY presents under their tree, (unless, of course, they left their tree up another month....hmmm....that might not be a bad idea...)

So, I will say goodnight, and hope that you all had a wonderful weekend, and have a great week!

Sue has a NEW contest!!!!! Check it out!!

Well, guess what? Sue at Oodlekadoodle has done it again! She has a new contest, and it is a great one! It involves, memories, gifts, memories....did I say gifts?!!

To enter, you just need to pop over (she is listed as "blog I am following", or in the Favorite Blog list....and you need to post a Favorite Christmas Memory in her comment box...and well, she has all the rules listed on the posting...you can end up with 8 entries....and the goodies....so many great ones!!

So head on over and check it out!!

PIF--What a Wonderful Idea!

Well, I was surfing around tonight and discovered a new blog.....Cottage Days and Journeys. It's a wonderful blog...and what a fun and wonderful idea she had on it! It was so good, I decided that we needed to play too!!

It is something called "Pay It Forward", and this is how it works...

I added the PIF symbol to this blog and linked back to Cottage Days and Journeys blog. Then, the first 3 visitors of my blog to leave a comment saying that they would like to be involved will receive a handcrafted gift from me within 365 days of joining. Isn't that the greatest idea? These times are so hard for so many, and very discouraging...what a great way to spread some happiness! So, how about it? Want to play along and spread some kindness in the next year? The first 3 to leave a comment and say that they want to participate will get a handcrafted goodie from me sometime in the next year! You also need to follow-up with an e-mail to me at jcolleen(at) starlightprims.com to confirm your spot. To participate, you must have your own blog, follow these steps, (linking back to me, instead of Cottage Days and Journeys), and do the same for your first 3 visitors.

Let's spread some happiness!!

I've been Tagged!!!!

Well, guess what else I missed this last month? We got tagged!!! Sue at Oodlekadoodle tagged us. So, here are the rules.....

Rule #1 ~ Link to the person that tagged you. Rule #2 ~ Post the rules on your Blog. Rule #3 ~ Write 6 random things about yourself. Rule #4 ~ Tag 6 people at the end of your post. Rule #5 ~ Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their Blog.Rule #6 ~ Let the tagger know your entry is up.

Hmmm...well, are you ready? Here goes:

1. Being a Wife/Mother/Grandmother...the BEST!!

2. I dislike the TV.....okay, maybe that isn't exactly how I feel about it....but hate is such a nasty word!

3. I am sure that I am in the wrong century....I am pretty sure I should be in the 1700's.

4. I am a voracious reader...I will/have read anything put in front of my eyes....(ask my Dad.....on those trips to Los Angeles on Hwy 99? EVERY sign, door, blimp, car license.....)

5. My favorite book/s? The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon...I just finished the set again for the 4th time...when I am finished? I am depressed for a bit...I LOVE those books!

6. When I need peacefulness...It is handwork, whether it be needlepoint, spinning, rughooking...it brings me total peace and contentment.
I am in a totally different world.

So, now I need to tag somebody....and since Brenda isn't home yet? I am tagging her!!!

Brenda at Olde Harbor Saltbox
Kelly at Once In A Blue Moon
Karen at My Colonial Home
Lisa at Skunk Hollow Blog
Bethany at Happy To Be Called Mommy

A New Award!!!

Guess what I found when I started catching up? A New Award!! From Lisa at Skunk Hollow Blog!! Thanks, Lisa!! Now, I need to nominate 5 people:

Kelly at Once In A Blue Moon

Karen at KM Primitives

Cyndi at Keepers Of The Past

Bethany at Happy To Be Called Mommy

Sue at Oodlekadoodle

The rules of this award are: * Put the logo on your blog or post.* Nominate at least 5 blogs(can be more) that for you are Uber Amazing!* Let them know that they have received this Uber Amazing award by commenting on their blog.

It's the 2nd of December!

It has been over a month since I last blogged.....and I am so far behind! I had all kinds of good intentions, and even managed a couple days of blogging in a row...but then, life kinda hit us here! The evening of my last blog, we popped Mom F. in the car and headed up the river for dinner. We only made it a couple of blocks and had to pull over so she could get sick. So, we turned around and came straight home, but had to call the ambulance in an hour as we couldn't get the throwing up stopped. She spent the evening in the ER and they sent her home, after they finally got it stopped. She actually looked pretty good.

I spent the night over there with her, and she was up and moving in the morning, and even had about a quarter cup of broth. So, Max came over and I headed home to change my clothes and within about 20 minutes, he was back....Mom wasn't right, he said. So, I ran over and she had had a stroke...but was able to say NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO to the ambulance. We took her to her bed, as she was working herself into a pretty good lather over it, and I told her she had 5 minutes to get better, or the ambulance was coming. After three minutes, I said "times up"...and she replied "oh no it isn't"...so we argued for two minutes, and I called the ambulance. They were here right away, and one of the crew was one of the ones who had been there the night before, so that was nice. They got her into the ER, and long story short...she ended up spending almost a week in the hospital. She is doing fine now...she has a hard time remembering, but there were no physical leftovers. It caused her total confusion, and bad headaches.

The weekend after she came home, I had a call from my Dad....my Mom was unconscious and he couldn't rouse her. So, our neighbor came over and sat with Mom F. while Max and I headed South to my folks. The ambulance got there and she got checked out....she was conscious by then. They did lots of tests, and are still not sure what caused it.

I came home, closed my store, and then put a note on Brenda's...she and Jeff are down here for Thanksgiving. It was the first Thanksgiving without Jeff's Mom, so they gathered to help his Dad this first holiday.

On the upside...since she got home, we managed to get together twice....which was really hard to do....what with spending two mornings at our favorite coffee shop, drinking special coffees and catching up, but of course SOMEONE had to do it, so we decided it might as well be us! LOL! And it seems the coffee shop has gone a bit prim, so we had to check their stuff all out...pretty awesome stuff! And then, of course, after we dragged ourselves out of there? We SHOPPED!! We hit some great second-hand shops and loaded up. Then she came and helped set up the village in the hutch...which was wonderful! I just haven't had the energy to do that. Now, hopefully, she will be back in town for a day, so we can do another coffee morning....and I have to get the tree up...I have a feeling that there will be a test!

My brother is going to be starting his own business...he is going to be doing some Western/Cowboy stuff....he is an awesome carpenter, and he has had some great ideas. So, when I get the shop opened again, he may be joining me. Surely there is a way to blend Primitive and Western? We're going to give it a shot, and maybe that will inspire me to get things done! He is a fast worker, and I will be running to keep up with him!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and that the Christmas Season is bringing you lots of joy! I am trying to remember that it is not a race, but a Season of Reflection...and Max and I have been doing a lot of that lately.

I am behind on the gift making....the little ones are what I am behind on...and I have to get things off in the mail by the fifteenth, so I need to get it together!

Have a wonderful evening!

How did your week go?

So, how did the week go for everyone? I hope that you all had a great week, and got everything done that you wanted to!

This was a busy week for me....I finally got my soap made...still some to go, that will happen today, but thought I would show you some of the last batch I made...Blackberry Pie with Oatmeal...each weighs between 4.5oz and 5oz...I was really pleased at the color when I was done....wasn't sure how it would go! And they smell so good!!! Of course, these batches won't be ready until the middle of November or so...but, I will have some up today that will be good to go today!

Here is the soap in my small mold....

And these are a few of the bars...

Today I will be making some Mocha Latte Soap, Brown Sugar and Molasses (those are good for today....) Honey Oatmeal, Vanilla Oatmeal......whatever I can get to! I LOVE making soap...almost as much as my candles...which I will be doing soon....look for some Gift Baskets with Soaps, Matching Candles, and Powders.....hopefully they will get up in November in time for Christmas!

Speaking of Christmas....it is almost Halloween!! I simply cannot believe that! I am still in the Fall mode...but I had better get it together and head for the Winter mode!! Is everyone still in Fall? Or have you moved on?

I spent an awesome morning yesterday! So did Max....Brandi called and we spent quite a bit of the morning (afternoon for her!), on the webcam, and got to catch up on things...and to make it all the better? Our Alex was there too...and we got to see her and visit with her! I even got to see her take a nap.....she fell alseep on Mama's lap, and slept through part of it...hmmm....I am wondering....do you think that is a comment on her Grandma Jan's and PawPaws conversation? Surely not!!!! ;) Her Daddy was gone for the weekend on a fishing trip, so we missed him...but what a wonderful way to spend time! We are so far away from them...and I went to sleep last night, smiling about our visit and getting to see Alex!

Well, I see that Brenda survived the Craft Sale! I am going to get on the phone in a bit and see how she did...drove me nuts not being able to go see what she had done!

I suppose that I need to get up and get some soap started! I am not going to bed until I have a batch or two made......and I am ready for bed now by 10:00....so I need to get it together! Hope that everyone had a great week, and an even better weekend!

We were gifted with an Award!

Life has been busy here, and I was off the blog for a few days...and guess what I found when I popped on last night!! An Award!!

Sue, at Oodlekadoodle has gifted us with the Fabulous Fall Decor Award! We are so happy!! Thanks, Sue! You always brighten our day!

Now, one of the rules is that we need to pass this great award to six of our favorites.....which is hard, as there are so many! But, as Brenda is busy, it fell to me...and this is who I nominate!

Karen of My Colonial Home

Lisa of Skunk Hollow Country Store

Tanya of Tanya's Prim Thyme Desgns

Mary of Gettysburg Homestead

Tonya of Back Porch Pickins'

Karin of CountryFolk Keepsakes

So, what has been going on with us? Not much in the Oregon place....I have made some more soap, and candles and have some about ready to list...I have been staring at that YoYo table mat I started.......and staring, and staring....and I guess I will just put it away for a bit....it is not suiting me....and for the life of me, I don't know why!

Brenda is busy, busy, busy...getting ready for the craft show this weekend. She has an amazing bunch of items to sell....she just amazes me at how fast she can put things together! I keep telling her..."take pictures", and she assures me that she will, so maybe we will have some to post the first of the week!

Mom and Dad Pike showed up today....what a great surprise! And Mom made the distance from the car, up the stairs, and into the house with no walker, nor a cane. Just Dad's arm! She is doing so good! We got all caught up on the family.....brother Craig is home from SD and in CA. Lance is home for a bit, though I think he is going to Klamath Falls for a few days of work. My family doesn't seem to spend much time at home...!!

Mom F. is busy whipping out the quilt....she is over half-done, and I do believe she is making plans to start another one....!!

I have been making my Christmas list...originally all the kids were getting gift certificates...well the big kids were, the little ones were getting presents...but since we didn't get back to GA and FL....they are getting REAL presents....all handcrafted...well, we do have a little guy...and a big guy...they might get store bought.....little guys are a bit harder to do for than the girls, and big guys....well, we'll see....Shawn, if you read this? Send me a list! Anna, you can send a list, but Grandma Jan already knows what you are getting!! Lauren, Alex and Kaitlyn....Grandma Jan knows what you are getting too....and since you aren't writing yet, (are you writing Lauren?), you have to trust us! Big kids? Already know what you are getting too...but if you have a list...!!

I cannot believe that Christmas is getting so close, so fast! Halloween is just around the corner, then time seems to fly!

Well, it is late, and I am beginning to spend more time correcting my spelling, than the actual typing...so off to bed I go! Hope everyone has a wonderful rest of the week!

What a Gorgeous Day!!!!

How is everyone today? I thought that I would just get blogging...my goal is EVERY DAY!! We'll just see how that goes! I have been surfing around today, and did some window shopping....wow! There is some awesome stuff out there! I'm really sorry that I decided to behave myself and not do any shopping this month. I actually have been fairly good at that...but, I am starting to itch and twitch.......going to have to shop soon!

We went up the river this afternoon for dinner, and I got some photos of the colors. They are not nearly as beautiful as what all you lucky people back East have....the West Coast just doesn't turn as well as the East....but, it is pretty, and once we have some freezing mornings, they will get brighter. So this is what we saw as we headed out:

And this:

And to top that off...I didn't have to cook dinner!!!!

Brenda sent me a couple photos that she had taken, and I thought I would add them here too...they are good ones!
Isn't Alaska gorgeous? Max and I really wanted to get up there to visit before they left....but it doesn't look like that will happen. Every picture that she has taken is so beautiful!

Well, I had better close this..it is late, and I have to finish making the bed....clean fleece sheets...it is getting cold here at night! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Good Afternoon, All!!

Good afternoon all!!! It has been a while since one of us Blogged...and we are feeling badly about that! But, truly, we have been busy!!

I don't know if you noticed, but there are two banners above now.....Starlight Prims and Olde Harbor Saltbox......Brenda and I opened sister sites....with her in AK, and me in OR, there was always the worry about postage! We wanted to save everyone postage, but it was a worry that we might not be able to. We will still be blogging together though...so you can keep up with us here!

Brenda is getting ready for a Craft Sale at Ft. Wainwright in AK, that will be next weekend. She has been busy! So, if you are close to Ft. Wainwright, pop in and see her goodies!

I have been busy with the new site...mine is the Starlight Prims. It is a bit empty right now, but hopefully, I will be adding things regularly! I have just finished some soap...that will hit the site the first of November...with more to follow. I will also have the powder listed...just have to print off the labels. Ornies are almost done too, for the Christmas Season, so check in regularly and see what we both have!

I have also opened a 100 Top Site list, which will be FUN! I can hardly wait to check out who all will sign up...I love checking out different sites..that might be why I don't always get much done in the day!


If you would like to sign up and advertise your site, here is the link: http://starlightprims.gotop100.com/ . Free advertising can't be beat!!


I have found several awesome sites....one of my favorites is: Skunk Hollow Country Store, which can be found here: http://www.skunkhollowcountrystore.com/ . Lisa also has Wymzee Art, which is here: http://www.wymzeeart.com/main.html . Some awesome goodies there!

Mom F. is still busy quilting.......as you can see from the photo she is just whipping those stitches in!

Mom P. is doing really well, thanks to all those who ask about her! I went with Dad and Mom on Tuesday to take her to her Dr. appt. in Eugene, and she just walked like she had never had a problem! We are so thankful!! Here is a photo from her "surprise" birthday gathering...

Fall is truly in the air here....it is my most favorite season, I think. On the way to Eugene on Tuesday, everything was bright and crisp....just can't help but make me feel good!

OH! Before I forget, we have also added a button for "Featured Artist", which needs to be changed today, now that I think of it! Last month it was Denia of handcrafted with love by Denia....this month....well, you'll just have to check....Brenda and I have both choses who we want....and I need to get busy with that! So, I will close for now, and get those changed over! Take care and have a wonderful day!!

Another Week gone...and what have I done?

Well, here it is, Saturday! And I am exhausted....but have no idea why? I am way behind in my Blog Readings, which I LOVE! It is so relaxing and fun to check in and see what all my favorites have been doing. That is on my MUST DO list for this weekend!

We have had a busy week or two here at home.....first, our Aidan, who is 2, had to be rushed to the hospital, and it was touchy for a bit...turns out he had a virus attack his tonsils, and his lymph nodes, so he spent several days in the hospital in Pensacola, but is home now, and is doing great. Good enough to say "hi grandma" and "I love you", and some other goodies, which I had a bit of a hard time translating! But, he is talking and playing!

My Mom, which as you know if you've read the earlier blogs, is doing great! I spent the afternoon with her while Dad went to town and shopped. She looks good, and we had a great visit. I even managed to get some needlefelting done! Only nailed my finger once, when I puncuated a statement....I have to use my hands less!

I also managed to get Mom F.'s quilt basted, thanks to some awesome friends, Suzanne, Marge and Pat, who gave up their Sunday afternoon to come and help! It is a big quilt, and took a while, but it was well worth it...I put it on the frame and Mom F. spent yesterday afternoon quilting! The photos above are of the quilt...the quilt was pieced by her Mom and Grandma...it is old fabric, and where it looks like folds, that is where I basted it for her, for some reason you can't see the basting really well...which is great, as I had a needle that wouldn't stitch in a straight line!

We also went to the Valley on Thursday to visit with friends before they head to AZ for the winter....(oh, I wish we were going!), and went out to Grandpa's Farm and shopped, brought some corn, squash, potatoes, onions and some peppers home. We had fresh corn for dinner last night...yummy!!! Tonight, more fresh corn on the cob, fried zucchini, and some melon....I can hardly wait!

I am busy typing and listening to this awesome music from 1963....if you have never tried this site, give it a try! I absolutely love it, and just bop some of my days away! It is:

http://www.tropicalglen.com/

All the Top 100 hits from 1950-1989....right now? It is Andy Williams, singing "Can't Get Used to Losing You".....I was 10.....and I thought he was SO CUTE!!! Had no idea he was my parent's age....LOL! And of course, there was Elvis, The Beach Boys, (and as a California Girl, I knew that they rocked!!), Ricky Nelson (long before he became Rick Nelson, and I was SURE that he was waiting for me to grow up, so we could get married....!) Ahhh, the fantasies of youth!

So, I have been drooling over all the pics of Linda's house (Behind My Red Door), and have decided that I want to look like that too, so to that end, I will be picking a corner, and redoing it, a bit at a time. I'll post the before and after photos as I go!

Well, I have to get busy....I have more plans for the website, and want to get them going! We will be doing a "Featured Artist" each month, which will be fun! And we will also be adding a "Yard Sale" page....Brenda and I both seem to have masses of stuff, patterns etc, that we haven't used, won't use and we need the room! We thought about Ebay, but decided that we would rather not do that.....it goes on the website! I am also going to be starting a "Topsite List". Once I get it going, and if you would like to be listed, check it out!

I'm off to have a cup of coffee, then get busy...the days have a way of getting away from me!

Good Saturday Morning!

Good Morning,
My husband is back. He flew in Thursday night. It is good to have him home. I have found that I need to get used to having another person around. We are heading out to Cantwell this morning so he can go Moose hunting. We will be staying in a cabin so we won't be completely roughing it. I am bringing a penny rug to work on. I signed up to do a craft show at Fort Wainwright next month so I am feeling nervous about having enough stuff made. We will be back on next Saturday. I will hopefully be able to put more primitive folk art on the website. I got busy here the last week trying to prepare for my husbands arrival. I hope everyone has a great weekend. I need to get busy or we won't be getting out of here today.

New Contest at Olde Colonial Peddler!

I love meeting new friends, and this last week, I have found several! And Shay, at Olde Colonial Peddler
is having her first Blog Giveaway! So, click on her name, and go and read her posts, then leave her a comment! What could be easier than that? AND, check out the great goodies! This is one very talented lady!! I signed up and I am hoping that I get lucky!!

Quick update on Mom....she is doing much better and may go home tomorrow! She was sitting up and had "been walked"....hmm.....kinda makes her sound like a dog...don't you think? :-) She is anxious to get home from the sounds of it...she described her lunch....and I totally understand the rush to go home!

Haven't talked to the kids, but heard that Gulf Breeze had had a tornado, so after checking, saw that they listed "tree damage". I left a message, quivery voice and all, so hopefully they will call Mom and let her hear their voice...that will make it all better!

And thankfully, it looks like Gustav was a smaller category hurricane, but still, has done major damage. I feel so badly for all those people that have been uprooted, and have no idea whether they will have a home to go home too. Prayers are still going out to them from here.

The big decision here at the moment is: "whats for dinner"? I was thinking cereal? After all, I am not hungry. However, the vote was taken and it is PIZZA from Papa Murphy's. Yippeee! I can probably find the strength to turn the oven on, and go get it. That will take ALL the energy that I have today. I am hoping that my people appreciate it!!! Have a great evening!

It's been a long day.....

Well, since I can't sleep, I think I will just blog! Hope that this finds everyone well, and safe.....especially those of you down in the path of Gustav......we are thinking of you and praying for you....it is a very terrifying time.

I spoke to our daughter and son in Gulf Breeze this afternoon, had some news to give them, but, mostly wanted to make sure that they would be safe in the storm, I know that they will be getting some of the outer bands of Gustav, and I worry! Our son and daughter in GA should be fine...which eased me a bit, too.

Today started with a bang! I had my little, well, okay, it was a LONG list made out with all that I had planned to do today. That was changed before I even got up....we had a phone call from my brother, and he greeted me (not so much, actually), with "Mom fell last night and broke her pelvis and Dad took her to the hospital. She is okay, but he is a mess...get down there"....okay, for those of you who haven't guessed? This would be my "baby" brother, and to make it even more surprising...he was calling from 800+ miles away...while I, the oldest child, and the only girl, (therefore, I RULE), am a mere 30 miles from Mom and Dad. Hmmm, you say.....how odd is that? Well, I have to tell you, I thought it quite odd....turns out, I was the LAST one to talk to Dad.....but, I am okay with that (not), as things were hectic, and he thought of Craig first. Of course, it didn't help that I called my Aunt in Central California to give her the news, only to find out that she, too, had already heard. I obviously am going to have some issues to work through, as I am obviously NOT the Queen of my little group of people, but I will be okay with that, someday, probably....possibly......

Anyway, Max and I trundled down to the hospital, and found Mom looking much better than we expected, and while Dad looked a bit worn, he too, was looking better than we thought. We met my other brother down there (the nicest one of the three of us kids), and HE looked better than we thought......Thankfully, the hospital that she is in, is one that she retired from, (she worked in Admissions), and I had also put my time in there, and therefore, as my Mom is the GREATEST (right up there with my other brother), she will be spoilt royally...and Dad will be looked after too. The surgeon told us that the type of breaks (2) that she had, were not good for surgery, so he would be sending her home, and she would have weight bearing exercise, and some therapy, and she should heal in the next 12 weeks, (it is always good to have a timeline, that way she will know how she should behave, don't you think?). So, she should be in there another 3-4 days, and then home.

So, I will close for now, as I have to find that list, and revamp it....maybe tomorrow will see it done! Take care, all!

We Won An Award!

WooHoo! Sue at Oodlekadoodle gave us an Primitive Excellence Award! Thank you so much. We both really appreciate your wonderful support! Check to the right for her fun and inspirational blog.
Once an award is received, the rules are as follows:
Put the logo on your blog.
Add a link to the person who awarded you.
Nominate at least seven other blogs.
Add links to those blogs on your blog.
Leave a message for your nominee on their blogs.
My nominees are
Behind My Red Door
Back Porch Pickins
Olde Colonial Peddler
Gettysburg Homestead
Rants by Bebe
Once in A Blue Moon
Tanyas Prim Thyme Designs Journal

It's been awhile!!!

It's been a while!!! I hadn't realized just how long it had been, until I decided that I needed to get blogging! I am embarrassed!!

Things have been humming along here at home and on the site....As you saw from the blog below, Brenda has been hobnobbing with the elite.....and now she is touring Alaska with her folks! She has been a very busy girl! And she has earned it.....she has worked long hours creating for the website....now, when she gets home the middle of next week? We will be cracking the whip again!!

I have been busy, also, but for the life of me, am not sure exactly what I have done! I hate those days! And they seem to happen more and more often! I have been visiting lots of Topsites, so when you log on to Olde Harbor Saltbox, if you arrow down, you can vote for us!! Also have added some links, with more to come...it is amazing how many sites there are out there and how wonderful they are! Now that I think of it...that may be why I am so far behind this week! I love to surf and check stuff out!

I have done some new Hooked Rugs. They are Locker Hooked, and are very simple and plain. I love them. I will be listing them tomorrow. There will be a small Burgundy Candle Mat, and a large table mat, or even a rug if you like...it is in a very dull khaki greenish tanish color...kind of hard to describe. It is very plain, and reminds me of the Colonial look. I am going to have a hard time parting with it!

I have also dug out Mom's Vintage Post Cards, and plan on doing some tags, and of course, my all time favorite-German Glassing them so that you can use them for Scrapbooking or Cardmaking. They make AWESOME cards, and yes, I will be putting some of them on the first of next week. I have made my list, and I am checking it off....OH, that is Santa!!! Speaking of Santa-there will be some great Christmas items listed by the first of September. I know...it seems so early, but really, time just flies by!!

I will also be listing some odds and ends....some wonderful White Corriedale Wool Roving...and ounce, that is just perfect to pop into a wooden bowl...it looks great! There is a tiny bit of veggie in it...just enough to make it look nice and prim! It is perfect for spinning, or like I said, just have it out to enjoy. And while an ounce doesn't sound like much, it fills a bowl nicely! That is a great thing about roving, it weighs very little, so you get a lot more than you would think!

Well, it is late, and I have to get some more work done, so will close for now! Oh! And for those of you who have asked? Max's guitar playing is coming right along! (He tells me that I can't say that...but typing is different, don't you think?!). And he is busy trying to decide what we will be taking to the Grandkids when we get back there for the month of Oct....I can say, so far....we're talking a dolly, some books, a cool hat...and of course, something for the newest little Calloway/Franklin baby......but that is still being decided!!

I am so Excited to be able to meet....

Good Morning! Yep that is me in the pink shirt. My friend Erin in the uniform next to me and myself were so excited to get to meet the First Lady on Monday August 4, 2008. Air Force One stopped here at Eielson AFB, Alaska to refuel before going over to Asia. The President made a nice short speech then spent 45 minutes shaking hands, signing autographs and just doing small chit chat with the troops. I tried to get a hand shake but I just couldn't get close enough. I really admire our First Lady, Laura Bush. Their daughter Barbara is also in the photo.

I have been busy making some new Fall/Halloween folk art. I am hoping to get them on the website before I go on vacation. My parents are flying up here to visit for a week. I am really excited about seeing them. We have been planning this vacation since last fall. Unfortunately my husband won't be able to go because he is over in the desert. He will be coming home in about 1 month. I am really looking forward to seeing him. Well I must go and finish up my projects. My dad wants to try some gold panning while they are here so I need to find more information on recreational gold panning. Have a wonderful day!!

It's the 1st of August!!!

OH MY~ Where on earth has the summer gone? I know that a lot of you are doing the last minute things to get your little ones, and not so little ones ready for school.....doesn't it seem like they just finished the school year? Okay, maybe not for ALL of you! LOL

I always loved the summer when the kids were out of school...we had so much fun! And somehow, now that they are grown and have kids of their own...summer just doesn't feel the same! Of course, depending on where you live? Summer may not have shown up yet for you! I think that up to this point, there have been maybe 5 days that felt like summer here on the
Oregon Coast, where I live!! Today it is raining! But, they are promising warm weather next week....we'll see just how it goes!

The website has kept Brenda and I very busy! I finally got my jar candles poured and added to the site...also did some Jar Warmer Tarts...they will be uploaded sometime this weekend...My Votives? Poured and waiting to come out of the molds...they too, will hit the site in the next day or two!

Along with those, I did a bunch of Beeswax and Beeswax & Lavender Thread Cakes. I love them, and am never without one. If you haven't used one, and you do any hand-sewing at all...you really need one! You run your thread through the Beeswax, and it keeps the thread from tangling, helps to thread that too small needle eye, and it makes the thread go through the fabric so nicely! I have to say..I love mine, and they make all the difference in the world!

Brenda has been busy, and has put the cutest set of Witch Shoes and Pumpkins...it is a pattern by Sue at Oodlekadoodle....we both love her patterns! (Have I mentioned that before?!!) Brenda is getting ready for her folks' visit....she has all kinds of fun stuff planned for them to do, so she may be missing for a week...but never fear....you will have me! Lucky, lucky you!

I hope that you all have an awesome week!

Good Morning! I couldn't sleep so I decided to get up. Living in Alaska the nights are light all summer long. Sometimes it makes it hard to sleep. While my husband is deployed I promised him that I would get my craft area put in order. It is a complete disaster. I thought I was making a dent in the project due to all the boxes that I have emptied out in the hallway. Well this morning I walked into the basement and thought what have I been doing because I still can't see the floor. I don't know if anyone can relate to this. I can't wait to get it organized. I am itching to get back to crafting. Well I must get busy. I have prolonged getting busy long enough. Have a wonderful day.

Friday!!!! Yes!!!

Yippee! It's Friday!!! And yes, I know that I don't work, (well, I do of course), but I don't work outside the home...so it shouldn't matter, right? But it does! Friday just makes my little heart happy!

So, how was your week? Busy, interesting, restful? All of the above? Mine was definitely all of the above! I did a bit of everything, which is kind of bad, as I didn't finish anything! But, this weekend! Watch out!

We did have sad news this week. Our WASAH Forum Sister, Denia (handcraftedwithlovebydenia), had to leave and go to Birmingham. Her father had passed away. Denia, if you read this? We are all praying and thinking about you! We love you and miss you!

One of the unplanned things that happened was a quick trip for me to the dentist. What I thought was just a quick Meet n Greet visit, turned out to be a "hmmm, let's just clean this one spot, and you have a root that needs to be removed, so how 'bout we just take care of that....." and before I knew it, out went the root, and I thought he was cleaning the whole time! He had me figured right though...if I had made an appt. for the root removal, I would have been a basket case!

I am sitting here, typing and listening to some wonderful music. Max got a guitar this last week, and has been busy playing it. He is learning, but I think he sounds good. He just shakes his head when I say that...but I just parrot back to him what he is forever telling me: "you are your own worst critic". LOL

I'm not sure exactly what I did all week, but it must have been something, because I am just tired!! I did get some more things added to the Blog..check out the right side! AND, now you can also click on the Olde Harbor Saltbox logo above and go directly to the website! Thank you, Sue!! I had no idea that I could do that!

The snowflakes and icicles are ready for their last little dip....Buffalo Snow and Mica! They are so pretty! Sue at Oodlekadoodle has the greatest patterns!

I talked to Brandi this week, and she said "Mom, where are the candles"? So, I promised I would get those candles on by Sunday.....guess what I will be doing tomorrow?!! Taking candle photos! I promise, Brandi!

I will also be adding Lavender Dryer Bags, and something else, but for the life of me, I can't remember what!!!! It must be bedtime! Snowballs!! That was what it was!

Brenda has been BUSY!! Along with doing her special orders, she has added an awesome Harvest/Fall Penny Rug...her own design, I might add. Also a Snowman and a set of Elf Shoes!

Both of us have auctions going now. I have put on a couple sets of Vintage Halloween Postcards, covered in German Glass. They have always been a good seller. I haven't done any auctioning since last Fall, so I had to get re-acquainted with Ebay! The Postcards are printed out on cardstock and then covered with the German Glass. They are copied from cards in my Mom's Postcard collection that she started when she was a small girl.

In the next Blog, I'll post some photos of where we live.....just in case you are interested!!

Well, I better close, my eyes are drooping, and the next thing you know I will fall asleep on the keyboard...wouldn't that be a kick! See you soon!

Good Afternoon

I thought that I would finally show my face so to speak and blog a bit. I have never blogged before so I feel a bit nervous. My name is Brenda my husband is in the military, so we move every 4-5 years. Makes it exciting seeing new places. Currently he is deployed so I am spending the summer creating primitive folk art. We have a little snoodle dog that I just love to pieces her name is Addie. She has been keeping me company while my husband is gone. My craft area is a mess but right now I don't care because no one is here to complain about it ya know what I mean. I have an order right now that I need to get back to so I will talk to ya all later.

Our First Sale! And a Gorgeous Sunset!

Good morning, everyone! It is feeling like Fall here on the Central Oregon Coast! And summer? I think we had a whole 4 days of it!! Of course, from talking to everyone, the weather has been weird everywhere this year, so really I can't (shouldn't!) complain!

We had a very exciting evening here last night. Just before I shut off the computer I decided to check out the mail for the last time, and well, guess what? WE HAD OUR FIRST ORDER! Very exciting!! I had to run to the phone and call Brenda to tell her that she had sold her "Crow, Watermelon, Sunflower" Wallhanging! I have to say...it made our day!!

I have been busy stitching up Snowflakes and Icicles from Oodlekadoodle's pattern, I love them! BUT, I have to say, it is proof that truly, no snowflake looks the same! And my living room looks like it is full of snow!! Hoping to have them on tomorrow early! Also hope to have some Needle Felted Felt Cone Ornies up sometime tomorrow. So be sure to check it out!

Brenda is busy finishing a special order.....well, special orders! She was working on them late last night. Then she will be back designing and putting some new goodies on the website!

I thought I would add a photo that I took last night. It is not the best Sunset that we have had here on the Coast, but it was beautiful! I have been so fortunate to live in several places that just have the most awesome sunsets...here on the Oregon Coast and in the Arizona Desert. When you see one of those sunsets, you just cannot doubt the power of God!

I'll be back to post in a day or two...as soon as I get out of the snow!

Good morning, everyone!! Well, it is DONE! Brenda and I are now officially OPEN and playing with the Big Girls!! We didn't make it on Friday or Saturday, as we found several things that we had missed, but hopefully we caught all of them! Can you tell that we are excited? We have big plans to keep adding stuff daily...we'll see how that goes!

So, here on the Coast, the sun is shining! Can you believe it? No fog, no clouds and no wind...just glorious SUN! Mom F. is out planting her flowers, and Max has already watered, we have happy flowers today! And me? I am sitting back, working on a cup of coffee! I love days like this!

So, I need to close and get busy, (I am a working girl now), but I want to share the URL with you. It is:

www.oldeharborsaltbox.com

I'll see you tomorrow!

A New Beginning!

Well, here I am, blogging! I never thought that I would actually have a blog! Not that I can't and won't write and bore everyone to death...(just ask my close friends and family....I truly can carry a LOOONNGGG conversation all by myself, and have on many an occasion!)

My friend, Brenda and I have finally opened our store!! Well, technically, it will be open Friday...and all the shelves won't be full, but we will be working our little tushies off to get those stocked!

A bit of history about us, you ask? Of course! Brenda and I have been friends for what seems like forever! We both worked at the same hospital, and then she married, he is in the Air Force, and I retired. Now, she and I have always wanted to open a "real store", but as you can imagine, it was hard to do with her moving about the country, and at times, so did my husband and I. We tried a webstore about 5 years ago, and had fun...but we were SO not brave, and finally, it went away! After much talking and whining, and more whining...we decided to give it a try again! And I have to say, so far, we are very pleased! Of course, as I mentioned earlier it is not open for another day but we have managed to get it together without any tears, yelling, screaming, or running to the fridge for the wine bottle (well, okay, to be honest? I did have a SMALL glass last night, but I swear it was with dinner, and it was definitely after 12:00pm...so I think I am okay?)

My family will also be delighted that they can see how well Mom (as well as Daughter, Sister, Niece, Most Favorite Cousin, Best Friend....you get the picture, right?) has been behaving....I seem to have given up on letter-writing, and our phone calls can be full of silences when I say something...and their brains are spinning...."has she told me this before? No? Hmmmm....she should have.....MOOOOOMMMM"

I just want to share some of the goodies that we will have on the site...so I am going to pop some photos up...the Watermelon Lamp is one of Brenda's creations...I love it! It just screams SUMMER!!! And the beautiful Penny Rug is also hers...alas, it has sold, but this will be a pattern that we will be offering in the shop soon! (right, Brenda?)

Well, enough about me today! I'll be back tomorrow to post our Shop URL...