Creation.....

Right in what I consider the middle of holiday preparation...studying for exams...winding down the many tasks for the year...my daughter is required to build an example of the solar system. I personally go into panic mode, knowing it will take both of us three, possibly four evenings to complete. So, with list in hand, we stop at the local craft store, she makes her necessary purchases and off home to begin the building of the galaxy. After a snack, swim practice, watching a little TV, having the evening meal and some various other studying, she begins to build the universe. Knowing it is time for me to keep my opinions and help at a distance, keep doing my tasks around the house in hopes my contribution will be minimal. Within approximately an hour and one half, she emerges from the basement with the above model. I did nothing. There were no consults, advice given, color suggestions, or engineering influences on my part. She built the solar system all on her own. I was shocked....thrilled....and quite proud of her efforts. The craftsy gene has begin to flourish. She doesn't need Mom to help make it perfect, she can do quite well on her own. So, to all you Moms....there does come a time when you are no longer needed in the school project building arena...to quote a "master crafter"...."this is a good thing".

He Smells Like Kibble Not Cookies!

I just happened to be looking through some old photos the other night and stumbled on to this picture. This is our precious, dainty, flower....Daisy. This was her first visit to see Santa. We all felt quite confident she would sit quietly, slightly nervous, and highly anxious to get back to her car and home in minimal time....little did we know. The moment Daisy made Santa contact, she went into "I Love You" appreciation lick mode without hesitation. Poor Santa had no idea that 10 pounds of short-haired, angelic flower power, could leap into his face, reel out a tongue and lap his moustache and beard faster than he could adjust his fake wig. She felt the Christmas spirit, and knew only kind gestures would insure her toys and treats. Santa was overwhelmed with her joy, and once all energy was under control, listened in his dog whisper-er way to what she had to say. Christmas was great that year, and thank goodness the essence of the season was captured by a Polaroid.

Egg Cups....Maybe?

I recently attended a yard sale in my area. I'm a huge fan of purchasing someone's stuff at rock bottom prices. I found these two adorable wooden, handpainted soldier type figures. The top of their hat could easily hold a boiled egg. I'm not sure what they are supposed to be....but, they add a lot of Christmas charm to my mantle. My daughter gave me the quirky little elf that obviously had a former life hanging on to something, and seemed to fit perfectly atop this hat. They are clearly beginning to age, paint is crackling and fading. I guess for me, part of the purchase was wondering if some yummy, nurturing mother gets up on Christmas morning, prepares her children their breakfast and serves it in these delightful egg cups? It paints a "Cleaver" moment in my head. I have learned for myself, that having the imagination to create what story something may tell is somewhat easier than telling your own. I think these egg cups have been used lovingly many times to serve two children a special Christmas breakfast. I might even try to replicate it for mine....

Our Flower!

Sometimes you only get the pleasure and love of certain company for a short time. Our Lily was the best! We will miss you!

Bridesmaid or Queen Bee?

I recently found these three adorable ladies at an antique store. They were buried in an apple basket of miscellaneous sandwich bagged items, absurdly priced at .50. They stand about 1 1/2" in height, and I think they were formerly cake toppers, guessing from the fossilized crumbs and icing still stuck to the bottom. I thought they were wonderful! The detail of each face, bouquet and dress are outstanding. Maybe they had a former life of "always the bridesmaid". Whatever their intentions were to be....they are now "Queen Bees" to me.

This past weekend was one to remember. It started late on Thursday, with a trek to my Mom's house (she has outstanding hotel accommodations while we attend athletic functions in her area). Friday began at 5:30am...off to an athletic event....got home about 3pm...everyone crashed from exhaustion. Saturday began at 6am...off to an athletic event...got home about 4pm....went to dinner then crashed. Sunday began at 5:30am...off to an athletic event...left arena at 8pm for a three hour drive home...only to pass out from exhaustion at midnight. It was a three day trifecta of parental support, fun and frivolity. While writing this post, I saw these three little girls watching me work...there was no doubt in my mind each took turns watching over us each day. It took all of us to get through the weekend!

Cathartic Hobby!

hob·by 1 (hŏb'ē) Pronunciation Key n. pl. hob·bies An activity or interest pursued outside one's regular occupation and engaged in primarily for pleasure.

My sidewalk psychology for everyone is to get one...that is a "hobby". The pleasure of a hobby cannot be enjoyed until one has found it is the only way to:
1. escape from yourself
2. tap into the "draw outside of the lines" side of your brain for purging
3. provides no opinion of you or your hobby creation or outcome
4. on some occasions certain hobbies might provide additional revenue and who wouldn't like that?
5. provides goals, incentives and motivation for yourself
6. creates satisfaction of something done

This is my hobby...making quirky jewelry from other stuff! Test drive many...but find one...and to quote a marketing genius..."Just Do It".