the french bear

Sewing and healing.......

2012-01-22T09:03:00.002-07:00

Thank you all for the well wishes, I loved reading all the comments from you.....my leg is on the mend and while it's healing I am starting to sew again....which is a little tricky but I am happy to say it's working. Here's a little piggy, designed by Vivianne Galli, you can purchase the pattern and the kits directly from her.....I love making her patterns, they have such sweet character. Now I am going to get back into my own patterns and make some more little critters! What are you making these days?

Thank you...........

2012-01-16T16:23:00.002-07:00

You all are so sweet! Thanks for the good wishes and all that wonderful love sent our way. Isn't Jack so cute!!! He is doing very well and all the girls are so willing to help Momma......I am sure when Jack realises he has six sisters he may want to hang out with big brother Kaden a bit more......but for now he is cuddly and kissable to all those baby Mamas.......and Gramma of course!!!

Thank you for the notes of encouragement on my broken leg......it is going to be a long haul but I am so grateful to you all for hanging in there for me!!! I am slowly making my way around to see what everyone has been up to, gosh you guys are very creative and it seems like everyone is right back into the swing of it. Hello 2012!!

Jack's home!

2012-01-14T11:48:00.004-07:00

Jack is home and doing so well, thank you to all who sent messages of love and prayers! He weighs almost five pounds, his brother and sisters are happy to have him to hold for real!!!

Mommy and Daddy are pleased too.......but Gramma is wishing she was there to hold him....

She would be except for this happened......

Yes, I broke my foot...had to have surgery to put in some plates and screws..... Welcome 2012! I wanted my first post in the New Year to be awesome!!! Ha ha.....let me see, just getting better from sick leave, resting my left foot and making it strong....now I broke the right foot...three more months of bed rest and healing.....really? I mean really?

I am very thankful to all of my friends who sent messages and left comments of love and support and many prayers for Jack and his family......you are all so wonderful!!!

Thank you!!!

Tugging at my heart and my knitting needles?

2011-12-02T10:04:00.003-07:00

When my daughter sent me the first picture of her baby, it was this image......a foot.....my heart melted.......so sweet!

This is the photo she sent yesterday......do you think Jack is trying to tell Gramma something? Gramma, look at my foot, it needs something to keep it warm!!!! My heart is so full of love for this little guy, he is a trooper.......I know that all the love and prayers that you have all sent (I am so overwhelmed) have been heard and that God is watching over him and making him stronger everyday! Thank you from the bottom of my heart and Jack's foot........
So this is the little acorn sacque I knit for Jack. It might be sometime before he can wear it but as I knit each stitch, I thanked the Lord for my wonderful friends in Blogland who have blessed my life and continue to do so........I will get to each and everyone of you......and until then....

(((((((HUGS)))))))))

Jack is struggling.....

2011-11-25T15:18:00.002-07:00

Baby Jack had to have a breathing tube, he can't breathe on his own........but with the C-pap removed and the tube inserted, you can see his little face......

"Hello Jack".....Gramma loves you and is praying for you...

xoxoxoxoxo

Update on Baby Jack....

2011-11-23T18:18:00.002-07:00

I was able to see my little grandson Jack but wasn't able to hold him.....he has a hole in his tiny heart... I need your prayers please. He is so tiny and fragile, but the sweetest little baby with such a worried look on his face, Gramma whispered to him that she has lots of wonderful friends who are saying prayers for him and his big sisters and brother and Mom and Dad. Thank you for caring and sending me lots of wishes and prayers!

Welcome Grandson..........

2011-11-13T05:39:00.001-07:00

Here is my new grandson, one day old......2 lbs. No name yet but soon......Gramma is on her way to be with him and Mom and Dad and his six sisters and one brother.

Thank you for our freedom......

2011-11-11T09:12:00.002-07:00

Better than a Spa....

2011-10-28T14:49:00.006-06:00

Yes, it was better than a spa retreat......a class with Sue Spargo. She is just delightful, so incredibly talented, very patient and a wonderful instructor. I felt the stress and tension fade away as I stitched.......unfortunately, I was still a wee bit ill and when I looked down it made me a bit nauseated, so I had to take little breaks and visit with the other gals and watch Sue expertly stitch up an array of embellishments.....while we stood in awe!

There was laughter, stitching, concentration, ooohs and ahhhhs, more laughter.....even some knitting socks during the breaks......these girls know how to multi task! What fun!!!

It didn't matter what colors you chose, they looked absolutely fabulous!!!!

Thank you to our hostess Deirdre from Out of Hand in Calgary.

Thank you Sue, it was fantastic!!!

South Bound.....

2011-10-18T08:41:00.004-06:00

As I have to head off south for some appointments, I know that one of my favourite quilt artisit, Sue Spargo is teaching classes at that fabulous, wonderful shop "Out of Hand"....you know the one filled with everything your heart desires..... I may have to drop in and get the therapy my soul is in desperate need of right now........ look at some of her latest creations, go and visit her web site......once you meet Sue, you will want to create....and Deirdre at the shop is the best friend a girl can have!!!

Needlecase.........beautiful!

Table Runner......look at those colors!
Hope to have lots of photos to share when I get back.......well rested and full of inspiration!

Autumn has arrived....

2011-10-17T18:00:00.006-06:00

Hello my dears, oh how I have missed you all! It seems that life took over and suddenly we are into Fall.... I just wanted to share some of my garden's bounty with you. This year the Dutchman grew fabulous tomatoes and onions and basil, dill and the best Yukon Gold potatoes!! I even tried my hand at cheese making......I shall post more about that as I learn more...... even the pizza looks like it's in Autumn colors.

My favourite Fall arrangement.....

My new pumpkin dyed tablecloth.....okay, I know, I got carried away with the orange dye....but I love it.
So what have you all been doing? We have had our Thanksgiving already but I want to know what you are going to do for yours, and what's your menu going to include? Do you do turkey or do you have a special menu planned?

Remembering.........

2011-09-10T23:43:00.004-06:00

September 11, 2001..........

Each and everyone of us, from all corners of the world, shall never forget this day in history.....

My heart goes out to those who lost loved ones........... it never gets easier, we just get stronger.

Where Women Create......

2011-07-15T06:22:00.008-06:00

For the third year in a row, Karen from My Desert Cottage is hosting "Where Women Create 2011".

This usually takes over a week to go and visit and take in all of the wonderful and inspiring places, large and small..... This year she has over three hundred participants!!!! Isn't that amazing! It's going to take weeks to get around, but think of all the fun, come and join everyone and be inspired! Enjoy my little sewing room photos......

Sometimes I take along one of sewing baskets...

My collection of gorgeous handmade dolls from talented designers!

Supplies all ready to go.
Miss Eliza watching over me...

Photos of my Mom and Baba to inspire me....

Lots of ribbon and lace...

Thank you!

The Real Chefs in my life.......

2011-06-19T11:57:00.002-06:00

Cooking and baking are not just a hobby of mine handed down to me from my Mom. They are the dreams and lifelong passions of most of my family members. My niece and her husband are both chefs, he teaches at SAIT in southern Alberta, and she is the Atco Blue Flame Chef. You can find her recipes and her videos on line here. I love to visit them, both because they are veritable fountains of knowledge when it comes to anything cooking and baking and food in general.....but they treat you like visiting royalty!! Every meal is an array of wonderful tastes and mouth watering dishes.

Thanks for all the recipes and the love and comfort of those memorable meals together you two!

She won silver........

2011-06-06T17:59:00.003-06:00

Awhile back I had posted that my little granddaughter was in competitive dancing......

She won silver twice........
She loves ballet.......
but she also dances in Ukrainian Dance.......

When only chocolate will do.....

2011-06-02T07:30:00.006-06:00

Re-posting the cookie recipe and pictures....sorry about the last one....not sure what went wrong!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 cups of butter, creamed well.

Add 3 cups of brown sugar, cream well.

Add two eggs and 4 tsps. of vanilla... mix it all together.

In another bowl mix the dry ingredients:

4 cups of flour

2 tsps of baking soda

2 tsps cinnamon and ginger

1 tsp of salt

Mix the wet and the dry ingredients together and then add 2 12 ounce package of dark chocolate chips....the best you can find.....it's worth it!

Roll the dough into balls.....

Roll the balls of dough in powdered sugar....place on parchment paper and bake at 350 F for 10 minutes.

YUMMY!!!!
Everyone will love you!

Let's show her our love......

2011-05-31T08:29:00.002-06:00

Dear Blog friends, for those of you who have lost a pet and those of you who understand the pain, we have a friend in need of some comfort and maybe a hug or two. Sara from Sara's Sweet Surprise has lost her darling "Angel".......would you take a moment to visit her and give her a hug? I know this blogging family is always ready and willing to help a friend and I thank you for always being there to others when they need it!!!

A little bit of this and that.....

2011-05-27T10:26:00.002-06:00

Spring cleaning and changing up the living room, I would love to paint....not sure if I want white walls or charcoal or soft gray...... I love the new bookcase.....and I am so glad to have my collectables behind glass. Not as much dusting needed, which in my little house is an issue......where does it come from?

A bit of rearranging.....
Cleaned and dusted......
I just got this gorgeous jar......what do I put inside.....anyone....ideas?
Okay, back to my cleaning, up next.....a surprise!

Kathleen's 100 White Wednesday! A day late as usual!!!

2011-05-19T07:13:00.005-06:00

Can you believe it? Kathleen from Faded Charm is celebrating her 100th White Wednesday post....wow...that is a lot of white gorgeousness!!!! I am joining in and urging you to visit her and take in all the lovely whites that everyone has to show!!! Here are just a few of my favourite whites from the past year....... and yes I know I am a day late, but better late then not at all, right?

Thank you Kathleen, you have been an inspiration to so many lovers of white!!!!

My home town for over 25 years.......

2011-05-18T08:01:00.009-06:00

Slave Lake burned as night fell Sunday, the result of wildfires that first threatened then quickly took over...

As of Sunday night, the town hall was on fire, as were local businesses, the library, dozens of homes and even the radio station.

The town first issued an evacuation order Sunday evening, but with fires threatening the highways, they urged the roughly 7,000 residents to make their way to safe spots in the town. I don't live there anymore but lots of my friends do........the utter devastation is hard to believe.......

The Town Hall.......

This is the corner where the Tags corner store used to be.......with apartment buildings in the background.....turn the corner to the subdivision where my old home used to be.....

Here is what is left of the area of town......
This is the Southeast corner of Slave Lake....you can see the horrible devastation....
The fire is still raging out of control.....
My heart goes out to all my friends and all the residents of Slave Lake.

Be strong, there will be a town again...it just takes time....Slave Lake will be a community again...you can donate here through the Red Cross.....

Marsha, Marsha, Marsha.......

2011-05-10T07:58:00.006-06:00

A little while back, Marsha from Sassy Mini Dolls and decided to do a swap of shoes...

Oh my this shoe is beautiful! Look at all the goodies tucked inside! A gorgeous brooch, lovely lace....pretty ribbon....

A hankie, with "Margaret" embroidered on it!!!! Isn't that stunning?

Marsha even made me this wonderful Marie inspired mirror...I know a little girl that is going to love looking at herself in this one!!! Well maybe a couple of them...we'll have to share!

Look at the tiny pearls along the edge...sorry my photos are kind of blurry.....
Thank you Marsha!

Here's what I made for Marsha...... packaged in a little french box....

Miss Little Ellie-phont.....
She has her own strawberry pin keep....
A pair of tiny black silk dancing shoes......
Now I just a couple more little things to finish and package up...off to surprise some bunny and a birdie that has taken way too long.....can't show pictures just yet!!!!!

Happy Mother's Day...

2011-05-07T02:28:00.002-06:00

I often wonder what my Mom's dreams were when she was a young girl....did she know she was going to have ten children? Did she dream of having daughters....who would have daughters and share the stories of how Gramma Lee loved to bake and to sew and to spend time in her garden.......of having sons with daughters who would learn to make perogies with like their Baba.........did she ever dream of having grandchildren to pass along all the talents, music, art, and writing....... raising their own babies.....

I love my Mom, I wish she was still here.........
Wishing I could have one more hug.... one more conversation, one more smile...... what will you do this Sunday, to honor your Mother, maybe treat your daughter or spend the day with your sister......take time to show some love to the Mom in your life......

Happy Mother's Day................

Knit two purl two......

2011-05-04T19:42:00.002-06:00

I am trying to knit a little pair of slippers for out seventh grandchild...Keaton Allan..... he was born about about two weeks early...5lbs 2oz... I would love to have them made before I meet him. Guess I better get back to my knitting!

I hope to show you the finished slippers on his little feet!!!

Bye Little Guy....

2011-04-30T09:31:00.002-06:00

My sweet friend Donna, from Brynwood Needleworks lost her darling friend, Fezzik yesterday. It breaks my heart to hear of such sadness.....Fezzik Fridays were the best part of Friday after a long day at work.....you knew that Donna's post about her loveable Welsh Corgi would make you laugh and it would give an instant pick up!!!

My prayers and heartfelt thoughts go out to Donna, Stephen and Kes..........we will miss Fezzik and I know I will treasure all the stories and photos that Dee has shared with us.

Big, big hugs!

xxxxxxxxxx

Was it worth the four am rise....

2011-04-29T08:11:00.001-06:00

Why of course, the bride looked beautiful!!! Congratulations to the newlyweds.....

William and Kate...

Thank you Patty!

2011-04-28T07:03:00.002-06:00

Recently I had a swap with Patty from Hanging on by a Thread....if you know her then you know what an amazing and fabulous stitcher she is! These are the beautiful gifts she sent me, oh my heart filled with joy at the sight of all these stunning works of art she had created for me!!! I am not a gifted stitcher like her at all so I treasure all the time and effort that went into these wonderful sewing pieces, there is the jar of pins with the fleur de lis lid and the pin keep, with both sides stitched, wow!! Just look at the butterflies on the scissor holder, have you ever seen anything so sweet!!! How I love my scissors...now which ones will I keep in there.....it is so pretty, thank you my dear friend!!! I am so overwhelmed at all of the other gifts too, the scriptured shovel...so precious! All the lovely "M" goodies, the ribbon, the pattern for an ornament (oh dearie me that is adorable)......so happy and soooo blessed. A big thank you to Patty, please stop by her blog and let her know how beautiful her work is and check out all of her gorgeous work!!!

Here is what I sent her.....a little Ellephont.... a couple of pin keeps, heart scissors...
Velvet strawberries......... who doesn't love stawberries?
All packaged up in a pink Paris box......Patty, I hope you were excited and thrilled as I was!

p.s.

If you have noticed that I haven't been by your blog lately, I apologize, and I promise to catch up and visit everyone....sometimes my Lupus flares up and I just can't do anything about it...but I am slowly getting better... I just want to let everyone know I do read and love all the comments and I will get back to you!!!

Hugsxxx

Goodbye Sweet Sugie Bunny.....

2011-04-20T06:54:00.002-06:00

You may have heard the sad news already, that Michelle from Raspberry Rabbits lost her little bunny, Sugie last night. Shell is the known to everyone as the bunny lady, she rescues bunnies from abuse and neglect. In her home, the bunnies have a wonderful, safe and loving enviroment. There are always great photos of the "buns" and delightful rabbit tales to read on her blog!! Once when I left a comment this is the word verification that came up........I saved it so that everytime I looked at it, it reminded me of Sweet Little Sugie....

I am so proud and honoured to know someone like Shell who dedicates her life and home, and opens her arms to these cuddly, and loveable little bunnies.......so sorry for your loss Shell, I will remember Sugie with lots of love and smiles!

Please take a moment visit Shell and read her tribute to Sugie.

Hugs,

Mags

xxxx

The Journey...Part Two......

2011-04-18T07:27:00.006-06:00

The doll maker surveyed the damaged to the little poppet, with a sigh and a smile off she went to the studio. It was going to be a complete remake. As most of you know the heart of a doll maker is generous and loving, this was not an easy task but she knew it was the only way to make Little Elena would survive another trip. After several weeks and lots of hours, little Elena was making the journey to Canada again!

As fate would have it......after a month of waiting, surprise! The parcel turned up back at the doll makers home.....what?

Elena heart was torn, she loved her doll maker but she had for one brief moment known that her home way up North was also the right place for her to be.....she had glimpsed into the eyes of a new family.....she saw a deep love and understanding of someone who knows about dolls and loves them with all her heart.

By now the doll maker was struggling with the postal problems and this time she packaged up a new container and with it she generously sent along a companion. Oh my The French Bear was going to be surprised!!! Lady Emma was going to keep Elena company. Unfortunately, this time the parcel sat at the Customs office and then, we still don’t know why, it was sent back to the doll maker......oh dear, how could this be?

After much paperwork and stress for the frustrated parties, the parcel was sent out again!

This time the journey was a success, it was over a month long, but that did not matter.....what mattered was that the ladies arrived safe and sound!!! Indeed The French Bear was overjoyed and surprised!! Oh Julie, you cannot know how overwhelmed and loved I felt to receives not only my little poppet but a big sister too!!!! Your work is just stunning and the details in each doll are wonderful!

Emma is beautiful and I can’t believe you made me two dollies, first over all I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Here are the photos of my gorgeous dolls! The dolls now have a new home and I shall cherish them and love them forever......

The Dutchman made me a special cabinet for my Elena, the wallpaper in the background is made from letters, written by my Baba Elena to my Mom....the photo is of them before my Mother was married....

The little "B" brooch (B for Baba) was a gift I had given to my Baba when I was only five years old....it was in her sewing basket forever until sadly the basket just fell apart.
Thank you Julie, you have really touched my heart with your kindness and your unbelieveable talent, and these two beautiful dolls!!!

Part One: The Story of Elena.....

2011-04-12T22:20:00.006-06:00

In December of 2009 I was the lucky winner of Julie Bailey’s Giveaway, my prize was a small and delicate doll that she had hand sculpted and stitched from vintage fabrics. Little did I know the how the story would unfold and how the heart of one woman, talented doll maker and true friend would impact my life. Here is the story of my gift from Julie, a doll named Elena...

A Doll's Journey:

As the last of evening's light faded from the studio, the doll maker put the finishing touches to her little angel doll and placed her on the sewing table. You look so tiny and sweet, I shall call you Elena.....and then Julie turned off the light and as she closed the door she thought, how happy the winner of her giveaway would be with this little doll. Little did she know that this would the beginning of a long journey for Elena, one of determination, distance, love and time.....lots of time. So begins the journey, the journey of Elena......

Once Elena was carefully wrapped up and placed lovingly in the box, she settled herself down to await the end of her journey. Soon she would be living in Canada, oh how exciting, well except for the small part of the story that includes the winner being a bear maker......I mean, what kind of doll maker makes bears? Would they like her and what would she do if they were ferocious? Maybe the bunnies would protect her or maybe, oh yes, she was certain there would be other dolls. The last thing Elena remembers is something heavy and hard knocking her over and then nothing but darkness......

When I first heard that I won Julie's Giveaway, my heart was over flowing with excitement and anticipation!!!! Oh how wonderful, I won, I won, and the little angel doll looked just as sweet as could be, I couldn't wait to get her.

So when the postman finally delivered her I unwrapped her and savored each moment as I opened the parcel.....there was the beautiful scented tissue....black toile, how divine!!! Julie makes each one of her dolls so loving, and you know that every bit of the experience of receiving her works of art includes the way the doll arrives. Her tag which was hand painted stated that her name was "Elena". I started to cry, how could this be? I didn't know that Julie had named her this, I must have somehow missed that part in my excitement! This little doll with the name Elena reached down into my heart and gave the strongest tug that I can remember ever feeling. Elena was my Mother's Mom's name, my Baba's name!!!! Dear me I was so overwhelmed with emotions.....thank you Julie, what a treasure, what a blessing, what a crack on the head......WHAT, a crack on the head.....I couldn't believe it, there it was, and my heart sank as I turned her over and saw that the back of the head was almost all shattered.....OH NO!

When I told Julie what happened she immediately said to send her back and she would make me a new doll....but I couldn't bear to part with her, her name was Elena....know what I mean? Of course I did send her back and the rest of the tale shall be told in part two of Elena's Journey.....stay tuned!

Ellie......phant....

2011-04-11T07:50:00.003-06:00

Little Miss Ellie is just one of the many things I am working on, busy,busy....I haven't forgotten that there is a giveaway coming up......just need to tweak a few more things!!!!!

Stay tuned

Pattern for Miss Ellie is from Vivianne.....you can get it here.

Back at ya!!

2011-04-04T07:59:00.004-06:00

Thank you to each and everyone of you lovely blog friends that stopped by and left so many uplifting and encouraging comments.......another one of the hundred reasons why I blog!!

Even though there are huge mounds of snow yet to melt it does feel like Spring is coming!

Stay tuned for some Springy news coming up at the end of this week!!!

I am cold, no I am hot.....I don't

2011-03-28T06:57:00.002-06:00

–noun

influenza.

a specific variety of influenza, usually named for its point ofdissemination or its animal vector: Hong Kong flu; swine flu.

Origin:
1830–40; shortened form

—Can be confused: flew, flu, flown, flue, fly (see synonym noteat fly¹).

I am not confused.....it is the flu.....boooya....back as soon as I can be....

Happy Birthday to Shell!!!!

2011-03-26T06:49:00.004-06:00

I am joining my friends Jillyane and Donna to wish Shell from the Raspberry Rabbits a very Happy Birthday!!!! You can hop on over to Brynwood Needleworks to link up!

Shell I hope you are having the most wonderful and terrific birthday ever!

I am showing some of my bunnies I have made over the years as a tribute to all the bunnies you have rescued, loved and cared for......when I create a new bunny I always think of you.....you are so sweet and kind and the best friend a girl can ever have!!! Have a very Happy Birthday!

Love to you and the bunnies!!!

Bella Ballerina......

2011-03-25T08:02:00.003-06:00

Waiting in the wings.........

Sneak peek......my granddaughter's recital is coming up.....

Oh Shell, you are so sweet!

2011-03-22T07:23:00.003-06:00

Thank you so much for this beautiful birthday gift!!! I may have to frame this card, by the way it is so pretty. You all know how talented my lovely friend Shell is, this the surprise that awaited me when I came home last night from work.....

Can you believe it? This is what Shell gave me for my birthday, oh my goodness, I am speechless.......spoiled or what...... I LOVE it!!! She even included a beautiful hanger so all I have to do is put it up, which I am going to do after the Dutchman goes to work.....(he doesn't really like it when I bring out the hammer, not sure why!)

When I first saw this on Shell's blog Raspberry Rabbits, I was immediately in love!!!
Shell, thank you, thank you....I will post a picture of it's new home as soon as I can....

Hugs xx

Bees Knees.....

2011-03-21T07:40:00.005-06:00

Thank you to Victoria magazine for these lovely images of bees......you can get them here.

I changed mine to dark gray....
Here is the original golden color they use, aren't they lovely? I think they are the bees knees!

For Japan with love.......

2011-03-18T06:12:00.001-06:00

Thoughts and prayers to everyone in Japan. Go here to join in.

Missing my sister.....

2011-03-15T20:57:00.007-06:00

Here we are, in March, I know it was just last week I celebrated my birthday but on the 14 of March it was the anniversary of my sister Karen's passing.......her birthday is coming up on the 19 of this month and I wanted to share an excerpt from a post I wrote last year.

Here's to you Karen......

There are ten children in my family, six girls and four boys.

Now even though my mother and father had lots of love for all of their children, there were times when it couldn't be shared. My parents, in effort to be fair, paired us up. Each of the younger children was paired with an older sibling. Karen was my "au pair" She was the one that taught me to read and write, had my first birthday party and gave me my first Barbie. Karen took me to my first movie, Blue Hawaii. Okay, later she took me to Bambi, after my Mom gave her what for!!! Needless to say whatever I needed, it was usually was Karen that took care of me.

Long after we were grown and married we still had that special bond. Things weren't always easy for Karen, she had two marriages that fell apart and she struggled to put herself and her two children through school.

She went through a kidney transplant, my sister Linda gave her a kidney, unfortunately I was too young to be a candidate. Thank God that Linda's kidney was like that of a twin, so it worked even before the operation was completed.

Karen became a teacher and an artist, we did a lot of creative things together. She would inspire me to push the limits. I learnt how to do pottery and to do pysanky and to paint and sculpt.

Our children grew up together and while Karen encouraged them in the arts, I taught my niece to cook and bake, to sew and be creative in other ways from how Karen taught her. I took my nephew to the beach, packing an enormous picnic basket full of goodies. Later he would tell me that was one of his best memories he's had.

Even though we would have a differences, cause we did, we still managed to stay friends and love each other for who we were. I always felt that I could achieve anything because Karen made me believe in myself.

So when I met my new husband, Ted, the Dutchman, of course I wanted them to meet. Now you have to know Karen did not usually like any man, she had one bad outlook of men and they all fell into that one category.

The first time they met my sister said," Hi, I'm Karen and I have terminal cancer".

I was devastated, not only because she was dying, but because after a failed marriage of twenty five years to an alcoholic, I had met the best friend I ever had and Karen LIKED him!

When the call came from my niece to say Karen wouldn't make it the night, the Dutchman drove me three hours to the hospice, and waited for me while I sat with her through the night.

Karen wasn't speaking vocally, but her eyes were saying volumes. Looking at her, staring into her huge brown eyes while she was taking her last breath is an image that is forever etched in my heart. I couldn't help her and she was struggling so hard to breathe, her eyes were filled with all the unspoken things that we didn't get a chance to talk about. No matter how I try to tell myself that you can't go back, it's all there, right before your eyes, the whys and should haves. Please God, let her understand how much I loved her and I want her to be at peace.

She took one final deep breathe and then closed her eyes...... my sister Lois and I looked at each other and then at Karen's children, it was over...... she's gone.

It was so hard to lose my Mom and now my Karen and I struggle with it everyday. I know that time has passed and I can almost talk about her without that huge lump in my throat. There are moments when I hear her voice or I pick up the phone to tell her of my latest project, and then I remember. I lost my desire to make or create anything for a long time, it has only been since the Dutchman has come into my life that I have been inspired.

I wish that my other sisters weren't so far away, I wish that my niece was closer and that her daughter could get to know me better. Life just doesn't always work that way, I want to be the one shopping with their sister, laughing and sharing life....

Instead I make excuses and retreat to my sewing room and try to immerse myself in a project, I ignore the tears that fall and the huge wave of sadness that threatens to ruin my day. I pray for God to ease the pain and grant me closure..... I loved Karen with all my heart , after eight years it still feels like yesterday........

Love you and remember you forever......xoxoxoxo

White Wednesday....

2011-03-09T08:04:00.002-07:00

Joining in on Kathleen's #90 of White Wednesday.......and A Happy Birthday to me!

This is my new doll, a present to me!!!

Homemade Soda Crackers....

2011-03-06T18:37:00.003-07:00

Today was a good day to make some homemade soup and to go along with it I made my own soda crackers....it is super easy and a lot of fun. You can add anything you want , I used fresh dill and parsley.....topped with sea salt....they turned out quite yummy!!! So did the soup!

You can find the recipe for the crackers at the food network, courtesy of Chuck's day off.....

Mug Mat Swap........

2011-03-04T07:37:00.004-07:00

Last month I was part of Donna from Brynwood Needleworks mug mat swap and here is what my swap partner, Angela from Sew Loquacious sent me.....and she made me a coupon holder too! Aren't they sweet...notice they match my favourite mug? Thank you Angela, I love them both!! You can see what I sent her here.

Donna has a tutorial on how to make these delightful mats, she makes it so easy to follow, but be warned, once you make one you can't stop!!!! Thank you Donna for hosting such a great swap!!

The Chair....

2011-02-19T17:44:00.004-07:00

Recently I purchased this chair, I love the lines and the charcoal hues....

Would you paint it white? Maybe grey? I really would love to hear some feedback....

Here you go Brenda....

2011-02-15T07:37:00.006-07:00

Love Cookies

2 cups of butter (soft)

2 cups of sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp of vanilla or almond extract

Mix well, then add:

1 tsp salt

3 tsp baking powder

5 to 6 cups of flour

Make sure the dough is pliable but not too soft and not too crumbly...

Roll out and cut into hearts

Place on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper

Top the center of each cookie with a tiny spoonful of raspberry or grape jelly

Bake 10-12 minutes in a 325 F oven

While they are still warm from the oven dust with sugar.....

Share with someone you love.....

One Love....

2011-02-13T15:01:00.007-07:00

Today my heart belongs to you......

All that I am is because of what you gave me

the promise of love and hope, the ability to dream...

Prayers are whispers gently floating in the air

Your voice is the music that soothes me.... your touch is caressing....

Our dreams become memories collected together

I love you for who you are and what I am.......together we are bound....

Two hearts, one love....forever.

By Margaret B.

(here's my cupid using the a pattern from Brenda over at "With Thy Needle and Thread)

I made velvet hearts to give to my Valentines...

Baked some Love Cookies.....

What did you do for your heart day?

Happy Valentine's Day........

Remembering love as it was........

2011-02-10T22:36:00.004-07:00

Even though it has been several years since my Mother passed away and my Father is in his eighties, I still remember the love that they shared.....

She was a young beauty.....
No amount of stern warnings from my Baba could dissuade her... She was in love......
He was a dashing pilot.......
True Love.
Paul and Emilia

one true love......forever.......

Such Inspiration....

2011-02-10T06:44:00.002-07:00

If you have ever thought to yourself that you have no talent or you need some inspiration, you need to head on over to Shell's blog, The Raspberry Rabbits and watch the video about quilter Diane Rose. It will make you realize that you can do anything!!! Thank you Shell for bringing this special lady to our attention......

Quaint Old Fashioned Doll Swap.......

2011-02-05T12:16:00.004-07:00

This doll swap hosted by Cindy form Thimbleprims Studio was a chance to exchange old fashioned dolls with another doll maker...... how exciting!

My partner was Sandy from Sandy's Creations, here's what we exchanged......

A beautiful card that she made.....
Look at all these yummy Valentine goodies...... look at the little heart pan, awwww......
Her doll, great eyes! Look at her skirt....it's a bird cage.....I couldn't get a good photo, but inside were tiny eggs and a charm with the letter "M" on it...so sweet! She is delightful, thank you Sandy!!!

Here is what I sent her.....A blissful angel to hang on the wall....
Lots of ruffled ribbon and papery wings.....
A velvet skirt and tiny buttoned shoes.....
A hanging hand with an old French letter and soft berries........
Hope Miss Sandy enjoyed the swap! Thanks for hosting the doll swap Cindy!

Memory Mondays

2011-02-01T06:52:00.004-07:00

Memory Mondays, a day late....I do remember having family meals around the big table.....there are only five of us in this picture, we usually had twelve. Ten children was a lot, maybe we fed in turns...... I am linking up with Donna from Brynwwod Needleworks for her Memory Monday Party.....

Mail!!!!

2011-01-27T08:31:00.006-07:00

You know it's a good day when the postman brings you a parcel.....especially one that is from this sweet gal....Donna over at Brynwood Needleworks

Awww.......Donna and Fezzik and Kes!!!! Look at all these goodies, wahoo!!!
Donna makes the most amazing and beautiful ATC cards.....this is a treasure for sure Dee....love the angel, the stitching, and the tiny bit of bling.......oh my so elegant!
What's this? A little bear button.......so darling!

Wrapped up in a doily with a handmade button, ooohhh....chocolate mix.....one of my favourite drinks....

It's her own mix, comes with the recipe and just look at her labels.....cute!!!
Donna, this is just so beautiful!!! A white and cream pouch to hold all sorts of sewing goodies!!!

Look, she saved the FB ribbon I used on her parcel, oh you are so clever girlfriend! I just love the beauty of the white fabric, sort of like a matelasse' fabric, with the most divine piece of lace... There is a hand drawn bear from our favourite artist Michelle Palmer......love it!!! I wanted to show the inside but all my photos came out blurry....it is the prettiest fabric with delicate script on it..... this is just so beautiful!Handy dandy writing paper on magnetic strips.....good for little reminder notes on the fridge.

Yummy chocolates all wrapped up so pretty......great paper Donna!!
Oh My!!! A sweet little pin keep...you know I love them....
Looks so lovely in my pin keep cupboard!
Thank you Donna, what wonderful keepsakes and gifts to hold dear!!

Homemade bread, anyone?

2011-01-21T07:08:00.005-07:00

As a young girl growing up the best thing about learning to bake was bread day....

The smiles and love that came from every family member when the aroma of fresh baked bread coming out of the oven, was worth the hard work...... with ten children and lots of friends you had to make lots of bread, I still make the same amount.....eight loaves at one time...

Thank goodness there are still people around that love to have a loaf of bread....I have the recipe in my head and I am not sure how to change it so I just keep making a big batch....

Haven't had any complaints so I guess it's okay.....
My Mom always braided her bread so that's what I do....four braids for each loaf.......
This bread is great for toast, it freezes well and makes a great gift for any occasion, I just need someone to write the recipe as I am making it....any offers?

I have the dough to pay you!

Sweet Potato Sunday Afternoon......

2011-01-16T10:34:00.005-07:00

Sweet Potato Cinnamon Buns

For the dough…

2 1/4 tsp of yeast

1/2 cup of warm water
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
3/4 cup sweet potato puree
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg
3 cups all purpose flour

Knead it together for about 10 min… You can double this recipe too, I usually do...

Let it rise until double… for about 45 min…

make the filling…
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp honey
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla bean paste

Roll out the dough in a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick and spread the filling on top… roll into a log… and cut into slices ...

Let rise until double (about 45 min- and hour) and preheat oven to 350…

bake for about 25 min......

Add the frosting while they are still in the pan and slightly warm…

For the frosting:
1/4 cup butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, softened (half of a package)
1 tsp vanilla
1 dash cinnamon
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted

Sometimes I don't get a chance to ice them....doesn't seem to stop anyone from eating them!!!

Feel free to copy and paste the recipe, I found it somewhere only it was a pumpkin cinnamon bun, sorry I can't remember the original recipe was from....maybe someone knows?

Add a cup of vanilla bean coffee in your favourite mug and enjoy.........

Oh yes, I forgot to say...the sweet potato replaces the fat in the recipe so go ahead and have two!!!!!

Another shoe.....

2011-01-13T07:23:00.005-07:00

I know it's a day late but I just love all the whites over at Kathleen's...... so many to look at that this might take a week.......

Dreaming of new shoes.....

2011-01-08T07:07:00.002-07:00

As I work on these new shoes, in a pale blue silk I wonder what colour shall I do next.....soft pink or pale grey......maybe red? Not sure why I seem to be in the shoe mode but I am happy to be creating. So while the snow is falling and the North wind is howling, I am working away like a little shoemaker......

Dream........

Friendship and Inspiration in the mail....

2011-01-07T07:50:00.003-07:00

I just love coming home from work and finding out that I received mail..... beautiful mail no less.... Oh my, a parcel from Shell a.k.a The Raspberry Rabbits!!!

Shell sent me this gorgeous book!!! Written by the editors of Romantic Homes magazine, one of my favourite magazines.....
Full of wonderful, glossy images of inspiration!
Photos of ideas and ways to decorate and create your own vintage rooms......

In white....love it....
A glimpse of how one could organize and store things.....
So many lovely images and pages of inspiring ideas.....
Thank you Shell!!! I have to go and make something, I just got another idea! I don't know about you but I feel so creative and inspired this year..... as Shell said, this is the year of the rabbit...maybe that's why I want to do things in multiples!!!! Is anyone else out there thinking that this is going to be an exciting and wonderful year?

Wishes......

2011-01-01T18:42:00.003-07:00

The new year has already inspired me....... my first piece of work for January is "Wishes".....

New Year's Prayer.....

2011-01-01T08:39:00.005-07:00

Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19-21 (NKJV)

Part of saying goodbye to an old year is looking forward to the new year that is ushering in...

What shall I look forward to or what will I change, what can I do to make this a better year? These are often the same questions I ask of myself every new year that is ushered in. Do I make New Year resolutions? No, because I usually fail to keep them....but this year I have decided to take a different approach.....

These are the thoughts I am going to change into prayers....

Heavenly Father I pray that......

I will become healthier because I am going to change the things that I can, eat better, sleep more, enjoy life......not endure stress...

Try to spend time with my loved ones and my family, let my children know how much I love them and how proud I am of them..... open my arms and my heart wider to include my darling niece and her family and help them get through the moments of sadness when we all miss my sister the most....

Love my grandchildren and be there for them as they learn and grow and face the challenges that life offers.

Love my husband and honor him, be his friend and encourage him to enjoy his retirement and look forward to spending our golden years in love......

Visit and connect more with my father who is in his eighties ......

Love my brothers who hate me and can not offer any reason why......love them unconditionally and leave the rest to God.....

Connect with my sisters and their families, we really do a network of love between us.......

Spend time with myself, either in creating or learning, or praying....... (Does God know about blogging, cause I have to add it)........

Amen,

Mags

Goodbye Old......

2010-12-31T07:47:00.004-07:00

Hello new.......

Wishing all my blog friends and family, a very bright and "Happy New Year"......

Thank you to all of you who have shown me such love and kindness, supported me and lifted me up when I was down. Your comments and lovely words of hope, your prayers and your never ending faith has truly blessed me, especially during the times that I really needed a friend.

You may not know it but you were always there, just when I needed you the most.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
John 14:27 NIV

Gramma's Angels.....

2010-12-28T19:34:00.003-07:00

My granddaughters dressed as angels for my Christmas gift......

What lovely photos, they look so sweet and precious.

I am linking up with Kathleen at Faded Charm for her White Wednesday #80.......

Grandfather Frost to Merry and Bright......

2010-12-27T08:42:00.004-07:00

Another Christmas filled with love and joy, spent with family, shared with friends.....

My beautiful Grandfather Frost from Shawna.......
A few rum and butter tarts.....
Little elf shoes, inspired by Dawn at The Feathered Nest.....

Another wooden box from my Dutchman.....

My Twinkles the snowgirl from Evi, I am so happy to have one of her creations........
Little cashmere hand warmers from Restoration Hardware.......
My gorgeous angel tassel doll from Marsha...... isn't she lovely?
A touch of red Santas......Snowman dress from Michelle.......isn't her work divine?
A doll from Nicole Sayre......
May your Christmas be Merry and Bright........

The cabinet and the dress.......

2010-12-19T17:45:00.008-07:00

This is one of the little cabinets that my husband made for me, I wanted to make something special for his cousin Shawna... (if this is Shawna, stop and don't look!). Each year she makes a piece of stitching for me and I try to make something original and equally beautiful for her. It is so hard because her stitching is stunning and perfect. You can see it here if you don't believe me...perfect I tell you! Her hands are so talented and she is so precise and sort of, well you know....picky, but it is so worth it, her work is like a piece of art!!!

So this year, I had The Dutchman build me some cabinets from some old windows that I had stored in the basement, he made three.....this is the first one. I wasn't sure what to put in it, then I thought of making her a doll, but she has several that I have made, so I decided to make a dress..... here it is, what do you think?

I made a paper shoe tag, from this very talented and generous blogger...
Under the pleated skirt is a full slip of black polka dotted taffeta......I have little black fluffies all over my house....
The back of the cabinet is papered with sheet music and a small black and white picture, sorry I don't remember where from....
On the bottom I attached a piece of my French Bear ribbon, that Anna made for me.
I hope Shawna loves it, I am happy the way it turned out. This has been a rough week for me, my health is not the best and for some reason I really am all emotional, crying at the drop of a hat.....silly old French Bear. It's always tough at Christmas without my Mom and my Sister, but I am so grateful I have my family and you......thanks for being here!!!

Just to pretty not to share.....

2010-12-18T19:17:00.002-07:00

While I am baking and creating, this beauitful flower makes me smile ever time I look at it.....
What are you doing?

Beautiful surprises in the mail......

2010-12-12T13:09:00.002-07:00

from my blog friend Mea, her blog is called Mayflower...... you have to go visit her to see what I sent her. So we told each other we were exchanging cards and a little something, so I never imagined all these wonderful gifts!

All wrapped up soooo pretty!!!
Look, a friendship bag with delightful petite candles and a silver candle clip.....

Love the scented package, and the white star....also a black clip to hang photos.
In this darling stamped bag, a soft pillow......

with this beautiful printing on the back.
Mea also sent me two of her postcards with photos from her blog.....oh so pretty!!!

I just love her blog. It is always so serene and beautiful and her photos are so lovely.....her decor is one I strive for..... thank you my dear sweet blog friend!!!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.......

2010-12-02T22:21:00.010-07:00

Starting with my new tray from the Dutchman, some silver mercury glass and a couple of dolls... (Jodie's silverware, he he, someday I may actually give it to her!!!)......

Frosty's hat and an angel.....
I love, love bottle brush trees...anyone know where to get the matching wreaths?
Santa in vintage white, holding one of my tiny bears (the little ones are sewn all by hand) and his Christmas goose....

Gingerbread men and my favourite white pitcher......
Have you started to decorate, what's your favourite theme or colours?

Santa (The Dutchman) is busy in the workshop....

2010-11-24T20:12:00.003-07:00

Every Christmas I make something for family and friends, usually it involves my husband, The Dutchman. He is the master builder around here.....thank goodness! The other day when I was visiting blogs and totally being inspired by all of the beautiful and creative ideas that are out there, I came across a blog, here, that shared an image that inspired her and a friend to make wooden trays. It was from Style at Home and as soon as I saw the image I remembered that I saw it too.....so I showed it to the DM and asked if he could make me some.....

It started like this.....

He gets very involved....he he.....
This was the image that started it all.....
He made me some red ones...
Of course a white one for me.......
Some green ones...
Now the rest is up to me...I want to add a vintage piece of linen, some baking, maybe a few bits of greenery... What would you fill them with?
I really hope the recipients enjoy these and think of us at Christmas when they use them.....

Canada Post delivering on a Sunday......really....

2010-11-14T15:04:00.010-07:00

Yes,, they really were working overtime....and may I say how happy I was! This year because of my poor health and the fact that I still owe some friends a few parcels.....I had decided one swap for the Christmas Season. So I entered Marsha from Marsha's Musings (also known as sassyminidolls) ornament swap. Oh my, when the Dutchman brought a parcel in and said, "the post office is delivering today", I knew right away what it was!!!! My parcel from Marsha!!!

The first thing I unwrapped was this sweet fabric candy cane, attached to a message from Marsha....along with a wonderful recipe from her Aunt Nena. She is no longer here to share the holidays with Marsha, but I know I will think of them both when I make the candy cane cookies!!!

Next came this beautiful heart, and you know I love hearts! Made from a very old piece of Portuguese linen, thank you Marsha...this is exquisite!!!
Look at the lovely fabric tag, isn't that divine!!!!
And then there was another package, with a wonderful Christmas card! All tied up in a star shaped box.....
Look at the tiny vintage hanky, so pretty!!!
With this sparkly Merry Christmas......

Oh my, this is soooo exciting!!!!

Marsha, Oh my goodness....... oh my, she is gorgeous!!!! A porcelain tassel doll.....all in a creamy white with beautiful red hair!!!! She is just breath taking!!! Sorry if the photo is blurry, I had a few tears.....I am so touched that Marsha made me this doll.....it has been such a struggle this year and I am overwhelmed with the love and support from my blogging friends!!!!
Have you ever seen anything so beautiful and delicate, look at her hands, she has pink nail polish!!!! Marsha, I will cherish her forever, thank you my dear friend!!!

On December 1, Marsha will be posting all the swap participants and their ornaments so you will get to see what I made for her, so stay tuned and come back and share with me your stories...... of blogging and friendship....

Lest we forget......

2010-11-10T05:09:00.003-07:00

To all the men and women who give their life for my freedom........

Thank you....

Want to be inspired?

2010-11-04T07:04:00.004-06:00

Amy from Inspire Co. has just finished her book.....check it out here. It's beautiful Amy, you have outdone yourself!!! It's full of ideas and inspirations from talented artists and fellow bloggers.

A Magical Place ....

2010-10-30T05:22:00.015-06:00

There is a special place I love to visit and to shop......."CC", my favourite shop in Edmonton.

From the moment you enter this wonderful store your eyes are treated to the most beautiful treasures on Earth....many of them Judy Stout has brought back from her trips to France. I just wanted to share with you a small glimpse into the feast of Christmas delights..... if you need to call Judy or Holly I am sure they would be happy to help...

Beautiful charms....

Bella Notte linens...

Is that Rudolph? All the glitter, so sparkly....

Little packages of numbers.......Laura, I thought of you when I saw these!

New Sid Dickens....

CC on Whyte Inc.

5040-104A Street

edmonton, AB

T6H 6A2

Canada

T 780.432.1785

Grandma's cup runneth over.....

2010-10-27T21:27:00.002-06:00

My precious grandchildren, Kaden, Isabella and Sophia......doesn't get any sweeter than this....

Love the smiles and sweet faces........

White Wednesday....White Pumpkins....

2010-10-27T08:06:00.007-06:00

Love the white ghostly look of these pumpkins.....

Join Kathleen, from Faded Charm in this week's White Wednesday.

Happy Halloween......

Our Thanksgiving Day......

2010-10-24T03:33:00.006-06:00

Thanksgiving seems to come and go too quickly, we did manage to have a family dinner and enjoy a few days together...... with plenty of food, of course.....

Roasted turkey, with cornbread stuffing....

My son made his famous perogies, the red were meat filled and the green were mushroom, the yellow were potato and the blue......well let's just say they were "blue"...... although they looked different, they tasted wonderful, really!!!

Here he is, he even came over and cooked them....Thanks Cory!! Someday he will find a woman to cook for, until then.... the Dutchman & I will benefit from his talent!

My daughter Rhianon, with her big brother........ okay she did not make the pie but she wanted to show it off.....

Here she is with Sophia......I mean "Barbie". Gramma forgot that she was Barbie for the day!!!

As always, Isabella, my little baker fluted the pies......I really need to let her do more!!!

She is just so good at it!

Bella, pleased as punch with her efforts! Well done Honey!

Yes, we were entertained by a lovely dancing Barbie!!! It was truly a Thanksgiving Day!!!!

It's coming........

2010-10-17T21:32:00.002-06:00

Did you order your copy yet? Hurry, go here and place your order today!!!

The busiest time of year....

2010-10-09T08:05:00.002-06:00

Hello friends, I am still here, just busy as a bee....this is the busy time of year for me at work. We are preparing for Winter, I know....don't say it....."snow" Hopefully I will be back to blogging soon. I just wanted to say thank you to the sweet blogging friends who still have faith in me!!!

Sometimes I wish I could have two of me, or maybe an assistant!!

We are having our Thanksgiving this weekend, I will be posting all about it in the next few days.

I really am thankful for my friends and family!!!

In love again....

2010-09-28T10:36:00.003-06:00

In the evenings when I come home, or on my lunch break or sometimes in the middle of the night when I can't sleep...... soft mohair yarn.... the feel of my favourite hook....I am loving the wool as it works up into these neat granny squares. Do you remember when they were the rage? I still love them, only in different shades of the palest grey and creamy whites. Does any one have any tips or advice for making a granny square, maybe a new version or design?

Which design to use, should they all be white or all grey, or maybe a different design in each square?

I have noticed on several blogs here and here and here......everyone is making granny squares again!!!

My friends are the best......

2010-09-24T07:07:00.003-06:00

My Mother used to say for ever tear you cry there is a friend who loves you..... that is so true.

Thank you to all of you sweet and caring friends. It is so nice to know that I am not crazy, just having one of those days, and we all have them. I really appreciated the time and the thoughtfulness that you made in your comments, it lifted my spirits, fed my heart and made me happy......you are the best!

I would like to send you a bouquet of flowers so that you can have a terrific day. May you have a happy day with lots of laughter and joy. I know I am going to and when I get home from work, I am making myself a big cup of tea and I am coming to visit you!!

See you later!

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the tother, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy ans wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by And that has made all the difference.

by Robert Frost

Feeling kind of blue.....

2010-09-22T21:31:00.002-06:00

It's been one of those days when you wish you had just stayed in bed. You know the kind where you want to pull the covers over your head and find that dream that made you feel so good....

How does a day that starts with such promise turn into one with sadness and anger.

I found myself for the first time ever in my life, wishing for a new career.... hating my job and wishing for a new life.....

I miss my Mom and I miss my sister, even though it has been a few years since they both died, my heart aches for them.

I am broken.....

Just wondering if anyone else feels like this or am I just crazy.

Can I pass "GO" and start again?

A Few Ripe Tomatoes.....

2010-09-14T08:50:00.002-06:00

Makes a day of fun in the kitchen......

Delicious with basil and garlic, slow roasted.....
Peeled, and turned into a rich pasta sauce....

Simmered all day, then packaged up for a cold winter's day....
Maybe one batch of spaghetti for dinner....

Add some homemade bread.......Sophia made birdies, Bella made bread.......

It was a good day!!!

Paying Tribute....

2010-09-11T04:15:00.003-06:00

Never far from our minds and always in our hearts........ you can go here to read the names of each person that lost their life that sad day.

A Special Friend.....

2010-09-08T06:48:00.003-06:00

There are some things in life that are meant to be shared.....one of them is my sweet friend Donna from Brynwood Needleworks. This is one truly gifted woman, she sews and quilts and knits and stitches, sometimes I think she stays awake all night to finish her projects!!! I have never known anyone that can knit such complicated and gorgeous work and do it so fast, Donna is just such a lady! You can visit her blog and be inspired, laugh at a story from Kes, her charming puppy, or join in a tutorial and learn something new... You can enjoy stories of her husband "Handsome", and read about their adventures... yes, she rides a motorbike and is one hot Mama!!!! Donna has reached 500 posts!!! Of course she is having a fabulous giveaway to celebrate, and you need to get over there and check it out, you won't be disappointed!!

Good Luck!!!

Taking a break.....

2010-09-06T09:34:00.003-06:00

As most of you know I recently had surgery and I am trying to get better.....I need to take a wee break and get some rest. Going back to work means I am back in contact with every germ floating around, because of my Lupus this means I catch everything! So this weekend I fought laryngitis and now the flu... this is crazy! So I am going to take a break from everything and get lots of rest and come back all nice and healthy. Thank you to all of you who have been so supportive and encouraging, hopefully I will still have time to visit all my favourite places!!!

Paper Art Party Time!

2010-08-26T21:32:00.005-06:00

Polly is having her paper art party and I really wanted to join in.......I am back to work this week and unfortunately after a short day of four or five hours I am pooped! I decided to at least share a few pictures of some of the paper projects I did last year. I do hope to take some more on line classes and learn to make more, there are so many beautiful paper artists in blogland.....go to The French Cupboard and have a look or join in and show your stuff!!!!

My wish book...
An art collage...
My wreath from book pages.....

Fresh from the oven.....

2010-08-20T07:17:00.006-06:00

Bake some bread.......

Nothing says I love you like a loaf of fresh bread.....
Peel some peaches.....

Peach and vanilla jam....

Can some for a winter's day.....
With the help of my daughter and son, everything is peachy!

Lavender Lemonade and Apple Muffins.....

2010-08-13T08:47:00.008-06:00

Want something nice to quench your thirst? I love to make Lavender Lemonade......

Bake some apple and oatmeal muffins.....

If you have some lemons...

Squeeze about one cup of juice. Boil one cup of sugar and water to make your simple syrup, and add the lemon juice....

Take some culinary lavender and steep it in a cup, you want the essence of lavender not the full flavour...

Add it to the lemonade and fill with cold water, maybe add some slices of lemon.....

Apple and Oatmeal Muffins, Preheat oven to 375 degrees

1 cup flour

1/4 cup wheat bran

1/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 tsp b soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp cardamon

1 cup finely chopped apples (farmers market or the tree out back)

1 1/3 cups oatmeal

1 egg

1 cup buttermilk

1/4 canola oil

1 tsp homemade vanilla (recipe coming up soon)

1/2 cup apple water (scraps of apples boiled in two cups of water) or use juice

Mix dry ingredients together, add oatmeal and apples. In another bowl mix the egg, buttermilk, oil, vanilla and apple water. Add wet mix to dry mix and blend lightly. Spoon the batter into muffin tin and bake 20 minutes. Makes 12 lovely muffins.

(recipe adapted from Romantic Homes August 2009 issue)

I am still here.......

2010-08-12T07:59:00.003-06:00

Things are coming along nicely here, recovery is slow but I feel so much better!!!

"Thank you" to all for your sweet words of encouragement and love and all the support!!! You are the best friends a girl can have!!!

Here's a bit of what I am doing, which is not a whole lot.....having surgery when you are my age (old) is a little painful to say the least....

Enjoying the roses from the Dutchman, he really is my hero..... he was by my side the whole time.

A bit of stitching.....Some reading, well maybe a lot of reading.....A little crocheting......

Enjoying my beautiful flowers from work, thank you to my boss and staff for hanging in and holding down the fort while I mend.....I am blessed!

A Rooster Blog Party.....

2010-08-06T09:55:00.003-06:00

Barb over a Bella Vista is having a rooster party!!! This is her second one, but my first.....thank goodness for pre posting, cause I am still hurting from my surgery.....have fun today and enjoy seeing all the roosters!!!

I collect "White French" items, but sometimes a few of the more colorful ones sneak in!

Some of my cousin Shawna's beautiful cross stitch!!!

A sweet rooster cookie jar from my sister Lolo!! (sorry Lois)

You did what????

2010-08-05T13:47:00.002-06:00

Hi Everyone, I just wanted to let you all know I went to the doctor's office on Tuesday, really, really sick....he called for an ambulance and sent me to the hospital where they rushed me in for surgery and removed my gall bladder!I am doing okay, have lots to tell you but I just need to recuperate a bit....talk to you soon!!!

Black Velvet......

2010-08-01T07:33:00.004-06:00

Here's a peek at some new things I am working on.....I love velvet, even more so if it happens to be black.

Kind of looks like a tuxedo doesn't it?

Strawberry scissor holder and fob......

Une poire.....

The French Bear in a book!

2010-07-29T09:41:00.004-06:00

Now if something happens, I have my blog in print.......something to treasure as a keepsake or at least give the grandchildren something to read......I need about four more volumes to get caught up.....

You can do this too, go to Blog2print and get your blog in print!!!

Cupcakes and Granddaughters........

2010-07-26T19:40:00.004-06:00

My Granddaughters have birthdays a week apart and I was lucky enough to have them visit in the middle of that week.....which led to a cupcake bakeathon day! Sophia was into pink ballerinas and Bella was decorating with pale blue and puppies. It was so much fun and they loved the time spent with Gramma in the kitchen...of course Gramma loved every minute! You'll have to excuse Isabella's hair, I am not too handy with the pony clip things, she kind of had a puppy mohawk thing going! Oh dear, hope she won't mind these pictures.

500 posts and a fabulous giveaway!!!!

2010-07-21T18:54:00.005-06:00

You know it is going to be good when Laura at 52 Flea has a giveaway, but this is really a great giveaway.......so good that I am going to keep you in suspense and make you go there to read it for yourself!!! I don't know why I am telling you because I really want to win...but I just can't keep this a secret, please go and enter your name!!! Don't just go for the giveaway but to meet Laura, if you haven't already, you will not be disappointed. Her posts are wonderful and the photos are always beautiful, 52 Flea is the best place to start your morning with your coffee cup in hand.......good luck!

A French Tale and a Giveaway......

2010-07-19T18:39:00.009-06:00

Inspired by her recent brocante finds of gorgeous linen, "My French Country Home" is having a giveaway. Only this give away includes a tale, a tale that you tell, and it is about the wonderful linen with the monogram MB. This is my tale and I hope you will go and read the other stories and take a moment to enjoy "My French Country Home", her blog is pure french living at it's best.......

Soft and supple with a pale sheen, the silk fabric lay draped across her lap. Madeleine reach out and turned the hem over revealing her tiny delicate stitches, there tucked inside the beautiful expanse of silk like a great blue sea were her initials, M.B.

Madeleine Beauvais quickly turned the seam back down, glancing furtively around, knowing the queen had many spies amongst the seamstresses in the palace. She knew that any moment she could be cast aside to make room for another girl with hands quicker then hers. It was imperative that she finish this dress before the Queen brought in someone else to assist her with the final stitches.

Madeleine let pushed aside all the thoughts she had of her own trousseau, the pile of chemises and the soft yet nubby feel to the linen. Her thoughts touched briefly on the many hours she had spent monograming her own under garments. The loud stomping of the castle guards approaching the door made her quickly finish the last piece of hem. At last the Queen's extravagant blue gown was ready for the ball. Would her Majesty love the pale blue silk dress with it's miles of small pleats and the mass of ruffles and sparkle of gems sewn into every fold?

The latter which had taken Maddie hours and hours of sewing with each bead and diamond attached to the dress individually......

If only it was her wedding celebration and she was changing into this exquisite gown for the carriage ride to the country palace for the remainder of the marriage week....

Daring to dream it, Madeleine always finished her sewing with her own initials tucked in some secret fold of the garments she made, dreaming that one day her monogram would be discovered by others and her stitches would not have been in vain.....

Chocolate...brownies.....mmmmm....

2010-07-17T11:57:00.002-06:00

My step daughter and her husband are having a celebration today, they were married in Cuba in April...... so I decided that it would be nice to make some chocolate goodies....... brownies, nanaimo bars, cheesecake squares....... mmmmmm good. Hope everyone is having a happy weekend!