The Table

As we get ready for gatherings and dinners, I think back to mealtime at the ranch where I grew up.  The kitchen was a bright cozy room, dominated by the wood/coal cook stove.  It was the only room in the house with painted walls.  Sometimes the wall behind the stove was a sunny yellow, but more often a light olive green.  Separating the kitchen from what we would today call the great room, were upper cabinets with glass doors on the dining room side, and solid doors on the kitchen side.  All our dishes and glasses were stacked there. There was a pass through with sliding doors and lower cabinets with openings on the kitchen side.

The table in the dining room side was a long plank table, sanded smooth and varnished.  It easily sat eight. The table was surrounded by mismatched wooden chairs, some given to us by neighbors, others salvaged from old houses, but each one painstakingly sanded and refinished.  Every meal the table was set with dishes and silverware--fork to the left of the plate, then the knife and spoon to the right.  At breakfast there was always a mug for Mom and Daddy's coffee, and a cup and saucer at night for tea.  A napkin was placed under the fork.

When the table was set, Mom would place the food on the pass through and we would place it on the table.  After everyone had washed their hands, we all sat down, and after a prayer, enjoyed our meal together.  The talk would be about what was going on in our world.  All of us joined in this conversation.  In the evening, there was a dessert, with a little more talking, then the table was cleared and dishes washed and dried.  Life centered around the table.  It was where we voiced our dreams, discussed our problems, and expanded our thinking.  We came together as a family and for just a time shut out the distractions of the outside world.

Wednesday Hodgepodge--From Shrimp to Naps

1. What are three words you would use to describe your 2011?

Adventurous--trip to Hawaii for daughter's wedding.
Artistic--completed several art and sewing projects
Amazing--God's hand on my grandson--sparing him from death on
                 Christmas Eve in the traffic accident

2. Do you like shrimp? What's your favorite way to have it prepared?
Grilled on the barbie.

3. Is your house de-Christmased? If so when did you tackle that job? If not, when will the decorations come down?
The outside lights are down, and will take the tree down this weekend.

4. Do you like to watch scary movies?

No, I get nightmares, I'm a strictly G rated fan.

5. ice skating~sledding~skiing~snowboarding~of the four listed which wintertime activity do you most enjoy?
Well, it would have to be sledding.  My surgeon limited my strenuous sports since my hip replacements.

6. Did you have a childhood hideout? Describe it.
My only hideout was in my imagination, while sitting at the desk that my grandpa made for me.

7. What's a place or space that motivates you?
My Studio

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Took grandson for post-op visit and they removed the stitches on his chin.  He was cranky, but that was o.k.  I am starting to decompress from all the stress of the past 10 days.  I took a nap, and was thinking of making some of Christmas cookies, or at least drink some eggnog.  Tomorrow, I will try and get back into the groove of things.

Under the Weather

Seems like everyone is sick, some with a cold, some with the flu, some with bronchitis.  So to send a little cheer, I made these two get well cards.

This is a simple card made with just layers of paper--a black diagonal print, then a green solid, then a computer generated text (got a frog in your throat?).  The frog is a green rectangle with a patterned paper rectangle on top.  The eyes are two while circles punched out with little black punches.  The cheeks are two larger circles embellished with a red mini brad, and then tucked under the rectangles edge.  The zigzag mouth is drawn on.

Everybody loves Ziggy!  So this card with Ziggy under the weather is sure to bring a smile.  Again easy peasy.  Blue card base with a get well helpers patterned paper.  Ziggy is stamped, colored, cut out and popped up on a blue rectangle which is also popped up from the patterned paper.


When you have a loved one or friend who is under the weather, send them a card and bring a little sunshine to them.

Special Thanks

When I got home after visiting my grandson in ICU, I had a surprise on my doorstep.  I was feeling sort of sad, and when I opened this gift  from Mary at  Blogging Sisters, my spirits were immediately raised.  


Inside I found A bright red album, a card kit, wooden prim heart with red glittery ice skater, and 




A blessing bell inscribed with "Health".  The tag says" Blessing fill this heart for you
Prayers I pray to come true.
Hear the jingle of the chime.
Remember you are on my mind"
It sounds a soft tinkle when it is moved.  Thank you Mary.
Then just a few minutes ago, Mr Mailman-he is becoming one of my favorite people--delivered another package.  
This one from that talented artist--Cindy at Whimsical Musings. It was the precious woolen suit from her giveaway, It is so soft and charming--the top decorated with a vintage touch.  And included was one of Cindy's tags.  
In typical Cindy style it conveys the message of "Believe".  She also made a personalized card for my grandson that he is thinks is great.  So thank you Cindy for your thoughtfulness.  Be sure and visit both of these friends.

What lies Ahead. . . .

As I begin 2012 I have set some goals:  Finish an art project a month, Finish a sewing project a month, Work on organizing my studio, Be a consistent blogger, Work on my book.  I will work on these things, but realizing that I don't know what life hold, or down what path I may be led.  I know that these goals may change and that is alright.

I don't know what the future holds, but I look forward to 2012 with anticipation.


Ecc: 7:14 When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.

Jer 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.