Another Giveaway

The winner of this week's giveaway will receive a set of four ceramic drawer knobs, measuring 1-1/2 inches in diameter, in any of the designs we offer at our web store. It's amazing what a difference pretty knobs can make to furniture, especially cottage and shabby furniture.

Here is just a sampling of our designs:



I love this ducky. There are three other knobs in this theme. Makes me want a ducky bathroom!

Timeless classic - Country Roses

I think this little guy or girl is adorable. So cute in a kid's bathroom. Once again, there are several complimentary Sea Life knobs available.

If you would like to be entered, just post a comment anywhere on my blog. Deadline is Saturday, June 7th at 6:00 PM PST. Juneau and the M&M's are waiting.......

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner, Eh?

Oh how I have longed to use the expression "winner winner chicken dinner." The winner of our 12 ceramic drawer knobs in her choice of design is........

Sandra

Her blog can be found here.

Sandra lives in Canada and if she is anything like most Canadians, she probably wishes us Americans would stop saying "eh." My mother is from Canada, so I figure I am allowed, almost obligated, to throw out the occasional "eh."

Since I am putting off cleaning up the kitchen, I will tell you how I chose the winner. Never one to make things easy, I first had my son close his eyes and point randomly, four different times as I scrolled up and down the comment list. I then assigned each name a color: red, green, yellow or brown. Now comes the REALLY scientific part! I took four M&M's in the above four colors and laid them down on the cement outside. I did this while Juneau was drinking water, to be sure he wasn't watching me.

He ate the red M&M first, and Sandra was red! There is a brown one there too, hidden by his big ole head.

I swear he knew what was going on, because after he ate the red one, he turned around and looked at me, as if to say "Did you get that? Red won."

I do know that chocolate is bad for dogs. But it's actually dark chocolate, and smaller dogs are much more susceptible to being harmed by it - if they ate a lot. The three to four M&M's Juneau consumes each day are not harmful to him.

As I said in my original giveaway post, we will be offering a free set of knobs each week to anyone who leaves a comment. I will be back later with details about that. Thank you to everyone who entered!

Cottage Giveaway ~ and Treasures

There is still time to enter my giveaway for 12 ceramic knobs in your choice of designs. The deadline is May 31st at 6:00 PM (I prefer to say 1800 hours, why I am not sure) PST. I will definitely be glued to my computer tomorrow. I stopped by all the blogs who were participating and was just amazed at the wonderful assortment of goodies. Not to mention the creative and inspiring blogs I have found. How could anyone ever be bored?



Went on a little treasure hunt last Monday, and I scored these cool mini-magazines from 1960, which just happens to be the year I was born. I mailed two of them off to my friend Sam in Cali because she appreciates vintage papers as much as I do. I will never "get" how some people view vintage as "trash." I should be glad they do, because if they didn't, people like me would never be able to find any interesting "trash." It's the old "one man's trash is another man's treasure" theory.

Sam mentioned what a kick it would be to be able to order some of the things in these magazines, now...at their old price of a quarter. There are lots and lots of income producing opportunities, all aimed at the stay at home mom of the 60's. She compared it to an episode of Twilight Zone. So began the avalance of ideas which came cascading down into and onto my little brain. I will be making very good use of these little books. They will figure into downloadable graphics I will sell, art I will make and things I will give away. I think we could all use a bit of time travel these days.

I also purchased this wonderfully large basket, in dire need of some color but that will have to wait. I love baskets - containers of any design actually. I just need to remember to put things back into their designated container. The dolls...well, they are porcelain and their costumes intrigued me. The silver one is missing a foot. Who knows what they will become, or even when, but I am glad I brought them home with me!

2nd Annual Cottage Charm Giveaway

I am very excited to be participating in the Cottage Charm Giveaway, hosted by Kim at The Twice Remembered Cottage. There are incredible things to be won ladies - you don't want to miss out!

I will be giving away a set of 12 white ceramic drawer knobs/pulls (screws included) in any of the designs we offer on our web site. These knobs are 1-1/2 inches in diameter and are of very high quality. What I have done (rather poorly I might add) is post a collage of six "cottagey" floral knobs. You can mix and match, or not do florals at all. We have everything from apples to zebras.

To qualify for my drawing, please post a comment below and be sure I have a way to contact you. Deadline to enter is May 31st at 6:00 PM. Juneau the Snow Dog will draw a name shortly after 6:00 (should be interesting how I find a way to accomplish that). I will email the winner as well as post their name here.

Thank you for stopping by ~ God Bless!

UPDATE: My hubby and I have decided that we will offer a free knob giveaway every week! It probably won't be 12 knobs, but it will be at least four and you will still be able to choose your design(s). I will post details on the 31st. So even if you don't win this time around, please come back and try again :).

Memorial Day ~ Semper Paratus

USCGC Steadfast

I was talking with a friend of my teenage son, and I mentioned the Coast Guard. She said "what is the Coast Guard?" and I was shocked. That conversation reminded me once again of how many people do not know about the valuable and dangerous work the men and women of the USCG do, each and every day.

Today seemed a particularly appropriate day to share a few facts, and also to mention that if you have not seen the Kevin Costner film "The Guardian," it is well worth the watch. The film was made in cooperation with the USCG and is the first time they have ever participated in such an endeavor. As a result, the film is amazingly accurate. The following is taken from the official CG web site.

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is a military branch of the United States involved in maritime law, mariner assistance, and search and rescue, among other duties of coast guards elsewhere. One of the seven uniformed services of the United States, and the smallest armed service of the United States, its stated mission is to protect the public, the environment, and the United States economic and security interests in any maritime region in which those interests may be at risk, including international waters and America's coasts, ports, and inland waterways.

USCG has a broad and important role in homeland security, law enforcement, search and rescue, marine environmental pollution response, and the maintenance of river, intracoastal and offshore aids to navigation (ATON). It also lays claim to being the United States' oldest continuous seagoing service. The United States Coast Guard has about 40,150 men and women on active duty.

As members of a military service, Coast Guardsmen on active and reserve service are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice and receive the same pay and allowances as members of the same pay grades in the other four armed services.

I always knew of the Coast Guard, and had a vague idea of what they did. Then I fell in love with one, and the term "Coastie" took on a whole new meaning. During the first few years of our relationship my hubby was finishing up his 23 year military career. I saw first hand the sacrifices these Coasties make - the lives they save - the criminals they catch - and the way they serve the people of our country. The CGC Steadfast was a ship my husband spent a great deal of time on.

May God bless all of those brave people who protect us every day, those who have given their lives, and the families who remain at home.

Semper Paratus - Always Ready

Big Dog, Little Dog & Bella

Oh my, where has the week gone? A week is still the same amount of days, hours, minutes and seconds as it was when I was 20. Why does it not seem the same now, as I near...GASP...50?

This photo was taken last summer, when my stepdaughter lived with us, along with her Lhasa Dog Ellie. Ellie and Juneau were the best of buds. Even when he was pulling Ellie out from under the table by her head, it was all fun. They played for hours. Juneau was always careful not to step on her, and she had no fear of his massive size. Every afternoon they would nap together.

I have not created anything this week, other than lots and lots of knobs of course. We will not be doing the Farmer's Market this Saturday, due to the holiday. I miss making things. I have a mermaid to finish for a dear lady who is, like me, behind. My package to Pam, in the vintage paper swap, is finally on the way. I was a week late in posting it, and do not blame her if she is annoyed.

Today the kind ladies at the Breast Care Center at SW Washington Medical Center attempted to aspirate the contents of a cyst in my right breast. The remnants of an enormous bruise sustained in my car accident. The doctor was wonderful. She couldn't get it all though, but she got the liquid part. I was thinking of all the brave women who walk through their doors. And how blessed I am to have normal breast tissue. The atmosphere in their office is so warm and caring.

Laura (I think one would call her a "tech") and I talked dogs. She did a great job of getting my mind off things. I gave her my blog address and hope she stops by. If you do Laura, I double checked with the expert I was telling you about, and she confirmed that Suzie's was a great place and Bella will be in excellent hands. Bella is Laura's German Shepherd.

I love, love, LOVE German Shepherds. Quirky and loyal, protective and kind, worriers and guardians, needing everything to remain "the same," and the BEST cold noses. I'm a bit of a freak when it comes to cold dog noses. I say they are refreshing. My son says they are refreshing. My husband says we are both insane. When we adopted a snow dog, I foolishly assumed he would come with an extra cold nose. Nope....it's rarely refreshing and when it is, it doesn't last very long. Miss Jessie, on the other hand, never disappoints.

Time to go find a dog with a cold nose......

This Little Piggy Stayed Home

Here are things that went to market, and I ended up staying home. I had planned to go, was looking forward to going, was ready to go....and Mr. Supraspinatus Muscle (gee I hope I spelled that right) decided no, I was not going to go. But my stuff went, and my husband went. He and Kay bonded under the canopy, in the 95 degree heat. We sold three note cards - our first sale. Kay sold a few bars of soap. There was just very little traffic at the market today.

The shell frame is one of those love it or hate it type items. I enjoy making these frames. Very therapeutic and relaxing for me. They conjur up visions of shabby cottages at the beach, cool ocean air, crashing waves.

This is part of a display board hubby made. He is so talented in ye old workshop. I really like the mermaid image and use it a lot. Slowly but surely we are getting things together. This market will run each Saturday till the middle of October. I am going to be selling some of Kay's Rustic Cottage soaps in my eBay store. The more exposure the better, and her soaps are such high quality. I notice a big difference in my skin because her soaps contain no harsh detergents.

As I have said, Kay and I go way back. When we first met, we both had partners. Then I was the single mom for a while. Now Kay is the single mom. Not an easy job - and speaking of jobs, she was recently laid off from hers. The way she is handling the challenges in her life is truly an inspiration to me. She is trusting in the Lord, and He is providing for her in many ways. She is calm in a turbulent ocean, secure in His hands. Our kids have reconnected and it's surreal to see them together now as teeanagers. We remember them as six year olds, arguing in the backseat of the car - she's looking at me, he's bothering me, don't "coffee" me.

It is wonderful to have this kind of history with someone. That comfortable, sit on the porch and laugh and talk kind of history. This will be a great summer!

A Mother's Love

Here is Whiskey feeding her babies, who are six weeks old. This is the most precious picture, and is courtesy of a very nice lady, who goes by the name of "Chocolate Chic." She can be found here: http://chocolatechic.wordpress.com/

Molly

My mother sent an email, addressed to her granddog Juneau. The email told the incredible story of Molly, a pony who had lost her leg and is now getting around with a prosthetic leg. Here is the link if you'd like to read about it:

http://www.wildhorserescue.org/molly.htm

Juneau has been a part of our family for two years. I will not get into the horrific details of his first two months of life, but before he was seven months old, he had endured three painful surgeries. As humans, we succumb to self-pity quite easily. But animals don't. Animals do not feel sorry for themselves. Juneau does everything any four legged dog does, some of it in a different way, but he manages.

I had hoped to be able to train him to be a therapy dog. God did not have that in mind for Juneau. Strangers and being away from home make him very nervous. He's a beautiful creature and I never tire of looking at him. He is spoiled beyond comprehension, but he lets us know every day how much he loves us, and his "forever home." We are blessed to have him. He shows us every day what it means to play the cards you've been dealt, and don't let a handicap stand in your way.

Helping Dad finish off the Ben & Jerry's before bedtime.

This Little Piggy Went to Market ~ TAGS

A few weeks ago I blogged about sharing a booth at a local farmer's market. I was so excited as I had never done anything like this before. Well, this little piggy has been to market two Saturdays so far, and both times it was like Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, but in reverse.

The first week, I was about two hours late. Hubby was there on time though, to help with the set up. The second week I was even later, and I don't want to talk about it. Hubby was there on time again. He is the most on time person I have ever met. It wasn't that I spent the previous two Friday nights out partying. I spent them being up till 4:00 AM, trying to finish things to take to market, and finish things we needed to ship for our online business. Basically trying to juggle the two.

It's going a bit better this week, as I am accumulating things and processing ideas and trying to work on things throughout the week, a little here and there. My friend Kay is the booth mother (think house mother) and is so patient with my time challenges. And it really does not matter what time I go to bed, I'm not fully awake till late morning. What my body wants to do is go to bed about 3:00 AM and sleep till 11:00 AM. It's the perfect schedule for me, and I awake feeling rested.

The above photo shows a few of the tags I have made. These are my first attempts. So odd that I've never made a tag before.

It was 95 degrees today, and three days ago it was 54 degrees. That is typical for us, these huge swings in temperature. I feel bad for the snow dog. I was trying to hold a couple ice packs on him but he didn't understand or appreciate the gesture. I know you can buy special cooling mats for dogs, but they are ridiculously expensive. At physical therapy I have laid on many a frozen mat and am going to check into that as a hopefully less expensive alternative.

Here is a photo of Juneau at about 4-1/2 months. Then you see him the last time we had a bit of snow. He lost his front leg due to abuse and neglect, shortly before we adopted him. He has gorgeous markings and his "mask" is perfect. Definitely a pure bred dog. Snow dogs are the closest genetically to wolves. The pack mentality and survival traits he displays certainly prove that. And boy can he give you the "stink eye."

Karla & Beth's Vintage Workshop Swap

Here are my panels - which were mailed today. Not sure what I was thinking with the odd way I photographed them. Most likely sleep deprivation figured in. I literally took their pictures minutes before the box was sealed and dispatched to the post office.

They gave us beautiful images to work with. I did all eight panels in one night (nice to see the sunrise occasionally). I had over a month, but I am one of those people who seems to thrive on deadlines. I don't get my inspiration until the 23rd hour. My favorite panel is the top left "Sparkle" panel.

~ Happy Mother's Day ~

When I am asked if I have children, I reply "yes, one.....that I know of." It's fun to watch the person's expression as they "process" my answer. Having only one, I often feel I don't have full and complete "bragging/whining rights" in the Mother's Club. One is easy - try three or seven or 12. Occasionally someone will say, "In many ways, one is tougher because at least if you have more than one, they keep each other busy." I am grateful to the people who say that.

The journey so far has been an incredible tapestry of the highest highs and the lowest lows. My son has taught me the true meaning of love. My son has taught me that the word "frustration" is not completely defined in the dictionary. He has made me a more patient, forgiving person. He has changed my life forever. Watching him grow up is a bittersweet experience. I know it has to happen, it's supposed to happen. Yet I long for the days when I could hold him in my arms and keep him safe. We still have the same bedtime ritual. I still cry every first day of school. I still watch him when he's sleeping, amazed at the fact I am somebody's mother. I still remember the breakfasts in bed he would bring me, when he was five years old: a not quite unfrozen frozen waffle (or two), applesauce, Oreos and a diet Coke.

Years ago he and I attended a function at our church, for single parents. Blank name tags and a pen were waiting by the entrance. My son, eager to show off his spelling and penmanship skills, grabbed a tag and informed me he would do his own. I reached for a tag and he said "no Mama, I will do yours too." He wrote the tag and handed it to me. It read: MAMA. I wore it proudly the entire night.

I'm big into quotes. My father was big into quotes. Quotes are powerful things. They can turn a situation around instantly. They can put everything into perspective. Following are some of my favorite quotes about motherhood:

"All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother."
- Abraham Lincoln


"The hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world."
- W. R. Wallace

"As parents, our lives got jacked up
because of you. If we had known what you'd
be like when you turned 13, we'd have never
had you."
- The Comedian "Sinbad"

"The greatest battle that ever was fought -
Shall I tell you where and when?
On the maps of the world you will find it not:
It was fought by the mothers of men."
- Joakuin Miller

"If you bungle raising your children, I don't think whatever else you do well matters very much."
- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

"Children....the beloved parasites."
- Donna Ferguson (AKA My Mother)

It's a wonderful ride. I am very blessed to have been given a ticket.....

Vintage Ephemera Swap....and "Airport"

Hello Blogland! Long time, no post. First things first - I want to share photos of the goodies I received from Pam for the Vintage Ephemera Swap. I've heard everything is bigger in Texas. All I know is this lovely lady sent me a TON of stuff. Fun, neat stuff I didn't have. Beautiful scrapbooking papers, stencils and tags, glitter, buttons, a wonderful book on how to make your own embellishments, and cut outs and bits and pieces. I was truly amazed at her generosity. I tried to get everything into these photos, but I'm sure I forgot a few things. Plus, we used some of the scrapbook papers for my son's "Creation Book" project.

Of course I am behind and am still collecting things to send to Pam. She isn't into the vintage stuff as much as I am, and vintage is 90% of what I have in my stash. It's actually rather fun to try to find different things - step outside my swap comfort zone.

Do you ever go through periods where you want to eat, or watch or do the same thing, all the time? Because doing so is comforting and familiar? I am on this "Airport" kick. The original film from 1970, the one which spawned all the others. It has been available "On Demand" and I think I've watched it about 20 times in the past month. Watched isn't the right word, because I don't sit and stare at the TV. But it's on, in the background...over and over. I never took a good look at Dean Martin before now. He is very sexy in this movie! I don't think I would feel the same way about him in his Rat Pack environment. I think it's the uniform. Nothing like a man in uniform to get the blood moving.

I have other things to show and tell which hopefully will be more interesting than my "Airport" addiction. Stay tuned!