Again,,,,,,,,,,,,,Please be Advised,,,,,,,,,

Thank you for the responses and Emails,,,,,,,,,I don't think that I will post on THIS blog anymore. Please post or comment on my other two blogs"

http://bungalowbling.blogspot.com/
Which will serve as both my general blog and crafting blog

Or::
If interested, you may link to my memoir/life blog at:
http://willowbrooklane.blogspot.com/
Your choice! Or you can follow both...........This is my memoir, to family, friends, community. If you'd like to follow, you are welcome!

Shell

Major blog Change,,,,,,,,But I think it's right! Please read on!

Hi!

I had several people that during the One World One Heart Event truly explored all 3 of my blogs and emailed me. Did you know, I actually have 3 blogs? Well, I started one a while back while musing and journaling I guess, called "Willowbrook Lane." There is actually only ONE post on that site to date,,,,,,but it's a site I've decided to develop. Starting with my childhood and growing up in rural King and Snohomish County,,,,,or in my case,  for the majority of my memories: Alderwood Manor, WA. It's part of my family story. And as some of you that know a bit about me,,,,,,it's a LONG and involved story, involving my adoption, my mother's immigration, family secrets, legacies and such.


Therefore, I made a decision. My heart, my stories, my history is important to me. You need not follow, but you are welcome to do so if you would like! It IS an interesting story, I think. One of change,courage, adveristy, romance, strength, growth, spirit and much more.

That said, here's the deal. I'm going to gradually eliminate "ShellinSnohomish"- My blog about life and times here and now,,,,BUT I'm going to incorporate ALL the activities, events, the friends, the community, my Joyworks happenings& coworkers/pics and ties onto my BungalowBling Blog. I KNOW its a mouthfull!!! Sorry! http://bungalowbling.blogspot.com/

And, I'm going to give new life to my http://willowbrooklane.blogspot.com/
because I'm interested in writing about my childhood, my amazing and mysterious heritage and the community that I was brought up in. Life in the PNW,,,,,,Families from Germany, Ireland, Holland and the likes.......I'm excited to write about it, but it may not interest you in the least....Okay,,,,,and I may even write about former marriages/divorce/widowhood and relationships........

So,,,,,You are welcome to "follow" either blog in the future if so inclined. Thanks to those encouraged me to share more of my family and community histories. I think I needed the "nudge."

 And, as said my major blog will continue as "Bungalowbling." But again, you are welcome to follow my personal history blog as well.

Life changes, WE change or grow and I know this is the direction I want to go! If you follow this blog and not "BungalowBling",,,,,,,,I'd love for you to follow there!Or Check up on future posts, that I hope will be of intrigue on http://willowbrooklane.blogspot.com/


Hugs and love  thanks for your patience AND Insight!! I'm excited about the changes!!!

Shell

Wowza,,,two more Prizes from OWOH!

Hi all,

I posted yesterday that I had won 3 drawings in the One World One Heart Giveaway. But I was mistaken, I won 2 more,,,,for a total of 5! Wow!

Martha from Toronto gave me a prize just for visiting her other blog (because I don't think any of the others did) and commenting on her darling kids! I saw her pics of working in her classroom and told her I'd love to help IF I lived nearby.
I don't care if she sends me a handmade print with all those little hands stamped in Paint,,,,,,I feel so honored. Martha's blog is lovely,,stop by and see her if you can at http://m-isfor-martha.blogspot.com/
Too fun! Thanks Martha!!!!!


I also got an email message this morning from the lovely Ann, from Scotland!!! I loved her blog, and I'm glad I found it! Ann is sending me an altered dominio for a key fob or necklace.......Too fun! Her creations are great and so fun to have a new crafting friend in Scotland!! Stop by Ann's fun blog (and I SO need to ask her the meaning of the blogs name,,,,I KNOW what haggis IS!)  http://ann-icklehaggiscraftspot.com/

Thanks again! Shoot too fun!
Shell

Oh,,,,and if you don't know Karen Valentine,,you SHOULD!!! She is posting a lovely giveaway over at her Desert Cottage blog in recognition of 500 followers!!! 500 in her first year! Karen is lovely, her blog is lovely, her home is divine and she has a heart of gold! Stop by and peruse her lovely blog and say "hi" to enter!! I will post a link in my sidebar that you can click on to visit!

Happy Fat Tuesday!

Shell

I WON, I Won, I won! Goodies times Three!!!!

Wowza! I had a great time participating in the One World, One Heart blog event and Giveaway sponsored by Lisa Swiftka! This was her 4th year of doing this event,,,,,and my first real giveaway over on my other blog "Bungalow Bling."

Although the participants numbered over 1000 and the giveaways were incredible,,,,I had a hard time with folks either stopping in MY blog giveaway or others and just basically saying while visiting other blogs, "Pick ME, Pick ME" and leaving their blognames to enter. I think what the coordinator/hostess of this event was basically attempting to do was to truly encourage people to travel around the globe and meet new and interesting people, see new blogs, new creations and say hi and leave a comment that was truly directed towards the giver or in reference toward their blogs!

In all honesty, I found blogs whose nature of their blogs or the giveaway just truly didn't suit me. And I'm sure there were those that looked at my little giveaway and blog and thought, "No thanks." That's okay.......I didn't want to enter blog giveaways that didn't interest me anymore than I'm sure there were those that past on my giveaway and moved on to something that did inspire or move them.

That all said, I met a LOT of wonderful bloggers around the world. It was fun to see artists in Europe, South America, Asia participate and visit a little corner of their map and see their creativity AND their reaching out to others. What fun!

As a result of the event I've already formed new bonds and friendships with fellow bloggers near AND far!
I'd highly recommend the event for anyone NEXT year, if you missed it!!!

Also, I was privledged to win 3 giveaways as a result of the event!

1) A book from RavenousReader- a blog dedicated primarily to reviewing books.......and as most of you who know me, I read about 100 books of various genres a year,,,,,so this is a great treat/prize! I'm now following the blog to read books of the reviewer's! (If an avid reader, check out my Safari bookshelf on my other blog, http://bungalowbling.blogspot.com/ to see what I've been reading, I should actually add that list/shelf to this blog as well!

2) I also won a lovely pair of earrings hand crafted by Nancy Markosky,,,,of  http://otbaglady.blogspot.com/
Nancy is a quiet Marvel.....She works with special needs kids, a Christian, wife, mom, artist and dog lover. I've gotten to know a BIT about her by visiting her blog during the event, and perusing it a bit more after my winnings, but I truly look forward to learning more about her through her posts.  She seems a dear,,,stop by her blog and say hi!

3) And Finally, and happily,  a giveaway/prize from the lovely Jill Cooper of  http://untietheribbons.blogspot.com/
Jill surprised me with an awesome handmade pin/brooche which will be SO fun to sport on a sweater or Jacket!!! This woman is crafter extrodinaire! And I was SOoooooooo glad to find her site! I'll be following up on Jill's activities and I'm sure she and I will share some laughs and smiles in the future!

And my own Contribution, my little mixed media box was won. The winner of my giveaway was posted right next to my blogger/facebook friend Lori Anderson! But I stuck to the random counter and it went to Beth (aka Elizabeth) Holcombe,,of Words and Whimsies,,,,which was rather ironic. . .

Just like Googling for a website, during the OWOH the color would change in Lisa's sidebar AFTER you had visited/commented......and well, at the beginning of the event I could tell WHERE I had been because the color(s) of the posts change. Well, for me a day or two into posting that color definition went away and I could NOT tell where I'd been and where I had NOT been,,,,,

So,, I scolled Way down and I'm sure I missed some awesome sites. Nonethelesss, Beth stopped by my site on HER journey and said hello and low and behold she was the random winner. Well,,,,,when I looked at her site it was awesome! She is SO creative!!! I love her goodies!

 And, when I looked in her blogs that she followed my dear and lovely Lulu from Coastal Sisters was in HER blog list!!! So,,,,,,I'm SO glad I found her blog and so glad that I saw her lovely creations,,,if she had NOT won, I would have missed her,,,,,,at least in the immediate future! So, congrats Beth,,,,,,,,,and so glad we found each other in this crazy and wonderful blogland!!!

Hugs to all and if you didn't participate this year as a blogger,,,,,seriously consider it next year! It was a fabulous event!!!!I'm excited to watch and follow and participate with all my new blogger friends,,,and thanks for the goodies!

Shell!

Really fun day w/Beth in Snohomish!!!

This was the first time Beth and I (from the famed Salvage Studios and her awesome co-publication of the book of same name) had met face to face! I had followed her blog and she made regular comments to me on my blog or through emails,,,and it was just SO fun to finally connect!! I'd love to do so with more of my Blogging friends, but
Beth doesn't live far away, so this was an easy (and fun) connection!  I had never made it to the Studio in Edmonds,,,although Jana (Joyworks) sung her praises long before I had the opportunity to read her blog or know of her abilities....but I just kinda followed Beth's blog and knew that I wanted to meet her. She's a take charge- why not kind of gal, so I KNEW I'd enjoy meeting her! And she is delightful, articulate, knows her own mind/direction, and I SO enjoyed giving her a view of my little world of Snohomish!

So, hopefully, today ,she got a "bigger" taste of Snohomish ,,the shops, the vendors and I think we both had an awesome lunch at Collectors Choice,,,,,,She had the "Timilicious" Special created by a mutual friend of ours, Timi (of "Come Junk with ME" fame),,,,,,,AKA Timi's fave creation ala John- Collector's proprietor and illustrious owner. I had the Halibut, salad and Salmon chowder,,,,,,,Hope Beth enjoyed our lunch faire as much as I did!!! Yumm!

Fun day,,,,fun to meet Beth in the "flesh" although we have many blogland and local connections. I'm looking forward to getting to know each other better in the future!!!Gotta love this Blog Venue,,you never know who you will meet or connect with!

Hugs to Beth for getting to know her better and all of hers, hairballs and otherwise! And to ALL!.Love to you and all of yours!  A loving Valentines Day,,,,,,whomever,wherever and however you find it! Romantic love is great and be thankful IF you have it, but friends and family are consistent themes in our lives!!


Shell

Looking forward to spending some time w/Beth from Salvadge Studios!

Tomorrow, I am meeting up with the Fabulous Beth,, from Salvage Studio. She co-wrote the book about re-purposing items into something new and spectacular!!

We're "doin" Snohomish,,,,starting, of course, at my beloved Joyworks a 10:00am and visiting shops around town and we'll settle in for lunch at any one of our wonderful cafes/bistros!

I've always love Beths' posts and her whole philosophy on making something NEW and unique out of something you have........

Hopefully, I'll get some fun photos and memories of our day tomorrow!!

Shell.

Soup, Shepards Pie, a dog that was "ackking" all day! Andrew and Red Cross

Soooo, I woke to the sound of my Golden Retriever Kodi, "hacking up a hairball", or rather a grass ball, in the hallway at  around 6:30am. He's never gotten sick and I cleaned up the mess,,,,,grass and all.  (Dogs eat grass when they don't feel well.) Then, he "lost his breakfast" and well, the morning was just NOT fun and he concerned me greatly! I called the VET and they asked me if he was lethargic and if he wasn't drinking water....Well, the "Code Man" aka Kodi, was interactive and drinking water and so, I just monitored his actions per the Vet..

At noon, I got a call from Senator Patty Murray's office,,,,(I'm bi-partisan but I've always admired her work), I met her personally at a fundraiser for her back in the late 80's when she was running for the Senate. I truly admire her work with Veterans (Such as my son), Healthcare (I'm paying a King's Randsom for private healthcare and basically get nothing) the Economy, local jobs, local transit alternatives, banks- both local small banks and bailout's for larger banks by the
Feds, you name it,,,,her phone call, aka, " Town meeting" was awesome and she actually offered a lot of insight. While she was answering my personal question (regarding long term care and services for our Vets)- my Kodi love, started to vomit (sorry) and actually produced a portion of a black dress sock,,as Patti was personally talking to ME (and a group listening to the forum via their phones...,,,,,,,,,Well I don't know whether to be most thankful for Patty for her polictical actions or Kodi for "hacking up" part of a sock! I'm sure there is a metaphor here. I'm somewhat at a loss.,,,,,Kod's timing was impecible, and well,,,,,,,was it TRULY because he had a sock to "hack up" or whether he was not totally in line with her political rhetoric or her ideals....I'll never truly  know!

I was thinking afterwards, ("Excuse me Ms. Murray, but my dog was hacking up a sock while you offered me your introspect and actions towards Veterans benefits".....Should I take that as affimative and devoted actions from YOU or should my dogs actions be reflective of our whole political system??? Just curious,,,,,,,,,)
It's been a dogs day,,and I DO truly appreciate our local Advocates participation for reform! In retrospect,,,,I wish i would have asked  ALSO - about the importance of  Animals effectiveness in healthcare issues! ......For a LOT of us, they ARE our therapy,,,,and their presence influences many~ whether hospital patients, nursing homes, and even inmates training dogs and the reformation process.. Private organizations training dogs for therapy, companionship OR sniffing out bombs and other threats....Our furry friends DO a lot and are also capable of a reformation for others...... Hairballs (swallowed socks and ALL),,,,,,they are great therapy and an important part of our daily lives!  Give a "furry friend thanks for cheering the elderly on, for providing comfort to the wounded, for sitting steadfast by the ill, affirmed, disabled or dying. Unconditional love and affection....There IS a rainbow bridge for our furry companions giving them Carte Blanche in the kingdom of Heaven!

And, I thank Patty for her political involvement and concern,,,and maybe just a bit for helping my dog wretch!!!

And thanks to the Powers that Be for leaving me with a healthy, exuberant Retriever once again! ( I bought about 60$ worth of dog toys today to appease him and the black lab, and throw away all the severed socks and shredded toys,,least I could do since I didn't have a Vet bill in the multiple hundreds!!! And, for their cohorts sevice to others!

That said,,,,,
Son Andrew (former Marine and two tour Iraq Veterean) made an awesome  Shepards Pie tonight which I supplemented with organic veggie soup. He announced that he has decided to involve himself with the American Red Cross, in whatever capacity they deem worthy! I couldn't be more proud!

Love to you all and BIG hugs human AND furry friends!!!
Shell,,,,,

Happy Cake Day for Clarice Today and Great night at Annies swap!

You ever have one of those days where it's just So much fun that you think that LIFE is too good? Well, Today was one of those days!

We all got together for Clarice's belated Birthday celebration. Gorgeous weather again and tons of fun and yummy food!

And,,,,,I managed to get this ONE photo of Clarice at the party loaded and then Andy tried to help me figure out the program/transfer of the new camera and it isn't, so far, as easy as the last.......maybe tonight he will help me figure it out so I can post the rest of Clarice's Party pictures. Which are at LEAST

Safely ensconsed in my camera!

We had a great lunch and Jill made awesome Citrus Cupcakes from the "Martha" cupcake book! Dang, I hate it when I have camera problems,,,,,,,but come back and I'll either post them here,,,or at a NEW post!

Annie's function was awesome last night and Jana (see Joyworks Blog) took some awesome pics,,,okay, I am camera illiterate,,,,,,,my batteries were dead AFTER Clarice's party. We had awesome food, desserts,  and I came home with some lovely items from Annie and her partner Mary~ The giveaways/swaps were awesome! Thanks to ALL the gals involved,,,,,I can't wait for our NEXT one at Penny's home!

I'm telling you though,,,,,it was sunny and delightfully warm considering it's Feb (Sorry, friends on the East Coast) and it was one of those days where upon arriving home after festivities you just said, "Wow." Annie inspired me to make a few changes to my decor and I actually got my BUTT going and did some organizing and clean up in the craft room, a bit of garden clean up and tweaked a few items in my home! Thanks Annie,,,,,You're the best and I love you madly! Well and Mary is no slouch either and I'm trying to figure out how to acquire one of her Grandaughters,,,,since she now has 3,,,,,,,could they miss just one????

Lovely day ladies,,,,,,and I love you all! (Hope to have Andy help me figure out this new camera format and post more of Clarice's pics of her party tonight,,,,,,,I'm plying him with food, no more than you'd do with a 4 year old!!! "Eat your carrots and I'll take you to Enchanted village."  Only now it's more like, "Help me with the computer/painting/yardwork and I'll cook you a meal that doesn't come out of the box/freezer/can!"

Hopefully more pics soon! (I'm pulling out the BIG guns for dinner!)

Shell

Gorgeous day and thinking about friends on the East Coast!

Well, today at Joyworks we had the doors open for quite a while,,,,,In February??

We had a Citywide Antique Sale  in little historic Snohomish and eventually the sidewalks and shops were swollen with customers. Everyone ( here in Washington) seemed to have a smile on their face, because as us natives KNOW, this is extrodinary weather for us, this time of year. The bulbs are bulbing,,the trees are starting to gorge with potential blossoms and I KID YOU NOT,,,,I killed a misquito on my sitting porch! Accck!

Nonetheless, a gorgeous day for Feb. And I couldn't NOT think about my friends and their families on the East Coast. My son's gf Chelsea and her family in Virginia and Lulu and all her lovelies,,,,including her little pooches trying to make their way in the drifts! Amazing! Hope all are safe, warm and well fed!

Andy, my son, COOKED dinner for ME tonight and delivered from his stove in his little home in the back! Nice treat and for a change,,,I even handed him HIS dirty dishes to take home. (Okay, I provided the Tomato, the Avocado and Onion,,but hey! This was a first, HE cooked for me!)

Nice day,,other than worrying about loved ones on the other coastline!! Stay warm and safe my dears!

Shell

Fancy meeting YOU here! (Fun Day!)

Wow, today went fast!!! Penny and I had a girl date. We headed to Calico Corners to peruse the yummy fabrics and trims. (Penny had a Chamber connection that she needed to make and I was on the prowl for fabrics for a chair I'm going to have recovered.) Great success there for us both!

We putzed around Mill Creek for a bit and then headed to lunch at L' Artisan ,,,,oooh la la! Wonderful lunch and desserts! Guilty pleasures.

Then swinging back into town we stopped at Annie's (Honest, it was a Chamber mission as well) and ran into a sucession of friends and neighbors there! My dear Kelly  stopped in too. I've decided that Annie should just host a luncheon in the shop once a week so we can dine while we drop our cash!!! I'm thinking Annie had a pretty good day too!

Shell

Woof and Roof(s) and Poofs-blog of note Today! Check it out!

Woofs:
Today is the Kodman's, aka Kodi/Kodiak/""THE CODEMEISTER, CODERAMMA, CODEALICIOUS,,,BUT I DIGRESS,,,,,,,The Codeman's" Birthday! He is 5! I think that equates to 35 in dog years.......I sang "Happy Birthday" to him several times today, he didn't seem too impressed,,,,what, my voice??? He's the first purebred I've ever owned and it was fun finding out when his birthday was! ( He was supposed to be a companion/therapy dog, but flunked out of the program because he was too ADD,,,,they originally wanted 750 for him,,,,but he'd been "marked down" to 500!) So,,,I got a fixed, purebred  2 yo Golden with all of his shots and tests at a discount!!! The "Codeman" is also known as my "Markdown dog." Love him to pieces!!!!

He was truly impressed  today by the can of food that he split with Shadow my female  lab ---80/20 though!

Roofs:

Oh great, leak in my house earlier this year and I've got folks writing a bida for me through today. We're talking:
A) My house
B) The Back house/rental where son Andrew and roomie  Frank live
C) the detached garage in the alley

Good news is even though I had a leak MY house/the front house isn't the worst.
The bad news is the Back house rental is worse
And,,my old detached garage seems to be okay!!!

Ka-Ching,,,,,love these old homes! (Maybe I shouldn't have stopped by Johanna's today to order a string of Pearls for V-Day for myself, since the dogs dont have the means or technology to go out any buy me anything!!! They should KNOW these things!)

Still having camera problems,,,ok shut up, go figure, I bought a new camera today since the old one (ABOUT A YEAR OLD @#$@#$@!!!!) wasnt' working and the memory card I bought YESTERDAY doesn't fit in the G-Darn NEW camera.....
(Clenching Jaw) I WILL get it figured out, I am NOT an old fart and can contiunue to learn new things!!!


Blog of note today: YOU NEED TO Check This OUT!!!!!
http://wizardofoncewas.blogspot.com/2010/01/wizard-is-flyin-high.html
She has the most amazing pillows on her One World One Heart Giveaway!!! I love them. Check them out and.......IF you blog you can enter and some of these posts you don't even need to have a BLOG,,,,like my little giveaway on Bungalow Bling
http://bungalowbling.blogspot.com/
Many of these sites you can just post your email addy to enter to win. It has been extended,,,and there are almost 1000 participants,,,check it out!


Shell

Cake Day for Penny at Joyworks Today!

Today we Celebrated our Fabulous Penny's Birthday at Joyworks! It was a festive occaission and her gifts gave glimpses of warmer Spring days ahead! Lovely blooms and blossoms adorned her luncheon -Provided by Clarice (Thanks again Boss for all you do!)

Jana jazzed up a clock face that Penny had admired! Too cute~

Penny got TWO crowns today, one I had made her (wearing in some of the shots) and a DARLING mini crown from Jana, "Penny's Crown" -of course, decorated with Pennies.  Too clever Jana girl!! Oh, and Jana attached a little tag, "For the Queen of Cents"

I don't know where our dear Jana comes up with some of these things,,,,,,Very clever indeed!!!

As mentioned, tons of Spring flowers and greens in various vessels....Lovely!

And Sweets for our sweet Pen!!

And, speaking of sweets our dessert maker extrodinaire Jill made the most wonderful cupcakes! For Christmas she scored the Martha Stewart Cupcake Cookbook from Kay and this delightful cupcake stand.

Penny got to pick her "cupcake choice" and chose Boston Creme!

Oooooooooh La La!!!

Thanks Jill, your desserts are always a BIG Treat!

Hope you made a fantastic Wish for the New Year Penny Girl!!!

One World One Heart Event-entries extended till Feb 8th!

Okay,,,I'm going to post about this ONCE more on this blog and then let it go.

Do you Blog???
If you are at all interested in viewing about 800 blogs (to date) and IF you have a blog you can enter to win at 800 and counting sites! Now, for me,,it is not all about the "freebies" it is about finding and exploring new blogs worlwide,,,,these are some of the best of the best craft women/artisans.....So, you can enter to win,,,,or just see what is out there in blogging/art/crafting land!!  I won't mention this event again,,,,other than to say it closes in Mid Feb,,,,so  you have some time to view AND if you have a blog to look around, by all means DO!!

If you do NOT,,,,but are curious, as I have met some lovely folks  in blogland, I have expanded my followings on my other blog--http://Bungalowbling.blogspot.com,,,,but my interests and followings may be different than yours! Still,,,,if interested check out some new sites I added to that blog's followings. Just food and creative places for thought.

Again, whether there are 800 or 1000 sites by the time this event "closes" and posts  entries can be made,,,,IF you have a blog at least check out the event!!! Very fun!!! If you follow me, you can still go to the event post on my site an enter to win my little giveaway,,,,,without being a blogger!

Fun event,,,,check it out if you can!!!

Shell

Busy day and Great Giveaways!!! Check this out!

I had a VERY productive Monday!! I got some cleaning and organizing done and worked in the Craft room for a while.

BUT,,,,,listen up, this is an awesome event! And Dozens  and Dozes of giveaways- new crafters and blogs to check out!!!!

A couple of my links posted their creative contributions and involvements in an event that was going to be taking place,  called "One World One Heart"  and after I read their posts and saw their giveaways, I HAD to take part! This event is sponsored by Lisa of "A Whimsical Bohemian."
Last year, there were almost 100 folks Worldwide who had giveaways on their blogs. This is the 4th year and I too, have a  little giveaway that can be found on my other blog- BungalowBling-http://Bungalowbling.blogspot.com  (or you can just go to my sidebar here and click on that link). Anyway, I had fun making my Giveaway "Box" but it should be lots of fun to see ALL the entries  and Giveaways and I wanted to make sure all of you know about it. So you TOO could visit/comment and potentially WIN.

 All you have to do is leave a comment on the entries site to be entered in their Giveaway,,,,,that's it....nothing else. You don't have to have a blog, but you DO need to leave them a way to contact you, like your email. But it's just a chance to check out new blogs/artisans and maybe get some fun little item!!! If there were almost 100 last year, there will probably be more THIS YEAR. So,,,,,,go to my other blog  ( click on BungalowBling (enter mine first if you wish) AND you WILL get her site link there, I promise!!) Since for some reason I cannot get the link to post here???? Maybe too many entries going on, or my computer ignorance is rearing it's ugly head again.......Have fun! Good luck! This event runs through Feb 15th~ So you have LOTS of time to visit ALL the sites.....

Have fun and good luck!!!
Shell

Junkin' in January!

The weather this week has been awesome-considering we live in Washington State and it IS January! I was driving home today from the Grocery store and saw some Estate Sale signs! Come on! In January? Well, my little Ford took me to a house about 2 blocks from mine here in the Historical District and I found a wonderful glass "orb" for lack of a better word,,,,for 3 bucks, that, and aVintage tin I found earlier this week will be awesome in my craft studio~ Basement and studio from the dark ages being my projects this year!!!

Happy Hunting~ Stay warm and dry and hopefully, like us, you're seeing those darling little buds of life indicating spring and warmer days ahead in YOUR gardens and yards!!!

Oh, longer days and the hope they offer us!!

Shell

Penny & Bill- doing okay & My take on Cell Phones and Texting

First and foremost, Our dear Penny's (newest and loved addition to Joywork's) hubby Bill, is in the Hospital for testing following chest pains. He appears to have great care and was a smart man for acknowledging the chest pains and getting medical help. I spent a couple of hours with them in the hospital today, he's scheduled for more testing tomorrow, an Angioplasty (sp?) I think, and my thoughts and prayers are with him/them. Spirits were good but it's still a scare! They are utmost on my mind!

Okay,,,,back on my soapbox! Put your cell phone, your texting device down and live in the moment. I have BIG opinions on cell phones and texting, so listen up and if you delete me from your "favs" whatever-YOU need to hear this and if you are of the same mind, please paste/copy/forward this message on to others you love!!!

1) It has been determined that texting while driving is the equivalent to having 4 cocktails/drinks. (Do you text while there are other loved ones in the car?) HANG UP and DRIVE!!!!

2) It has been determined that even if using a EAR Piece while driving your vision/brain decreases the radius of site by at LEAST 20%.......That means that even though you have no device in your hand, your BRAIN decreases your view of vision to perform driving/talking into a handfree device by 20%. Who/WHAT is NOT in your line of vision while you are talking????

3) And, on a personal note, It was NEVER determined if my Husband Karl's deadly accident back in 94 was due to the fact that he was on his cell phone to me-while driving home.Police and cell phone records have since become more accurate, but I will never know,,,,,,,,,,,,nonetheless, he died.

So,,,I guess you could say I have emotional  issues with people talking on cell phones but please-read on.


Today I visited a shop in downtown Everett (after ordering lunch to take to Penny at the hospital) of a merchant friend I've known for years. Her shops-J. Matheson have descreet signs posted on both her shop doors, about shutting off or leaving the shop if you get a cell phone call-to make the experience relaxing and pleasant for all  concerned.

  Now, I haven't been in Judy's gorgeous tasteful shops for a while, but had previously witnessed her policy with a customer. And, last weekend at Joyworks she came to mind-when I had at least two people "texting" while I was checking the women's orders out at the counter and at least two people speaking quite animated and loudly into their phones with the callers, again while they were directly in front of me checking out.

I'm going to sound like an old fart-and you know what? I don't care!! Unless it is an emergency- TAKE YOUR CALL outside!! Frankly, I don't want to hear about the kids fighting, I don't want to hear about your marital spats or the lists your spouse gives you for the hardware or grocery store. Live and act in the moment-with the person and situation that is directly in front of you!!!!

I'm not speaking for the "Management" at Joyworks. This is MY message and my beliefs. I will abide and act accordingly to our store's policies. It is NOT my place to instill or act on my personal beliefs in the workplace. Therefore,  I'm speaking as any individual  in a public workplace and I'm sure that my opinion doesn't differ from others-at the grocers, the hardware store, the "clerk" at the Mall, that tries to make your shopping experience or your retail therapy fun/relaxing/theraputic in it's own right!!WHO IS serving you, how are they serving you and what on the electronic device (if NOT an emergency) can't wait until AFTER you have a pleasant personal encounter with your "service person"??? Think about it!!

Of course it's not limited to Retail interactions. I've cried "foul" with my own son and friends when we've all been seated for a meal at home/ movie theatre/playing a game, whatever. "Talk to them Later!"

We ALL need to interact face to face. Whether it is the woman at the fast food counter that is being ignored, the family that is in the room with us, the friends that are all PRESENT and yet ignored/discounted because of course, the test message or the cell phone is MUCH more important than what is going on directly in front of us!!!

THINK about it!! Safety (not while driving) -Courtesy (interact and acknowledge those in your daily presence) and Live/breathe/touch engage with those in your current sphere. THAT is living. I hope you implement these practices yourself in the New Year and teach your kids and remind other family members as well. Safety is at stake while driving and  interpersonal relationships will grow and be much healthier without an electronic device trying to emulate or demonstrate  emotions.

Be safe, be in the moment and advise others of their actions!!!

Shell


I

Dazzled Recluse

Only a month until Valentines Day! I LOVE Valentines Day! The romance, the hearts, the flowers, the sparkle, and particularly the Victorian Graphics and Images. For several years I have scouted the Antique stores for Vintage and Antique Cards and Stickers used them in altered crafts/cards. I LOVE the hunt!

I love make copies of the old ones (No copyrights and the images are fun to share with others) Sometimes I  embellish them a bit. Ribbons, glitter, lace, you name it!

Handmade card made today! I love the old graphics!If you can't read the sentiment well, it says:

Love Lane

Feb 14th

Dear Love,

I pray accept this gift

of mine

With all

Good Wishes,

Valentine

1900's Valentines, Embellished

Crafting kits for V-Day @ Joyworks

I have to confess. This week I am FINALLY taking down Christmas,,,We had Chelsea, my son's girlfriend here until Monday. And, most of our holiday gatherings occured on New Years Day, or later. So, not much time or effort given to put it away before hand. And, after participating in the Palour Tour this year, and spending quite some time getting "this old house" ready for said event,,,it's taking time to put it down. So as I write in the office where much that remains to be boxed up surrounds me. I pinkie swear that I will get it ALL put away by the end of the coming week!!!
                                                                                   Embellished Peat Pots, I've made for several years.


Needless to say, between packing up Christmas, working on Valentine's ( I know, I know) I have a big HUGE mess,,,,but I'll get it together soon! And it was SO nice to take a break from organizing, putting away, cleaning from guest and gatherings and HIDE out in the basement with my glue gun, glitter and avoid other obligations for a while!

Back to Joyworks tomorrow and find out about the Gift Show in Atlanta! Monday,,,,ugh,,,back to packing up santas, snowmen and the like! Hey, at LEAST I took down the lights out front!

Electronic and Computer Challenges -I want to scream!

Okay,,,,so here's my day (After a nice morning at the hair salon and getting a FREE vacuum at the local hardware store because I spent so G-Darn much money there this last year on their "rewards" program (can you say gallons and gallons of Benjamin Moore Paints for "This Old House" Exterior ??)

Anyway, I came home and started spiffing things up in the craft room-new cabinet and all and organizing my crafting tools in the bazillion DEEP new drawers, starting a few Valentine items for Joyworks and/or Etsy and:

A) I could not-did not (will not?) find the cord for my battery charger for my camera to take any friggen pictures of the new cabinet. Frustration #1....I have the actual battery charger but NO CORD to plug it in to charge. Where in the world did I put it??????????????

B) Then,,,,my printer was acting weird and I asked Andy to help and low and behold,,,,,,,all the graphics I found/bought are trapped somewhere because the Printer is NOT allowing me to access my files/download/print. Thank you SO much HP!

COME ON!!! So,,,I have no artwork to modify/alter-No printing of text to do, Obviously NO pics here of my new work station, but that is the least of my concerns.

I think there is a reason why Clarice still has us using receipt books WITH carbon paper/hand writing everything at Joyworks. And, going to pick up actual photos somewhere instead of having them "virtually" delivered sounds pretty good right now!

Okay,,,,,here's a scream and I'm sure you're glad it IS "Virtual" instead of live!!! I'm hating technology right now!!!!!! "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!"

Shell

New workspace for the craftroom today!!!!

I picked up some wonderfulfloral wall panels in "Annies" yesterday and noticed that a work counter/desk that I had been looking at was now GONE! I'd been vacillating between THAT one and a handmade piece I'd seen in an Antique store in Monroe. The piece Mary had had in Annies was Stainless-but it lacked any storage space. I liked the thought of a stainless top-for glue gun/paint, etc. because it would be easy to clean....BUT I loved the one I had seen out at M&M Antiques in Monroe because it had a bazillion drawers, was handmade and had a drop leaf feature on one side.

Well, since Mary sold her piece at Annies, I called M&M and the other piece I was looking at had been reduced to HALF what they wanted for it originally!!! Score!!!I gave them my CC# and Andrew, Chelsea and I headed there late this afternoon to pick it up in his Explorer. (aka the Exploder)

I'll show some pictures soon-it is NOT a gorgeous piece of furniture, but as mentioned, was handmade out of hardwoods on casters and is PERFECT for holding tons of supplies with a large tabletop!

My New Years resolution/vision is to get that craft room so G-Darn cute I can invite ANY and all of you (Y'all) to partake in creative endeavors there!!!

Exciting new addition,,,,,now, how do I partition or curtain off the OTHER half of the unfinished basement????????

Happy New Year and happy Crafting!
Shell