~Whatcha Working on Wednesday?~

I do have lots that I am working on today, but as we speak I am going to loose my posting devise - my computer. I have to move 'cause the carpets are being cleaned today, and that includes under this very desk. Isn't that great!? I love having carpets cleaned because then when you put all your stuff back, you get to tweak to your hearts content! And I have been finishing some of my makeovers to put in place so there will be photos next post. Gotta dash - I am being disconnected in 30 seconds I am told. Look for me later in the week.

Blessings -

Shanda

~ I'm dreaming of further simplification........~

To Do List for the Summer:

plant grapevines
help hubby build a 'chicken coop/critter structure'
new bark down in the front flower beds
call to have carpets cleaned!!!!
finish up some thrift store make over's and the new bed
can some bing cherries - yummmmmm!!!
finish my red basket quilt top - my annual 'Christmas in July' project
read Volume 5 of 'Prelude to Glory' and the novel 'Wives and Daughters'
finish my curtains for the front of the house bay windows
June 15th - trip to the mountains for my retreat with Lisa Bongean -
(CAN'T WAIT for that one!)
plan my Holiday 2009 'Christmas Tea Amongst the Quilts' Open House
paint the potting shed


SIMPLIFIED To Do List for the Summer:

Do all the above, but do it with JOY!!!!

Sometimes we look at 'to do lists' with agony and dread. I know I do. But this summer, I am glad to be able to 'work around the ol' place' and beautify things. It is my choice. I can do work (and add fun) with an attitude of ugghhh, or I can think of how much will be accomplished and how beautiful it will look.

If you look closely, the clematis above is growing on an old metal wheel. I saw this idea down in Utah at a WONDERFUL shopping hub called 'Gardner Village'. The gardners down there had the most beautiful honeysuckle growing up and all over this metal wheel. I loved it!!! But I didn't have a wheel. But my mother had four!!! I did some bartering, and we came home with this wheel, to which my husband welded an old metal post or axle of some kind. He worked in 90 degree temps one day while I was gone, mixing cement for the hole by hand and all, and wow!!! And he did it all with JOY! One of the biggest lessons he ever taught me. Work with joy - because it does matter.

I can't wait to get started on my 'To Do List'!!!!!

Blessings on Your Work Day!

Shanda

~ The ULTIMATE in Thrift Store Finds!~

'Old pillows, can you tell me where you have been?'

Wow! I had a great day yesterday at the TS!!!! Check out my most thrilling find (and sorry for the photo of the messy garage).....
It is a full size pencil post bed! This is a huge project for me to refinish, but I think it will look great stressed finished in black. And then I need to make the colonial curtains and all for it, give me until the Fall. 'How Much' you ask? Don't hate me and never visited my blog again, but I only paid $12.50 for it! My heart was palpitating in the store hoping it was all there, and it was. I don't think I slept that night for the thrill of it all!!!!

And I found this cute basket for $1


and this Pig Platter for .75 cents. It has a raised embossed pig on it and I think it will be perfect for serving Easter Ham.....
But what to do with this? Not the shade, I do have a home for that and I didn't get that at the TS, it just happened to be in the photo, but the fluted pan. Any ideas?

I have been busy quilting, 'tis the time of year for weddings, graduations, and baby showers. It is a good thing I don't have or watch a lot of TV.

My thought question this week, not that I have one each post, but my thought question is 'Where do you sit to ponder the things in life?' I have a beautiful set of adirondack chairs on my front porch, and I sit there to relax, ponder, stitch, read, write in my gratitude journal, visit, listen to the birds, and in general, live. I shall post a photo next post or two, when it is nice outside to take a photo. It is getting to be that time of year when I can spend hours out there. I have had such a wonderful time visiting TS though this past week, that I have a feeling I am going to be spending time there this summer 'sanding' things. I also found couple of nice pairs of candlesticks that need to be sanded and painted. I am saving those for before and after photos. I LOVE it when you fellow bloggers show before and after photos side by side. Gives me so many ideas!!! So anyway, do you have a 'favorite spot'? We all have them I am afraid. Inside? Outside? Favorite refreshment while you are relaxing there? Is it the same place year 'round, or does it depend on the weather? Does someone else know about it and try to get there first, before you?

Gotta dash. The family is starting to arrive home from the days activities. I have asked so many questions this blog post, does anyone have any ideas for dinner?

~ An Amazing Bunch of Mothers!!! ~

Sarah, Shanda, and mother Linda

There have been many women in my life that have shaped me into who I am, and I can say that they are mothers themselves. My mother is the first most amazing woman in my life! She is so very supportive of all I do and very compassionate to those around her. She serves others without any selfishness, and taught me the principle of perseverance.

My Aunt Lynn (FA - stands for Favorite Aunt) is so very caring to what is going on in my life. She remembers the smallest of details and makes the best dips in the world!!!! Always accommodating and easiest to be around. She is a very rare person indeed.

My Aunt Betty has always been the one in our family to be the rock. She never waivers in the face of adversity, and always lets her light shine as a beacon to save harbor. Her homemade sloppy joes and vegetable soup are second to none!

My Kool-Aide mom, Sharon Solaas, had forever shaped me with lessons from 4-H and being the neighborhood bus stop. From running her Bed and Breakfast to raising a flock of chickens, and from the Baker Busy Bee Quilt Guild to lessons of eating rutabeggas, she has taught many people life skills. Summer kool-aide stands, Barbies, and floating the Baker Ditch are all more rich memories because of her influence.

Many other women including my Daughter Sarah, Aunt Carol, Cousin Audra, Girlfriend Nicole, Childhood Friend Linette, and 8th Grade Literature Teacher Mrs. McCallum, have had a turn at the potters wheel of molding me. Their examples have been without merit and priceless. My life is rich indeed, and I owe that to the women in my life. Mother's Day is one of my favorite holidays each year. And we wouldn't have it without some truely amazing women!!

~ I remember Mrs. Kaufman...... ~

HAPPY MAY DAY!!!!

Growing up, I had an elderly neighbor, Mrs. Kaufman. Every time May Day rolls around, I think of her, because she ALWAYS left a fun basket on our door, in honor of the day.

Now I am older, and have made up some May Day Baskets for a few of my friends and neighbors. Tonight is Finish-It-Friday at my house and my circle of friends, about 6 of us, will gather to work on our creative ambition of choice from 6pm 'til midnight. I have made each of them a small little May Day offering. I hope it gives them a nice surprise and lifts them from any burden they are carrying. If I lived near any of you, I would like wise leave a gift on your doorknob today.

Blessings ~

Shanda