A Creative Streak

 

Sumpin's Gotta Give!  It's a popular phrase that we shout in this house (since Scott uttered it in the middle of a kidney stone attack one night).  This summer, in the chaos that was our lives - the house and the yard obviously suffered.  Barely keeping up on laundry and eating at 11:30 pm were all we could muster.  Decorating was at the bottom of the heap.  As we learn a new "normal", I feel my creative self emerging from hibernation . . .    

 

I was sick of looking at the same old things and hadn't completely removed the seasonal items since the "storm" hit.  Easter Bunnies look cute in April - but horribly out of place in October.  A little inspiration struck . . .

 

 

 

It struck at TJ Maxx Home Goods.  If you can't get inspired there - Honey, you ain't gonna!  I had 2 hours to kill before my invoices were done at the print shop.  Two hours in TJ Maxx - no problemo, amigo!  I tried to talk myself out of those large gears, but I just wasn't persuasive enough.  Once home, I did a little "shopping" in each room to complete my masculine mantlescape.  

 

 

One of my favorite treasures is the red metal box that formerly contained a saw.  I swiped the Ford hubcap out of Sten's room and I love old Boraxo tins because they remind me of Uncle Stan.

 

It's my Tribute to the workin' man . . .  you know the kind.  We have a couple that hang around here.  They're kinda lovable but they ain't the cleanest bunch.

Take a whiff - I bet you can smell grease mixed with a hint of B.O. 
  

Grandma Patty

Grandma Patty is failing rapidly. We often marvel at the vast changes in a newborn within the first months of life - but it seems that the elderly are on the same accelerated schedule - just in reverse. In a few short weeks, she has turned into an old lady, still sweet as ever - but an old old lady.

I picture a long road (90 + years worth), and I can see her in the distance. As she nears the destination, she is barely shuffling, and is carrying a small bag. Behind her on the path, you can see her footsteps (she leaves long narrow footprints).  You can see where she has gone out of her way to help another, and you can see the treasures that she has set aside along her journey. Her parents, sister, and dear husband have passed away, the big house has been sold, she's said her final goodbyes to many friends and her beloved California. Her driver's license has expired, the small house has been emptied, the well used mixing bowls and measuring spoons are in someone else's cupboard, and her mind is oftimes fuzzy.

She hears a voice - very faint at first. It is a familiar tone and it seems to be whispering "come home". She continues, taking one feeble step at a time, and the welcoming voice grows a bit stronger. She sees familiar faces gathered round. Although it is too much to talk, she can feel their love. The calling grows gently louder and she understands that what she is leaving behind, although precious to her, is insignificant. She recognizes the insistent voice as an old friend, one whom she can't wait to meet. Her body takes a last labored breath. She releases the small bag, letting it slip to the side of the road and with joy steps into eternity.

I love you Grandma Patty. I'm thankful that our paths crossed 23 years ago.

Grandma Patty passed away peacefully on September 20, 2012. 

Remembering . . .

Regardless of political affiliation or questions about the future of this country, we can all relate. We are all Americans

I find that I am choking back tears every year on this day. Twas an overwhelmingly sad sad sad one . . .

Grrrrr.

I'm peeved. One of my favorite things to do when I fired up the internet was do me some blog surfing. I am disgusted that commercialism has ruined blogging. In an attempt to make a buck, these amazingly creative women clog their blog with so many ads that it takes forever for them to load and there are even annoying popups! I certainly don't begrudge them success, but can't we just look at the perfectly staged photos and the before & afters without being pestered to purchase dog sweaters and video games?

A little less lip . . .

I have a weakness for all things pewter and recently scored a pair of these chalices at the Goodwill for 2$!

When you handle one of these goblets, you are immediately transformed into a medieval queen. One with a beautiful flowing dress - complete with jeweled crown, servants at your command, and most importantly - a knight in shining armor.

In order to have a chilled drink - I stored one of these vessels in the freezer. Perfect. Except for the little princess that spied the cold cup and pressed her lips to it's frozen edge . . .

Thus you see the remnants of her fleshy tongue. OUCH! Guess we will just chill them, not freeze them! Sorry Mare Mare!