tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14202464502951016832024-03-12T22:29:25.133-04:00Hearth and HomeA Camellia Cottage DiaryBecky Garrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03124407753367247995noreply@blogger.comBlogger346125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1420246450295101683.post-74312739298100363312014-01-11T10:04:00.002-05:002014-01-11T10:04:50.926-05:00The Capricious Crafter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please visit me at my new blog, <a href="http://craftingcapriciously.blogspot.com/">The Capricious Crafter</a> ... I have taken a
sabbatical from blogging, given much thought to how I wanted to
continue, and am now very happy with this new format that includes home,
crafts, cooking, and everything else. I would love for you to visit me
there!</span></div>
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<br />Becky Garrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03124407753367247995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1420246450295101683.post-90123913134164087522012-08-13T21:13:00.002-04:002012-08-13T21:13:54.747-04:00Yearly Update ... What's Happening NowIF YOU ARE HERE FROM A LINK WHERE I LEFT A COMMENT ON YOUR BLOG, OR ARE LOOKING FOR MY PAPER CRAFTING BLOG, <a href="http://camelliacottagedesigns.blogspot.com/">PLEASE CLICK HERE</a>!<br />
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Hi Folks! Just wanted to stop by and say hello and let you know what's been going on since I last posted ... almost a year ago! <br />
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This year (2012) has been an interesting year! On April 14th we got home from a week camping in Savannah, GA. On April 18th my 81 (now 82) year old Mama was climbing up into a chair to get a bowl out of one of her upper cabinets. She slipped, fell back and hit her head on the refrigerator, and broke her neck! After 5 days in the hospital, 15 days in rehab, a month with us, and then another month of so of part time here and part time at her home, she is now doing great, free of the collar she had to wear for 13 weeks, and pretty much back to normal except that she DID learn a lesson and is more cautious about how she moves about her home. She is such a trooper, and I am so proud of her!<br />
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Hubby is doing well after losing a bit of weight and working hard to get more exercise. He works very hard, and has found that walking is his therapy. He was also such a trooper during the time my Mama was here with us ... it wasn't always easy, but he handled things very well. Because of the time when I couldn't go away because of Mama's injury, we had to stay close to home and not take a late spring trip. So, we are very excited that we will be spending two weeks (2) camping at the beach later on this year.<br />
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I am doing very well. I am still obsessed with paper crafting ... it is my joy, my therapy and my sanity! While Mama was staying with us I moved my 'studio' into our dining room so that I could be close by, and I got a lot of crafting done! I still make cards, but am also totally addicted to making mini albums.<br />
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I am now on the Design Team at my LSS (independently owned 'local scrapbooking store'), Altered Angel in Alpharetta, GA. I have made so many sweet friends down there, and spend most every Saturday (and weekdays whenever I can) down there crafting with whoever shows up to play. I make projects (cards, mini albums, etc.) to put on display in the store. I have been so touched (and pleased) to have people come in the store on Saturday just so they can see the person who made the pretty albums! I am learning a lot from the other girls who come there to craft as well.<br />
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I am also on the Creative Team at The Kraft Journal, a challenge blog for an online retailer called Kraft Outlet. I have participated in their challenges for almost as long as they have had them, and am now very happy to be a part of their team. I make one project per week, either for the challenge or for a tutorial showing how to do something like making felt flowers or a mini album from 1 sheet of 8 1/2 x 11" kraft card stock. <br />
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I have applied for a couple of other teams, both manufacturers. That is my goal ... to be a designer for a product manufacturer! And in case you didn't hear, I had a card accepted for publication this past January. That was a goal accomplished and a dream come true.<br />
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Life isn't perfect, but it is good! I am still trying to look for the good, and not allow the drama lovers and joy stealers to take up residence in my life or my head. At a ripe old 60 years of age, life is too short to let other people steal my joy!<br />
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So, if anyone happens to stop by and read this, I wish you joy, peace, and lots of love! Becky<br />
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Becky Garrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03124407753367247995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1420246450295101683.post-92206963119955699072011-08-22T21:57:00.000-04:002011-08-22T21:57:55.513-04:00A Quick Update . . .Hello! Thought I would stop by and see if anyone was still hanging around here at this old blog of mine! Things are fine. Today is hubby's birthday and we went out for a nice Italian dinner tonight to celebrate. As for what's been happening since I last posted:<br />
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<li>I found out one of my cards will be published in the Jan/Feb 2012 issue of Paper Crafts Magazine</li>
<li>I am new Design Team member for another card making challenge - Alphabet Challenge Blog</li>
<li>Several of my cards have been featured on other blogs</li>
<li>We went camping at Moccasin Creek State Park</li>
<li>We took a fun train ride with friends Sue and Tom</li>
<li>Mama and I drove to Delano, TN to a wonderful Amish community and bought veggies at their farm market</li>
<li>Friend Phyllis and I drove up to Mentone, AL to check out the southern end of "The World's Longest Yard Sale", then had a great lunch at the Wildflower Cafe.</li>
<li>I've done bunches of crafting</li>
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And things that are coming up:</div>
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<li>I have three craft shows coming up . . . the first 2 weekends of October, and the first weekend of November - I will be sharing a booth with my friend, Sue</li>
<li>We are going camping at a nearby campground in a couple of weeks to try out our new tent</li>
<li>I am taking Mama to the same campground in Oct. so we can spend some time together and she can spend time fishing.</li>
<li>We hope to go back to Grayton Beach, camping, in late October or early November</li>
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I am doing well, just spending as much time working on projects for challenges and for the craft shows as I can. You can always check on me over at <a href="http://camelliacottagedesigns.blogspot.com/">my other blog.</a> Thanks for stopping by! Blessings, Becky</div>
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Becky Garrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03124407753367247995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1420246450295101683.post-47068189563488741972011-06-15T09:30:00.000-04:002011-06-15T09:30:39.592-04:00All Is Well . . .Hello!<br />
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I know, I know . . . I am still the worst blogger EVER! Right? <br />
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But I just wanted to let you know that all is well! I haven't been sick, I haven't been away, I've just been busy!<br />
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Lately, the last couple of months or so, I have been in a very creative place, and most any time you will find me in my little 'studio' playing with paper, ribbon, buttons, glue, ink, etc. And that makes me very happy! Whenever things are stressful, exhausting, boring, depressing . . . I make my way to my little room and the rest of the world goes away and I am content.<br />
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One biggie thing that will soon be taking up more of my time is that I hope to start another blog of a totally different kind! It is Moonflowers and Morning Glories, a cardmaking challenge blog focusing on NOT using stamped images on your cards. You can read more about this by following the 'other blog' link below and reading my notes in the right hand column. I have been thinking about this for a long time, did a couple of polls on my crafting blog, and already have one design team member waiting in the wings. This is very exciting, yet nerve-wracking for me . . and I'm loving it!<br />
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And I haven't been neglecting my <a href="http://camelliacottagedesigns.blogspot.com/">OTHER BLOG</a>, so if you want to see what I've been doing you can check that one out! <br />
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So, after much consideration and thought and much guilt over neglecting my duties here, I've decided to put this blog way back on the back burner for a while! When something like this becomes a chore, and no longer a joy, it is time to make a change. If something happens that I want to share, I'll share it with you first right here! But don't get concerned if I'm not around much! I will leave all of my blog links right here, and will continue to read my favorite blogs, I just won't be posting for a while, and I hope you will understand.<br />
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For now, and until we meet again . . . wishing you many blessings, BeckyBecky Garrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03124407753367247995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1420246450295101683.post-53021713677946219492011-04-05T20:53:00.000-04:002011-04-05T20:53:47.275-04:00Losing Time and Finding Treasures!Wow! I can't believe it's been two whole weeks since I posted on here! I'm sorry friends, and there's no excuse other than I've been busy with other things!<br />
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Such as, you ask?<br />
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Well, the week before last is mostly a blur, but on Thursday I had to take my Mama to the doctor because she had a 'cold' which turned out to be a sinus/upper respiratory infection and she got a shot in each 'cheek' and a prescription for antibiotics. She is fine now, thanks!<br />
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Then after I took her home I went to visit my friend, Sue, to help her make a card for her great nephew's wedding shower. We visited the house that they are working on for him and his new bride, and to see her chickens and pigs and to see the baby Rhode Island Red chicks they had just hatched. Very sweet! While we were at the nephew's house, we got to take some lumber scraps, so I hope to do some crafty projects with them soon.<br />
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Then, on Friday I went to an estate sale in Gainesville - what a bust! It was just a bunch of well used newer stuff - no treasures for me, so I left there and went in search of yard sales. I had success at a couple of them, too. First was a condo where this lady had TONS of stuff! Apparently she owns or owned a children's party business, and there was lots of things like small games, cotton candy supplies, snow cone supplies, etc. But what I got was . . .<br />
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<ul><li>a large bag full of fabric</li>
<li>a box full of ribbon</li>
<li>three vinyl, flannel backed tablecloths</li>
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and all for $7. The tablecloths were like new, and I've seen the big green ones for $7 at Walmart, so I think I got a great deal!<br />
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Then I stopped at another yard sale and found the deal/treasure of the day . . .<br />
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Three vintage canning jars, two of them the aqua blue Ball jars, the third a Hazel Atlas 1/2 gallon jar! Glass wise they are all in great shape, but the metal clamps are very rusty, and part of one is missing. And only the clear Hazel Atlas jar has the lid, but they are so pretty and will look great sitting in my kitchen window!<br />
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Here is a slideshow of that week's goodies . . .<br />
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<div><embed align="middle" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=3170534137717574315&site=widget-ab.slide.com" name="flashticker" quality="high" salign="l" scale="noscale" src="http://widget-ab.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" style="height: 320px; width: 400px;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed><div style="text-align: left; width: 400px;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=3170534137717574315&map=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" ismap="ismap" src="http://widget-ab.slide.com/p1/3170534137717574315/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=3170534137717574315&map=2" target="_blank"><img border="0" ismap="ismap" src="http://widget-ab.slide.com/p2/3170534137717574315/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=3170534137717574315&map=F" target="_blank"><img border="0" ismap="ismap" src="http://widget-ab.slide.com/p4/3170534137717574315/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" /></a></div></div><br />
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Place your cursor (mouse arrow) over the picture and it will tell a little bit about each item.<br />
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Then, last week I was in a crazy good creative mode, so I did projects for the next month's assignments over at <a href="http://unscriptedsketches.com/">Unscripted Sketches</a>. Oh, and if you haven't visited over there yet, this is the time because we are celebrating our second blogiversary and 100th sketch with some great giveaways!<br />
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On Friday I left home @ 6:40 and drove over an hour to Dunwoody, GA for an estate sale I'd seen online on Thursday. It was amazing! This lady had hundreds of patterns, hundres of yards of fabric, tons and tons of lace, buttons, yarn and other crafting products. I got some GORGEOUS ribbon, lace, some pretty hankies, some buttons, etc. <br />
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After I left the estate sale, I started looking for yard sales. There weren't a lot of them out there on Friday, but I did find one that made me very happy! I had been looking for old pillowcases to use for making old aprons and using for fabric for other projects, and I found a stack of very pretty pillowcases, and, the deal/treasure of the day . . .<br />
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It is a gorgeous barkcloth tablecloth - in all my favorite bright colors! It was dingy and I actually thought it was beige until I washed it and soaked it for a day in oxiclean, and then I found out it was actually white! Most of the stains came out, and I am very happy! This will be on my kitchen table very soon!<br />
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Here is a slide show from Friday's treasure hunting . . .<br />
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So, let's see, I guess that's about it! This weekend we just messed around the house, looked for and bought a new grill, and went out to eat. Although we could use the money from hubby working overtime, I am really enjoying having him at home on Saturdays. <br />
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And this week is just as busy! Tomorrow I'm going shopping and out to lunch with my friend, Phyllis. She is on her last spring break from school before she retires in June. And then Thursday I'm going to pick up my mother and take her to a restaurant to meet my dad's two sisters for a late breakfast and visit. One of his sisters spends the winter in S. Florida and the rest of the year in either VA or NH, and she is on her way north. And then this weekend we are going camping on Lake Lanier, just a few miles from here.<br />
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So if you don't hear from me for a while, never fear! I am doing fine, just being busy with life. And it feels so good!<br />
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Blessings friends, and Be Joyful Always! BeckyBecky Garrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03124407753367247995noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1420246450295101683.post-21307479346683080232011-03-22T10:51:00.000-04:002011-03-22T10:51:59.100-04:00Camping, Treasures, and Ohio!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Camping</span> - Sorry it's been so long since a post! Last week was a busy one . . . we decided on Tuesday that since the weekend was supposed to be beautiful, we ought to go camping. So we did! We went to the beautiful <a href="http://www.gastateparks.org/RichardBRussell">Richard B. Russell State Park</a> near Elberton - one of our favorite Georgia State Parks. And we camped in the tent, which is a switch for us! Due to high gas prices, we are trying to take the camper only on certain trips, and branching out into taking a tent as often as we can. And it was lots of fun! <br />
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Saturday was a beautiful day, and we pretty much just sat in the sun and dozed. In between bouts of dozing I was crocheting on dish cloths, but other than that we were pretty lazy. Late afternoon we took the kayaks out into the lake for our only paddle of the weekend, and it was great! The only meals I cooked were breakfast on both Saturday and Sunday - coffee in the percolator, link sausages and pancakes - and it was delicious! We were having cold fried chicken for dinner on Saturday night and suddenly the sky started getting dark, and we began to hear rumbles of thunder, so we rushed around and put anything that didn't need to get wet in the back of the truck. By the time we had everything secured, walked to the bath house for a potty run and got to the tent, the rain began. And we had quite a summer electrical storm - in March! You know we have to pay for the beautiful, warm, unseasonable weather some way, right? But we stayed toasty warm and dry in the tent. And we had the small TV and cable, so we watched an NCIS marathon while it stormed. And it really was a great weekend!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Treasures</span> - On Friday morning, before we left for the campground, I walked around the bend to a house in our subdivision that was having a garage sale. I had ridden by there on Thursday and they were setting up (but not open yet) so I knew things looked promising! First thing I found was in a box marked FREE - which is always fun! I got this . . .<br />
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It's from 1994, and it's in really good shape except the cover needs a good cleaning. You know I love learning about my birds!<br />
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And next I found these . . .<br />
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I'm almost certain the one on left is a snuff glass, and the one on right is a Bama jelly glass. She had them marked for 10 cents each, but when I checked out I got her to drop that so they were free - yippee!!! I really love snuff glasses, and have several of them - they are great for juice.<br />
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And next I found this . . .<br />
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The color doesn't show up very well here, but it is a pretty soft pink with gold veins and trim. It's about 4 to 5 inches across. Here is a picture of the makers marks . . .<br />
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I've googled and looked for marks, but have not been able to identify the maker of this piece. I will have this one up for sale soon, so if you are interested, let me know! It will look wonderful in shabby pink decor!<br />
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And I also found this plate . . .<br />
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Don't you just love this dinner plate? Here are the marks . . .<br />
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I already have a salad plate that I have turned into a pedestal plate that matches this, so as soon as I can find the right piece, I will be turning this into a cake plate. They will both be up for sale on Myrtle -n - Me eventually.<br />
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And, the real treasure, and I think - for right now - this one is staying with me!!! It is just beautiful . . .<br />
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I think it is considered flow blue, although the colors range more from aqua to teal.<br />
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It has a lovely, delicate floral pattern.<br />
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This is the largest of the marks, but I haven't been able to find much on this - I'm thinking it may be the store that the plate was manufactured for rather than who made it, because . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MzsqRw8pw-M/TYitueboRJI/AAAAAAAAIGY/iOe6StKLcVA/s1600/DSC_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MzsqRw8pw-M/TYitueboRJI/AAAAAAAAIGY/iOe6StKLcVA/s320/DSC_0080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I was able to identify the marks above and below. The plate was made by Furnival sometime between 1878 and 1888. The stamped 26 and 15 on the lower picture have yet to be identified!<br />
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Here is a view of all of the marks - and there are 5 of them!<br />
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The plate is in excellent condition, and that small crack appears to have been created in the firing, because it is glazed and there is no sign that it has expanded. And it really is gorgeous!<br />
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So that was all of my treasures from Friday. I can't wait to get out and about this coming Friday and see what kind of treasures I can find!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ohio</span> - We are seriously considering taking a trip back to one of our favorite vacation spots this summer. We went to Ohio about 4 to 5 years ago and just loved it! We have found a state park - Salt Fork State Park - where we think we will be camping. If we go, it will be some time in July most likely. And why am I telling you this ??? Well, because if you know the east central part of Ohio (Amish country, Hocking Hills, etc.) I would love to know of places to visit! Antiques, fabrics, glassware, food (both restaurants and markets), beautiful places, you know - just great places to find treasures or fun things to do! I truly would appreciate any input you can give!<br />
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Oh, and back to the camping trip. I only took a couple of pictures, and they were Saturday night when I was watching TV and crocheting while I waited for the storm to pass. Bailey wasn't happy with the storm and stayed as close to me as she could until the thunder stopped. She is our oldest little girl, but she is still my baby doll! Take a peek . . .<br />
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She really was not a 'happy camper' that night! And even when the storm ended and I put out the light and laid down in the bed, she stayed right beside me under the covers all night long!<br />
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So that is about all for today! I hope you have a wonderful day, full of blessings and little gifts! Be Joyful Always, BeckyBecky Garrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03124407753367247995noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1420246450295101683.post-89291358833734168592011-03-17T21:52:00.000-04:002011-03-17T21:52:34.082-04:00What's Wrong With These Pictures???I took a little stroll around the yard today, and I am quite concerned. Why? Well, because of this . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o3mkCu2rWuE/TYKtEHMU7vI/AAAAAAAAIFI/q6cGmo8mnm4/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o3mkCu2rWuE/TYKtEHMU7vI/AAAAAAAAIFI/q6cGmo8mnm4/s320/DSC_0061.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
. . . the vinca in the side yard is blooming, and . . .<br />
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. . . and the old fashioned spearmint is coming up all over . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9a-3lRVjfPs/TYKswePUXQI/AAAAAAAAIFA/55grX2sqSQ0/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9a-3lRVjfPs/TYKswePUXQI/AAAAAAAAIFA/55grX2sqSQ0/s320/DSC_0059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
. . . the wood poppies, and . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NTlr545_GsI/TYKsX5BHT8I/AAAAAAAAIE4/0bpGq5B7oZE/s1600/DSC_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NTlr545_GsI/TYKsX5BHT8I/AAAAAAAAIE4/0bpGq5B7oZE/s320/DSC_0057.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
. . . the foxgloves are already way up . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dwDLXgOOVBM/TYKskBIxCWI/AAAAAAAAIE8/cUo9bW65P0w/s1600/DSC_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dwDLXgOOVBM/TYKskBIxCWI/AAAAAAAAIE8/cUo9bW65P0w/s320/DSC_0058.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />
. . . the little flowering quince that I started from little more than a twig . . .<br />
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. . . the sweet rocket . . .<br />
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. . . and the hydrangeas . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f4d7Utst_hc/TYKras5-UMI/AAAAAAAAIEc/GOj8ZL7QwMk/s1600/DSC_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f4d7Utst_hc/TYKras5-UMI/AAAAAAAAIEc/GOj8ZL7QwMk/s320/DSC_0051.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />
. . . the red pixie lilacs . . .<br />
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. . . and the 'old fashioned' lilacs . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Awr31nFb83Y/TYKrsPbRu1I/AAAAAAAAIEk/IEB5ptzVm6s/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Awr31nFb83Y/TYKrsPbRu1I/AAAAAAAAIEk/IEB5ptzVm6s/s320/DSC_0053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
. . . the Chinese snowball . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zOJaPeSKu0o/TYKrS6-VsbI/AAAAAAAAIEY/FQFzd5X05uE/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zOJaPeSKu0o/TYKrS6-VsbI/AAAAAAAAIEY/FQFzd5X05uE/s320/DSC_0050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
. . . the spirea, or what we always called 'bride's wreath' . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lPqCnKAefPU/TYKrGs7929I/AAAAAAAAIEU/gxsP1LMs37g/s1600/DSC_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lPqCnKAefPU/TYKrGs7929I/AAAAAAAAIEU/gxsP1LMs37g/s320/DSC_0048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
. . . and the shasta daisies . . .<br />
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are all coming up and even beginning to bloom! So, what IS wrong with these pictures??? The date! It's only mid-March and we are still about 5 weeks away from Easter! Here in northern Georgia, we can still have a hard, killing freeze until Easter or just beyond. So, here come all these tender perennials popping up, putting out, and blooming. Temps this weekend are going to be in the low 80's . . . IN MARCH! So while I'm loving the warm temps, and everything being so pretty and green, underneath the enjoyment lies a nice sized chunk of FEAR! Fear that comes with knowing how things roll around here, and that while it's really nice right now, there are still about 5 weeks or so before we are really out of the woods temperature wise. But what are you gonna do other than wait and hope and have all the sheets and blankets and towels ready to take out and throw over the roses and the hydrangeas, etc. should a hard freeze be predicted.<br />
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That said, I want to share a couple of special jewels in my garden! First up is this gorgeous thing . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TKCswUGA_C8/TYKqMqQRxYI/AAAAAAAAID0/UX2SgKFIYEM/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TKCswUGA_C8/TYKqMqQRxYI/AAAAAAAAID0/UX2SgKFIYEM/s320/DSC_0037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
. . . it's a tulip magnolia, and it's about 6 years old, and this year it has really come into it's own! It's about 10 feet tall and 7-8 feet across, and just FULL of gorgeous fuscia / purple blooms! Here are some close-ups . . .<br />
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Isn't it beautiful? And it smells so sweet! I bought this from my Daddy when he was selling plants, and it was in a 3 gallon pot. I think he is tending my garden these days, and that gives me a sweet comfort. I know he is here, I just can't see or touch him. Sorry, but all of a sudden I'm getting weepy, and I don't do that so often any more. I still miss him, but I know he is so much better off now, not in pain any longer. It was a year and a half last Saturday since he died, and I can't believe it's been that long.<br />
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Now for the next treasure, and it may not look like much to you, but to me, it is such a treasure!!!<br />
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This little thing is a flowering almond. My parents planted it's parent at least 50 to 55 years ago in their yard. I have many fond memories of the sweet, soft pink blooms on that small bush. Over the years it had hung on, but wasn't doing much; a few blooms, but it wasn't healthy or flourishing. About 3-4 years ago we passed down some furniture to my parents, and when hubby backed the truck up to the front door to unload it he ran over my precious flowering almond! A piece broke off, with a bit of a root, and I brought it home and stuck it out in the big island. For the last few years it has just hung on - not growing much and last year it had one tiny bloom. But this year, although it is still only about 10 inches tall, it is leafing out, full of tiny pink buds, AND it has put out a baby off to the side! I was so excited when I found it earlier today! Oh, and the parent plant in my mother's yard? It is doing better, too! So maybe getting run over helped in some way, but I wouldn't advise trying it yourself!<br />
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You may think I am crazy for 'treasuring' plants, but I grew up in a family of gardeners. My grandmother had a large yard and it was FULL of all kinds of flowers and shrubs. Her hydrangeas were famous in the neighborhood, and she had some of the most beautiful lilacs! She and my grandfather lived about 1/4 mile from us, and back then it was a dirt road. I would walk down to their house and pick flowers and pretend I was a bride and make bouquets of beautiful flowers. My dad could grow ANYTHING! He had ten green fingers and ten green toes! People would come from all over to ask his advice about how to plant and grow and prune things, and would even bring him cuttings of plants they wanted him to propagate for them.<br />
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So having heirloom plants . . . offspring of plants handed down from generations before, well, it is such a special way to remember times gone by! Now tell me, do YOU have any heirloom plants that came from family members? I'd love to hear about them!<br />
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Blessings friends, and Be Joyful Always! BeckyBecky Garrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03124407753367247995noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1420246450295101683.post-8725286853091847512011-03-15T19:39:00.000-04:002011-03-15T19:39:20.672-04:00Treasure Hunting Season . . . . has officially begun!!!Yes, finally, after months of down time, the treasure hunting season has once again gotten under way! (By the way, I call visiting yard sales, estate sales, flea markets, etc. treasure hunts, because that's what they really are!) On Saturday, on our way to Sue's house for the Sunshine Sisters March gathering, Phyllis and I saw numerous yard sale signs, and while we didn't have time to stop, we knew we would be stopping at some on the way home! The gathering was great, by the way, and we now have five (5) members - wahoo!<br />
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Anyway, the gathering ran longer than expected, and by the time we headed for home the very large subdivision sale had ended. But I had a secret! I had been wanting to visit Mr. Boling's 'Barn Sale' for a long time, and the time was right! I took Phyllis in the back way, through the winding and hilly narrow road that led to the 'barn', which was really a chicken house. I had been there a year or so ago, and I wanted to see if he still had a treasure I didn't buy that day. And he did! Two of them . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sdNjbE5Obew/TX_rqXnNfsI/AAAAAAAAICI/xHIUE7Iy0sc/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sdNjbE5Obew/TX_rqXnNfsI/AAAAAAAAICI/xHIUE7Iy0sc/s320/DSC_0026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I know there is only one in the picture, but I got two of them - for $1 each! They are very old, heavy glass saucers that were used for watering chickens, primarily baby chicks. You put it on top of a jar of water and flip it over. Water runs into the saucer and stops when it gets up to a certain line, but as the chicks drink the water, more goes into the saucer. I remember these from my childhood - we had a chicken house that burned down only weeks before my sixth birthday, and I remember getting loads of new baby chicks in and putting these out with water for them. I also got this . . .<br />
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It's an old 'Black Draught' syrup bottle. I loved it for the color and . . . .<br />
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. . . the slim size. It is narrow and fits perfectly on my window sill in the breakfast room. And doesn't it display these . . .<br />
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beautiful camellias from the bush beside our chimney just beautifully? Our home is Camellia Cottage, after all! This variety is from Monrovia Nurseries and is called 'April Remembered'. I love it - very, very much! Oh, and I paid 50 cents for the bottle. <br />
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And I also got this . . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RCMPs35ioLE/TX_sSKQKw5I/AAAAAAAAICY/iesvYlbg3aU/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RCMPs35ioLE/TX_sSKQKw5I/AAAAAAAAICY/iesvYlbg3aU/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" width="261" /></a></div><br />
. . . a very sweet vintage pillow case. I've been looking for a special one to use to make an apron. I found <a href="http://craftydame.blogspot.com/2009/05/vintage-pillowcase-apron-tutorial.html">THIS</a> tutorial online and want to try it out! I think this will make a very sweet apron to add to my collection!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-B6-xM1klacQ/TX_sfp4CPsI/AAAAAAAAICc/s5pz2DE5t-Y/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-B6-xM1klacQ/TX_sfp4CPsI/AAAAAAAAICc/s5pz2DE5t-Y/s320/DSC_0007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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And I also got these . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4CWnu4mzC6Q/TX_srQY_w1I/AAAAAAAAICk/kp7dUN5kUIY/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4CWnu4mzC6Q/TX_srQY_w1I/AAAAAAAAICk/kp7dUN5kUIY/s320/DSC_0008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gSKRa4QD67o/TX_s3jVWMDI/AAAAAAAAICo/et1hN0YstO4/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gSKRa4QD67o/TX_s3jVWMDI/AAAAAAAAICo/et1hN0YstO4/s320/DSC_0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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. . . two very sweet feed sacks or flour sacks. They are kind of faded from washings, but are vrery soft and pretty. One of them had two pretty bad spots on them, but I've washed them twice, and soaked them in hot water with oxi-clean for about 24 hours, and all that is left is a faint orange marking and you really have to look for it, so I'm really pleased. Oh, and I got the pillowcase and two feed sacks for 50 cents each. <br />
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So I spent a huge $4 at Mr. Boling's Barn Sale! And my friend Phyllis bought me something there, but I'll save that to share with you another day.<br />
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Anyway, once again we headed home and saw a yard sale. It was pretty pitiful looking, but we got out and looked anyway, and I found a treasure there, too! Here's what I got . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pSXdcBKmaVs/TX_s-5-3nXI/AAAAAAAAICs/al8vd0GnkMw/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pSXdcBKmaVs/TX_s-5-3nXI/AAAAAAAAICs/al8vd0GnkMw/s320/DSC_0018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Two pretty china cups; the first one (l) is Royal Devon bone china, is a very pretty shape, and will probably very soon become a pretty pin cushion. Maybe? I really think it's cute! So it's a toss up as to whether I'll make it into a pincushion or keep it!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eGlNf-DZIbU/TX_tHp0ythI/AAAAAAAAICw/ibUyKiQT8qk/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eGlNf-DZIbU/TX_tHp0ythI/AAAAAAAAICw/ibUyKiQT8qk/s320/DSC_0020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The one on the right has this mark . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OH5PQ-haQWI/TX_tKEKHEgI/AAAAAAAAIC0/2pn5SzLTMK0/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OH5PQ-haQWI/TX_tKEKHEgI/AAAAAAAAIC0/2pn5SzLTMK0/s320/DSC_0021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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. . .a shamrock, laurel, and the word Japan. Does anyone know anything about this marking? If so, I'd love to know whatever you can tell me! And I got both of these for another 50 cents. Love that!<br />
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So I spent a grand total of $4.50 and got some pretty cool treasures. But the best treasure I've gotten recently was this . . . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PXKwxJNLDZs/TX_tTgGnPpI/AAAAAAAAIC4/RUoufx506wE/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PXKwxJNLDZs/TX_tTgGnPpI/AAAAAAAAIC4/RUoufx506wE/s320/DSC_0010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Remember a couple of weeks ago when I lost two computers to a virus? Well, the first died on Thursday, the second died on Friday, and I was having a very bad day - until this came in the mail. And this is how it was packaged . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-opeEgsJFbyw/TX_thHmJ0NI/AAAAAAAAIC8/P-ZW5mdUer4/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-opeEgsJFbyw/TX_thHmJ0NI/AAAAAAAAIC8/P-ZW5mdUer4/s320/DSC_0012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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A little burlap bag tied up with a pack of sweet n sour smarties, a sweet label telling how my goodie was made just for me. What is it? Well . . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vpe9xzK7sRs/TX_tss7Fg4I/AAAAAAAAIDA/7O-juH3m750/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vpe9xzK7sRs/TX_tss7Fg4I/AAAAAAAAIDA/7O-juH3m750/s320/DSC_0013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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. . . it's my Mary Jane's Farm Sisterhood necklace! My birthday is in April, and I told hubby this was what I wanted, and he told me to go ahead and order it (and I did)! It is beautiful, heavy, and has my sister # - 1941 - on the front, along with a pink rose with a bit of glitter. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PP-285miXIA/TX_t5jSI7GI/AAAAAAAAIDE/qto815U8EHI/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PP-285miXIA/TX_t5jSI7GI/AAAAAAAAIDE/qto815U8EHI/s320/DSC_0014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The back side has a very cute farmgirl image and the words Mary Jane's Farm.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N7KMY-oI6vQ/TX_uGl9d9wI/AAAAAAAAIDQ/YDWehbRyDuQ/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N7KMY-oI6vQ/TX_uGl9d9wI/AAAAAAAAIDQ/YDWehbRyDuQ/s320/DSC_0015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I love it, and have worn it almost ever since it came. To get a sisterhood necklace you must be a member of the Mary Jane's Farm sisterhood, but Elaine makes all kinds of very sweet charms similar to this. You can check them out<a href="http://thevintagecharm.com/index.html"> at her website</a>.<br />
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So, not only did I receive a treasure that was very special to me, I also bought some great treasures in the first official weekend of treasure hunting. What a fun weekend! Now it's your turn! What kind of treasures have YOU found lately!<br />
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Blessings friends, and don't forget to Be Joyful Always! BeckyBecky Garrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03124407753367247995noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1420246450295101683.post-40693660998092067082011-03-10T15:14:00.000-05:002011-03-10T15:14:21.093-05:00Great Website and Little GiftsWhile visiting one of my 'Little Gifts' bloggers (<a href="http://fromcathywithlove.blogspot.com/">Cathy at Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much</a>) today I stumbled upon the cutest little picture in her right hand sidebar . . . <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-I5qKcRPGYmY/TXko_XnJHOI/AAAAAAAAH_8/eLkrXLHRq_0/s1600/tip+nut+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-I5qKcRPGYmY/TXko_XnJHOI/AAAAAAAAH_8/eLkrXLHRq_0/s1600/tip+nut+pic.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Isn't that just the cutest retro lady??? Anyway, the title above the picture said 'Tipnut', so I clicked on the picture and landed smack dab in the middle of wonderful town! This website started out as one woman's effort to organize her lists of patterns, homemaking ideas, recipes, etc. into one place. It's clean, cute, and very well organized! Am I the only one out there who didn't know about this place??? Here are some of the things I found there . . . <br />
<ul><li><a href="http://easter.tipnut.com/">Easter Craft (and other) Ideas called Easter Goodies</a></li>
<li><a href="http://tipnut.com/projects-pets/">20+ Crafty Projects for Pets</a></li>
<li><a href="http://tipnut.com/56-free-apron-patterns-you-can-make/">50 Free Apron Patterns</a></li>
<li><a href="http://tipnut.com/getting-ready-for-hummingbirds/">Getting Ready for Hummingbirds</a></li>
<li><a href="http://tipnut.com/homemade-salad-dressing/">20 Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes</a></li>
<li><a href="http://tipnut.com/cookbook-lingo/">Cookbook Lingo: 101 Cookery Terms and Definitions</a></li>
<li><a href="http://tipnut.com/household-baking-soda/">50 Household Uses for Baking Soda</a></li>
</ul>And trust me when I say, there are many more! This is such a great place, and I can't believe I haven't found it before. So, thank you, Cathy, for leading me to this neat warehouse of timely tips! (Oh, and by the way, Cathy just shared a delicious looking strawberry cake recipe <a href="http://fromcathywithlove.blogspot.com/">on her blog</a>, so please check it out!)<br />
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Finding this website was a neat 'little gift', and I have a few others I'd like to share today . . . <br />
<ul><li>My baby gardenia that I rooted from a stem in water, and then potted, is doing well - she spent the day outside in the rain yesterday, and looks all the better for it! She's inside today because of the high winds, though.</li>
<li>Our Doxie, Bailey Sue has recently discovered chipmunks and their burrows, and has become a happy camper slash Doxie Possessed. It is very entertaining to watch her, and neat to have to literally drag her back in the house when she's on the trail of a critter!</li>
<li>Hubby got his annual review this week, and got a teeny tiny raise. A little extra money is always a big gift!</li>
<li>And speaking of Hubby, he is doing so well! He's more relaxed, feeling better and 'lighter' in spirit. His weight loss has slowed down a bit, but he's still working at it. What a blessing!</li>
<li>Something to look forward to . . . Saturday's Sunshine Sisters Farmgirls gathering at Sue's house, and a ride and picnic in the mountains on Sunday afternoon.</li>
</ul>So, what little gifts have you gotten lately? They can come from anywhere, but you have to be looking for them! Blessings, friends, and Be Joyful Always!!! BeckyBecky Garrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03124407753367247995noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1420246450295101683.post-38248785056643384532011-03-07T11:37:00.000-05:002011-03-07T11:37:45.070-05:00Little Gifts From Every Direction!Happy Monday! I know I haven't been around in a while, but I've suffered a terrible blow this last few days! A terrible virus has destroyed two computers AND my external hard drive for backups, so I lost everything computer related! I now have a new laptop and am back in business, but it's been quite an emotional weekend. But! I refuse to allow that evil, wicked, mean-spirited JOY STEALER steal MY joy! So I am working hard at remaining positive and joyful. That's what my favorite scripture says, and what I try to do . . . BE JOYFUL ALWAYS!!! <br />
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So, here I am! And also, here is <a href="http://buttonsforbaga.blogspot.com/">Genie</a>!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ABlq9GCWz70/TXUI59EwI2I/AAAAAAAAH_c/133gpnPRR6A/s1600/Little_Gifts_Campaign_Button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ABlq9GCWz70/TXUI59EwI2I/AAAAAAAAH_c/133gpnPRR6A/s320/Little_Gifts_Campaign_Button.jpg" width="231" /></a></div><br />
I met Genie through the A Swap For All Seasons fabric collage swap, and she was my partner! And now she is going to join my 'Litle Gifts' Campaign! Please join me in welcoming her by visiting her <a href="http://buttonsforbaga.blogspot.com/">blog </a>and leaving her a comment. I am sure she would appreciate it!<br />
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Now that I've got the virus out of here and a new computer, I hope to be back with regular posts again. As for today, I've GOT to go clean up the kitchen and straighten up this messy house! Be back soon, and remember . . . BE JOYFUL ALWAYS!!! Blessings, BeckyBecky Garrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03124407753367247995noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1420246450295101683.post-1393780938777356032011-03-02T05:06:00.000-05:002011-03-02T05:06:55.768-05:00New Little Gifts Blogger!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DZQUjKBm4tU/TW4VE0SRbTI/AAAAAAAAH9k/dOYeHcqS5ws/s1600/Little+Gifts+Campaign+Button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DZQUjKBm4tU/TW4VE0SRbTI/AAAAAAAAH9k/dOYeHcqS5ws/s320/Little+Gifts+Campaign+Button.jpg" width="231" /></a></div><br />
Hi there! Just a quick post to welcome another new blogger to our Little Gifts Campaign! Her name is Bev, she lives in Australia, and she found my blog by searching 'brother country machine embroidery threads'! How amazing that she found my blog by searching such a thing! But I am most grateful - a wonderful 'Little Gift' after a long night of little sleep and a special way to start a new day! Please go pay her a visit in <a href="http://kaingahappenings.blogspot.com/">Kainga, Western Australia</a> and leave a comment to welcome her!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Welcome, Bev!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Have an amazing day everyone!!! Be Joyful Always, Becky</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Becky Garrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03124407753367247995noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1420246450295101683.post-4749059588081497082011-02-28T09:16:00.000-05:002011-02-28T09:16:45.996-05:00Strange Blogging Mystery!Do you have Feedjit? It's a 'widget' that you put on your blog to keep track of traffic, and where people are visiting from. You can find mine way over in the far righthand column. It amazes me! To think that my little blogs have been visited by people from - literally - all over the world! Thailand, Japan, Australia, Brazil, Portugal, Spain, India, England, Scotland, The Netherlands, and on and on! It's so much fun to check in from time to time and see these faraway places on my Feedjit!<br />
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But, there is one oddity! Every day, at least once but frequently multiple times, I have a visitor(s) from the same place, looking at the same post! The visitor is from Toronto, Ontario, and they always come in on my post <a href="http://camelliacottagediary.blogspot.com/2009/11/recipe-fabulous-fays-fabulous-cream.html">Fabulous Fay's Fabulous Cream Cheese Pound Cake</a>! In the last 40 hours, that same visitor has been here at least a dozen times, and this has been going on for at least a year!<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405114181962862114" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/SwLStgJSjiI/AAAAAAAAD5U/a617Ht-xapU/s400/yum!.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 265px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><br />
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Now, why is that? Can anyone answer? I have a theory, but will probably never know the truth! My theory is that it's a 'bot', set out to leave spammy comments, but can't because I have word verification and comment modification. (Sorry y'all, but I've tried one or the other, but it takes both of them to keep the crappy {sorry} comments off my blogs.) That's got to be it, because no one in their right mind needs to look at one recipe multiple times per day! Even an amateur baker should have the recipe memorized by now!<br />
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So, I have two requests:<br />
<ol><li>If you are that person, please let me know! I'd love to ask you if you've made the cake, and if so, how you like it, or . . . </li>
<li>Do any of you out there have any other ideas or theories that you'd like to share? I'd love to hear your takes on this strange visitor!</li>
</ol>Seriously, inquiring minds NEED to know! Blessings friends, and Be Joyful Always! BeckyBecky Garrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03124407753367247995noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1420246450295101683.post-56926046587624382352011-02-26T21:13:00.000-05:002011-02-26T21:13:37.810-05:00A Wonderful Day!Yes, I know! Two posts in one 24 hour period . . . unheard of around here lately! But I just had to share my day with you. Joy abounding is such an amazing thing!<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>First, before I even got up, I peeked out the window, behind the curtain and saw that the sun was just reaching over the house. Our bedroom is on the northwestern side of the house, so the sun doesn't reach this side of the house until way up in the afternoon. But, I could see the sunshine, so I knew it was a pretty day. I put the girls out, let them back in, fed them, then grabbed my wake-up glass of OJ and headed for my computer. I had a post to do on <a href="http://camelliacottagedesigns.blogspot.com/">my crafting blog</a> for Unscripted Sketches, really needed to do a post on this blog (see below if you haven't read it yet, it's good!), and had a bunch of sweet comments and emails from folks, and ordered my birthday present to myself. (Yeah! I'm getting my Mary Janes Farmgirls Sisterhood necklace!)<br />
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Then I got a bath, got dressed, and hubby and I took the tandem bike (and my Trikke) over to a local school. It had been a while, and we still aren't too confident on that thing, but we are determined to ride as much as possible before our trip to the beach in a couple of months. After that we came home and I got in the kitchen. I unloaded the diswasher, washed up a few dishes that needed it, emptied a couple of shelves that had extra glassware that we never use and put them in the dishwasher to wash - they were really dusty! You know, just 'doing' stuff. I also made a bottle of garlic-basil infused olive oil - can't wait to use some of that in some of my new dishes!<br />
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How do you make 'infused' oils? Easy! Find a container that seals tightly. It can be a bottle, jar, or just a plastic bowl, it doesn't matter as long as it seals well. For today's purpose we'll use an 8 ounce 'jelly' jar with a lid and ring. Heat up about 3/4 cup of EVOO until it's just good warm. While it's warming up, place a handful of peeled and crushed (whole, but broken to let the flavor out) garlic cloves (6 or so) and about 6 to 8 nice sized leaves of fresh basil. If the leaves are small, add more. Pour the warm oil in over the garlic and basil, cover tightly, and let come to room temp. Then you can put it in the fridge and it will keep for 2-3 weeks at least. After a few days you should probably remove the basil leaves, but the garlic should be okay. And that's it! You could toss in some peppercorns if you like, or a few crushed red pepper flakes, or basically any seasonings you like. Easy Peasy!<br />
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<i>Anyway</i>, back to today! While I was working in the kitchen - oh, did I tell you I had my ipod in my pocket, headphones on, and the ZBB (Zac Brown Band) cranked up pretty loud? No, well, I did! So I was singing and dancing and in general having a blast! Bessie and Bailey freaked out! I guess it's been a long time (honestly, a REAL long time) since I've felt that good and was acting like an idiot! And the dogs didn't understand, and they were all over hubby, not wanting me to go near them. I was okay with that, because I feed them and food - to the girls at least - heals ALL wounds! :o) But I was having a great time. <br />
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Then we got ready for dinner, and drove the 45 minute drive to our favorite Mexican restaurant. And it's really not that far, but there's tons of traffic in that area, so it takes that long to get there! After dinner we ran into Office Max nearby, and then into Trader Joe's. This was our second trip there - the first being exactly 53 weeks ago! You can read about it <a href="http://camelliacottagediary.blogspot.com/2010/02/and-its-all-your-fault.html">HERE</a> if you are interested. So we went in and looked around. I was really looking for fresh fruits and veggies, but to be honest, their selection was small, and the quality wasn't that impressive. But, we did buy a few things. Take a look . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vhhGLDKQ4mY/TWmthRG41-I/AAAAAAAAH8A/LWlXwjp5yBY/s1600/DSC_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vhhGLDKQ4mY/TWmthRG41-I/AAAAAAAAH8A/LWlXwjp5yBY/s320/DSC_0060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Nice bag of goodies, huh? Here's what we got:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-chXrB70f_DM/TWmt4g3azDI/AAAAAAAAH8I/7JJu2AOEqDs/s1600/DSC_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-chXrB70f_DM/TWmt4g3azDI/AAAAAAAAH8I/7JJu2AOEqDs/s320/DSC_0062.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A handfull of bananas and a nice big jar of honey.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ygus_nxc350/TWmuDbKr8DI/AAAAAAAAH8M/fbyGe-pfkdk/s1600/DSC_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ygus_nxc350/TWmuDbKr8DI/AAAAAAAAH8M/fbyGe-pfkdk/s320/DSC_0063.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice big chunk of parmesan cheese and a can of artichoke hearts (LOVE!).</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two BIG bottles of EVOO - I used the last of mine making the infused oil earlier, and theirs is really good. Best part? Only $5.99 (l) and $5.49 (r) per bottle. They are both EVOO, but the one on the left is 'President's Reserve'.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bottle of red wine vinegar for vinaigrettes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MDnJ8s5JP20/TWmuiDroESI/AAAAAAAAH8Y/BOJZIIfYhV8/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MDnJ8s5JP20/TWmuiDroESI/AAAAAAAAH8Y/BOJZIIfYhV8/s320/DSC_0066.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two pkgs of shallots - they were only 99 cents per pack - deal of the day!</td></tr>
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And of course, I had to buy a bag, and I really like this one - it has a kind of old, aged leather look, and is a more 'horizontal' shape rather than the traditional vertical or taller bag. It was $1.99, and I love the graphics on it!<br />
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This bag will be great for picnics! Then after we left Trader Joe's, we headed home. It was such a nice, relaxing drive in the sunset, and by the time we got home it was totally dark. We got out of the car and I looked up, and the sky was just bright with stars! It's been a while since I've seen that many stars, and it was amazing. And yes, that was another little gift!<br />
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It was a wonderful day! (And yes, I'm going to leave out the part where when we got home, I found Bessie had pulled their food bin out from it's hiding place and it was open and a good bit of food was gone out of it. And I know it was Bessie, because it would never enter Bailey's head to do something like that - she's just not made that way!) But it was a beautiful day! It feels so good to have my heart be light again, to sing out loud and dance while I'm working around the house. It's been a long, long time!<br />
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So that was my beautiful day! Won't you leave me a comment and tell me about your beautiful day??? Blessings friends, and Be Joyful Always! Becky</div>Becky Garrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03124407753367247995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1420246450295101683.post-38952139753464017272011-02-26T12:08:00.000-05:002011-02-26T12:08:15.358-05:00New Is . . . . . . . GOOD!Once again, I can't believe it's been so long since I did a post! But you have to understand, I've been having a really good time! On Monday I went to my friend Sue's home and spent most of the day visiting with her and her husband, Tom. We had a wonderful traipse through the woods below her house, some crafting time, a nice lunch, and more time walking around her home and looking at plants peeking their heads out of the ground and the dozens of birds she has visiting her feeders. It was a wonderful day!<br />
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On Thursday I went shopping, and I mean 'big' shopping! Each year this time, after we get our tax refund, I start stocking up on things we use a lot of throughtout the year. because of our new 'healthier eating' efforts, I will not be stocking up on beef from our local butcher, however I will still go to the local chicken plant (Tyson) and buy boneless skinless breasts from their 'company store'. This time I got 20 pounds for $30, and that is only $1.50 per pound! For boneless skinless breasts! Such a great price. I also am stocking up on boneless pork loins at Kroger. I have some cut into roasts and some cut into thin chops. We had the chops for dinner last night in a dijon mustard, garlic, ginger marinade and then grilled, that was just delicious!<br />
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I also stock up on paper and plastic products, staples like rice that I keep in the freezer, and detergents and cleaners. Oh, and I bought 9 big cans of coffee, and no, we don't drink a ton of coffee! I drink a cup or two a week, and hubby drinks a cup or two each day. But coffee, in metal cans that are sealed will keep for ages, and Kroger had their brand on sale for $5.99 per can. That's worth stocking up, don't you think! Besides, I store the cans on shelves in our garage, and they stay pretty cool most of the year, so that helps, too.<br />
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Buying things like that really helps because it keeps our food and household expenses down throughout the year, and if I run out of coffee (or rice or paper towels) all I have to do is go visit my little market in the garage!<br />
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But that's not really new! Here are a few things that ARE new . . . <br />
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Cooking and eating better - I am thoroughly enjoying this new focus in our lives! I love to cook, but I had gotten bored with doing the same old things all the time! Now I am looking for new, healthier recipes, and finding some really good ones! Last night I had grilled pork loin chops (very lean!) and sauteed veggies (asparagus, carrots and onion) with chopped jalapena peppers that I roasted and chopped, fresh garlic and ginger, Meyer lemon juice, etc. It was a delicious meal, and we thoroughly enjoyed all the flavors in the food! And as an example of how well things are going, my hubby went to the Dr. on Friday to have blood drawn, and his BP has lowered some, but he has lost about 12 pounds!!! How is it fair that men lose weight so much easier than women do??? But I have to say how very, VERY proud I am of my sweet hubby; he really is trying to do better, and it's showing!<br />
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Buying more veggies and herbs - part of my new cooking style is adding lots of flavor, and when at my local Kroger the other day I bought a package of live, hydroponically grown basil! It came from <a href="http://www.sweetwatergrowers.com/">this company</a> which is in my own 'home town' - or the town I grew up in, and where most of my family still lives.<br />
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I bought a 'pouch' of live, growing basil, and it is so beautiful and smells SO good, that you won't believe it! I look forward to trying it in many recipes in the future!<br />
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I placed the 'plant' into a small glass pitcher that has a narrow enough neck to support the stems, but allows for plenty of water for the roots. Right now it is sitting on my kitchen table where it can get sun from the windows.<br />
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Isn't that just amazing??? Here is a picture of the puch it came in. I just love that I can (hopefully) keep this alive and well in my kitchen, then when the ground is warm enough, plant it outside!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mo7TcB0pruY/TWkeivTPJ-I/AAAAAAAAH68/ina4DET6pBc/s1600/DSC_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mo7TcB0pruY/TWkeivTPJ-I/AAAAAAAAH68/ina4DET6pBc/s320/DSC_0044.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, that is definitely something new!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Recycling - Recently someone took our large, wheeled garbage can (provided by the sanitation company) from in front of our house. I mean, SERIOUSLY! Who would do something like that? Especially in the middle of a subdivision! Anyway, I called our sanitation company and they said "no problem" and brought us a new one. And when I was talking to them I asked about their recycling program. Hubby and I have talked about starting recycling, but just hadn't done anything about it, so this was a great chance to start! It costs $1 more per month, and they brought us a large wheeled cart - just like the other one, but with a pink top - just for our recycled items. And the great part? We don't have to sort it! They accept over 40 different types of recyclable items, and we just put it all into the large bin and they sort it after picking it up. They pick up recycling every other week, which saves on gas and traffic in our neighborhood. And they support Breast Cancer Research, which is even better!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, <em>anyway</em>, we are now recycling. I bought this trash can . . . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hPzOC_8hFBE/TWkeJdaVzEI/AAAAAAAAH60/-S9-Ovku8AU/s1600/DSC_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hPzOC_8hFBE/TWkeJdaVzEI/AAAAAAAAH60/-S9-Ovku8AU/s320/DSC_0041.JPG" width="198" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> . . . just for our recycling and have taped a list of the recyclable items on top, so it's easy to know what goes in there. And it's amazing how much is going into that bin! In just a few days I've over-filled it once, filled it again, and now it's already over 1/2 full! This is definately new, and a 'good thing'.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gardenia - Last fall my Mama gave me a couple of blooms from her gardenia, and told me to keep them in fresh water and they would root. And one did! It had such huge roots on it and I knew it needed to be potted, so I finally got it into a pot. As soon as it's big enough I will plant it outside in my yard. For now, whenever there is a sunny day, I put it out on the deck so it can get sunshine. I can't wait to have my own gardenia blooms!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Joy - Yes, I said JOY!!! I am feeling so much better, and once again finding joy in doing things around my home! Yesterday (Friday) after having shopped all day onThursday, I had TONS of things to put away. And the top shelf in my pantry was WAY overdue an organizing! So I straightened the pantry, put (almost) everything away, put a fresh tablecloth on my kitchen table, washed a pretty bowl I've had for YEARS but never use. I filled it with grapefruit (our new favorite dessert after dinner), pears and Meyer lemons. I think it's beautiful as a centerpiece!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YnKtMuYGrrc/TWktcerUNpI/AAAAAAAAH7c/pAviyTSouQs/s1600/DSC_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YnKtMuYGrrc/TWktcerUNpI/AAAAAAAAH7c/pAviyTSouQs/s320/DSC_0051.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />
And speaking of grapefruit, hubby's doctor told him he should try to eat two a day, so we are now on our second 18 pound bag of Texas red grapefruit in three weeks. At night I peel and section them (aka supreming) and put them in a bowl, and that is our 'dessert'. Can I just say how wonderful they are??? They are full of fiber and vitamins, AND are very filling. Not to mention the fact they are a great palate cleanser and don't leave you wanting something sweet after a savory meal. We are both really loving this new addition to our evening!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Little Gifts Campaign Update - Have you noticed over in the sidebar that there are now FOUR people who have joined my Little Gifts campaign??? One earlier this week, and one just this morning! I cannot tell you how happy this makes me! I'd love it if you would visit their blogs! And please join us on this journey to spread smiles to others, all the while being more grateful for the little gifts we receive! A few little gifts I've received lately are . . . </div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">a visit with my friend, Sue</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">lots of birds visiting my feeders</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">the joy of doing little things around the house</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">my hubby once again cracking little jokes and acting like he's going to be okay</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">finding a little pitcher I thought I'd 'lost'</div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and many more! Won't you try to start putting more emphasis on finding and spreading joy? I think you will find it is so very rewarding, and will change your outlook on life in general!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aE5K_mUUcUE/TWkxswxk3XI/AAAAAAAAH7k/9fFDCms3HsQ/s1600/Little+Gifts+Campaign+Button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aE5K_mUUcUE/TWkxswxk3XI/AAAAAAAAH7k/9fFDCms3HsQ/s320/Little+Gifts+Campaign+Button.jpg" width="231" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, new is definitely good! And things are really looking up around here. And I am so incredibly grateful!!! Will you please leave a comment and tell me what's 'new' with you??? Blessings friends, and . . . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Be Joyful Always! Becky</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Becky Garrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03124407753367247995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1420246450295101683.post-87283613376785852862011-02-17T15:21:00.000-05:002011-02-17T15:21:53.411-05:00Better . . . Ramblings . . .In north Georgia today, the sun is shining, the skies are blue with puffy white skiffs of clouds, and temps are nearing the 70 degree mark. And it's so beautiful! As soon as I finish this post I'm going to fix me a plate of homemade southern style potato salad with fresh sliced cantaloupe and red grapes, grab my latest embroidery project, and go sit on the deck in the sunsine. Doesn't that sound summery???<br />
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I think I just have summer in my soul these days, and I am so overwhelmed at the feeling! After more than 3 years of depression, sadness and almost non-stop worries, my heart is so light I feel as if I could just jump up and fly into the sky like a hot air balloon being carried on the breeze. I had almost forgotten what that felt like! Honestly, it's been so long!<br />
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An example of this lightness: Day before yesterday I drove the 25 miles or so to get my mother and bring her here for a couple of days. I didn't immediately turn the radio on in the car to drown out my thoughts, and before I'd been five miles I was finding a rhythm in my head and before long I was singing out loud. Do you have any idea how long it's been since I sang out loud out of pure joy? Me either - it's been that long! And that lightness has just lingered, it's amazing. And I am so grateful, seriously, honestly, sincerely filled with a joyful gratitude!<br />
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A few weeks ago, hubby told me that he had been having anxiety/panic attacks again. He used to have them when we were first married, but had not had any in years, or so I thought. But in recent months he had been having them again, and he got scared. For a long time now I've been begging him to go have a good check-up, but he doesn't like going to a doctor. When he had that last big panic attack, it scared him, so he went to a doctor and was put on a mild blood pressure medicine, plus one for his anxiety. Within days I could tell a difference, and now after a couple of weeks, it seems the 'real' hubby is coming back. I was so deep in my own darkness that I really hadn't paid attention to HIS darkness. That makes me really sad, because normally I would have noticed it.<br />
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His doctor told him that he HAD to lose weight - no choice if he wanted to live, because it was that serious! He was borderline diabetic, high cholesterol, high BP, and most of it would take care of itself if he would just lose a nice chunk of weight. So I've been trying to cook healthier and we've been eating a lot of salads and fruit. He's already lost a bit I can tell, because last night when he got home from work and I gave him a hug, I could touch my fingers together. We are trying to drink more water, less sodas, and walk more now that the days are getting a bit longer.<br />
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These are all good, positive changes - for both of us! And it feels so very, VERY, good! Our lives haven't changed; the money problems are still there, although we are taking steps to work that out, and the world around us is in turmoil. People are hurting and being hurt. But right now, right here in our little yellow cottage, life is feeling pretty good right now. Blessings, folks; and Be Joyful Always! Becky<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jqc8vleCiII/TV19nRxJe9I/AAAAAAAAH24/nlOOdKESsyc/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jqc8vleCiII/TV19nRxJe9I/AAAAAAAAH24/nlOOdKESsyc/s320/IMG_0014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Becky Garrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03124407753367247995noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1420246450295101683.post-54323479752512936732011-02-09T10:39:00.000-05:002011-02-09T10:39:49.161-05:00What I've Been Up To . . .Wow! I can't believe it's been over a week since I last posted! I guess it's true that time flies when you are having fun! Well, at least part of the last week has been fun! Most of last week I spent doing a long over due house cleaning! I mean, from the carpet up to the vaulted ceilings and back down again! The reason for the mad dash to clean up the house??? This . . .<br />
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Do you know how hard it is to get a decent picture when there are three women, all laughing, talking and cutting up involved? Pretty difficult! These are my sweet friends Sue (l) and Phyllis (r), and they came over to my house for a little gathering on Saturday. The purpose for the gathering? To form a new chapter of the <a href="http://maryjanesfarm.org/">Mary Janes Farmgirls</a> organization.<br />
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If you were reading this blog back last spring and summer, you'll remember that I joined a local chapter, and immediately jumped in with both feet, volunteering to create and maintain our blog, and about anything else that needed doing. I became what I thought was close friends with the chapter leader, and spent several months riding the roads in our area, talking up our chapter, and having loads and loads of fun! As soon as school was out, Phyllis (above) joined us in our fun, and we all became quite close, but in August the chapter leader decided she didn't want me around any more, and pushed me out of the chapter. But she wouldn't tell me what happened, if I had said or done something to offend her, and all I got was her last email that said "I don't know what you think happened, but it's all in your imagination"! Now, I know I did not imagine her bringing me all my personal items from the henhouse, nor her asking me for my key to the henhouse! So I still don't know why she pushed me out. I have some theories, but they are only theories, so I'll stop with that. Anyway . . . <br />
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Since I left the other chapter, I have stayed in contact with several of the members, including Sue and Phyllis, and over the last few months we've been discussing starting a new chapter and making it live up to the principles laid down by founder Mary Jane Butters: <br />
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"A farmgirl believes in the strong arms of friendship, community and the just plain fun of being together. A farmgirl takes joy in the quiet satisfaction of making things with her own hands. She exudes kindness, grace, humility, gentleness, patience and generosity, and loves the simple pleasures in life. A farmgirl is loyal and caring, especially when it comes to her family, friends and community. She gives generously of her time and talents. Farmgirls love to get together to share their ideas. She can be with or without fields and stock. Farmgirl is a condition of the heart." <br />
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So we decided to wait until the holidays were over, and the first date we could all get togeter was last Saturday. We had a great time! I had spent a good bit of time with Phyllis, and some time with Sue, but neither of them had spent much time together, so I didn't know how things would go, but they were great together, and we did a whole lot of laughing and talking and laughing some more!<br />
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We had a brief 'discussion' of starting the chapter, and I got online and set up our new chapter on Mary Janes Farm website. We are officially now the . . . <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sunshine Sisters!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A chapter of the Mary Janes Farmgirls Organization!</span></div><br />
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We talked about what we wanted our chapter to 'look' like, and we all agreed that we aren't interested in being the biggest and best chapter, nor being in competition with any other chapters, but we want our chapter to be the most close-knit, caring and sharing chapter! We also call our meetings 'gatherings', because we don't want them to get into a rut of being too 'official', but rather more laid back. And we are in agreement that there is no one 'leader'. I am the official contact person, but we will decide TOGETHER how our chapter is to go and flow! <br />
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After our brief discussion, we moved to the dining room table where we took a regular composition notebook and decorated it to be our official 'journal'. And we agreed the label 'Beautiful Journey' fit very well, because we know this is going to be a really special journey. For the time being our gatherings will be on Saturdays, but starting in June they will probably be on weekdays, which holds many different opportunities!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sue, Becky, Phyllis<br />
(It's so hard to set a timer on a camera and then run, sit and compose yourself before it clicks!)</td></tr>
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You can find more info about our chapter on <a href="http://sunshinesistersfarmgirls.blogspot.com/">OUR BLOG</a>. If you live in northern Georgia and are interested, we'd love to have you join us for our next gathering on March 5th! You can email us at sunshinesistersfarmgirls(at)yahoo(dot)com for more info as well! I am very excited about this new journey, and I will share tidbits with you from time to time. <br />
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Thanks for visiting today! Next post will be to share a very special gift from a very special new friend ~ Genie ~ who was my partner in A Swap For All Seasons fabric collage swap. See you soon, and remember to . . .<br />
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Be Joyful Always, BeckyBecky Garrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03124407753367247995noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1420246450295101683.post-41242931502556884472011-02-01T11:07:00.000-05:002011-02-01T11:07:52.915-05:00Treasures on TuesdayOn Tuesday of last week, I shared some 'timely tips' with you, but this week I wanted to show you some of my treasures and a bit of our home. Today we are visiting the breakfast room, which is one one of my very favorite rooms in the house! I love this little nook because of all the treasures I have in such a small space, and because of the large double window that looks out onto our back deck and the yard and woods beyond.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Let me first begin by saying . . . we are not 'fancy' people. We LIVE in this house, and it is NOT a museum or a showroom for how things should be done. This is our HOME, and we love it! When we moved here a bit over 7 years ago, my fondest dream was to make our home a place where family and friends were able to feel welcomed and comfortable. And I don't believe that a place where everything is pristine and showroom ready - for me - is that place!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Syracuse China - Old Ivory 'Lady Louise'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUgeKn8f83I/AAAAAAAAHrc/OhvhlVwLeXk/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUgeKn8f83I/AAAAAAAAHrc/OhvhlVwLeXk/s320/DSC_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last four pieces of my grandmother's china. I have always loved this pattern - it is simple and yet 'fancy' all at the same time. Best I can find out through my research is that it was made some time in the mid to late 1930's and was discontinued in 1949.</td></tr>
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When we first moved here, the breakfast room was going to be my office. I put a couple of tables there, my computer, and some of my craft things. Before long I moved all of that into the third bedroom which is now 'my' studio and office. At that time my vision for the breakfast room was a 'tea room'. I found and bought a second hand round white table and 4 chairs, and from the moment I brought it into the house, I hated it! The table was too big, round didn't work in the space, and it was just awful, but I was stuck with it - for a while.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few of my aprons. I usually only have one per hook, but I'm having a get together at my house this weekend, and I thought we might want to wear an apron, so I've added more so there will be more choices.</td></tr>
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A few years later, after much obsessing over what 'style' I wanted for the space, it hit me! I wanted a farmhouse kitchen. That was where my heart was (and still is!) but my pocketbook dictated for the present at least, the awful white table remained. Then, in late March about 4 years ago, my aunt and I were at the monthly antique market in our town, and I saw this table and chairs, and just KNEW that this was the one for me!!! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUgfy1l3fzI/AAAAAAAAHr8/dNXUOnynkeA/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUgfy1l3fzI/AAAAAAAAHr8/dNXUOnynkeA/s320/DSC_0010.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking into our breakfast room from the kitchen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> It was an old dining set - table with an extra leaf, and 4 chairs with pressed wood backs. I'm thinking it was probably from the 1930's to 50's, but am not sure. The thing that stood out about this set - it was antiqued in bright red! I loved it! So I called my hubby, asked him if I could buy it for my birthday and he said yes. Oh, and the price? Only $125 for the set. I gave the man a deposit, told him we would come and pick it up later that afternoon, and went merrily on my way, looking for inexpensive accessories for my new farmhouse kitchen. (Note: After we got the furniture home and in place, I took pictures and printed them, and the next day I took them to the vendor who sold me the furniture. He was so excited to see where they had gone, and asked if he could keep the pictures. I told him they were for him, and he thanked me several times over.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUggaa4ilVI/AAAAAAAAHsI/lqpxDE8h6Kg/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUggaa4ilVI/AAAAAAAAHsI/lqpxDE8h6Kg/s320/DSC_0014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'tab top' toppers are from J. C. Penney and by Waverley. I added the vintage ric-rack and the red buttons to each tab. They've been in here for several years, and I still love them!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Anyway, the new red table and chairs went great with the mustard cabinet that had belonged to my paternal grandparents. Eventually I found an old blue bench that fit right in, and now, several years later, this is still one of my favorite rooms in the house. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUgeZwoBQSI/AAAAAAAAHrg/5-M5xy0YbyY/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUgeZwoBQSI/AAAAAAAAHrg/5-M5xy0YbyY/s320/DSC_0002.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For as long as I can remember, this was antiqued avocado green. When I brought it home (our previous house) I had yellow, blue and white, so I made a poor attempt at re-antiquing it to this yellow. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUgetqgip1I/AAAAAAAAHrk/hla9YuLkvKI/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUgetqgip1I/AAAAAAAAHrk/hla9YuLkvKI/s320/DSC_0003.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During the refinishing process, I found these three patches. They are simply very old duct tape that had been painted over. When I opened the door and looked at the back side I found what looked very much like . . . </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bullet holes! Of course by the time I acquired the cabinet it was too late to ask my grandmother about them, and my dad and his sisters didn't know why they were there. So I just decided to honor the cabinet's history and leave them as they were! I will say this cabinet is VERY old, and obviously hand made. I believe the upper shelves also had doors at one time. It fits perfectly into my little nook, and holds my most used cookbooks. </td></tr>
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I purchased this little plant stand at an estate sale last year (2010) and had planned on selling it, but it fits here so perfectly, I think it will stay for the time being. The hen on nest was a gift from my cousin, I made the doll years ago from a fabric panel. The bee hive pitcher was purchased at an old, now defunct antique market, I bought the fiestaware cobalt pitcher at a yard sale for $1, and can't remember exactly where I got the house teapot, but I think it was on the same trip north when I bought the little birdhouse.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sign on top says "Beware, dog can't contol it's licker!" I bought this at a shop near Cleveland, GA called Bessie Maes, because 1)I loved it, 2) it so perfectly describes our Doxie girl, Bessie Mae, and 3)seriously, it's from a shop called Bessie Mae's and perfectly describes our dog named Bessie Mae? Had to have it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictures I took on a trip to Wisconsin and Michigan in 2002. Can you tell I am addicted to barns!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close up of the 'dinette'. I will put the tablecloth on the table on Saturday morning for our gathering. If I put it on there now, it will be FILTHY before Saturday. Is your husband/significant other a messy eater like mine?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our every day dishes. I purchased them as a gift to myself when I had surgery in 2003. I still love them, and think they fit in my farmhouse kitchen beautifully! I purchased them from QVC, and I believe they still carry them, but the pieces in the set have been changed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUghNrMEVKI/AAAAAAAAHsc/1TT4wHzWu80/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUghNrMEVKI/AAAAAAAAHsc/1TT4wHzWu80/s320/DSC_0022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I purchased this old bench at Lakewood Antiques Market in Atlanta. It was originally from an old textile mill in NC, and is painted in a bright blue enamel paint. I love it, and would never change the color! And yes, it's messy under there, but we have a small home, and this is a perfect place to store drinks and dog food. The papers at the far end are kept handy so if I have to leave the house for a long while, I can leave some down for the girls in case they need to, well, you know!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUghdx4S0wI/AAAAAAAAHsg/PPR3PVvnY58/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUghdx4S0wI/AAAAAAAAHsg/PPR3PVvnY58/s320/DSC_0023.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have the bench covered with a folded quilt. I purchased the quilt at an estate auction several years ago, and love it there! Two things: 1)see that Romantic Country Homes magazine? My sweet friend, Tara (Blondie'n'SC) was featured in that edition! and 2)see the long apron on the right? It is vintage, probably 1930's or so, hand embroidered, and I love how it is made! When you put it on and tie it, it has a very fitted yoke, but wide, kind of flowing skirt.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUghphRpaEI/AAAAAAAAHsk/UInUF-knE9A/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUghphRpaEI/AAAAAAAAHsk/UInUF-knE9A/s320/DSC_0025.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My most used cookbooks, plus some local Georgia cookbooks. The old ragged out orange one (2nd from right) is the very first cookbook I ever purchased, a Betty Crocker one from the early 70's. The rosebud teacup was the 'vessel' for a bouquet of pink sweetheart roses that hubby sent me for our 6 months of dating anniversary. Those were the very last flowers he ever sent me! He'll buy me all the plants or seeds I want, but cut flowers only die - or at least that's his story!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUgh4a3TAyI/AAAAAAAAHso/xBiJR0jfpNg/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUgh4a3TAyI/AAAAAAAAHso/xBiJR0jfpNg/s320/DSC_0026.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More cookbooks!</td></tr>
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The old iron stove has a funny story behind it. Hubby and I were at an auction one night, and I liked it, but said I would only pay up to $15 for it. But, I got into a bidding war over it because hubby got in on the act with the auctioneer and kept telling me to bid. I really didn't want it THAT bad, but I thought hubby DID, so I kept bidding (only at his insistance). I ended up winning with a bid of $35~! I would never have paid that much for it on my own! I'm not sure if it's a toy, or a salesman's sample, and would love to know! If you have any ideas, please let me know. Also, I would love for it to find a new home, and will take $60 for it including free shipping!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUgfSnAtjCI/AAAAAAAAHrw/HM0SBAMl3rU/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUgfSnAtjCI/AAAAAAAAHrw/HM0SBAMl3rU/s320/DSC_0007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is it a toy, or a salesman's sample? Can YOU tell me???</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUgffPn0hNI/AAAAAAAAHr0/FBsWfye5q1w/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUgffPn0hNI/AAAAAAAAHr0/FBsWfye5q1w/s320/DSC_0008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It has a tea kettle, pot, skillet, spatula, cover for the stovepipe, 'lifter' that you use to lift the hot burners, and a muffin tin.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUgfoyV3v3I/AAAAAAAAHr4/hIuQNUaE0VI/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUgfoyV3v3I/AAAAAAAAHr4/hIuQNUaE0VI/s320/DSC_0009.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muffin Tin in the oven.</td></tr>
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Thank you so very much for taking this tour with me! I hope you have enjoyed visiting, and look forward to seeing you back again soon.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Be joyful always! Becky</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Becky Garrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03124407753367247995noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1420246450295101683.post-36817526659066275602011-01-30T22:39:00.000-05:002011-01-30T22:39:08.442-05:00Mosaic Monday - Amazing City, Remarkable FacesOne of our favorite places to visit is historic Savannah. It is an amazing city, rooted deep in history but full of hope and promise of the future. There's so much to do there, and so very much good food! There's <a href="http://www.riverstreetsavannah.com/">River Street</a> downtown where the tug boats and barges and large cargo ships pass by on their way to the port just a bit upstream. Horse drawn carriages, all those lovely squares and parks, especially <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?rlz=1C1CHNU_enUS381US381&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=Forsyth+Park+Savannah&fb=1&gl=us&hq=Forsyth+Park+Savannah&hnear=Forsyth+Park+Savannah&cid=16070509674831716323">Forsyth Park</a> with it's beautiful fountain!<br />
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There are several great malls for shopping. Numerous colleges and universities including the amazing <a href="http://www.scad.edu/">SCAD</a>, or Savannah College of Art and Design. For outdoors enthusiasts there is fishing and biking and all kinds of paddling. Our favorite place to stay is at <a href="http://www.gastateparks.org/SkidawayIsland">Skidaway Island State Park</a> where the campsites are large, the setting natural, and there's lots of room to walk, bike, or just sit back and relax! There's also all kinds of places to go paddling. We hope to go back down this spring and take our inflatable kayaks and do some paddling through the marshes and streams surrounding Skidaway. Another great thing about Skidaway is that you take a right out of the park, stay straight for 15-20 minutes and you are in the middle of downtown Savannah!<br />
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We also love going to <a href="http://tybeeisland.com/">Tybee Island</a> and walking on the beach. A couple of years ago we were there on Thanksgiving afternoon, and there was a crew on the beach, huge equipment working to rebuild the beach. Erosion and storms were washing away all of the beautiful white sand. We stood up on the pavillion watching them push sand, lay piping and pack sand on top. It was an amazing thing to watch! <br />
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On the way back from Savannah, yet another favorite place for ME to stop is <a href="http://www.savannahga.gov/cityweb/cemeteriesweb.nsf/cemeteries/bonaventure.html">Bonaventure Cemetery</a>. It's a very old, and very large cemetery set among moss draped trees, with a beautiful view of the intercoastal waterway. Last time we were there, my sweet hubby and Mama sat in the truck and waited while I wandered and snapped pictures of some of the beautiful statues and tombstones. The pictures below are a few of my favorites. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUYtqA5VpKI/AAAAAAAAHq4/9yFu35_9k9o/s1600/2009_11_04+Bonaventure+Cemetery+Savannah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUYtqA5VpKI/AAAAAAAAHq4/9yFu35_9k9o/s400/2009_11_04+Bonaventure+Cemetery+Savannah.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I am linking up to <a href="http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/">Mosaic Monday</a>, please stop by and check out the many other wonderful stories!<br />
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Be Joyful Always, Becky<br />
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<span id="goog_1090243552"></span><span id="goog_1090243553"></span>Becky Garrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03124407753367247995noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1420246450295101683.post-6725975834895282972011-01-26T09:01:00.000-05:002011-01-26T09:01:41.466-05:00A Few Little Gifts . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUAj_ntGeRI/AAAAAAAAHnk/RKSn_-7ePEQ/s1600/DSC_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUAj_ntGeRI/AAAAAAAAHnk/RKSn_-7ePEQ/s320/DSC_0058.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Early dogwood blooms - Spring 2009</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Hello! Welcome to Camellia Cottage! It is a dark and dreary morning here in northern Georgia, raining now, but snow expected later in the day. And I was headed down that old 'dreary' mood that usually accompanies such days, and then I caught myself and started thinking about little gifts that surround me right now! Let me share a few with you . . . </div><ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Rain that we get at this time of year is essential for this summer's crops, especially things like apples and peaches, and I love me some apples and peaches! Oh, and blueberries! See below!</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Yes, there is snow expected to pass through today, but they say it will go through quickly, and the roads and ground are just warm enough that it won't stick around. So I will hopefully get to watch the snowfall without the messy problems!</li>
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</div><ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUAkHNB8w9I/AAAAAAAAHno/HA1VdnwS7RY/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUAkHNB8w9I/AAAAAAAAHno/HA1VdnwS7RY/s320/DSC_0093.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Early spring violets - Spring 2009</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Birds. My deck is covered with birds! Doves, Carolina wrens, sparrows of various types, cardinals, towhees, titmice, nuthatches, even a big old red bellied woodpecker terrorizing the smaller birds on the feeder. And finches! Goldfinches and House finches fighting over the little thistle feeder with two perches. Birds on my feeders make me very happy!</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Peace. My 'girls' haven't found it necessary to come out of their burrowed blankets yet. Somehow these little doggies instinctively know when it's raining outside, and it is darker than usual for this time of day, so they weren't ready to get up yet when I went to the kitchen to get my wakeup glass of juice. Hallelujah! Because when it's raining I have to force them outside and down the steps to the yard, and force them (by my presence and urging) to go out and do their thing before I will let them come back in. And it's chilly out there! So I get a little break, but they will be in there whining to be let out soon enough.</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Cobbler. I decided this morning while laying in bed and watching the news, waiting for the weather to come on, that today I will make a blueberry cobbler from a bag of the blueberries in the freezer. These blueberries are from my mama's bush - she keeps me in plenty of frozen blueberries! Would you like my recipe for easy blueberry cobbler? Hmmm, maybe! I'll see if I can get some pics made and share it tomorrow for Tasty Thursday - since I don't have anything else planned anyway!</li>
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</div><ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUAkSvFQo1I/AAAAAAAAHns/QBeVNxO1Ptw/s1600/DSC_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUAkSvFQo1I/AAAAAAAAHns/QBeVNxO1Ptw/s320/DSC_0143.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">White azaleas - Spring 2009</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Enough. Things are kind of tough around here financially right now. But we are working on the situation and taking steps to make things better, and we can see a tiny pinhole of light at the end of the tunnel. But we have enough, and right now . . . enough is PLENTY!</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Each Other. In April, my sweet hubby and I will celebrate the 27th anniversary of the day we met. TWENTY SEVEN YEARS!!! And I knew he was special then, but he proves to me how special he is every single day! He works so hard to make ends meet and make sure we have what we need. And he is my very best friend! I don't know what I would do without him, and am so thankful to God that HE knew we needed to be together and He worked it out so we would meet. Having this wonderful man's love and friendship in my life are such a huge gift!!!</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Spring. It is just around the corner! Okay, so maybe it's not RIGHT around the corner, but it will be here, one day!</li>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUAktTlguvI/AAAAAAAAHnw/s7xhVBsYiAI/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUAktTlguvI/AAAAAAAAHnw/s7xhVBsYiAI/s320/DSC_0021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Honey Perfume Floribunda Rose - Spring, 2009</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And there are many more. Please tell me . . . "What are some of your little gifts today???"</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUAk5nrj7aI/AAAAAAAAHn4/7f-FJO3Mh0Y/s1600/DSC_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUAk5nrj7aI/AAAAAAAAHn4/7f-FJO3Mh0Y/s320/DSC_0028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Double Impatiens Blooms - Spring, 2009</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Be joyful . . . always! Becky</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUAkwSh1koI/AAAAAAAAHn0/yl_TWcq8Fxs/s1600/Daddy+Feeding+Baby+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TUAkwSh1koI/AAAAAAAAHn0/yl_TWcq8Fxs/s320/Daddy+Feeding+Baby+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> Daddy Cardinal feeding baby - Spring, 2009</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Becky Garrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03124407753367247995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1420246450295101683.post-9644899687409435772011-01-25T01:13:00.002-05:002011-01-25T01:13:00.085-05:00Timely Tips on Tuesday! Topic - Reuse, Reuse, Reuse!Now, I'm not greatly involved in the whole green movement, although I do understand it and try my best to use items that aren't harmful to our planet. But I am a practical minded person, and I've always looked for different ways to use (or reuse) products that most people would consider trash! Case in point, my button collection is stored mostly in glass jars from pickles, olives, jelly, etc. that would normally have been thrown away. Another example is my little bucket that once held an oxygen based cleaner, but thanks to a hole cut in the lid, now holds polyfill stuffing and lets me keep it close at hand. <br />
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So today I wanted to share with you three things that normally go into the trash or recycling bin, that in my home will be reused as long as they'll last! Take a peek . . . <br />
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The tall one in center is a creamer container. I couldn't get a decent picture of it alone, so this is what you get I'm afraid! But this is going in the garage, and will be filled with fertilizer so I can sprinkle just as much as I need on plants. It's got a great triangular opening that will allow me to sprinkle as much or as little as I need.<br />
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And then there are these . . . <br />
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Every once in a while my hubby will have a chocolate milk craving and go buy a couple of these full of chocolate milk to ease the craving. I have removed the shrink wrap labels, washed them well, and made sure there is no remaining chocolate milk scent. Because these 16 ounce bottles have such great screw on lids, these babies will be filled almost to the top with drinking water and placed in the freezer. Then, next time we go on a picnic, I'll toss these into our softsided cooler and use them to help keep our sandwiches cool, but then we will also have clean and cold drinking water right there ready and waiting. And I can bring them home, wash and reuse them as long as they last. I have also filled these with lemonade before, and frozen them for a picnic, and that works well, too! (Note: I put bottles of water into the freezer <em><u>without</u></em> their lids until they are frozen solid, and then I place the lids on tightly. This allows for movement of the ice and the air in the bottle without causing bulges or splits on the bottles.)<br />
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And of course I saved the best for last! Take a look at the cute little round bowl in the first picture above. It's a 'side' container from Kentucky Fried Chicken. Hubby brought it home to me the other day after he'd been to KFC for lunch. The picture below is the bottom of the bowl, and it tells the best part of this tale . . . <br />
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That's right! It's reusable, microwave and top shelf dishwasher safe! The bowl holds 1/2 cup (4 ounces) and the lid seals okay - though I wouldn't put anything too liquidy in it if it's going into a lunch bag or backpack for a child! But if you have small ones who take a snack to school or daycare, this would be great for gummies, cheerios, goldfish, cut up veggies and the like. Since we don't have any little ones, I'll probably use this to put some craisins and walnuts in my bag for days when I might need a snack, or may even use it for storing something in my craft room. The options are endless!<br />
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And I have to take off my hat to KFC! This is one great idea!<br />
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So, what great ideas have YOU found for reusing things that would normally go in the trash? Please leave a comment and let me (and everyone else) know what your favorite reusable items are!<br />
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Be joyful always! BeckyBecky Garrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03124407753367247995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1420246450295101683.post-2939840574909060872011-01-24T09:31:00.000-05:002011-01-24T09:31:52.712-05:00A Recent Memory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TT2KNxw7A6I/AAAAAAAAHm8/T2CIFX4xJR8/s1600/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TT2KNxw7A6I/AAAAAAAAHm8/T2CIFX4xJR8/s640/collage.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><br />
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Can it be that it was only two weeks ago today that we woke to find this winter wonderland that is so rare here in northern Georgia? And would you belive that after two weeks, there are still signs of the great snow of 2011 lingering in shady ditches along the roadside, and stacked up in parking lots where the snow was shoveled to make parking possible?<br />
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Two weeks ago today we woke up to snow and ice, and today I woke to temps slightly above freezing and a cloudy sky with tiny peeks of blue and a weak sun trying to push the clouds away. What a difference two weeks makes!<br />
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I am linking up (for my very first time) to <a href="http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/2011/01/mosaic-monday-berries-and-tea.html">Mosaic Monday</a> over at <a href="http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/">Little Red House</a>. Please pay her a visit and check out many other Mosaic Monday posts. <br />
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Be Joyful Always, BeckyBecky Garrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03124407753367247995noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1420246450295101683.post-49025470422424848042011-01-20T10:21:00.000-05:002011-01-20T10:21:40.157-05:00Tasty Thursday - Cottage Pie - A Recipe with a Bonus!I know it's been a while since I posted a recipe on here, and I apologize! The reason is that a couple of friends and I tried an experiment called Aprons Across America, and for a while I was doing all of my recipe sharing over there! But things happen, life gets busy, and my friends and I decided to close up shop over at AAA and move on, so here I am, once again sharing recipes with you! And today I have one of my favorite easy recipes for a one dish meal - ever!<br />
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I have been making what I called Shepherds Pie for a number of years, but it was only as I was doing my homework for this post that I found out that what I've really been making is Cottage Pie, which fits since this is Camellia Cottage anyway, right? Shepherds Pie is a traditionally British dish made from leftover lamb and vegetables and topped with mashed potatoes. Cottage Pie is basically any potato topped meat pie, and since I'm not using lamb, Cottage Pie it is, and I'm good with that, really! And while I know that what I make probably bears very little resemblance to any of the more traditionally made Cottage Pies, we still love it and remains on my list of foods to make over and over again!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><u>Camellia Cottage Pie </u></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">1 pound lean ground beef (chuck or round is best)</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">1 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - divided (I use canola)</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">2-3 cups chopped aromatic veggies (I use 1 1/2 C onons, 3/4 C celery, 3/4 C bell peppers)</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">1 can condensed Cream of Celery soup</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">beef broth or stock</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">1 12 oz bag frozen mixed vegetables (usually has green beans, lima beans, corn, carrots and peas)</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">2 frozen deep dish pie crusts</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">assorted herbs and spices </div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">2-3 cups leftover mashed potatoes - REAL ones, not instant!!!</div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;">Preheat oven to 400 degrees.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In a large skillet, brown ground beef in a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Remove from pan to drain.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Add another tablespoon of oil to pan and add aromatic veggies and a pinch of salt, and cook over medium to medium high heat until the onions are just beginning to get tender, or translucent. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Add frozen mixed veggies and cook until they are thawed, stirring well to make sure the aromatics are mixed in well.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Add can of Cream of Celery soup (if you prefer, you can use Cream of Mushroom soup) and about measure some beef broth into the soup can. Start with about 3/4 of a can, stir everything together well, and check the consistency. It should be creamy with a little bit of soup-y-ness, but not too thin. If necessary, add a bit more broth.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Add your seasonings! I am listing what I typically use, but you use what you like: 3/4 to 1 teaspoon additional salt, 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian herbs, 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon each of Onion Powder and Garlic Powder, 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (we like a tad of warmth, if you don't, leave it out), black pepper to taste.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Once all of this is mixed together well, divide mixture between the two frozen pie crusts. Place them on cookie sheets and put into the 400 degree oven for about 15 - 20 minutes. When the top of the pies are beginning to look a bit dried out, remove them from the oven. Set one of the pies somewhere to cool, and then top the other with mashed potatoes. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TThORhEWZhI/AAAAAAAAHkY/0tGJ7-l2bms/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TThORhEWZhI/AAAAAAAAHkY/0tGJ7-l2bms/s320/DSC_0004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">Before you place the potato topped pie back into the oven, wrap aluminum foil strips around the edges of the pie crust to keep them from burning!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
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Bake at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes, or until bubbling and the potatoes are beginning to turn color. Remove aluminum foil and continue baking until the crust is browned a bit. If you want, you can sprinkle some shredded cheese of your choice over the top of the potatoes at this point. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TThOpF9SSEI/AAAAAAAAHkg/zb5k6gTBu9E/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TThOpF9SSEI/AAAAAAAAHkg/zb5k6gTBu9E/s320/DSC_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Remove the pie from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. This is great with a side salad!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">NOTE: Now for the bonus! This recipe makes two pies, and that is enough for 2-4 people. So if you only need one pie for this meal, take that first pie that you put somewhere to cool, and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then aluminum foil. Label it with name and date, and put it in the freezer! A day or two before you want to eat it, take it out of the freezer and allow to to thaw in the fridge. Make sure you have some leftover mashed potatoes in there, too, and then bake it as above. Whenever I make mashed potatoes I make extras for either this pie or what Mama calls 'potato patties' or potato pancakes, so it's easy to remember as I put away the leftovers, to go get this extra pie out of the freezer! Pie will keep in the freezer for about 3 months or more.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Variations:</div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">Use ground chicken or turkey, and cream of chicken soup instead of celery.</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">Use 2-3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken meat instead of ground meat.</div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As I said, this is one of our favorite one dish meals, and is great for those days when I'm out and about and need to come home and make a good meal. I hope you enjoyed this recipe, and if you have any questions, please feel free to let me know! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Be Joyful Always! Becky</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Becky Garrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03124407753367247995noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1420246450295101683.post-48145118153271198282011-01-13T13:39:00.000-05:002011-01-13T13:39:28.773-05:00Little Things - Straightening Up, My Craft Sewing Box, and A Project!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As I sit here typing this post, I am looking out of my office window onto what normally is an unusual sight, but is becoming more frequent . . . SNOW! This is our second substantial snow since Christmas Day, and we rarely have one per year! On Christmas Day we had about 5 - 6 inches, and this week we've had about 7 - 8 inches!</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It snowed over night on Sunday night, iced over Monday night, and is still here on Thursday. Hubby finally went back to work today and so I am a HAPPY girl! Northern Georgia has pretty much been shut down by this storm, and many of the roads are still impassable. Our low temp here this morning was around 12F, and our high today just might get to the freezing mark! Tomorrow (Friday) may get up to 40, and then after that our temps should regulate a bit so this snow and ice can go away! This is all very unusual for us, so many people were not prepared although they had plenty of warning if they had only watched the news!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">But, because of being pretty much housebound for the last few days, I have crafted a good bit, and yesterday I finally tackled straightening up my work table and rearranging a bit. One thing I'm loving, that was so easy to do was this . . . </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS8vc-sbybI/AAAAAAAAHc4/bFUPX21zq2s/s1600/DSC_0169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS8vc-sbybI/AAAAAAAAHc4/bFUPX21zq2s/s400/DSC_0169.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The wire mesh basket holds the essentials very well! And I don't know if you can tell, but there's a plastic mesh basket in center, a piece of oasis foam holding my Stickles upside down so they will be ready to use, and places for smaller things as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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This is the pincushion my sweet friend, Phyllis made me for Christmas - I'm very proud of this, and it stays right here handy for me!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS8vvtWvjdI/AAAAAAAAHdI/HQnEEX1RWEU/s1600/DSC_0172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS8vvtWvjdI/AAAAAAAAHdI/HQnEEX1RWEU/s320/DSC_0172.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stickles upside down in oasis foam - love this idea!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS8v-kYLzYI/AAAAAAAAHdM/cgl5mA3ChRA/s1600/DSC_0173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS8v-kYLzYI/AAAAAAAAHdM/cgl5mA3ChRA/s400/DSC_0173.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Here you can see what I have in the basket. It works really well as an organizer for the things I want close at hand! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS8wLRFWQ5I/AAAAAAAAHdQ/PyJ0wkAxU9U/s1600/DSC_0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS8wLRFWQ5I/AAAAAAAAHdQ/PyJ0wkAxU9U/s400/DSC_0175.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And here is a closer up view of what is in the old Crystal oatmeal juice glass - my most used small tools!</div><br />
I think I'm really going to enjoy the way I've got these things arranged. I've also straightened up my storage a bit, and kept a couple of boxes EMPTY to put WIP's (works in progress) in when I'm not working on them. <br />
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Another thing I've done is straighten up my "craft" sewing box, and yes, that is different from my sewing stuff! This box is actually a plastic pencil box for children to take to school, and it has a small round compartment on top. I've had this box for at least 10 years, and use it very often! And I think I got my money's worth for this, because I paid about 49 cents for it! Before I got this, I could never find needles or needle threaders, but for some reason this one 'worked'! And I know it's not 'cute', but it's very practical and use-able, so I'm sticking with it. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS8zF7ucPpI/AAAAAAAAHdU/Uz5bU3w3NtU/s1600/DSC_0168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS8zF7ucPpI/AAAAAAAAHdU/Uz5bU3w3NtU/s400/DSC_0168.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For years I've kept a denim tote bag filled with crafting things that I can grab on the run, and called it my "hospital bag". It's where I kept bits of fabric, felt, embroidery floss, needles, thread, small scissors, etc. that I could take to work on projects when in waiting rooms or hospital rooms - usually with my dad. This little box has been with me through a lot! And here is a little breakdown of what I keep inside:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS8zQHM7DuI/AAAAAAAAHdY/mjQNv6YCf14/s1600/DSC_0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS8zQHM7DuI/AAAAAAAAHdY/mjQNv6YCf14/s320/DSC_0176.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Bits of fabric already cut to make yoyos . . . <br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS8znXBaQEI/AAAAAAAAHdg/SxhbICjUyLc/s1600/DSC_0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS8znXBaQEI/AAAAAAAAHdg/SxhbICjUyLc/s320/DSC_0178.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Yoyo 'templates' or circles cut in 3" to 6" in 1/2" increments . . . <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS8zpB30DcI/AAAAAAAAHdk/u_7NM74KNOI/s1600/DSC_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS8zpB30DcI/AAAAAAAAHdk/u_7NM74KNOI/s320/DSC_0180.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Button and craft thread. It's a bit heavier duty than regular thread, and works great in craft projects. I have white, beige, brown, black, and red. It comes in a few other colors, and I hope to get the rest of them eventually. It is on the same racks as the regular thread in your fabric store.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS8z2CuNXdI/AAAAAAAAHdo/F1D0S-rT9gM/s1600/DSC_0181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS8z2CuNXdI/AAAAAAAAHdo/F1D0S-rT9gM/s320/DSC_0181.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Needles. Somehow I have amassed quite a collection over the years. Some I've bought, some have been in boxes of stuff I've bought at yard sales, and this little round red box . . . <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS8z7KWDKUI/AAAAAAAAHds/1HgI1f5VRIs/s1600/DSC_0182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS8z7KWDKUI/AAAAAAAAHds/1HgI1f5VRIs/s320/DSC_0182.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
. . . was in the drawer of a cabinet I inherited from my paternal grandmother - Mama Cliffee.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS80Dh2eT2I/AAAAAAAAHdw/gvZtwU0FVkQ/s1600/DSC_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS80Dh2eT2I/AAAAAAAAHdw/gvZtwU0FVkQ/s320/DSC_0183.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My eyeglass repair kit! I keep it in here because I always know where it is!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS80PM3t18I/AAAAAAAAHd0/07CXNzqWkD4/s1600/DSC_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS80PM3t18I/AAAAAAAAHd0/07CXNzqWkD4/s320/DSC_0184.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>And this is what I keep in the little round compartment on top . . . <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS80YGiHG5I/AAAAAAAAHd4/WMJOvi892CM/s1600/DSC_0185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS80YGiHG5I/AAAAAAAAHd4/WMJOvi892CM/s320/DSC_0185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
. . . needle threaders - I've had that one on far left for at least as long as I've had the box!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS80igYRxTI/AAAAAAAAHd8/UKZE9QMyETc/s1600/DSC_0186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS80igYRxTI/AAAAAAAAHd8/UKZE9QMyETc/s320/DSC_0186.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And my new 'needle keep' that I just made this morning! For years (8-10 maybe?) I've used this piece of felt, and it has worked well, but it's downright ugly! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS80rbtG27I/AAAAAAAAHeA/e96sINd1BM4/s1600/DSC_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS80rbtG27I/AAAAAAAAHeA/e96sINd1BM4/s320/DSC_0187.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>If you look closely you can see the marks where needles have been stuck through the felt. I just rolled it up . . . <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS802ECcO-I/AAAAAAAAHeE/yHA7GB0N7Z0/s1600/DSC_0189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS802ECcO-I/AAAAAAAAHeE/yHA7GB0N7Z0/s320/DSC_0189.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
and stuck a quilters pin in to keep it secured. But to be honest, after all these years it's gotten kind of thin, so I decided it was time for something new! Here's what I came up with . . . <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS86Eonr5II/AAAAAAAAHeI/J92SQXzKu0A/s1600/DSC_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS86Eonr5II/AAAAAAAAHeI/J92SQXzKu0A/s320/DSC_0190.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It's made of a soft cream flannel with a little deeper floral print, and it ties with a cream satin ribbon.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS86U0PSfzI/AAAAAAAAHeM/sCeIInEdotI/s1600/DSC_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS86U0PSfzI/AAAAAAAAHeM/sCeIInEdotI/s320/DSC_0191.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This (above) is the back side . . . <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS86jJH9WcI/AAAAAAAAHeQ/FDXFlYu7TvM/s1600/DSC_0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS86jJH9WcI/AAAAAAAAHeQ/FDXFlYu7TvM/s320/DSC_0192.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And the one above is the inside. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS86uCPSCGI/AAAAAAAAHeU/QO0D6JJh-2Q/s1600/DSC_0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS86uCPSCGI/AAAAAAAAHeU/QO0D6JJh-2Q/s320/DSC_0193.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
When I have a good bit of thread left on a needle after a project, I wrap it around the needle so it's ready for the next time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS866ePhr8I/AAAAAAAAHeY/tJMPo-CC9gc/s1600/DSC_0195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS866ePhr8I/AAAAAAAAHeY/tJMPo-CC9gc/s320/DSC_0195.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Here (above) you can see how the ribbon is loose on 3/4 of the flannel so when you roll up the 'keep' the ribbon doesn't roll with you!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS86-VHh-2I/AAAAAAAAHec/uDwrJPeDmZ0/s1600/DSC_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS86-VHh-2I/AAAAAAAAHec/uDwrJPeDmZ0/s320/DSC_0196.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
You simply start rolling from the end . . . <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS87BST_PxI/AAAAAAAAHeg/3UO6tu132zc/s1600/DSC_0197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS87BST_PxI/AAAAAAAAHeg/3UO6tu132zc/s320/DSC_0197.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
and roll until you reach where the ribbon is attached . . . <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS87HeBBJnI/AAAAAAAAHek/dNQZMAzXpfM/s1600/DSC_0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS87HeBBJnI/AAAAAAAAHek/dNQZMAzXpfM/s320/DSC_0198.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And roll it the rest of the way and tie it in a bow. Very simple, and it's only about 2 1/2" wide by about 3/4" thick after it's rolled up.<br />
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Do you like my felt needle keep??? Want one for your own??? I'd love to make one just for you, with your initials sewn into the fabric!You can choose from these flannels . . . <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS87Sem258I/AAAAAAAAHeo/6N_Y_J9s0S4/s1600/DSC_0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS87Sem258I/AAAAAAAAHeo/6N_Y_J9s0S4/s320/DSC_0199.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The cream floral like mine, or the pink poodle . . . <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS87dDKJ7XI/AAAAAAAAHes/OEMfGcnePyM/s1600/DSC_0200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS87dDKJ7XI/AAAAAAAAHes/OEMfGcnePyM/s320/DSC_0200.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
or the baby blue or baby pink . . . <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS87qUVmUMI/AAAAAAAAHew/WWtTsXLAOoc/s1600/DSC_0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS87qUVmUMI/AAAAAAAAHew/WWtTsXLAOoc/s320/DSC_0202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
or the VINTAGE (at least 30 years old) pink gingham . . . <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS87zhdDl8I/AAAAAAAAHe0/umqe_hB6Kx8/s1600/DSC_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS87zhdDl8I/AAAAAAAAHe0/umqe_hB6Kx8/s320/DSC_0203.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
or the baby yellow . . . <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS87-rtc17I/AAAAAAAAHe4/tOMUAmeFrlg/s1600/DSC_0204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS87-rtc17I/AAAAAAAAHe4/tOMUAmeFrlg/s320/DSC_0204.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">or the VINTAGE (at least 30 years old) red, black and white bandana print . . . </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS88MouGKwI/AAAAAAAAHe8/ZbAScQ0z1Zc/s1600/DSC_0205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TS88MouGKwI/AAAAAAAAHe8/ZbAScQ0z1Zc/s320/DSC_0205.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
If you would like one of your own, simply <a href="mailto:lifeatcamelliacottage@gmail.com">email me here</a> and let me know which fabric you want, and what initials you want on the outside, and I'll make one for you! The cost is $5.00 each, plus $2.00 for shipping, or a total of $7.00 total. If you order more than one, I'll do 2 for $12 or 3 for $17 including shipping. If you have a paypal account I will send you an invoice, but if not I will give you the address where you can send the money. As soon as payment is received I will get to work making your very own needle keep!<br />
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Thanks so much for visiting me today! The ground may be covered with snow and ice, but the sun is shining in my window and warming up my little studio room! I just love these days! Be Joyful!!! BeckyBecky Garrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03124407753367247995noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1420246450295101683.post-25586291389264136692011-01-09T00:12:00.001-05:002011-01-09T00:12:00.507-05:00Winners . . . and Word of the Week!Before we get to the Word of the Week, I wanted to announce the winners of my "Little Gifts" giveaway! There were only two entries - Val @ <a href="http://lifeslittlegarden.blogspot.com/">Life's Little Garden</a> entered here on the blog, and I'm so excited to send the goodies pictured in the last post to Val! We have been blogging friends for probably close to 2 years, and though we only live a couple of hours (or less) apart, have yet to meet, so I really hope she enjoys her goodies! And my friend Sue, who entered on Facebook. Sue and I have known each other for probably 6 months or so, and she's coming to my house for a gathering in a few weeks, so I'll save her goodies (similar to the ones in the picture) until I see her here. Congratulations, Ladies!!!<br />
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And now, for my word of the week for January 9 - 15, 2011 . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TSkRi8_vBDI/AAAAAAAAHbg/mxO7X5KDAUY/s1600/bluebird+in+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TSkRi8_vBDI/AAAAAAAAHbg/mxO7X5KDAUY/s400/bluebird+in+hat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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With this word I'm trying to motivate myself into action! I have a couple of friends, Sue (above) and Phyllis for coffee, crafts and another little project that I hope to share more with about soon! We are very excited about the possibilities; and that's all I'll say right now! Anyway, I've got to get my house in order, cleaned, polished and shined - at least on the inside - before they come, so my word for this week, and maybe next week is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>determined.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
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If you would like to join me by choosing your own word, posting it on your blog, along with the button (right hand sidebar), please link up here, and thank you!<br />
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Be Joyful, Friends!!!<br />
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</span></div>Becky Garrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03124407753367247995noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1420246450295101683.post-7265041827058707152011-01-06T14:52:00.001-05:002011-01-06T15:04:30.660-05:00Signs of hope + Little Gifts = a heart filled with gratitude and joy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Do you ever have 'those days'? You know the ones, the days that no matter how hard you try to get down in the dumps, God just blows your socks off of you with his little gifts that fill you with joy and before you know it you are just 'whistling a happy tune'???<br />
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As I've told you before, times are tough around here, and today we had a little 'burp' in our attempts to make things better. Nothing major, just a little blip that will eventually be worked out and we'll move on! Well, this morning (late morning) I was on the phone with my aunt - my daddy's youngest sister who is only a few years older than I am - and we were catching up on what had been going on since we last chatted, and I turned to look out the window and there on the deck rail, not 3 feet from the window, was a gorgeous male Eastern Bluebird!!! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TSYKf6hbayI/AAAAAAAAHZk/QsId8eRULEk/s1600/bluebird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TSYKf6hbayI/AAAAAAAAHZk/QsId8eRULEk/s320/bluebird.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Now bluebirds rarely visit my feeders, but this one was perfect and absolutely beautiful and he just sat there on the deck rail looking in the window at me for . . . ummmmm . . . probably a good 1 1/2 to 2 minutes! And yes, he could have been seeing his own reflection in the window, but I choose to believe he was looking at me! And seeing that little fellow, looking so healthy and happy and sitting there for so long just made me feel happier and more hopeful! His short visit was a gift to me, and how could that NOT make you happy! He reminded me that it's going to be okay! We will survive and we will carry on and we WILL be just fine!<br />
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Then I noticed several pine warblers out there, fighting over my one suet cake (Reminder to self: add suet cakes to the grocery list!) They would fight over the 1 cake, and then one of the warblers would come over to the empty suet cake holder and look confused as to why there was no suet in there! They are such pretty birds! They are kind of an olive/yellow/green, and small and feisty - and I like feisty!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TSYS4_vdZzI/AAAAAAAAHZo/Ynv0Y-wHwbY/s1600/pine+warbler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TSYS4_vdZzI/AAAAAAAAHZo/Ynv0Y-wHwbY/s320/pine+warbler.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Watching them just made me plain happy!!! Have I told you lately how much I enjoy 'my' birds? They really are so much fun to watch! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, just a little while later I was on the phone with hubby and we were talking about the 'little burp' and what we were going to do about it and I looked out the window again and there was a goldfinch on the 'regular' feeder! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Note: I have been trying for MONTHS to get the goldfinches to come back to my feeders, but they have been avoiding me like the plague! I knew they were out there, because they have a unique 'chatter' and I could even talk to them in their language and they would talk back, but wouldn't come to my feeders!) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Well, the other day the squirrels destroyed another one of my feeders - a small one that I had hanging on a hook with suction cups attached to my office window, so I brought the little finch feeder from the front yard, dumped out 'yet another' pile of un-eaten thistle seed and refilled the feeder, and hung it on the hook on the window. That was about 4 days ago. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TSYS8fDf_EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dCVM2lFjJNw/s1600/goldfinch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TSYS8fDf_EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dCVM2lFjJNw/s1600/goldfinch.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">But this afternoon, as I sat in here talking to hubby, I watched that little booger just land on the finch feeder and eat away! And he came back later and brought a friend with him! And that made me VERY happy!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">So I got to thinking about all the 'little gifts' that we receive each day that we don't even acknowledge as gifts! I mean think about it:</div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">a day when the sun shines</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">a day when rain soaks the earth in a soft gentle rain</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">a day when there's not ONE bill in the mailbox</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">a day when a friend you haven't heard from in a long time calls out of the blue</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">a moment when the sunset (or sunrise) is so gorgeous that you get a lump in your throat</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">a child who out of the blue looks up and says "I love you, Mommy" (or grandma, etc.)</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">a complete stranger who holds the door for you and smiles as he/she does it</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">a complete stranger who motions for you to go ahead of him at the stop sign</div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">and on and on and on! There are SO VERY MANY little gifts that we don't acknowledge and accept and feel gratitude for that it makes me almost sick just thinking about it! And I'm talking about myself here, folks!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">So here's what I'm going to do! I'm going to give a 'little gift' to one of you! And it's really little, but I think for someone it will bring a smile to their face and maybe they can pass that smile on to someone else and who knows how far that one smile could go!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The giveaway is a set of four of my sweet valentines tags made from images of vintage valentine cards, with envelopes . . . </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TSYXHpZ1phI/AAAAAAAAHZ4/6QmyAmWB1fI/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TSYXHpZ1phI/AAAAAAAAHZ4/6QmyAmWB1fI/s320/DSC_0042.JPG" width="242" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"> . . . this cute Valentines heart pin that I made from felt, embroidery floss and a few beads . . . </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TSYXTL1-0CI/AAAAAAAAHaA/fml8_pOl-A4/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TSYXTL1-0CI/AAAAAAAAHaA/fml8_pOl-A4/s320/DSC_0045.JPG" width="314" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">. . . and a dozen #5 manilla tags for you to use in making your own projects . . . </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TSYXX0aOcUI/AAAAAAAAHaE/EDoYTn2h0Lg/s1600/DSC_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g5_QCwkoiBA/TSYXX0aOcUI/AAAAAAAAHaE/EDoYTn2h0Lg/s320/DSC_0047.JPG" width="211" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">But there is a catch! You have to pay it forward! That little smile you'll get as you open the envelope, you have to give that smile to someone else! Now, you can do that by sending one of the Valentines on to a friend or relative. Or you can do it by picking up the phone and calling a friend you haven't talked to in a while, or you can do it by making cookies and taking a plate full to a neighbor you haven't seen in or a while, or haven't even met yet!!! It doesn't matter WHAT you do, as long as you give a 'little gift' to someone else that makes them smile!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, how do you win???</div><ol><li><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">leave me a comment here telling me what your favorite 'little gift' has been so far this year! (Make sure you leave me an email address or way to contact you if you win!!!)</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">post this on your blog and then leave me another comment. I'm going to post a button in a few minutes, so you can use that if you'd like, but you MUST leave me another comment.</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">for my facebook friends (and no, I'm not giving the blogoverse my Facebook ID!!!) you can leave me a comment on the post about this blog post, answering this question "what has your favorite 'little gift' been so far this year?' and I'll put you in the pot of names to be drawn from.</div></li>
</ol><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">And that is it!!! And I will pick a winner on Saturday 1/8 and get the goodies into the mail on Monday!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">So let's get going, trying to make someone smile! It really is the little gifts that make us smile, now isn't it!!! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Be Joyful! Becky</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">* this is part of my focus for 2011 - to live life to it's fullest, be more grateful, and have a joyful heart. Give it a try!!!</span></div>Becky Garrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03124407753367247995noreply@blogger.com3