Simple Subtleties

Party Idea

2012-02-11T01:48:00.000-06:00

My son and his wife moved to Alaska on Sunday so I threw them a Bon Voyage Party. I thought this was a great idea and I wanted to share it. (You could really do it for about any theme and for any type party). I googled Alaska photos and hit Images so all that came up were thumbnails. Then I printed them. Came to 10 pages with about 25 per page, give or take a few. You cut out the one's you really like and glue them together with a toothpick in the middle. This gives you a photo for the front and back and you just poke them into cup cakes, cake or whatever else you can create.

Please share with a link to my blog and happy partying!

It's been awhile

2012-02-08T07:23:00.000-06:00

I admit, I have been in Blogger depression. Last year was a TOUGH year to say the least. It had it's grand moments but it was filled with a lot of personal heartache as well. Change is hard and things changed in 2011.

Just as a recap, I quit my job of 18 years to help de-stress my life. It was a very hard decision but one I have not regretted. I now work for a smaller veterinary hospital that is closer to my home, less hours and much less stress! My last job did throw me the greatest going away part ever. The theme was "anything but a going away party". It was really fun and something I will never forget.

I lost two pets last year. Both were almost to the age of 18! My little cat Missy and my dog Valentine. Valentine's pictures have been all over this blog and so it made it especially difficult to want to post anything without really feeling sad. Time has a way of healing a heart that is amazing, that's all I will say about that.

My step brother took his life last year. I can't even describe the pain that caused my family. The question why? still remains on my lips every time of think of it. Such a waste of a wonderful life. He was an amazing person with so much life left to live and so much to live for. I think suicide is so hard to understand. I wish we could of helped him through the darkness in which he was living. His two teenage kids need prayers now and always to help them endure "this" forever.

My oldest son got married and I LOVE my daughter in law. I have prayed for her since my son was little. I heard Dr. Randy Carlson talk of doing that- praying for your future daughter/son in laws & I'm so glad I did! They just moved to Alaska for jobs! wow. I have kept their little dog Ruby for them until they can take her or until they return. She has been so much fun (although my cat Ali would disagree!) She is a good poser too. Her is a recent picture I took of her. Isn't she a beauty? You know how they say the first year of marriage is paper and the 2nd cotton and so on up to 25 is silver and 50 is gold. Well, if you have a dog you can have your Poochie years, Buddy years, your Duke years and your Valentine years and your Ruby years. Don't they sound like happy years? How could a marriage ever go wrong if you look it dog-wise?!

Here is hoping I can do a much better job with this blog of mine in 2012. Thanks for visiting & God Bless!

Pet Peeves

2011-10-22T07:20:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was shopping and made a purchase that came to $8.48 cents. I handed the cashier a twenty and I told her I had the change. Within a few SECONDS I was trying to hand her my change and she was handing me back $11.52 and telling me she already made change. I told her, "I guess you didn't hear me" to which she replied, "I'm just trying to be speedy". Really?! It angered me a little bit like road rage! I really didn't understand why I got so mad but it was very irritating. If I would of paid with a credit card it would of taken longer yet she couldn't seem to wait for me to count out 48 cents? Seems that the greater percentage of young people today do not even know how to make change. I can't tell you how many times I try to give them a penny so I won't get 9 cents back off some change and they will say, "oh, I already put it in (meaning the cash register)". wow.

Okay, while I'm venting out of frustration, here's another one. Who leaves their cart in the parking lot next to other people's cars? I have seen people do this that are parked less than 2 spots away from a cart corral. Lazy or what?! I watched this family of 6, with kids all over what looked like the age of 7 and above. They load up their SUV and then leave this cart next to this person's red car! What a fine example they are setting for their children. #1 to be lazy, #2 to not respect other people's property. When my husband came out and I told him about it he told me he thinks that was the same people who ate inside the store and then laid all their trash on the floor and told their kids that someone was getting paid to pick it up. Crazy people! I bet they are the same family that leaves their dogs in the car on hot day too!

I'm done. Sorry. I feel much better having voiced my frustration!

My son is getting married.

2011-09-08T07:02:00.002-05:00

I am happy and excited to say that my oldest child is getting married! He has found a wonderful girl too. I have been inspired to start painting. I will post my recent paintings soon.

A Change is Coming

2011-07-22T06:52:00.000-05:00

I know I have made some personal changes lately by leaving my job of 18 years. But, even with that being said I just feel that things are about to get very different. For starters, I lost my cat and my dog and now only have one pet left...Ali, my cat. Then at my new job the practice manager who was also the doctor's wife (they co-owned their vet clinic) died suddenly. I hardly had a chance to know her. My son picked up and moved to Texas for a girl and they are already talking marriage. My mother in law has been having chest pains and although everything checked out okay, she still has a stress test to do which I think will be a miracle if she passes that. I'm taking a dear friend of mine to see an oncologist today. She has 5 kids and just found out she has multiple tumors on her ovaries.

I don't know if it's all the loss lately but I just feel like I have been so lucky to have not had a lot of that in my life in the past and maybe my luck has run out a bit. I know better than to worry, it's just a feeling things are changing, and will continue to change. God, does indeed, work in mysterious ways.

How I am

2011-07-13T19:26:00.000-05:00

Today is Wednesday. It is my day off. I'm missing Valentine as we would spend much of the day together. Yesterday I broke down sobbing because I dropped a cheese ball on the floor! Val would of got that. Those things make me sad as corny as they sound. I have decided to make a photo book of her for myself and each one of my kids. Just going through ALL the pictures has made me feel better. She had to have been the most photographed dog ever! I wish I was creative enough to write a book about her to share with the world- she was one that should be shared with the world, I know that.

I appreciate all the thoughts and prayers that have been sent our way. Jim and I feel so blessed to #1- have had her for so long and #2 to have such great friends and family that truely understand our pain.

Good-Bye Valentine

2011-07-09T18:06:00.000-05:00

My best little Valentine went to heaven tonight. She was 17 years & 7 months & 9 days old. We were very blessed to have her in our lives as long as we did. She will leave a void in our home and hearts.

I started painting again.

2011-07-06T10:27:00.002-05:00

New Mommy Charms! My latest creation:

2011-06-22T08:50:00.000-05:00

What makes my charms so different than others out there? Well for starters, the pearl is the baby's birthstone. The tissue paper behind the pooh quote is from his baby shower gift packaging. The sparkly paper behind Thurman & behind the baby's photo is from a gift sack from the baby shower AND the initials TJ are stamped onto a section of white ribbon from yet another shower gift! I also hand twisted wire for the tops of the charms for a prettier look.

Keepsakes forever! If your interested in having me create something like this for you or someone you know please send me a message in my Etsy shop: Simple Subtleties

My Life- wow!

2011-06-20T20:15:00.000-05:00

I was just looking through my photos trying to find a picture and remembered that I did a blog story using said photo. So I went to Picasa where all blogger photos live (if you don't know it and you delete your Picasa pictures from your blogger folder you will be deleting them from your blog as well! Blogger beware!)

Anyway, to get back on track....I opened the folder and began to scan down the NUMEROUS photos that I have uploaded to this blog and it really kinda hit me. *Sigh* Memories *Sigh* What a wonderful life I am living! I don't even remember all the stories but I loved looking through the photos and it made me feel inspired and really quite proud of my life's journey.

I have since quit my job of 18 years and began a new job, still as a registered veterinary technician but without all the stress and stress and stress (did I mention stress?!). I can not even tell you what a difference it has made in my life. I feel free. In fact, I'm working less hours so I am more free!

I hope to get to where I can make more of a living with my photos and my art. It all takes time, energy and inspiration and I feel like I'm getting there. Stay tuned. my blog has suffered as a result of being in a rut and now that I've found my way out of that I hope to keep this journey going.

I have to share my latest picture of my grandson. I have been spending more time with Colton and I love this photo. He is getting big!

Life Changes

2011-05-03T19:17:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the measly post lately. I have not deducted much time to my blog and it shows. I hope to do better as I really hope to have more time.

I've worked for the same Veterinarian for 18 years and I have given my notice. I'm ready to simplify my life. I want less stress, something part time and closer to home. I want to have the time and the energy to walk and exercise more, I want to be able to help out with my grandson more so my step daughter can work and get on top of her bills better. I want to take pictures and promote them. I have a goal to have a gallery showing within one year. I have NO clue how to do that so if your reading my blog and have some advise for me I would truly welcome it.

In the meantime I'm taking a short vacation/CE in Washington D.C. Going there is one thing on my Bucket List I can cross off. I'm super excited and hope for an amazing time. My mom and step dad and husband will be going with me as well. I hope to post a few pics when I get back. Until then, happy May!

sale·sale·sale

2011-04-08T08:02:00.000-05:00

Thank you for a fun first year! I'm having a 25% off sale in celebration of my 1 year anniversary of having my own Etsy store!

Click on this link to take you to the Etsy on Sale page for my store Simple Subtleties or click:
http://www.etsyonsale.com/shop/simplesubtleties

Changes

2011-04-04T19:42:00.000-05:00

I'm unsure what I want to do with my Etsy store. I have been contemplating getting rid of anything and everything that does not have to do with photos, photography or art. I'm just bored and my sales have slowed down and honestly, I love taking pictures and I have sooooo many that if I spent the time on them I could post them for sale. My shop's one year anniversary is coming up April 15. I think I may have a big sale to get rid of some stock. I'll keep you posted!

My latest Etsy creation

2011-02-26T08:14:00.000-06:00

Check out my Etsy Store Simple Subtleties for this latest creation:

R.I.P. Little Missy

2011-02-22T14:09:00.000-06:00

Almost 18 years ago my husband and I were visiting my sister Debbie. She had this little tiny black kitten that had been rescued from inside a barn wall. It needed a home. The kitten was too young to be away from her mother but was eating wet food for my sister by "nursing" it. That, by the way, made a huge mess as she would cover all her feet as she kneaded it and face as she sucked the wet food!

There was a small boy in the home that would pick this kitten up by her little tail and just really had no compassion at all for handling the little thing. My husband who has never wanted "inside" pets took pity on it and told me I could take her home. I told him I didn't want her unless she could be an inside cat. After about 10 more minutes of watching this little boy mishandle her he gave in and we owned a cat!

We named her Little Missy because she was so tiny. She has been a great pet over the years. She always slept in bed with me and my husband for about the first 5 years we had her. Then I crazily brought home another kitten for the kids at Christmas time. She resented that very much and held a grudge. She absolutely hated Ali and never got over the fact that we got another cat. He would bully her like crazy too so that didn't help their relationship any. She left my bedroom and began sleeping with my oldest son Cory. She was Cory's cat for the next 10 years. Then he moved out for college and she moved in to the next oldest child's room, our daughter Brandi. She wouldn't even sleep with Cory when he came back for weekends or holidays. Like I said, she could hold a grudge. Brandi was only a year younger than Cory so when she moved out Missy moved on to James our youngest son. She slept with him until he moved his bedroom to the basement and then the only reason she didn't still sleep with him is because we kept the basement door closed so the cats couldn't get down there. This forced her to become my cat again.

I have to admit, I missed her little tiny feet on my face. She loved to stretch out and touch your face lovingly as she snuggled with you. She was really a smart cat too. We would not allow her on the table or kitchen counter tops. She would sit at the dinner table with us when she was younger and sit up with her front feet on the table and wait for crumbs. If someone dropped something near her she would paw it off into the chair and eat it. Once she got a urinary tract infection. I had no idea she was sick with it as cat litter tends to hide the color of their urine. She jumped up into the sink one morning while I was getting ready for work and began peeing in the sink right in front of me! At first, I was like, "OMG are you peeing?!" Then I realized it was bloody and understood she was trying to tell me something was wrong. She was never mean, although once we had a friend of ours house sit for us and when she came over to feed the cats Missy jump on her leg and held on attacking her. I still chuckle at the thought of this, our little Missy, so brave. As she got older she got arthritis and began using the doggie steps to get on and off our bed, I highly recommend them to anyone with older pets in the home.

I wish she would of just got old and passed away but she got sick. It really broke my heart today to have to put this little gal to sleep. I cuddled the morning away with her and said my good-byes. I hated to take her to the vet. She hated that place and even when she was healthy would make herself sick after each vet visit. She would just get so stressed out. I work there and I would have to get the leather gloves out to handle my own cat at times because she just turned into this devil cat at the vet! I have to say, the thought of smothering her with a pillow to end her suffering and not cause any further stress with a vet visit crossed my mind. In the end, we made the drive. I waited while they placed a i.v. catheter for the euthanasia solution to pass through. Maybe I should of stayed with her but I just thought things would go better if I was not there to make anyone nervous. She was bad for that and they had to use a little gas anesthesia to get her to hold still. I don't know if she would of been calmer with me present or not at that point. She was struggling to breath and restraining her for a catheter would not of been something she wanted to deal with. They brought her back to me still half out of it from the anesthesia so I held her until she was feeling back to normal.

We talked. I told her who to look up when she got to heaven and to wait for me. Then the doctor came in and gave her the injection thru the i.v. catheter port. This went peacefully and she died in my arms. I left her there to be cremated and I'll get her cremains back in a week or so. I will get a little kitty urn to put them in and sit them somewhere sunny.

It was a very sad day and hard to say good bye to such a part of our family. I just wanted to write something to help my heart heal and to let the world know what a blessing this little creature was to our lives.

Rubbish

2011-02-11T07:17:00.000-06:00

I've been thinking lately about simplifying my life. I have a lot of crap. I'm not a hoarder....yet. But close. I have begun to post some vintage items on my Etsy store just to clear out. Things are nice but memories are better and I have decided to sell many of my things in the hopes of going to France.

I like the things I have that have a memory attached to them. Like my Grandma's cow cookie jar. It's not really my Grandma's but the act of love my mother went through to get it for me is unbelievable and now it means more to me than the my Grandma's would at this point.

My big problem is I love to go rubbish collecting. I even love to say the word. Rubbish. It's such a fun word and just rolls off my lips. Maybe it's my English heritage. I can't get enough of auctions, garage sales, junk stores, etc. I think the memories I have of junk collecting rank right up there with some of my best times. Maybe because I'm never alone in the act. My friends or family seem to enjoy it almost as much as I do.

Even as a young girl, my best friend and I used to go into vacant old homes and see what was left behind. We would scour the local dump for things we didn't consider "trash" but someone threw out. We had a ball! Who at age 8 has an antique collection?! Too bad we didn't keep our stuff from back then! Maybe it would be worth some whopping number and I wouldn't have to get rid of all my rubbish to fund a trip to France after all. Then again, my point of simplifying would never happen either. Oh rubbish!

Latest Creation

2011-01-30T11:21:00.000-06:00

This sold before I could post it to my Etsy store but I wanted to share.

Further proof my cats love me....

2011-01-23T15:06:00.000-06:00

Today I found this little tuft of hair shaped like a heart made of cat hair. Kinda gross, yet kinda sweet, wouldn't you say? This is a photo of the front and back. How long do you think it took them to make that for me? Long hours, up late into the night I suppose.....

Snow and Train Whistles

2011-01-22T07:49:00.003-06:00

This morning I was awoken by my little dog like every morning. Actually it was the 3rd time she had gotten me out of bed to let her out. I joke that she is wearing me down to take me with her when she goes to heaven someday. It was after I was up this 3rd and final time that I realized there was the sound of the train whistle in the far distance and the beautiful blanket of snow on the ground. We have had several inches (now starting to look like a few feet) of snow for days now, but this morning was the first time that I really took in all the peace and beauty it holds. Snow is wonderful if you don't have to be out in it. There is something soothing about a train whistle also. Snow and the train whistle just kind of go together well. That is, if you don't live right next to the RR tracks. We did when we first got married. I swear it took YEARS off my life. The train would come through town and BLAIR that horn and sometimes I would hop up on the bed (actually on the mattress, thinking I was on the floor) ready to run. My husband always woke up in the nik of time and said, "Stacey, your standing up in bed, lay down before you get hurt". The train would torment me like this at least 3-4 times a night.

I would just like to state for the record....if I die from heart disease it will be the trains fault.

Random Facts about Me

2011-01-21T08:28:00.001-06:00

I love to sleep with the windows open and the fan on. Nothing is better than a cool breeze.

I cry when I'm angry

I collect.

I like to learn and try new things.

Shopping has always been a form of therapy for me.

I have faith in God.

I'm allergic to penicillin and codeine

My head spins all the time with ideas.

I love to travel.

I miss riding in the back of a pick up truck.

My dogs have been Buddy, Poochie, Duke and Valentine

I wanted to be a teacher or a veterinarian.

I am a Registered Veterinary Technician.

I don't feel my age.

I really like pie crust.

I worry about my children.

I'm deeply in love with my husband.

I like to fish (but don't like baiting my hook or taking the fish off)

I'm drawn to water.

I have trouble staying up late.

I get my feelings hurt easily.

I was a single mom for 6 years.

I loved school and still have many friends from those days.

I have NEVER liked liver or onions

I love history and antiques

I am the family historian

I take a ton of photographs

I've had a crush on Clint Eastwood since 2nd grade.

I want to be a world traveler!

I wish I was a cowgirl

I have really ugly feet

My cats have been Sebastian, Benji, Lamar, Missy, and Ali

I want to move one more time in my lifetime.

I think snow is pretty to look at but I don't like to be out in it.

I have pretty handwriting (which I get from my mom)

Getting So Big!

2011-01-15T06:55:00.000-06:00

I love being a Grandma! Colton is so funny at this age. He is still not walking but climbing everything. Climbed out of his crib already! What does that say about a child? They climb before they walk?

I'm ready for him to start saying real words so I can repeat those cute little sayings that come out of the mouths of babes.

Check out my interview!

2011-01-12T21:30:00.000-06:00

I think this lady's blog will really take off! She is very professional and organized with great ideas. Here is a link to my interview on her blog.
http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/2011/01/our-first-spotlight-of-mommy-monday.html

How the year is going so far....

2011-01-09T07:01:00.000-06:00

Here we are already mid-January 2011 and this is my life so far.

Working ALOT, too much really! Between my full time job as a Registered Veterinary Technician/Manager and my Etsy store http://www.etsy.com/shop/simplesubtleties and just keeping the house clean (well, picked-up) I feel like I'm moving constantly! We have been fairly busy at work too which is unusual for winter so I should consider myself lucky. At least I am employed at a stable business.
I'm day 9 now without my usual caffeine. I decided to get rid of it and honestly, I do feel better. Not as achy. I had a headache for 3 straight days when I stopped! That stuff can't be good for us! I still crave an occasional soda or tea but I am doing well and saving money. I don't really want the non-caffeine drinks as much so I'm not buying one every morning on my way to work. Saving about a $1 per day so far.
My oldest son talked to me about moving back home. We love having an empty nest. Our kids are 25,24,21. I told him there would be some ground rules AND that I would want a plan, and a date of when he would be moving out. Like 3 months or 6 months. He didn't like all this and got defensive and said, "There are other people I can live with". I just calmly said, "Well Okay then." He needs to start acting like a grown up. Right now, it's still all about the party. Honestly, these days, he makes me crazy.
I've been babysitting my 16 month old grandson on almost all my free time off. He is still not walking or talking but he was a late crawler too. I have a ton of fun with him. He is kissing now and you know Grandma loves that!
Found out I am taking wedding photographs in April. I really HATE taking wedding photographs. I guess because I don't feel like I am the best with a camera when it comes to important action shots. I can get some great shots when I'm playing around or of staged things like senior pics, engagement, etc. It's those "moment" pictures that people count on that scare the hell out of me. What if I miss the kiss? Then what? What if I lose all the pictures before they get their copies? Too many what if's. It's family so I feel forced into it, which actually I was...I told them no several times and they kept saying you will do fine and you will save them so much money and they just pretended I never said no. I should learn to be more assertive in 2011.
Speaking of photography I really, really want to raise the money and go on this trip. http://www.jimzuckerman.com/blog/white-horses-of-the-camargue-photo-shoot-france-april-2012 It looks amazing! It is also very expensive (for my budget but I don't think for what your getting). I have a year. Maybe if my Etsy shop does SUPER DUPER well? There is always hope. :)
In Missouri we are having a mild winter. It's cold but no snow or rain really. This winter does not seem as depressing as last winter at least! 68 days till spring I think.
Jim and I have seen 2 movies this year. Tron and The Fighter. I really like The Fighter but sometimes it was hard to understand what they were saying.

That is all for the 9 days of 2011. I'm sure I'm forgetting something important. I do hope to blog more as I let my blog suffer last year, but no promises! It's too early in the New Year and I really am bad at resolutions!

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-01T17:09:00.000-06:00

Valentine is 17 years old today!! Happy Birthday to my old dog and Happy New Year that she is still doing great~ just a puppy with a sore back and a hobble but otherwise a great sport at still playing dress up for my camera. xxoo to all our fans. May you have many smiles in 2011 and even more blessings.

Secret Santa Project Gift 5,6, and 7

2010-12-08T19:29:00.000-06:00

Canadian trip to the Red Carpet for New Moon. This is her face photoshoped into the photo with the sign that says "Bite Me Hard Rob". She is a Team Edward fan from the Twilight series.

Canadian Penny and a Coaster from Margaritaville

This was all placed in an envelope and left for her. She loved it!

This was for her trip to the islands. I wrote in the letter saying that Edward wanted me to give her this necklace to hide the bite marks and to please explain. She really liked it too. :)

This is her Oriental package. She was called a Bimbo at work by a client (can you believe the rudeness of that?!) so in this letter from secret santa I said that I had it on good authority that she considered being an oriental bimbo but she could not consider that since she is "our little bimbo".

The satin oriental bag from China and a oriental stamp helped "seal the deal".

She didn't work the day I brought this one in and hung it on the staff lounge refrigerator. I made it to look as though she mailed us a postcard. I wish I could say that I did the Photoshop fixes with her picture but I have not learned to do that yet so a friend of mine helped me out! Too cool and fun!

Secret Santa Project Gift #4

2010-12-04T06:33:00.000-06:00

Reading material for her journey with book marks.

Everyone had to fill out a questionaire and she likes vampire stories and Team Edward from the Twilight series.

Now the fun begins..........

DeGrace Christmas Card with Ali as Santa

2010-12-03T10:22:00.001-06:00

Picture In Portrait 5x7 folded card

Unique party invitations and greeting cards by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

The Secret Santa Project (gift #3)

2010-11-27T14:56:00.000-06:00

I left this on her car window yesterday. It's a travel back pack.

The Secret Santa Project (gift #2)

2010-11-23T09:23:00.001-06:00

So yesterday I put my cute little message in a bottle in my my co-workers communication slot. She never checked it all day long!! Guess today, the addition of this adorable panda luggage tag with the phrase "Not all those who wonder are lost" will go in beside it & hopefully catch her attention. I also made several tags from scrapbook paper, a vintage atlas, and printed phrases and quotes. This one is the first of 7.

Secret Santa Project Gift #1

2010-11-21T20:08:00.000-06:00

Message in a bottle, explaining the journey

Secret Santa

2010-11-21T11:57:00.000-06:00

We do Secret Santa at the veterinary hospital I work at every year. We draw names at the last staff meeting in November and that gives us a month to spoil our co-worker with little trinkets, candy and gifts until the reveil gift is given just before Christmas. I am fortunate enough to have several dollar stores nearby and also a recovery sales outlet so sometimes I can find really great deals for next to nothing. The plan is to spend up to $20 on small things that are given once in a while and then get the bigger reveil gift for about $20. Not everyone has to play, you sign up if you want to participate. It is always really fun and some people come up with great ideas. One of the doctors always spells out Santa Claus and looks for gifts that begin with those letters.

This year I am sending my person on a vacation. Hmmm? How can I do that for under $40? I will post photos as I go to let you see what is being left for them in their boxes or on their desk. Check back often between now and Christmas so you won't miss out!

Ideas for home decor

2010-11-08T18:29:00.002-06:00

Love this idea in Pottery Barn of using an old ladder suspended from the ceiling done up with Christmas decor .

This one is too darn cute! Who would of thought of making a sock monkey trophy deer?! Love it!

These are streamers made of book pages sewn together. Great idea!

Mason jars hanging from a tree branch (suspended from the ceiling)with pages of an old book & sticks in each jar.

Same jars but closer look of stick and cut out corrugated leaves and cut out copper sheeting leaves-Colorful & Pretty

I'm fortunate enough to live by the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. Unfortunately, I can't really afford to buy many of the things that sell there... but I still enjoy going and looking around & "window" shopping. After Thanksgiving all the windows will be decorated for Christmas and it's a real treat to see what all they do for a Holiday display.

I wanted to take photos in this one store (I won't mention the name) but the ladies that worked there gave me and my friend that same look that Julia Roberts got when she walked into that shop on Rodeo Drive- you know the scene from Pretty Woman? I must of looked too poor to stand outside and even window shop so how dare I actually enter the store. I didn't want to whip out my camera under those conditions but maybe I should have anyway~ Kudos to them as they really had a very nicely decorated store with a mix of antique and modern decor. Maybe next time I won't feel so intimadated?

However, nothing they had beats the Sock Monkey Deer! That was the Anthropologie Store. Exceptional handcrafted decorations all over this store! Maybe you will get some ideas for your home from some of my photos.

Heart Catch lights

2010-11-06T08:22:00.001-05:00

I took Senior pictures of this darling girl and had to share this one. If you look at her eyes her catch lights were perfect hearts! I dodged them a bit in photoshop for this picture to really make them pop but they are all her's.

On another note my cousin Darren is improving! His 51st birthday is TODAY. He is celebrating in the hospital but he is out of ICU. We sent him a cookie cake with a balloon for fun but doubt he will be able to enjoy eating it much as he is only eating jello and broth still...but he will love to share with all those nurses and doctors and his Dad and sis.
Thanks for the prayers!

Valentine says to tell you all hello :)

SPOOKY!

2010-10-27T14:46:00.000-05:00

original photo no adjustment made

This all started on Christmas Eve in 2006. We were at my mom's celebrating and my little great niece had just learned to walk and was practicing going up and down my mother's little steps. I took this photograph of her backside because she just looked so tiny and cute. The face that emerged in the photo was noticeable immediately on my digital camera. The whole family was freaking out. Once I got it home it was darker on my actual computer & didn't show up so well so I adjusted the levels in photoshop and it showed up even better than the first time I seen it.
My mom thinks it's a total coincidence because she had a velvet dress on. I think it was something bad. You can definitely see facial features and either a wicked smile or scream.
Tell me what you think?

changed to b/w and adjusted lighting levels in photoshop

Levels adjusted but left in color

pray for Darren

2010-10-17T07:55:00.000-05:00

My cousin Darren was born mentally retarded. He is 50 years old and has been a great joy to all our lives. I would say he acts more like a 6 year old child. He talks loud, loves to tease and be teased and is a messy eater but loves his food.

He is fighting for his life right now because of MRSA. Please put him on your prayer list at home and at your church.

Here is an email from his sister that I think really drives the message home of how wonderful Darren is:
Darren has staph infection of the blood and pneumonia. He is fighting for his life!

This is what you maybe don't know! Darren is the life, youth and innocence that keep a bit of kid in all of us, especially Dad and I. He is always wonderful to be around, loves all who love him. Although we don't see each other as much as we should, Darren creates this incredible bond between us. He loves to eat, have fun, and yearns to see and greet any or all of us. "OH NO!!! Greg! Stacey! Uncle Jim! How are you?" If more people in this world could know a Darren and not take it for granted, it would be one amazing world.

Can any of you imagine a future without seeing or hearing him? I know I'm his sister and I cannot picture a life without him in it! Please pray or just take a moment to look back on the impression he has made on you. When I grow up I want to be like him!!!

Lisa

GIVE A WAY!!! :)

2010-10-11T21:12:00.001-05:00

This week is National Veterinary Technician Week in America. Because I am an RVT I would like to honor my profession by giving away this handmade (by me) soldered glass charm.

All you have to do is follow my blog and leave me a comment that you would like to be included! So easy! I'll ship anywhere in the world. I'll draw the name on Sunday Oct. 17th and let the lucky winner know ASAP. If you do not have a blog that I can leave a comment on then look at my blog post for that day as I'll announce the name on Sunday's blog post so you can leave me a comment on how to contact you for your shipping info.
Good Luck all my blogger friends!!!

See this movie!

2010-10-09T07:06:00.000-05:00

The Town was an outstanding movie! We really liked it and found ourselves rooting for the bad guy played by Ben Affleck (it's those eyes!). I highly recommend it to anyone that likes a good action thriller. Very well done all the way through.

Colton is #1 today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-09-29T07:16:00.000-05:00

Early morning thoughts.

2010-09-26T08:10:00.000-05:00

My son turned 25 yesterday. Weird to think he is already a quarter of a century old. I hope that 25 is a turning point for him and he starts really taking his life seriously. I know he would like to find "the one" and settle down but right now he is not in a good place to attract the best girl. He has a good heart and is kind but can not manage his money what so ever and is still to into partying (which is probably the reason he has no money in the first place).

It's just hard as a mother because you want the best for your children and sometime that is more than they even want for themselves. I woke up this morning with him on my mind and just had to journal some thoughts. If there can be a magic number, let 25 be it. :)

On another note- my grandson is having his 1st birthday party today (his actual birthday will not be until Wednesday). 1 is always a grand number, it has to be magical.

Prayers and request for God's blessings for them all, it's the best I can do.

Collaged project

2010-09-20T07:04:00.000-05:00

Here is my newest art work. My friend asked me to make her something, anything, anysize for her grand daughter. She wanted it to say "I love you to the moon and back". Her grand daughter is eleven so I thought she would like something sparkly so I created this for her to hang on her wall.

I had purchased this black framed print of fruit at the $1 store. I put sticky back canvas over the fruit print and began to paint. The jewels are all vintage peices that have been repurposed here. The charms are from my collection of odds and ends.

Grandparents Day at the Kansas City Zoo

2010-09-18T07:10:00.000-05:00

Colton is almost a year old! Can you believe it?!

We both loved the polar bear exhibit. He swam circles and got right up to the glass. He was adorable.

Me (Grandma) and Colton at the mercat exhibit.

One of the Elephants. They did look miserable. I felt sorry for a lot of the animals. I don't know how many were ever in the wild but they sure have to miss it now after being in captivity.

Butterflies are crazy this year!

2010-09-12T07:51:00.000-05:00

They were getting all over me! Butterflies everywhere.

Drawn to Water

2010-09-05T09:02:00.004-05:00

'Drawn to Water' by simplesubtleties

Calm Blue Ocean - 5 x 7... akalis $15	River Fairy Handspun Ya... Syrendell $7	Mermaid in the water - ... ArtoftheMoment $42	Lobster pots - Boothbay... photohale $30
Summer Bliss EasternEden $2	A Narrow Passage to a B... InitiallyYou $8.5	Blue Bayou Earrings GardenOfSecret... $14	Beautiful Beach Days 5 ... anaramirezphot... $15
Blue Bayou Scarf or Bel... marveles $85	Ceramic figurine Ocean ... 799michele $795	Ulu Swim- La Luna Blue ... themodo $60	MADE TO ORDER LAKE DUNM... nativevermont $39
Canoes at Maumee Bay birddoodle $30	Whitewater paddlers han... agawacanyon $38	NAUTICAL CLASSIC Anchor... handykane $59.99	Blue Stream... macarroll $13.6

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

25 things I would like to do today

2010-09-04T11:50:00.000-05:00

Go to the Sparks Antique and Flea Market (about 2 hours away from me but I have always wanted to go..)
Go to Santi Cali Gon (local fesitval with carnival, crafts. music, and food)
Go Camping
Ride my bike
Eat movie popcorn
See my grandson
Have a huge family picnic like the good ol' days
Take some pictures
Go to the zoo and use our groupon for the segways
Create my latest idea
Bake something yummy
Wear my new hat
Shop
Package up an Etsy sale
Open up all the windows and let the 72° breeze in the house
Play loud music and dance
Take a hike or a long walk
Go fishing
Go boating
Take Valentine for a car ride with the windows down
smile and or laugh
sit around a fire
hug someone I love
Read a great book
Pick some end of summer flowers and bring them inside

With a little thought and a dash of luck I may get a couple of these crossed off...however, the better part of this day will be spent working on stupid property investments that are being more trouble then we ever saw coming.

Live and learn so you can live better!

The Pet Shop

2010-08-27T06:55:00.001-05:00

'The Pet Shop' by simplesubtleties

Just a good old fashioned pet shop... (long before there was talk of puppy mills). Everyone is hoping to be picked! :)

Damask Print Open/Close... uniqueBOWtique... $38	PDF- Amigurumi Goldfish... AmyGaines $3	cats and kittens gift t... ohmybuttons $5.95	Bunnies shouldn't wear ... Frankenkitty $28
No. 217 - Silhouette Se... NoisyBirdStudi... $8.95	Macaw Exotic Parrot Fun... SowingOats $4	SHY SAMMY Adorable Pock... mommyslittlecr... $8	Funky Geco Brooch Gold ... sanibelsands $12.99
Tarantula Spider Needle... MountainGoth $30	Wooden toys .... snake ... mooshoopork $25	Ferret - Heraldry Anima... theupcycler $20	Sock Monkey on a branch... toodlesdesigns... $34.5
Blue Dream Sea Turtle H... funkydreamsart... $3.49	Frog Family RachelleAnneMi... $20	8 x 10 signed print of ... ArtTreasuresby... $80	OPEN/CLOSED sign thecrosbie $50

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Not ever enough kitties- my first Treasury creation

2010-08-25T21:01:00.002-05:00

'Not ever enough kitties' by simplesubtleties

Cats and kittens bring so much to a person's life. They bring laughter with their play. Their curiosity and independence can be both funny and maddening! Cat's eyes are amazingly beautiful and nothing soothes a person's soul better than the purr of a cat.

Primitive Handmade Trio... thecattsuglyba... $29.99	Cats and butterfly arou... wiwicoco $21.95	catwalk - original fine... sixthandmain $12	Cat Art - Little Inky R... amberalexander $18
CHAT NOIR BLACK CAT Pe... kimarijewelry $18.99	Of mice and cheese and ... tanyabond $6.5	Retro Lady and the Cat ... photosprint $19	The Stalker Art Pendant... AlisaPaints $28
Cat Art Kitten Black Wh... LaBerge $18	Confessions of a Pussyc... sweetheartsinn... $9.99	Set of 3 Playful Kitty tezis $9.99	Onesies/T-Shirt - Miss ... whatisagrit $10.99
Cute Chubby Cat - Vinyl... HouseHoldWords $16	Black Cat Feedsack Pill... HandmadeByBett... $14	The Good, the Bad and t... Peggitha $20	Nostalgia by Shanna Tru... trumblydesigns $20

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Amazing carver!

2010-08-23T19:25:00.001-05:00

These were sent to me via email and the artist's name was not mentioned.

I love them all! What patience and skill!

Gotta love a baby in a bathtub

2010-08-21T07:12:00.002-05:00

Purr

2010-08-17T20:58:00.000-05:00

"The purr of a cat next to one's ear is one of the greatest joys in life"

Soldered Charms

2010-08-12T12:42:00.000-05:00

I just completed an order for 24 Christmas Santa charms and 12 Halloween charms for a shop owner in Houston, TX. My first big order! How exciting! I'll soon be adding some of these little inchie charms for Halloween to my Etsy shop as well.

Blue Water in Missouri

2010-08-09T07:31:00.000-05:00

We went camping and scuba diving here for our 18th anniversary. It was beautiful but as newbies at scuba diving we didn't enjoy it so much. Visibility was not what we expected and the pit was very, very deep with no gradual incline into the water except at the swimming hole. So we both thought it was a little scary and we were not 100% comfortable so we didn't end up doing much diving.

A fish bit my husband on the ear, drawing blood too! ha ha. He is fine. Just a story to tell now. It is cold water once you get down to about 15-20 feet. You will have to google Oronogo to find out more if your interested in the history of this strip pit and the scuba it now offers. I hear that October is a much better month to go for diving and the visibility is much better then too, less algea. I did manage to get a cool fish picture- see above.

A little piece of paradise in Missouri.

A Perfect Day

2010-07-29T21:32:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I had an unexpected day off. Those last minute kind of days are the best because they happen so suddenly that you really can't plan much.

I slept in. Best I could anyway between dog whimpers. Valentine thinks you ought to get up when she does. 5:30-6 a.m. Plus she is deaf so you can't even hollar for her to "SHUT UP!". (Even though I do it occasionally to make myself feel better, but I wouldn't if she could actually hear me, most of the time it would of been just a loud VALENTINE!!! I love her too much to ever hurt her feelings)

I did get up shortly after 7 a.m. and made some breakfast. It was very yummy. I got the recipe from the September 2010 Country Living. Such a great magazine! I highly recommend it. It's so well rounded and not flooded with advertisements like some other's. The recipe was Apple French Toast and it was for 6 servings. I changed it up and made my own individual serving and good thing too! I would of eaten all 6 it was so delicious! Here is my version which is quite a bit different......and only served me~

Apple French Toast

1 TBSP Butter in a skillet

1 peeled and sliced apple into same skillet

sprinkle nutmeg all over apple pieces

Fry for about 5 minutes or until brown.

Add 1/2 tsp or so of water with a 1 TBSP of sugar and coat apple mix. Keep frying until all water is dried. Empty apple mix onto your breakfast plate.

Step 2:

In a bowl, mix 1 egg with enough milk until creamy but not too watery. Whip good. Add cinnamon and sugar (I just guessed at amount so add as much or as little as you like) I also salted from the salt shaker so add as much or as little as you like of that also.

2 bread heels from a loaf of bread. Cut each into 8 pieces. (I used scissors)

Let bread soak in egg/milk mixture until saturated but not so much it falls apart.

Add 1 TBSP of butter to same skillet you cooked apples in. Once hot and melted add your soaked bread to the skillet making sure they do not overlap. Flip when ready. Once both sides cooked golden, then stir around in skillet until bread starts to look dry being careful not to burn (you may have to add a tiny bit more butter to keep from burning but not so much that bread will not get dry).

Turn out onto breakfast plate with apples and mix all together. Eat as is. No need for syrup or additional butter or sugar. Very good!

Serve with a glass of EXTRA PULP orange juice.

Heavenly :)

After I ate that I watched a kids movie on TV. It was pretty good. It was called Monster in the Lake. That had my attention until 11 a.m. I left the house and went shopping for outdoor lawn furniture. We built a deck onto the house this spring and I would like to get something to sit on out there. I met my son Cory for lunch and then shopped alittle more.

I couldn't find lawn furniture but I did find a Slip and Slide that was on clearance so I purchased it. On the way home I stopped and got a milk shake at a cute little Amish Store that also served ice cream. I tried to talk myself out of it but it was so hot and sounded so good. Plus I keep wanting to go in that store and have never stopped. It was so very cute! To make myself feel better I didn't eat it all PLUS I did have a salad at lunch.

I took my slip and slide home and set it up. They certainly are not as wide as I remember and definitely not recommend for grown up's (especially tall, over weight ones) but I had fun all the same. I was careful and didn't hurt myself and mostly laid out in the sun on it but it was comforting. Sounded like rain the whole time.

Then my husband got off work and we met for dinner and went to the movies and seen Salt. We like to watch movies and I thought that one was really good. Good plot and it kept you guessing!

Overall, a wonderful day.

Photos by me from this weekend (untouched)

2010-07-25T21:01:00.003-05:00

Just a few of the things I love about Scammon, KS

2010-07-19T20:53:00.000-05:00

I think American's are fatter because of air conditioning. Today it was HOT here in Missouri. Heat index around 110°. To think we are blaming McDonalds to!

If we were not sitting in our cooled offices or perfectly cooled homes it would be too darn hot to eat! Those of you that work outside in this weather may relate to what I'm saying! I remember as a little kid going outside under the huge shade tree and having watermelon. Certainly that was healthier than what I do now!

Usually I come home and stay inside (where it's nice and cool) and snack while sitting at the computer.

Besides cental air or air conditioning making us fat, (I don't want to take all the blame for my lack of self control and limited exercise!) it keeps us inside away from the neighbors. That may be a good thing for some of us, but then again, maybe not. Your relations might be better if you sat on the porch and had a conversation. Shared some lemonade even.

We are spoiled. I, for one am, anyway. And I'm totally over-fed (self-induced of course). We would all be thinner if it wasn't for electricity because we would be working twice as hard just to do the little things in life. I found this website & liked it. Maybe you will too.

If I didn't have indoor pets I think I would try the "diet" of leaving the air off at home during the summer and see if I lose weight. Maybe someday I will do that and blog my results. (I would still have air conditioning where I work though so it would only be a partial test) I won't make my awesome critters suffer however so as long as they are alive I'll be comfortable...and possibly chubby too. :)

Re-designed by me

2010-07-13T21:07:00.000-05:00

Meet my great-nephew

2010-07-09T20:24:00.000-05:00

This cutie patootie is my great-nephew. We call him little Romey. He will be 2 years old next month. He was born with achondroplasia so he will always be a little person. My sister (his grandma) took this adorable photo of him watching the big guys play ball. He still only wears a size 6 month pant but he can sure get around with those tiny legs! My neice and her hubby live in Colorado so we don't get to see them that often. They also have an adorable daughter that will be 6 next year. She makes sure that little Romey does not act like a "baby". It's pretty cute to watch them together. I hate it that he has this disorder but love it that I get to be a part of his life! Keep him and his family in your prayers please.

Mowing Observations

2010-07-07T20:26:00.002-05:00

Today I mowed our yard for 2 hours. I like to mow with the exception of one thing. Why don't they make a bra for women who mow? Or better yet design a tractor with better shocks and suspension? That's all I have to say about that.

Otherwise, it's a good time to just watch nature, concentrate on not overturning the tractor and enjoy the day. Today I even got the chance to mow in a slight summer rain- barely sprinkled but cooled everything off. It was so enjoyable! The rain seemed to piss off the bugs though...they started dive bombing me and landing in my hair and on my legs. Plus I was a tiny bit wet so it made them stick. yukky. One got really stuck in my hair, that kind of freaked me out until I managed to get ahold of it and pull it out (along with some of my hair). Besides the uncomfortable bounciness and the bugs there was much to enjoy! Honest.

I had a deer that walked right out in front of me and just slowly walked on it's way. I seen a snake. Several snake doctors or dragon flies as some people call them. I saw some beautiful wild flowers. Tiny purple butterflies. Baby poison ivy. In fact, I was tempted to take a picture of it because it was really quite lovely. A squirrel that is getting into our old pickup truck and stealing the stuffing out of the cushions. I would like to catch him in a photo as well. Several tiny little tree frogs (I guess they are tree frogs even though they were in the grass hopping away from the tractor).

The forest is so dark. Here it was middle of the day in the middle of summer and the open area is all lit up and then the forest is so black! It was alittle scary and intimidating. I felt small out there. I love the woods and love living in them all the same.

We also have a pesky ground hog or giant dinosaur size mole. The mounds it is leaving in our yard are bigger than my dog! Have you seen Tremors? Seriously, I thought something would rise up out of those mounds any minute! Whatever it is, it is really ruining our yard. Does it ever get around too!!(or we have multiples). I bogged down the tractor on a couple of those mounds!

So I thought I would tell my husband that I mowed today since apparently he didn't notice and it's a job he usually does. He didn't say thank you (yet, anyway) but he did ask me if I hit the garage doors with the roll bar on the tractor getting it in and out. Nope. He also said he hoped I didn't leave muddy stops where the tractor would slide. Yep. I also confessed to running into a tree stump that I didn't know was there and it almost "killed" the tractor. He didn't like the sound of that. He also said I should of raised the blades to mow over the mole mounds. oops. I enjoyed it more than working today though. Next time maybe I'll mow and take my camera.

Time

2010-07-06T07:01:00.000-05:00

Today I'm thinking about time. Where does all my time go. I rarely get anything done that I would like to do and sometimes I start feeling a little resentful of the expectations others have for my time. How can I be this busy and my kids are grown? Where did I find the time when I was raising them? Seems the days just go by so fast now. Of course, this computer sucks alot of it out of me. Minutes can turn into hours before I know it! Anyway, just a short blog to vent about feeling overwhelmed. Maybe I feel better now, or maybe I just wasted some precious time! Oh no! :)

My Favorites on Etsy

2010-06-27T07:57:00.002-05:00

2 movie recomendations

2010-06-26T07:10:00.001-05:00

The A Team

It was funny and suspenseful! My husband and I both enjoyed it. Good plot. Plus that Bradley Cooper is easy on the eyes. :)

We seen Knight and Day last night and both really loved it! Maybe even better than A Team. I don't think people were expecting it to be that good because our theatre was not full but it was GREAT! Funny and sweet and totally action packed. Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz can still bring it!

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

2010-06-22T08:13:00.003-05:00

I just returned from the Southeast Veterinary Conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It's a great continuing education for technicians, veterinarians, and practice managers. Of course part of the reason it is so wonderful is that it is right on the beach. Myrtle Beach is absolutely one of the best beaches I have ever been too. I love how the sand just gradually dips out into the Atlantic Ocean, no drop offs. It's not white sand and the water is not turquoise but it's all still very beautiful and calming. I didn't get to "vacation" as much as I would of liked since I was there on CE but I did learn some great things at CE and I got to do what I love (taking pictures) just not as much as usual. I only came home with under 400 shots. Usually, in a vacation situation I'll take 1000's. :) Here are a few of my favorites and I also took a couple that can be used in Photoshop for textures. Feel free to snag the texture photos at the end if you would like to use them in your own work. The other photos that are not labeled textures belong to me so please do not copy them. Enjoy!

I love the trees in South Carolina! I didn’t get any of the Magnolia trees which are HUGE and so beautiful. They were in bloom too- I could kick myself for not getting any pictures of them!! The mossy oaks are beautiful and enchanting. Check out our picnic site at the state park.
A campground at Apache Pier.
The goat is just one of many from the carousel at Broadway at the Beach. Apache Pier
Springmaid Pier

Lightening from our balcony at the Sea Mist Resort.
Murrells Inlet
The waves & a sunset.
Family moment for someone…I wish my little dog Valentine could of came. She has never seen the ocean. I would of loved for the rest of my family to be there too. Even my wicked, crazy sisters Debbie & Shannon. :) (this photo is for you two!)
Photos for textures in Photoshop:

Etsy advise

2010-06-13T21:41:00.001-05:00

Some things I've learned this week from my Etsy store http://www.etsy.com/shop/simplesubtleties:

I set up my store and gave my products some titles I liked. Then I read some helpful tips for Etsy store owners and it said that it's better to not "name" items but describe them. Well I followed that advise and my hits started going down. The past couple weeks I didn't see much action. So last night I changed back to my original idea and renamed most of my items back from just being "descriptive". Well it worked! I had a sale today. This makes my fifth sale since mid April and to top it off she ordered 7 charms! I love that! I hope that people really like them once they have them in their hands as I would love to be there and see their faces when they get their package.

On another note, in life I've learned that a man having a sunburn is worse than a teething baby. Sorry honey. It's so true. :) Hope everyone has a happy Monday tomorrow! Nic-thanks for catching up-hugs to you!

Angel

2010-06-05T16:46:00.000-05:00

My 2nd attempt at computer art. I kinda like this one better than the first. This is an old photo of one of my best friend's mom. She really is an angel. :)

Drive-In Movies

2010-05-31T17:07:00.001-05:00

Missouri, USA.

We don't have mountains-unless you count the Ozarks.

We don't have oceans or really many beaches.

But bye-golly we have drive in movies! At least in the Kansas City area. The Twin Drive In.

Last night my hubby and I loaded up our old pick up truck and went and seen Price of Persia & Alice in Wonderland. (Both really excellent movies I might add!)

These are not well crafted photos of our intermission but I only had my cell phone and with the dark night it just didn't take well. (Who takes a camera to the movies anyway?) They are still using the 30+ year old intermission cartoons or so it seems. It was so fun. We had such a cool breeze, our own drinks and snacks (including popcorn!). We had pillows and blankets. I loved every minute of it.

I grew up going to this same drive in theatre. I actually seen Clint Eastwood here in most of his "spaghetti westerns"as a child. I had went on dates here in my teenage years. (don't let your daughters do that, your asking for trouble, lol) While my kids were growing up we took them many times. Lots of fond memories!

Drive in movies are a dying venue. If I had the money I would love to own this one.

Check out this link if you are interested in Drive-In Movies. It tells you how many there were in past years and shows the decline.

Peonies

2010-05-26T08:47:00.001-05:00

My Grandma gave me these a few years before she passed away. She said they have been in her family for 65 years. I planted about 12 plants. The first year my husband sprayed them with ant killer not knowing that the ants are the only reason the flower blooms. After waiting a few years for them to recover from that, I now have several beautiful peony bushes. I would guess that they have been in my family 70 years now. At least I didn't totally kill them off! :)

"Hey Mom, You C'mon??"

2010-05-24T18:45:00.000-05:00

It's in the 90's this week in my part of Missouri, USA. That equals HOT and HUMID! Valentine was eager to take a walk with me this afternoon. She has really been limping or hobbling as I like to call it. She has become the "Happy Hobbler". My doctors can not seem to find a problem. Neck, shoulder, possible lyme's disease? It's very odd. She takes some pain medication morning and night and it helps to keep her going.

Since she has been deaf (about 2 years now) she will constantly turn to look to see if I'm behind her or not. I love that. I often think DOGS allow us simple glimpses into Gods own heart. I can see Him turn as Val does and lovingly look to see if I'm still back here following Him.

Free Pattern Download

2010-05-22T09:09:00.001-05:00

This swimsuit coverup is adorable! Here is the link for a free pattern download for it.

How I decorate with soldered glass charms

2010-05-18T20:35:00.001-05:00

I have a few soldered glass charm listings in my Etsy store. http://www.etsy.com/shop/simplesubtleties

2010-05-14T07:13:00.001-05:00

If God see the sparrow's fall,

paints the lilies short & tall,

Gives the skies their azure hue,

Will he not then care for you?

These bunnies were left at our hospital door step a couple weeks ago. One of the girls I work with mothered them until they were ready to be released into the wild. I have 10 acres so I took them home last night and released them into the forest. I tried to find the thickest area of brush so they could hide. I can't help but worry after the pair. I hope they make it. Odds are not the best as they have so many predators but I have to believe that making it thus far.... they are in His great care.

Driving

2010-05-09T20:32:00.002-05:00

You know, neither one of my grandmothers ever learned to drive. I really stopped to think about that the other day when I spotted an older lady driving a car. I wonder how much different their lives would of been if they had learned to drive.

Have you ever thought about it for your own life?

Along with some headaches, (speeding tickets, car tags and licenses, insurance, car payments, etc) driving does give you an amount of freedom. The freedom to pick up and go. To travel great distances in all kinds of weather. My paternal grandma would have to wait for someone to drive her to the grocery store. There was a town store for most of her life that she could walk to but the big grocer was about 7 miles away. I can just picture my uncles or my grandpa telling her to hurry up and not letting her just take her time to shop. My material grandma had to walk a few blocks to her local grocer but that was not until later in her life. She raised 8 kids with no car. I just think that would be so difficult. No Wal-Mart’s for either of them. They had to get rides to the doctor or just to visit their grown kids. However, I have to add, they both seemed very happy and satisified with life. I really miss them now.

Can you imagine if your mom didn't drive? I can't imagine mine not driving. She is still working full time for one. I don't think she would enjoy asking anyone to do anything for her either. She is very independent and likes to do for herself as much as possible.

Mom's and Grandmas are really great aren’t they? The leave a thumb print on your person and help you become who you are. Sometimes that is good and sometimes bad. I bought mine a Mother's Day card that read, "Really good Moms give you wings to fly, really great Moms open the window for you first." Mine, was a window opener.

I have a mug that says, "Oh No! I'm becoming my mother". Maybe that is not such a bad thing.

Happy Mother's Day.

Valentine's carrots

2010-04-30T18:41:00.009-05:00

Valentine's main treat is carrots.

Today Colton was over visiting me, (Grandma) and while Brandi fed him Valentine tried to figure out why she was smelling carrots and they were not going to her!

I think Colton was kinda teasing her. See how he is looking at her like, "ha ha. My carrots". ?? *wink* *wink*

Once again, he is just casually eating his carrots and looking at Val like, "what?". "They are mine!"

Valentine is licking her lips as Colton giggles over another bite.

Valentine has the look like "this can't be true!". "What in the world?" "Lucky kid"

The carrot saga will continue another day.

In the meantime, Colton looks satisified. Valentine did get to lick the bowl. Are you kidding me? Who could refuse those eyes? *smile*

Friday~pay day~pray day

2010-04-30T09:07:00.000-05:00

Friday- either a payday or not for me. Today it was. Not for my son. He gets paid opposite Fridays then I do.

I put a total stop on helping him financially when he made almost as much as me last year and blew the total sum of it. He is spiraling downhill fast. I know he was thinking "I'll catch that bill next time" but when next time comes he has already spent the money. Collectors are calling him non-stop and of course it's on my home phone number.

I do know once you get so broke it's hard to climb back up to just maintaining...working, paying bills, working, paying bills. Even a flat tire can be devastating at that point

I'm frustrated that he is getting into more and more of a mess. I know he is frustrated and hopefully not falling into a depression. It's hard to not just try to help catch him up when I know I could, but I realize that has not been helping him either. It just delays the process until next time. And, honestly, I do worry about what the money he is spending is being spent on. I don't want to contribute to anything that numbs him from life. He has been numb long enough. .

Of course, I'm his mom so he will not listen to any advise I try to give him. He complains that he is only 24 and he is not going to just sit home and work and do nothing else. That is his excuse to spend what he knows belongs to someone else already. When I was 24, he was six. Maybe if he had a "six" he would look at life alittle more differently. He is so full of discord. I want him to be full of the Holy Spirit so he will know peace and hopefully some self-control. I want him to be able to see a future for himself instead of living life in the fast lane and only for this day.

I pray for him all the time. Really, all my kids. How can you not?! I try not to worry and just give it to God but it's such a constant presence that it is creeping back moment by moment until I'm fretting. So I'm blogging to vent and ask for prayers for my oldest. Wisdom, guidance, love, whatever~ God knows what he needs and it's more than just money.

Faith

2010-04-26T21:00:00.001-05:00

"We are locked into the moments and hours and days of life, but we look ahead by faith in Christ."

Bill Crowder

I sold my first Etsy item!!

2010-04-22T21:33:00.000-05:00

I hope the nice lady in Iowa likes the real thing! It's getting shipped tomorrow.

Better mute my music for my last post.

2010-04-21T20:56:00.002-05:00

GARMIN-Listen up!!!

2010-04-21T20:28:00.011-05:00

no use sound bite Quigley Down Under sound bites

As it stands I do not own a GPS devise............HOWEVER, if they had the voice of Sam Elliott, Tom Selleck, Morgan Freeman or Antonio Banderas~I would totally have one!! Can you imagine just driving all night with one of them telling us every little turn to make? OR better yet, make a model we can choose who's voice we need for that day! I would have to get a job as a traveling salesman just so I could use my Garmin all day long. I think I'm on to a genius marketing idea!! The guys could take their picks from any of the women from the movie NINE (Larry King Live clip included with voices) or maybe Marge Simpson but I know plenty of them also like Sam Elliott's voice or Morgan Freeman's. And WHO couldn't use alittle Clint Eastwood on the road when your feeling that little ounce of road rage? C'mon, we've all been there. He would totally make it all better! *smile*

2010-04-21T06:49:00.000-05:00

My husband built this deck off the back of our home almost completely by himself! It is amazing. He is so handy. I like to do art but that guy can really do anything he sets his mind too! He likes to tell me how spoiled I am....well, I guess I can't argue that one! I'm hoping to get some nice photographs of some wildlife from this high up beauty! Just had to share!

First attempt at Computer Art

2010-04-17T00:02:00.003-05:00

I did it!!!

2010-04-16T00:36:00.000-05:00

I started my own Etsy store! I just decided to jump in and try it. I have one item posted! Lol! OH MY GOSH! Who knew how much work really goes on behind the scenes?! I have been sitting at this computer for a good 3 1/2 hours!! I hope I get faster.........

Valentine does too! She's been watching me and waiting and then all I know, I hear some snores, look over and she is OUT. Her poor little head must of just went BONK.

Etsy Earring Photos

2010-04-11T17:55:00.002-05:00

I took these earring pictures for my future Etsy store. On Etsy there is room for 5 photos and most advise comments I’ve read says to use all 5 photo spots. I’m thinking I’ll have to really get create to think of how else to photograph my things to get 5 views! Maybe with a ruler next so people can gage the size of them? I do love this old book and have used it in numerous pictures. I’ve made a very small dent in the process of getting an on-line store going. It’s way more work than I initially envisioned! I still have a ton of merchandise that I have created to photograph, describe, and figure a price on it in order to post and get the store up and running.
I would love any comments from those of you that read my blog or have stumbled onto it and have already done this process. Thanks!

Photoshop Textures

2010-04-09T09:03:00.000-05:00

I took these photo at: Architectural Salvage
2045 Broadway Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108

I don't know a lot about using textures in Photoshop but I have been studying some tutorials and will soon be trying it. I'll post any good results I get. I thought I'd share these so feel free to copy them for your own creative use.

The first one is of old tin ceiling tiles, the 2nd is a green floor, and this last one is of an old white building column.

If you are ever around the Kansas City area I highly recommend you visit the Architectural Salvage store. You can make some great discoveries there and also take some awesome photographs! I purchased some old hinge hardware there that I'm going to try to use to create a small greenhouse for my friend's birthday present. It will be made from picture frames hinged together. I have to collect the frames still and plan on doing that this summer at garage sales. Her birthday is not until October so I'm sure I'll have plenty of time. Something I value alot of these days. :)

Be sure and leave me a comment if you were able to use any of my textures. Thanks!

Valentine mischief

2010-03-29T09:04:00.002-05:00

Yesterday Valentine pee'd on the floor THREE times! I don't know what is with her. She has went forever without doing this. Thru all the snow and nasty weather even! Now Spring is approaching and she is urinating inside? I don't get it. Guess I'll have to get a urinalysis on her and make sure she is not getting sick. My carpet will be ruined at that rate. My husband has a heart attack at ONE time so I've managed to clean up and hide the last 2 incidences so we don't have to watch his conniption fit. lol At least we put a pet proof pad under our carpet when we built the house as I knew my pets would all be geriatrics soon and I foreseen this problem. (almost 20 years of experience listing to others complain about potty problems I guess!)

I've been keeping her right beside me today. The mischievous thing is I have never, ever caught the little prankster in the act. She follows me around like a shadow all the time but somehow still manages to occasionally wet on the floor. And I swear she goes out a 1000 times a day and has always drove us crazy that way! When we are not home she stays in my bedroom and has never once wet on the floor in there. I know she is old but she still acts like a pup most the time so I'm not going to let her blame it on her age. ha. We'll see if I agree when I'm that old. I even ask my kids to take their shoes off before walking on the carpet....at least they don't pee on it!! I feel better for venting anyway, thanks for listening!

Burlap Pillows

2010-03-28T07:14:00.002-05:00

My good friend has a son that works for a local coffee company called The Roasterie. They are a fairly small coffee company that is here locally in the Kansas City, MO area. The Roasterie offer tours and me and my group of friends took the tour and learned so much about coffee. It's very interesting and I highly recommend it if your in this area visiting. They also have really great art on their marketing and products. I got a couple of their burlap coffee bean bags and created some pillows for a friend of mine that actually works for Starbucks. She loved them! I made 3 pillows so these are photos of front and back and also a couple of photos of the bags in the warehouse. I have to say the 1st pillow almost did me in. I broke 3 sewing machine needles and it took well over an hour. I made a trip to Hobby Lobby and purchased some heavy duty needles. I also discovered that the sewing tape I used on the first pillow I should NOT of tried to sew thru. Oops! Don't ever do that, it leads to huge frustrations! No wonder I had so many problems. My last 2 took me 20-30 minutes each pillow to finish. I need to get better at the hand stitching if I ever decide to create some to sell but otherwise I really like these burlap pillows. I am sure I will be making a few more of these for future gifts.

Material Things

2010-03-24T07:02:00.000-05:00

I have a tiny few material things in my life that make it so much easier. I thought I'd share them with you in case you could use one or more of my findings.

Blank journal: I keep a journal beside my computer and write down web addresses and my user name or log in information and passwords.
Dyson Hand Vacuum: This is the best invention ever! It is a beast, sweeping up anything I need it for but I mostly grab it for a cat hair cleaning mission on a daily basis. It's not like regular hand vac's that lose power after the first 30-60 seconds. It goes full steam ahead for a full 6 minutes and takes only an hour to recharge. Empting the contents was never easier either! I wish I could buy one for everyone....the downside-the price. It is expensive and I see they have gone up almost $100.00 since I purchased mine 4 years ago. I'd have to say, even with the price increase I'd buy another in a heartbeat if mine broke!
Diaper Bag: If you a photo enthusiasts like me then you want your camera with you when your traveling. A diaper bag is a great way to keep it out of the eye of thieves. I bought a lined one so it would be waterproof, and the little cubbies for bottles and whatnot's are perfect for lenses, filters, ect. I have left mine in plain sight in the car before and no one bothers it. I've left it sit on the beach while I swim and no one messes with it. Maybe I've just been very lucky but I've been using it for over 3-4 years now and it seems to work great, no one even questions where the baby is. lol

That is my tiny list. Enjoy your day!

Favorite funny you tube videos

2010-03-17T21:35:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxZabf3u89s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzRH3iTQPrk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P6UU6m3cqk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JynBEX_kg8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sUL0KCIc48

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuWNtHwTvKM Alittle naughty

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCn9GX_WTWw prank

Next time I post you tube I'll post favortite how-to videos.

Signs of Spring

2010-03-14T09:04:00.000-05:00

Val and I are thankful for warmer weather. We know with spring comes the rain. We got a short walk in even thou it was somewhat muddy. Valentine was not to happy to have to have a bath directly after. That mud really sticks in those little hairy toes! I'm thankful she is small enough to bath in the kitchen sink. My mom would say, "oh, yuck!". I'm also thankful she is still my walking buddy after all these years. You have to smile about that even if you don't agree with a dog bath in the kitchen sink. :)

Crazy Heart

2010-03-13T22:04:00.000-06:00

Jim and I seen the movie tonight and I really like it. He was grossed out that a young "hottie" would go for such an older, not all put together, man which was kinda funny. I really like Jeff Bridges and I'm so glad he won for his role in this movie. I loved it. I liked the music too but I like so many different types of music.

We both really like to watch movies, whether they are on the big screen or on a DVD, TV, etc. I often think about them afterwards. Sometimes they disturb me. Sometimes I smile and wish everyone's life could seem so easy. Sometimes I think of what I would of done differently to make the movie better. lol. Tonight after we left the show I was thinking...this movie was really pretty true to life. Women do often go for that kinda guy. One they know will be horrible for them. And why is it that some dad's don't have anything to do with their own children but act like someone else's child is a real treasure. His character had not talked to his son in 24 years, made one phone call and the son didn't want to meet so that was it. Then he gave the girlfriend a big'o whappin' check to give her son when he turned 18. Just weird our world works like that sometimes. Maybe that's why they called this movie Crazy Heart??

My art/sewing/craft room is finished!!

2010-03-08T21:07:00.018-06:00

Art work in the black frame & the canvas on top of it by Gail Burton. *hugs*

Framed cat art by Joanne May *hugs*

Oil painting above my sewing machine by my sister Debbie! a wedding gift *smooch*

Sister quilt by my sister Shannon! *smooch*

Room by my hottie hubby *all my heart~ and kisses*

Happiness charm by ME *I love my life* Thanks to all who are in it! *super hugs*

And thanks to God *big bear hug*

VooDoo Hex is lifted!

2010-03-07T21:21:00.000-06:00

Now that my VooDoo Hex has been prayed away and winter is warming it's way into Spring I can find my blogger voice once again! Plus my art room is done and I'll soon post pics and possibly create something even! I'm ready, Time willing....

I believe Mr. C will have blue eyes. They are starting to show the slightest hint. And he is teething. He still has the Hitler hairstyle. Or Squiggy from Lavern & Shirley lol(tv sitcom). His mommy says she is not cutting his hair until after his 1st birthday. That could get interesting, especially if it's a fast grower. I love this picture, he looks like he is going to whistle! "Pssssst, where's my bottle?"

On another note I visited the Home & Garden Show in Kansas City last weekend. Dr. Lori was there. She is an antique appraiser. She gave some good advise. Did you know that anyone can be an antique appraiser? Even you or I! You don't have to have any special education or degrees and you don't have to even take a test. You just pay your money and boom...your in a new line of work as an antique appraiser. Well, as you can imagine a lot of folks are losing money because of this. She is trying to change the laws so not just anyone can appraise antiques. Dr. Lori has a masters in Art History and she used to do museum work. She quit to go around and just educate people on what they have. She said she went to a garage sale and a woman had a platinum with real gem stones ring for sale for $10. She went to the lady and told her what she had and said it's worth $5000. The lady said, "no it's not, it's costume jewelry". lol. She was convinced before the day was over. I took an old art picture I have that was my Grandma's to her appraisal show. I found out it's only worth $30, a very old dot matrix print. If you look thru a loop you can see the dots. Dots are not good for collecting art I guess. Who knew? She has a website if you want to sign up for her newsletter. She showcases finds from on-line places that are posting things of value really cheap.

It was an interesting show anyway. If she comes to your town I recommend you go and take something for her to appraise. It was free and it was fun!

Thanks for hanging in here with me! You guys are great! I've been trying to catch up on all the reading of blogs I've missed over the last couple of weeks. Wonderful inspiration BTW. :)

Sorry I've been a lousy blogger lately

2010-02-28T18:30:00.000-06:00

I've been tired. Working too much at work (10 hour days are killing me!), then they send homework home which is like reading a book and doing a book report on it (like highschool). I babysit when I can. I've been moving all my arts/crafts/sewing supplies from the upstairs to the basement. (Big chore!) I have helped my mom with a house "project" that is just going to require time. I get a regular pop-in visitor at least twice a week who stays a minimum of one hour. (not always ideal) I have helped my husband load up a bunch of chopped, heavy, ice and snow covered wood. To top all that off I fell down a flight of stairs a couple of days ago and luckily nothing is broken but I'm so darn sore! My back is screaming at me and sitting in this computer chair only compounds that pain.

My blog is suffering, I know. Please forgive me. I'm too mentally fatigued to come up with anything and my body is aching to much to sit and type it all down. I have not even been reading my usual fav's!! Now that is TIRED! So give me a week from today to get back on top of things and hopefully my blog will be something, someone, somewhere will want to read.

Quick Update:

2010-02-21T21:38:00.002-06:00

My art room is almost done!!! I started moving stuff downstairs today so it won't be long before I can share pics and maybe even MAKE SOME ART!!
It is STILL snowing in Missouri, USA

Expressions

2010-02-17T20:52:00.000-06:00

Colton is beginning to smile and pout and play. He is so much fun when he is NOT spitting up. Valentine would not agree. She tries to stay as far away from him as she can and if I'm sitting on the floor holding Colton or playing with him then she scooches up next to my leg and waits, hoping he will go home soon.

Just a house

2010-02-15T06:58:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we wasted much of our afternoon driving around looking at houses for sale. Seems my step-brother will be moving back to MO and so we tried to aid in the search. We found this charming little home for $108, 000. It sits in a really old part of Independence called Golden Acres. In fact, there is a home there that used to be the home of Harry S. Truman's lawyer and it is splendid! We know who lives there and they paid over $400,000 for that house. One day I hope to go and photograph several of the homes in that area. Maybe in the spring when the trees have leaves and the grass is green and the flowers are in bloom.

This home needs a ton of work and that is just from viewing the outside. The paint is peeling, the back steps are rotted away, the roof needs replaced and the driveway is sunken and needs built up. But it has SO MUCH potential. I wish I had the money to buy it and make it a project. It would be so fun to finish it all up and see how pretty it could be once again. And no telling how many cubby holes and secrets this house holds. It is really old and just sits in a beautiful location to have been so forgotten. Unfortunately it's condition is too poor for my brother to take on at this moment. They need something "move in ready". I just wanted to share it's quiet beauty, maybe you will see again sometime in the spring when I go to photograph the neighborhood.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2010-02-13T21:24:00.000-06:00

16 years ago this was my Valentine's Day present from my wonderful husband. Best gift I have ever received, no question.

Over the years Valentine has taught me a few things about life.

1. With life, there will be an occasional accident.
2. It's okay to eat on the carpet.
3. Always forgive.
4. Sometimes your too excited to wipe your feet, even if they are muddy.
5. Kisses do make you feel loved. Even if there is slobber involved.
6. At times be willing to endure the things you dread, there is always a treat for you in the end.
7. Exercise is more fun in pairs.
8. Food is a good thing always.
9. You can grow old gracefully.
10. Love each other with all your heart and all your soul because life is short and time is precious.

Visit Lisa at Tarnished and Tattered ~

2010-02-08T17:35:00.000-06:00

Awesome give-a-way!

Visit Tarnished and Tattered to enter! She has an amazing blog, very crafty with great pics!

A recommended website

2010-02-06T04:47:00.000-06:00

Check out StudioCalico. It's a really neat website. I think it was designed for scrap bookers but has evolved into a"multi-crafting ideas" media site. I especially like the tutorials. My art room is ALMOST completely done and I'm hoping to move in either this weekend or next and I really have some things I want to get started on. In the meantime I live vicariously through you so keep blogging and have a great weekend!

If you could choose a BEST day.

2010-02-01T21:06:00.000-06:00

I was watching CBS Sunday Morning yesterday. I try to catch it each Sunday before church. I love the mix of news, politics, art, music and odd ball stuff they come up with it. I think Charles Osgood is charming too. They had a piece about a play called Old Town- click here if you would like to see it. I have never seen the play but I guess at the end of the it a woman dies and gets to choose one day in her life to go back to and spend the day. That thought intrigued me. What if you could? Which day would you choose? I thought about it for a while and I don't know that I could pin point one day of my life.

Would I go back to my own childhood to a day that we spent swimming in the hot Kansas sun? To a strip pit that we traveled to in the back of a pick up truck riding along side my Grandma watching her enjoy the ride at her old age as much as us kids did? Or would it be another day where I spent exploring acres of land and catching baby catfish in our creek? Would I choose a certain birthday? Christmas? Would I pick a fun filled day with friends or a fun filled day with family or a day of both? Would I want to be a silly teen again with all my goofy friends that would laugh at anything? Would I want to go back to a time when it was just me and my little guy Cory and we seemed so content with one another just sitting down together to watch TV? Or my wedding? The day my Grandson was born? I think it would be tough to pick a best day of your life. I have many, many great moments but a whole day?

I also like to watch I Survived on the Biography channel on Sunday evenings. Last night 2 of the people, after being faced with death and then realized that they were going to be okay said, that it was the best day (and emphasized "best"), day of their life. Then I thought, if your faced with no more little moments and then it's all given back to you for a second chance, then-yes, that would make for one best day.

I ♥ ______________

2010-01-31T06:35:00.003-06:00

I (heart) ______________. (not in any certain order)
I ♥ Sunny days.
I ♥ Vivid Colors.
I ♥ Dogs!
I ♥ a clean house.
I ♥ Family.
I ♥ My Husband.
I ♥ Meaningful Friends.
I ♥ Sweets.
I ♥ The Beach.
I ♥ Vacation!
I ♥ Making Things.
I ♥ God.
I ♥ The Stars.
I ♥ Seeing Movies.
I ♥ Music.
I ♥ Love Notes.
I ♥ Presents.
I ♥ Cats.
I ♥ Photography.
I ♥ DayDreams
I ♥ Sleeping In.
I ♥ Open Windows.
I ♥ Long Walks.
I ♥ Snowmen.
I ♥ ART.
I ♥ Blogs and Blogging!
I ♥ Happiness.
I ♥ Peace.
I ♥ Cloud Pictures.
I ♥ XOXO
I ♥ Babies!
I ♥ So many people, so many things, so many places.............. my ♥ is filled with LOVE.

Cat eyes are cool

2010-01-28T20:49:00.000-06:00

I see lots of eye balls where I work and I have to say the cat eye is the most interesting. They are all so different. I think they look like little planets. Someday I'm going to take my camera with me and get several different close ups of cat eyes. These are my own two cats whom were totally "put out" by yet another photography session.

Along those same lines (well, kinda) I purchased a really cute cat postcard that I'm going to frame and put in my art room. Check it out here. The room is ALMOST finished! Once I get moved in I'll post pictures. I'll feel like the most spoiled person on earth :)

Simple Subtleties

Party Idea

It's been awhile

Pet Peeves

My son is getting married.

A Change is Coming

How I am

Good-Bye Valentine

I started painting again.

New Mommy Charms! My latest creation:

My Life- wow!

Life Changes

sale·sale·sale

Changes

My latest Etsy creation

R.I.P. Little Missy

Rubbish

Latest Creation

Further proof my cats love me....

Snow and Train Whistles

Random Facts about Me

Getting So Big!

Check out my interview!

How the year is going so far....

Happy New Year!!

Secret Santa Project Gift 5,6, and 7

Secret Santa Project Gift #4

DeGrace Christmas Card with Ali as Santa

The Secret Santa Project (gift #3)

The Secret Santa Project (gift #2)

Secret Santa Project Gift #1

Secret Santa

Ideas for home decor

Heart Catch lights

SPOOKY!

pray for Darren

GIVE A WAY!!! :)

See this movie!

Colton is #1 today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Early morning thoughts.

Collaged project

Grandparents Day at the Kansas City Zoo

Butterflies are crazy this year!

Drawn to Water

'Drawn to Water' by simplesubtleties

25 things I would like to do today

The Pet Shop

'The Pet Shop' by simplesubtleties

Just a good old fashioned pet shop... (long before there was talk of puppy mills). Everyone is hoping to be picked! :)

Not ever enough kitties- my first Treasury creation

'Not ever enough kitties' by simplesubtleties

Cats and kittens bring so much to a person's life. They bring laughter with their play. Their curiosity and independence can be both funny and maddening! Cat's eyes are amazingly beautiful and nothing soothes a person's soul better than the purr of a cat.

Amazing carver!

Gotta love a baby in a bathtub

Purr

Soldered Charms

Blue Water in Missouri

A Perfect Day

Photos by me from this weekend (untouched)

Re-designed by me

Meet my great-nephew

Mowing Observations

Time

My Favorites on Etsy

2 movie recomendations

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Etsy advise

Angel

Drive-In Movies

Peonies

"Hey Mom, You C'mon??"

Free Pattern Download

How I decorate with soldered glass charms

Driving

Recommended Book to Read!

Valentine's carrots

Friday~pay day~pray day

Faith

I sold my first Etsy item!!

Better mute my music for my last post.