Homemade Halloween Cards

Funny that the previous post was about list making and schedule keeping. I've made the executive decision to go off plan: I needed to finish a Jessie The Cowgirl costume and since I was down here....I made Halloween Cards!

Have you ever tried using alcohol inks? I been intrigued by the glossy, unique designs they create so I gathered supplies and gave them a whirl----this a a totally beautiful and FUN medium! If you are into card making, scrapbooking or just want to exercise your creative vibrations, give these a try, you'll have a blast!

And before I forget, if you are in the area and would like to join me, I'm looking at November 13th for a Cowgirl Craft afternoon open house. Bring your pictures, projects, knitting, or whatever else your hearts desire. We'll have a "play date" here in the craft room! Message me for details if you'd like to join in a relaxing afternoon of conversation and creating. I'll have the hot cider ready!

Time to fly, I've got to go pick up "Jessie" aka Blue Sparkle aka Wolf Cub aka my daughter!

List Making The Key To Success

Are you a list maker? There's no question that I am! I make lists for groceries, homework, home improvement, farm/ranch projects and even writing ideas. It could be said that I am a "chronic" list maker.....I fit the bill.

Part of my drive is the stern dislike of being unorganized and scattered. For those that follow Nine Star Ki, I am a one water/three tree so I do have the ability to "go with the flow and adapt". I also crave new vistas and learning experiences, which can certainly appear as scattered, unplanned and chaotic! Post youth, I'm more inclined to finish a project before the deadline versus burning the midnight oil like I used to do. My motto in college was that I worked better under pressure. This may have been true to an extent, but now, the adrenaline doesn't negate the stress!

As part of organization and time management classes I teach, I research strategies and ideas to help streamline time and efficiency. The challenge for me is always how to cram more in a day AND still find time to do things I enjoy.

I had a grand revelation this summer: I bought a huge white board, removed a lovely picture and hung it in a prominent place.

On this board hangs lunch menus, invitations, a favorite picture, drawings, kids' chore lists, reminders and a daily/weekly over view. When I know what's coming down the line it's easier to plan ahead. I'm a very visual person so having everything in one spot is supportive.

I used to write down grocery lists but I find it more efficient to put that list in my phone, which is always with me. Too many times I've made a grocery list only to find that it is 30 some miles to the south when I hit the store and rummage through a full messenger bag!

I also am using what I call a "Mom Planner" I wasn't going to spend $50 on the one I saw on line. Instead I spent $12 on a purple one when we were school shopping. It has school calendars, health information, christmas list ideas, and any other information I need to keep track of. It's too bulky to pack around so it sits near my desk for quick referral.

The other device I've incorporated is a notebook that lists what I accomplished for the day. In the rush to get so many things done, I forget what I DID, as opposed to all the things I DID NOT! I list important accomplishments, significant data, the weather and even funny comments my children make. I guess it would be sort of a diary but I don't include my personal feelings. (I have another journal for that!)

Many wonderful readers have sent emails asking, "how do you do all that you do?" This is how, though I'm not above scrapping the list in lieu of something spontaneous, magical, more important and just plain fun! Listing and organizing is important so that you are able to take advantage of wonderful opportunities as they arise.....guilt free!

Happy Listing!

The Halloween Tree

I'll admit, this may be a little over-the-top! I'm one that often comments on how we don't have time to enjoy the present season before retail stores are putting the next season's good on shelves! So I am questioning what feels and looks like a fab idea!

I fell in love with this tree as soon as I laid eyes on it. First, it's my color! Second, when I saw it, I had an instant vision of antique toys nestled under the branches. I've been pining for a "girlie" tree, one that is simple, fresh and fun, one that I can haul upstairs myself and one that requires little to zero clean-up. My idea of a Christmas tree is as follows: grab, fluff and display!

Though I adore Christmas, I despise laborious decorating. I have a blast going with my family to choose a tree but past that, I turn it over to the pros! I am not known for my patience in hanging each and every precious ornament. Pass. I'd rather whip up something tasty to sip or much after the tinsel has been put on. It's a long story and maybe I'll write about it sometime; for now, suffice to say....elaborate tree decorating is not my bag baby!

So after the cleaning and reorganization today, I rewarded myself with the delight of putting this "champagne" tree together! It's so pretty and the colors compliment fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving. Now that is what I call a multi-purpose tree! (I hope I won't be tired of it in another month?)

BS was happy to help me throw some little pumpkins on the branches. We placed bigger ones around the base and presto-chango', we have ourselves a cute, little Halloween tree!

Interestingly, I've been so darn busy that I haven't put out any Halloween decorations. Oh, we'll soon drag out the pumpkin carving paraphernalia and creepy music but we won't go all out this year. We'll be traveling Friday and Saturday and home in time Sunday to make the rounds so we'll focus on "turkeys" from here on out.

I'm not sure how long this baby will stay up but I as I write I just had a vision of pheasant feathers sticking out of the branches.....hummmmm! I think its a keeper!

What do you think? Crazy? Ridiculous? Cool? Creative? I need more fresh air! Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section below!

Happy Fall Ya'all!

Is This Crazy?

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Football and Knitting

I'll admit, I have a hard time just doing one thing. I am a "chronic multi-tasker". I appreciate the aspect of being "in the moment" though I have a heck of a time sitting still! I do my best to focus on what's in front of me, but it's really best if my hands have something to do. Enter knitting:

I learned how to knit about a year ago. I'm still very much a beginner though I see my pace is improving. I realize knitting IS slower than crochet, though at this time, I'm content to keep expanding my knitting skills. There is something magical and amazing to me that two wooden sticks and a ball of fluffy yarn can be made into a scarf. Even more fantastical is the I am the one doing it! Excuse the self-boasting but HOLY CRAPPP!!!!! I'm actually knitting....and it looks good enough to give away!

This is coming from a former child who gave her Grandmother a reminder that like flowers and wine, patience really is a virtue! At one time my hyper-activity/ADD tendencies were what would earn me a trip outdoors to do something "constructive" and give the folks around me a break; those same tendencies are now responsible for scarves, purses, sewn halloween costumes, canned goods, grouted floors, painted walls, homemade cards, and weekly cooking experiments! I like to think such random, scattered energies have been transmuted into refined, creative vibrations that actually produce a viable end product!

I do sometimes admire others who can solely focus on "one thing at a time". I can when I choose to. I think of watching/listening to football and knitting is how I get the MOST out of couch time! It's rare that I even sit down so I'm going to make it count.

Plus this is a perfect day to knit. The weather is on the cool side, overcast and dreary. I love nothing more than to curl up and let my fingers fly. Flannel shirts, leggings, wool socks, hot coffee and knitting. This is my idea of a very enjoyable fall afternoon!

I may or may not get off the couch tonight. The laundry, dishes and floors can wait. They always do! Now, if I could figure out a way to read all the books in this house and knit at the same time I'D BE SET!

Here's to a cozy fall night!

New Carpet

This isn't the best picture of the new car-pet-o but my camera card is full and I am in the midst of "moving back in" to a place I never left! So maybe more pics later?

If you are a regular of this little 'ol blog, you know I am OCD when it comes to floors. My favorite gadget in the world is a Kirby vacuum, I heart it. With one itty bitty house pooch, three kids, hubby, and a constant stream of traffic out front, back and side doors, that piece of equipment is essential. Right now we're not fighting mud, we're battling burrs---sandburs everywhere. I HATE stickers, especially on the stairs. Grrrrr!

Flies are the other nemesis. It hasn't frozen so they are swarming the house and windows by the billions This is actually not that much of an exaggeration. It's bad when you look through the window and can't see daylight...... So, the vacuum comes in super handy there too.

I've been on the go for the past few days so things are not back to order yet, but they will be soon. I did pause for a moment to reflect and enjoy the new floor. It looks great and I love seeing it versus the previous covering. It makes me remember the importance of dreaming and positive affirmations coupled with luck, determination and good old fashioned muscle power! New carpet may not sound like much, but to me, wanting it for the last five years IS a big deal. I've wished and hoped and saved bucks for this expense because there were a lot of other things that did come first. I get that, and there's no reason why we can't hold on to those dreams that feel out of reach. Just because what we want is not here RIGHT NOW, doesn't mean it won't ever be. Our dreams may be hiding at a time in the future, waiting for just the perfect timing so we'll truly appreciate what we're about to have!
They may be just down the road, maybe closer, maybe the next step away. The important thing to know is that are there, and this is what we can carry in our hearts TODAY.

May the sunshine light you path as you journey on.

My Sweet Baby

Twelve years ago today my life as a "Mommy" began! I had gone to sleep, very tired and heavy. I'd woke up early in the morning thinking my bladder had exploded! I was dreaming of going to the bathroom but couldn't make myself move, I was sooo tired. Little did I know that my water had broken and my baby was on his way.

Labor was quite pleasant but had stalled by the time we arrived at the hospital at 6 am. I was then given "pit" and went from no contractions to "just let me stay passed out"! Delivery was speedy quick, one of the nurses called our boy "The Silver Bullet"!

At 10:42 am, I laid eyes on a precious red-haired little pumpkin and my heart would never be the same. Little did we know that Pake's first 6 month (6 years actually) were going to be a challenge. He was born with a rare blood disorder that took until April and an act of God to diagnose. Folic acid, Dr. Brittan, Mary Dailey, Dr. Hayes, and several amazing nurses, as well as family and friends supported us during these years. We became a living testament to the power of prayer and positive beliefs. From that first week in ICU, talking to him and encouraging his little body to heal, all the way to age five and a splenectomy, we grew and experienced life, laughed, cried and learned. We know that we are not in control, rather we co-create and pray for the best and highest good in every situation. We realize we are never alone, we are all in this thing called life, together. Nothing is a
given, nothing is set in stone, yet we have unlimited choices and support in every moment of every day. How we look at any situation and keeping a positive perspective, as best as possible is key!

I didn't ask for this kind of "lesson" and yet, having this experience with Pake has helped me open to and appreciate all the support and blessings, from the smallest to the most amazing.

After surgery, Pake is considered medically cured. He's grown tall and eats more than I do (he usually watches to see what I have on my plate and then volunteers to help me "clean it up"! He wears my shoes and coats and can't wait for the day when he's taller than his mother!

I usually don't focus on those rough times of the past, it's hard to when I see that wide grin and tall, lean body saunter into the kitchen after school. His eyes are still the same bright blue, his little scar from the mask is barely visible, but he is still and always will be my baby.....the wonderful little being that made me a mommy.