Monday, January 28, 2013

When Chelsea is Bored....She's Pretty Stinkin' Cute!

Chelsea misses work....
desperately!

In fact as of this morning she let me know that 
there are just 20 days until she returns.

After she stood and stared at me 
for a few minutes
as if waiting for me to begin 
doing circus tricks or come up 
with some other fun 
plans to fill this day
I decided to ask her a question.
One designed to send her on a 
research project.  

I figured she would know the answer to 
this question....even though I wasn't sure 
of the answer myself.
She didn't.

The question?

What language do they speak in Thailand?

I figured she would decide to learn a few phrases.
It has never taken much encouragement to 
get Chelsea to study this or that.
She's a natural student.

However
since she didn't know the answer
this is what she found out.....
and sent to my inbox.

***********



Wait for it..........






******************



Now you know...
and so do we!!

Very important since she'll be spending two
months in this beautiful country
later this year.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

One Reason I've been MIA



I've been hard at work doing an overhaul of my 
candle labels.
It may seem like a small thing...
but it is not.

If you
you'll see a peek into what is involved 
in making this change.

It is slowing me down in many ways
but the benefits definitely outweigh the 
frustrations of the delay.

Can't wait to see if it improves
sales for my retail shops.

Hoping that the new labels are more 
attention getting with their brighter 
colors and crisper 
photos.


Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Please Pop Over......

.....to Susanna's blog for some really fun news 
and great photos of Katie.

Watching this sweet girl grow and thrive has
been a wonderful gift over this past year.

It is like watching a miracle
unfold right in front of our eyes.

I was going to say more
but really 
the photos over there say it all.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Ponderings......

There are eyes looking at me.
Big brown puppy dog eyes.
Bandit wants attention.
A scritch.
A scratch.

Ahhhh....she knows the drill.
Keys are tapping, tapping and she gives up.
Over to the afghan covered blue chair.
The softness of the crocheted yarn will have to 
take the place of my attention for now.

It feels cold on my part.
To ignore her so.

Not giving in.

However, 
Bandit would let me pet and scratch her
all day every day.
She'd pretty much demand it if she could.

Now that I think of it, 
if I had someone at my disposal 24 -7
to give me a back rub I might just 
get to liking that too.

Another dog has snuggled up close.
Back turned to me for easy access.
Feel free to pet me she says.
I'm pretty well ignoring her too.
But the warmth of her body is pretty welcome 
on this blustery morning.

She lays down.
Settling in for a nap.

The bummer for her is that I have to get up 
in just a moment.
Time to get dressed.
Time to walk......
out there in that cold, cold air.

Now do you see why I haven't been posting.
I have nothing to say.
Well, nothing that anyone really wants to read
anyway.
We found a very, very funny birthday card this week.
I can't share it....
Apparently more than half of America
wouldn't find it amusing.

The biggest excitement here right now is
that I have made my candle labels waterproof!
Woot.

I really hope that doesn't rock your world.
Hoping you have more on your excitement meter than I do.

Chelsea continues to prepare to leave in July.
Items continue to be checked off her list.

Jonathan continues to work as a security guard at 
our favorite theater.

Mikey has been cleaning and counting light fixtures
by the hundreds(?) during changeover from Jonah 
to Noah.  
He is ready for Noah to begin so he can go back to 
doing what he loves....
moving sets here and there multiple times a day.

Warren is beginning to feel the pressure of 
changeover and a new show in the works.
I'm pretty sure he enjoys it.

Our van is at the garage for a major 
repair.  One that originally was supposed to 
cost more than $3,400.  
Gulp!
But now has been brought down to 
around $800.
I would have gulped at that if we hadn't heard 
the larger number first.
Perspective!

I'm slowly chipping away at my many projects
and cleaning this much neglected house.
I'm developing strategies for the best use of space
when I move my shop downstairs.
Neither Warren or I are willing to just throw 
stuff down there and call it done.
It means too much.
This must be done with much thought and care.

Georgia has had her second cataract surgery.
It went well.
We are collectively breathing a sigh of relief
to have these procedures in the rear view mirror.

Mom is enjoying her time between 
shows at the theater.
She loves working but she also enjoys
opportunities to see family and friends
who live in other states when she gets the mandatory time off.

Coming up next week we will begin 
a neighborhood game night. 
I'm looking forward to time with some
old neighbors and some new ones too.

Life continues to click down the track....
the clicks come faster and faster.
Have you noticed?
Perhaps it was driven home this week when 
a very good friend lost her father suddenly.
Angel has joined the group that no one really wants to join.
Those who have said good-bye to their daddies.
It happens.
We know.
But it is a place that you really can't understand
unless and until you have walked the road.

My heart breaks for the pain and sadness 
still ahead of her.
I rejoice with her for their closeness
and for all of the memories she has to enjoy.

If you have not yet joined this club.....
reach out and tell your dad how much he means to you.
Maybe words aren't your way....
but make him his favorite treat
or wrap him up in a bear hug.

The train is clearly clicking on the track
and you don't want to regret a moment
of missed opportunity.

Saturday, January 12, 2013

A Delightfully Beautiful Day

So, you see the new header?
It shows snow.
We don't have any.
Nope.
It is in the 50's today and is 
supposed to get to 60 degrees Fahrenheit tomorrow.

So....in celebration of this delightfully warm weather
I am going to post some of my favorite summer photos.












We will have cold and snowy days again soon.
But in the meantime I am very thankful for
the beauty of this day.

It has been a bit of a challenging week with our 
vehicles.  Each one in its own way.....
but God is good and we are just fine.

We give thanks for the protection on a friend
who was in a horrible accident this week when she 
was rear ended and shoved into the opposing lane
where she was hit again and pushed off the road.
I looked at her yesterday and had to just praise our 
Heavenly Father for sparing her from worse injuries
than the severe bruises and whiplash she 
is currently recovering from.

I am praying today as our friend, Susanna, returns
from Eastern Europe where she spent time with Tommy.
She did not have a lot of time to blog but 
seeing the short video she was able to post and 
the few other photos show a much better situation 
than she found on her last visit.

This week also brought the opportunity to attend
the funeral of a neighbor's mother.
Judy has been such a great friend to us and our Chelsea.
It meant a lot to be able to be with her during 
this special service.
It was the kind of service that made you really 
wish you had known the person being remembered.
While I had met Judy's mom I didn't know her.
I regret that.
What a lovely lady I missed knowing.
I'm so glad that Ellen, Logan and I were able to 
go and that Georgia was willing to loan us 
her car for the lengthy drive to the funeral.

In a week or so I think we will have all of the 
vehicles functioning at a pretty good level again.
Chelsea's is o.k. now that it has been inspected.
Warren's Miata seems fine.
But the Buick and our Van are both wonky 
.....at once.  
Warren is taking care of the Buick's biggest issues today.
We think.

Anyway....
In the big scheme of things we are doing great!

I made a resolution this year to 
be a better 
friend.

It is way too easy to see the daily stuff as 
so important that we are just too busy 
to step out there and invite a friend to coffee...
or drive a ways to a funeral...
or send a little note that just reminds someone that 
you are thinking of them.

I am attempting to be purposeful in being
in touch with those who have meant 
so much to me over the years.

Whether it is YOU....
our Moms...
my daughter....
my extended family whom Facebook has reunited...
friends at church....
the Barrista with the gruff exterior at our 
local St*rbucks....
or 
a lonely stranger that God places 
in my path.

I want to be His hands and feet.
To share His love.
To fellowship.
To pray.
To laugh.

May He help me
this year
to be
that kind of a friend.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Photo Uploading Issues

Hey There....
Can anyone tell me why I can no longer upload photos from my files? 
This is putting a crimp in my bloggy style.
For real.
Update:

Google Chrome did the trick! 

Thanks!

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Psalms of Praises

 
For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary.
 Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come into his courts.
 Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth.
 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.
The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.
 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
 Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
 
Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples in his faithfulness.
Psalm 96:4-13 (NIV)
 
Don't you just love when a songwriter uses scripture
as the foundation of their song so that as it comes
to mind you realize you are singing
Holy words?
 
I do!
 
This morning I noticed the words that I've highlighted in
blue and immediately a song started running
through my head.
 
 
What a joyful way to begin a day!

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Getting in Deeper...Literally

 
It is January.
 
Unofficially I am continuing the candle business.
It is unofficial because Warren and I have yet to sit
down and have that LONG discussion about whether
this is continuing or not.
However,
short chats have led to an agreement to
try some changes......
Big changes that have to happen to make it work.
 
One of the biggest is that I'll be moving my
workspace to the room that Mikey used to occupy.
 
He's been moved out several months now and gives no
hint of wanting to come back.
He is in a very good place with very nice roomates.
We are happy for him and are always thrilled
when he pops in whether for a few minutes
or for a day or two.
Of course the rest of the family gets to see
him at work.
Made easier since they all work at the same
theater.
 
I haven't heard any more from the salon owner about the
space she may be offering me.
However, the more I think about leaving the house
to work the less I like the idea.
That's not to say that it still may not happen
but I think I really want to give this new
arrangement a real chance first.
 
I say I'm getting in deeper because his room
is in our lower level
right next to Warren's
"man cave".
 
I'm going to get buff carrying the boxes
up and down the stairs.
Seriously, buff.
*grin*
The soy boxes themselves are
50 pounds.
Yep, I'm going to get into
shape...if it doesn't kill me.
 
In the meantime the creative juices have been flowing
and I've been creating both mentally and literally.
 
For this month's feature fragrance
 I created a new fragrance that Chelsea
has been after me to make for quite some time.
Peppermint Mocha.
Yum!
 
I continue to experiment with palm wax, wood wicks
and cotton wicks.
Today I found some adorable containers to make up
goodies for weddings and Valentine's Day.
 
Oh Joy!
I'm having fun again.
 
As you may have seen in an earlier post
I'll be offering soap made by
some friends with soapmaking experience
and I'm looking into making
coordinating lotions.
 
Lots going on here!
 
Thanks to all of my dear friends and readers
who have been so supportive.
I've got a temporary reprieve.
I'll try to make good on it.
Two things have to happen:
 
First....I have to turn a profit.
Secondly,
I have to make our house a home once again.
 
That will be so wonderful!
 

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

We had a Ball

There is something broken with my Bloggy self.
I went to a fun New Years/Birthday Party last night
and did not take the camera!
 
Oh dear!
 
Sadly, Warren and several others had their cameras and
captured much silliness.
 
The event was actually a birthday party for our dear
friend Lindsay Rabe from Creekside Cottage.
She turns 21 today.
Conveniently it happened that we could celebrate
the New Year's arrival at the same time.
 
We had a ball.
Literally.
 
An English Country Ball.
 
Some danced every dance
while some of us
did just one or two.
 
I chose to do one
but it went on forever since
the music had been tampered with
to extend the "fun".
 
Well, it was funny to see everyone's faces
as the song began again and again.
 
Mikey came to the party and was
cracking all of us up with his
shenanigans.
He is such the middle child.
 
I am going to try to be a better
blogger this year.
It's so hard with all of the time I
have to spend promoting my Etsy shop
that I tend to want to be off the computer when
I'm not busy with that but I do miss
seeing what everyone is up to and the fun
of planning, shooting and posting
deliberate posts.
 
I have a major project coming up that I
intend to document and share.
Very exciting....
to me, anyway.
 
Today I will make pork and saurkraut
to get this New Year off on the right foot.
Tradition!
 
We plan to see a movie
and probably head to bed early to make up
for the missed sleep from last night.
It was after 2am when we finally headed to bed.
Most years I work hard
just to make it to the ball drop
and then head straight to bed.
 
But, this year held new adventures.
Some I am sure to regret.
Maybe as soon as Sunday morning if certain
people decide to share their video.
 
Happy Birthday, Lindsay.
Thanks for the fun.