Greater Truths

1. At least 2 people in this world love you so much they would risk dying for you.

2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.

3. A smile from you can bring happiness to a complete stranger.

4. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.

5. You mean the world to someone.

6. If not for you, someone may not be living.

7. You are special and unique.

8. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it. If you trust God to do what's best, and wait on His time, sooner or later, you will receive it or something even better.

9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good can still come from it.

10. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.

11. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.

12. Remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

13. Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know and you'll both be happy.

14. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.

15. Chances are 99 percent of the things you worry about will never happen.

16. It takes 3 seconds to say, I am sorry, please forgive me, I forgive you or I love you. Odds are they will be the best spent time of your life. If you start now, you can be done by Christmas. You will be less anxious, worried and depressed for each three second utterance.

That's what Christmas is All About

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"

"That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

Christmas in NYC

A group of Harveyites (my co-workers from Sid Harvey Inds.) got together & went into the City to see the Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall. It was cold, snowing lightly and the streets were packed! But it was fun! The show is truly spectacular! We of course stopped at The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree - I never get tired of seeing that. OK it's officially Christmas for me now -
well almost - my tree isn't up yet!

St. Brigid Elementary School

When I was growing up in Brooklyn, we lived down the street from a Catholic Church/School (St. Aloysius), yet I was sent to St. Brigid's about 12 city blocks away (we used to get a "bus pass" for $1.00/ month & ride the City bus to school - many times I hoofed it too - but I digress). Anyway I never understood why -my mother explained that the priests there were more compassionate in her time of need - so it was there she sent me. Understand - I LOVED that school - & I have so many memories of the sweet days in my life in both the school & Church - so imagine my surprise that when I was surfing today - I came across this picture - WOW!!! instantaneous floods of memories came rushing back to me - I only wish I could find the school. Any way - there was never any doubt that I was going to send my kids to Catholic school so they could experience what I did - and yes - Guy's education/experience is ten fold what mine was - I am so very happy for him - I keep reminding him to cherish these days. I remember every teacher & event - from the ordinary to the extraordinary (Kindergarten Halloween party, Mission Sunday, safety patrol, Jesus Christ Superstar, Confirmation - even the candy stores on either corner).

Baby Feet to Man Feet

Baby Feet
~Edgar Guest
Tell me, what is half so sweet
As a baby's tiny feet,
Pink and dainty as can be,
Like a coral from the sea?
Talk of jewels strung in rows,
Gaze upon those little toes,
Fairer than a diadem,
With the mother kissing them


I start this post with this poem & this picture because my son's feet were one of my favorite things in my life. So sweet, so small, so perfect! I remember playing with them, kissing them, tickling them and just marveling at them. As he grew, of course I couldn't do as many things to them, but I still played little piggy & of course brought him the cutest little shoes.

His feet eventually got as big as mine (size 7) and for a while we could "borrow" each other shoes - his crocs, my muck-lucks, his flip-flops - we wore what ever was available. But lately, I began to notice something - he was developing "man-feet"! Yup - right before my very eyes - you know what I mean - those funny, odd shaped toes - wide and just plain guy like. And they kept growing! Last night we had to get new school shoes (yes the shoes from September did not fit him anymore. So we went to the 7 1/2 section, 8, 8 1/2, 9 - yikes - 9 1/2 & brought him three pair.

And so it goes - where did my little boy go? It is silly - but this concept disturbs me so I want those cute little pink toes again!
And know now I will never havethem again.

One Flaw In Women

Women have strengths that amaze men.

They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have the compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

I saw this on Four Sisters in a Cottage & had to post it.

Cinderalla finds Her Prince

This movie - this scene - brings me instantly back to when I was seven years old - I remember watching this in Irving Ave.'s living room behind the store (my grandparents apartment building/grocery store in Brooklyn) being so enchanted - I'd watch it every year until they one year never showed it again. I cry when I hear the songs or at long last, see the clips again - Why? I am not sure - is it because of the wonderful feelings I can so vividly remember, the days that I can't capture again? the memories of that dimly lit living room - the love there? This is truly bittersweet.

This picture marries two of my favorite themes in my house...

Vintage sewing & vintage kitchenware - I just wanted to add it to my blog. I am good at looking at an item & then being able to copy it. Guess what is one of my next projects? Bellmore flea market - here I come!

The Little Things in Life

"Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things" ~Antonio Smith

Had a wonderful weekend! Big Guy (DH) came home early from his yearly male bonding trip Upstate & on Friday night we ate out & Saturday we sailed (garage sailed) & visited all of our favorite thrift shops. Picked up a wonderful white enamel basin - about 20" round - chipped & rusty - PERFECT!! (LOL) I know just the spot for it in the garden filled with marigolds or impatiens! When we got home, then we barbecued some luscious steaks, built a fire and hung out on the deck all night. Sunday we walked the flea market & brought a cute cow cookie jar & cow teapot (in my kitchen, along with vintage red ware, cows are also the theme). While we were away, I had a big pot of Italian tomato sauce bubbling on the stove &when we returned feasted on a great dinner. Today when I woke up, I decided I needed a mental health day & let little Guy (DS) stay home too! We slept late, lounged and had a great day! Sometimes the little things in life make things great!!!!

My Vintage Sewing Collection

I am mad about vintage sewing notions - from threads, needles, pin cushions, old buttons, etc. There is something so lovely & endearing about these articles - the loving & creative hands that used these things to create everyday necessities for their families. I like to imagine who they were & what they look liked - next to cooking, sewing was probably the most important thing a woman could do for her family. Back to school clothes, baby blankets, mittens, prom dresses - so many occasions made even more special with their wonderful creations. It's funny because I can't sew a button on straight! I can pretty much do or create anything - a lot of times just be looking at something I can create it almost exact. When looking at an everyday object, I can see at least tens ways I can alter it or incorporate it into my art - but I could not take up a hem if my life depended on it. Perhaps that's why I am drawn to these notions - it gives me a sense of connection to past generations of women before me.

My Menagerie

Let me introduce you to my animal friends - there is Lucy -a 110# Rottie mix - she is 4 yrs. old & there's Teddy, a 100# Rottie mix - 3 years old (10 months younger than Lucy). They both think they are lap dogs - trust me they are not - not when your thigh goes completely numb after they sit on it for a while. Then there's Nalla & George - litter mates and they are 21 weeks old .

Outside lives Squittle (named after a Pokemon character - { I kid you not} ) & Oreo - for obvious reason. Also outside live about 18 gold fish (no pictures sorry!) they are all orange, about 5-8" long & look exactly alike except for who we call "Big Moe" - I brought him for .69 and he was about 2" big. He is now about 15-18" and VERY fat - orange with black & white spotting -he definitely king of the pond! We have indoor birds - but that's for another post. My husband thinks I am out of my mind, but I want to get a rooster & chicken for the backyard as well - maybe in the Spring!

We are getting spolied with all this nice weather!

Middle of October & it still feel like Spring - nary a chill in the air. I have mixed feelings - I love this weather - but also miss the Autumn crispness & that bit of chill you feel. The leaves have yet to begin to change color - someone at work remarked that he went to PA over the weekend & the leaves there haven't started to change yet either. It's sad actually, I feel we (mankind) have screwed up the earth (with fuel emissions, pollution & God knows what else we've been pumping into the Earth's atmosphere for the last fifty years) - the weather patterns have completely changed from even as little as five years ago - never mind up when I was growing up (oh sooo long ago! LOL).

Guy's first boy girl dance

Last night was my DS first boy girl dance. He is in 7Th grade in a private school & traditionally the school has a dance for 7Th & 8Th graders in the beginning & end of the year. No he did not have date - he just hung with the boys & would not tell me if if actually danced! While the kids danced, the mom's went to Piccolo's - a local favorite Italian restaurant & ate, drank and gossiped. Then when we picked up the kids, we took them to Applebee's so they can eat - we left them almost on their own so they could feel grownup. It was a nice night.
I can't believe that he is 12 already & our SEAS (St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School)days are winding down - that school has become the center of our universe - with all the volunteering & committees I am on - the wonderful friends I have made - even DH is super involved. I am going to feel horrible when he graduates - but that is two years away & high school follows that so it will be a new beginning.
On his first day of school this year, when he came down in his new uniform (7 & 8 graders change uniforms to make them feel older & different from the younger grades) there was a catch in my throat seeing him that way - older & handsome - I still have his kindergarten picture on the refrigerator - my what a difference - but I guess that's what motherhood is all about!

I am Swapping Again

There was a time when I belonged to so many art swaps I could barely keep track. Then some crummy things started happening: I would send, never get any thing back, or what I got back was so below standard (yes I have to admit I expected decent work, not necessarily professional quality, but something without ink smudges or hair embedded in the glue - but that's another story!). It got so bad that I just stopped. I caught up on artwork & projects for myself. I gradually returned to my old forums and just recently joined four swaps. I feel better about things and hopefully I won't encounter as much negativity I did in the past. This is where I have been swapping at ATCards.com . & PaperCraftsMagazine.com.
I also joined a blind swap "Halloween Hat" on a site I stumbled on The Speckled Egg . Mine is the second one that I sent to my partner - made out of felted wool & the first one is the one I received in return.

Off to the Flea Market

Every Sunday, in the commuter railroad parking lot, in the next town, the Lions Club holds a flea market. I walk through it just about every week. It's funny, that through the years the themes of the "treasures" I look for have gradually changed. I was on a red, vintage kitchenware kick for the longest time - my entire kitchen is done up that way. Then it was vintage sewing - that is still growing strong, although I have become very particular in what I buy. Vintage ladies accessories (gloves, hats, purses) are still big, as I alter them - again they must fit into my altering eye or I pass them up. Recently I am looking for old jewelry - costume mostly - again looking for things that I can dissect & use as pieces in my art. But pretty much anything is fair game - garden art, something jaunty enough to fit my living room or anything that I know some day "I gonna need that" LOL!

PS - Two Of My Finds

Selling my artwork

Last Saturday I finally opened my Etsy Shop & the next morning I sold a piece! Great encouragement! Although I did sell some pieces on E-bay aleady, I am anxious that I will stall & sell no more. I am adding a link on my forums to "advertise" - we shall see. Slow but sure as they say!