What's a Girl to Do?

I have taken a break from blogging for a bit but I'm back now! I was a bit discouraged with the process and needed some time to decide what direction to take. I concluded that I need to focus on the things I know best: Teaching, Parenting, Vintage treasures, Books, Sewing and Quilting, Imagination, Living Frugally, and Crafts and Creating.

Then I looked back at my posts and realized that is exactly what I have been doing!

Like sheep I need to be lead sometimes. Yet I yearn to stretch and express myself.
To find unique expression and to share ideas old and new.

The week has been filled with lesson plans, student work, making connections and being a guide. As a teacher I lead students to discoveries of characters, cultures, histories, and events they may be experiencing for the first time. It is a fascinating opportunity to share the process of learning. I hope to nurture a love of literature and a love of learning in the students I work for.

Perfect teaching Is nothing other than Sharing with others
The knowledge
That we claim as our own.
My heart is teaching me How to be pure. My soul is teaching me How to be happy.

By: Sri Chinmoy

May the sun always shine on those who choose to learn, to teach, and to live life fully.
Have a fabulous Thursday and don't forget to search and discover something new.

Art Fair at Prairie Crossing

This past weekend I was able to attend a wonderful art fair at a venue called Station Street at Prairie Crossing. The artists tents covered a number of city blocks and the court yard of a community building. The temperature was perfect, the artwork was inspiring, and the company I was with wonderful.

Along with the artwork and conversation we were able to enjoy the gardens along our path.

The colors were awesome. It was like walking through a still life painting.
This chicken was the greeter at the Farmers Market portion of the event.
I purchased wild rice, apples, tomatillos, and parsnips. There are some yummy recipes on the menu for the upcoming week.

Visits, adventures, old friends, new acquaintances, images that inspire, all these things made for a weekend that has filled my head with ideas! I'll share more as the days unfold.

Take in nature, create an image, visit a friend, create your own adventure, and enjoy every moment of it!

Celebrating Amanda's Graduation...

Last Sunday we had the honor of celebrating our Amanda's graduation from Graduate School. She has earned her Masters Degree in Social Work. We are all so proud of her and her dedication to helping others to improve their lives. Aren't the roses just beautiful?
The cake her husband Brad ordered for her. So awesome!

And here is the first picture that caught her joy and surprise as she realized we had all gathered to help her celebrate. Her father-in-law is beside her and Hubby, Brad is in the doorway behind.

Grandma, John(Dad), her sister Emily, Brian, her Mom-in-law, assorted other family, friends, and I were in the kitchen yelling SURPRISE!

And boy was she ever!

I just love celebrations! Here's hoping you celebrate something special today!

The Ladies of the Club...

As I had shared in an earlier post I have been cleaning and organizing in the garage and I found some lovely dolls I had forgotten I had! They have been adopted over the past year from second hand stores, auctions, and who remembers where! Each seemed to call out to me. I wasn't exactly sure why at the time but I adopted them none-the-less. This lovely lady is a Peddler. What had she sold? As you can see her basket is empty. I must help her fill it up. Bread, fruit, flowers, the possibilities are endless...

This lovely lass in the blue gingham dress beckons for a tea set or maybe she's a school marm?
Her face has such a gentle expression I am sure she would make a wonderful teacher and tea companion.
This little dumpling is my favorite. Under her coat she has an adorable white dress trimmed in delicate lace. I must buy her a proper pair of shoes!

This Madame Alexander doll is precious. She has soft blonde curls, an innocent, wide eyed expression and just beckons for a playmate.

And this little treasure is a handmade clothespin doll that I do believe will find a home in the doll house that is under construction.

These dolls have seemed to awaken the child in me. I remember as a very little girl in pre-school my favorite playtime item was an old suitcase that was home to an eclectic collection of dolls and accessories. I remember the joy I felt each time I was given a the opportunity to play with it, to pretend, and to use my imagination. There were doll clothes and little dishes, blankets, and baby bottles everything necessary to fulfill a four year old's imaginary adventures.

Are we ever too old for dolls? I hope not!

Confused...What Next?

Confused...

I have so many ideas I can hardly decide where to go next!

School is back in session and I am having an absolutely wonderful re-entry into classes and the day to day routines of school. My students are a daily source of energy for me.

...and the teacher shall always be a student and life long learner.

John and I finished the garage organization project and yes I can finally fit a car in there! I will share pictures real soon.

I have numerous sewing, craft, and art project swirling around in my head.

Weekend travel plans in the near future.

Phone calls I need to make, e-mails to answer, and friends to stay in touch with.

I am working on a daily plan to walk and exercise, eat right, and be over all health conscious.

So...I made some tea, got into some comfy clothes, said a prayer for direction, and began to journal...

I often find the hunger for connection, communication, and companionship is real for all of us.

I participate in life to the fullest on a daily basis yet there are always lingering desires to do more, to be more, and to include more. I believe that I will always crave what is around the next corner but my affirmation is to accept that my needs are fulfilled on a daily basis and that God will address my wants as they are appropriate to my journey...

And so right now my journey requires me to prepare for tomorrow...

Have a wonderful day filled with connections, communication, and companionship.

A Home for a Herb Garden, Organization,

I found this shelf at an auction and had to have it! I was able to acquire it for a bid of $12.00. I see it holding little pots of herbs. Rosemary, thyme, basil, chives, all things fresh for the kitchen. A trip to the farmers market and the project will be well on it's way! Fresh herbs indoors all fall and winter. Lovely...



The garage clean up is underway and I can finally see the image of a car parked in it as well!

The "stuff" has been sorted, packed, shifted and stacked. Bins are being labeled and placed in appropriate stacks. Christmas and seasonal items on one side, clothing on another, and all the other miscellaneous out of the way.

Just a bit more tweaking and this project is history! I am loving the wood cabinets. Our entire library and all my school books and files fit nicely. The books are organized, in one place, and easily accessible. I am so pleased.
Remember there is still a bit to do-final pictures coming soon.

As the work part of our day has come to a close I took a moment to walk, to think, to dream, and to

smell the flowers. The shining sun, the cool air, and God's artistry is so evident.

"The flowers of the field dance like fairies as the cool breezes of dusk bring a rosy glow to their cheeks."

Until next time...

May you feel the breezes on your cheeks.

Got Old Sweaters this is Awesome!

YouTube - Threadbanger on Rachael Ray

I have sweaters and I just didn't know what to do with them. They are not appropriate for felting, worn so not sure donating is best, but reuse, recycle, restyle...Yes! And the ideas shared here are awesome! I can't wait to try it!
Happy Crafting!