It's been a funny sort of month. So many small things have happened. Some big things, too. The weather is crazy for this time of year. This time last year, Indiana was covered in snow. Here in Goshen, we had snow that almost came up to my windows and temps were never above 20 degrees. This year? Well, it seems that Indiana thinks it is now California! We had a brief snow, lasting for several hours, but melted within a day. We have days that might have dipped down to 34, but more days that have been in the high 40's. Today they predicate 50! I feel like I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop, or, actually, the other snowflake!
The good news that made the month? My daughter, Ashleigh, is now engaged! As a mom, we always want the best for our children. All of my older daughters have been in a marriage that has not worked out for them and has ended in divorce. Very sad, that is. Always breaks your heart. Ashleigh has had her share of heartache. Now, she is so happy with her guy, John. He is so very kind and loving. He has been with her for over a year and has helped her in ways I will never know. He adores Ashleigh's daughter, Little B and B adores him! In fact, he is the person she walked to first! Yep, Little B took her first steps about 2 weeks ago! It is always a wonder to see those first steps. It helps us remember that the little things count the most. I also experienced something that made my heart soar. John came to me and asked if I would allow him to marry Ashleigh! I have never had any of the guys asked that before! I'm not sure, but I truly think that it was love at first sight for John! He really is a remarkable man and I am so glad he loves Ashleigh and B so much.
On the sad side of this month, Laura and I lost our dear, sweet cat, Keeko, on Dec. 11. He found us one crisp October morning in 2006. No one in the neighborhood had ever seen him before and no one claimed him, so he became part of our family. He never even flinched when Laura named him Keeko. He was a blessing to us. As years progressed and situations changed, he was a constant for us both. He became a therapy animal for Laura. He was always there when she needed him. He had this way about him, always knowing when Laura or I needed some love. He would come up to us and just lay his head on us. His purring was always so soothing, even though it was, at times, as loud as a Hoover!
I am trying to not stress out this holiday season. Not only is it bad for health reasons, but stressing out over the holidays just takes all of the fun out! So many new things this holiday; new baby, new fiance, no Keeko. Happy with the sad. But isn't that life?
I hope all of you are keeping the holiday season stress-free. Remember what the season is about: love, family, beliefs. Don't let commercialism invade. Hugs and kisses are worth more than any other gift you can give.
Until next time, be happy this holiday season. Hug, love, laugh. That's what makes life worth it all.
Hugs to you all,
Deb
Monday, December 15, 2014
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Just a note
I would like to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving! I hope all of you are spending the day with those you love and care about, whether it is family or friends. Eat a good meal, have a laughter filled day and always remember to be thankful for all you have. It doesn't take a mansion and a million dollars to be happy. Happiness is in the heart.
Warmest wishes,
Deb
P.S. I'm messing around with the look of my blog, so please forgive the mess!
Warmest wishes,
Deb
P.S. I'm messing around with the look of my blog, so please forgive the mess!
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Remembering
Today is Remembrance Sunday in the UK. The Queen, members of the Royal family and others laid wreaths at the Cenotaph. The Tower of London has a magnificent display of 888,246 ceramic poppies. It is breathtaking to see pictures of it. I am sure it is overwhelming in person. Starting Wednesday, 8,000 volunteers will start taking them up and the poppies will be on a tour until 2018. If you have a chance to see them, whether in person or just in pictures, it is a site not soon forgotten.
Here in America, Tuesday, November 11, will mark our Veterans' Day. Through the years there have been so many, many people who've lost their lives fighting for our freedom. I have members of my family that have been in different branches of service. In fact, my father and my mothers' brother were on the same ship to Korea and did not know it for many years. This, of course, was before they actually were my father and uncle! My ex-husband served in the Army for 20 years, all of which I was with him. We must also remember the families of these services members, as they also served our country. Military life is hard, even under the best of circumstances.
Today, November 9, also marks the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. This is a part of history that I was privileged to be a part of. My ex-husband, myself and most of our children lived in Berlin for 6 years. Some of the years were lived inside of the Wall, some lived after the Wall fell. As strange as it may sound, it was never noticeable that life in Berlin, prior to the fall, was any different from anywhere else. Yes, their was a wall around us, but there was so much life in that city, that unless you actually were near the Wall, you could remain oblivious.
The entire city of Berlin was not all enclosed, only the West section. The East section was run by the Russians, the West by the Four Powers, each having their own section. The Wall was actually two different walls, one on the Russian side, one on our side. Both walls were topped with barbed wire. In between the two walls were land mines. Yes, you read that right, land mines. On both perspective sides there were guard towers. Our guard towers had soldiers keeping watch, so did theirs. The difference? Our guards tried to help get the fleeing people to our side safely. Theirs tried to kill the fleeing people. Many a time did we hear gun fire and knew someone was trying to escape to the West. Some made it, others didn't.
The night the Wall fell was really a glitch, a misunderstanding. But it was a night like no other. Myself, along with 2 friends, made our way down to Checkpoint Charlie. Checkpoint Charlie was where all people went through to get from West to East or East to West. When we made it to the checkpoint, there was already a mob of people, on both sides of the checkpoint. As more and more people on our side arrived, the crowd was pushed forward, coming very close to the East side. All at once, the East side had twice the amount of guards, all linking arms and all with guns pointed at us. Due to the crowd pushing and shoving, my friends and I were getting separated. I was pushed forward at a very fast rate. With one great shove, I was thrown into the East side and I couldn't back up. Three guards then pulled me, trying to take me with them. My friends spotted this and started pulling me the other way, shouting that I was American and they couldn't do this. Trust me when I say I know how the poor taffy feels in a taffy pull!! My friends, along with other strangers, finally pulled me back to safety and we decided we would try and make it to Brandenburg Gate.
By the time we reached Brandenburg, news crews were already present. We made our way through the crowd and could almost touch the Wall. It was then we realized who was directly in front of us: Tom Brokaw!! I must say he was a very nice man. He talked with us as his crew were setting up the cameras and lights. As this was happening, Eastern guards were mounting their side of the Wall and aiming guns and water cannons at us! They started to spray us with water (which is NOT like running in a sprinkler! ), as they thought it would force us to leave. It didn't work and in time they stopped. My friends and I stayed while Mr. Brokaw reported. We were so close to him, we were reading the teleprompter as he was! It was truly a night to remember.
In the following days and weeks, so many changes happened, some very fast. I remember walking with my girls down to where the closest opening was in our neighborhood. We walked from our side, over plywood that acted as safe passage, to the East of Berlin. What struck me was how it all was the same . I don't mean financially, as the East was very poor. But the people? They were amazing! They laughed and talked and hugged us. Many times all that was said by us was "Welcome!" and they would say "Thank you!". The guards came across from their towers and would talk and laugh with our guards. Many of them shared cigarettes and food. All were trying to understand why there had been a Wall.
I have never had the chance to go back to Berlin. Looking at pictures of how it has changed over the years always makes me very emotional. There were so many, many people that suffered over the years. Many families became separated from each other, some never seeing each other again. It seems all so senseless.
Many festivities are going on in Berlin this week. My favourite is the white balloons that go along the path where the Wall stood. Singers, former mayors and Presidents from countries that made up the Four Powers are there. It is a time for remembrance, of what was and what will be.
How many people in the world have been touched by war? Families, soldiers, generations. All have felt the effects. While remembering them all, we must also not forget that remembering should not be only on a certain day. We must always remember. We must teach our children, and our grandchildren, what war does. War touches everyone in some way.
Today, stop and remember them all, from all the wars and conflicts. Remember their families, their friends.
All my love goes out to them all, everywhere, no matter who they are or what country they are in. We must remember so we can stop it happening ever again. For our children and for all generations to come.
Wishing you love and peace.
Until next time,
Deb
Note: For all of you wearing a Poppy for Remembrance Day or for Veterans' Day: Make sure your leaf is pointing to the place the 11 would be on the clock. It symbolizes 11th hour,11th day, 11th month.
Here in America, Tuesday, November 11, will mark our Veterans' Day. Through the years there have been so many, many people who've lost their lives fighting for our freedom. I have members of my family that have been in different branches of service. In fact, my father and my mothers' brother were on the same ship to Korea and did not know it for many years. This, of course, was before they actually were my father and uncle! My ex-husband served in the Army for 20 years, all of which I was with him. We must also remember the families of these services members, as they also served our country. Military life is hard, even under the best of circumstances.
Today, November 9, also marks the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. This is a part of history that I was privileged to be a part of. My ex-husband, myself and most of our children lived in Berlin for 6 years. Some of the years were lived inside of the Wall, some lived after the Wall fell. As strange as it may sound, it was never noticeable that life in Berlin, prior to the fall, was any different from anywhere else. Yes, their was a wall around us, but there was so much life in that city, that unless you actually were near the Wall, you could remain oblivious.
The entire city of Berlin was not all enclosed, only the West section. The East section was run by the Russians, the West by the Four Powers, each having their own section. The Wall was actually two different walls, one on the Russian side, one on our side. Both walls were topped with barbed wire. In between the two walls were land mines. Yes, you read that right, land mines. On both perspective sides there were guard towers. Our guard towers had soldiers keeping watch, so did theirs. The difference? Our guards tried to help get the fleeing people to our side safely. Theirs tried to kill the fleeing people. Many a time did we hear gun fire and knew someone was trying to escape to the West. Some made it, others didn't.
The night the Wall fell was really a glitch, a misunderstanding. But it was a night like no other. Myself, along with 2 friends, made our way down to Checkpoint Charlie. Checkpoint Charlie was where all people went through to get from West to East or East to West. When we made it to the checkpoint, there was already a mob of people, on both sides of the checkpoint. As more and more people on our side arrived, the crowd was pushed forward, coming very close to the East side. All at once, the East side had twice the amount of guards, all linking arms and all with guns pointed at us. Due to the crowd pushing and shoving, my friends and I were getting separated. I was pushed forward at a very fast rate. With one great shove, I was thrown into the East side and I couldn't back up. Three guards then pulled me, trying to take me with them. My friends spotted this and started pulling me the other way, shouting that I was American and they couldn't do this. Trust me when I say I know how the poor taffy feels in a taffy pull!! My friends, along with other strangers, finally pulled me back to safety and we decided we would try and make it to Brandenburg Gate.
By the time we reached Brandenburg, news crews were already present. We made our way through the crowd and could almost touch the Wall. It was then we realized who was directly in front of us: Tom Brokaw!! I must say he was a very nice man. He talked with us as his crew were setting up the cameras and lights. As this was happening, Eastern guards were mounting their side of the Wall and aiming guns and water cannons at us! They started to spray us with water (which is NOT like running in a sprinkler! ), as they thought it would force us to leave. It didn't work and in time they stopped. My friends and I stayed while Mr. Brokaw reported. We were so close to him, we were reading the teleprompter as he was! It was truly a night to remember.
In the following days and weeks, so many changes happened, some very fast. I remember walking with my girls down to where the closest opening was in our neighborhood. We walked from our side, over plywood that acted as safe passage, to the East of Berlin. What struck me was how it all was the same . I don't mean financially, as the East was very poor. But the people? They were amazing! They laughed and talked and hugged us. Many times all that was said by us was "Welcome!" and they would say "Thank you!". The guards came across from their towers and would talk and laugh with our guards. Many of them shared cigarettes and food. All were trying to understand why there had been a Wall.
I have never had the chance to go back to Berlin. Looking at pictures of how it has changed over the years always makes me very emotional. There were so many, many people that suffered over the years. Many families became separated from each other, some never seeing each other again. It seems all so senseless.
Many festivities are going on in Berlin this week. My favourite is the white balloons that go along the path where the Wall stood. Singers, former mayors and Presidents from countries that made up the Four Powers are there. It is a time for remembrance, of what was and what will be.
How many people in the world have been touched by war? Families, soldiers, generations. All have felt the effects. While remembering them all, we must also not forget that remembering should not be only on a certain day. We must always remember. We must teach our children, and our grandchildren, what war does. War touches everyone in some way.
Today, stop and remember them all, from all the wars and conflicts. Remember their families, their friends.
All my love goes out to them all, everywhere, no matter who they are or what country they are in. We must remember so we can stop it happening ever again. For our children and for all generations to come.
Wishing you love and peace.
Until next time,
Deb
Note: For all of you wearing a Poppy for Remembrance Day or for Veterans' Day: Make sure your leaf is pointing to the place the 11 would be on the clock. It symbolizes 11th hour,11th day, 11th month.
Friday, September 19, 2014
Hello!
Good morning! I hope all of you are well and the sun is shining where you are. I know for part of America, there are wildfires and floods. I hope if you reside in those places, you are safe.
I think I might be one of the few Americans that stayed up last night and watched the voting in Scotland. I am pleased that they voted to stay. I read there are promises that are to be carried out and I hope that they happen.
What do you think would happen if some of the states wanted to break away from the United States? Would it ever happen? I'm not sure if I would want to be witness to it happening. I think that there would be much violence and it would become a great hardship on the people that lived there. In a country that has been trying to convert to the metric system since I have been alive, I think that breaking away would never happen.
Changes are happening in our little home. Next Friday will be Laura's last day in public school. We have thought long and hard about it and she will be finishing her high school years online. She hadn't been in public school until grade 7 and while she is getting all A's, the stress it puts on her and the inability to actually concentrate in a room full of talking people is really starting to make her anxiety worse. Off the scales worse. So, once again, she will delve into the home-schooling experience. She is really happy about this and she will be able to take more classes than at her school, which is a very good school.
Not much is planned for us this weekend. I will start making hats and scarves today when my yarn is delivered! I love getting new yarn! It makes me so happy! This is going to be burgundy and gold. Laura and her boyfriend love The Game of Thrones and these are the Lassiter House colours. Hope I got that right. I don't watch it and do get corrected when I get things wrong :)
I am going to leave you with a quote from one of my favourite Mary Englebreit drawings. Seeing that all of Miss Englebreit's drawings are not to be used anywhere else, I will not be able to show it to you. The quote is from Brenda Ueland, who was a journalist, writer and teacher of writing.
If I did not have torn pants, orthopedic shoes, frantic disheveled hair, that is to say, if did not tone down my beauty, people would go mad. Married men would run amuck.
Google the print. Trust me, the picture is totally me :)
Until next time, many lovely days for you, my friends.
Hugs,
Deb
note: that is Lannister House. Knew I had it wrong :)
I think I might be one of the few Americans that stayed up last night and watched the voting in Scotland. I am pleased that they voted to stay. I read there are promises that are to be carried out and I hope that they happen.
What do you think would happen if some of the states wanted to break away from the United States? Would it ever happen? I'm not sure if I would want to be witness to it happening. I think that there would be much violence and it would become a great hardship on the people that lived there. In a country that has been trying to convert to the metric system since I have been alive, I think that breaking away would never happen.
Changes are happening in our little home. Next Friday will be Laura's last day in public school. We have thought long and hard about it and she will be finishing her high school years online. She hadn't been in public school until grade 7 and while she is getting all A's, the stress it puts on her and the inability to actually concentrate in a room full of talking people is really starting to make her anxiety worse. Off the scales worse. So, once again, she will delve into the home-schooling experience. She is really happy about this and she will be able to take more classes than at her school, which is a very good school.
Not much is planned for us this weekend. I will start making hats and scarves today when my yarn is delivered! I love getting new yarn! It makes me so happy! This is going to be burgundy and gold. Laura and her boyfriend love The Game of Thrones and these are the Lassiter House colours. Hope I got that right. I don't watch it and do get corrected when I get things wrong :)
I am going to leave you with a quote from one of my favourite Mary Englebreit drawings. Seeing that all of Miss Englebreit's drawings are not to be used anywhere else, I will not be able to show it to you. The quote is from Brenda Ueland, who was a journalist, writer and teacher of writing.
If I did not have torn pants, orthopedic shoes, frantic disheveled hair, that is to say, if did not tone down my beauty, people would go mad. Married men would run amuck.
Google the print. Trust me, the picture is totally me :)
Until next time, many lovely days for you, my friends.
Hugs,
Deb
note: that is Lannister House. Knew I had it wrong :)
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Remembering
I didn't know for sure if I wanted to post today. I have such mixed feelings about war and the things that are labeled conflicts. I do not like that word, conflicts. It is just war, plain and simple.
There are many Americans who have never been touched by war. Please, consider yourself lucky if it applies to you. If you have never had a need to worry if your husband, wife, daughter, son or a friend is coming home at night, consider yourself lucky. If you have never stared at a television for hours on end, hoping beyond hope that you catch a glimpse of a loved one to assure yourself they are safe, consider yourself lucky.
When I was married, my husband served in the Army. One always realizes that this might mean your spouse will be called up for a war, but, at the same time, you really never think it will happen to you. My husband never actually left to go to the front lines. He was intelligence, and they fought another way. Except when we lived in Berlin. At the time we lived there, Berlin was a city behind the Iron Curtain. At night, you could hear gun fire, as people tried to escape to the West, to freedom. You saw that big, concrete Wall, the barbed wire, the No Mans' Land with the land mines. It was always there, yet it became something that we overlooked.. Really, what would ever happen to us? We were Americans, helping out, not really at war. Then came the bombing.
The La Belle Disco, on April 5, 1986 was bombed. Three people died and over two hundred others were injured. This was a place that was very popular with the service members. Many of those injured worked with my ex-husband. After that night, war was staring us in the face.
Life changed. We no longer could walk anywhere we wanted, any time we wanted. We were searched going into our houses, searched going into our Commisary and PX. Our children were searched going onto their school bus, at school and tanks and armed soldiers accompanied their buses and guarded their schools.
The morning of the September 11 bombings, started out so peaceful for my family. We were back in America, where it was safe. I was homeschooling two of my daughters at the time and Laura was still a toddler. We never had the television on, but for some reason, that morning I decided to watch the morning news while the girls got dressed. For the rest of the day, I never moved from where I was sitting. The shock of war being on our land was overwhelming. That evening, I invited my neighbors to dinner. That was just one night of many that we all sat around a table. We felt safer in numbers. Candles on our porch and our windows were always on. Our flag always flew. The one thing that I started seeing were the banners in windows. The Gold Star Moms. All these years later, there are still banners in windows. Moms and wives still hoping. Still waiting.
This morning, as I was going through Bloglovin', I came across a post on The Last Word On Nothing. The post is by Christie Aschwanden. Please, go there and read the post. I cried and cried as I read it. She was a child of a service member on active duty at the time of September 11.
Let us not forget those that keep us safe, here on our own soil and those elsewhere in the world. Don't forget for a minute, as that is where we begin to take things for granted.
If you are out today and happen to see a service member in uniform, stop him and thank him for his job. I do it all the time. It can be a very thankless job. A job that people sometimes turn their backs on.
Today, be safe. Tell your loved ones what they mean to you. There may be a time when you will be that wife, mother, sister, brother that is waiting and watching. Hopefully, that will never happen. Pray for peace.
Until next time,
Deb
There are many Americans who have never been touched by war. Please, consider yourself lucky if it applies to you. If you have never had a need to worry if your husband, wife, daughter, son or a friend is coming home at night, consider yourself lucky. If you have never stared at a television for hours on end, hoping beyond hope that you catch a glimpse of a loved one to assure yourself they are safe, consider yourself lucky.
When I was married, my husband served in the Army. One always realizes that this might mean your spouse will be called up for a war, but, at the same time, you really never think it will happen to you. My husband never actually left to go to the front lines. He was intelligence, and they fought another way. Except when we lived in Berlin. At the time we lived there, Berlin was a city behind the Iron Curtain. At night, you could hear gun fire, as people tried to escape to the West, to freedom. You saw that big, concrete Wall, the barbed wire, the No Mans' Land with the land mines. It was always there, yet it became something that we overlooked.. Really, what would ever happen to us? We were Americans, helping out, not really at war. Then came the bombing.
The La Belle Disco, on April 5, 1986 was bombed. Three people died and over two hundred others were injured. This was a place that was very popular with the service members. Many of those injured worked with my ex-husband. After that night, war was staring us in the face.
Life changed. We no longer could walk anywhere we wanted, any time we wanted. We were searched going into our houses, searched going into our Commisary and PX. Our children were searched going onto their school bus, at school and tanks and armed soldiers accompanied their buses and guarded their schools.
The morning of the September 11 bombings, started out so peaceful for my family. We were back in America, where it was safe. I was homeschooling two of my daughters at the time and Laura was still a toddler. We never had the television on, but for some reason, that morning I decided to watch the morning news while the girls got dressed. For the rest of the day, I never moved from where I was sitting. The shock of war being on our land was overwhelming. That evening, I invited my neighbors to dinner. That was just one night of many that we all sat around a table. We felt safer in numbers. Candles on our porch and our windows were always on. Our flag always flew. The one thing that I started seeing were the banners in windows. The Gold Star Moms. All these years later, there are still banners in windows. Moms and wives still hoping. Still waiting.
This morning, as I was going through Bloglovin', I came across a post on The Last Word On Nothing. The post is by Christie Aschwanden. Please, go there and read the post. I cried and cried as I read it. She was a child of a service member on active duty at the time of September 11.
Let us not forget those that keep us safe, here on our own soil and those elsewhere in the world. Don't forget for a minute, as that is where we begin to take things for granted.
If you are out today and happen to see a service member in uniform, stop him and thank him for his job. I do it all the time. It can be a very thankless job. A job that people sometimes turn their backs on.
Today, be safe. Tell your loved ones what they mean to you. There may be a time when you will be that wife, mother, sister, brother that is waiting and watching. Hopefully, that will never happen. Pray for peace.
Until next time,
Deb
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Autumn
Good Morning! I'd like to say that Autumn has begun, but we still have several days of 80 degree temps. Starting Thursday, it looks promising, as the highs will be in the low 60's.
When I was growing up, I lived in El Paso, Texas. It was a desert. It was very common to have temps in the high 90's by April and in the 100's by the end of May. I love that kind of heat! It feels good on the skin and the bones have no aches. We didn't have central air. We had what is known as a swamp cooler. Ours was on our roof and I longed for my Dad to get up there and hook up the water, change the pads( I don't know what they were made of, but they crunched), and turn in on. Not so much because I was hot, but because of the smell. It was wonderful! You could smell the water. It had the smell of Spring, like when it rains or when you cut your grass for the first time in the season. Those smells always bring back the memory of Spring to me.
Summer was always fun for me. I was an only child for my first 9 years, but I was never lonely. I had a dog, which I trained for dog shows, and Summer was when I did more training. I was blessed to have a library around the corner from me and I was always there! I could spend hours there. I became the reader I am because my Dad instilled it in me. I had 2 peach trees in my backyard that my Dad planted for me when I was 4. I couldn't wait for the buds to appear, as it signaled Spring!
Winter really never was around my city. Sure, to us it seemed like Winter, as the temps went down to 40, but it only snowed twice in my 18 years of living there: the day I was born and when I was 12. Both times the snow was gone by noon. I did own a wool hat and gloves, both a present from my Dad and I still have them!
The season that means the most to me is Autumn. I think it is the most beautiful season. The leaves on the trees change to such rich colours. The fields turn the gold colour that signals harvest. The night skies seem to be brighter and the moon...well what can one say about a harvest moon. Nothing smells as good as Autumn. Not only the woods, with their musky, rich scents, but the food. Sure, a summer grill is a smell sensation, but nothing beats an Autumn grill! We have a lot of tail-gating going on here, as we are near Notre Dame. The stadium and parking lots are abundant with sausage, brats and burger smells. At home, there are the soups and stews in the crock-pots and on the back burners. Maple and pumpkin pancakes, muffins and even coffees! Pies seem more the mood of the season and one can never stop eating them!
The other thing I love about Autumn are the colours in the clothes. Sure, you can wear all the shades anytime, but they seem to be more brilliant in the Autumn. Burgundies are are richer, oranges are deeper, greens seem stronger. The Autumn colours seem to blend easier, flowing better. I am always hoping for the cool mornings and evenings. There is nothing I love more than sitting outside, sipping a hot cider or a spiced coffee, feeling that cool air and snuggling up in an over-sized sweater. Who doesn't like watching the steam swirl around your mug of warm goodness? Or your breath making those little puffs when you exhale? Yes, I am so looking forward to the beginning of Autumn!
I must go for now. Laura is home from school today, so I need to make her breakfast. Yesterday was hard on her at school and she had several anxiety episodes, so I've kept her home, hoping it will help calm her down.
I hope your day is going well. Remember that there is always something to be happy about. Sometimes it can be something as small as a smile from a stranger. Maybe you can be that stranger for someone else.
Until next time, stay safe, tell those around you how much you love them, and remember you are never really alone.
Hugs,
Deborah
( sorry this doesn't have any photos, I have my 7 month old grand-daughter and it was all I could do to type)
When I was growing up, I lived in El Paso, Texas. It was a desert. It was very common to have temps in the high 90's by April and in the 100's by the end of May. I love that kind of heat! It feels good on the skin and the bones have no aches. We didn't have central air. We had what is known as a swamp cooler. Ours was on our roof and I longed for my Dad to get up there and hook up the water, change the pads( I don't know what they were made of, but they crunched), and turn in on. Not so much because I was hot, but because of the smell. It was wonderful! You could smell the water. It had the smell of Spring, like when it rains or when you cut your grass for the first time in the season. Those smells always bring back the memory of Spring to me.
Summer was always fun for me. I was an only child for my first 9 years, but I was never lonely. I had a dog, which I trained for dog shows, and Summer was when I did more training. I was blessed to have a library around the corner from me and I was always there! I could spend hours there. I became the reader I am because my Dad instilled it in me. I had 2 peach trees in my backyard that my Dad planted for me when I was 4. I couldn't wait for the buds to appear, as it signaled Spring!
Winter really never was around my city. Sure, to us it seemed like Winter, as the temps went down to 40, but it only snowed twice in my 18 years of living there: the day I was born and when I was 12. Both times the snow was gone by noon. I did own a wool hat and gloves, both a present from my Dad and I still have them!
The season that means the most to me is Autumn. I think it is the most beautiful season. The leaves on the trees change to such rich colours. The fields turn the gold colour that signals harvest. The night skies seem to be brighter and the moon...well what can one say about a harvest moon. Nothing smells as good as Autumn. Not only the woods, with their musky, rich scents, but the food. Sure, a summer grill is a smell sensation, but nothing beats an Autumn grill! We have a lot of tail-gating going on here, as we are near Notre Dame. The stadium and parking lots are abundant with sausage, brats and burger smells. At home, there are the soups and stews in the crock-pots and on the back burners. Maple and pumpkin pancakes, muffins and even coffees! Pies seem more the mood of the season and one can never stop eating them!
The other thing I love about Autumn are the colours in the clothes. Sure, you can wear all the shades anytime, but they seem to be more brilliant in the Autumn. Burgundies are are richer, oranges are deeper, greens seem stronger. The Autumn colours seem to blend easier, flowing better. I am always hoping for the cool mornings and evenings. There is nothing I love more than sitting outside, sipping a hot cider or a spiced coffee, feeling that cool air and snuggling up in an over-sized sweater. Who doesn't like watching the steam swirl around your mug of warm goodness? Or your breath making those little puffs when you exhale? Yes, I am so looking forward to the beginning of Autumn!
I must go for now. Laura is home from school today, so I need to make her breakfast. Yesterday was hard on her at school and she had several anxiety episodes, so I've kept her home, hoping it will help calm her down.
I hope your day is going well. Remember that there is always something to be happy about. Sometimes it can be something as small as a smile from a stranger. Maybe you can be that stranger for someone else.
Until next time, stay safe, tell those around you how much you love them, and remember you are never really alone.
Hugs,
Deborah
( sorry this doesn't have any photos, I have my 7 month old grand-daughter and it was all I could do to type)
Thursday, September 4, 2014
I love mail!
I have always loved receiving mail. It really doesn't matter if it is a letter or parcel, I love it. It makes me think that something special is about to happen. Not that I mind getting an e-mail or a text (when I had a cell phone), but nothing is better than a letter or parcel. It means someone took their time to do something for you. Just an opinion, and I'm old, so that explains that!
In the last ten days I have been a happy camper when I went to my mailbox, as I received not 1, not 2 but 3 lovely surprises! The first was the latest edition of Simply Crochet Magazine. It is filled with wonderful, colourful crochet ideas! A sweater that is just right for Autumn, or Spring, done in a cashmere silk yarn. The tote bag, done in Tunisian crochet, with swans floating around it, will be one that I will start after Christmas. There is a bunting that has ice cream cones worked into it. Adorable for summer! The gift for this month is an owl key ring. I am working that for Laura's birthday. And, as always, an article from Attic 24's Lucy. She shows us amazing mandalas, which are being used for Yarndale 2014. In need of a colour fix? That will do the job!
Next, I received a book/magazine which I had ordered from Simply Crochet, entitled Your Crochet Home. It contains 115 patterns and is another colour fest! Several blankets, a lampshade (which is now on my list of to-dos!), pillows, jar cozies, basket liner. The thing I have been wanting to try is crochet picture frames and hoop art and both are in this! Can't wait to start in on these!
I have saved the best for last. It was a book that I had been waiting for and it also became the first mail I received from New Zealand! What was it, you may be asking? Why it was Stanley and the Hot Air Balloon! This is an adorable book written by Kate Bruning, who writes the Greedy For Colour blog. Let me tell you a little about Kate and Stanley, in case you have not had the pleasure of meeting them.
Next, I received a book/magazine which I had ordered from Simply Crochet, entitled Your Crochet Home. It contains 115 patterns and is another colour fest! Several blankets, a lampshade (which is now on my list of to-dos!), pillows, jar cozies, basket liner. The thing I have been wanting to try is crochet picture frames and hoop art and both are in this! Can't wait to start in on these!
I have saved the best for last. It was a book that I had been waiting for and it also became the first mail I received from New Zealand! What was it, you may be asking? Why it was Stanley and the Hot Air Balloon! This is an adorable book written by Kate Bruning, who writes the Greedy For Colour blog. Let me tell you a little about Kate and Stanley, in case you have not had the pleasure of meeting them.
Kate lives in New Zealand with her husband Jonno and her two sons Archie and Hugo. Kate has a wonderful imagination and is not afraid to use it and to show us how to use ours. She has a love of colour, which you can see through her crochet, and her home. Even the books she reads and blogs about have colourful covers!
Kate not only creates for her family and home, she has been featured in Simply Crochet Magazine several times. Her projects have been on the cover twice (that I know of), and in issue 22 her son, Archie, is featured, talking about children and crochet. Stanley is also featured in the issue. Now on to Stanley!
Who is this Stanley fellow and why is he in a hot air balloon? Well, Stanley is a rabbit who is craving a little adventure. He wants to see new places and meet new people but is unfortunately stuck on the ground. His mother has given Stanley a balloon, for being a good little rabbit, but he wants more. When he has a bit of a fit (really, Stanley is a very good rabbit most of the time), his mother tucks him into bed. This is when the adventures start for Stanley! No more will be revealed about the adventure, as it would be too much of a spoiler, and you really must get this book and read about it yourself!
Now, Kate has wrote this lovely story, but it doesn't end there. She has made a whole world for Stanley! His house is amazing and his mother is a cute mommy rabbit. Kate has made table, chairs, mushrooms, mice, blankets and rugs. She has even designed the hot air balloon! My favourite is the baby nursery! Seriously, you must get this book! It is a work of art! The best thing is that patterns for Stanley and many of the things in the pictures are in the back of the book! Kate also has posted instructions for some of the items on her blog.
Now Kate would be modest about all of this, but she needs not be. She is a master crafter and combined with her wonderful sense of imagination, she does brilliant things! I would like to point out that her husband Jonno and her two sons, Archie and Hugo, helped her create the wonderful world of Stanley. This family truly crafts some amazing things!
All of my family is delighted with this book. My daughter Laura, who is an amazing artist, thought it was wonderful, especially when she found out that Kate and her family made everything you see in the book. My daughter Ashleigh could not believe it either. But I took it to the toughest critic anyone can have: I showed it to my grand-daughter. Now mind you, Little B is only 7 months old, but she thought it was wonderful! I sat her on my lap, and told her who each bunny was, pointed out all the things on the pages. She would look at what I pointed to, then look at me and burble on in her baby talk! When I got to the part when Stanley is in the balloon, she went nuts! Banging on the book, looking up at me, yelling something in baby talk! She really loves this book!
For Christmas, Laura and I are making some of the things in the book for Little B. I'll share the pics when we have finished.
My, this was a long post! I really am trying to post more. I just need to tell life to stop being crazy!
I do hope all of you had an amazing summer! It still is hot here for September, but I'll take it. Although I can't wait for all the leaves to change colour!
Until next time, remember to live life! Get outside, talk to new people, eat new foods, read a new book. Take advantage of all the good things the world has to give. Me, I'm trying a little something new each day!
Have a good week. Remember, there's always tomorrow and it will be a new day to start again!
Many hugs,
Deb
Kate not only creates for her family and home, she has been featured in Simply Crochet Magazine several times. Her projects have been on the cover twice (that I know of), and in issue 22 her son, Archie, is featured, talking about children and crochet. Stanley is also featured in the issue. Now on to Stanley!
Who is this Stanley fellow and why is he in a hot air balloon? Well, Stanley is a rabbit who is craving a little adventure. He wants to see new places and meet new people but is unfortunately stuck on the ground. His mother has given Stanley a balloon, for being a good little rabbit, but he wants more. When he has a bit of a fit (really, Stanley is a very good rabbit most of the time), his mother tucks him into bed. This is when the adventures start for Stanley! No more will be revealed about the adventure, as it would be too much of a spoiler, and you really must get this book and read about it yourself!
Now, Kate has wrote this lovely story, but it doesn't end there. She has made a whole world for Stanley! His house is amazing and his mother is a cute mommy rabbit. Kate has made table, chairs, mushrooms, mice, blankets and rugs. She has even designed the hot air balloon! My favourite is the baby nursery! Seriously, you must get this book! It is a work of art! The best thing is that patterns for Stanley and many of the things in the pictures are in the back of the book! Kate also has posted instructions for some of the items on her blog.
Now Kate would be modest about all of this, but she needs not be. She is a master crafter and combined with her wonderful sense of imagination, she does brilliant things! I would like to point out that her husband Jonno and her two sons, Archie and Hugo, helped her create the wonderful world of Stanley. This family truly crafts some amazing things!
All of my family is delighted with this book. My daughter Laura, who is an amazing artist, thought it was wonderful, especially when she found out that Kate and her family made everything you see in the book. My daughter Ashleigh could not believe it either. But I took it to the toughest critic anyone can have: I showed it to my grand-daughter. Now mind you, Little B is only 7 months old, but she thought it was wonderful! I sat her on my lap, and told her who each bunny was, pointed out all the things on the pages. She would look at what I pointed to, then look at me and burble on in her baby talk! When I got to the part when Stanley is in the balloon, she went nuts! Banging on the book, looking up at me, yelling something in baby talk! She really loves this book!
For Christmas, Laura and I are making some of the things in the book for Little B. I'll share the pics when we have finished.
My, this was a long post! I really am trying to post more. I just need to tell life to stop being crazy!
I do hope all of you had an amazing summer! It still is hot here for September, but I'll take it. Although I can't wait for all the leaves to change colour!
Until next time, remember to live life! Get outside, talk to new people, eat new foods, read a new book. Take advantage of all the good things the world has to give. Me, I'm trying a little something new each day!
Have a good week. Remember, there's always tomorrow and it will be a new day to start again!
Many hugs,
Deb
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