Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Vintage Thingie Thursday: A Grinchy Christmas Dog

It is always fun this time of year as the Christmas decorations come out of their carefully wrapped boxes, to take a moment to enjoy all the memories that are attached to the holiday decorations as we deck the halls once again. One of my favorite memories of the Christmas season as a kid was the shows that were on television during this time. One of my all time favorites was How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

I seem to try and watch this one every year and never grow tired of it! Now, I look back at all my old favorites and wonder at the simplicity in the making of these shows, Yet, as a child growing up before animated graphics came along, they were pure magical......and truth be told, they still are.

Now if you are a fan of The Grinch, then Max is just about the cutest character on the show...next to Cindy Lou Who..... Just look at this adorable Max the dog made from reclaimed and recycled materials. He has become a treasure to me and is loved and cherished.

Being a dog lover, I always felt sorry for the poor little guy.....still do every time I watch that show. He reminds me of my dachshunds....cute, spunky, and too small to pull Santa's sleigh, but so faithful to try.

Lots of time during my teenage years were spent at my best friends house and her younger brother was always special to me. He was always so much fun and funny and we loved spending time with him and his friends. I always thought of him like a brother, and he was always as cute as a bug.

Not to mention, that my first born is named after him. When I was looking for a name to name my son, "Jeff" came to mind and that is how I named "my Jeff"....after the brother of one of my best friends. Well, as you can guess, my friend Jeff has grown into a mighty talented man! And I was gifted this Max the dog this summer. I treasure it, not only because it s so cute, but for who made it. Every time I look at him, I remember that cute little blond young man and how he grew into such a talented man today. I adore this dog and could not wait to display it this holiday season.

It takes a lot of creative talent to create things from nothing. Some people have that knack, others don't. Jeff certainly has so much of that very talent. I am so very proud of him and his accomplishments. These days, it takes special hearts to be able to see good in tossed away and ordinary things and turn them into treasures. Jeff is just that type of heart.  Some of his work is displayed at an Art Gallery in Granbury Texas. Check his work out HERE......there are some great pieces all made from reclaimed, tossed and forgotten treasures! This is the very kind of art that makes my heart sing! I love it!

What do you think of Max the dog?? Adorable is the word that comes to my mind. I added a couple of vintage ornaments to the antlers which are old railroad spikes, and borrowed one of Sophie's Christmas collars to put on his neck. I think he really is just about the cutest thing I have added this year to my decorations! He will be loved and cherished for many years to come! Thanks Jeffro for my precious pup! I love it and still love you too!!!

Happy Vintage Thingie Thursday Everyone!!! I am excited to see all the vintage Christmas that is sure to be highlighted this next month!!  What about you???


If you are new to this party, please take the time to read and follow the instructions for participating in Vintage Thingies Thursday, click HERE. I try and keep things fairly simple, so  please make sure you follow the instructions.  Please only ONE link per week. 



Tuesday, November 29, 2011

One Fine Blessing: December Birthday List and Christmas Card List

It is almost December!! Thanks all who have stuck this project out with me this year. It has been wonderful and fulfilling to so many. I could not have done it without all of you!!

December Birthdays:

Pauline is a lovely gentlewoman who loves the Lord, her husband, grandchildren, and friends. It would be a great surprise to her to get lots of cards with or without a dollar.

DEC 14th
Pauline DeTevis
1035 Barry Way
Fremont CA 94536

**** This birthday is the mother of a special blogging friend who passed away in September. (Sara aka Gitzen Girl) I can only imagine how this holiday season is going to be most difficult for her and her family. She lost her husband 14 months prior to losing her daughter. I thought a card and word of cheer or encouragement would be nice. No dollars needed for this one....just some love I am sure would be most appreciated.

Dec. 20
Jane Frankl
405 Timber Estates
Algona, Iowa 50511

Now I have had several emails about Christmas Cards, and below is the updated list of the seniors we sent Birthday wishes to this year. 

This is the Christmas card list, and feel free to add the above two names to that list as well.
You can send one card, or one to each of the names. It is up to you....lets just spread a little cheer this holiday! If you want, you can add a dollar....up to you. It is not necessary to do that, but it is a good way to give a donation this holiday season, and one that would be appreciated by many! With our seniors, a dollar bill goes a long way for a little added joy.

Iris Fransz, 7641 Linden ct., Newark, Ca. 94560-2237
Jim Smith, 1111 Rockingham Dr #1107, Richardson TX 75080
Bill Kline, 113 Hemlock Dr., Hanover, Pa. 17331
Joyce and Hank Walker, 11010 First Beech Cove, Hernando, Mississippi 38632
Mary Ellen Stone, C/O The Wesley House, Rm. 141, 1102 S. Williams St., Atlanta, Tx 75555
Irvan Shaw, 729 Spring Brook Lane, Leander, TX, 78641
Joyce Cooper, 1621 Barron Lane, Ft. Worth, TX 76112
Pat & Sherrie Ferguson, 2478 Hwy. 1 north, Tillar, Arkansas 71670
Beth Hontros, 602A 60th St., Milwaukee, Wi. 53214
Mabel Giambaresi, 601 N. Kirby St. spc. 96, Hemet, Ca 92545
Ms. Edna Quick, p.o. box 94, Lumber Bridge, NC 28357
Betty Smith, 209 SW Taylor, Burleson, Texas 76028
Helen Gulickson, c/o Mary Jo Mrdutt, 1474 Center St., Boyceville, WI 54725
Joan M. Turner, 2539 Begonia st., Union City, Ca. 94587-5302
Nellie Snavely, 599 Pleasant Vally Dr., West Plains, Mo. 65775
Maurice Boyer, Box 42, Liberty town, Md. 21762

Thank you once again for your continued support and participation!! Don't forget if you have a senior you'd like to add to the list for next year, please let me know.

Progress on Orca Bay - New Quilt Mystery by Bonnie Hunter

Myself along with many, many online bloggers who happen to be quilters are working away on Bonnie Hunters new mystery quilt, Orca Bay. I did RRCB last year...still not finished...but I digress...it is close to being finished.

First step was posted. I read it. Then read it again. It was several days before I got started with the holidays just getting into full swing. So, when I did sit down (or stand) to cut the fabrics, it seemed to take forever. I did not purchase the easy angle ruler, I cute squares first, then the quarter triangles from the squares. I cut. And I cut. And I cut.

See this box of blocks? Ummmm......yes, well it seems when I read my instructions, I was either having a senior moment or misplaced my glasses.....hoping it was the latter,  rather than the first. None the less....I have over half plus about 10 blocks over what I needed.

That's right. Instead of having the 224 that I should have had, I have 459. That's right......459!!!! Good grief.

This week, I'm working on the second step. This little blocks are very fun!! I love string piecing thanks to Bonnie!!! Here are the first ones I have done. Believe me I know exactly how many of these little gems I need. The directions are taped to the wall behind the sewing machine and I highlighted all the important information....like how many to make!!

No matter mistakes or not. This is a fun process....I love working on a quilt that I have no idea how it is going to turn out. I get less overwhelmed that way. I like working on a little piece of the puzzle each week, because I am sure if I saw the finished product first, I would think it might be too complicated to do....Bonnie is getting me out of that mode of thinking....one little scrap of fabric at a time! 


You can stop by Bonnie's blog HERE to see others progress on this quilt...there are lots of links...and it is fun looking at others works and colors.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Southern Living Giveaway - Update

Winner is #24 - Sweet Bee Cottage!! Congratulations!! Email me your information and this will be on its way soon!! Thanks everyone who entered and played along!! Have a great week!



Don't forget, last day to sign up for the one year subscription giveaway is HERE. I will announce the winner on Sunday. Have a great weekend!!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Vintage Thingie Thursday: Vintage Recipe Share & Giveaway

Welcome everyone to Vintage Thingies Thursday. If you have a love for vintage things, well....you have come to the right place. We have a "dog-gone" good time each and every week!!! If you are new to this party, please take the time to read and follow the instructions for participating in Vintage Thingies Thursday, click HERE. I try and keep things fairly simple, so  please make sure you follow the instructions.  Please only ONE link per week. 

I'd like to wish everyone a great Thanksgiving, filled with fun, food and family! Enjoy the day no matter what you find your self doing!! 


Vintage Thanksgiving Postcard - dated 1925....lots of wear, but still a goodie!!

You maybe can enlarge to read the message, I love finding postcards that were written on and mailed. They are lots of fun to read.

One thing about looking through vintage cookbooks and recipes is you never know what kind of gem might be lurking there within the pages. This recipe I am going to share is just that...a gem! I love how it turned out and great for holiday dessert tables.

Yummo!! Does this upside down cranberry cake not look divine!!! Even if I do say so myself!! Glad it turned out, as sometimes the directions are a bit sketchy in old cookbooks. Recipe below!


CranberryUpside-Down Cake

Topping: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup butter, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 1 cup white sugar, 2 cups frozen cranberries

To make topping, slice butter into thin pieces. place in bottom of round cake pan (8 inch). Sprinkle with walnuts over butter. Wash and dry cranberries, pour over nuts.

Cake: 1/2 cup almond paste (not marzipan), 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup butter at room temperature, 1 1/4 cup flour, 1 tsp. baking powder, 1/4 tsp. salt, 3 eggs, 1 Tbl. orange zest.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. ( I used the paddle attachment on my stand mixer) beat almond paste in low speed for about 2 minutes or until broken up. Add sugar, increase speed and keep beating until almond paste is fine as possible. Add butter and mix until creamy and pale in coloring. (aprox 1 minute) Add eggs, one at a time scraping down sides. Add orange zest mix well. Sift flour, salt and baking powder. Turn off mixer and add dry ingredients in three batches mixing by hand. Don't over beat or mix. Pour in prepared pan over cranberry mixture, spread smooth, (this will be thick). Bake for about 40-50 minutes. Let rest for 10 to 12 minutes and turn out of pan onto serving plate. Cool and cover with glass dome.

I used my grandmothers vintage clear glass cake plate.....This is so pretty for Thanksgiving dessert or for Christmas

And because I am thankful for all of my blogging friends,all of you who show up here and always have something great to share or say..... I'd like to host a little giveaway...one that will continue to give all throughout 2012.I have not had a giveaway in a while, and thought it was high time to do so!!

Sunday, I will randomly draw one name from the comment section for a one year subscription to Southern Living Magazine. Just leave a comment to this post and tell me what you are most looking forward to this holiday season and you are entered!! Myself...I am most looking forward to spending time with my family and keeping family traditions alive......let the fun begin!!

for the record, Southern Living does not know me, nor do they know I am having a giveaway....I just love the magazine and would love to share with one of you guys!!! Happy Thanksgiving...and Happy Vintage Thingie Thursday!


Monday, November 21, 2011

Secret Sante Soiree: Questions Answered

Thought I'd take a moment to answer a few questions that are finding their way to my inbox this past week......

1. What is DC? This stands for delivery confirmation. Request it at the post office and email me the number.

2. When do I mail my package? You can mail your package any time you wish as long as it is shipped by the 10th of December. Pay close attention if you have someone with specific instructions or international swappers. Please allow time for your package to travel through customs in both countries and get to your partner by Christmas.

3. How do I send my package and not reveal my name or address? You can send your package but don't put your name on the package with the return address. Below is the example of how I have sent mine in the past

A Doxie Mom
 855 Ti......street
Sle......, Ark  25.....


Please, I would strongly advise putting your return address in case there would be a problem there would be a place to return the package to.

4.  Can I purchase more than one gift, like lots of little things for my spending limit? Yes, you can purchase whatever you like. Just remember that the minimum is $20.00. If you find lots of cute little things, that is great. It is really up to you.

5. Is it too late to join? Yes, I am afraid it is. It would be impossible at this point to open this up to more swappers, as all list have been completed and sent. I am sorry but there had to be a deadline for this to work smoothly.


6. ***When you do receive your package, Please do a blog post and send me the link by email. I have decide to update the original link sign in on that first post so you can easily click on that post and check the links to see what everyone received. That would be a lot easier than me trying to update post each week on all 67 blogs. It would keep everything centralized and easy to view all the blogs and their goodies they received.  
*** If your secret santa is one of the ones who is enjoying sending more than one gift and in different parcels, please once all packages have been received, do a post on all your goodies and I can use that link to add to the link list.

7. Deadline for shipping is December 10th.

If you have any other questions I have not addressed, please don't hesitate to email me, that is what I am here for!! Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving holiday this week....and enjoy the shopping frenzy that is sure to come!! I'd like to say, don't worry about doing something wrong with this SSS, remember when things are done with a giving heart, there is nothing wrong in that!!! Blessings to you and your families!


Saturday, November 19, 2011

Simple Sunday: Majesty

There is a serene and settled majesty to woodland scenery that enters into the soul and delights and elevates it, and fills it with noble inclinations.
~ Washington Irving





I am linked in today with Shadow Shot Sunday. Amazing photographs inspired by shadows. Go ahead. Take a peak!!




No Shame Here

You guys know when it comes to asking for something, well, I usually just ask....or in the past BEG for donations of fabrics to help a quilt come to life. And so I thought I'd try asking again. No Shame. But...this time it is not for me, but for a fellow quilter who needs to be uplifted and encouraged.

This morning, I read a story about Sue who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Sue starts her treatment the Monday after Thanksgiving and is sad and scared and rightfully so. Sue is an avid quilter and could use a little cheering and a nudge to get back to quilting. Quilting during a difficult time would be a great distraction.  Quilting for me, is a stress reducer, I can get lost in the humming of the machine and the feel of the fabrics and forget my troubles for a bit.

You can read more about this Fabric for Sue Campaign on Designs by Debbie & Dixie too's blog. There are instructions to email for information on where to send a little piece of fabric to cheer this lady on as she undergoes the fight for her life. She also asks for encouraging words to uplift Sue during this time to be sent. She'd love to have this done and presented to Sue by December 15th. Debbie is also hosting a giveaway for all who send a piece of fabric.

Quilters are a generous bunch and always come through when asked. This is one opportunity to bless someone in such a small way. Just had to share. Together, we can cheer Sue on during this journey she is taking very soon. Blessings Sue, you will remain in my heart and prayers.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Five Minute Friday: Grow


Today I'm linking up to Lisa-Jo aka the gypsy mama, who chooses a topic every Friday and writes for five minutes. 
Only five minutes
And the rule is that whatever you write about in that five minutes is what you posts. No editing your thoughts. Today, her topic choice is "Grow....."
Ready. Set. Go......

This year was a very hard year on my gardens. The oppressed heat that lasted all summer long did nothing but take its toll on my vegetable and flower gardens. Early on, my vegetable garden faded away, and became nothing, choked out by the heat. My flower gardens held on for the most part, many plants did not grow at all. They stayed small, and never bloomed all summer. I counted it a complete loss, but left what plants were trying to thrive in the heat in place and just sorta chalked it up as a bad year. The extreme heat will do that....strain everything.....causing many things to go dormant.

Fast forward to the fall and we have had very pleasant cool fall days. Funny thing happened when things started cooling off. Those flowers that were all but written off during the summer did something spectacular. The not only began to bloom, but to grow into the beautiful plants I yearned for during the summer months. With a little love and attention, they have been a real show stopper for me this fall. They grew when I did not have the faith that they would. The vegetable garden however, never came back to life no matter how much time and energy I gave it. The growth ended much too early but then it is like that with other aspects of life as well.

Many times, relationships are the same way. The are formed, and started and seem to work and grow at first. But then the unexpected happens, much like with the oppressed heat, and they start to sit idle and struggle to just be alive. Many times they appear to be dead at first glance. But somewhere, deep inside there is a glimmer of what used to be and the desire to grow into maybe not the same but a new relationship forms. Many times the new relationship far exceeds any expectations one might have had in the first place. It is not easy to achieve this growth, it takes work, it takes time devoted to each other. It also takes communication and a willingness to allow one another a space in your garden of life. It takes willingness to not let that person go away and shrivel up again and out of your life.

Likewise, like the vegetable garden, there are times when nothing you do, or say, or wish is enough to revive a relationship you thought was lost. Growth happened at the beginning but for what ever reason it did not survive the times of drought and heat. It was not meant to be. And when that happens, it is time to look ahead and concentrate on the new season of growth that is in front of you. Don't grieve for the crop that was lost, but concentrate and be optimistic on the growth that will come during the next season of your life. How we grow individually is what effects how we all grow together after all.
.Stop.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Vintage Thingie Thursday: Vintage Salesman Button Cards

Welcome everyone to Vintage Thingies Thursday. If you have a love for vintage things, well....you have come to the right place. We have a "dog-gone" good time each and every week!!! If you are new to this party, please take the time to read and follow the instructions for participating in Vintage Thingies Thursday, click HERE. I try and keep things fairly simple, so  please make sure you follow the instructions.  Please only ONE link per week. 

Here it is time for Vintage Thingie Thursday and well, honestly, I had nothing......nothing that I had photographed or could find had ready to be photographed.
  
So....please forgive me this one time. I am going to show some neat vintage button cards and well....plug my newly opened Etsy Shop at the same time. (See link on Left Side Bar, at bottom of page)  I promise I won't do it again, just this once. If you want to stop in and browse, there will be a link on the sidebar of my blog. As you might have guessed, THESE photos were still on my computer from adding them to the shop, so that sorta made it a little easier for me.


These are vintage button salesman show cards that were used when calling on department stores and small shops that ordered and sold buttons. These are FANTASTIC in my opinion. I love them. I think they are very unusual and fun to see how buttons were ordered for selling in stores.

I was fortunate enough to come across so many of them in one location, so I purchased all of them. I decided that some of my favorite ones would be a great addition to my sewing room....in a frame.

I love this frame, a Goodwill find a few months ago. I love it and had saved it for just the right thing....I think these two make a great statement together....the button card and the frame!

So there you have it! I love how it turned out. And I am glad to have rescued these cards from the lady that was going to toss them if they did not sell. I have several styles and cards in the shop, would make a great gift for the quilter, seamstress or button collector. Just an idea!!

Have a great Vintage Thingie Thursday.....and promise.....you won't hear me mention the shop again.....I guess it is still too new not to be exciting to me!! Thanks in advance for you allowing me this one post on the subject!!

Have a great week Everyone!! And as always, there will be a link up for next Thursday! Here in the USA it is a holiday ~ It's Thanksgiving, but I always leave a link up so if you decide to do a post next week, just so you know, a link will be up!!



Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Where Am I? I seem to be lost......

I have asked that very thing...over and over....Where has the person I call myself gone??? A few short years ago, I could work circles around anyone I knew. I'd start early in the morning and not stop until way in the night. Now....half way through the day, I am out of steam. Worn out.


I am finding that I am not familiar with this person I call myself these days. Likewise, I really don't care much for them. I don't like not getting everything done that I feel I should be accomplishing day to day. Why does it seem so hard to focus on any one task for very long? Why is that so hard when several years ago it was not. I feel like Maxine.....where has my Stuff gone?????

I am worn out tonight....and I should not be. I am tired, and discouraged as I guess it is a sign of getting older. Or a sign I need to get myself in gear and get in better shape. It is hard to admit that might be the very problem. What a cycle...needs more energy...has no energy to start.....wow.....I have decided old age is not so fun....or the very feeling that you are getting old......think I will call it a night....Oh.....and it is only 8:00pm.


In considering Maxine's advice....stop whining.....tomorrow is another day......maybe if I don't look too hard, my old self might show back up....with all the stuff that seems to have gone missing as well!! Ahem...... I will at least be optimistic!


Sunday, November 13, 2011

Simple Sunday: Shadows of Simplicity


" Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication"
~ Leonardo da Vinci



I am linked in today with Shadow Shot Sunday. Amazing photographs inspired by shadows. Go ahead. Take a peak!!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Secret Santa Soiree: Update


By now, I am sure there are lots of Santa shoppers out and about!! I'd like to thank each one of you for your cooperation in getting all the info and emails back to me in a timely manner. Everyone has responded and are set to hit the shops!!

Some have asked about DC in shipping. That is delivery confirmation number. The post office will give you a number, you have to ask for Delivery confirmation.

Shipping deadline is December 10th. For me, I think a good time to ship is around the first of December. SOME of our Secret Santas are planning to ship more than once. IF you are a lucky recipient of more than one surprise keep this in mind if you receive a small something early on and something else later. I am thankful for such generous Santas this year!!

Remember if you have any questions, I am here to serve as ELF and email your partner any questions you might have.

Have fun!!! It is really enjoyable to shop for someone and anticipate their happiness when they get their package of goodies in the mail. Yes...it truly is, and I believe that is still called The Spirit of Christmas!! Have fun everyone!

Friday, November 11, 2011

Five Minute Friday : Unexpected


Today I'm linking up to Lisa-Jo aka the gypsy mama, who chooses a topic every Friday and writes for five minutes. 

Only five minutes

And the rule is that whatever you write about in that five minutes is what you posts. No editing your thoughts. Today, her topic choice is "Unexpected....."

Ready. Set. Go......

A drive down a city street at dusk.
Familiar.
Mundane.
Nothing out of the ordinary.
But then the unexpected.
A pack of wild dogs.
Seven of them almost cross in the street in front of us.
Six large dogs and one small.
A pure white long-haired dachshund.
A Beauty.
Unexpected.
My heart breaks and I insist we turn around.
We stop and park.
I spring from the car and call.
Whistle.
Offer treats.
Only the largest of the pack hesitates for an instant and looks my way.
A fleeting instant and they are on the move again.
We follow.
We stop again at the next parking lot and the scenario plays out again.
I whistle.
I call.
I silently beg for that pup to stop, and turn my way.
Turn towards a life he/she could only imagine.
It is just a step away.
But nothing.
The pack turns and vanishes behind a fence and out of sight.
Taking that beautiful pure white dachshund with them.
Heartbroken.
The white dog stays on my mind and heart, unexpectedly.
Morning comes and I wait.. wait for my husband to go to work.
I am back on that city street this time at daybreak.
I look and search.
Familiar.
Mundane.
Nothing out of the ordinary.
No pure white long-haired dachshund.
Not so unexpected.

STOP.











Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Vintage Thingie Thursday: Vintage Dachshund Book & Figurine

Welcome everyone to Vintage Thingies Thursday. If you have a love for vintage things, well....you have come to the right place. We have a "dog-gone" good time each and every week!!! If you are new to this party, please take the time to read and follow the instructions for participating in Vintage Thingies Thursday, click HERE. I try and keep things fairly simple, so  please make sure you follow the instructions.  Please only ONE link per week. 

I always seem to be on the lookout for cute vintage dachshund things when I am out and about. Last week, I was out looking for something else all together different, and wouldn't you know it, I saw and purchased several vintage dachshund treasures.  You know if I was looking for these types of treasures, I certainly would not have seen anything...always when you are looking for something else! However, I am not complaining.

This cute little paperback book was a real find for me. I have seen this on ebay several times, but did not want to pay the price it was at....but this one was only .50 cents. It does have a little bit of damage, but not enough to leave it on the shelf. There is a resale shop close to me that always has the  neatest things, and children's books are one of the many things they always have in abundance. Vintage children books that is!!

This page really cracks me up, because if you really knew how things go around here, it is the dogs that want on the table...and in fact, have been known to GET ON the table. When we bring in groceries, Sophie knows grocery sacks means lots of goodies. I have lost a package of hamburger or two in her lifetime....just sayin'

Now, this is more like it....more like what really goes on around my house!! Total out of control Dachshund fun!!

I also was able to pick this cutie up for some change. She reminds me of Sophie and I knew she had to come home with me. This little figurine does not have a stamp or marking, but she is cute....crazing and all!

Have a wonderful week and fantastic weekend......I guess it is time to start planning for the holidays.....I am afraid to blink for fear they will be here before I am ready! I plan to spend the rest of the week opening up an Etsy shop.....VERY excited about that!!! Lots of goodies to put in that shop.....just in time for holiday shopping!! Happy Vintage Thingie Thursday!!


Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...