Excuses, Excuses

So much for posting something every week ...

How is it that life just runs wildly away with me?  I can blame it on the canning season, being largely pregnant and getting ready for baby #5, the to-do list that just grows longer and longer with the end of the summer, home schooling started, being just plain tired, practically anything.  But the reality is that we make time for those things that are important to us, which is why my house is in total disarray: 10 loads of laundry that's been sitting on my couch, unfolded for the last 2 weeks, finally got put into drawers (well, the kids stuff at least) just yesterday, my counters are cluttered with dirty dishes and kettles because the sinks are overflowing with more dirty dishes and kettles (why am I sitting here at the computer again?),  the floors have tumble weeds of pet hair and only God knows what my two year old has tried and tasted, my husband even condemned (seriously but oh so humorously) our back room where the kids play, no, throw their toys around and wreck any semblance of order to my crafty storage space, I have tomatoes that need my attention before I have to start throwing them away AND I want/need to get applesauce canned and pears done.  I'd love to get more tomatoes for making into sauce and try my hand at ketchup (our tomatoes aren't doing so well this year ... ), the benefit concert for our local City Mission is tomorrow night, etc. etc. etc.

BUT, and it's a big one!  My husband is joyful, my kids are enjoying themselves to the fullest as all kids seem to know how to do without being taught, and I am loving life like I've never loved it before.  Do I get stressed out and feel like I just can't function anymore when my living space gets like this.  Absolutely!  And unfortunately, some of my closest friends get the brunt of my frustration and craziness.  Through the years I have been learning what is important, I am beginning to see that this time I have with my children and my husband is so much more precious than a sparkling bathroom, or a spotless kitchen.  I am learning to do what I can, be all that I am, every single second of every single day ... and be happy with it!  Even if the to-do list grows and only a little gets marked off (isn't that what winter is for anyway?).  Soon I'll be tucked inside our home, snuggling with a new born baby, while the trees turn vibrant shades of color and eventually get covered in fluffy white stuff.  So, with the holidays fast approaching, we'll soon be enjoying the fruits of all our hard work this past summer with flavored vinegars, pickles, jams, pumpkin pies, applesauce, cobblers and crisps ... I just have to share this necklace.  This is the time of year I had in mind when I made it!

I love the vintage metal buttons and chocolate brown, the golden accents with a splash of cream spattered in there.  It just makes me want to grab a cup of creamy java, snuggle in with a warm blanket, and love on my kids while we escape into a good movie and eat pumpkin pie.  I just have to say, I love this time of year. Hopefully, you will too!  Enjoy wrapping up your summer activities and look forward to celebrating the end of another year lived with those that you love.

Music and My Momma

My Mom just came out this past weekend which is why I missed blogging last week.  She always cleans and works so hard when she comes out that I wanted to make sure that she could just relax and enjoy her grand-babies this time!  I am SO glad I did all that work ahead of time since she came out over the HOTTEST days of the year so far!  Of course, the day she travels out our central air breaks down and we're looking at temps in the 100's of degrees.  OY!  So, the one room that we have a window unit in is where we lived and what did we do together?  KNIT!!  She started working on a beautiful wrap and I continued with a sweater for my hubby.  Ironic, isn't it?

My Mom is one of the most talented and gifted musicians I know.  Not only is she excellent in piano playing and singing but her heart just shines so glorious when ever she puts her fingers on those ivory keys.  She so inspires me to be better, trust in God for everything, and encourages me to keep taking good care of myself and those around me. She challenges me.

Last Christmas I decided I needed to give some of my creations to my family.  I had so much fun thinking of their personalities and creating just the perfect piece that glowed of their individuality.  This one I made for my Mom.  I used aged Chopin music which was actually very hard to roll!  The paper was so thin and fine that I had to be so careful not to tear it.

I had so much fun wrapping the wire around the beads.  I need to do more of that.  Now, whenever I look at beads I make with music I think of my Mom.  I am so thankful for all that we've been through together and how that has made our relationship stronger.  I love my Momma and miss her from the moment she drives off till we are together again.  My heart aches being so far from her but I know that I am to be where I am.  At least for now.  Love you Mom!!

My Great Escape

We all have those places we like to go to for much needed respite, a quick breather, time to put up our feet and drink in the peace and quiet.  I know most of us don't take the time to regularly recharge leaving us spent and unavailable for others in the busy-ness we're so stubbornly reluctant to let go of.  Being a Mom of (soon to be) five I do my best to daily find a few moments of alone quiet and most often it is found in my vegetable or herb garden.

The peace and tranquility I find in nature has always been a part of me.  I find myself there.  Whether it's sitting on a big rock, sunning myself in the middle of a big stream, listening to the waves crash on the beach, or picking peas and cucumbers, I allow myself to be treasured by my Maker and to discover all things about myself.

My gardens are definitely my inspiration for this jewelry set appropriately named "All Things Green."  The greens and browns are so soothing to my soul.  If this one isn't sold by winter time you can be sure that I will gaze on this set as I remember such peace and tranquility I found there.

I challenge you to find that place, that time, where you find rest, where you find yourself, where you find peace.  You'd be amazed at the journey it will take you on!

"Summer Sunset"

Remember when everyone was complaining about winter being SO LONG!?  Well, summer is now in full swing here in Ohio!  As a family, we have been trying to make the best of these long, hot days.  We love to camp and very much miss the ocean, gardening and pick-your-own produce have been wonderful adventures for us.  So, one day, during my many day dreams and various thoughts that pop into this crazy brain of mine, I decided to play with some beads that I was super excited about.

The flecks of green in these orange beads got me all excited (yea - I know - it doesn't take much haha!).  I knew exactly what I had in my stash that would be perfect with these glorious, sunshiny beads.  I was kind of in a funk and this necklace just cheered me right up!  It has, by far, become my most favorite summer necklace.  I will be sad and thrilled to see this one sell.  Sad because it's so lovely and brings so much cheer to me on days I feel gloomy but thrilled because I just KNOW someone else will love wearing it for the same reasons!

So, as I tip my frosty glass full of homemade smoothie and watch another beautiful sunset, while the air cools for another evening of pleasant darkness, I say to you, enjoy your summer to the fullest!  Revel in the sun.  Feel the warmth on your skin.  Splash in the coolness of a river, ocean, or pool.  Relish the time with your family, hugging them extra close and squeezing them extra tight until they squeal with delight.  Take time to bask in this glorious season of plenty, provision, warmth, and refreshing for soon the air will cool again and the sky will darken, heavy with snow and trees bare of color.  Soak it all in while you can for it will be another year to pass before the opportunity comes again.

The Adventure Continues

I have finally decided to go for it!  Blogging.  This world is totally foreign to me and I have no idea where this adventure will take me.  My purpose here is to share a little piece of where my inspirations come from, what the story is behind my various creations, my thoughts and feelings about certain pieces.  And who knows!?  Maybe I'll even find some new friends along this path.  So, here I go!  Care to join me?