My Grama's Soul

I actually strongly believe in Karma.....you know the old American saying "what goes around....comes around."  Unfortunately, even though I strongly believe in this concept...often I fail in controlling my actions in a positive way.  Fear shown as anger is my downfall....as well as anger shown as an uncontrolled reaction.  I've know this about myself forever and to this day am still working on this part of my behavior.  Not proud of it...but it just is....perhaps before I meet my Maker.... I will get this figured out......I hope so. What is your concept of Karma and what is your behavior that stands in your way of right thought and right action? Just curious. from me to you, Jo

Do you often leave things undone?  I know I have.  For most of my life I had a hard time finishing projects.  I don't know if it was because I had to have it perfect or if I was just procrastinating or if I had a slight case of ADD.  Probably the latter if I had to guess.  Anyway....when I reached my late 40's  and early 50's I made a pact with myself to not leave one unfinished project after another. One way I managed to do this was by NOT starting a project unless I was absolutely passionate about doing it.  I find I have many interests and my thoughts can often be blown about like the wind...but if I commit to finishing just ONE THING I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT.....it makes it that much easier to finish the other projects I want to tackle. Do any of you have ideas about keeping yourself on track and finishing......unfinished projects?  Please let us know here. Hugs, Jo Photo:  Flikr 

Many, many years ago I purchased this painted floor cloth......I think all of you remember when they were all the rage. At that time I decided to turn it into a work of art.....as it was much too beautiful to put on the floor and it would be destroyed if I did so.  Each time I look at it....it still gives me the same thrill as the first day it came to us....and I am so glad I decided to use it as I did. You know.....you really can make anything into a piece of art.....if it thrills you to the core....and you spend just a little time thinking about how you can use the piece....the solution will come to you and the piece will become one of your most prized treasurers. I know this one has become one of ours. ~~~~~ On this Memorial Day....please remember.... Hugs, Jo Plaque:  Pininterest....Gypsy Rose

I really don't make many pies....and I am not so sure you could really classify this as one...but here is something I whipped up from items in my fridge that I wanted to use up. Fat free cool whip Reduced fat sour cream Peaches or strawberries if you have them on hand and crumbs from the bottom of the cookie jar Smash crumbs in a baggie...... Mis sour cream and cool whip together....to taste....as sweet....or not so sweet as you desire Spread crumbs in the bottom of your pie plate cover with whatever fruit you have chosen (I had to use peaches because ...... I had them on hand.....and my soul mate cannot eat strawberries) Cover the whole thing with cool whip/sour cream mixture...... Then top with some of the remaining cookie crumb mixture. I might sprinkle some nuts on top before I serve this.....and I'm not sure if it will be more like a pudding rather than an actual piece of pie....but I think it will be yummy......

I am absolutely in love with all the Moroccan and Indian influences we are seeing in decorating as of late.  Since it was 108 degrees in Phoenix yesterday....I think that anyone living HERE would feel right at home with the current trend.  Since trends are short lived....I really don't spend any money changing out my decor....but I will alter some of my existing things to make them feel a little more like we are in Marrakesh (sp?)......besides anyone who knows me knows of my fondness for color and accessories. Got out the spray paint and painted an old, old elephant plant stand that used to be an off white color.....sewed a bead square on a existing pillow........brought another pillow from another room and put it with a wonderful Indian quilt that I found while traveling..... Used my hot glue gun and glued on an old cross to a seltzer bottle.....don't know if that has an Indian feel....but I liked the look... Wrapped an iron lantern with ...

As most of you know...my beautiful soulmate and I travel in a motor home during these hot summer months.  In fact.....we will be leaving fairly soon when some unfinished repair work is completed.  Anyway.....traveling in a motor home is often hours on the road and often the roads are pretty winding and bumpy...so it is impossible to do much artwork while underway.  I read a lot but sometimes I tire of that.....so last summer I found some great lampshade forms and decided to hand stitch shades for them. I tea stained the lace before working with it and simply stitched it together while traveling down the road. It puts out the softest of light....and is delightful in the evening when all is quiet and we have turned in for the day. Hugs to all, Jo

I think this is quite lovely for a Wednesday. xo Jo  

Hi dear friends.....hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's day....I know I did. O.K.  time to post the name of my recent give-away....unfortunately....Blogger says I have reached my photo limit...so no pics today.  I have got to figure out how to get more storage...anyway.....the winner is.... Christel from A Far place OOAK Dolls by Christel Hutson She is a longtime follower and does some pretty unique and wonderful creations.  Please stop in to see her if you get the chance. I wish I could give each of you a little gift because I so much appreciate each and everyone of you who follow my little spot on the internet. have a beautiful day, Jo

Sending all of you a beautiful Mother's Day bouquet and inviting you to join me in a little taste of something "Sweet". Happy Mother's Day Jo Photo:  Mckenzie Childs

Our Miss Sophie Those of you who follow me know we have just adopted a new puppy......Skyler. He's a little male Cavalier with the same color markings as our beautiful girl above. Sophie will soon be 10 years old...so she is getting up in years for her breed.  She also has some health issues which have been addressed with surgery...but her ability to romp and run around is no longer there. So you can only imagine how it is with this little guy's appearance in our home.... He is now 4 months old and full of it as only a puppy can be.  He chews, barks, digs, rolls over endlessly and runs around like a crazy man while playing during his day.  He so much wants to play with our older girl...but alas....it is not to be.  So like the bright girl she is Sophie has devised her own method of playing.  She simply stands still wagging her tail and barking occasionally as he runs around her in circles barking and jumping back and forth to play....it...

We all know how fragrant Gardenias and Roses are......I have both of these in my front and back gardens.....however......this post today is about other scents in a summer garden. This is scented rose geranium....it smells heavenly when touched or incorporated in a bouquet.....I almost lost all of it a few years ago due to a heavy, heavy freeze...but somehow it managed to survive and now has come back full force in my beds.  I always give cuttings to fellow gardeners when they stop buy as it is difficult to find here. Rosemary I have rosemary bushes in my yard that are at least 4 to 5 feet high......sweet Sophie and wonderful Skyler like to poke around in them looking for bunnies.  You can imagine how my beautiful dogs smell when they come in the house....yep.....just like Rosemary....my whole house is filled with the scent. Lavender Lavender grows really well here.  I have it in with my rose bushes and get loads and loads of blooms ea...

Wouldn't you agree? Jo Photo: Source:flickr/unraveled design via Anonymouscici