My Grama's Soul

I'm always looking for ways to use old things in new ways....so this year I just gathered things from around the house to decorate my table. Old law books purchased this summer in Fredericksburg, an old shoe form found in Montana... The vintage bottle shining in the candlelight we found in Wyoming this summer. Grasses from my yard as well as scented geranium and greek oregano in vases... This beautiful blue cobalt bud vase belonged to my ex-husband...who used to always spend Thanksgiving with us. He has been gone a number of years and I like to have his spirit with us....as well as that of Brad's parents.....We use his mom's silverware to eat with...a little tarnished...but loved none the less. This small blue bottle is one that I altered...it was given to me by a friend in Idaho....It is actually an old vanilla bottle from Mexico...you can still smell the vanilla....added the Traditions tag..as I thought it was so appropriate f

You know me.....if I can make something instead of buying it....I will. It's the end of the year....and I did not have a new 2013 calendar...but I had already booked some 2013 appointments.....so....I made my own. Downloaded some free printable calendars on google....covered an old composition book with some old papers and lace I had on hand.....and instant calendar for 2013. I didn't really care if it was the "prettiest" calendar on the block....I just wanted something I could use....and NOT PAY $15.00 to $20.00 for. Being frugal ROCKS!! hugs, Jo

Received these from my friend Jean.....up in Montana.....pretty interesting aren't they.  BTW.....shots from Dallas Arboretum ...... hugs, Jo

Been messing around with "junk" again. What do you think? Beads from old necklaces taken apart and reused in new ways..parts of an old earring and bracelet.  The silver piece is not one I made..but I liked how it looked so I added it. We will be leaving for warmer weather soon...on a little trip...this necklace should fit right in!! Hugs, Jo

Years ago I came across the above term in a book entitled THE SEVEN HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE.....perhaps many of you have read it. It was a completely new term to me as I had never ever considered much of anything besides just getting through my day.  Days spent mostly caring for family members with one issue or another....rarely focusing on what I WANTED out of life. As I am now a woman of advanced years.... I realize how very important the thought of  beginning with the end in mind is.  In fact if there was one thing I would share with any of you younger bloggers out there it would be this term. So often, as women, we focus on every one else....totally forgetting ourself in the process...trying to fix or help this one or that one..and never really focusing on the most important one....OURSELVES.  Not nurturing our creativity or taking care of ourselves emotionally, spiritually or physically...and then we wake up one day and think.....WHERE HAS ALL THE TIME

UMMMM......please notice the wonderful cameo of my darling niece around my neck...oh my~~ oh my goodness.....I digress in my story.  Anyway....the reason for this little missive is due to a recent exasperating note I have received, as of late,  from Miss Sophie  You all remember her don't you....that wonderful Cavalier King Charles who had the PERFECT life.....until Little Mister..aka...Skyler came on the scene. She writes and I quote... "Oh Auntie.....I had the perfect life of a 10 year old spaniel.... Endless pampering People food on very, very many occasions Always got my own small bowl of rice when we ordered Chinese food Slept in the big bed with my humans..and I might add...had it all to myself Was coddled, caressed and loved totally and singularly for the first ten years of my life Never had to share my humans OR ANYTHING ELSE FOR THAT MATTER with anyone else AND THEN HE CAME Little Mister, Skyler..... Now.