My Grama's Soul

I'm always looking for ways to make something on a shoestring.  I think it is wise in today's world to shrink one's footprint as well as doing things as inexpensively as possible. To wit.....I am sharing a little stick light I made from a tree limb found in my yard..and a string of LED lights that plug in to the wall. Had the lights left over from some other project and the best part is I can easily unplug them in the evening when I go to bed. Simplicity and frugality.....the perfect combination. xoxo Jo

ENJOY!! Jo

Just had to put this out into the universe today! XO JO From Style Carrot

Allright......I will admit it.  I love having things in my home that are homemade...not store bought...and are like nothing you will see in someone else's home.   I also love mixing the quirky with the refined  ~~ something homemade with a fine piece of art. Since downsizing and moving I'm finding myself with many things that I can no longer use or are just simply wrong with the feel of this house.  So I end up taking things apart and reusing them in new ways. The little lamp above was made from an old lamp base from World Market and a shade that had ripped and torn over the years.  I incorporated various lamps parts of other fixtures that we are no longer able to use here...and  voila'!  A new little lamp that is both funky and artsy at the same time.  My dear husband loves the idea of the shade being there and yet not being there.   I only use a flicker bulb in these lamps as they are really more for decorati...

I don't recommend many books on my blog, although I am a voracious reader. This is one book that I felt should be shared with all of you in blog land. THE UNTETHERED SOUL.....by Michael A Singer...this small book  takes you right to the heart of mindfulness and the yoga of the mind.   Because our world is getting more complicated all the time and all of us just trying to cope with this;  I feel each of us  is searching for that place inside where peace and calm resides.   We aren't looking for a temporary fix....but a permanent solution.  The message delivered in this book can provide that if you are just willing to open your heart to the wisdom that is shared here. Managing our thoughts is difficult in the best of times...but by attempting to put some of the ideas into practice as explained here each of us will be building mental muscle that will carry us for a lifetime. It is a simple read and right to the point. I th...

My favorite time during the holidays is at night.  Sitting in a dark room with the tree lights on is always so calming. Enjoy........... hugs, Jo

My wonderful husband and I have moved 7 times during our 36 years together.  Each move has been to a wonderful  location....and this most recent one is no exception.   This little house has  many, many wonderful features....but one of my favorites has been the existing chandelier that is hanging in the dining room. Every time we have moved I have wanted to replace the existing fixture in the dining area.....not this time.   When we first moved I thought I wanted a different fixture hanging here...but as we have lived here with our things and fine tuned here and there...I've come to absolutely LOVE this hanging over our dining room table.  We had to take it apart when we painted and had to clean everyone of the glass rods before reassembling....but it is now so beautiful I could not think of another one to put in its place. I've hung the little beaded garlands for the holidays but usually it is just plain.  We have in...

Today is our 35th wedding anniversary.  My beautiful husband ALWAYS gets me flowers.....one red rose for each year we have been married. I can honestly say that the years spent with Brad have made me a better and stronger person.  His commitment has never faltered and he has always been there with a helping hand when I needed it the most. Our love has only grown stronger over the years regardless of what life has given us. Thanks honey for a wonderful 35 years and I only hope we can have 35 more. xoxo Jo

What do you see when you first open your eyes in the morning?  Is it a chair full of clothes and clutter....things stacked everywhere, or do you see something pleasing to the eye. Since having cataract surgery on both of my eyes this last few months (hence my absence from blogging).....the window to my world is much improved.    Instead of seeing the world as a constant blur...I see everything crystal clear.  All the pretty and the not so pretty. However, one thing I do believe is a necessity in life is to make sure the first thing one looks upon when waking up to greet the day is beauty!  It does not have to be something costly or precious...just something that brings a smile to your face and makes you glad to be alive.   This is my bedroom garden with a few of my buddhas, a small stereo and some of my playful hats.  Of course the sunshine here in AZ doesn't hurt...but even on a cold cloudy day it still brings a s...

These are blooms that managed to sprout during this hot, hot summer we have had in AZ.  It does always amaze me how anything can grow so beautifully in this heat of ours.  Roses, garlic and oregano in a little vase....fragrant and nice combination....don't you think? Fall is around the corner......the light is changing....it is in the air. xoxo Jo

Isn't it????? xoxo Jo Photo:  Style Carrot

I have had this leopard lampshade forever....it was in storage and since I have always loved it...I decided to give it a fresh new life. Fringe comes from an old scarf that I no longer use...but I have always loved, loved, loved this fringe.....sewed it onto the bottom of the shade..it can be removed with a little snip  if I get tired of the look.  I've had the floor lamp since the mid-nineties and it is actually pretty special in its own right...but I thought it needed a little more drama. When I looked at it with its original finial...I realized that something had to be done with that.  So.... painted the existing finial a ebony black and glued on a small crystal ball that I found at a garage sale many moons ago... I have to say....at night....when this lamp is illuminated....it is pretty spectacular.  I really am pleased with how it turned out....just recycling and reusing... hugs, Jo