Curtains (52 Week Challenge - Week 1)

I recently joined the challenge put forth by the Thrify Mrs. She and a friend concocted a goal of making 52 things in 52 weeks. The guidelines are pretty open. You just need to make things you enjoy, and which aren’t part of your usual repertoire.

Here's my result for week one.

As I’ve mentioned before, our house is an older one and has some weird quirks. One of which is that for some unknown reason, the kitchen counter extends beyond the cabinetry. It’s just this piece of counter that juts out by itself. This oddity has always bugged me a little. We don't have a lot of counter space, so chopping it off was out of the question though. We've talked about adding another cabinet underneath but have never gotten around to it. For some time now, we have made the most of the space by storing our recycling bin below it. The recycling bin is useful of course, but isn’t really something I want to display for the world (or the tiny part of it that visits my home anyway) to see. So, for my first week’s challenge; I decided to make some curtains to cover up that underneath bit.

I didn’t use a pattern. I just measured the space I needed to cover; cut the fabric appropriately; folded the raw edges under and did a quick stitch with my Singer. The fabric was left over from when I reupholstered our kitchen chairs. Someday maybe I'll dig out the before and after pictures from that project. It was fun too.

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Speaking of "before" and "after"... I didn't think to take before pics of this space, so you will need to use your imagination. :)

In case you are wondering….the colors in the pictures are pretty accurate. It really is THAT yellow in our kitchen.

So, once the curtains were hung, they nicely hid the not-so-lovely recycling bin. A bonus feature is that Little Man enjoys hiding under them too!

Challenge Summary: Week One
Ever done this before? No
Do I love it? Yes
Material Cost: Pulled all of the supplies from my craft cabinet – $0.00
Time Spent: under two hours
Success - Yes or No? Yes

Holiday Cake

I took this cake to a 4th of July barbeque. Nothing too major, but it was fun and festive.

The cake was lemon with raspberry filling and lemon frosting. I used a new recipe and was frankly very unhappy with the way it tasted. I was pleased with the look of it though. It wasn’t an extravagant design, but was fun to do – and didn’t take long, which was a bonus for this week!

Next time I’ll stick to the cake recipes (or mixes) that I know are fool proof. Otherwise, it was a good experience.

You Can't Go Home Again... Or Can You?

I was just four years old when we first moved into a small farmhouse toward the top of a big hill – right smack in the middle of nowhere. That “nowhere” hill overlooked an achingly beautiful landscape. Almost untouched by civilization; the hills rolled gently through valleys, river bottoms, hayfields, timber and row crops.

It was a quiet place. One might hear the occasional echo of a far off tractor, a barking dog, or the songs of native birds. In general though, the hills were hushed – as if in reverence to the beauty of the land.

It probably sounds like a desolate existence, but that would be far from the truth. We had each other, and we were a happy little family. We had various animals and lots of places to explore. We were just a short drive from the closest small town, and less than a half mile from our country church (which we visited every Sunday, without fail).

There were other houses sparsely scattered along the narrow gravel road. Though our neighbors were few – many were dear friends. Sometimes all you could see from the road was a lonely mailbox marking a winding driveway.

But we knew. We knew, that if we followed one of those driveways, we’d come upon some unassuming home where someone would offer us sweet tea or cookies and where there would always be friendly conversation and laughter.

We only lived on that lovely hill-top farm for six years; but that time holds many of my dearest childhood memories. Exploring the woods, following my Dad to the hay fields, chasing my dog Lucky, and getting into all sorts of trouble – those are surely days I’ll never forget.

We were close to one neighboring family in particular. For the sake of their privacy, I shall call them “Family D”. We didn’t have a lot of family of our own living nearby, but these folks treated us as if we were part of theirs. All these years later, many members of that family still live in the area. In fact, one branch of Family D lives in our old house, or at least in the same spot. The old farmhouse went through a much needed renovation/expansion some years back, and though some of the original bones may remain – you wouldn’t know it just by looking.

But I digress. Over the years, we have kept in touch with Family D, and recently they invited us to a Fourth of July barbeque being held at the farm where we lived all those years ago. We didn’t hesitate in accepting the invitation to return to our old stomping grounds.

And that, dear reader, brings me to the title of this post. Can one truly go “home” again? It had been years since I’d been to that area; yet my memories remain so vivid that it was hard to imagine reality ever living up to the way I remembered it.

The big day came and it was with great excitement that we (my folks, my brother, and I) went down those familiar country roads once again. My hubby and Willie went too, but this was their first visit to the little farm from our past. Along the way, I noticed that some things had changed over the years. Several homes I remembered - were simply gone. Others had faded a bit from what I now realize might have been their ‘glory days’. On the other hand, there were new houses, and others which had been lovingly restored. It was like traveling through time, but at the same time – seeing it all for the first time. So many years had passed. So many things had changed. Every curve, every hill brought surprises, but also the comfort of memory.

Finally, we were there. As the ‘home place’ came into view, I had to hold my breath just a bit. Yes, things had changed: the house looks quite different, and has actually doubled in size. There is a large pond where once there was none. The hill itself has been streamlined and cleared to improve the view. The tree I had watched my Dad plant in the front yard was gone. Other differences (both small and large) were clear.

And yet, in some ways – it was exactly the same! The mailbox was newer, but it was in the same spot ours had stood. It was there that I’d waited for the school bus and mailed letters to my Grandma. The old barn where I broke my arm, and where Dad kept the sheep and goats - is now red instead of white – but when I poked my head inside, it looked and even smelled exactly as I remembered it. The hill where we used to sled, and the field behind the barn where my pony once ran (and where I’d broken my other arm) remained untouched by time. The general ‘feeling’ of the place was still the same as I remembered.

The trees on the hills still shimmer in the breeze. The air is still fresh and clear. The view from that hilltop still takes my breath away. It still feels like home.

The grill was fired up, and the fragrance of charcoal and sizzling meat lead the way. We were greeted with warm hellos from our dear friends, and counters laden with an Independence Day feast worthy of it’s own Food Network special. Our plates were soon mounded high with burgers, chicken, fried potatoes and watermelon. Into our hands were thrust chilly tumblers full of sweet tea. For dessert there was cake and ice cream.

We chatted with the folks, shared stories of the old days, and we laughed together. My parents, my brother, me, my hubby and our sweet little boy – we were all welcomed warmly. We reminisced and caught up with everyone’s current lives. When it was time to go, we hugged and “good-byed” our way back to the cars - our bellies and hearts full.

It was a lovely day. It is still a very lovely place. It was a day that we will always look back on fondly. We are so lucky to have the opportunity to revisit a bit of the past, but more than that – we are so lucky to have been blessed with friends like Family D.

So, that question again….Can you go “Home” again?

I think the answer is yes. Yes, you can go “home” again. For if your friends and family are with you – wherever you are is indeed home – whether you’ve ever lived there, or not.

Happy Fourth!

Sunday is the Fourth of July. Here in America, the fourth is a day on which we celebrate our Independece Day. It’s a holiday full of parades, fireworks, picnics and family reunions. But more importantly, it is a time to reflect on our nation’s history and to celebrate the freedoms we cherish.

I’ll be largely away from Blog-land this weekend, but wanted to wish all of my American friends a very happy Independece Day!

A few of my favorite American Independence Day related tidbits below:

The Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance of the United States is an oath of loyalty to the national flag and the republic of the United States of America, originally composed by Francis Bellamy in 1892.

I pledge allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America
and to the republic
for which it stands
one nation
under God
indivisible
with liberty and justice for all

America
My Country, 'Tis of Thee, also known as America, is an American patriotic song, whose lyrics were written by Samuel Francis Smith. The melody is that of the British national anthem, God Save the Queen, although Smith encountered it by way of a German adaptation. The song served as a de facto national anthem of the United States before the adoption of "The Star-Spangled Banner" as the official anthem

My country,' tis of thee,
sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing;
land where my fathers died,
land of the pilgrims' pride,
from every mountainside let freedom ring!

My native country, thee,
land of the noble free, thy name I love;
I love thy rocks and rills,
thy woods and templed hills;
my heart with rapture thrills, like that above.

Let music swell the breeze,
and ring from all the trees sweet freedom's song;
let mortal tongues awake;
let all that breathe partake;
let rocks their silence break, the sound prolong.

Our fathers' God, to thee,
author of liberty, to thee we sing;
long may our land be bright
with freedom's holy light;
protect us by thy might, great God, our King.

The Star Spangled Banner
In 1814, Francis Scott Key wrote the poem, Defense of Fort McHenry. The poem was later put to the tune of (John Stafford Smith's song) The Anacreontic Song, modified somewhat, and retitled The Star Spangled Banner. Congress proclaimed The Star Spangled Banner the U.S. National Anthem in 1931.

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Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

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On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wash'd out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand,
Between their lov'd homes and the war's desolation;
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

God Bless the USA!

{this moment}

Inspired by SouleMama to share one moment.... via a single photo – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember…”

Blessed

Sometimes I wonder if I should pinch myself – to make sure this isn’t all merely a dream? I’m so very lucky, so very blessed to have a wonderful hubby and sweet baby boy, amazing family and friends, a cozy home and a steady day-job, good health and precious time to spend with loved ones.

I’m truly at a lovely and fulfilling place in my life. I’m not bragging here. I don’t say any of this to boast. I say it to pay credit where it’s due.

Sometimes the blessings in life are BIG ones – the birth of a cherished baby, a good medical report, a miraculous answer to prayer, a resolution to a pressing financial problem.

Sometimes the blessings in life are more subtle - reconnecting with an old friend, receiving a warm letter from a loving family member, enjoying a day with a curious toddler, snuggling on the sofa with my sweetie, watching the sun set, or getting a garbage bag of free clothes.

Yes, I said it – garbage bag of free clothes.

Last week, there was a knock on our door. A sweet neighbor lady was standing there with a bulging Hefty bag hanging from her grasp. One of her children had received some hand-me-downs in sizes that they didn’t need.

Would I be interested? I could have anything in the bag that I thought I could use.

Was I interested?!? Ha! Of course I was!

My Little Helper enjoyed assisting me pull the items, one by one, from the bag. Shirts, dress slacks, swim trunks, running pants, jeans… the pile got bigger and bigger. The sizes ranged from 3T to 6. Little Guy is wearing 2T right now, so nothing was too small.

We laundered the items and carefully sorted them into waiting containers labeled with each size. I like to plan ahead, and had already started bins for the next few sizes. That way if I find an adorable outfit at a garage sale, I can snap it up and not worry that we’ll lose it before it will fit.

One of my favorite activities is ‘switching out’ the closet. Whenever Little Guy starts to outgrow his wardrobe, I head to the basement to get the next bin. When the “new” clothes are in the closet, I launder and store the outgrown ones. If we are ever blessed with another little boy, we’ll have a full wardrobe right off the bat. If we have a girl, we might need to do a little shopping for pink, but that would be fun too – so I won’t complain.

That surprise garbage bag was certainly a blessing. This post isn’t really about free clothes though. I am, of course very thankful for that generous gift from my neighbor, but the intent behind this particular posting is bigger than that.

It’s about the feeling of contentment and happiness that has come over me again lately. I’ve had this feeling before. In fact, one of the reasons I decided to start a blog, was that I wanted the world to know that life can be (and is often) very, very good. I've always been a fairly positive person, but for a bit there, I let myself get sidetracked by some things that came up which worried and distracted me. Now, I’m back, and so very grateful to be HERE, in this time and place.

On days like today, when the sun is shining, my fellas are happy, my family is healthy, a four day weekend is right around the corner and life just seems so amazing and bursting with promise – I want to stand on the rooftop and send a big Thank You to the ONE who blesses me (in the big ways and in the small ways). In reality, I won’t be crawling up on rooftops any time soon. The ladder is a bit rickety and I am not a fan of heights… so instead, I’ll post my feeling here - for any willing eye to read:

Let it be known: We are grateful. We are lucky. We are blessed.

My sincere prayer for you, dear friend - is that you will feel the same way about wherever you are in the world. And if maybe you don’t feel it today, that the feeling will come soon.

"From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another."

- John 1:16 (NIV)

Image: Art Print by Pat Fischer. Buy it HERE

Lovin' Summer

Oh, I just love summer. Don't you? Warm breezes and lemonade. Carnivals and parades. Fireworks and Ice Cream cones. Picnics and sunscreen. Long drives with the windows down. Time spent with family and friends under the sun.

Oldies on the radio that get stuck in my head all day.
For example, this little ditty from "Greese"
(a fantastic summer song - hope you enjoy it like I do):

Summer Nights
Summer lovin' had me a blast
Summer lovin' happened so fast
I met a girl crazy for me
Met a boy cute as can be

Summer days driftin' away, to uh-oh those summer nights

Uh Well-a well-a well-a huh
Tell me more, tell me more
Did you get very far?
Tell me more, tell me more
Like does he have a car?

Uh-huh uh-huh uh-huh uh-huh

She swam by me, she got a cramp
He ran by me, got my suit damp
I saved her life, she nearly drowned
He showed off, splashing around

Summer sun, something's begun, but uh-oh those summer nights

Uh well-a well-a well-a huh
Tell me more, tell me more
Was it love at first sight?
Tell me more, tell me more
Did she put up a fight?

Uh-huh-uh-huh-uh-huh-uh-huh

Took her bowling in the arcade
We went strolling, drank lemonade
We made out under the dock
We stayed out 'till ten o'clock

Summer fling, don't mean a thing, but uh-oh those summer nights

Uh well-a well-a well-a huh
Tell me more, tell me more
But you don't gotta brag
Tell me more, tell me more
Cause he sounds like a drag

shoo-bop bop, shoo-bop bop, shoo-bop bop,shoo-bop bop, shoo-bop bop, shoo-bop bop, shoo-bop bop, YEH

He got friendly, holding my hand
While she got friendly down in the sand
He was sweet, just turned eighteen
Well she was good you know what I mean
Woah!

Summer heat, boy and girl meet, but uh-oh those summer nights

woo, woo, woo
Tell me more, tell me more
How much dough did he spend?
Tell me more, tell me more
Could she get me a friend?

It turned colder - that's where it ends
So I told her we'd still be friends
Then we made our true love vow
Wonder what she's doing now

Summer dreams ripped at the seams,

but oh, those summer nights....
Tell me more, tell me more!

Images:
Greese Movie Image via Bing Images.
"Summer Fun II" by Pamela Jones via FineArtAmerica