Hummingbird station/studio

When my son and family moved out of their adjoining apartment, I couldn't even think of another family moving in, nor could I imagine it empty. There was no way I wanted to move our existing apartment to that side... It would have meant we would have our bedroom upstairs, and neither my husband or myself wanted to do those stairs on a routine basis. So after some discussion we all decided that we would rent out the downstairs, and pay partial rent. So a week after we arrived home from Texas I started moving my sewing/ craft room out of it's little 6x8 space, to an area 3x that size, plus a kitchen and bathroom! As I started to organizing and setting everything up, I realized how lucky I was, and thought about those women who wanted to do a little sewing and crafting, but didn't have the space, supplies, knowledge, or free time without children to follow up on their desires. So I decided to make this little space and some of my supplies available to those same women. I am also hoping that all of us women will share with our unique special giftings with each other.
It was my secret wish that I could have a few women over for tea to share my vision, but that isn't working out as well, so for all of you that might be interested I have decided to show you some of the final product, and if you are interested in participating, please message me.






Here is a view from the kitchen sink. An unfinished wall hanging of Schoharie County's 4 seasons is on the wall for inspiration ( I shall finish it soon) As you look at these pictures you will notice different wall shelves with various fabric, all organized by colors, and patterned... All this helps to inspire my creative nature.



-This is looking in the dining alcove. The containers on the left are all my jewelry making stuff? The old china closet holds my good cotton fabric yardage. I also have patterns of wall quilts I hope to do one day (although I still consider myself a non- traditionalist) the bottom open shelf holds quilting magazines and quilting books. The middle shelf and bottom cabinet holds crafting things for my time with my grandchildren! Something I have always wanted to do, but haven't had the space! This Thursday was our first time, we did this: http://www.kidsart.com/q010100.html. And had fun! ( the black object in the middle was the project)






Playing with Gemma Levendusky's special wooden Polish eggs


A table for tea! And a unit that hold more fabric, And lots of craft stuff. And a shelf unit with the same..even the grandchildren find some 'beautiful!' items!














Looking down at the piano, and then turning the corner


Looking at the old computer area, now my cutting area. On the left is one of 4 sewing machines that currently lives here. One serger too. Hopefully we shall have some scheduled nights to sew some dresses for the pillowcase project! Hidden under these curtains are big bins full of fabric for the pillowcase project and lots of scraps, lots, I will never use it all. Below is a picture that looks upon a vintage ( and still working)sewing machine and table I bought in Texas last year, and brought home this year!


And in the kitchen I have my tea pots ready, and for window coverings I chose to sew together my mother in law's vintage hankies that were doing nothing but living in plastic bags






I hope that one day you can join me for tea, and maybe a craft or two... Only one thing you need to do when you enter: a positive attitude!

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Looking forward

In a season where life is changing for most of my children, it is most wise to keep my feet planted in the stability of the Rock! That way I won't feel so buffeted by the waves of the tide that comes naturally. I am not necessarily meant to walk the rocky shore to find their safe harbor!
This morning I was once more encouraged by my eldest to start the gratitude community (http://www.aholyexperience.com/2003/06/gratitude-community/)
And although I am not ready to openly publish them, I was able to journal 18 that were immediately on my heart! And I was able to find myself tendered to the Peace once again.
Two things I can say openly:
1. I am very thankful for my children who inspite of their own wrestlings with life's encounters, are able and willing to encourage each other to walk in the Peace of the Lord.
2. I am thankful the the Lord has opened my creative nature in the past decade.



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I chose

Sometimes words hurt

Thoughtless words

Words meant for another but directed my way

Words Unspoken, unwritten, unsaid

'In between the line' words

Today I chose not to give life to these words, these words unsaid, unspoken, or spoken but not meant for me, but they all bring death none the less

Today I chose to focus on His words, words of life, and believe in the best, believe in truth.







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The little things

Softly I closed the door, pleased that I exited my sister's room with minimal noise (considering two happy dogs exited too, this was a feat!) The sound of glass shattering as it hits the floor spoiled the spell of early morning, and in seconds my sister was there with a broom and dustpan. ( note to self: make sure all glasses are picked up night before so there will be no more whipped to the floor by that happy dog's tail!)
I watched as my sister swept up those shards, calmly and swiftly as if this was a common event, and she reminded me- this too shall pass, it was only a glass, no one was hurt. Just a small speck in the road of life. ( and even made a joke about the dog's tail that could so easily throw this glass with such force onto the floor)
Life sometimes brings happy tails that accidentally shatters our peace. How do I clean up the glass? Do I lash out and break some fragile moments? Do I find the means to make it a safe environment once more so no one will get hurt accidentally?
I get annoyed or hurt by someone's actions or word, The wrong word, the wrong look, the interruption without thought behind it.. These are all little things and have no eternal consequence, but what I do, how I react and respond does!
Today may I recognize the need in me to respond in love, peace and patience... In all the little things that go on around me.


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Time with friends

When I was working, I had little time for my family or friends except for those women with whom I spent my work hours. Thankfully some of those ex-coworkers consider me still a friend and I am blessed by her friendship as she takes time from her busy schedule to spend some time together. I really do love this woman!


She is strong, but fragile, exerts firmness with kindness. She is unselfish, trustworthy, patient, and independent but willing (and learning) to lean into our Savior's arms of protection and comfort. And she eats a lot more healthy than I do!


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Advent calendar

Recently I was with my oldest, and she mentioned she was looking for an advent calendar. Since we were already into December the choices were slim, but for some reason my mind was thinking that we could make it our own. So last night I took out my craft supplies, and pulled out a 4 shelf unit that I picked up at a garage sale. It's a Thomas Kinkade wooden shelf for a set of mini plates. I looked up how to make mini boxes on my iPad and pulled out my card stock, played with some glue and markers, and decided to stamp and then color most of boxes. I took it up to my oldest daughters home and showed it to everyone. The little ones wanted to touch and check it out now, and the older ones helped with taking pictures and getting the shelf unit on the wall. These eight children will have fun with their parents counting down the days of Advent with scripture, little sweets both to eat and to experience. It was so much fun making for them, and only took me a few hours!



The little boxes


The shelf unit


Completed boxes


They were moving so fast, hard to get a picture!





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For the little people

I've been a gramma almost 17 years now, and it has been a learning experience...the position didn't come with an instruction book. During those first 15 years I put on my gramma hat when I could, offering whatever part of me remained after pouring myself out for my job, home and family left at home. I wasn't perfect, found myself lacking in areas, failed and forgiven in others, but truly enjoyed these precious lives whenever I could spend time with them.
It's been one year now that I have been more free to explore this position without the ties of a stress filled workplace. I have been embracing and accepting who I am, and recognizing and letting go of who I am not.

Recently I confessed that I love having them come by to give me a kiss and hug goodnight (well only if they live in the same house, different apartment) and I finally mentioned it...then these three lovelies have blessed me for the past few nights!








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