tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33273232162378727042024-02-19T04:38:21.904-05:00Quilted NoodlesDawn S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14641696638840380012noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3327323216237872704.post-8036370940433768662013-10-23T00:35:00.000-04:002015-02-12T19:31:50.521-05:00The Big Move <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The Big Move</h2>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Well, we have been at our destination for almost two <strike>weeks</strike> months and things have settled down enough for me to have a few complete thoughts.)</span></em></div>
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This post has been in the making for a while now and it is high time I wrap it up and send it on it's way.<br />
My initial intention was to journal every night on our journey west but unfortunately I that did not happen. Regardless, here are my ramblings.....<br />
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Day 1 ~ After a grueling day of loading 2+ households, we collapsed into a hotel room in Hendersonville, NC, our former home town. We set out the next morning, not quite as early as planned, with sore muscles and aching backs. It was bitter sweet to leave Western North Carolina, but we were determined to start our new life in the Pacific Northwest. <br />
Winding our way through the Smoky Mountains in WNC and Eastern Tennessee was quite beautiful even though the road construction made it a white knuckle drive for DH in the large UHaul truck (towing Mom's car). Driving through Nashville was pretty cool, seeing the skyscrapers and just knowing the history there. (I saw the Country Music TV building from the highway!) <br />
We had intended to make it to Illinios by that night but with our late start and shear exhaustion from loading the truck, we decided to stop in Paducah, Kentucky. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Poor DH had the pleasure of riding along with his mother and her little dog. They do not do so well in tight quarters and it was stressful to put it mildly. I think they are too much alike...) </em></span></div>
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Day 2~ Drove over 9 hours today and made it to the SW corner of Iowa, just outside of the Nebraska state line. All through Missouri and Illinois there were many, many signs for XXX nightclubs and adult "toy stores". (Hubby called it "corn porn". Obviously after the long drive we are a bit loopy!) Perhaps the truckers need a distraction after driving through corn fields hour after hour. Or maybe the locals need something to do, other than cow tipping, on a Friday night. There is corn as far as the eye can see! <br />
Our animals (dog and cat, in crates) are doing surprisingly well. Before this trip started I was <u>very</u> worried about the cat being in a crate for so many hours a day, but he is handling it like a champ and loving the hotel rooms! Always something new to explore!<br />
It is hotter than the hubs of Hell here and I am so thankful that I do not live in the Mid-West. We hope to make it to Cheyenne, Wyoming tomorrow. <br />
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Day 3~ Nebraska = Corn, corn and more corn! We did drive under a really cool archway dedicated to Lewis and Clark. It seemed fitting since we are basically following their path to the Pacific.<br />
There has been a giant mosquito lurking around the floor boards of the car, chowing down on my calves since Paducah! Apparently, I taste delicious!<br />
My feet and ankles are swelling beyond recognition from sitting so long each day. Even though I am a big girl, I have never had "cankles" until this trip.<br />
We made it to Cheyenne and the only hotel we could get is not very nice but we are too tired to care. The situation with DH and MIL has gotten to critical mass. Hopefully we can complete our quest without any casualties. <br />
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Day 4~ We drove over 600 miles today and we made it to Burley, Idaho. It is hot, hot, hot here but we are finally back in the land of big mountains! It is so nice to see really big mountains again and just that feeling of being back in the West is calming to me......<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(I started this journey with the intent of journaling every night. I made it just barely past night three before the stress got the better of me.)</em></span> <br />
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Day 5~ Pendelton, OR <br />
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Day 6~ Our final destination - Astoria, OR: the views of the mighty Columbia River all over this little town are amazing! <br />
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We stayed in a little motel in Seaside Oregon and due to Labor day weekend tourism we had to share a room with "Mom". Not ideal at this point since I am ready for a complete melt down. We held out for four nights until the weekenders left and then decided to bite the bullet and pay for another room so we could have some solitude. <br />
By now it may sound like we are terrible people or Mom is a monster but we have discovered that there are some people that should NEVER live together. We usually get along fine as long as we have our own spaces. <br />
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Thanks for bearing with me through all of this and the long wait for this post about our move. <br />
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Life has been moving along since we have been here and now I can get on with posting about our new "home" and our new adventures. <br />
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Take care, <br />
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Dawn <br />
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Dawn S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14641696638840380012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3327323216237872704.post-23659307787623032492013-07-31T18:51:00.002-04:002013-07-31T19:38:30.156-04:00A Rant....(Sorry)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span lang="EN">Some do not understand our lives or our choices. <br />
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DH and I are simple people that have always had to scrape out our way in life and do not have money or credit at our beck and call. We scrimp, scrape and work for every penny. We have never been and never will be in a financial position to just hop on a plane and travel to our hearts content. We choose not to go into debt to have or do the finer things in life. Some don’t understand that and seem to take offense that we cannot travel, visit or do things at will. <br />
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For the past year we have been living in near squalor, and the last 2 months in darn near poverty. Leaving a good job with benefits was a difficult decision but is was necessary to be able to move back to the west coast. This was a conscious choice and one we feel worth enduring to achieve our goal.<br />
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It is hard for us to leave the family we have here but we have to live our own lives and be where we want to be. It feels like I have spent my entire life trying to make others happy and at 50+ years old I think it is time for me to be happy. Is that so wrong and selfish? Since adolescence we have both moved from place to place and do not really have a place we can call “home” and now that we are near retirement we want to go back to the west coast where we are happy and where we feel like we belong. <br />
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Sorry for the rant but I have had it up to here with people that only think of themselves and cannot be happy for us, that we are finally able to go where we long to be and want to spend the rest of our lives. <br />
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The End<br />
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Dawn S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14641696638840380012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3327323216237872704.post-27845152277237473262013-06-15T15:45:00.002-04:002013-07-31T19:38:07.164-04:00One step closer to our next adventure! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, yesterday was my last day at my job here in NC. It was a hard day as I have a good job and work for/with a wonderful group of people. To some, it may seem a little early to be leaving my job since we are not moving until August however there is <u>much to do</u>. Between the heat we get here in the summer and the brain sucking stress from my daily job, it does not leave me with much energy or ambition to do what needs to be done. Time to go through the house top to bottom and our storage unit and purge/sell what ever we have not used in the past year. (with the obvious exception of family keepsakes)<br />
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Our youngest son's wedding is also coming up early next month and there is alot to accomplish for that as well. Top that off with getting our lives in order and ready for the cross country trip, I feel pretty justified in taking 60 days off.<br />
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Next month, I will begin my quest in finding a rental house in our new location. It may not work out but it would be so nice to have a home to go to instead of a weekly hotel room with all of our belongings in storage. But, if that's the way it works out, I am intent on staying positive and flexible. <br />
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We are so excited and anxious to start our new life in NW Oregon. I have already been scoping out the local hiking trails and fishing holes. Just the temperature variance and the thought of walking on the beach whenever we please is enough to make this girl giddy! <br />
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Have a glorious weekend! <br />
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Dawn <br />
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Dawn S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14641696638840380012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3327323216237872704.post-87642706644444919012013-04-25T14:09:00.001-04:002013-04-25T14:52:05.231-04:00After a long hiatus, onto a new adventure! Wow! I cannot believe that I have not blogged in almost a year! I guess I <u>did</u> have a lot going on and it wasn't all just in my head!<br />
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After much thought , prayer and deliberation, Hubby and I have made the decision to move back to the Pacific Northwest. It was a difficult decision, but one we feel will be the best for us as we progress in years.<br />
We have lived in Western NC for 7 years now, and while it has been good to us and it has been good living near my sister, it is time for us to go back. That is where our hearts are.<br />
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We have set our sights set on the NW Oregon Coast region. <br />
(We both miss living near the water desperately!)<br />
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Dear Hubby will be able to spend his days fishing, mushroom hunting and searching for treasure on the beaches. I hope to find work in the retail/grocer field, and will join him on the adventures during my time off. I am sooooo looking forward to not having a stressful, responsibility filled job. While I have been very grateful for the job that I have held for over six years, <u>my little brain needs a rest</u>! It is time to relax and enjoy life. <br />
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Our new adventure begins in August but the next few months will be filled with preparations and planning. Yippee! <br />
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Take care,<br />
Dawn<br />
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P.S. I will try to blog a bit more often and keep you all updated on the adventure! :-)<br />
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<br />Dawn S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14641696638840380012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3327323216237872704.post-71346196559169095922012-05-08T13:11:00.001-04:002012-05-08T13:11:54.001-04:00Breakfast on the go!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Last night I made a dozen mini frittatas for our busy work day mornings. I surfed the web and read various recipes and decided to throw in whatever I had on hand. I had left over breakfast sausage that needed to be cooked, green onions, chopped mushrooms, chopped roma tomato, reduced fat shredded cheese and eight eggs that I whisked with a little water and S&P. <br />
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I sprayed my muffin pan with non stick cooking spray, added a TBS of each ingredient, then I ladled the egg mixture over the top. I filled each cup to nearly the top and baked at 350* for 20-25 minutes. Just nuke them for 35 seconds and they are ready to eat on the go! YUM! <br />
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(I calculated that each frittata has 3 WW points; which could be less if you use leaner or no meat.)<br />
</div>Dawn S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14641696638840380012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3327323216237872704.post-36308081340521928462012-05-07T12:10:00.001-04:002012-05-07T12:47:19.207-04:00Back again!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, obviously I am not a very good blogger! I cannot seem to post very often. I am finally going to post about the couch pillows I made over a month ago. <br />
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We have two large pillows left over from a couch we had a few years ago. The problem is that they are an ugly brown color and the fabric is really rough. (Herculon?) Plus, the down feathers constantly come out and <u>poke you</u>! <br />
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I decided to make covers for them, to not only pretty them up a bit but to try to contain the feathers a bit more. <br />
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This rose print fabric is actually repurposed curtains that I had made for the log cabin we had in North Idaho. I loved the print then, and I love it still. <br />
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Here they are sitting together nicely. I lined them with muslin to add to their feather resistance abilities! Hubby loves them. Now he can properly curl up on the couch without getting stabbed with down feathers! <br />
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Have a great week everyone! <br />
<br /></div>Dawn S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14641696638840380012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3327323216237872704.post-56947456789980175782012-03-17T15:56:00.003-04:002012-03-17T16:00:22.638-04:00I got presents!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The darling little elderly lady next door is moving into an assisted living facility today. Yesterday I went over to chat with her and she gave me an awesome gift!! <br />
She had this tucked away in her closet for who knows how many years....<br />
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It is an unfinished quilt top - Tumbling Blocks in some very interesting prints. It has a few stains but should be ok after a good soak. I am hesitant to soak it before it is finished and quilted as it might be too fragile....Unfortunately it will sit on my shelves for a while until I finish up a few other projects. <br />
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I think it will look great in the guest room, which is done in Americana/red, white & blue colors...<br />
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Dear Hubby bought a new iron just for little ole me!<br />
He has a lovely habit of ironing his work uniforms on high heat with starch and our old iron was always a mess. I had to clean it up everytime I needed it for my quilting. Now I have one of my very own for my quilting/sewing projects.<br />
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Isn't she a beaut?! Pretty good score, if I do say so myself. <br />
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Hope you all are having a great weekend too!</div>Dawn S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14641696638840380012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3327323216237872704.post-69036871857275247922012-03-16T10:05:00.001-04:002012-03-17T15:39:06.089-04:00TGIF !! It has been a while since I have been on Blogland...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I have been busy with life but I am finally ready to start a new project - a baby quilt for my fourth Grandchild! The baby is due in September and we do not know the sex <u>yet</u>. I had some of this super fun Sock Monkey fabric in my stash ~ <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyESPTH9E2ahG40jbef4_sBiOiGgWUGwyfK3k6C70gUso2SEK2u2Ufu181Vs5eeQJjQHQGCLF_UX1x6CTfXdyQtTXr-oWwJPbZAC47H5nR-DpqPwgUlYB56_911INQeGli-UAShZE6E05/s1600/2012-03-12_09-58-52_812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyESPTH9E2ahG40jbef4_sBiOiGgWUGwyfK3k6C70gUso2SEK2u2Ufu181Vs5eeQJjQHQGCLF_UX1x6CTfXdyQtTXr-oWwJPbZAC47H5nR-DpqPwgUlYB56_911INQeGli-UAShZE6E05/s320/2012-03-12_09-58-52_812.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I want to keep the quilt light so I added in a light green, but I might add a little of the red and brown bananas into the mix as well......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-R7LQfzH2qPkqpvAuLg-CcSwUn24gDQDWV6r6vjqXDFA33IpO2_Y88lKtpcMF46-QDBSo9pocrZ6VdrJb1Lu5QtPUNyOoVTzWgQuOWc8nMtkCKuHTdTFqtk5ayt185UsZpjgELKV9-eK7/s1600/2012-03-12_10-00-34_881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-R7LQfzH2qPkqpvAuLg-CcSwUn24gDQDWV6r6vjqXDFA33IpO2_Y88lKtpcMF46-QDBSo9pocrZ6VdrJb1Lu5QtPUNyOoVTzWgQuOWc8nMtkCKuHTdTFqtk5ayt185UsZpjgELKV9-eK7/s320/2012-03-12_10-00-34_881.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br />
..and I found this adorable panel print of the Monkeys jumping on the bed story for a wall hanging. <br />
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I found an adorable pattern in a quilting magazine, which I will blog about later as I post my progress.<br />
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I have also been busy making two pillow covers for old couch pillows. I will post about those when I have pictures to show. <br />
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Have a wonderful Friday and a fabulous weekend! </div>Dawn S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14641696638840380012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3327323216237872704.post-56524027435098466412012-01-06T10:56:00.000-05:002012-01-06T10:56:15.337-05:00Finally finished!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Well, its has been forever since I blogged, but I am finally finished with the wall hanging a friend/co-worker hired me to make. It seemed to take <em>forever</em> as I dealt with family matters and then the holidays hit. Better late than never ~ Here she is ~ <br />
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Sorry for the crummy lighting, my office has yucky florescents. It is sized to hide an electrical panel in her guest room and the fabrics were chosen to coordinate with her existing bedding. Next, I will be making a coordinating bed skirt out of the green vine fabric. <br />
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Have a great day! <br />
</div>Dawn S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14641696638840380012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3327323216237872704.post-37798465366642339042011-10-04T12:40:00.000-04:002011-10-04T12:40:00.267-04:00Learning to Fail with Grace<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Well, I finished my first commission project yesterday; a T shirt memory quilt for a co-worker's daughter. I was quite pleased with it....unit I washed it!!!! <br />
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Here is the completed top - <br />
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The batting is bunched up in some places and feels completely absent in others. I could just cry! I was unsure of the batting at the start and I should have listened to my gut. I will spend the next two evenings carefully removing the binding, snipping the ties and starting the "sandwich" process all over - with <u><em>better batting</em></u> of course! <br />
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A friend of mine asked me where the lesson in this was. hhhhmmmm, I think it must be lesson in patience as well as learning to accept failures with dignity and grace. Not sure I am going to pass this lesson! </div>Dawn S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14641696638840380012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3327323216237872704.post-15181510682834139362011-09-28T12:41:00.002-04:002011-09-28T13:01:05.946-04:00Who needs a good thrashing?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333399;">Supposedly it is Fall here in the mountains of <place w:st="on">Western North Carolina</place> but it is still as humid as all get out! We have been trying to cut costs by not using the air conditioner unless absolutely necessary. Yesterday when we got home from work, the hubster decided to turn off the AC and open the windows. Normally I am ok with this, I love fresh air, however as the temp inside the house climbed to 79 degrees, I was at my limit. Being a big girl as I am, in the midst of menopause, I do not tolerate the heat as well as others. So, there I was, huffing and puffing as I washed the dinner the dishes. Sticking my hands in hot soapy water in a 79 degree house has always been my idea of a good time. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">NOT!</b> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333399;">Hubster walks in and says, “What’s wrong with you?” “It’s hot in here.” “No it’s not. Is this another one of your heat thrashes?” </span><br />
<span style="color: #333399;">Heat thrash?! Granted, the guy learned English in a foreign country but that one about killed me! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Heat thrash</i>. If you think about though, it sums it up pretty well. I know when I get one of my dreaded hot flashes the first thing I want to do, (If I am not able to get completely naked and stand in from of an industrial sized fan) is to thrash something, someone, anyone! He did make me laugh though. And the house did start to cool down……..</span></div>
Dawn S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14641696638840380012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3327323216237872704.post-70980015374756331352011-09-21T09:32:00.000-04:002011-09-22T08:00:56.136-04:00Blood Types and Memories<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">My son and I were talking about our blood types last night and it sparked a memory of how I found out what my blood type was, waaaaaaay back in 8<sup>th</sup> grade Biology. We all had to prick out fingers with those evil little metal lances and put a drop of our blood on a glass microscope slide. While I do not recall the exact process, we all got to find out what our blood type was. Pretty cool, huh?! (Mine is O+ in case you are wondering.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Biology teacher looked like an elf and he always wore horribly colored plaid golf pants with a white belt and shoes. Although it was the early/mid 70’s, it was still really tacky! He was an odd little man. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">We had the usual biology experiences, dissecting large earth worms and then frogs, all heavily saturated in formaldehyde, but there is one particular experience that stays very fresh and vivid in my mind. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">It started out as a normal school day in sunny <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">San Diego</place></city> as I took my seat in the back of the class. No, I was not a really cool kid, or trying to be. Eighth grade was one of my “Dark Years”. I was a bit of a loner and just wanted to be left alone and blend into the woodwork. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well, anyway, I took my seat and after the class got settled, that happy little elf, errr, teacher, came to back of the class to show us his new prize, I mean experiment! Right smack dab next to my chair was a galvanized garbage can with a lid on it (Thank you for at least putting a lid on it!) He proudly opened the lid to show us his treasure. Low and behold, it was a hammer head sharks head in the can which was filled with MAGGOTS! You could actually <em>hear</em> them “working”. I do love science and I have a pretty high tolerance for grossness but this was a bit much. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">If I remember correctly, I skipped class the next day and told my parents they <u><em>had</em></u> to get me transferred out of there. I do not remember the why’s or how’s but I was not able to get a class transfer. I spent the next few tortuous weeks sitting next to that disgusting can, which of course he would remove the lid from during class time, so we could “witness” biology in action. (I told you he was odd!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thankfully we moved to another school district not long after that so it was a blessing in more ways than one. I got out of that crazy man’s class and I got to attend a new school where no one knew me and I could blend into the wood work really well! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">*Sigh* The teenage years are such a traumatic part of growing up. </span></div>
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Dawn S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14641696638840380012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3327323216237872704.post-40780305658758358502011-09-01T12:34:00.001-04:002011-09-01T12:36:11.291-04:00Commission Work!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_44x998="122"><div closure_uid_nrwkxv="101">I have been commissioned to make a T-shirt memory quilt! And there is a possiblilty for more T-shirt quilts in the future. I have also been asked to make a wall hanging for another person! I will be spending the weekend, trying to do some materials and time/labor calculations so I know what to charge. That is the hard part. </div></div><div closure_uid_44x998="122"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_44x998="122">Could it really be happening? Am I starting to see a twinkle or a glimmer of light? Maybe it is time to seriously look into getting that business license I have been putting off. This could turn into something someday! Woo Hoo! </div><div closure_uid_44x998="122"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_44x998="122">Can you tell that I am excited? </div></div>Dawn S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14641696638840380012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3327323216237872704.post-48790176563505218482011-08-01T09:34:00.004-04:002011-08-01T12:28:42.565-04:00Monday ~ A new week, a new month, a fresh start<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_iakgwo="119"><div closure_uid_e49emb="100">First, I would like to thank you all for the encouraging comments (both private and on my blog) on my "bare my soul" post of last week. It means alot to me and I promise to see my doctor and fill her in on all the "loveliness" that is going on in my life. </div></div><div closure_uid_iakgwo="119">Until then, I am starting a new way to pack my lunches for the work week. I got a new Bento box from Lock & Lock and I think I am already in love. <em closure_uid_iakgwo="145">(For those of you who do not know, bento boxes are a traditional Japanese lunch box. They are proportionately sized for the individual and are typically filled with artistically prepared food. I am skipping the artistic approach and just using this as a way to limit/monitor my food intake.)</em> </div><div closure_uid_iakgwo="119"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_iakgwo="119"><div closure_uid_18hbgf="112">This box is proportionately sized so it will be hard to overeat, (unless I pack lots of extras, which I do not intend to do). It comes with two stacking boxes that will hold a total 700 mil or a whopping 24 oz of food. <em closure_uid_18hbgf="116">(the set also included collapsible chopsticks with a case that fits inside the bag- not shown)</em></div></div><div closure_uid_iakgwo="119"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_iakgwo="143" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWKWeMRerYSEz_fkL6fC-oeBzvr-M7GFX5QTHwAXPo8L7da3VzZEsyhnNwB4UCo-9ZwdiflAbPTs8o6eJw2oOUPjHdcQo3RY31h46WuoqAd4mTvRrwGCO09T0f5k4NyC_nH7P7EwrbKfw/s1600/2011-08-01_06-46-25_191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWKWeMRerYSEz_fkL6fC-oeBzvr-M7GFX5QTHwAXPo8L7da3VzZEsyhnNwB4UCo-9ZwdiflAbPTs8o6eJw2oOUPjHdcQo3RY31h46WuoqAd4mTvRrwGCO09T0f5k4NyC_nH7P7EwrbKfw/s320/2011-08-01_06-46-25_191.jpg" t$="true" width="320px" /></a></div><div closure_uid_iakgwo="137"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_iakgwo="119"><div closure_uid_wdofnp="101">Today's lunch consists of a little meatloaf - last time a made meatloaf, I baked some of the mix in a muffin tin and then stuck them in the freezer - a bit of potato salad and some black cherries in the first tier. The second tier holds some green salad. (Dressing packed separately)</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbQ0mpZMH5m8aCMEPrDNGI9f16JgYysgomNuk648qwAVKp7OIMLYjvo9oJl6EAemhVP7kVpNmpB_gS1Z4NdSzpx2zLJvwnd5YQGnrvwpbDJ7WnzhngCOgWI8xtfEHZnkAMNtKIg15bOdZ/s1600/2011-08-01_06-45-26_737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbQ0mpZMH5m8aCMEPrDNGI9f16JgYysgomNuk648qwAVKp7OIMLYjvo9oJl6EAemhVP7kVpNmpB_gS1Z4NdSzpx2zLJvwnd5YQGnrvwpbDJ7WnzhngCOgWI8xtfEHZnkAMNtKIg15bOdZ/s320/2011-08-01_06-45-26_737.jpg" t$="true" width="320px" /></a></div><div closure_uid_iakgwo="138"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_iakgwo="119">It all packs nicely into this adorable red lunch box. I felt so spiffy carrying this in to the office today!</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_iakgwo="146" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OxdpGUYJeDTSb6UVCcKAuUrHE2NXrbzXrzyVX8UshTUnTxGKmJMpD_2KqN-UlX_N53QtcixGkVGKBMicsUxPSFag4xknzAqAN94ipUrMTJzmd8j-eRIx-0Zbri9z2rn7bySF_po2B_4m/s1600/2011-08-01_06-46-52_188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OxdpGUYJeDTSb6UVCcKAuUrHE2NXrbzXrzyVX8UshTUnTxGKmJMpD_2KqN-UlX_N53QtcixGkVGKBMicsUxPSFag4xknzAqAN94ipUrMTJzmd8j-eRIx-0Zbri9z2rn7bySF_po2B_4m/s320/2011-08-01_06-46-52_188.jpg" t$="true" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_iakgwo="146" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_iakgwo="119"><div closure_uid_18hbgf="110">I also packed separately, a greek yogurt for my afternoon snack. I will definitely be ordering more items from Lock & Lock. I may order the same set <u>with</u> the water bottle. I don't really need the water bottle but the bag is taller so I will be able to put my dressing and yogurt inside the bag, in place of the water bottle.</div></div><div closure_uid_iakgwo="119"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_iakgwo="119">I did some sewing over the weekend and that is <u>always</u> good for my spirit. I hope you all had a great weekend as well. </div><div closure_uid_iakgwo="119">Have a wonderful day! </div><div closure_uid_iakgwo="119">Dawn</div></div>Dawn S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14641696638840380012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3327323216237872704.post-12864463803042888732011-07-29T12:48:00.001-04:002011-08-01T09:38:14.825-04:00I'm still here..........<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div closure_uid_ph0qgf="110">Not really sure I want to lay this out there but what the heck! It’s been heavy on my mind and I need to “talk” about it. </div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">My life has been a train wreck of late, which has caused a lack of crafting/sewing and a lack of the will to blog. I have been kind of depressed lately. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Along with what seems to be the usual financial and family issues, I have come to the realization that I have an emotional eating disorder. I eat when I am depressed, anxious, lonely, stressed, bored, you name it. Food is my tool of choice for comfort. Of course, the benefits of emotional eating are that you get to become morbidly obese and have various health and mental health issues including depression and very low self esteem. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span closure_uid_yg6icq="128">You have to love yourself to take care of yourself and this is something I am going to have to learn, somehow. I don’t think I have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">loved me</i> in a very long time. We all have issues in our childhood and our past that have left emotional scars and I can certainly think of quite a few. What I do not understand is how a person can recognize what is wrong and why things are the way they are but is still incapable of “fixing it”. If you know <u>what</u> your inner demons are and <u>why</u> they are, then why can’t you make them go away. The monster in the closet goes away when exposed to the light, so why don’t the demons go away when they are figured out? There should be some sort of closure, right? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div closure_uid_ph0qgf="118">Hubby is very supportive of me but he was raised with the mentality that you can just have the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will power</i> to get over things without doctors, drugs and therapists – those are for the weak. Therapy might as well be a four letter word in my house. </div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span closure_uid_yg6icq="129">I am not really sure what the next step is that I need to take but I do think that writing about it will help to a certain degree. I have found others online that are battling similar demons and some have conquered them. Maybe I should give myself a deadline – if I cannot overcome this by my own methods by the end of this year, then perhaps the next step has to be therapy…*Gulp!*</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Have a wonderful weekend Dear Ones. I will do my best to keep my nose out of the fridge! </div><div closure_uid_yg6icq="119"></div></div>Dawn S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14641696638840380012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3327323216237872704.post-16227341453877994332011-07-17T14:00:00.001-04:002011-07-17T14:00:20.397-04:00Soap Sack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqeRsB5SGjHLJJwwMH5vWRCK9eLL26UuCaqFQsrn1INkadHAlbPVM0PQKs00FYdOIE7w0RDu8WlL_Nvg1vSlnr7lZ7va0gk2NCbkgLSFI6t4Qmxqic0Zusb5IwFe0_ywFmMltOtCxULob/s1600/2011-07-16_16-33-54_262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqeRsB5SGjHLJJwwMH5vWRCK9eLL26UuCaqFQsrn1INkadHAlbPVM0PQKs00FYdOIE7w0RDu8WlL_Nvg1vSlnr7lZ7va0gk2NCbkgLSFI6t4Qmxqic0Zusb5IwFe0_ywFmMltOtCxULob/s320/2011-07-16_16-33-54_262.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
What do you do with all of the little bits left over from your bar soap? Do you try to smoosh them onto the new bar? Do you throw them away? That can be costly in the long run. <br />
Well, yesterday I decided to crochet "soap sacks" for hubby and myself. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVoIU_F4BjY75FWcGLsthKM38WpTcKAotPt7GK1urihXu6bTfr_JU6lJk2jLF_tAqjOLKqF5cB0J7alJLq6AFeHxPI9wBcCiM4jN2I-hLTGDjCB5fU1QcyFbfHCTzLzrPsz4tXkGHs_RW/s1600/2011-07-16_16-31-01_274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVoIU_F4BjY75FWcGLsthKM38WpTcKAotPt7GK1urihXu6bTfr_JU6lJk2jLF_tAqjOLKqF5cB0J7alJLq6AFeHxPI9wBcCiM4jN2I-hLTGDjCB5fU1QcyFbfHCTzLzrPsz4tXkGHs_RW/s320/2011-07-16_16-31-01_274.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Now we can put our bars of soap in the bag and use it similar to a wash cloth and we can use up every little bit of those bars of soap. They have a draw string at the top for easy "loading" which also serves as a hanging string so we can hang them in the shower and allow them to drip dry. <br />
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What did you do this weekend? <br />
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Time for the World Cup game! Go USA!!!Dawn S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14641696638840380012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3327323216237872704.post-48737235581801711612011-07-15T20:39:00.001-04:002011-07-15T20:41:43.755-04:00Dinner - 7/15/11 Yummy Burrito/Taco Filling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was inspired to make a yummy taco/burrito filling here - <a href="http://notexactlybento.com/?p=328">http://notexactlybento.com/?p=328</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made a few changes but not too many. First, brown 1 pound of lean ground beef along with 1 cup chopped onion. I had red onion on hand so that is what I used. I added copious amounts of chili powder, garlic powder and a pinch of S&P while it was browning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHI5btVUq1g9DJsVNJYMs_gBIilI14KLun4InFVNzCThXaKS5HA4r0Z0K1G31gSE0AgsaEpWWDowgTBQe0IS-QFgBWWxdPKliqlX6aZsb5q_MUHl4kx2NU0Xw2sCCjuXkOCqAUo2alKUz/s1600/2011-07-15_19-04-25_778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHI5btVUq1g9DJsVNJYMs_gBIilI14KLun4InFVNzCThXaKS5HA4r0Z0K1G31gSE0AgsaEpWWDowgTBQe0IS-QFgBWWxdPKliqlX6aZsb5q_MUHl4kx2NU0Xw2sCCjuXkOCqAUo2alKUz/s320/2011-07-15_19-04-25_778.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> Drain the fat off of the meat/onion mixture. Add 1 cup of frozen corn, 1 cup of Salsa and 1 can of drained black beans.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBawsrBBzjmgPrxaIVBUA7nhTfel88PKuZeDXqfvFkOZvWEQGW2dq7cFLlI89RUIs7Uw38iekwsZqCHjAw7PJC_J2qTNzeXLhDkOr15M5XFPsYNBYAnZkMFG3EGC0dAWwImWwPTIOVkUPQ/s1600/2011-07-15_19-17-41_938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBawsrBBzjmgPrxaIVBUA7nhTfel88PKuZeDXqfvFkOZvWEQGW2dq7cFLlI89RUIs7Uw38iekwsZqCHjAw7PJC_J2qTNzeXLhDkOr15M5XFPsYNBYAnZkMFG3EGC0dAWwImWwPTIOVkUPQ/s320/2011-07-15_19-17-41_938.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the corn and the beans are tender. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUaQmBCawxJXys17STgzw0SjIzSdvI-RIUknbG9vWoMidEJ0BFLtLGiZ9MsQ6UeRX3eKx7GGz6MMXEGrKPhm9SchayrxYyl248zmnf_03LdOtkVl9z-ya8aktNbDz6dFd42yICCj_mx5t/s1600/2011-07-15_19-21-56_788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUaQmBCawxJXys17STgzw0SjIzSdvI-RIUknbG9vWoMidEJ0BFLtLGiZ9MsQ6UeRX3eKx7GGz6MMXEGrKPhm9SchayrxYyl248zmnf_03LdOtkVl9z-ya8aktNbDz6dFd42yICCj_mx5t/s320/2011-07-15_19-21-56_788.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
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Put a healthy spoonful on a tortilla (or taco shell) of your choice, top with your favorite topping (I used guacamole) and enjoy!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0M6xh1PGHvTpWGBJAnYV_j64I-KMz7We_OfeD40kEUI_z_4EiaMTItuFD5_aSvKJz_LXqGxL6UhHoeKbaR8-z_B4pk_-6Rt1U5gmzkmluk69j4_H2jtS-lZRMHWVRk4FD-zexxDIDNyD/s1600/2011-07-15_19-38-14_941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0M6xh1PGHvTpWGBJAnYV_j64I-KMz7We_OfeD40kEUI_z_4EiaMTItuFD5_aSvKJz_LXqGxL6UhHoeKbaR8-z_B4pk_-6Rt1U5gmzkmluk69j4_H2jtS-lZRMHWVRk4FD-zexxDIDNyD/s320/2011-07-15_19-38-14_941.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
Nom Nommy goodness! I am sooo full!Dawn S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14641696638840380012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3327323216237872704.post-2058191708245866102011-06-15T14:29:00.004-04:002011-06-16T07:48:15.191-04:00Primitive Doll<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">A dear friend of mine is battling an inner demon. She named her demon "Poison Ivy". Well, I decided she had to be able to put a face to this demon so I made a (very primitive) doll for her. (She can use it for a voodoo doll if she chooses!) <br />
Here is Ivy ~ (her hair is in a pony tail behind her). Her smile is a little crooked and her eyebrows make her look not so nice - which is how poison ivy truly is....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHikEzxeVHotYkYzZlZzUe3KQoTBgWMKkG2XTQHr6prevcj3cLLvuhFqsK6XfYEdgF16K-M3H1DGtgkWD7PjXNbLDXGicEas80OufJEUQLheNOxvusxdzdbmt-pT5qli3fzjH-YGaXUs2a/s1600/2011-06-15_13-10-13_826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHikEzxeVHotYkYzZlZzUe3KQoTBgWMKkG2XTQHr6prevcj3cLLvuhFqsK6XfYEdgF16K-M3H1DGtgkWD7PjXNbLDXGicEas80OufJEUQLheNOxvusxdzdbmt-pT5qli3fzjH-YGaXUs2a/s320/2011-06-15_13-10-13_826.jpg" t8="true" width="177px" /></a></div><br />
I also wrote a little poem to go along with it to give her a little more of my support. <br />
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="color: green; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;">Poison Ivy</span></u></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="color: green; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My name is Poison Ivy</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="color: green; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I have lived inside your head</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="color: green; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Now that people know of me</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="color: green; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My world is filled with dread</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="color: green; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span></div><span lang="EN" style="color: green; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll soon have no need for me</span></span> <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="color: green; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">As you grow stronger every day</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="color: green; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My leaves will start to wither </span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="color: green; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">And then just blow away</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="color: green; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">You’ll see that life is precious<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="color: green; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">And be as healthy as can be</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="color: green; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Life is so much better</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="color: green; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Without the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Poison</i> that is me</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: green; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: green; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: green; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">DS</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="color: green; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>2011</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="color: green; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: black;">She loved it and will keep it with her as she goes through therapy and always to remind of where she was and what she has overcome. I love her lots and am so glad that I could help her in my own little way. </span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="color: green; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: black;">..........Makes me wonder if I should make one to represent my own inner demon so I can beat it up whenever it rears it's ugly head!?! </span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="color: green; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: black;">Blessings, </span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="color: green; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: black;">Dawn</span></span></div></div>Dawn S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14641696638840380012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3327323216237872704.post-31928303865049610722011-06-06T09:59:00.002-04:002011-06-16T06:18:42.787-04:00Off to regions unknown<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">This past weekend my Air Force son left his home in Italy for regions unknown, for an undetermined amount of time. We feel fairly confident (hopeful?) that it is not to a war zone, but the unknown is always a bit scary. <br />
<br />
His little girl, Miss A had this to say yesterday, " Momma, we forgot to pick up Daddy from work." <em>Mommy replied</em>, "Remember, Daddy said he's got to stay at work for a while?" <em>Miss A</em>, "That's right Momma. Daddy's out protecting us and he'll come back. HE ALWAYS DOES!" <br />
She certainly is a well seasoned military dependent at the tender age of 3 1/2! <br />
<br />
We are very grateful for the sacrifices her and her momma make and very proud of our sons, out there protecting us and all that we hold dear. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6aRkQSEZsB4oTpZDw6pkASq7QAbFEbuKxXK2BUklHE63_SqdtQwcJgCwUJ_n7je1dIvcpSZ038wgG9wM8uG_JV_-hU7KJYngHwddEZlh5o2rXib99_JKGjuds5NBmVfmOGPpJm1KDDUZ4/s1600/Jas+and+Addi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6aRkQSEZsB4oTpZDw6pkASq7QAbFEbuKxXK2BUklHE63_SqdtQwcJgCwUJ_n7je1dIvcpSZ038wgG9wM8uG_JV_-hU7KJYngHwddEZlh5o2rXib99_JKGjuds5NBmVfmOGPpJm1KDDUZ4/s320/Jas+and+Addi.jpg" t8="true" width="240px" /></a></div><br />
Have a Blessed Monday! Dawn </div>Dawn S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14641696638840380012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3327323216237872704.post-78227893001533894652011-06-01T08:15:00.000-04:002011-06-16T06:18:42.787-04:00Still having blogger issues.....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I do not know why, but I am not able to leave comments on any blogs without them showing up as "anonymous". I have checked all my settings, deleted cookies, etc. When I comment, it asks me to log in <u>again</u> and then it marks it anonymous anyway! It is frustrating to say the least. Rest assured, I have been reading my lovely daily blogs, and I love seeing all the nice projects and sentiments. Sorry, I can't tell you all individually. <br />
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Myself, I seem to have hit a lull in my creativity right now. Too much going on personally I think. Oh well, there is always tomorrow. <br />
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Have a pleasant day! <br />
Dawn </div>Dawn S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14641696638840380012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3327323216237872704.post-9185593456103567072011-05-24T12:57:00.001-04:002011-06-16T06:18:50.192-04:00Tee Dah!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">That is what my niece would say instead of "tah dah", when she was a tot. Well, she will be Sweet 16 tomorrow and I am nearly finished with her gift. I just have to stitch down the bottom of the hanging sleeve and add my label. <br />
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Even though there are flaws, (such as crooked stitching and crooked books) I am pleased with the outcome. Hey, I have a stigmatism and nothing is ever straight, so it makes this gift "more me". Well anyway, that's my story and I'm sticking to it! LOL This is the very first "artsy" quilt I have ever made and it will not be the last. It was tons of fun! Without further ado......<br />
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"A Few of My Favortie Things" <br />
(That's what I am calling it, as the book titles are the things that she loves at this point on her life.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyKij6EEG2yPNjltYYUq7z7egSObNUeDOoeeAVEdOGqsTe8fbikxZgICIzX7Iza4N3vHmHRUNi0V6A63CN3LFMfLMVrBQfoLXO3M5wE5fCgBFcCZJtYAStRW8uXX8IwbmtZv3sE4HK09A/s1600/2011-05-24_12-38-00_539%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyKij6EEG2yPNjltYYUq7z7egSObNUeDOoeeAVEdOGqsTe8fbikxZgICIzX7Iza4N3vHmHRUNi0V6A63CN3LFMfLMVrBQfoLXO3M5wE5fCgBFcCZJtYAStRW8uXX8IwbmtZv3sE4HK09A/s320/2011-05-24_12-38-00_539%255B1%255D.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div> Yes, it is tacked to my bulletin board at work! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyhWnap9SzHDt63HgjsPzc9VWHJzIfZHlcO0OZKTUhFaUA-8yeg45GzuygqUrHow1Dmba3PdCMf-ertI1-SR4WtVr4hzH00F0g9Kib8FyGOkPB-1ZaLokLNX5mWca-OQRQz_qeZw4pEaw/s1600/2011-05-24_12-38-11_194%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyhWnap9SzHDt63HgjsPzc9VWHJzIfZHlcO0OZKTUhFaUA-8yeg45GzuygqUrHow1Dmba3PdCMf-ertI1-SR4WtVr4hzH00F0g9Kib8FyGOkPB-1ZaLokLNX5mWca-OQRQz_qeZw4pEaw/s320/2011-05-24_12-38-11_194%255B1%255D.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div> A closer pic of the details. Still needs to be pressed one more time.....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoNoZgX7fsRQkW_G2F46fTV12aWzP-vBN9WMDvY_JxNVSeUXk0BzjBAqFRVMCoASMNNZ51hwJFsKXKRtteMFAzLWIOubxiy90IGEZAxStkE8XD59msUNTTF0Dvp72gI2zZI_BnCPKNy-5/s1600/2011-05-24_12-38-46_38%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoNoZgX7fsRQkW_G2F46fTV12aWzP-vBN9WMDvY_JxNVSeUXk0BzjBAqFRVMCoASMNNZ51hwJFsKXKRtteMFAzLWIOubxiy90IGEZAxStkE8XD59msUNTTF0Dvp72gI2zZI_BnCPKNy-5/s320/2011-05-24_12-38-46_38%255B1%255D.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div>and the patchy back........I think she will love and cherish it. <br />
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Sorry for the poor lighting and photo quality. A girl can only do so much with her cell phone camera, on the last few minutes of her lunch hour in her stuffy, windowless office. <br />
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Have a wonderful afternoon! <br />
Dawn <br />
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</div>Dawn S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14641696638840380012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3327323216237872704.post-19683651461552218552011-05-20T08:34:00.002-04:002011-05-23T12:11:25.990-04:00My latest WIP<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I am in the process of making a mini Bookshelf quilt for my niece. She is turning Sweet 16 next week. She <u>loves to read</u> so I thought a bookshelf quilt would be in order. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUqijSe6ByXzM6yZ3o80fUO81s6O5zc0za986E6oYcb_U1uIknlf9UehERHifvBTDqUzSkwpdpoiY_EybeNd1PjAGZhbqTr-lZqP0INTD83wcri-DnY4Ik_KPoRRkct57ittIRNy-p0fo/s1600/book+shelf+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUqijSe6ByXzM6yZ3o80fUO81s6O5zc0za986E6oYcb_U1uIknlf9UehERHifvBTDqUzSkwpdpoiY_EybeNd1PjAGZhbqTr-lZqP0INTD83wcri-DnY4Ik_KPoRRkct57ittIRNy-p0fo/s320/book+shelf+1.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> I am little farther along than this but I do not have a current picture. (These, of course are her favorite colors)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCmKF4GEJiV_WI4WVYLWlnnI0j3fs_RdQtXEudle4cCnf54qFub3IpT_z-7OLqWHEPNaInHG5DXGZxOMfBKc8QQl0qBI24H2_GVZDd5fhL8FmrqYLAkxSk_ILNo4addRpnOK8c90tl4vB/s1600/bk+shelf+backing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCmKF4GEJiV_WI4WVYLWlnnI0j3fs_RdQtXEudle4cCnf54qFub3IpT_z-7OLqWHEPNaInHG5DXGZxOMfBKc8QQl0qBI24H2_GVZDd5fhL8FmrqYLAkxSk_ILNo4addRpnOK8c90tl4vB/s320/bk+shelf+backing.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>Here is the backing fabric. Isn't it darling? (sorry it's blurry - cell phone pics) The backing will be a little scrappy but this is the main fabric. <br />
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I want to write the book titles, of her favorite things on white selvage fabric but am having the darndest time getting it right! The fabric is too wobbly for my writing to turn out neat and tidy. Any suggestions? I will try putting the strips into an embroidery hoop and see if that helps. I have to get it almost complete this weekend. I can wrap up the binding at work on my lunch hours! I will post more pics when it is completed. <br />
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Wish me luck and have a wonderful day! <br />
<br />
Dawn</div>Dawn S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14641696638840380012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3327323216237872704.post-21939818296903205202011-05-13T14:44:00.000-04:002011-06-16T06:18:56.602-04:00What the heck happened to blogger!?!?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">OMG!! To quote the great Roseanne Rosannadanna, "I thought I was gonna die!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5-dZuACerMfSvf6F-Zz0bJl3HERNO-UpRjOOLvIUcGeO3Nx_XrVCN06rOoqLFYN8QJATIdqfP_5SJYkkhhw1lPcz-Naak5rX4fvXJycieogxLJf4FjiOTCppgvP1nX5gSrzEDmd21Zxh/s1600/untitled.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5-dZuACerMfSvf6F-Zz0bJl3HERNO-UpRjOOLvIUcGeO3Nx_XrVCN06rOoqLFYN8QJATIdqfP_5SJYkkhhw1lPcz-Naak5rX4fvXJycieogxLJf4FjiOTCppgvP1nX5gSrzEDmd21Zxh/s1600/untitled.bmp" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank goodness it is back. Whew! It was killing me not seeing what everyone else in the world was doing while I am at work. LOL</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Weekend everyone! </div></div>Dawn S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14641696638840380012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3327323216237872704.post-28857837144940089222011-05-03T12:42:00.001-04:002011-05-03T15:02:45.109-04:00Not bad for an old gal!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I turned 49 over the weekend, but I am not going to let that slow me down! <br />
I took the past two days off work just to enjoy some quiet time for myself. It has made for a very nice four day weekend, that has turned out to be quite eventful. <br />
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We got a new sofa, which I looooove. It definitely needs a few colorful cushions though. Don'tcha think so? <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPoT3em4r-rKq34UU3O4zpGNf5TCIGy8Fka5Y-mVdt6a8K10gKbppxD8VoOKJG3UzTgcJGknoaoXziSu1IS6AZE7uqTiQvjzn54X_2Ww0vJrSMlA1UeqikZ8_v9JpYsEd6qDtiN5tIq9B/s1600/couch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPoT3em4r-rKq34UU3O4zpGNf5TCIGy8Fka5Y-mVdt6a8K10gKbppxD8VoOKJG3UzTgcJGknoaoXziSu1IS6AZE7uqTiQvjzn54X_2Ww0vJrSMlA1UeqikZ8_v9JpYsEd6qDtiN5tIq9B/s320/couch.jpg" width="320px" /></a><br />
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I made one real quick out of two left over placemats. I just stitched them together and filled with poly fill. Easy Peasy! <br />
I love the "ruffly" edge on it. It is the perfect size to put behind my lower back when it bothers me. I will make some scrappy cushions at a later date. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuiT7a7ZjNObTAW4cPRv3NZHXkOpBrA2NOn_xjizjeivZwXrNvIJ5cXmgs_Opx-33hZx0IQ72NpznfTSD4rQl1dQFV_94K6EQFsrrFhqpE0bso3GZHadBETcutBHS8vIr9xfgPRlzWmD0O/s1600/2011-05-03_09-09-02_985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuiT7a7ZjNObTAW4cPRv3NZHXkOpBrA2NOn_xjizjeivZwXrNvIJ5cXmgs_Opx-33hZx0IQ72NpznfTSD4rQl1dQFV_94K6EQFsrrFhqpE0bso3GZHadBETcutBHS8vIr9xfgPRlzWmD0O/s320/2011-05-03_09-09-02_985.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
I finished piecing the front of my wall hanging. It is the first comtemporary piece I have made and while there are a few mistakes, I am rather pleased with it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbL9LOVW7xWHS32NxQDXGO3bChdpndBvHWslgvIbRQLvubA-baDVw7Bx5KNjEB5rav5NyWmf-DmIQq-e6DGdR5CouO5Zq5ix2H2O8bnbNdB_Ue0nHftW57nWNlZ8QDtuVLpChVhVRh1xN/s1600/2011-05-03_11-29-41_724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbL9LOVW7xWHS32NxQDXGO3bChdpndBvHWslgvIbRQLvubA-baDVw7Bx5KNjEB5rav5NyWmf-DmIQq-e6DGdR5CouO5Zq5ix2H2O8bnbNdB_Ue0nHftW57nWNlZ8QDtuVLpChVhVRh1xN/s320/2011-05-03_11-29-41_724.jpg" width="205px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The picture looks a little wonky but it was just blowing in the breeze. </div><br />
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Next I will start a small book shelf quilt/wall hanging for my niece who is turning Sweet 16 later this month. <br />
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I also got some gardening done and made a yummy pot of split pea soup. Not bad for an old lady, huh?! Hahaha! <br />
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Hope you all are having a Blessed day! <br />
Dawn</div>Dawn S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14641696638840380012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3327323216237872704.post-27438423581873283522011-04-27T08:40:00.005-04:002011-04-27T08:50:38.368-04:00She loved it!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I finished the heart for my friend's birthday....I made this one a little different then the heart I made for sweet Holly. I started with a wonky pieced square and cut out the heart. (The back is solid) I then used a few decorative stitches with my new machine. (<u><em>Love that machine</em></u>!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yx8sfXK-BtzN5V83XCAjKjAEp4KXu1cDJsestnBsZPSfAuGn3fZ5p_6UyCcoWzPXIHBOKByXhAtDjRq1pwSeadpZcG3-ZZjIoSVE5ZCuVU5Y6woHXEb2EVUC89ZI9Q6gP8Jn1wJ68qlv/s1600/heart2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yx8sfXK-BtzN5V83XCAjKjAEp4KXu1cDJsestnBsZPSfAuGn3fZ5p_6UyCcoWzPXIHBOKByXhAtDjRq1pwSeadpZcG3-ZZjIoSVE5ZCuVU5Y6woHXEb2EVUC89ZI9Q6gP8Jn1wJ68qlv/s320/heart2.jpg" width="180px" /></a></div> Some of the fabric scraps are left over from the hand made piece that you can see to the right - in my side bar. They are very old! The pearls are left over from pearls that I hand stitched onto my wedding dress almost 20 years ago! (apparently I never throw anything away!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuuL2CARfxyGFwZmV7QJYrzFs2o3wdnj9OKhygTURdILZz9pPeaEJ7b5X9hAo1hXQ0WkEOtBCTI2vgxmVfjK3oFrfUBtk4l7ENb_go8UfxV2eToUmQukD2dyf3WcMzZt5c0bOW-JG1RKc/s1600/tammy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuuL2CARfxyGFwZmV7QJYrzFs2o3wdnj9OKhygTURdILZz9pPeaEJ7b5X9hAo1hXQ0WkEOtBCTI2vgxmVfjK3oFrfUBtk4l7ENb_go8UfxV2eToUmQukD2dyf3WcMzZt5c0bOW-JG1RKc/s320/tammy.jpg" width="180px" /></a></div>Here she is with her little heart. It made her cry! She is a very dear friend. She helps me get over many hurtles and stressful times at work and is a wonderfully supportive friend. I feel very lucky to call her my friend. <br />
Happy Birthday Tammy! </div>Dawn S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14641696638840380012noreply@blogger.com3