Remembering Mom

May 4, 2008
I am adding something special to this blog.
My nephew, Bob, sent me a clip of my sister, Helen, playing the piano -- this is from an old reel to reel tape recording of at least 50 years ago. Our entertainment in those days wasn't TV or computers but for the family to gather around the piano and sing. This piece is piano only -- but who knows, the vocal version of it may show up.

Mother's Day is almost here - and I was thinking of my own dear Mom and thought I'd make a little pin in her memory.

If you look closely, you will see the face on the pin is the same as the face on the photo of Mom.

The "story" behind My Mom pin doll is -- when I was very little she used to sing me a song -- I wish I could remember the title -- but the lyrics contained the thought that when she was gone from me she would "sit on the moon" and keep her eyes on me. Mom passed away when I was 12 and I survived those first lonely years by remembering that song and looking nightly toward the moon and 'feeling' Mom close to me again.

"Shine on Harvest Moon" was and still is, a family favorite. 

(The fabric is not really "moon" fabric --that is, unless you call it the "Harvest Moon" and then it is perfect LOL). I recalled many fond memories while stitching on this little pin.

The pin is stuffed with lavender -- and somehow the aroma reminds me of Mom too.

WALK FOR BABIES

Today was the March of Dimes Walk For Babies event.

I am so proud of Drew and his brothers. They (except the littlest one who rode in a wagon for a part of the walk) completed the 6 mile, yes, that is six miles walk. Here is a photo of the four proud boys about to cross the finish line and one of the two older boys who have done this for the last 5 years.

If anyone would still like to make a contribution, it isn't too late. Just click HERE.

Great Day.....

Thunder/rain storms and tornado watches aside, this has been a great day.

This morning I saw the first Chickadee baby poking its' head from the nest in the old Magnolia tree. It was so thrilling to watch. They are such delightful little birds and I hope they keep nesting here.

And then, last night (actually very early this morning LOL) I finished up two little pin dolls. They are about 3 ½ inches tall and stuffed with lavender buds -- they smell sooooo good. Thanks to Pat Winter for the idea -- and her blessing to go ahead and try my own -- much appreciated, Pat. Pat's "Inner Child" dolls are so darling. Pat sometimes has them for sale on her Etsy site you might want to check it out.

Happy Birthday

Twelve years ago this month our grandson, Drew, was born.
Drew was premature weighing a mere 4 pounds 4 ounces.

The excellent care he received right from the start is a testament to the improved medical care available.
For the last five years as a part of his birthday celebration, Drew has chosen to join the “Walk for Babies” -- a part of the March of Dimes. We are so proud of him, his family and friends -- all of whom have supported him and the “Walk”.
Please click HERE for more information -- thanks in advance.

Puzzle piece doll almost done....

Well, at long last Timrek is in the final stages. Now all I have to do is add the beaded edge.
She already has an ultra suede back.

A Long Time Ago....

The close up photo is yours truly and our dear friend, Larry, that passed away a few weeks ago.

Not beading or stitching --- but fond memories.

This is our kindergarten group that I speak of so often

.

And here are some of us a "few" years later

Garfield School Grads at High School Reunion 1984
Our 30th Reunion

October 2009 ~ EHS class of 1954
Our 55th Reunion


This picture taken in October 2009 at our Elgin High School Class of 1954 Reunion -- hard to believe it was our 55th --- these are some of the Garfield Grade School Grads in attendance.
Somehow I can't locate photos from our 50th reunion in 2004.

The UPS truck stopped here today...............

Today the UPS truck stopped at our house.  He brought a large box for me from my dear friend, Shirley.  Shirley and I have been friends for over 60 years. I was so excited to open the box -- and look what was inside -- this beautiful quilt. I just love it -- for the beauty of the quit and especially for the beautiful friend who made it for me. I think I am one of the most fortunate people around -- I still have ( and meet with monthly ) friends from kindergarten (67 years ago) -- and I have all the great new friends I have made thru the quilting and beading sites on the web. You all hold a special place in my heart. Take a look at the photo of this wonderful quilt --I can snuggle in it when I need to feel the closeness of my dear friend. Thank you, Shirl, I am just so thrilled.

Thank you, Maggie, you made my day..............

Oh, Maggie, the timing couldn't have been better. The beautiful spirit doll you sent me arrived today. With all that has gone on the past few months, I was so looking forward to leaving tomorrow on our annual April trip to meet up with friends. Then yesterday our van decided it didn't want to go. It is doubtful it will be repaired in time -- so I was really feeling quite sorry for myself -- and as so often happens in our wonderful beading group, out of the blue came this package at the absolutely perfect time. Thank you so very, very, much. She is wonderful. I will treasure her (and our friendship) always.

Arrived in California

I made this icicle doll for a one-on-one exchange with Noel in California.
"Little Boy Blue" as he has been named by Noel is now safely residing with her in California.
This was yet another fun on-on-one exchange -- thanks, Noel -- I love the beauty you sent me too.

Beginning a new family ---

Today I received a lovely treat in the mail --a beautiful "Inner Child Doll" that I purchased from Pat Winter on her Etsy site Pat Winter Gatherings. Amity is a beautiful little girl and I already adore her.

Beauty, love and more -- and besides, she smells WONDERFUL. Thanks, Pat -- I love her so much I had to I purchase a buddy for her --- the lovely little Inner Child named Amber.
And here is the lovely little Amber that I adopted today -- I will be watching for her welcome arrival next week. Amber has safely arrived and she is a charmer. I love her. She is so tiny that I am going to put a pin back on her so I can wear her or pin her to my purse and she can go with me where ever I go. <>

And here is the lovely Irvetta the Mermaid that arrived today (4-17-08). She joins Amity and Amber -- and aren't they a lovely little family

Icicle Dolls in the Making & Progress on Timrek

Here are five icicle dolls in various stages of "doneness".
They are such fun to do -- so cheery and bright and happy.

A little more beading done on Timrek -- Soon she will be ready to be trimmed, backed and edge beaded.

Icicle Doll From Noel

Today's mail brought me this lovely icicle doll from Noel. Isn't she just the most precious doll? I love her -- and she came on a day when I really needed a hug. Thank you, Noel, I hope to have yours finished and in the mail to you no later than the first of next week. It is always so much fun trading with people, and Noel is always so prompt -- thank you once again, Noel.

Dead Tree & Chickadee

If you click HERE you will get an enlarged view.

We were about to cut down our poor dead magnolia tree -- then, standing at my kitchen sink I saw activity -- a pair of Chickadees are nesting in the hole.  What a delight.  They flit in and out so fast -- but I did catch one of them entering the hole. If you look close at the photo you will see him.