So This Is Where The Long Journey Lead us............Today!

Update on the last few days:.....Thursday December 10th we closed on our little house on Winnie Street. The beloved little house no longer belonged to us, but to a new family. There was not much time for crying, although there were tears shed, but we had to get busy with a plan to get our stuff moved from our home to "some place" soon. That morning, we were told from the closing on our new house would not be happening until this morning December 14th and we have to be totally gone from our house by December 15th. We were totally panicked at what to do. Graciously, the home owner of our new house with the prodding from his wife no doubt allowed us to move our belongings into the garage and shed of the new house, just not in the house itself until today.

So that is what we have been doing ever since...moving...load after load! My brother and my niece and her boyfriend helped with all the major things, and heavy stuff, thanks be to them, they were life savers. We should finish up today, and in the morning move our bed and the dogs after we clean one last time. I spend one whole afternoon patching nail holes and repainting every room where it needed to be touched up. I can not tell you how many people told me I was nuts to do that, it was not something I needed to do. I just said, yes it is and I did it. That is how I do things, I would expect someone to do that for me, even if they wouldn't, so I certainly expect no less of myself. We are almost to the closing of the door one last time, it is still a hard thought to conceive, but I'm feeling better about it.

The story for today is one I never expected to tell. It comes from the unexpected and a request that every one I spoke with thought it was a little odd. In truth, it was the medicine my heart needed to heal a little quicker from all of this.

The new homeowners in the contract, requested a meeting with us and a walk through of the house when they got the keys. It was to be scheduled before we were totally moved out. So many people had told me they had not heard of that and it was a bit odd, I don't know if it common or not, but we had to agree to it none the less. On Thursday, after they signed the papers at closing, their Realtor had called our Realtor and said how excited they were and wanted to drive from Southlake to see the house, and unfortunately we were not home. We had left earlier in the day with a truck full and were unloading a truck at our new house full of boxes. I felt bad we were not there, but the lady called and we scheduled for Sunday afternoon instead. She told me how excited they were and they wanted to know how to care for the chickens. I got off the phone and felt a huge dread come over me, as I did not know how I would make it through that meeting not in a huge heap of tears.

Sunday afternoon, they came like scheduled. When I opened the front door, I just took a deep breath and greeted them and said, "Welcome to you new home!"

They are a sweet couple, maybe our age or a little older. Hard working, and thrilled to have our home. At first, it was a little awkward for us and them as well, because the silence for a few seconds was deafening...but I am usually not lack for words, so I just had to start blabbering like a fool at first to get the ice broken. I was amazed at the things they were most concerned with at the house. The wanted to know first thing, how to work the wood Stove. The told us how much the loved it and asked all kinds of questions. We took them room by room and they told us what the loved in each. The loved the bathroom and when I asked if they wanted me to leave the shower curtain they were thrilled, as it matches that bathroom perfectly. The loved the barn door closet doors in the bedroom and really love the master bath. I told them we made the vanity in the bathroom and where the wood had come from and we did that with our friend who is a carpenter. I could tell they loved it as much as we do. They wanted to know if I was taking the curtains in the house, which I was not as our Realtor told us we had to leave them. I guess they did not know that and was so happy as they said the loved the ones in the kitchen so much. I told them I had made them and they said they felt I was a crafty person.

The lady then told me how she had taken pictures of everything in my house when they were there at the inspection. She said she thought it was beautiful and was trying to find the things like we had as she wanted to make their home the same. She asked about a few things specifically and where I had gotten them, one being the iron decor piece that was behind the fireplace. She said she absolutely loved that and hoped that they could find one like it. I thought to myself, it was not likely they would because I had purchased that so many years ago. As you can imagine, the iron piece is now hanging back where it belongs...I went to the new house last evening and brought it back and hung it up behind the fireplace....I guess it was meant to stay because I honestly didn't know where I was even going to put it at the new house anyway. It will be there on Tuesday when they walk into their new house and will be a surprise.

I asked them if they wanted the sofa and the television stand. I could not believe the look on their faces when I asked them that. Our sofa is blue leather and she told me she had been looking for weeks for a sofa like it. She said they loved it and wanted one exactly like the one we had. She reminded me how they wanted to have things like I had in my home. We gave them those things and they were beyond thrilled. In all my years I don't believe any one has paid me a greater compliment than these people did on Sunday. They had been spending weeks since they signed the papers on this house looking for things like I had as she thought it was beautiful. I left them a picture I had on the wall and she asked where it was hanging, and said it would go back where it was originally. I could tell they were so excited and thrilled to have chosen our home.

The chickens and the coops were where we spent a lot of time. We went out there and I introduced them to all the chickens, explained how I take care of them, the food, bedding and stressed how spoiled they were. They wanted to know in detail how I have taken care of them and what they needed to do, and where to purchase what they needed. I have already purchased the bedding and food for at least a month, so they are in good shape there. The turning point from dread to knowing I had made the right choice in leaving the chickens was when she wanted to hold Rosie and her husband wanted to take a picture. I gathered the eggs that were in the egg box and in one hand she had Rosie and the other the eggs...It was really a sweet moment! They were beyond thrilled when I explained what color eggs the hens laid and they fell in love with my beautiful Benny as well. The chickens were a bit skiddish of new people, but I told then not to worry, they will get used to them and warm up to them soon. They are going to open the coops to the rest of the back yard where we kept our big dogs and they will have free range over all of that area. The chickens and Benny will be very happy at that and I felt at peace in my heart that I had made the right decisions no matter how hard it was and still is. It really is what will be best for them in the long run.

I told them about the plants in the yard and what flowers come back year after year, I showed her a photo of my beautiful wisteria in the front yard and how it blooms the most beautiful blooms in the spring. She was in awe that that the beauty to come in the springtime was in her yard and could not wait to see it bloom in the spring. We told them we were leaving the bird bath and why we decided to do so. We told them about the owls that come in the summer time for water and we wanted to leave it as they come year after year. They were thrilled and eager to see them next summer.

From what they told us, we believe this is their first home and I believe they have made huge sacrifices to be able to purchase it. They are beyond proud and excited and I know in my heart they are going to take care of our home as well as we have. We told them about all the great neighbors and they were glad to hear the neighbors were going to be good ones. They can not wait to start their lives here and it showed in every way.

The little house on Winnie Street, in the eyes of the new owners might as well have been a mansion in the Hollywood hills....because clearly, to them that is exactly what it is. I am so glad I did not listen to any one else and I went with what I knew to be right and that was to make sure when we close the door, this little old house is shining like a new penny for the new family. In case you are wondering if I made it through the meeting without shedding a single tear, I am happy to report I was able to do that, how I don't know, but I did. Now after I shut the front door.....well, that is a different story...but I held it together when I needed to.

There are still a whirl of emotions this morning, and I am sure there will be tears flowing before end of day tomorrow, but I think the meeting was not scheduled for the new home owners, but for me to find peace and comfort leaving a place that is so dear to my heart in the hands of someone else.

You can tell how I talk about our home that I feel it is a special place. Let me tell you how wonderful the feeling is when friends confirm that for you. Thursday evening, after we had moved all day, we got home to find three of my husband's lifelong friends camped out on the front porch. Two of these special friends had lived with my husband back in the bachelor days of their lives. They had come by one last time for one last solute with a beer or two...or three.....ahem. They talked about old times, old friends, and memories and how they had grown up in this little house. What a special gift these three men gave my husband and myself. There truly are no words to describe it. It's in the confirmation that others found the place dear to your heart to be a special place as in their lives too.

Yes, it has been an emotional roller coaster this journey has taken me on. There have been times of second thoughts, dread, and much sadness to leave it all behind. But likewise.....I am finally to the point of excitement in what is to come. Today...we start a new chapter in our lives and one that we are both excited about! I am thankful for the new things that are to come and in the peace in leaving our lifelong home. It all is official today.....we start a new journey and the next chapter in our lives while carrying the cherished memories of the growing years of our life with us.

The Christmas Gift That Was Two-Fold!

Sometimes a gift that is two-fold is the best gift of all!

That one sentence my friends, is an understatement if I have ever known one. I'd like to share this story with you all, and it may be longer than you care to read, but it is one I know some of my friends will want to hear. I hope it warms you heart as you read about something that certainly warmed mine.

Early in December, I posted this post, about a lady I read about on facebook who was selling her dachshund treasures in order to be able to provide a Christmas for her four children. She was selling her dachshund figurines on ebay and had two auctions up and running. I glanced at the auctions, and realized rather quickly that they were out of my budget and I knew without a doubt, that if I did in fact win one of those auctions, I 'd send her a note and tell her to keep the doggies and enjoy the money.  I know myself, and I know that is what I would have done.

When I soon realized I would not be winning one of the auctions, I felt like surely there was something I or we could do to help. I posed that very question on the Frankie Doodle facebook page that had mentioned one of their early customers were having to sell their dachshunds. Soon others started to ask how they could help, so another lady and myself emailed back and forth and was able to set up a "chip-in" to help this family during this holiday season. Several people were able to contribute a little something and we managed to give her a little extra and were very happy to do so. I believe we collected $295.00 for this family, and I'd like to thank each of you who were able to contribute in some way. That is wonderful!!

I do things like this when I can and most of the time, I don't tell my family, or even mention it to them. I have on many occasions given my lunch money for the day to someone on the street needing a hand up. I have crocheted a scarf and throw and gave it to a lady who lives in a park on the other side of town just this past December.  When your heart speaks, you need to listen and answer. I don't question what happens to things I have given or how the money is spent, that is not something I feel I need to question......most of my family however, sees things a little differently than I do most of the time, thus the reason for keeping some things to myself.

Shortly, after setting up the "chip-in" things got hectic for me during the holiday season. My daughter graduated with her Masters degree and we were busy with that and the holidays got here so quickly, there was just not enough time in the day to do all I needed to do. I kept meaning to check and see what the auctions on eBay finally went for, but I just never got around to doing so. It was easier to watch the "chip-in" from the link on my blog and I just never made it back to find the link to the actions again. However, this family stayed in my heart and I seldom went a day without thinking of them during this holiday season. Through Facebook, I was able to send a message the week before Christmas just making sure she received the money and wished them a Merry Christmas.

Christmas morning came, and one of the first thoughts I had was of this family. I silently wished for them a wonderful day filled with wonderful new memories......but rather quickly, it was time to start cooking as we were heading to my brothers house later in the day and I did not have a lot of time to dally. So when I thought about sending a Christmas greeting that morning, it never got sent, I just got busy and the thought slipped my mind.

...fast forward to the afternoon at my brothers house. Now we do things in a rather non traditional way in regards to gifts in my family these days. We do not exchange gifts between my brother and my families really, we do a gift exchange, but not individual gifts. My mom always buys individual gifts and when it came time to open gifts, honestly, I did not even read the tags as they are and should have all been from her. So in my ripping off paper from boxes...my brother tells me that the box I was holding was from him. "What do you mean, from you??", I asked...... I vaguely remember him telling me to just be careful opening it and it was from him..and quickly informed me I had not read the tag.

Carefully but suspiciously I opened the box. Suspiciously, because my brother is a practical joker and well, I could think of a few things he could put in a box to cause a good laugh when I opened it.....hope he does not get any bright ideas by this!

Inside the box was a lot of packaging wrap and two pieces of paper on the top. The first was a note from my brother......the first line was "Sometimes a gift that is two-fold is the best gift of all!"  I quickly knew once I skimmed that letter that if I finished that letter, I'd be a blubbering mess, I skimmed the note as if I had read it and quickly went on to the next piece of paper.

I could feel all eyes in the room were focused on me and was feeling a bit uncomfortable trying to "hold it together" The next piece of paper I did not get read either...I noticed first off "Frankie Doodles" and that was ALL I read. I did not read another word, but looked up at my brother and asked how in the world did he know about Frankie Doodles. I assumed that my brother was lurking on Facebook and saw when I had commented on that Facebook page.  I assumed  he had purchased a piece of Frankie Doodle Dachshund art work for me for Christmas.

This was the first dachshund I opened and of course I loved it. I thought that was what he had ordered for me, but somewhere in the back of my brain, I felt this was sorta familiar in a way. I told him I loved it and thank you.....then he said keep opening the box, but be careful. 

 The second one I opened was the dachshund in the first picture....and when I saw that dachshund....my mind raced....I knew.....I knew....but how could that be???  As tears stung my eyes, I looked at my brother and said without question..."These are that ladies dachshunds.....how????......how did you know???" Then all at once I realized my brother had somehow found out about this situation and had bid on the auction on eBay and then gave them to me as a gift. I am sure I had one of those real ugly face cries, because there was no way a pretty cry was coming from this....between tears, I slowly unwrapped each one, and honestly with each one I opened, I was so torn with the thoughts of sending them back to the lady who sold them and then feeling bad about having those thoughts as my brother got them for me special. I had a lot of emotions to sort out and never did read those two notes until I got home and could read them without an audience.

My brothers note was a gentle reminder that no matter how hurt I feel over things and people we have lost, he is still here and we both share in those memories. He is my brother and he loves me....it is shameful how we sometimes get so wrapped up inside our own hurts we forget the things that matter the most. I will try and not forget again. He knew I'd be confused but hoped this gift would be a great surprise and special.  The second note was to my brother from the lady who sold my brother the dachshund figurines. Again, I just did not read it and never realized it until that evening. Seems my brother swore her to keep a secret and not let me in on the surprise.

 I still shake my head at the fact my brother surprised me with this incredible gift for myself, but more importantly, his gift of the purchase of these figurines had a huge part in the assurance that this family had a good Christmas. I can not tell you how special this was for me and how it was the most incredible gift anyone could have ever given me.

.......now Christmas evening after we had returned home, I logged into Facebook and had a message from Karen, the lady who sold the dachshunds to my brother...she said that she heard I had a special gift this year.... yes indeed......I told her I was still trying to sort it all out and honestly, felt a little guilty for having the figurines.  Below is the message she sent me the night of Christmas, and I want to share it with you all. I hope it serves as a reminder to listen to your heart, you just don't know what little or small thing you do will make such a huge difference to someone else.

"Your brother emailed me when he won them and was very excited to give them to you! He insisted I keep it a secret. I loved the doxies while they were here but it is your turn now! I will collect others in the future! I feel like this was an extraordinary experience that we were all involved in and that is the joy of it all. I keep Joanne (Frankie Doodle artist) in the loop and I think she was blessed by the love of her sculptures and the community of friends that grew through all of this. I shared the story of your brother's gift with my kids and they are true believers of "things happen for a reason". I couldn't wait to see how surprised you were! You had no idea what you had a hand in! Thank you for your kindness and thought and prayers! We will live on, just differently, but these special stories and moments make it easier! Be Blessed"

.....the best gift of all is indeed one that is two-fold.....how true that is.  The very idea that my brother took the time to research what on earth I was making comments about on Facebook, then spending the money to make sure I was able to have the figurines is most special. Not to mention, his letter to me reminding me of what is so very important in the big scheme of things was an incredible gift and I can not deny that. But also the fact that he was able to bless this family by wanting to do something nice for me is also an amazing gift to my heart.

These four dachshunds are more than clay figurines you would sit on a shelf and admire. The are the gentle reminder of love and a caring spirit that we each should have towards those we know and love and those we may never meet. I will most certainly enjoy them and treasure them all the days of my life. They are a part of a two-fold gift...a gift of love....a gift of compassion....a gift of hope for better days. And certainly, those kinds of gifts are the best of all.

Vintage Thingie Thursday: Precious Memories

Welcome everyone to Vintage Thingies Thursday. If you have a love for vintage things, well....you have come to the right place. We have a really good time each and every week!!!
If you are new to this party, please take the time to read and follow the instructions for participating in Vintage Thingies Thursday, click HERE. I try and keep things fairly simple, so please make sure you follow the instructions. Please only ONE link per week. Lastly, if you link in, LINK back to my blog, so everyone can see all of the vintage goodies on display that day. If you don't link back here, they won't know who to visit......thanks so much.

This is a old snapshot photograph of a house in the country, which was a place where memories upon memories were made.

This photo must have been taken shortly after my aunt and uncle purchased it and moved it to their property. I was a little girl, most likely under eight years old when they purchased this house, so it must have been in the mid 1960's. I can remember in the back of my mind walking through this house when it was not even a home yet. I remember that front porch, as it had some soft slats on the floor of the porch and my mom telling me to stay off those boards. I remember hardwood floors that were in need of lots of work and I remember large cracks on the walls. I remember a wasp nest in the corner of one of the bedrooms that housed wasps. And as a very young girl, that was scary. I remember my mom telling my aunt that they had lost their minds with this house. Funny, what your mind will recall when you let it drift back in time.

However, that shell of a house over the years became a home. I remember they worked on it and remember seeing it in stages of being complete. I remember they added a large living room off the back and when it was under construction, it reminded me of a garage. I remember that very house as I grew older became an idea in my mind of how romantic (reminder of just an idea here) of how living on a farm or ranch would be when I grew up and got married. It always seemed like an ideal to me, a romantic sort of life, so different from the life I lived in the city.

But I know now, it really was not the house at all, but the two individuals that made it a home and who loved each other in the most romantic way. They always sorta seemed so mismatched to me, as my aunt was so girly and so pretty and you just had a hard time visioning her working on a cattle ranch or help with planting crops or baling hay. My uncle, was the picture of a rugged cowboy and a hard worker. He was the first REAL cowboy I ever knew. I remember how he would walk in the door and his very presence and size filled up the door frame. He'd be dirty and sweaty from working and most likely tired as all get out, but he always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. Always. Their relationship was magical. Special. They were a team and they made it work during good times and bad.

We lost my Auntie in 2003 and my Uncle Dee, who was already suffering from Parkinson's disease struggled with the loss of his wife and friend. The laughter that used to be present in that house was put to rest and the laughs and smiles were few and far between. The last few years have been hard for him. But the toll that disease took on his body and spirit never could shadow the person he always has been in my eyes. Strong. Present. Faithful. Rugged. Authentic.

He was the one of the ones who were there with my beloved grandmother when she left this world. He was with my Aunt as well, holding her hand. When my father passed, and my aunt was too sick to come to the service, my uncle came. Not out of any loyalty to my father, but because it was the right thing to do. A real example of what it really means to be a man. That is what I think of when I think of my Uncle Dee.

This week my rugged, cowboy uncle was put on Hospice and he is on his journey to forever green pastures as I type this out. I know my aunt will be waiting for him when the time is right. It is hard to say goodbye. But it is a little easier knowing he will be free of this horrible disease and will be holding my aunt in his arms again.

I am thankful that I had such wonderful examples in my life that fairytale endings that really do come true. Two people who were really different as night and day who had the most loving marriage of any I can remember from my youth. I am sure it was not perfect and I am sure there were lots of struggles, as that is how life is. 

However, for a young girl looking in from the outside, it was as perfect as I could imagine. I treasure the great memories of love, laughter, oh the laughter, I can still hear it today, and family that worked with and for each other. Some people live their whole lives and only read about this kind of marriages in novels or books. I am lucky to have lived in a family where I got to experience it first hand and have the memories to cherish of special people and special times.

Vintage Thingie Thursday: A Happy Birthday and Some Vintage Treasures

Welcome everyone to Vintage Thingies Thursday. If you have a love for vintage things, well....you have come to the right place. We have a really good time each and every week!!!
If you are new to this party, please take the time to read and follow the instructions for participating in Vintage Thingies Thursday, click HERE. I try and keep things fairly simple, so please make sure you follow the instructions. Please only ONE link per week. Lastly, if you link in, LINK back to my blog, so everyone can see all of the vintage goodies on display that day. If you don't link back here, they won't know who to visit......thanks so much.

I should have done this post yesterday, but decided it would be for Vintage Thingie Thursday! Not that the sweet person it has to do with is vintage...yet....but these things are definitely considered vintage. (as always, clicking photos makes them bigger)


Tuesday, was my son's 30th Birthday.....hard for me to believe thirty years has past since he was born. Very hard to believe. Happy Birthday to the joy of my life!!! I have the best son ever and he has a heart as big as can be and golden too! 


This is the gift I received from my cousin when he was born. I love this and have kept it in the original frame. I had forgotten how adorable it is until after I got it out of the cedar chest.....it is and always has been one of my special keepsakes!!!

She also made one for my daughter, but I will have to save that for a different time!

This is the blanket and outfit Jeff came home from the hospital in. the blanket says "baby boy" and I just love the little sailor suit. I think this was such a cute outfit.

This is the only other outfit I saved from when he was little. It was my very favorite outfit and he wore it a lot. I wonder if the person who gave him this remembers it??? Believe me I know exactly who gave it to him!! It still looks great!!

I was twenty when my son was born, and I made him a blanket.....I did not know if he was a boy or a girl so I guess I had picked a gender neutral pattern.

I used to stitch back then, but never do it anymore.........but the thing that really got my attention was the fact that this was quilted by machine.......and I had done it!!!!

It was large squares quilted but none the less, I did it when I was twenty  years old.......should have been a sign I guess of what was to come. I think it is time to step out and find the courage to do a little quilting on my own quilts again....even if it starts with something as simple as this.

Here is another blanket I kept from when he was a baby.

...and an actual baby quilt. I did not make these, but they are some of the things I kept of his from when he was a baby.

It is hard to believe that this boy (man) was ever small enough to wrap in blankets and wear those baby clothes.....time has traveled way too fast!!

Just know son, you are so very special to my heart and no matter where the road may lead you in this life....the road home is never too far or too long to travel!!! Happy Birthday to my baby boy......yes, he will always be my baby boy, no matter how old he gets.


Have a great Vintage Thingie Thursday!!!

When my facebook status is put to the test........

For those of you who follow me on facebook, you may very well remember my status about two weeks ago. My husband had been gone on vacation for only about two days and I soon discovered a real eye opener....my status read:

"dear husband.....I have discovered you do more than just watch TV......I will never say that again.......hurry home......but enjoy your vacation...... ♥"


So imagine yesterday if you will, the day after he returned home from his extended vacation. I was running around the house trying to unpack his bags, start a mountain of laundry (his laundry), all the while doing all the normal housework chores for a Saturday.


I walked down the hall in the middle of all of that and this is what I see......at 2:00 pm in the afternoon......

.....somehow, I think he got wind of my facebook status a few weeks ago and intends to take me at my word......ahem!!!


Happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there....Happy Fathers day to my husband who is an amazing dad and friend!! 

I am cooking his favorite meal today, and canning some more pickles..(we have cucumbers running out our ears) I hope to maybe find a minute to do a little sewing.


One thing I have learned....be careful what you say on the internet...there are too many witnesses.... and you just might have to keep your promise!! Have a great Sunday everyone!!!

Quilt Blocks Needed for Quilt for Little Girl with Cancer

My friend, Anne contacted me and asked me to help spread the word. Anne from Phamily blog knows of a little four year old girl named Shannon who is battling brain cancer. She lives in California with her family. She has been put on Hospice care and the little girl and her family would like a quilt during this time for comfort.

Everyone feels better when wrapped in a quilt....

Anne, not being a quilter and not knowing where to start asked for my help in reaching out to the quilters in the blogging community for help. Anne has a friend who is a long arm quilter, and she has agreed to do the quilting, and someone has donated fabric for the backing.


What needs to be done and quickly is the actual quilt. I have agreed to send out a plea to any and all who will help make this dream for this little girl come to pass.


If you can make a 6 1/2 inch block to donate to this quilt project and have it in the mail to me by the first of next week, that would be super. I will construct the top very quickly and have it off to the lady who is going to do the quilting. I know that we will have what we need to put a smile on this little girls face and comfort her family. If you have some left over blocks this size, those would work too!


Colors....happy colors....for a little girl!!!


Please leave me a comment and let me know you will be willing to send a block. Please include your name and a small note of well wishes to this family with your block. Please remember, no one really knows how much time we have, so this needs to happen and happen very quickly.


Mail your blocks to:


Suzanne Melkoski
729 Winnie St.
Ft. Worth, Tx 76112


Thank you in advance....I know in my heart there will be many who will help me and Anne see this finished and in a very timely manner.

***If you can help spread the word on your own blogs...please feel free to do so!!

Can You Spare A Couple Of Minutes: Card Request

This afternoon, I had a request sent by one of my blogging friends, Anne. I am most sure many of you know Anne yourselves....she is a doll and requested my help. In the email she told me about a friend of hers who is struggling right now with breast cancer and having a hard time. Please see email below...

Hi sweet friends of mine:
I hope you ladies will help me out. Our billing rep., at my work place, who lives in Cheyenne WY has breast cancer and she is really having a struggle. I am providing her address and ask if you would spread the word for prayer and a card or letter of encouragement.


I hope you will encourage everyone you know to send a card or letter to Teresa. Her address is here:


Teresa Wood
4077 Cherry Wine Drive
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009-8111


She is having some difficulties and I love her like a sister! Please help and spread the word. I am sure she would be tickled to receive lots of great mail!


I love each and every one of you so much and appreciate your generous hearts! A card or letter goes a long way in making someones day. Blessings, Anne.

If you still addressing Christmas cards, take a moment if you would to drop Teresa a line or two and some encouraging words. A simple word does a lot for someone who is struggling with burdens. Even if you have already mailed your cards, maybe a nice note of thoughts and kind words would be wonderful. It only takes a couple of minutes out of your day....and it would mean a lot I am sure. Mine is going in the mail Friday, Anne. Thank you for letting me know!

And Teresa......sending you lots of thoughts and prayers from my little corner of the world.......hang in there girl!!

Vintage Thingie Thursday: A Grinchy Christmas Dog

It is always fun this time of year as the Christmas decorations come out of their carefully wrapped boxes, to take a moment to enjoy all the memories that are attached to the holiday decorations as we deck the halls once again. One of my favorite memories of the Christmas season as a kid was the shows that were on television during this time. One of my all time favorites was How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

I seem to try and watch this one every year and never grow tired of it! Now, I look back at all my old favorites and wonder at the simplicity in the making of these shows, Yet, as a child growing up before animated graphics came along, they were pure magical......and truth be told, they still are.

Now if you are a fan of The Grinch, then Max is just about the cutest character on the show...next to Cindy Lou Who..... Just look at this adorable Max the dog made from reclaimed and recycled materials. He has become a treasure to me and is loved and cherished.

Being a dog lover, I always felt sorry for the poor little guy.....still do every time I watch that show. He reminds me of my dachshunds....cute, spunky, and too small to pull Santa's sleigh, but so faithful to try.

Lots of time during my teenage years were spent at my best friends house and her younger brother was always special to me. He was always so much fun and funny and we loved spending time with him and his friends. I always thought of him like a brother, and he was always as cute as a bug.

Not to mention, that my first born is named after him. When I was looking for a name to name my son, "Jeff" came to mind and that is how I named "my Jeff"....after the brother of one of my best friends. Well, as you can guess, my friend Jeff has grown into a mighty talented man! And I was gifted this Max the dog this summer. I treasure it, not only because it s so cute, but for who made it. Every time I look at him, I remember that cute little blond young man and how he grew into such a talented man today. I adore this dog and could not wait to display it this holiday season.

It takes a lot of creative talent to create things from nothing. Some people have that knack, others don't. Jeff certainly has so much of that very talent. I am so very proud of him and his accomplishments. These days, it takes special hearts to be able to see good in tossed away and ordinary things and turn them into treasures. Jeff is just that type of heart.  Some of his work is displayed at an Art Gallery in Granbury Texas. Check his work out HERE......there are some great pieces all made from reclaimed, tossed and forgotten treasures! This is the very kind of art that makes my heart sing! I love it!

What do you think of Max the dog?? Adorable is the word that comes to my mind. I added a couple of vintage ornaments to the antlers which are old railroad spikes, and borrowed one of Sophie's Christmas collars to put on his neck. I think he really is just about the cutest thing I have added this year to my decorations! He will be loved and cherished for many years to come! Thanks Jeffro for my precious pup! I love it and still love you too!!!

Happy Vintage Thingie Thursday Everyone!!! I am excited to see all the vintage Christmas that is sure to be highlighted this next month!!  What about you???

If you are new to this party, please take the time to read and follow the instructions for participating in Vintage Thingies Thursday, click HERE. I try and keep things fairly simple, so  please make sure you follow the instructions.  Please only ONE link per week. 

No Shame Here

You guys know when it comes to asking for something, well, I usually just ask....or in the past BEG for donations of fabrics to help a quilt come to life. And so I thought I'd try asking again. No Shame. But...this time it is not for me, but for a fellow quilter who needs to be uplifted and encouraged.

This morning, I read a story about Sue who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Sue starts her treatment the Monday after Thanksgiving and is sad and scared and rightfully so. Sue is an avid quilter and could use a little cheering and a nudge to get back to quilting. Quilting during a difficult time would be a great distraction.  Quilting for me, is a stress reducer, I can get lost in the humming of the machine and the feel of the fabrics and forget my troubles for a bit.

You can read more about this Fabric for Sue Campaign on Designs by Debbie & Dixie too's blog. There are instructions to email for information on where to send a little piece of fabric to cheer this lady on as she undergoes the fight for her life. She also asks for encouraging words to uplift Sue during this time to be sent. She'd love to have this done and presented to Sue by December 15th. Debbie is also hosting a giveaway for all who send a piece of fabric.

Quilters are a generous bunch and always come through when asked. This is one opportunity to bless someone in such a small way. Just had to share. Together, we can cheer Sue on during this journey she is taking very soon. Blessings Sue, you will remain in my heart and prayers.

Remembering Sara ~ A Real Live Angel

My sweet friend Sara, finished her final journey last night and is no doubt singing in Big Church this morning with the heavenly choir. It is so incredibly hard to feel so sad and so happy for her at the same time. Happy that she no longer is confined to her home, never to smell the fresh rain or feel the sunshine. Happy that there is no more pain which rocked her body just by breathing and moving. Happy that she is free from the confines that held her in this world, happy she is finally living the way God intended.

If you have not visited her blog, what a blessing you are missing out on. Stop by, and read her story, her life dealing with chronic disease and how when all the limits that could possibly be put on you in this lifetime She never let them stop her, she chose to keep moving forward with an attitude and outlook that was a real testimony of her faith, love and hope. I have never had the pleasure of knowing anyone like her and fear I never will again. There was only ONE GITZ.  How blessed we are, those who had the privilege of sharing a small part of her life.

The loss I feel is terrific. I lost a friend who not only inspired me, but caused me to look at life differently. She is and always be my hero, my special Gitz. Oh, sweet girl how I will miss you. We never got to meet this side of heaven, but  you were such a big part of my life, we connected and you taught me so much. One day, we will meet and it will be a glorious reunion.

Below is a recording of Sara singing my favorite song. She recorded this a few years back when she still was able to use her beautiful voice.......

07 Breath of Heaven by gitzengirl

be inspired today.......choose joy in all things......That is the Sara way! Please keep Sara's family in your hearts and prayers