Thursday, July 31, 2008

Getting Inspired and Making Stuff


I picked up an Artful Blogging 'book-a-zine' over the weekend. I wasn't going to, but as I was flipping through it, I noticed that Amy Powers from Inspire Company was in it (www.inspireco.blogspot.com). Her blog is such a lovely place to visit. Anyway, in one of the other articles I saw a little person made from a spool of thread, a bead and a fabric 'yo-yo'. It was just too too cute!

I don't know if this happens to you, but I get an 'itch' to make something, and if I don't respond in a relatively short period of time I am sure I would break out in hives.
So, I used things that I not only had around the house (ohhhhh. do i ever have things around my house...) I only used things that I had on the main floor, not in my art room. No. I did not touch the sacred stash.
All that means is that this little person could soon be the head of a very very large tribe of little people.


So, I highly recommend that if you blog (you apparently do at least READ them) and you like to make stuff, you would LOVE Artful Blogging.
Since I am reading "The Borrowers" by Mary Norton, I think of mine as a borrower of sorts.
She is a spool of thread, one star anise, a bead with a face colored on with colored pencils and makeup, the hair is a scrap of tea-dyed cheese cloth, the hat is a thimble, her arms (they still need a bit of work) are paper covered wire, the buttons are cloves, her shoes are buttons - two for shoes and one small one to keep it all balanced, she is holding a stalk of lavender, and a small lavender flower serves as a shoelace (that was a happy accident). It is all held together with jewelry glue. I like jewelry glue, as it is quick drying.
I did go to World Market tonight to buy more star anise, which they sell for 99 cents. I dug through every package on the rack, and none of them had truly whole ones. Oh, well. I'm sure I have SOMETHING here that I can use.
Oh! And as an added benefit, my little borrower smells WONDERFUL.

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// posted by Judy @ 9:08 PM 0 comments

Simple HOPE, with Buttons

Thank you for the input in the comments and by e-mail!

I kept it simple just gluing down the letters and the buttons.





I think I am achieving the effect I was after. It was my wish that the back porch/breezeway would look like an old cottage, and to me anyway, it does. Very hard to get a good picture as the lighting is poor.
This is what I see as I sit here at my desk in the kitchen and turn my head to the left.
Wow. We've already lived here for a year now. Where does the time go?

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// posted by Judy @ 8:53 PM 1 comments

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

My Project


When Jonge tired of painting the garage door with water for Pake, he came inside to 'help' me. I've had two of these four pictures for years and years and recently found another pair. I thought they might look good on the back porch, but since two of each are the same I needed to fix them up a bit.

I remembered my 'word for the year' is HOPE, so I went to Michael's last night to buy four letters. As I was picking them out, it came to me suddenly that I already had these letters and they were already painted pink! The letters are glued onto the glass with glass glue, but I'm still not sure about the buttons. Those are still just sitting there while I think about it.



This shows a bit more detail. Does it need more? They will be hanging on the very very brown/woody walls of the porch, so I want them to pop. But, since I tend to not know when to stop, I'm strangely reticent to add more. videoJonge is such a joy to be with. The look he gives me at the end of this video is one of my favorites. I don't think I have EVER seen a child who resembles his daddy as much as this one does!

// posted by Judy @ 9:47 PM 3 comments

All Work and No Play...


...is said to make one something, but I can't remember what.

This morning THGGM did some painting to the trim around the house.
He gave Jonge a paint brush and a bucket of water so he could 'help' him paint the garage door.


After all the work was done, they both went to the park to play. The park has a 'splash pad' which they both loved.
This picture is of Jonge waving good-bye to Pa.

// posted by Judy @ 7:35 PM 2 comments

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Yet Even MORE Pictures from the Gardens


I'm a big fan of all things green.

Really, I was not paying all that much attention to the lily pads, I was more interested in the fish in the pond. Now that I am looking more at the lily pads, they remind me of PacMan.


You know, I really HATE to say this, being humble and all that, but MY sunflower is every bit as lovely as this one.



The color of these lilies - so beautiful!




To me, these are REAL hydrangeas. WHITE, like my grandma had in her front yard.




And hollyhocks! I miss those. Wouldn't it be great if there were seeds from which sculptures would grow?








I'm not sure what the yellow flowers are, but the bees were sure crazy about them.








I wish I could grow these. Everyone says how easy they are and that they grow like weeds.
Time prohibits me from telling you about the disastrous attempts I've made in my attempts to grow zinnias.

// posted by Judy @ 11:51 PM 2 comments

Even More Pictures from the Gardens










I find it so amazing that we had yet to meet the cute little Famke a year ago, and now she is such a big part of our lives.?




I cannot imagine life without her.





She enjoyed playing in the water and watching all of the other small people.
It took Jonge a while to warm up to the fact that there were many many children all vying for the same plastic boats.
While Famke and I went inside to get out of the sun, Pake and Jonge went back to play some more in the water.
Jonge and Pake enjoyed playing in the water best of all.
(i cannot remove that unnecessary question mark up above. if i backspace over it, the picture disappears. i am annoyed.)

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// posted by Judy @ 4:49 PM 2 comments

More Pictures from the Gardens


Jonge and his Pake had a wonderful time playing together in the children's garden.


They spent a lot of time together in a tree house, which contects to other tree houses where else, but in the trees!


Famke and I watched from below. If you look closely, you can see Pake sitting on a tree stump around a little table high in the trees. Jonge is up there too, somewhere.



Such a fun thing to do on a 'stay at home' vacation!

// posted by Judy @ 4:14 PM 0 comments

Monday, July 28, 2008

A Beautiful Day


We spent the day today at The Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park.

I do believe that we all had a wonderful time. Famke loves to point at things, which should come in handy next month, when she will celebrate her first birthday.


For being a warm day today, there were very little bugs about. Even in this swampy area, where we spent some time to get out of the sun.



We had never ventured down to the Michigan Farm Garden, so it was a lovely surprise to find even more interesting things. I do love flowers and plants, but the sculpture is fabulous. I LOVE that.




And, my favorite flower, the humble zinnia. So pretty!





Jonge and Pake had a fabulous time. How could they not? The had a snack up in a tree house, and while Famke napped inside where it was cooler, the guys messed about with toy boats in the water.




There is SO much to see, and even more things are being built. Really, truly, if you come to Grand Rapids for any reason at all, do go to the Meijer Gardens.









Although, it will wear you out.

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// posted by Judy @ 10:50 PM 3 comments

Someone Has Learned to Point






This should come in handy for Famke, whose first birthday is coming up next month!

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// posted by Judy @ 10:44 PM 1 comments

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Sunday Night at Pake and Beppes House

Oh, what a fun night we've had already! Jonge and Famke are spending the night. We have plans in the morning - but have learned to remain flexable when those plans include the very young.


Notice the look of horror in the kitty's eyes. Famke can walk now.

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// posted by Judy @ 10:35 PM 2 comments

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Come Saturday Morning...

I went away with Daughter and Daughter-in-law.

We went to the Fulton Street Market.

I haven't been there in decades. If I remember correctly, the last time I went I had to hold my dad's hand.

Oh, the wonders of a farmer's market! Do we truly appreciate that someone actually toils for the food that appears on our tables? I'd like to think that I do.

My purchases were humble, but oh, so lovely to behold!

I came away with zuccini, summer squash, blueberries, raspberries, tomatoes, red and green peppers, two bunches of dried lavendar, two bars of beeswax and a jar of raspberry jam.

We shall eat like kings and queens this week!

Of course, I WANTED more than I actually bought, so I just may have to go back later in the week. The green beans looked good. I also found someone with bags of roving. But, can I really start another craft? I think not. But at least I know where to go to get it if I change my mind.

After the farmer's market it was on to breakfast.

Then, thrift shopping. For two dollars I happily walked away with a bag of 'vintage' Fisher Price Little People furniture, several of them 'nursery' pieces. Now, if only I could find the baby I bought on eBay. He hasn't been seen since we moved. I'm anticipating Jonge's excitement, as he will now have MORE seats and MORE beds for his little friends.

Next it was naps, coffee and lunch. This renewed our strength and I dragged THGGM along on a trip to my favorite antique place. We had not been there for some time, so there were lots of new delights for me to rummage through. There I found a lovely little pitcher for my pink bathroom.

I think I will require an additional nap to propel me through the remainder of this day.

(while i napped, thggm washed sheets and hung them on the line to dry. the neighbor ladies are impressed!)

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// posted by Judy @ 6:30 PM 2 comments

Friday, July 25, 2008

Five Months. Five Months Until Christmas



Believe it or not, Christmas is a mere FIVE MONTHS from today.


Will you be making gifts?


Buying them?


Have you started yet?


I haven't. I never do.


But, I DO think about it!


Certainly, that must count for something.


(please say yes)

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// posted by Judy @ 9:37 AM 1 comments

Thursday, July 24, 2008

A Fiction Book and Real Life


Today my dad and I went to the nursing home to spend the afternoon with my mom.
Thursday is 'current events' day, so we went with mom to that.
A group of residents gather in a pretty room with windows on both sides looking out to a very small yet well maintained garden. An events coordinator reads to them from several publications.
Not all that much 'paying attention' was going on today, and I wondered how the reader kept it together. Someone choked. Someone smelled foul. Nurses appeared in the middle of everything and stuffed pills down throats. Someone got hurt feelings and cried. I watched a sprinkler in the garden going round and round, and noticed that my mom was doing the same thing.
In some ways, it is much like my days with Jonge and Famke.
Except for the obvious reality that there is hope that Jonge and Famke will someday lose the need for diapers, stop choking on cookies, manage a glass of juice on their own and be able to dress themselves. That hope is gone for many of the people attending 'current events' at the home today.
I was reminded of the Elizabeth Goudge book that I just finished, "The Scent of Water". The book begins with the death of an elderly woman, Mary Lindsay, who spent the last years of her life suffering from dementia. She leaves her lovely home in the English countryside to her cousin's daughter whom she only met once and whose name is also Mary Lindsay.
Her beloved home has the very same name as the nursing home where my mom resides.
In the book, much attention is paid to the first Mary Lindsay's collection of 'little things', tiny precious treasures she kept under glass in a beautifully handcrafted chest.
I looked around the home today, the home with the same name as the lovely English country house from my book, and saw many precious treasures.
Fragile, yet safely kept until their rightful owner comes to claim them.
The book opens with a passage from the book of Job:
For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. Though the root thereof was old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.

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// posted by Judy @ 11:20 PM 4 comments

I've Been Blogging for Four Years!


I really truly cannot believe that I have been blogging here for FOUR YEARS already.
But, I have.
I've been looking back at previous posts, thinking maybe I could find something worthy of an anniversary repost, or something. Anything.
Instead, I became lost in the journey.
Much has transpired in the past four years. Most of which I may have forgotten if I did not keep a record of it here.
My memory has been jogged this morning.
Maybe tonight, after the cares of this day are over, I will find something worthwhile to post.
Then again, maybe not.
But I've never let a little thing, like not having something to say, stop me.

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// posted by Judy @ 10:14 AM 6 comments

Jonge and Famke

I really like these two. They make me tired, but it's a fun sort of tired. And, look what I learned to do! I've had this picture labeling option for nearly two years now, and just this week figured out what it's for. Actually, I'm more surprised that I can still learn new things than I am that it took me two years to it figure out. I've been married to THGGM for 30 years now, and I still do not have him figured out.


Case in point.
THGGM has recently taken up reading. Oh, he has been ABLE to read for years and years, he just hasn't had the time nor the inclination until now. So, he has read a book that I have not read, and is pushing me to 'read it now'. Excuse me? What about the 30+ years worth of books I've asked him to read?
Tonight I shall set aside my complete book of "The Borrowers" and pick up the book he recommended (demanded?) that I read.
Because I'm nice like that.
(there is a box elder bug walking across my computer screen presently. those stir up a great many memories from my childhood. if only i weren't so tired at the moment, i would tell you all about it.)

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// posted by Judy @ 12:06 AM 4 comments

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Three Things


Someone, somewhere, once, had a post about favorite coffee mugs.
This is mine. I found it years ago on clearance at a Hallmark store.
If you've read the Mitford Series by Jan Karon, you will recognize the name.
I had two. One broke.
Yesterday Daughter told the most interesting story about her day.
Many people are appearing at her work place to apply for jobs.
One of the applicants yesterday looked up from the paperwork and asked her,
"Is it the twenty-oneth today?"
I still haven't decided if that is sad, or funny.
Last night I finished reading "The Scent of Water". I just thought of it, because it started raining a minute ago, and I can smell the scent of water in the air. It's an excellent book. Try to find it. You will like it, I am quite sure.

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// posted by Judy @ 4:17 PM 0 comments

A Post in Which She Comes Clean


Yes. Yes, it WAS me.

I'm the one who taught the cute little Jonge to say "POOP!"

Some background might be necessary. Especially if you are of the stripe that does not say words like that.

Jonge does go poo-poo in the potty, when the mood strikes him. Notice, poo-poo, not the less acceptable term, poop.

Yesterday, while laying the reluctant sleeper known here as Famke into her crib, I stepped in something wet and slippery in the darkened bedroom. I managed to lay her down without waking her, which lately has become a miracle of epic proportions. There was NO WAY I was going to turn on a light to try to examine the exact location of the wet and slippery, shall we say, 'item'. But, I did say, much to my chagrin, "Oh, POOP!"

Of course, it wasn't actually poop, it was a hairball. Hairballs are wet, slippery and. thankfully, odor free.

As I hopped on one foot out of the bedroom and into the bathroom I met Jonge in the hallway.

The conversation went something like this:

Jonge: You say POOP!

Me: I stepped in something. (i'm still hopping, on my way to find paper towel, only to discover that we are out.)

Jonge: You stepped in POOP? Let me SEE it!

Me: No. I didn't. Meow-meow threw up. I stepped in that.

Jonge: But you say POOP!

Me: Yes. I SAID that. But that isn't what I stepped in.

Jonge: Why you say POOP then?

Me: (still wiping my foot with toilet paper) I'm sorry. I should not have said that. I was angry that I stepped in something cold and wet.

Jonge: You stepped in POOP?

Me: No. Meow-meow threw up in the bedroom. I stepped in that. I said.

Jonge: You say POOP!

Me: Because I was angry.

Jonge: I want to see POOP.

Me: There isn't any.

Jonge: Why you say POOP because you are angry?

Me: (now with a clean foot and my lithe-ballerina-like-balancing-on-one-foot-while-hopping completed) I don't know. (although his pake would say it is because of sin).

Jonge: POOP! POOP! POOP!

Me: Please don't say that.

Jonge: Why not say POOP? You say POOP.

Me: I was wrong.

Jonge: You not step in POOP. Meow-meow throw-up.

Me: No, I was wrong to say...

Jonge: POOP!

Me: It's nap time!

END OF CONVERSATION.

I must note that Famke perhaps heard the conversation in her sleep, as she obeyed.








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// posted by Judy @ 9:17 AM 7 comments

Monday, July 21, 2008

Look!


Okay. I must confess.
I DID spend some money thrift shopping on Saturday.
I spent one dollar on this valence, and two dollars for one twice as long for the other window.
I have an order filled out, I just needed to hit the 'send' button, for some lovely curtains from an on-line store I've always admired. But, I just could NOT hit send.
Now I won't have too. I like these just as well. Actually, even better.


I can no longer remember where this shelf used to be, I think in our other bathroom. But, I had some enamel ware I wanted in the kitchen, so I was somehow able to persuade THGGM to remove the vertical blinds and hang this shelf.
One down, one to go.
Now I'm not sure if the enamel ware is what I want up there - we will see. I have more of it. Somewhere.
And that little blue thingy hanging in the middle of the top of the bottom picture? It's the pull to the ceiling fan over the table. I just LOVE it. It came with the house.
Someday, the wallpaper will come down. I still haven't found the PERFECT color. I want yellow. Not lemony-yellow, not sunshiney-yellow - more of a buttery yellow. Something that will blend in with the blond cupboards,window trim and doors. And the icky-pooh gold floor.
We've talked in passing about redoing the kitchen. Someday. But for now, I'd rather do kiddy craft projects and rock sweet smelling sweaty babies than redo a kitchen. So, my guess is that our kitchen will look like this when we are 79 and finally own this place.
Just think! It will be even MORE vintage then!

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// posted by Judy @ 9:43 PM 1 comments

What's Not to Love about Monday?

We made stuff today!

You could make this too!

Take one plastic mayo jar, enough rice to almost fill it, and twenty little things that children may find interesting but you don't want them to choke on. Layer the rice with the little things and tape the cover on.





Keep a list of the small things you placed in the jar, and then shake it up.

I have been twirling this around for HOURS and still have two of the twenty things that I cannot find.

A nickle and a tiny Precious Moments charm of a boy hugging a teddy bear.




Oh. We also made cookies. All that shaking of the jar, you know, required a fresh source of energy. videoThis jar is REALLY a lot of fun. I found one in a book store for $19.99. In place of rice, the jar was filled with brightly colored seed beads. It was adorable, but the rice works just as well.

And, if the economy continues to spiral downward, I can open the jar and cook the rice. And retrieve the nickle.

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// posted by Judy @ 8:25 PM 2 comments

Friday, July 18, 2008

Artists at Work





I had a lovely day today, filled with art, books, peanut butter sandwiches shaped like hearts and lots and lots of people whom I love.

Does it get better than this?

We have put all spending on hold, hoping to take a few small day trips when THGGM has his next vacation.

I'm shocked at how much I can do with what I have on hand! videoWhy, don't throw out that last ounce of unfinished formula! Squirt it on the table and use it as paint, or hair care product! Famke is SO VERY funny. Even though she is in pain from hatching a batch of four molars, she is ever so enjoyable to have around.

Today, when her mommy left for work, she called back to us, "I love you!" Jonge responded with "I love you!" and not to be left out, Famke said it too!

Then, as I retold the story to my dad when he came, she said it for him, too!

My sister stopped over also, just in time to help Famke with her bottle. Famke LOVES that she wears beautiful necklaces and actually lets her touch them! My sister also brought me Madeleine L'Engle's "Summer of the Great Grandmother". I started that tonight, but will switch over to "The Scent of Water" as I don't want to read something as emotional as "Summer..." just before I attempt sleep.



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// posted by Judy @ 10:42 PM 2 comments

My Kind of Day

videoThis is my stamping buddy! Since it was too hot for Beppe to play outside today (i'm a wimp) we did little art projects at the table. A while back I purchased a set of 'chore chart' stamps on eBay. Jonge gets excited about the toothbrush stamp.

He seems to be rather artistic, and does not mind at all having TWO sessions of art at the table. In the morning we colored. We started with a simple circle. I stayed with the simple circle and created weird faces which fascinated me. Jonge grew bored with the simple faces and went on to create spiral patterns that made him giddy with joy.

In the afternoon he remembered the rubber stamps. We spent a lot of time with those, and when that got old he remembered how to make fingerprint pictures.

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// posted by Judy @ 9:14 PM 1 comments

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Hazy, Hot, and Humorous


Early this morning, before it got too hot, Jonge, Famke and I headed out into the yard with our 'packing tape' bracelets.
If you've never made these, I highly recommend it! We still have a lot of packing tape left from last year, when we were neck deep in packing.
All it involves is putting a wrist length of packing tape on one's wrist with the sticky part out. Then you pick up all the pretty bits and pieces in the yard and stick them to your bracelet!
I think I had the most fun. Jonge was more interested in digging in the dirt. Famke tried to eat the flowers off of hers, which resulted in her lips sticking to her bracelet. I thought it was cute, but, she wanted her lips back.


videoFamke has been in misery from teething. She doesn't cry, she just wants to be held. All. The. Time. So, it was fun at lunch to actually see her face and not just the top of her cute little head.

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// posted by Judy @ 8:44 PM 5 comments

Monday, July 14, 2008

They Do Grow Up


Jonge had an exciting day today.
He went poo-poo in the PINK potty!
Hooray!
Lately he has become quite proficient at peeing in the potty, but would run off into a quiet corner to poo.
But today when I put him in bed for his nap, he told me that he had a tummy ache so we gave the pink potty a shot.
Oh, joy of joys!
I'm not sure who was happier, him or me!

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// posted by Judy @ 9:32 PM 3 comments

Sweet Famke


Famke had a great time eating a Rice Krispie treat today.


She cleaned up rather well, but was much happier when she was all sticky!

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// posted by Judy @ 8:54 PM 0 comments

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Quiet Saturday


Next year I'm going to make a point to plant sunflowers. I'm just crazy about this thing.

I'm crazy about this thing too.
(Look kids! It's your father! He is reading!)

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// posted by Judy @ 8:09 PM 2 comments

Friday, July 11, 2008

Cheap Thrills




Last night, THGGM and made a quick stop at our favorite thrift store. I found the mirrored shelf with drawer for $2.00.
When I got it home I realized that it fit nicely in one of the panes on this old door.
As I was arranging things, I realized that everything in this picture came either from an antique store, a thrift store or a clearance bin.
Apparently, my home is my canvas and junque is my paint!



And I had to add another picture of my sunflower.
I'm hoping that it will reach a great height before nature's gleaners arrive to nibble it down.

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// posted by Judy @ 11:32 PM 1 comments

Friday's Scattered Thoughts

Today my dad had his first post-operative check-up. The doctor was VERY pleased with how good it looks. Not much swelling at all, with better vision than was anticipated in such a short amount of time.

Of course, he cannot drive yet. We go back on Tuesday, and then they will have a better idea of when he can resume driving.

We went to lunch after his appointment. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to 'look him in the eye' with the patch off, but it truly doesn't look bad at all. Even though it is blurry, he can already tell that things are looking brighter with that eye.

He also did not have any trouble finding the food he wanted at the buffet. That's a good sign.

From there we went to the nursing home to visit mom. She was napping when we got there, but her nursing assistant woke her up for us. Mom was having some trouble keeping her neck straight. This happens occasionally. Her nurse gave her some Tylenol for it.

I'm only telling you that so you will know that now not only do my eyes itch and I can't quit touching my face, I also have a VERY SORE NECK!

(is thggm the only one who notices that i can take someone else's troubles and turn them into mine? i'm generous that way. or is it obnoxious? i'm never quite sure which it is.)

Changing thoughts and colors here -

We have a lot of wildlife here, in our little patch of earth only a block from a very very busy intersection.

Today when I got in the car to pick up my dad, a cute little bunny was munching my lilies down to the roots. Things are rather thick, so I guess a little bit of nature's pruning methods won't do too much harm.

As I turned away from the bunny, I saw FOUR wood chucks busily digging a new entrance to their massive home in the underbrush across the street. They are incredibly funny to watch.

Last night, as THGGM was pulling into our driveway, he had to wait for a family of THREE skunks to waddle across in front of him.

I just don't want to see any possums. I had a very Very VERY bad possum experience 24 years ago. And another bad possum experience four years ago, when I actually transported an injured possum in the back seat of my car.

Not even bats and mice freak me out as much as the memory of those beady possum eyes staring up at me from a box of toy stuffed animals. And then, it MOVED.

Let me tell you...

SO.

DID.

I.






// posted by Judy @ 4:50 PM 0 comments

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Surgery Day!

This morning my dad had his first cornea transplant.

Things went VERY well.

THGGM checked in on him tonight, and he says that he feels no pain at all.

Tomorrow I take him in to have it checked, at which time the patch will be removed.

Until then, he most be very careful not to rub his eye - or any part of his face - as the new cornea is floating on an air bubble in his eye.

My eyes hurt just thinking about it! Since he returned home, I cannot stop rubbing my eyes or touching my face.

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// posted by Judy @ 10:51 PM 2 comments

A Reading Meme


1. Do you remember how you developed a love for reading?
I grew up with two sisters who were always reading. Besides books, there was always a lot of print media in our home. We walked 'up the hill' to the library many times each summer.

2. What are some books you read as a child?
The Little House series, Charlotte's Web, Serilda's Star. I also enjoyed reading encyclopedias.

3. What is your favorite genre?
That seems to change as I change. I used to scorn fiction. Now I love it! I'm also a huge fan of short stories. It is probably easier to say what I do NOT like. Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Mystery. With many exceptions, but I do not seek these. (oh, but if you have not, DO read Dorothy Sayers "The Nine Tailors" - the best mystery ever written - which of course is easy for me to say, as it is one of the only mysteries i've ever read!)

4. Do you have a favorite novel?
My all time favorite novel is "The Bird in the Tree" by Elizabeth Goudge. It is first in a trilogy and I am SURE you would like it. Tied for 2nd place would be Catherine Marshalls "Christy" and "Julie". Taking the bronze, L.M. Montgomery for "Anne's House of Dreams".

5. Where do you usually read?
I usually read in bed at night. This is not such a good idea, because now I tend to fall asleep wherever I am whenever I read for very long. My favorite place to read has always been on the beach at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park. Every summer I would get Ruth Sawyer's "Maggie Rose" and read it at the beach.

6. When do you usually read?
Late at night.

7. Do you usually have more than one book you are reading at a time?
Yes. I do. It does depend on my mood at the time.

8. Do you read nonfiction in a different way or place than you read fiction?
If the nonfiction requires that I concentrate or take notes, then I must read with a pen in my hand. Without a pen in my hand my ability to concentrate is seriously hampered (and, without a pen, i cannot take notes).

9. Do you buy most of the books you read, or borrow them, or check them out of the library?
Mostly, I buy them at thrift stores. My sisters are excellent book resources also. And Youngest Son is tutoring his father in the fine art of reading N.T. Wright, so I read those before they go back to him.

10. Do you keep most of the books you buy? If not, what do you do with them?
I keep everything. Books are no exception.

11. If you have children, what are some of the favorite books you have shared with them? Were they the same ones you read as a child?
We enjoyed many of the same books during the early childhood years, but I think they were more influential in helping me choose books as they grew and developed different interests. One winter when Daughter was in 4th grade she suffered from a plethora of serious health issues. While I stenciled around our living room and dining room, she read Lois Lowry's "Number the Stars" outloud from her bed on the couch.

12. What are you reading now?
After finishing "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" I couldn't jump into another novel right away. So, I am rereading a favorite nonfiction book, "The Cleaver's Don't Live Here Anymore" by Laurie Hall.

13. Do you keep a To Be Read list?
I have a 'sort of' TBR list. One stays in my purse at all time. I do have a TBR pile on my side of the bedroom, which THGGM finds terribly annoying. I don't know why this annoys him, as it isn't his side of the room.
14. What's next?
I want to read the other novel written by Anne Bronte'. Books, books, everywhere, but not the one I want to read...

15. What books would you like to reread?
Oh, so many! I just LOVE how a book strikes one differently upon repeated readings. Clarice of "Story Book Woods" just reminded me of the first Elizabeth Goudge book that I read, "The Scent of Water". I do want to reread that one, and soon. I'm working my way through M. L'Engle's "Crosswick Chronicles" and have two more to go. As for nonfiction, my Leanne Payne books seem to be calling to me (from her i first learned of e. goudge).

16. Who are your favorite authors?
C.S. Lewis, N.T. Wright, George MacDonald, L.M. Montgomery, Elizabeth Goudge, Madeleine L'Engle, Catherine Marshall, Walter Wangerin, E.B White, Laura Ingals Wilder, Annie Dillard, Anne Tyler, Anne Bronte'...too many to list them all...
(this meme comes from Barbara at "Stray Thoughts" www.barbarah.wordpress.com )

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// posted by Judy @ 12:04 PM 1 comments

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Famke at Eleven Months


Famke is eleven months old today.
She spent the day with me.

And the evening, too!
We had a great time together.





She likes to look out of the window.


She also likes to suddenly throw herself backwards, so I must remain alert for that.








Today, I heard the word "Binky!" over and over as I went to get her out of bed after her nap.


When I went into the bedroom she was holding her binky (pacifer) over her head while she talked to it.


videoShe really likes her Pake, too.

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// posted by Judy @ 11:35 PM 1 comments

Garden of Grace


I owe all of this beauty to Grace, the woman who lived here before us.


I'm not sure what most of this is, but it's beautiful!




The buds on these plants look like little origami balloons.


Last week I didn't even know they were there, and, now this!







The sunflower has a villainous look to it, don't you agree? I think Pixar could make a movie using a giant sunflower for the villain.

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// posted by Judy @ 10:53 PM 2 comments

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

It's That Time of Year

I want to go to camp.

It's hot, it's sticky, I haven't seen a chipmunk in a while.

At exactly 4:00 I start to crave grape pop.

At Michael's last weekend, I actually held a leather kit in my hands. A kit for making ones own moccasins.

All this can only mean one thing. I want to go to camp. The camp of my youth. But with the experience of my increased years.

The camp of MY youth was somewhere near Jackson, MI. It was owned by the state, but was rented out to groups. In Jackson, MI there is also a state prison. All maintenance was done by prisoners, which brings me to THIS story.

While we campers were swimming, playing softball, doing fairly odd crafts and generally disturbing the peace, our cabin areas were off limits.

"Off limits" flashes to some people like a neon sign saying "This means everyone BUT you". I had a camp friend who was one of those people.

After swimming she discovered a considerable amount of sand in her bathing suit, which required an immediate change. A change that could be done ONLY by going into the cabin, now declared to be 'off-limits'.

I've never been one to question authority, but my friend? She LIVED for it. I've also never been one to question the ethics of my friends. Okay. That's not true. But I had sand in my suit too.

My guess is that we must have been 11 or 12 that summer.

While everyone else in the camp was doing exciting things, like painting plaster of paris pins, playing 'red rover' or pondering giving their lifes to foreign missions, I followed my daring friend back to the cabin. Really. What kind of a friend would I have been if I'd let her go alone?

Anyway...

As we approached the cabin, we noticed a state truck parked out in front. I definitely recall my friend saying, 'See! It won't be a problem, because someone is there!'

Um. Yes. There most certainly was someone there.

A prisoner.

He was on a ladder high up in the rafters, painting.

I remember that he was on a ladder, because he had the hugest feet I had ever seen. He was wearing white Converse high tops. It reminded me of the huge display-window white Converse high top in the shoe store window at home.

We changed out of our sandy suits. Of course, we changed behind a blanket (big-foot prisoner is still on the ladder).

Being the friendly witnesses of God's love that we were both taught to be (note that we caught that part, but not so much the obeying of rules set up for our own protection) we talked to the big-foot prisoner the entire time.

I still remember some of what he said to us as we left the cabin (he never left the ladder, by the way). He said something like this, 'If you only knew what I was in for. Someday you will remember this and realize just how dumb you were. And your blood will run cold.'

The first time I remembered this was the next summer as I stood in front of the shoe store waiting for the bus to take me to Vacation Bible School at my church. I saw that huge white Converse high top in the window, and my blood ran cold. Being one year older made a difference.

The next time I thought of it was the first time I sent my kids off to camp, thankful that it wasn't anywhere near the Jackson State Prison. My blood ran cold. There were many feet clad in white Converse high tops, as I recall.

Several years ago I attended a week-long intensive course at a camp-ground with friends from church. On our drive up we laughed about how it seemed like we were going to camp. I am positive that was the last time we laughed during the entire week.

There were no plaster of paris pins to paint. No red-rover. It was the most bone-chilling blood-running-cold week of my life. In session after session women recounted excruciating stories. These stories were so frightening that I have had to block some of them from my mind so I can sleep at night. Tales of innocence lost at places of assumed safety, and at the hands of those thought to provide protection.

My blood still runs cold from time to time.

But now whenever I see a white Converse high top, I'm grateful that the one from my story stayed on the ladder.
















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// posted by Judy @ 9:22 AM 5 comments

Monday, July 07, 2008

Famke on a Rainy Monday in July




Famke is rapidly changing from a little baby to an incredibly self-sufficient little girl. So whenever I see her still looking like a baby, I run for my camera.

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// posted by Judy @ 5:37 PM 2 comments

Sunday, July 06, 2008

Whatever Your Age, Practice Bike Safety

Late this morning, THGGM and I were driving down 28th St.

THGGM was explaining to me the finer points of stain removal when one cannot locate the 'Shout' stick. Our conversations tend to turn to things like this when we have spent an inordinate amount of time alone, together.

We came upon an accident.

It was obvious that it was a VERY BAD accident.

EMTs were attending to a body in the road.

Police were swarming. The scene was being photographed. Witnesses were in a huddle on the side of the street.

We drove passed, but we were not unchanged.

An indelible impression has stained our memory.

Someone died.




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// posted by Judy @ 7:06 PM 3 comments

Saturday, July 05, 2008

Garage Sale Success

Hooray! Our garage sale is OVER.

We made twice as much today as we did last week.

And if the people who put money down to 'hold' items return for them, we will double again what we made today.

THGGM is looking forward to having his garage back.

I'm going to take a stab at selling things on e-bay. I have several boxes of collectibles that I no longer want to drag along behind me through life. Any advice on this? Is it best to go to one of those 'we sell it for you' e-bay stores, or just do it myself?

What I have are Norman Rockwell plates and Precious Moments and Franklin Mint figurines. None of them have any sentimental value.

Oh! And we met even MORE neighbors! Another great benefit of having a garage sale.

(but i am soooooo tired.)

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// posted by Judy @ 6:20 PM 2 comments

Friday, July 04, 2008

I Turned My Head...


...away from the computer, and this is what I could see out my kitchen window -
FIREWORKS!




I was able to tear THGGM away from his book. He watched from his porch swing.
We didn't live here last year, so had no idea we would be able to see them so well.
videoAs much as I dislike crowds and nasty traffic, this was as close to perfect as it gets!

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// posted by Judy @ 11:16 PM 2 comments

Happy Fourth of July!


While I tweaked things and took pictures, THGGM hung laundry on the line and watched it dry.
Actually, he read a book. I do believe this is the second book he has read this week.
I've suggested that we start a 'book worm' on our wall where we keep track of what we've read.


This is my birthday present. We found it at an antique mall on the bay in Traverse City. It was made by two young brothers who take apart old typewriters and glue the letters onto bracelets.
Oh, did I mention that I have DSL again? I cleaned out two closets yesterday, and in one of them I found the information I needed. It took ONE CLICK, and I was up and running again.
You will notice if you continue scrolling down, that I have made up for lost time.
It appears that since I switched from dial-up to DSL my dial-up-posted pictures are not showing up.
Oh, well. I'll try to figure that out another day.

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// posted by Judy @ 7:09 PM 1 comments

Pink, White and Hope


I like pink, white and hope.


I spent the afternoon 'tweaking'.
It was great fun.
Except for the part where I tried to have the ceramic dollar-store hand that I put into a china (thrifted) creamer GRASP the fake pink rose.
It refused.
So, I am just going to IMAGINE that it is grasping the rose.
It does pay off to have a fabulous imagination.


These are just some things I like:
Vintage embroidery, white wicker, fake white roses and the white glass beaded bag.
Oh. And pink tile. I LOVE pink tile. I didn't know that I did until I moved here, but now I am sure of it.
I've sprinkled the word "hope" around my living environment. It's my word for the year.
Hope. It's a good word.

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// posted by Judy @ 6:40 PM 0 comments

The Humble Hankie


This is the bar of Safeguard wrapped in a hankie that I mentioned in the post below.
Hankies make wonderful giftwrap for things like soap (although i would recommend NOT giving safeguard as a gift - it sends the wrong message), candles, jewelry and other small things.

My hankies were purchased at thrift stores or antique malls. I've never paid more than a dollar for one.
The pink ribbon was thrifted also. It is worth digging through sewing notion junk boxes, as there are still treasures out there.



I found the fake white roses when I was going through a 'fake white roses' phase. They were on clearance at one of the large 'bath' stores.
Wrapping the base in a large hankie (this one is a bit bigger than the average hankie) changed the look completely.
Try this at home. You will not be disappointed.
Well. Maybe you will, but I doubt it.

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// posted by Judy @ 6:20 PM 1 comments

You Light Up My Bird Cage


I moved around some furniture today.
I switched out the lamp in my bird cage, replacing it with a cake plate with a glass window block that contains a string of 50 white lights.
I like this look as it gives great up-light, but also down-light as well.

I have jewelry under the cake plate and hanging off the finials.
There was a bit of room along the sides of the square glass window block for a few little figurines,
It lights up so well, and makes a perfect night light. I have a bar of soap wrapped in an old hankie that smells wonderful when it warms up (well, it smells like 'safegaurd' but i love that smell!).



This picture.
I'm not sure why, but I really like it.

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// posted by Judy @ 6:02 PM 0 comments

Thursday, July 03, 2008

Uplifting Flowers


After all of the rain we had yesterday, I was happy to see some flowers still standing.
There were a few that needed to be lifted back into place.
But, not the Desert Candle.
This is not one of my favorite plants. It is very pointy and pokey and I hope to never fall into one.
They seem popular in this neighborhood, which surprises me, as I find them to be rather funny looking.


This looks like a big sunflower to me.
I did not plant this.
May it grow to great heights!
My yard.
All this beauty busting out all over, and I've had nothing to do with it.

// posted by Judy @ 6:20 PM 2 comments

Reading "A Circle of Quiet" in a Square of Noise




Finally. I have finished reading "A Circle of Quiet", again.
I started it earlier in the spring and laid it aside to read several other books.
Quite possibly I shall next read "A Wrinkle in Time". That will be a stretch for me, as I really do not enjoy fantasy. Although, I do very much love the non-fiction writings of fantasy writers.
My 10 cent copy of "A Circle of Quiet" continued to fall apart as read it. I will be on the look-out for a nicer copy. This one should make great decoupage paper. It is nicely yellowed.
I enjoyed nearly every word in this book, but this stood out to me:
"Far too many people misunderstand what 'putting away childish things' means, and think that forgetting what it is like to think and feel and touch and smell and taste and see and hear like a three-year=old or a thirteen-year-old or a twenty-three-year old means being grownup. When I'm with these people I, like the kids, feel that if this is what it means to be a grownup, then I don't ever want to be one."
"Instead of which, if I can retain a child's awareness and joy, and be fifty-one, then I will really learn what it means to be grownup. I still have a long way to go."
Ummm. Me too.
Until then, I shall be jotting down notes on the journey to grownupness. I think I'll titled it, "A Parallelogram of Pathos", because 'the journey to grownupness' sounds bulky.
Or something.

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// posted by Judy @ 8:38 AM 3 comments

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

My Morning Project


Early this morning I remembered that while playing the piano last night I had an idea that I could double-stick-tape clothes pins to my piano to hold up the music that tends to sway and dance while I attempt to tilt my head in such a manor that I can actually read the music.
I tried it. It didn't work.
Then, I actually took notice of the clothes pins and thought "HEY!" (i know, it's weird, but i actually do say 'hey' inside my head) "I have rag balls somewhere, I could attach a bit of that to each end of the piano and hang up my music!"
It worked. I no longer have to look down, squint, curse bi-focals, and bobble my head to see the music.
And somewhere I still have the clothes pins I stamped music onto, which I do believe will look charming.
By the look THGGM gave, I do believe that sometime soon he is going to say, ever so nicely, "Do you intend to leave that there?"
I intend to reply, "Yes."
Although, I don't intend to leave the rag ball on top of the piano.
Now back to yesterday.
I had a date day with my dad. We had lunch at Old Country Buffet. He does very well at picking around the overly salted stuff and sticking with the fresh. I do very well avoiding carbs. No blood sugar spikes for me. I can eat there and keep my blood sugar in the normal range.
After lunch we went to visit mom. She was in bed, but awake and alert. Presently she is on another new medication. Her speech is getting difficult to understand (her teeth are missing - where could they be?) but she was scheduled for new ones soon anyway. My dad, even with double hearing aids, is very hard of hearing. He can't make out a thing she says. I was glad to be the interpreter.
We talked about how it was their 60 1/2 wedding anniversary. My mom smiled and said, "That John, he is a GOOD man." Of course, my dad could not hear it, so at least I could pass on what she was saying, which made him feel better. At times she would start singing a hymn. That always helps me to know that deep inside, she still knows what has always brought her comfort.
It was also Jonge's 2 1/2 birthday. He IS two and a half. All the signs point that way. Since his birthday (January 1st) is at the end of a looong season of gift giving and celebration, THGGM and I have decided to remember him on his 1/2 birthdays also.
So, we went to surprise him last night with a birthday balloon (he is still sad about launching auntie christine's birthday balloon into the sky) chocolate cake and a small present. The visit, the balloon and the cake were hits. Not so much the gift, which included a ball with which I accidentally hit him, twice. As we left he gathered it up and tried to give it back saying "You take it. I don't want it."

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// posted by Judy @ 8:37 AM 2 comments

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

For One Month


I have been 50 for one month now. I seem to be getting pretty good at it.
For those not yet 50, here are a few things you can do to get prepared so that you, too, can be good at it when 50 comes for you.
For the nightstand: Rolaides. These are necessary for those nights you think that you can still eat pizza after 8 pm. You can't.
For the bathroom: Clothesline. Clothesline is the dental floss of age 50.
For the medicine cabinet: Extra strength pain reliever and a small child to remove the child-proof cover, since wrists will no longer be able to twist until AFTER the pain reliever takes effect.
For the kitchen: Coffee. I didn't start drinking coffee until age 40. Now I'm looking for it in a patch, so I can slap one on before I get out of bed.
For the spice drawer: Pepper. Suddenly pepper seems necessary in everything.
For your purse: An extra pair of underwear. Don't ask me why, but you will thank me later. My mom, even after her mind gave out, had only one thing in her purse. Clean underwear. Really. Sour looking older ladies are probably really funny old ladies who thought they had to give up laughing, when really, they just needed this bit of advice.
For the car: I don't have a car. So, don't let anyone talk you into getting rid of yours. THGGM sold my car to Youngest Son many years ago, saying that I could drive him to work on days I needed the car. That very week he was transferred to another city. He's back now, but with gas prices as they are it would have been cheaper if I had driven him to work THEN in another town than it would be to drive him to work NOW where he is . All that to say...keep maps of all the major medical offices on hand. If you are 50 there is a good chance that your parents are 70 or older. They will need you to drive them places. A LOT. A lot of places and a lot of times.
For your entertainment: Grandchildren. Try to get at least two. If you only have one, you will think it is a piece of cake. It isn't. It's much better than a piece of cake. Also get a box of crayons and small paper plates. One grandchild will be delighted to scribble on the plates, while the other one learns ten new and exciting ways previously unthought of to make grandma gasp in fright.
For your sanity: I haven't learned quite yet how to retain the scattered bits of sanity that I may still possess. I'm rather sure it envolves not taking onesself too seriously.
For your peace of mind: Be grateful for what you have. Be grateful for what you don't have. Just be grateful.

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// posted by Judy @ 9:30 AM 4 comments

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