April

Welcome April! The month I finally say "Ahh, Spring!" Yes we have already had the daffodils, and flowering trees, and I said spring is here. But now, now we have tulips, lilacs, wallflower, everyday more plants show us their fresh color. The showers are still here, but growing softer and gentler. Spring is really here to stay. The scent in the air changes everyday, bringing sweetness into our home. Yesterday I saw a hummingbird flitting around the lilac bush, looking for the first burst of flower. Yes, welcome April. We treasurer what you bring us.

Being mindful

Where did January go???? I seem to have done this a lot this past year. Family things come up. Then......things get soooo busy that I lose touch. SO I WILL DO BETTER THIS YEAR!!!! Well, starting this month. Let me explain, I have eight children and I sew formal wear as a home based business. When the kids are around I'm completely involved with them, or keeping up with the business. Things are changing. Actually, they have been changing for several years. The house is getting empty, my youngest has one more year in high school. I'm wanting to be in touch with creative people. I've always had a very busy household, kids in and out, here and there. Even though I'm a more quiet type, I love to get with people and be creative. While the kids were at home something creative was always going on. Now I need to reach out to find some of that energy. I'm sure there are many of you who know just what I'm talking about.

Anyway, just as I'm getting into the swing of this electronic reaching out, someone comes home for a visit. Everything gets crazy and fun. Yet, in all that goes on I need to remember to keep reaching out to new friends. To remember that although I will always be very involved in my children's lives, my life will take on a different look, and things will shift. So, this year with a daughter getting married in two months, me making the wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses, and a new grandchild due later this year, kids coming home for a visit from their travels, I want to have room in my life for new friends. I need to use this calendar and write in times to grow with you and explore your creative endeavors. To move into a new part of life. You are delightful people, and I love reading about what you are doing. The joy and energy you generate is amazing. So I'm pledging now to get back to sitting with my cup of tea and chatting, and catching up on all that you have been doing.

Oh - the calendars........I made a new one for this year. I'll show you the pages months by month.

Blessings,

Debbie

The Real End of Summer

We had a beautiful late summer. The trees were showing their colors. The weather was warm. Just right for walking and crunching leaves under foot. I love to walk along and kick and crunch the leaves. The fall tree colors are not as vivid here in the Northwest as in the Northeast. But it is beautiful. Last weekend, the rains came and are still here, bringing the leaves off the trees. We have cedar trees and big leaf maple trees in our yard.
You can see part of this old tree. It's amazing how many leaves are still on the tree when you see how many are on the ground.
It's fun to watch them flutter merrily to the ground. They are like helicopters spinning out of control, not knowing where to land. So many of them filling up all available space, covering everything. They are huge!
And lovely. If we have a few dry days next week, I think I'll make a big pile and jump in them.
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I had been showing you a new calendar page each month before the computer went crazy this summer. Sorry I missed a couple of months. I finally was able to scan these.
November is gold stenciling, painted over with blue and white, for a icy look. The gold flourish stenciling doesn't show up well. Antique lace is added on the side. The lines dividing the numbered boxes is gold thread, sewn on in BIG stitches.
Wow! just one more page and it's over. I haven't started one for the new year. Still trying to decide if I will.
Thanksgiving this month. I'm so excited. Family will visit. I so look forward to the family times. It's busy and hectic, full of warm memories, late night talks, lots of laughter, hugs, watching everyone grow. One of my favorite times of year.

Turn the Page To July

July, for me, one of the intense months. By saying intense I'm thinking of several things. The intensity of the fire works on the forth, filling the sky, the sizzle, crackle, and booms. The smoke and sulfur, a thick haze floating to the ground like a blanket over everyone. The intensity at which we Americans are prone to play on our vacations. I don't do that, but it's all around me. The intensity of how fast and beautiful the plants are growing in the garden. The intensity of the sun. They intensity of the sky. I love to watch the sky change in the mornings and evenings, all the different shades of color. From midnight blues to clear light blues, with red, flaming orange, lavender and velvet purple in between. Enjoy it. Soak up the aura of July. Use it to be at your creative best and deepen your relationships. I'm looking forward to a full month, lots of family times. People coming and going. The laughter and sharing. Enjoying the intensity at a relaxed pace.