Eleven to go...

Thirty-one days gone, and what have I accomplished? Not much! 

But it's okay 'cause each day is a fresh opportunity. I will do better. 

Actually daily visits to see my mother, afternoon tutoring with a grandson, meal decisions, some housecleaning, booth business, and other stuff have filled this first month.

You're always welcome here. Most days are ordinary.  I am hoping to squeeze in more art and crafts next month. One project I want to start is a story journal of my life. I want to sit down and write memories about Swartz, Eunice, Memphis, Jackson, Dyersburg, and Drummonds. Those names are places I have lived.

I really need to begin writing while I still have a decent handwriting and the recollections.

Friendship Quotes

The best mirror is an old friend.

George Herbert

No distance of place

or lapse of time can

lessen the friendship

of those who are

thoroughly persuaded

of each other's worth.

Robert Southey

 Without friends

no one would 

choose to live,

though he had 

other goods.

Aristotle 

Smooth and Creamy

Inside that jar that sits on my bathroom counter is a wonderful hand lotion. Three ingredients purchased at the Dollar General will give you an incredible homemade lotion. A lady (thank you, Connie) shared this recipe with me in December. I made a big batch and divided it to give as gifts. Recently I halved the recipe to have a nice supply for myself. 






baby lotion                  2  16 0z. bottles
vitamin E lotion       2  16 0z. bottles
petroleum jelly         1   7 0z. jar



Place in large container and mix with mixer until smooth. Put in small containers.

Really works! I know because my hands feel better and my nails look better.

To Write

Sometimes I wonder what will happen to my journals when I am gone. Whether they are saved by my children or not really won't matter, for it was the writing that brought me great solace through the years. There were times when I left certain things unsaid for fear someone would be hurt by what I had recorded. But most of the time I was frank and expressed my true feelings. Entries were a mix of serious, trivial, mundane, and momentous. When I'm in the mood, I read pages from the past and am amazed by how much I would have forgotten if it were not written down.  Since I've been keeping journals for so long, it has become a habit I can't seem to stop. 

He'll Steal Your Heart

Natural

     Impetuous

              Cute as a button

   On the go

               Loving little tyke

                  Adorable grandson

                        Spontaneous sweetness

Nicolas was our visitor for the day. What joy he brings to those around him!

Thanks for letting me share this ray of sunshine.

In Search of Red

A favorite red chair and a stack of old magazines were comforting on this gray and gloomy day.   

To brighten this winter day I sought out reds with my camera.  

  

on colorful tins 



on the spine of a dictionary

girls in red dresses

little red schoolhouse

and one leftover red stocking 

    

The Passage of Time

Well, I had planned to do a lot of cleaning out and organizing at the start of January, but a bad cold interfered with those plans.

I hung the Flavia calendar above the desk that sits in my clothes closet which contains much more than garments. There are also magazines, pictures, mementoes, art, and just lots of things I like.

This lovely doll sits on a top shelf. It was given to me one Christmas by my mother...not when I was a young girl but much later when I was an adult. All the dolls I played with as a youngster were given away to my younger cousin.
I reminded my mom every now and then how wrong I thought that was. Thus, she wanted to replace that loss with this special present.

I enjoy her and some other little girl collectibles that reside on that top shelf. 

It's amazing how fast little girls grow up. When you're 10 or 20, you believe you have all the time in the world. You dream about doing all sorts of things. The passage of time slips up on you.

Another view inside the closet

The statue of the little girl with her face resting on her palm is a favorite piece...as is the redheaded girl on skates.  It's odd how a closet space has become such a favorite space here in the house...guess it's because it holds so many pleasant memories. Yes, it's great to be feeling better and  back on the blog. Thanks for dropping by.

Sandy

Cold Inside and Out

For several days I've been  dealing with a nagging cold. Since Mother  Nature gave us

cold temperatures and snowy conditions last night,

I will have to enjoy the white stuff from inside this time.  

Untitled Tidbit

 Sharing this picture of a butterpat inside a decorative lantern will complete today's short post. I have this sitting on my mantel with some other objects. Maybe a strange combination, but it offers me a peaceful feeling. The month of January seems a good time to make a few small changes in surroundings, routine, or relationships.

Starting Out

Flavia's artful message is a great way to start this new year.
"Follow your heart wherever it takes you."   

I was happy to spot her 2011 calendar at Big Lots today.

It's my responsibility to cherish each day of this

SWEET LIFE.