Handmade; From the Heart!

Sunday, I spent a very pleasant afternoon helping my daughter make a Christmas gift!  She is an accomplished knitter, painter of pottery & quite a good cook.  Seamstress, not so much! 

I posted previously about visiting my favorite Quilt Shop for some project supplies.  Melissa decided to ride along.  While we were in the shop, she saw an apron that she loved.  She decided she could make these as gifts that would be useful and pretty.  "Will you help me Mom?" 

How could I resist?  It was fun to coach her through the process.  Way back when, she took sewing in school, and has made a couple of things through the years.  So, I really only needed to be nearby to answer questions and help her get familiar with my sewing machine.

I love the fabric she chose, and the the apron turned out very well, don't you think? 

Now, I'd better get busy on my project before she walks in with the fabric for more aprons!  The 'ole sewing machine is gonna get a workout this Christmas!  :)

What On Earth...?

(No photos, no links today.  You've no doubt heard and seen it all!)

I simply cannot believe it!  Turn on the TV or log on to the computer this weekend, and you are assaulted with pictures and stories of unprecedented greed! 

Just a few hours after a day dedicated to thanksgiving for our true abundance, we hear about near-riots over $2 toasters, and of a woman who used pepper spray to keep fellow shoppers from grabbing the game console she coveted!  Shoppers have been shot, trampled, and mugged in parking lots as the head home with their spoil. 

Today, one of the online headlines asked, "Has Black Friday Gone Too Far?".  Do we really need to ask that question?  Is it not obvious?

Look, I realize that things are tough economically.  I lost my full time job last May.  I hardly see that as an excuse to endanger myself & my fellow humans in order to shop!  I have determined that we will give within our budget, and that is going to require some creativity on my part.  I accept that challenge.

I am just so distressed by this stuff!  I need to tune out most of the media for now.  Christmas music...yeah, that's the idea! 

I'm glad it's Sunday.  Heading for church in a couple of hours will help me to regain my joy, and to worship the "giver of all good things"!  I need it!


Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Luke 12:15 NIV

Let the Decorating Begin!

Daughter & I are off to my favorite Quilt Shop for supplies to start a project.  More on that to follow in a day or two...

Our afternoon will be spent stowing the Fall decor and starting the Christmas decorating!  I enjoy doing it, and I love sitting in the glow of the results!

I've added a few vintage images of holiday decorating to get us all in the mood!

First, in comes the tree!  Is your tree "real" or "everlasting"?

Next, you decorate it with treasured ornaments!

LOVE this one!

Then, the garlands and wreaths are placed, just so.

Finish the day with a cup of hot cocoa! Spiked or not...