Ever have one of those months????

I love to change the wallpaper on my phone and I actually have a great app for that....this happens to be the current image on my phone.

A couple of times I was tempted to use it but resisted the urge as I can't afford a new phone right now. Think I would be safer cutting it out and taping it to a pillow tho.

Okay...onto bigger and better things. Saw this tutorial on making a zipper bracelet and decided to make one. I just love it. Turns out there are alot of things you can make with zippers. So if you are interested....just google "zipper crafts or zipper bracelets" and you can do it too with the zippers off those old pair of jeans that don't fit you any longer. I gave this one to my niece but plan on making one for myself.

Next off, we went to a Night at the Races recently for a benefit. It wasn't real races just dvd's of races. Anyway, our horse, "Lucy's Hotflash" came in last...figures. But we did manage to win the largest basket in the Chinese Auction. It was a romance basket.

It was full of antiques and chocoloate and smoked oysters (we know what those do to you now, don't we??) and candles and tea and a tea pot and all sorts of goodies.

We plan on taking it all with us when we have our little cabin get-a-way in a month.....those candles will do wonderful around the hot tub, don't ya think???

Short post, but I will finish off with our little squirrel buddy who comes up on the porch twice a day for his daily nuts. This time I managed to get him to take it off of my shoe. He was so cute.

This may have been the same squirrel that was climbing the bird post.....up until I coated it with vaseline (my own idea)....which hubby laughed at...but worked.

Oh, well, that's it for now.....enjoy the fall weather, till next time, yinz crazy guys....

Look what we got!!!

We got a Hobby Lobby...we got a BIG Hobby Lobby! I've been waiting for one of these stores to open near us for a very long time and finally my wish came true. I even emailed their headquarters once and asked why there wasn't one in PA. At that time they were only building so far out from their headquarters. So now we have one and I love it! We have Michaels, JoAnns and Pat Catans...but Hobby Lobby is my fav.

As a matter of fact, I was so excited, I even did a watercolor of it...crazy, I know.

Also, was in a Fall Pynkeep with the HOE bloggers. Received this beautiful pynkeep from my partner. It's Bent Creek's Pumpkin Farm. The trim on this is so so pretty.

This is the one I sent out to my partner. It's the Heart in Hand Seasonal Birds for Fall using overdyes.

And lastly, forgot to show this in the post I did on Barbie outfits. While I was crocheting on vacation, I whipped up this lighter cover/carrier for the lady of the house. She was complaining that she always loses her lighter so hubby suggested I make her something to hook onto her purse or whatever. I just sorta tweeked the pattern I have for my chapstick cover that I love and is lasting forever, by the way.

Well that's it for now. Got some other projects on the burner that I'm really excited about in both crochet and cross stitch. Still doin' a bit of watercolor and journaling too. Just keepin' these hands busy! So, till next time, yinz crazy guys....

I'm back...

I know, I know....what happened to the even days postings? Well, after I came back from vacation, I had a bit of an upper respiratory infection and then a little relapse of it. Finally feeling back to almost 100%. So, I'll get back to my blogging. Thanks for hangin' in there.....till next time, yinz crazy guys!

See.....

....I told you I was back!!! (this is what happens when you give little kids access to the phone on your camera)

When we were on vacation, we had the pleasure of babysitting these two little munchkins for a couple afternoons. We call them our "surrogate" grandchildren as they are not directly related to us but we love them just as much as if they were.

It's much easier for me to make things for little girls than little boys, so I was able to spoil our blonde cutie pie with some Barbie fashions. (not to worry, our little guy was spoiled too) A couple of outfits I made before leaving on vacation, one while in the car driving to vacation (so I wouldn't be a NAG-a-vator) and the remainder while on vacation.
This first one was supposed to be a top, but ended up being a wrap around dress.

This picture was supposed to show off the mini-sweater and matching hat.

This is the dress that was underneath it...

Here is Barbie getting ready for a little sunbathing by the pool (aka bird bath).

And here she is showing off her awarding winning squash which was almost as tall as her...blue ribbon material for sure!

All these patterns were found online by just googling crochet Barbie clothes. They were fun and quick to do.

So, on that note......I'll be on my way....till next time, yinz crazy guys!

I'm baaaaaaack.....

Yep, I'm back from an awesome vacation in the the lovely state of Michigan with relatives....most awesomest time ever with bonfires and blueberries and babysitting the grandkids....just the best! Unfortunately, one of the little ones came down with Strep but they caught it early and he was put on meds ASAP and is doing fine....I however, came back with an upper respiratory infection which I had last week and I too (with the help of meds) am doing much better. So, I'm back on track with my "even" days post. I'm hoping to post, in the next few days, a little of what I've been up to while away.
So, with that said......stay tuned....till next time, yinz crazy guys!

Umbrella of Grace.....

I know I said I would be blogging on every even day....but now I'll have to, as my Pastor says, ask for an "Umbrella of Grace" as for the next week or so I will be enjoying the company of this awesome crew.....
...and I will probably be sitting on a back porch swing watching these many evenings while I stitch or draw or read with my wonderful hubby by my side....
...and I know for sure I'll be eating lots of this....

......and keeping warm by the fire with a little of that....

....and for sure enjoying loads of fresh those....

So, with that said....where in the world is Lucy?????......I'm out of here, yinz crazy guys!!! Have a great week....I know I will!

Sandcastle in water....

I'm making an attempt at watercoloring....can you tell. Actually, watercolor and ink. This is Sandcastle Waterpark in Pittsburgh PA. We got a great deal on passes this year and have been going when we can and when it's hot. It's just like being at the beach except the park is on the river...but the place has a real beach feel to it.
I've tried to do some watercolor pics of it but I think I just need to keep practicing. I get so impatient tho....but everyone I read about who is a watercolor artist/journaler stresses practice and doing something with it everyday.
So, with that said, it's back to practicing....till next time, yinz crazy guys!

and more journaling....

As you know I do jump around in my crafting and I also do so in my journaling. Lately I've been doing some watercolor and ink drawings but these are ones I've done about a month or so inspired by the lovely Teesha Moore.




These are fun to do as they are rarely done in one sitting. It's like you start a bunch of pages then just go back and forth depending on what is inspiring you at the moment.
So with that said, another post is under my Even Days Only belt.....Happy August and till next time yinz crazy guys.....

Psykopaint...

This is my granddog, Reese, done in an app called Psykopaint! My son took a pic of his dog, I uploaded it into Psykopaint....picked the Monet setting and "Reese in Monet". Psykopaint is so much fun. He's not as "Monet" as I wish he was but still it was fun playing. I could even print this out and frame it...all for free! My son also hooked me up with Google Chrome....I'm the Google Queen so this was a real treat for me. So many free apps with the same great search engine Google is known for. So if you want to have some fun playing and drawing on the computer, along with some awesome free game apps, just search for Google Chrome and start downloading. (weatherbug app is the best by the way!!)
Okay....another "even" day post under my belt...till next time, yinz crazy Psykos!!!

My journal...

Even day #2....this time I'm going to post some journal pages I've been doing. Oh, first off, for those who asked (Meari)...Moleskine is really just a very nice journal. Sorta like buying expensive yarn to knit with or a nice linen fabric to stitch on with really beautiful overdyed threads. There's a nice website where you can learn more about them....just google "moleskine". Stupid me thought the cover was made out of moles in which case it would have taken quite a few to make one journal...duh!
Anyway, here are some of the pages I've been working on. This first one was a co-effort from hubby as that was what he called the lesion that was in my nose. Notice the patriotic flag flown from the nostril... (click on any pic for a larger view)


This is just a nice background I did with watercolors, collage and gesso stenciled butterflies. Haven't added any writing yet.


Did this while at Sandcastle, our Pittsburgh waterpark. The park is on the borders of the river and it just looked so pretty that day....all done in watercolors.

I just like watermelon...and the colors of it. Not much writing on this one yet.

And I love Sunflowers but I noticed I didn't add enough petals....but who cares....it's my journal!

So, that's it! I've been reading alot about art journaling and such and the one thing everyone says is to practice, practice, practice....so that is what I'm trying to do. Draw everything! This is so difficult for me to do as I'm such a planner as you know. To just sit down and draw or paint without any ideas and let things flow is one of the hardest things for me to do in art. But I'm trying....and I'm liking it! Even if it's not always to my liking.....I've got to keep pluggin' away.

So, hope you enjoyed a few pages from my moleskine...till next time, yinz crazy Moles!!!

Challenge....

I think I'm going to challenge my self to blog on EVEN number days...(I know I could never do every day...at least not yet)......let's see if I can do it!

So on this EVEN number day, let me give you a little update on what I've been doing. I have been cross-stitching of course and trying to do the Prairie Schooler American Strawberries.

Haven't put one together yet, but as soon as I get the second one stitched, I will.

Secondly, been journaling....mixed media art journaling. This is really hard for me as I'm so used to following patterns and such. This really makes me try to let go and let flow.

Got a few journals going but my fav or course if the Moleskine journal. Plan on taking that one on vacation.

Thirdly, doing some crocheting. I know a little girl who loves loves loves her Barbies so I'm doing some clothes for her as I will be seeing her in August.

Sorry about the pic...cat did not want to move!

Just started a purple dress too. So many patterns on the internet and I also got a used book from Amazon for like $3.00 plus shipping....gotta love Amazon.

Also doing some crochet jewelry that my lovely niece if going to try and put together. It's done with floss....but I think I may have an easier time with #10 thread. Still playing with that.

Okay...first EVEN day blog finished....till the next EVEN day, yinz crazy guys....stay cool!

What a busy summer...

Oh, how I wish I could be like so many of you bloggers and keep up on this. I've been doing so much stuff but never seem to find the time to sit down and post it all. Not to mention my son and DIL were living with us inbetween apartments and just moved out, so my main computer is once again free and doesn't have a bed in front of it. YEAH!
We've been also spending alot of weekend time here.... (click on the pic to see the website)


Love this place. Got a season pass at the great price of 2 passes for $99 for the summer. There is a giant wave pool, a huge swimming pool, tons of water slides, a lazy river ride, a hot tub and a few kiddie pools. A long boardwalk with food shops, a bar and all built on the banks of the Allegheny River...(think that's the River's name...we have three of them here) Either way what a great deal. It's only about 1/2 hour from us so it's well worth the drive.
This week, however, after work I've been helping out at this...


It's exhausting, hot and loads of fun for one whole week. I'm in charge of the craft team and our numbers doubled since last year...116 kids so far and going up. We got a little short on crafts but we're working it out. I'm so drained by the end of the day, it's all I can do to pour a nice chilled glass of wine and stitch a bit in front of the tv before falling into bed.
So with that said, let's hope I can get some pics up like I keep promising to do. But I am having such a fun summer and I hope you are too...so till next time, yinz crazy guys!

What your mother taught you....

I Owe My Mother!
1.My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE .
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside.. I just finished cleaning."

2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

4. My mother taught me LOGIC.
"Because I said so, that's why."

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC .
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

7. My mother taught me IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS .
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"

13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.."

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION .
"Stop acting like your father!"

15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home."

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING .
"You are going to get it when your father gets home!"

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way."

19. My mother taught me ESP.
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"

20. My mother taught me HUMOR.
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT .
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
"You're just like your father."

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"

24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."

25. My mother taught me about JUSTICE.
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!"


...till next time, yinz crazy guys!

Holy Smoke...

Wow...has it been since April that I posted last! That's not right! Just checking in to let everyone know I'm fine...busy having fun in the sun like everyone else I'm sure. I'm cross stithing,reading, crocheting and journaling....and going to the pool. Hopefully this weekend I'll post some pictures of my stuff and adventures.
So with that said...stay cool...have fun....till next time, yinz crazy guys!

Spring finally...

Well, it's finally Spring...and with that brings the energy to clean and file and so forth and so on. When the weather is dreary and cold, I can't figure out where the energy in me is going to come from to clean up and change decorations in the house....but then that first warm sunny day comes along and BAM, there it is and I literally can't stop! So that's what I've been doing. Been doing a little crafting in between too. I've been doing a little crocheting. This little cross from bedspread cotton is for a little girl far far away.

It's supposed to have a tassel and be a bookmark, but for her I think it will serve her better has something to hang which is why I put the little hook at the top. Did a couple of crochet shamrocks too. Never did get enough done to hand on my dowel tree....maybe by next March 17, I'll manage to get a few more in.

Then I was in the mood for a little journaling. Did a couple of pages while hubby was out of town just to keep myself busy. I also just like to draw whether it's good or not and play around with colors. Guess it goes back to my crayon and coloring book obsession as a kid. Having trouble getting some pics uploaded but I will.

Also did a Saturday afternoon cross stitching with some of my gal pals at a local Panera. Even tho there was nothing there to purchase other than food, I managed to fall in love with one of the ladies new battery operated LCD Ott lights and came home and purchased one on amazon myself. It is so lightweight and portable. Just hope the batteries last awhile. Well, that's what I've been up to. Tho I don't always comment on everyone's blog, I still love to read them and get inspired. Thanks for reading mine and hope I can do the same. Till next time yinz crazy guys.......

Is it March already??

Well, Valentine's day is come and gone and finally Spring is a speck on the horizon...a little more sunny days and warmer weather. Backtracking a little bit, I did manage to have a wonderful Valentine's Day with Sweetie Man even if it was a week later. Made him his very very favorite chocolate pie (His mom's secret recipe). He loved it. Had to take a pic as this one turned out great...perfect meringue.

Then I secretly stitched this little saying for him, padded it and put a little backing on it for him to hang in his office cubicle...along with all the other stuff I stitched for him. They do tease him at work...I love it!!

Also, finished up a HOE swap and received this BEAUTIFUL needlecase from my partner. It actually is my first needlecase I ever owned. She added some petite needles (my favorite) and other goodies....how did she know I'm a lip gloss junkie???

This is what I stitched for my partner. She hasn't a clue who she is getting something from so I'm safe in showing this. Found the pattern on the Creative Poppy website. I love sites where I can just download and start stitching.

So, that's what's been keeping me busy. Finally getting to do some things for me without any deadlines to meet...it's great! Until the weather warms up, I'll be stitching inside in front of the tv with some occasionally treadmill breaks. So, till next time yinz crazy guys.........

Happy Valentines Day Blogland!!

Ever since I made this dowel tree I keep finding things in multiples that I want to put on it. This time it's crochet hearts in pink and red. So many patterns of these on the web when I googled it...just picked an easy one and made a dozen.

Now I gotta find something to make for St. Patrick's day for my little tree. Easter stuff is already in the works.
So with that said.....
hope yinz guys all have a Sweet Day.....till next time, yinz crazy guys...

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL???

It's been a little crazy here in the burgh these past two weeks. As you saw in my last post, I decided to make Spirit Gloves. Well when we added my hubby making Steeler buttons, business BOOMED!!! EVERYONE went crazy. We literally could hardly keep up with all the orders. Here's a pic of just some of the buttons he designed on our Badge-A-Minit.
This is one box of the pom-poms I was up till midnight a few days making for the Spirit Gloves.
Today (Super Bowl Ever) even hubby got into making pom-poms with our nifty pom-pom maker. It's not easy finding the black and gold yarn either. It's fun but extremely exhausting. One day I was actually delivering gloves to someone at their job, and someone in a van could 't roll their window down fast enough to ask me where I got them. Unfortunately, I was for the most part making them to order as I couldn't get ahead of the game to make them to sell outright without orders. It's crazy!!!

So with that said, hubby and I are off to finish more Spirit Gloves for tomorrow at our church so....till next time, yinz crazy guys......GO STEELERS!!!!!