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Saying Goodbye to 2017

Saturday, December 30, 2017


Here are two vintage New Year Cards to enjoy. I like the wildlife art in them.

Stand in Your Power

Wednesday, December 27, 2017




Your daily truth from Brave Living...
Dear Amazing Soul,

We always have the power to choose a different way. We always have the power to choose a different reaction. We are never powerless.

You are not powerless. You just aren’t. You can get up and begin again. You can make different choices. You can take complete and total responsibility for the life you live.

Your power is in taking responsibility…in knowing and remembering that no one can make you feel badly without your consent, no one can control your decisions or your life without your consent…..in knowing and remembering that every day is a new day to make new choices and turn things all around.

Stand in your power and use it. You are not powerless.

www.braveliving.com

Merry Christmas

Monday, December 25, 2017

1923 Winter Fun

Sunday, December 24, 2017




I think that these 1923 photos from St Moritz, Switzerland are great. The wealthy young aristocrat's enjoying wintertime in the snow. The middle photo is wonderful. It really shows how the young women of that era dress, and they are showing off the ski wear of the wealthy. I really like the young woman on the left...wearing that long tasseled scarf with her riding style pants.

Look for what is Right

Saturday, December 23, 2017



Your daily truth from Brave Living...
Dear Seeking Soul:

Looking for beauty and truth and what is right has magic in it...but as you know, it almost always takes work and effort to see it. 

No matter where you are, you can find something about that place that is beautiful, true or good, even if it is simply the lessons you are able to learn there. 

Look for what is RIGHT about a situation. No matter what situation you are in, there is something good to find inside of it. 

Look for what is RIGHT about others. No matter who you are with, you will be able to look in their eyes and see their value, finding something wonderful and good in that person.

Most importantly, look for what is RIGHT about you. No matter what mistakes you have made, no matter how disappointed you are, no matter what has happened, you can ALWAYS find your own value, you can always look for what is RIGHT about yourself and take a break from looking for what is wrong. There is so much that is right about you, beautiful beautiful amazing you.

You are so loved. Please see it.

xoxo
Little Birdie Featured Artist of the Day: 

Rey Mora
NEW! Free SoulBook PDFS along with Workbooks for purchase for men, kids, and teens/preteens, including SoulBook materials for making SoulBooks for others!!! See them all here

(PS. Free SoulBook materials are now found for download in our Shoppe)

All of this is from www.bravegirlsclub.com



























Kala Ukulele Christmas

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

I received this photo today, and it is uniquely fun for Christmas. I wish that I had thought of doing this with my Outdoor Uke. The photo below is from Outdoor Uke, showing their Christmas Wreath. I have an idea...to get a small broken uke or toy guitar, and decorate it for next Christmas. I might get a string of very small led lights operated by batteries with a timer.




DIY - Decorating a Nutcracker

Monday, December 18, 2017

I know someone who purchases Nutcrackers at a thrift store and then puts gems and glitter all over them, and resells them. The result is very special, unique, and stunning.  I found this 20" nutcracker about 3 or 4 years ago. I am finally getting around to adding the gems and glitter to the nutcracker.

Today, I put some gems on...and I will continue for the next several days. It is going to snow, and I will be in my studio working on a few projects.


A Little Christmas Crafting

Saturday, December 16, 2017


I visited my favorite shop, today, The Vintage Industry, in Springfield Oregon. The shop is a combination of Junk, Antiques, and hand crafted items. The merchandise is carefully curated and is very special. So, let's say that there are no crochet scrubbers here. I took a pic of these little cuties, they would easy to make, and I like the sparkly glitter.

This is one reason why I visit the shop often, I get wonderful ideas for crafting, and ways to decorate in a new way...with my own stuff.

I like fresh ideas for creating fun and different ways to use my collections, such as the white plaid throw in my last post. I rarely purchase anything...but I leave with inspiration.

Lovely Wool Plaid Throw

Thursday, December 14, 2017


I have a love for collecting these vintage wool blankets and throws. I found and purchased this one yesterday at my local thrift store. It is in nearly perfect condition, and I love the colors. It is the only one in my collection with a base color of white. The white is not yellowed, stained, or moth eaten. The fringe is in perfect condition. The blanket has no tag, and so I can not definitely ID the manufacturer. It is probably from one of the Pacific NW regional makers, and most of them are long gone. I doubt that it is a Pendleton, it is thick and heavy.

Vintage Nativity Sheep


The last two years I have been attracted to these special nativity animals. I have found all of mine at thrift stores, small lonely remnants of an old nativity. I would never take one out of a complete set. My little flock of nine sheep are special to me. They have a special place year around.

Your people love your weirdness!

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Really Yummy Cookies!

Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies - I just made these, they are by far the BEST holiday cookie recipe on Pinterest!



Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup seedless red raspberry jam
  • sugar for sprinkling
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 to 4 teaspoons water
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract

Method:

  1. In a medium bowl beat butter medium speed for about 30 seconds. Add the the 2/3 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract. Beat until well combined. Beat in as much flour as you can with electric mixer and then using a wooden spoon stir in any remaining flour. Cover and chill for 1 hour or until dough is easy to handle.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place balls 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Using your thumb, press an indentation into the center of each ball. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of the jam into each indentation and then sprinkle with sugar. Bake about 10 minutes or until edges are light brown. Cool on cookie sheets for 1 minute. Transfer cookies to wire racks to finish cooling.
  3. For icing, in a medium bowl combine powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon water and 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract. Add enough of the remaining water to make a drizzling consistency. Drizzle cookies with icing.

Cute Little Christmas Card

Monday, December 11, 2017

I am sharing this pretty little card with you. I have been sidetracked recently...and just wanted to make a blog post.

One of Those Days

Sunday, December 3, 2017

I woke up to a cold, snowy day...and decided to take on a project, since a last of the guests left yesterday. And...I received my new Dyson mini cordless stick vacum. BTW, it is terrific.

I had to do some cleaning in my studio, it was a terrible mess. I had stacks of gifts, boxes, magazines, paperwork and clutter in the way. I took many hours to get the room back. I found some things that I have been looking for too. There is still work to do...much work.

I created a cozy place for me to be. I got new batteries in all the timer candles, put up some tiny fairy lights, put out a new room scent jar, and changed up some areas. My little room is a hygee...charming, cozy, and lovely place to be during the winter.

I hope to see the super moon tonight, and it puts out about 15% more moonlight...I noticed that it was pretty easy to see last night at about 1 am.

Silvan Ridge Early Muscat Wine

Friday, December 1, 2017

I want to recommend to you my current favorite wine. This winery is just outside Eugene Oregon. I love this wine. It is a white wine that is fruity and a little bit of sparkling.  It is a winner of some competitions.

The price is very reasonable at the regional Bi-Mart stores, about $11.79 for a bottle. I think that it is a reasonably price gift for friends and neighbors.

Today, we stopped at our favorite Bi-Mart and purchased a case. I think that everyone we know will love a bottle for Christmas.

Toys for Tots

Thursday, November 30, 2017

I started giving to Toys for Tots several years ago. My strategy is to purchase things when I saw a great sale throughout the year. The last few years I have focused on a special group that has been hard to serve. Who? Teen girls, and the kinds of things that are good for them. I don't mean the typical hats and glove sets...boring. I focus on art project kits, and similar fun items. I wish that took a pic to show you.... I had a box full of donations.

Today, I dropped off my donations at the local credit union. These donations go to local kids. I hope that the girls enjoy my donations. I feel good for my simple things that I give anomalously.

Christmas is coming to town

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

There is still a little Thanksgiving turkey, but it is giving way to our normal things we eat. 

My physical therapist told me to elevate and ice my foot yesterday. 

I think that a holiday ukulele song is a good thing to learn while I am taking it easy on the left foot. This one is on my list to learn.





New Ukulele Song to Learn

Sunday, November 26, 2017




The holiday weekend is over and it appears that the weather has become rather ugly. It is time to start playing my ukulele, and learn some new songs. Here is one I am going to begin with.


Happy Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 23, 2017

I pause today to think about my blessings, large and small that I have in my life. I have so many things to be grateful for, it is a rather long list.

I want to wake up each day and be fully, boldly, and profoundly grateful to be here.

Tonight, I will ice my foot and rest it for healing. My face has had 8 days to heal, and is improving very well.  My cat and dog are sleeping by my side. The kitchen is cleaned up, and there are many bowls of food for tomorrow. I will sleep well, and under my own roof.

I am happy that this day was good. I let it go, and I am BRAVE.

On the First Day of Thanksgiving

Monday, November 20, 2017

We did the big shopping trip today, I found that Safeway had really good sales on all those food stuffs we needed for Thanksgiving. 

My left foot is killing me....and my face looks awful this evening. Oh well...it will get better!

Vintage Ceramic Rose Canister

Sunday, November 19, 2017
Via Pinterest

My junking hobby strikes again. A beautiful vintage ceramic rose canister....  My find is square shaped (5 1/2") ...but just the same. This lovely thing is a 1920's to 30's Japan made item.  The surprising thing is that it has no chips. I made a happy home for it in my craft studio, and holds some snacks for me. I love it!

Now, a little update on my visit at my Dermatologist. I had the Levulan blue light treatment on my face. It was very painful, and continued to be very painful for 48 hours. There was no numbing done. My entire face was beet red, swollen, hot, and painful. I found those first 2 days miserable. I took ibuprofen and had ice for holding on my hot skin. It is now 3 days, and I am better. I still look terrible..but it isn't painful.  I am very red in the spots where my skin had cells that would become cancer in the future. I am hopeful that I will have a good outcome following healing.


Vintage Thanksgiving Turkey Shakers

Wednesday, November 15, 2017


Today I got out my box of vintage ceramic turkey shakers, and some larger turkey figures. How many do I have? There are enough shakers to fill a large shoe box. I have been buying them at Goodwill for a number of years...I only find them with the thanksgiving stuff, this time of the year. The price is right...very inexpensive.

I used to decorate a very large table for Thanksgiving dinner, and all the turkeys fit nicely along the center...with candles and a floral display.

I managed to create a flock of turkeys onto a platter, and put the rest around the autumn themed living room.

I am going to reduce the decorations for fall, and Halloween. These are staying with me....after all...it is just a shoe box full.


Vintage Kitchen Tools Wreath

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

The past week I have been thinking about doing something fun with my vast collection of vintage kitchen tools, and spice tins. I want something that is not seasonal, and shows off these thing in a unique way. I did a search on pinterest and found several ideas. I like this wreath! Now I have to look for a large square frame, twig wreath, grapevine wreath, ...or ?  Maybe something round that I could add chalkboard paint in the center, for a fun idea.

Old Scrapbook Cover Reused

Sunday, November 12, 2017

I reused this old scrapbook cover for the cover of my Soul Book 2017. I cut it down to the size I wanted....I made sure to center this wonderful cover on the front. I have a few vintage scrapbooks on hand to upcycle into crafts. I also have a few old books with interesting covers to reuse. I even made a handcrafted book cover into a Kindle cover.

My Soul Book 2017

Saturday, November 11, 2017










I have been creating a new Soul Book with Brave Girls Club online and Facebook pages. I thought that I would share some of it with you.

I started with an old scrapbook cover, that I cut down to the right size. I followed the instructions and made the pages out of cardboard. I covered the pages with all kinds of papers, that I glued down with a glue stick. The edges were covered with strips of paper. Some tape was used for the binding areas.

I was a bit perplexed about starting to fill the pages. However, I have been cutting out ideas and saving them for this kind of book for a couple of years. I worked with my favorites, and had a book before I knew it. I am pleasantly surprised with my personal book.

Please enjoy looking at these pages.




I am camera shy...

Thursday, November 9, 2017

I am camera shy. Why? Most all photos of me are terrible. I played around with my computer camera, and took this pic. I think that it is pretty good. I am surprised. Hum.... this is what 65 looks like. Not terrible...really. Next week I am going to allow my Dermatologist do a treatment on my face. I am an ongoing skin cancer patient. I had my first cancer, melanoma, very near my left eye...over 20 years ago. I see my derm every year, and always have cryo treatments on my face. She told me that this treatment would be very good for me. It will remove the tiny spots of future cancers and even out my skin tone. The recovery is going to be pretty long, there will be lingering red skin for up to two months. Wish me well.

Kelly Rae Roberts

Monday, November 6, 2017

My foot pain

Saturday, November 4, 2017
I finally went to my doctor to get a referral for physical therapy for my left foot. The Plantar Fasciistis is stubborn and I need help.  She suggested that I get one of these for icing my foot. It is a good device. My appointments are a week away, and my foot hurts terribly. I immediately got one of these and starting using it as prescribed. I am getting relief, my foot pain is less and the swelling is down. If you or someone you know has the same problem....this is highly  recommended by me.

Ideas for Vintage Planters

Thursday, November 2, 2017

I am a thrifter, junker, and I am always thinking of ideas to use things in new ways. I do have a McCoy planter collection. I collect mostly this white color, the clay is a white color...and they used a clear glaze. The pieces will often have crazing, or crackling inside the planter. These are used for office items and storing of small things. I think that this is a good idea, business cards, paper clips, pens, pencils, and other items.


The Daily Positive - Nov 1

Wednesday, November 1, 2017


I came across this website a few days ago. I like it, and wanted to share with everyone on my blog. This post of 10 powerful positive perspectives is very good.

Prairie Flower

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Well, I sorta forgot that I didn't all the photos on the blog. Here is the last 2017 photo.  The bed area is difficult to photograph because it is a little dark inside. The area is both table and benches, and the bed. I decided to forgo the table and make a fabulous sleeping area. The bed is about a 3/4 full size...meaning it is really small for two people. That is OK, there is enough room for me and all these pillows. I made a duvet cover with the same fabric that the curtains are made from...(came with the trailer) and use a down alternative comforter. The foam bench cushions are not very comfortable, so I have two pillow toppers that are twin size stacked. I made the bed with vintage pink floral sheets that I found, they were still in the original packaging. The pillows are an eclectic mix that have down inserts. The upper bunk is used for storage, I have most anything that I might need inside the trailer. Note the two LED lanterns hanging above the bed...I don't bother with a battery, I use LED battery lights...or solar lights. The entire girly decor works for me...and it keeps the man from wanting to use it. The funny thing is that all his friends are curious and ask me if they can see the inside. It makes me smile when I show off my 1963 Aloha trailer.

The trailer is inside our shop building, and I have no worry about it getting wet and leaking. I put my chairs, coolers, umbrellas, and water jugs inside. They stay clean inside and I do keep track of my stuff that way. There is no water, and I don't need to worry about anything freezing. It is snug and secure, but if a place to sleep is wanted...there are many things to move inside the trailer. 

I Love Getting a Good Pedicure!

Saturday, October 28, 2017

This topic seems so silly and trivial to be discussing on my blog. The truth is that since I started getting professional pedicures....I am addicted. There will be no more DIY unless it is desperately needed. I really love the foot massage. The place that I go has massage chairs too. 

I started getting Pedicures because 1. It is difficult to do myself. 2. My vision is pretty bad at that distance, even with glasses.

My left foot is giving me a bout of very painful Plantar Fasciistis. I am barely able to limp/walk on my left foot. It is very painful, on the bottom of the foot and heel, because the fascia tears. My home treatment is not effective...so it will be physical therapy for me.

Soul Book

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Brave Girls Club is offering a free course where anyone can get the online class at no cost. There are downloads available, and video lessons. They have made the class very easy to follow and to make the experience great. Here is the link to the class.

I have my craft items together and will begin ASAP. I have an old scrapbook cover on hand and I will cut it down to create my covers. I already ran into a problem, I cannot cut the scrapbook covers...I think that it is going to call for a very sharp crafting knife, or chop saw.  The entire book will be uniquely my personal creation. 

The weather is really great here, and I am doing yard work...trimming back many plants to prepare for winter, and planting tulips for spring.

Is This You?

Monday, October 23, 2017

Absolutely Me!

I do not cuss, it is not ladylike.

Rain Chain

Saturday, October 21, 2017

I finally got a rain chain for a downspout on the house. The area has been a long standing problem for us. The roof drains sometimes cannot handle the water flowing. The gutters run over frequently. We have tried to keep it cleaned out, but it is an ongoing situation. After several years of  talking with the man about changing to a rain chain....he finally gave in. I suggested that we try one for a month or so...and see if a rain chain will be a better situation...he decided to let me purchase one and give it a good chance to handle the water. I can return it in the event the chain does not work.

I got one that is like this one, and we installed it yesterday. Today and for several more days we are getting heavy rain. I want to say that it is working fine right now. I am thinking about the bottom of it should be anchored somehow, maybe with a rock to keep the wind from blowing it around. Maybe I could put a few small rocks in the last watering can?