Dusting It Off, Picking It up, Starting All Over Again!

Remember when I used to post here?

I wrote about food, family, friends and stitching stuff?

I'm back.

But I am going to throw in politics now. 

I hear ya groaning. It's not for everyone. But...

I was raised in the legendary, smoke filled, back rooms of the Democratic Party. 
My first words were "Bote Kennky!" which I repeated on cue as my Daddy took me around our staunchly Republican county in northwestern North Carolina while he campaigned for local, state and national candidates. I was less than a year old when I joined President Kennedy's campaign!

This evening as childhood friend of mine asked if I could give her a statement and share some pictures from yesterday's Women's March. She lives in our hometown and writes for the local paper. I marched in Raleigh, NC where I live now.

Here's what I wrote for her:

There are so many reasons to participate in events like the Women's March NC. I marched to honor my wonderful Grandmothers, Holbrook and Porter, who taught me to always be truthful and guided me to think for myself and be strong in my beliefs. I also marched to protest for rights of those who are and will be marginalized by our state and national governments' policies — women, LGBTQ, minorities, immigrants and the disabled. I am terrified by most of President Trump’s choices for his cabinet. They hold strong beliefs against people I hold dear. I have marched before, attended a few of the Moral Monday rallies and will continue to do so. Nothing is ever solved by marching but much can be learned from one's fellow marchers and from the folk who address the gathering. It is exhilarating and comforting to be immersed in a group that wants to affect the world through their words and works.

(Not me - just some nice ladies we met along the way.)

I have always been quick to say what is on my mind. I have always stood up for myself and others.

But I have also kept quiet out of a sense of decorum,
out of fear,
out of ignorance.

No more.

I will NOT sit still and let others suffer.

I will speak out.
I will act out.

I will still post stuff about food, family, friends and stitching stuff.

What's on your Needles Wednesday?

What's on Your Needles?

It's Wednesday. 

Whatcha workin on?

I know how your crafty mind works. Just like mine, right?

You have more than one project going at any given time, right?

If you're not crafting, you're thinking about crafting. 

Unless you're thinking about stuff I don't really want to know about. 

Okay - eeewww - keep that to yourself. 

Please. 

Currently on my needles -

a super secret embroidery,

an afghan, 

 

and a shoe hanger/storage thingy.

I'm making 4 of these for us. E'er day I'm trippin over shoes!

Recently finished - 

A blankie for my childhood friend's newest family member, Maegan Gabrielle.

 I used vintage animal designs that belonged to my Great Aunt Pearl. 

I also sneaked in my Clempzin Tiger colors on the cat. heehee

 The back is this Democrat fabric. 

I stitched/quilted 3 little donkeys in each corner.

A Redskins knit cap - toboggan, as we call it in The South.

 Yeah, I finished knitting it late one night and had to get a pic right then!

Like my bright blue flan`nel gown?

And a purple sweater for Rosie.

 Oh heck, have you been introduced?

This is my new baby, Rosie.

Brought her home from the Wake County Animal Shelter last Fall.

.

She's a Terrier mix, maybe 5 years old, about 12 pounds and I loves her!

So, what's on YOUR needles?

What Have You Been Doing?

I have days that I feel as if I have been so busy but that produce little in the way of "getting things done."
How about you?

I often find myself doing what I want to do rather than what I "need" to be doing.

Lately I have been re-inspired to embroider and cross-stitch.

It is so much more fun than doing the laundry or dusting.

 

I made this one up.

It's a fire in honor of our first ever Fire-Pit party back in December.

I'll show you when it's finished.

 

This is a Kristy Kizzee design. I won

Zombie Cross-Stitch kit by Erika Kern and Kristy Kizzee!

I'm stitching it with waste canvas on black fabric that will soon (hopefully) be a shirt for BillHubby.

I'm taking poetic license with the colors. I just started stitching again and didn't have all the absolute exact DMC flosses. And there's no way BillHubby is goin around 

with a blonde on his shirt!

Kristy's etsy shop - Bombastitch

The Fabulous mr x stitch's review of the kit I won!

The last couple of weeks have been stressful so I escaped into an old habit.

Backtracking a wee bit - in First Grade I determined that my crayons at school and those of my best friend should be arranged thusly - yellow, orange, blue, purple, red, green, brown and black.

I do not know why. 

I still arrange things in this order.

Since 1964!

Anyway, my doodles are most often a design surrounded by progressively bigger outlines of said doodle. If I use crayons or colored pencils or markers I always start with yellow and so on. (Oh please, someone analyze this for me!)

So this flower was born.

When I finished it the other day I felt so happy and cleansed of all 

that had been plaguing my brain.

I leave you with, as Jon Stewart says, 

"your moment of zen." 

Is there anything more peaceful than tired kittehs curled up for a nap?

Kitteh Kitteh Lovey and Stanley

P.S. Coming soon! Blogiversary and new etsy shop items!

P.P.S. Please go check out Jodi's Blog and her fab Giveaway!!!

Giveaways, Lights and Freedom!

Have you been outside today?

After a month of record high temperatures and me hiding inside with the AC cranking out lovely cool air it was so nice to take Our Petey the Boston Terrier out for his morning meander and enjoy some cool - dare I say crisp? - air.  Birds singing, sun shining, and a wee bit of a breeze. I know it's mere a lull in the heat storm that is Summer in the Mid-South.  But oh so nice to open the windows and let the house breathe the cool free of air conditioned stuffiness!

What have y'all been up to so far this summer?  Nothing seriously exciting nor new around here.  Bill is still on the job hunt. But his temporary unemployment has allowed him a chance to go out and about with his camera. Check out his pics of what we lovingly refer to as "Southern Decay" and the other things that catch his artistic eye.  

Leave him some comment love too. He thinks his pictures are "okay."  

I say they are amazing.

My daughter Katharine and her Beau, Brian, just moved into the cutest little house in a cute little town nearby.  They are now 25 minutes versus 15 minutes away but it's a fun ride through the counties' back roads. They had too much stuff and offered us a floor lamp.  Great timing as one of our lamps had just decided to rebel. Only one minor problem - the gift lamp is a little wobbly.  

No problem. 

Ha!

We put it to work in our workroom. Lovely. I sat down in the chair beside it and Whomp! There it is! On my head. Fighting a tear or two I declared war on said lamp. 

You lamp you!  I'll fix you! Ha!

 Yeppers!  I fixed that lamp!  You are now looking at the new ceiling fixture in our Guest bathroom!

(Oops! Tilt yer head to the left. Sorry.)

I love hanging light fixtures. I love recycling! This application used the base and top of the lamp.

Free is good isn't it?

Come back and visit with me next Tuesday for a review of a product from CSN Stores and a $40 Gift Certificate Giveaway!!! 

I hope each and every one of you has a wonderful weekend celebrating the freedom we have as Americans!

Be safe!

June is bustin out alllllll ohohoh-ver!

It's June!

Time for Grads, Dads and Brides!

At least that what the folks in the advertising world have reminded us for years!
For BillHubby and me it's a month of birthdays and short road trips.

First, Bill's birthday. This year very low key.  No 12 layer cake like 2 years ago but I did cook.  I know, don't y'all faint!  I filled Crescents rolls (from a can) with shredded cheese for breakfast and  baked a regular ol' box yellow cake with cream cheese icing.  Bill put together a big crock pot full of roast beast and veggie goodness for supper.  We relaxed all day.

The Birthday Boys!!!
 
A few days later it was off to Wilmington, NC for StepSonWill's 30th Birthday Party.  In a park. With 90 degrees as the cool temp of the day. BUT we had a blast with all the kids and got to spend time snatching our Grand Daughter away from the other Grand Parents, who live in Wilmington.

Cutie Pie Aubree on Grammy's lap. I'm Grammy! Bill is Grumps - hee hee
He took this pic and cut me out - hmmph!

(WARNING - Next picture is not safe for work or sensitive types  - bad words.)

What is with this phenomenon called "Cornhole."  It's really just Toss Across for grown-ups, right?

Last weekend we headed over to Statesville, NC for my Great Aunt Iona's 99th Birthday party!  She is the last of my [Grand]Mama's siblings.  Still living in her own home (with some help.)  Still sharp as a tack and funny as can be. I firmly believe my wicked sense of humor comes from the long line of long living Walker-Campbell women! 
Mama lived to be 104!

I've been sewing some and participated in Val of YarniGras! Hot Mama Pin-Up apron Swap.
Not gonna post what I made til I know my swap partner has it in hand but lookie what Becca sent me!!!!

Thank you so much Becca!!!

 Yeah, I really shoulda ironed it first. (I discovered a "new" tool in Photoshop - "decorate.")

Aren't the gals pretty and my apron is fab.  Becca used a sturdy stripey plaid fabric as an under apron and for the ties and waistband.  It's so pretty I'll probably use it as one of my hostess aprons.  Thank you Val for co-ordinating the swap.

One last note - have you been thinking about jazzing up your home decor?  Maybe some  wall sconces, curtains, art? Check back with me in a day or two cause CSN Stores is once again allowing me to review a product and give one lucky winner a gift certificate to use in any of their 200+ online stores!!!!!!! Click their name and check 'em out while I get my product review in order.  CSN Stores has to be the most comprehensive website in the whole World Wide Web!  They have furniture, Home Decor, Housewares, Home Improvement, Outdoor, Baby & Kids, Shoes, Bags & Luggage, Health & Fitness, Pet, Office and School categories with lots and lots and lots of shops in each group!!!!

Where Have I been?

I can not believe I haven't blogged since way before Hallowe'en!   Yet, I can believe it.

I have been lurking around the interwebs, reading your blogs, commenting and doing all sorts of "stuff."

Quick recap of the last month (with a little sad stuff -sorry.)

Bill and I went to the Annual Cul-De-Sac Hallowe'en Party in the neighborhood where I raised the kids.  

We were Zombies complete with ragged cloths.  Sometimes sacrifices must be made in the name of Hallowe'en costumes ;)  Remind me to tell you about our Zombie obsession sometime.

The Party is always fun.  We gather for a pot-luck set up in the cul-de-sac.  We put a table up with bowls and bowls of our combined candies.  We eat, watch the parade of kids and parents and just have fun! 

I contributed a Brain Cake this year that was featured on this blog by Rosie after I asked her about making fondant.

[Sad stuff warning] My Mom's best friend, "Butch" died on Hallowe'en so I was off to the foothills for her visitation and funeral.  Butch and Mom had been best pals since they met in 1956. Her daughter Jackie, my brother and I were always thick as thieves.

While it was sad, it was wonderful to re-connect with Jackie, her husband and daughter and all the cousins.  There were people that I hadn't seen in 20 or 30 years.  That part was great.  Now we are facebook friends so keeping in touch will be easier.  Jackie's daughter is expecting me to spill the beans on some of the nonsense we got in to as kids ;)

I have been babysitting the most adorable 2 year old a couple of days a week.  Her mom is an excellent book keeper and needs a few days out of her home office to visit clients.  More on Sophia (with pics) another day.

My son and Grandson dropped by for a couple of days too.  I love having 4 year old Harrison Ford here.

Ain't he a cutie?

He even smiles on cue!  (Sorry bad pic cause Grandma was laughin')

In my grief stage I have turned to hand stitching.  There is something very comforting about the rhythm and quiet of sewing by hand.   Got a couple of little coaster sets done for my etsy shop.

Also "built" a light box so I could take better pics.  Bill sort of snickered at it but I didn't see him - the professional photographer/videographer - "build" me one!  hmmph!

I fell very behind in my "have to do" sewing.  Lucky for me I have very patient customers.  They are friends too and I am trying to catch up.

The Annie and Apron swaps put together by the wonderful Marcel of Aunt Pitty Pat's were fun.  (Again, I was the slowest/latest one in exchanging stuff!) 


Here's the Annie I sent to Australia!

 Before or really "in the middle."

 
Here's the Annie that came from Australia! (Along with many other goodies!) Isn't she darling!?!

[Sad stuff again]  Bill's job quest has been trying his patience.  Being laid off after 15 years is enough of an ego blow but add to that the tight job market with his highly specialized skills and he is frustrated. 

Petey is no worse than he was when we saw the Vet.  Sleeps more than he used to but he has always been cat-like ;)

Speaking of cats.  I have lured in adopted a feral cat.  She is now trusting enough to come when called - as much as any cat will.  She sleeps inside at night, lets me pick her up now (after a finger chomping that was totally my impatient self's fault,) knows how to use and does use the litter box and rubs up on Petey then runs when he realizes she is there and gives a "barffk!"

I call her Kitteh Kitteh but she needs a real name.

Thank you for for checking in with me here and by e-mail and by phone.  Friends are the best remedy for what ails me and I appreciate each and every one of you!

Now I gotta go do something or another!

Vintage Thingies Thursday and a Give Away

As I said earlier - I love September for many reasons!

It's National Sewing Month!
It's my Birthday month - I'll be 50!
It's my daughter Katharine's Birthday month - she'll be 22!
It's College Football kick-Off Month! Go Tigers! Go Demon Deacons!
It's cooler!
It's Fall!
It's time for another GiveAway! Check it out!

Now for somethingys Vintage.

I've shown you things from my Mom's Dad's family and home place. So here's a bit from Mom's Mother's history. We all called her "Mama."



This is the Church her family attended. It was a "Circuit Church" meaning one Pastor was assigned to Moss Chapel and at least 2 other congregations. He would have services at each place on a rotating basis. Believe it or not there are still several Methodist Churches on circuits, including Mama's church.










Isn't it sweet?



















I remember attending a Christmas service there with my family and Mama and her sisters and all the uncles and cousins who were nearby. Twas COLD!! with one wood stove up front. The Pastor asked for all the children to come forward to sing "Away in a Manger." Mama shoved me out in the aisle. Couldn't hide - wished I could be invisible - didn't know a soul there but family - managed to sing and not die. Mama was so proud! I didn't understand til I had my own children :)


The building and grounds have been updated since I was a little girl. They have heat and air conditioning now! Anyone else remember those fans on a stick that we used way back when? And other modern conveniences have been added too....




His AND Hers! Mama didn't get to see these being added but I am sure she would have had more than a few jokes and "true" stories to tell about such places.


It's Homecoming this week at Moss Chapel. Mom is going and we are wishing we could join her and Mama's one remaining sister and all the cousins. The food is always wonderful!!!!


And there's always a stroll through the cemetery where I learn more about our ancestors.

Have I mentioned we are pack rats? Yeah, I know, I have. Here are the Barbie cloths that Mama helped me sew. She taught me how to sew by hand way before I was allowed to think about even looking at a sewing machine!



Poor Barbie would look like a sad bag lady if I were to dress her in these now.

Thanks for stopping by. I know I was late posting VTT today but just in case you haven't looked yet - go over to our dear hostess, Suzanne's site, Coloradolady, and check out all the other Vintage Thingys!



And don't forget to check out my Give Away!

Let's get this party started!

I have been told that I am funny. You know funny-haha, not funny-weird. I dunno. I just say what's on my mind without a whole lot of censoring. Heck, the other day I dropped the f-bomb whilst on the phone with my Mom. So glad she was talking at the same time! I'm nearly 50. I should know better!

Anyways, some of my friends think I can tell a good (and true) story. I think a lot is lost in translation when I write the tales I tell. We'll see what you, the blog reading public, thinks.

I read a few blogs myself. I find myself returning to the ones that seem open and honest and full of sewing ideas!

I sew.

I sew for a living. What I make is boring - bed skirts, pillows and shams. Not much of a challenge after a while.

I sew for others. Alterations are a drag but it's good gas money. I drive a truck that currently needs an alternator. :(

I sew for my self and my family. Now that's only when I have some spare time. Who has spare time? I do if I don't sleep or if I put off a real job.

So let's get this party started. I have blabbed enough for now. In this space you will soon find pictures of my "works in progress" (wip), you'll meet my family and friends and hopefully I can share a bit of what I know about the gentle "Domestic Arts."

Later,
Becky