The Library

Just a couple of photos of our tiny "library". You know, the "library". There ARE books in there...okay, the *powder room*. No! It is the LOO! Just off the living room, the little spot you go to...to...um...refresh yourself. I wanted to show you the most precious gift I received from our Cassie. Cassie is one of the most generous women, talented, creative, lovely and funny. She also has glorious flea market treasures you can buy via her web space. Stop by and visit her if you have yet to do so. Her sweet Mom has recently been ill so I know Cassie would appreciate your prayers too.

Doesn't this sweet tin make you smile? Grace has named the dog "Princess" so what better spot to place her than next to a painting of a very young Queen Victoria. Doesn't every loo need a painting of a Queen? And a dog named Princess? Thank you so much Cassie. You are a sweetheart!

Isn't this bunny fingertip towel precious? It came from the sweet hands of Kari and Kijsa and if you do not know about their shop and art and *fantabulous* creations, hop straight on over and see! Each piece they make is as delightful as they themselves are! Thank you Kari and Kijsa! Now, unfortunately, I do not have a fireplace in my Loo Library (if there was room, I would so put one in there!) so we are now back in the living room. I wanted you to meet Beau. Beau is a creation from Donna. Is he not scrumptious? Donna has the most delicious site and an *Etsy* site as well. Do hop over to see the wonderful work that she and her husband create! This was a Beau I received just prior to Valentine's day but he is too special to box away until next year. He remains out, in a little nest, wearing his proverbial heart on his sleeve. Dear Beau....dear, dear Donna! It is raining, no, pouring again today. Poor Kipper may soon reach maximum capacity as he refuses to *go* outside. How I wish he could use our library! Tonight we are off to the Schuster Center to see Michael Flatley's "Lord of the Dance". I saw it 4 years ago and it was spellbinding. I am excited to share this with Grace, Mom and 2 of my buddies. Stay well, happy and safe. See you soon....

Love and Hugs, Susie Q

Missy Made It!

Just look what was waiting on me when I returned home this evening! Thank you Missy!

Missy has some delightful things on ebay and if you are a scrapper (or just want to be!), check out her wonderful things!

Grace and I will so enjoy adding these beauties to our books. Oh! Thank you for the turkey!! I LOVE turkeys!

Is It December? Not Yet? Whew. What A Relief!

One of my favorite pictures of Bill and Grace from Christmas 2005

After Grace left for school this morning, I decided to enjoy a mug of hot cider and read some of my favorite blogs. One just tickled me so because it hit home with a loud bang! Christmas cards. Home made cards to be exact.

I have blog friends who make hundreds of their own and are SO creative. I admire them. Their cards are little jewels. I wish to be just like them. Maybe next year!

I used to make my own greeting cards. I stamped, I stenciled, I glued, I drew or I photographed...in short, I was creative! The desire to be that way again is there but that itch will have to wait until next year to be scratched! With Bill away until just before the holiday and some new things to do here, there are not enough hours in the day! Or, maybe, I am just dabbling in a little procrastinating! Guilty as charged!

But hey, I DO have all my shopping done (as of this morning), the outdoor roping and bows are placed (Thank you Honey!), the porch tree decorated and lit and the antique sled decorated and in it's place of honor. The tree is up and waiting for us to make it all pretty. The mantle is almost finished. All of the decoration boxes are out and stand at the ready...so, in short, we are making headway. Remember, it is not yet December! Okay, that is what *I* keep telling myself so panic does not set in!

Grace is creating a scrapbook, all by herself, for her aunts and uncles. She is doing an amazing job! My little artist! I know that the recipients will treasure their gift. Oh, and *she* is drawing and coloring all of her cards.

Okay, back to the topic at hand...MY lack of home made cards this year...

I did, however, find some darling "they look home made" cards that we will be sending to friends and family. I have had a family picture copied for each card and am just now beginning to address them all. Then a family letter will need to be written and copied. I also add hand written notes to each card. I actually love doing that so it is no chore.

I guess I need to remember that what matters is the love we send to those who receive our cards...that we enclose our heartfelt good wishes for the season and coming new year. Okay, like so many, I *do* wish I had created my own cards this year but hey. The sentiment will be the same inside of these store bought beauties. We wish you a blessed season. A happy, warm and sweet Christmas Day. We wish you good health and happiness in the coming year. We wish Sue had not been such a procrastinator!

Still, I had some great ideas...maybe I can work on next year's cards this Summer! I will get started earlier. That is a vow.

Grace and I will team up and get those "made with our own 2 hands" babies out to everyone. I swear. Really. Stop snickering now...