Tuesday Display Chain: Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary.....

How does your garden grow?

This week's display chain theme is our interpretation of spring gardens.....

(Note - it really is Tuesday even for me this time around.....)

Sadly, this is our last week of the display chain hosted by Misi from 1890 Gable House Musings.  (This week, Traci from York Mountain Primitives is co-hostessing.)  Misi and Traci saved a dilly for the last.  More than any of the other clever themes, this one has thrown me for a loop, because, as you know, I live in Nod.... And, Lady Spring finds Nod ever so slowly.....I think, with the long, relentless, winters here, she just forgets about us sometimes or loses her way (but don't tell her I said that....I'd hate to be subjected to one of her cruel hail storms ~or worse~ out of spite....)

I didn't think I would find myself apologizing so often for my pitiful offerings, yet here I am doing it again.....but here we go.....

"Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?

Well, this Mary's spring garden grows quite contrarily, for I live in Nod you know....."

What I see are blank canvases......waiting to be painted with color and life.

Beds waiting for new plants to nourish and roots to tickle their deep dark recesses:

Containers waiting their turn at being useful again:

Restored to glory with treasures from here:

(Yeah, that's barren and empty too - I told you....things are different in Nod!)

While I say goodbye to these:

And dream of things to come, I am wooed to sleep by the lullaby of my little froggy friends:

And wake to the melodic songs of my feathered neighbors:

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I hope you visit 1890 Gable House Musings to find the links to all the other chain gang members' posts.  I strongly suspect that Lady Spring plays favorites and has already visited many of them, so there is sure to be color and beauty to more than compensate for my contrary spring garden offerings.....

I also would like to express my sincerest gratitude to Misi (and her several guest hostesses along the way, including Traci and Amy from Bumble Bee Lane) for organizing and hostessing this wonderful thing called the Tuesday Display Chain for as long as I can remember....I know it brought me - and many others - much joy.

(PS - A special thank-you to Linda of Parker's Paradise for my new blog header....)

My Friend Shirlee....

.....is one of a very special kind.  She has a mad talent with her needle and thread....but the gifts of her heart are treasures beyond compare.

A bit ago, as most of you know, I celebrated my birthday (in grand style, I might add, thanks to so many of my incredible blogging friends)....One of those friends was Shirlee (a/k/a The Easily Influenced Stitcher), who honored me so wonderfully.

See, not only did she thoughtfully think long and hard about what things I hold near and dear to my heart, but she actually worked long and hard to make me a gift that she was sure I would truly like and that was "me."  And she was so spot-on in her assessment of my "me-ness," that, lo and behold, in a post of mine (a few days before my birthday), she saw that I already had the piece she had chosen so carefully for me and was working so diligently to complete:

(A Pineberry Lane design made by Pam from basketsnprims.)

Now, at this point, I would have thrown in the towel.  After all, it's the thought that counts, right? But (and despite the fact that I said collections are best in 3's and the bowl would look awesome with another), Miss Shirlee went back to work with her magical threads and golden needle and made me this awesome needlekeep:

It's a Stacy Nash design called Pine Tree Farm Pinkeeps.  I absolutely, positively, ADORE it!! I haven't met many SN designs I don't love, but this one couldn't be more perfect for me - colorwise, motif-wise, or otherwise..... 

Sweet, huh?  Yeah - I know.  But on TOP of that, that incorrigible Shirlee also sent me this precious chick pinkeep made by Mona from My Old Crow Primitives.

This was truly special to me as Shirlee knew that I love Mona's work and Shirlee gave up a very special gift because she knew how much I love Mona's handwork and all things little yellow chick-ish and pinkeep-ish.

Now THAT is a heart of pure, precious, gold.

Oh - and she also sent me this adorable little pincushion (fashioned in a bottle cap), also made by Mona:

And....some candy cigs (kind of an inside joke....Shirlee and I were reminiscing about candies of yesteryear and I didn't know they even still made these things!):

Thank you so very much my dear, sweet, friend.  You are a dear heart - for sure and for certain.  The gifts themselves are amazing treasures - but the gift of your thoughtfulness behind them will be a treasure my heart will hold forever.

Tuesday Display Chain: On Wednesday....

Yes, that pretty much sums things up around here.

The ever-creative and overly-talented Misi at 1890 Gable House Musings is once again hostessing the Tuesday Display Chain.  This week's theme is "Crafting Secrets Exposed."  Really?

If you don't know me by now, I'll let you in on a little secret: I get very little crafting done....and I am not very ingenious in that regard.  I do have a slick way of finishing/binding hooked rugs, but it's not MY idea (lifted from my clever hooking pal, Cathy), and seeing as I don't have a rug ready to bind, there wasn't any way of showing you it.

Add to that some family issues that have put me behinder than usual, and I thought I'd be sitting this one out. But, I don't like feeling left out.

So here's my contribution - lame as it is:

I can only imagine what you're thinking....but I warned you it was lame.  These are just some of my "old reliables" that I reach for time and time again.

Old English Scratch Cover:  In addition to doing what it's marketed for (i.e., cover furniture scratches), it's a wonderful "fix everything."  I do have my Bri Wax that I use for distressing and faux finishes, but I find that my Old English is much more versatile.  For example, I had a friend repair this old hand mirror for me. In doing so, he gouged a piece of the wood.  I didn't mind the gouge itself, as the piece is primitive and has gouges (and carving) anyway - but the exposed wood was not attractive.  A little Old English to the rescue, and you never would know:

I also used it to "blend" the finishes on some replacement pieces on this old child's rocker:

   (The sweetie in the chair is "Joyce," one of OLM's creations.....)

I have two bottles - one for light and medium wood and one for dark, but find I use primarily the dark one.  This stuff lasts forever - I've had these bottles for at least 10 years (so if you're looking for it in the store, it may not look the same anymore).

Next up:

Lighter Fluid:  This stuff is amazing at removing tape and sticker residue.  The above said mirror also came with a residue on the mirrored surface.  I could remove some of it with glass cleaner, but it had been on there so long that the adhesive residue was actually becoming part of the mirror.  Lighter fluid took it right off.  (Works great on removing price tags from books that are to be gifted as well, and I use it to remove labels from plastic and glass containers for storage/reuse.  For large labels, remove as much of the top of the label as you can, then use the lighter fluid to remove the adhesive.)

Lastly:

My Snippets:  My husband thinks I save everything. I disagree - but I do save my snippets from hooking.  And, on the rare occasion that I actually craft something that requires stuffing, and I want that lumpy, old timey, feeling, I reach for my stash and use them. 

There you have it....not really "crafty," and definitely not "ingenious" - but it is what it is.  For some truly "creative" and "crafty" ideas, check out the posts from the other chain gang members at 1890 Gable House Musings.

Over and out....The Crow.

Special Thank-you's to Two Special Friends

As tumultuous as life can be at times, there are moments when the kindness and caring of certain people bring things back into focus and provide a healing balm....In recent days, this happened through the kindness of two special blogging friends, Marly and Laurie.

Marly, from Samplers and Santas, is somewhat of a new acquaintance to me.  Initially, I hesitated adding her to my "follow" list, as I am not doing well at all keeping up with those I have already committed to follow.  But I simply could not resist Marly's humour or talent.  Knowing I was going through a bit of a "rough patch," and having been there herself, Marly sent me a little "care package":

   A wonderful little crow box (can you say "ADORABLE??"), and tucked inside, a little candle and tart warmer.....

And.....

 Not the best photo, sorry - but a sweet little printed heart tied on top of two little pillow keeps....

Marly is right - "things" don't make a situation better - but the sentiment and thought behind them certainly brought a sweet solace.  Thank you so much, Marly.  Your compassion truly touched me deeply - and I love, love, love my Marly treasures!

Another friend near and dear to my heart, Laurie, from when the bough breaks, never ceases to amaze me with her talent or her generosity.  You've seen her work on my blog previously - as I can't resist Laurie's sheep or crows....or nests...or....Yeah, you get the idea.  (And that is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg of the plethora of amazing things Laurie paints.....)

This lady has one kind of crazy good talent.  I couldn't say "no" to this sweet painting of hers:

 (I swear she had a photo of my and my DH "discussing" our kitchen remodel in front of her when she painted this....)

Well....I'm not exactly sure which one I couldn't say "no" to, and had a hard time making up my mind.....Sweet Laurie made sure I didn't second-guess my decision and sent me the other two as well:

Can't wait to get these framed!! Thank you my dear, dear, Laurie....Your heart is every bit as big as your wonderful talent.  I truly can't thank you enough.....

Seems like every time my faith in the goodness of humankind starts to falter, there is someone there who makes me believe again.

Here's hoping your days are filled with belief....   

Merrie Easter Greetings

 (Punched eggs pattern by Stone & Thread; punched by me)

(Sitting bunnies by Kim of The Barn Hollow) 

(A Rabbit Hill Primitives' creation) 

("Hare Heist" design by Ewe and Eye - hooked by me)



(Bunny pouch by Sweetpeas Primitives)

 ("Easter Egg Hunt" punch pattern by Brenda Gervais of With Thy Needle & Thread)

 (Bunny and her dolly by Tina of The Burlap Owl Primitives)

(Calico eggs by Traci of York Mountain Primitives; Bunny by Kim of The Barn Hollow)

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May the joy you give bless you tenfold this Easter tide.....

Easter joy to you!



Our Siberian Shepherd, My Mother, and Little Crow.....

Don't quite know where to begin this, so I'm going to just jump right in here I guess.  Many of you have asked for updates on various things, and I have not managed to reply to many.  (I apologize, but please know that I truly appreciate your concern.)  Yes, I'm still teaching, although I am currently in-between terms.  (Business Law II, which I was scheduled to be teaching this term, did not have enough students enrolled, and so was canceled.  The next class they asked me to teach, I passed on, as it was really out of my area of expertise.  So, the next class I'm scheduled for (Criminal Justice) won't be until June....then, Legal Issues for Health Care Administrators in October.....)

Anyways, I thought I'd cover things in one big "update."  Not my usual type of post, and yet, things are what they are, and I'm not going to pretend otherwise.  Add a little family tension, and a broken toilet, and you've got one more than usually-cranky, cranky, crow.

On to the updates:

OUR SIBERIAN SHEPHERD.....

A/K/A, The Snow Dog.....

Ok....so he's not a "Siberian Shepherd...." He's just a Siberian Husky who pretends to be a shepherd. (It's his story and he's sticking to it.  All he needs is some sheep....Hey - did someone say "SHEEP?"!!! ;o))  If you recall, he was diagnosed with blastomycosis about 6 months ago.  Six months and $1,160 in meds and tests later, he is not improving.  In fact, in the past two weeks, he has taken a turn for the worse.

I love that dog.

MY MOTHER........

Not sure who knows what here, as I can't remember what I shared and didn't.....But, long story short, she is elderly and has a history of heart problems, and syncope (fainting/loss of consciousness caused by a temporary lack of oxygen to the brain).  In the beginning of March, she was hospitalized several days for a bronchial/upper respiratory infection.  She returned home, and, within 24 hours, lost consciousness, fell, cut her head open, and was hospitalized again.  She was released a few days later to a nursing home to recuperate and for therapy, where she remained since. Last Saturday, she was again hospitalized for fluid around the lungs, and a viral infection.  She was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and sent back to the nursing home a week ago Monday.  She is not doing well - physically or emotionally.  Neither am I.

 I love that woman.

LITTLE CROW........

As most of you know, my son had surgery on November 30th for his wayward kneecap.  It was not successful.  He had another surgery on February 15th.  It, too, was unsuccessful.  We met with the surgeon on March 12.  The surgeon just scratched his head and recommended we see a different surgeon for a second opinion, which we did a few days later.  That surgeon, too, scratched his head and said he didn't know what to tell us.  Basically, given the number of years that Little Crow has had this issue (it happened in 8th grade and was treated by a physician hesitant to recommend surgery), and how he compensated for it, the inner quad muscle has completely atrophied. In addition, the outer quad muscle has become something of a "mega-muscle" and therefore pulls his patella/kneecap out at whim. He didn't have any answers for us either. He told Little Crow to resume physical therapy 2x/wk (he had been going 3x/wk since the first surgery and so insurance coverage has been exceeded and we're on our own), and he'd consult with the original surgeon and two others and get back to us - which hasn't happened yet.  So, thousands of dollars later (puts The Snow Dog all to shame), all we are left with is frustration - and additional pain caused by the multiple surgeries.  Looking for a miracle here.

I love that kid.

So there you have it.....I apologize....no prims, no crafts, no gardening - no funnies.  No kidding.

Prayers welcome....

Tuesday Display Chain: Sprucing & Springing

Help?

It's Tuesday again....My beloved display chain is in play....but my offerings for this week's theme, "Sprucing & Springing," are pathetic.

 Unfortunately, here in Nod, there isn't a whole lot of either going on.

Not much "springing" because, although, like many of you, we have had unusually mild temperatures of late, you must keep in mind that we are, after all, in Nod.....Spring finds us very, very, slowly here.

Not much "sprucing" because I've been spending most of my time between nursing homes, hospitals, doctor offices, and ERs.....I'll try to provide an update soon.

But, here we go.

What's springing up:

Tulips (So far, The Cranky Crow 1: The Resident Tulip-eating Rabbit: 0)

Daffodils (NO!! They're not blooming yet - and this photo was taken this morning!)

Lily of the Valley (Gotta look close - they're there, I promise!!)

Rhodedendrum (lots of buds!)

 If you look close, there are buds on this Viburnum....and spruce trees in the background....hence, "sprucing & springing...." Ok...I know - boo, hiss - that's a real stretch.

Likewise, with our May tree....."Springing" in the foreground, and "sprucing" in the background....

When I ventured out to see what might be "springing" up, I saw something in the bushes around the pool, so thought I would do some "sprucing" and throw it away.  But it was part of this bird's home construction:

It's hard to tell from the photo, but the plastic is actually wound into the nest, making it part of it - but there is definitely more at the top.  Perhaps it's that bird's idea of retractable roofing?

Other than that, there's bunches of bunnies springing up as I spruce our nest for spring....And, of course, that means it's time for the ceremonial "changing of the rugs...."  (Yup, Traci, this is for you....)

I know, I know....a sorry display all around.  Promise I'll try to do better next week.  Thanks for your patience with me, and for the visit.....

I've visited one or two of the other chain gang's posts already and they're definitely more fun than mine - hope you'll go to Misi's at 1890 Gable House Musings to find the links to everyone else's posts.....

Bottom-of-my-heart Kind of Thanks.....

I have (almost) recovered from my online birthdaypalooza.  Holy cats. I don't even know where to begin....For a cranky crow who really wanted to forget her birthday just this once this time around, and who had sat on her porch the morning of, wondering if she were too old to run away from home, you all really made things special.  I don't even know where to begin the list of "thank-yous" (or who to blame first for publicizing this, although I have some pretty good ideas, and a pretty long memory) - But, for all your emails and comments with wishes, the posts (Wow!), wonderful poetry (I've never had a poem written just for me!!), and cards, I am so truly grateful that I am (almost) speechless. Thank you....from the bottom of my little crow heart.

As frosting on my (almost) birthday cake (can you believe I didn't get CAKE??), I received some very special gifts. It doesn't get any better than this (no "almost" involved....)

An extra special gift from my extra special "girlfriend," Robin, at The Primitive Hutch:

I call it "Robin's Spring...."  Robin - you have a heart of pure gold that never ceases to touch mine.  And you do the most amazing things with thread and needle.  Your workwomanship is impeccable....I absolutely LOVE this! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

And.....just when you thought I had enough sheep.....meet my newest addition:

Come on....who could have possibly resisted??  Isn't he adorable??? (Might be wrong - might be a "she," but sure looks like a "he" to me.....) "He's" the incredible work of Laurie from when the bough breaks and when I "met" him, I knew he had to come live with me.  GORGEOUS, no?!!! Laurie is one of the most wonderfully gifted souls I know - what she does with paper and paint - and with words - is amazing.  And, Laurie, knowing that I like nests (almost) as much as sheep, also sent me this:

Three eggs....My interpretation:  Papa Crow, Mama Crow, and Little Crow....  ;o)

They'll be off for framing soon - please excuse my inadequate photography...

Thank you SO MUCH, Laurie!!! I am honored to have some of your wondrous art work in my humble home.

Lastly, but not leastly - hugs and thank-yous to Carol, a/k/a, the The Firecracker Kid.  Recently, she has been (sneakingly) doing impromptu giveaways on her blog.  Being as forever behind as I am, I have missed out on entering most - but was lucky this time....and doubly lucky to have been the winner of this great rolling cookie pin:

 Suuuuweet!!!

Thanks so much Carol!!!

Front and center of my "collection...."  Hmmmm....I just may need me one of those FKP rolling pin keeps.....ummmm....and a wall to put it on??  Timmy - do you do walls??? ;o)

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Have I told you how much this has meant to me???  Well, I'm telling you now....thank you so very much......You all are the very bestest.....