What a Nice Surprise

Yesterday, after I got home, I found a surprise in my mail box. 

My friend Em, sent me a package.  In this package was a sandwich box. 




Curious... I open it...

And look what I found!  

What a nice surprise!  A pretty blown glass heart necklace.  

Em, always has a way to bring a smile to your face - a kind word, or gesture.  I think she lives to bring a smile to someone.  :)     Thanks Em!!     PS... I think sandwich box is a cute and novel way to give a gift. :)

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I started on my handbag today.  I decided to change up the pattern a bit.  To some you that isn't a surprise.  :)   

I couldn't find the quilted fabric, the pattern called for, or at least none that I liked. So I picked fabrics out of my stash and quilted the sides.  I added pockets to the outside, with a contrasting trim.  I plan to add pockets on the inside and make a matching organizer to go in it.    I will post pics as soon as I get it done.  

I also crocheted two dishcloths today.  I have paired them with the flower dishcloth, to make a set.  I plan to add coordinating scrubbers to them. 

This set will go into a "Moving" gift basket, for a friend who is moving out of of state, in the next week or so.

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TODAY'S QUESTION

What five things will you always find on you?

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GIVEAWAYS

Samelia's Mum is having a giveaway.  You could win one of four Sewline Fabric Glue Pen.  This giveaway ends Sunday, July 31, at 7:00 pm AEST.

My Giveaway : 5000+ Giveaway

ending 8/14/11, winners announced 8/15/11

Check it out at http://aquiltingsouthpawsthoughts.blogspot.com/2011/07/5000.html

Check out Rita's blog:  http://stitchdays.blogspot.com/2011/07/more-drawings-to-enter.html

There are several giveaways to enter.  :)

 

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A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones ~ Proverbs 17:22

 

 

 Have a great Sunday!!

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

My answer to yesterday's question:  The nicest thing said to me... a friend recently told me, the first time she saw me, she saw the love of God shining through me.  That, blessed me beyond words.

EUREKA!

Let me begin by saying.... 

Thank You Lord for the rain!!

Around 3PM this after it rained and it rained more than a few drops.  It was enough that though my front car windows were only down a inch or so, my passenger door had water standing in the armrest and the passenger seat was very damp.  :)  

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When I got home this evening, I sat down with a 'ficklestick'.  I had unwound the ring I made the other day, and decided to try to make something different.   It turned out to be a snake of all things.  Go figure. 

Anyway, I thought it turned out cute.   

Afterward, I made this Christmas table cover.   That one doily, I didn't think I would use, added a little special touch to it.  I sewed it to the center of the cloth, like a big snowflake.  

Two down, one to go.

Tomorrow, I plan to start on my handbag.  I hope I get it done this weekend, because I need a bigger bag.  :)

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TODAY'S QUESTION

What's the best compliment you've ever received?

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GIVEAWAYS

Check out Rita's blog:  http://stitchdays.blogspot.com/2011/07/more-drawings-to-enter.html

There are several giveaways to enter.  :)

 5000+ Giveaway.  It ends 8/14/11.

http://aquiltingsouthpawsthoughts.blogspot.com/2011/07/5000.html

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I had a dream last night and had to wonder if I have a lot of sewing on my mind.  :)

I dreamed that I was going around to flea markets and such and came across this old sewing machine table.  It had black cast iron, scrolled legs and dark mahogany wood.  It was weathered and had a patina, from years of use, and carving of roses on its sides.   I thought it was just the table, but upon closer inspection I found the original Singer sewing machine within.  EUREKA!!

That's when I woke up.   It would have been nice to go back to sleep and finish that dream, with finding out the machine was still in working condition... but that did not happen.  :)

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 I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high. ~  Psalm 7:17

 Have a great Friday!!

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

My answer to yesterday's question:  Supreme!  :)

B or C...

Hello All!   Hope you had a good day.

I think I have it figured out (the type of handbag I'm going to make).  I looked through my patterns and have narrowed it down to two styles.  I won't get to work on it tomorrow as I plan to make the Christmas tablecloth, but I plan to make the bag Friday or Saturday.  

Here are the two I'm choosing between.

 

Either B on this one...

OR

 C on this one.

I'm leaning toward the B "it's so easy" pattern.

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TODAY'S QUESTION

What are your favorite pizza toppings?

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SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT...

Rain... we need rain here in Arkansas and I know other states need it too. 

I came across a scripture today that refers to rain.

And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the Lord your God, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul,  That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou may gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.  And I will send grass in thy fields for they cattle, that thou may eat and be full. 

~  Deuteronomy 11:13-15 

Have a great Thursday!!

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

My answer to yesterday's question:  Cerulean Blue (I like this color so much, one of my living room walls is this color)

One down... two more to go...

As I sit here, I am feeling the last few hours.   I organized my sewing table, plus some.  I don't know about you, but when I start in on an organizing project, it usually branches out into another area.   This time, it started with my sewing table and branched out the reference books/paints/shoes and entertaining reading part of my closet.  I was able to also take one of my totes off the top of my fabric cabinet.

I wish I had taken before pictures so that you could see the difference, but alas, I didn't.  Here's the new look though...

This is under my sewing/cutting table.  The "sewing" box holds my sewing machine feet and tools on the top section, then hand sewing items on the bottom.


Here is how it looks behind the sewing box.

I am able to store all my thread and ribbons at the table now.  Before I had them on top of the fabric cabinet.

Here are the drawers on the sewing table.   It will be a lot easier to find the stuff I need now.  :)





As I said, it carried over into my closet area.

I was able to get all my paint stuff together and organized by type.

Then I was able to add the books I read, for relaxation, to the shelf and also move my tote for beading off the top of the fabric cabinet to the bottom shelf in the closet.   I threw out three pairs of shoes and organized the rest in the baskets.

I thought I was pretty organized before, but I am even more so now. :)

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TODAY'S QUESTION

If you were a crayon what color would you be?

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MY GOALS

1. To make a bigger handbag for myself.  It seems mine keeps getting smaller.... go figure.  :)
2. To get the Christmas table topper done for my dining table.
3. Organize my sewing table.  DONE... One down two to go.

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GIVEAWAYS

My Giveaway : 5000+ Giveaway

ending 8/14/11, winners announced 8/15/11

Check it out at http://aquiltingsouthpawsthoughts.blogspot.com/2011/07/5000.html

Samelia's Mum is having a giveaway.  You could win one of four Sewline Fabric Glue Pen.  This giveaway ends Sunday, July 31, at 7:00 pm AEST.

The Shabby is having a giveaway.  You could be the winner of a $100 gift certificate or one of two $50 gift certificates.  This giveaway ends ?

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 MAKING IT VERY CLEAR

I have mentioned the "viper" in my blog before and how that individual is difficult to get along with.  I have even upgraded the person to "tyrant" in a recent blog.

The last couple of days, the Lord has been dealing with me about this individual.   Here's the thing, I got along with this individual quite well, before I saw their true colors.  Since then I have done my best to have nothing to do with that person. I don't dislike them, I just don't want to deal with them. 

Well, the Lord works in mysterious ways... today, I had a couple opportunities to mend my ways and be cordial to the said individual, instead of ignoring them.   However, I did not take those opportunities.

So this evening the Lord made it very clear to me.   I happened to turn to a scripture, I was not looking for...

The Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to every one. ~ 2Timothy 2:24

Though I have not been quarrelsome, I have not been kindly.    I must mend my ways, I know this because I don't want to go through another day of the Lord touching my heart, letting me know He is not pleased.

My prayer:   Father forgive me for shunning the person, whom I have lost respect for.   I know that I do not hate the person but do very much dislike the actions they display.   Help me to look beyond the actions and to remember You love that individual as much as You love me and that they need You as much as I do.

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If the Lord is dealing with you, please take it to heart and make amends where you need to.

Have a great Wednesday!!

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

My answer to yesterday's question:  9/11/01, I was at the hospital with my Mom.  She just found out she had a cancerous kidney that needed to be removed.

Easy Taco Soup: Mexican Soup Recipe - Kaboose.com

If you're going to have one of those long days of quilting, crafting, writing, etc... here are a couple of recipes I think would be good. They are crockpot recipes.
Description

View >>

Also try out the Eight layer casserole at http://www.recipegoldmine.com/crockpotcass/eight-layer-casserole.html

God bless and keep you,
Sonia

Hole in the Barn Door...

This evening I visited the Belle Point Quilters guild meeting in Fort Smith.  It was their "Christmas in July". 

This lil' santa was my name tag for the silent auction.

Isn't he cute?! My name for the auction was written on the back... Hole in the Barn Door.  LOL

Though this was not a normal meeting for them, it was fun.  None of my bids were the winning bids, so I came home empty handed... almost...

While I was there, I agreed to sell tickets for a quilt they will be giving away at their Christmas party in December.   It is beautiful, in jewels tones and each block appliqued.

I sold two books while I was at the meeting and have two more to sell.   I figure I will get them sold at work tomorrow.  Of course I will most likely buy one book.  :)

At one point, I got chilled, so I went out to my car to get my sweater and Hallelujah it was raining!   I don't know how long it lasted, but every little bit helps.

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TODAY'S QUESTION

Where were you on September 11, 2001?

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MY GOALS THIS WEEK

1. To make a bigger handbag for myself.  It seems mine keeps getting smaller.... go figure.  :)
2. To get the Christmas table topper done for my dining table.
3. Organize my sewing table.

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GIVEAWAYS

My Giveaway : 5000+ Giveaway

ending 8/14/11, winners announced 8/15/11

Check it out at http://aquiltingsouthpawsthoughts.blogspot.com/2011/07/5000.html

Samelia's Mum is having a giveaway.  You could win one of four Sewline Fabric Glue Pen.  This giveaway ends Sunday, July 31, at 7:00 pm AEST.

Little Miss Shabby is having a giveaway.  You could win a GO! Baby Cutter and three dies.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, July 26.

The Shabby is having a giveaway.  You could be the winner of a $100 gift certificate or one of two $50 gift certificates.  This giveaway ends ?

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I guess that's it for this evening.   Lids are getting heavy... I think my last week is catching up with me...zzzzz

Have a great Tuesday!!

God bless and keep you, 

Sonia

My answer to yesterdays question:  I think... Audrey Hepburn

The Master - A MountainWings Moment

The Master - A MountainWings Moment

Check out this inspiration I received this morning.


Have a great day!!

God bless and keep you,
Sonia



PS, don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY -posted in blog Titled 5000+

5000+

Blessed, Blessed, Blessed ~    

There's a saying... not sure where it came from but it goes like this... "too blessed to be stressed".

I'm not rich, but I have a roof over my head, clothes to wear, and food to eat.
I am not alone, for I have a family who wraps me in their love.
I'm not popular, but I have friends who love me.
I'm only one among many but I am uniquely and lovingly designed by God's hand.
I'm a sinner, but I know the love of Christ and  I am alive in Him.

Blessed, Blessed, Blessed.

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TODAY'S QUESTION

Who would you want to play you in a movie?

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In celebration of over 5000 views of my blog....

5000+ GIVEAWAY

Ending August 14th with a drawing for each, 

Winners will be posted on August 15th.

Since I have been in the "Christmas in July" frame of mind, option #1 is....

5 Christmas fat quarter fabrics

1 spool coordinating thread

1 cute santa trinket box

If you are not in the Christmas state of mind, option #2 is....

1 floral fat quarter fabric

1 set of 8 friendship coasters

1 set of 300 inspirational post its

Rules.... you will receive one entry for each item you do.  You have up to 5 chances.

1. Comment on which option you like the best... #1 Christmas or #2 Friends & Inspiration
2. Be a follower of this blog and let me know
3. Share this giveaway on your blog, facebook or twitter and let me know the link for each one.

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Have a great week!

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

My answer to yesterday's question:  Love, forgiveness, faithfulness and family

Ficklesticks!

Today's workshop went well.  Diana Taylor came and showed us how to make 'Ficklesticks' and how to use them. 

The first thing I made was a daisy ring, then I made a matching pin.

 

Then after I got home this afternoon, I made another flower type pin.

It seems I was in a floral frame of mind today.

I'm thinking the pins will look cute as embellishments on tote bags and such.  I see using the 'Ficklesticks' as
embellishment for wall hangings too.  There are a lot ways to use 'Fickelsticks'.

 

If you would like to find out more about 'Ficklesticks' go to www.stickballstudio.com , you can also find them on Facebook.  Just search Ficklesticks Fabric Jewels.

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Busy Day indeed!

Later in the afternoon, we took off for Fort Smith.  My daughter needed a new pair of jeans.  She wears a size 1.   Do you know how hard it is to find a size 1 in the correct length?!   After three stores, we finally found her some jeans and believe it or not, we found them on sale for $12.00.  That in itself was amazing to me.  :)

Also found a cute blouse for myself.  :)

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TODAY'S QUESTION

What's the best thing you learned from your parents?

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My GIVEAWAY starts tomorrow evening!

Watch for details.

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Well, until next time...

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

My answer to yesterdays question:  I would give at least 10% toward work for the Lord, then who knows...

Christmas Mood

This is my latest project.  I have been in Christmas mood this month.   

This table runner will most like sit on my piano during the Christmas season.   The tree skirt I was going to make has been changed to a table topper.  I have a tree skirt already.  My dining table is small, so I will make a table topper for it.  

As a fellow quilter said the other day..."too many quilts, not enough time".   One good thing...my hands aren't idle.

What's that old saying?....   Idle hands are the devil's tools.

Well, I don't need or want that!  :)

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TODAY'S QUESTION

If you won a million dollars what would you do with it?

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I'm getting closer to posting my GIVEAWAY.

Look for it this weekend. :)

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Well, I guess that's it for tonight.

Have a wonderful weekend!!

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

My answer to yesterday's question:   Despicable Me

Not Just the Nice Ones...

The tyrant was at it again.  

As usual, she laughed it off.

   

Thoughts ran through her mind and she was immediately ashamed. 

  

"I must remember to pray for his soul and to ask for forgiveness of thinking he is not worth the effort."

Have you ever met someone, who proved to be the one of the sorriest people you've ever known?  Then once you realized that, you wanted nothing to do with that person, basically shaking them off, as if they were no better than the dust on the bottom of your shoes?

Often times, we forget who is precious in God's sight.

We all are!

    

He would not have sent His Son to die for us, if we weren't.   Jesus Christ died on a cross of all sinners; not just the nice ones.

For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.  God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood.  He did this to demonstrate His justice, because in His forbearance He had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished - He did it to demonstrate His justice in the present time, so as to be just and the One who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. ~ Romans 5:23-26 

Then we must remember...


Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ~ Romans12:14

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WORKSHOP

I was able to make to the workshop tonight.  We learned to make these cute pin cushions.   JoAnn, did a good job teaching us.  Thank you JoAnn!

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TODAY'S QUESTION

What was the last movie you saw in the theater?

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Keep watch, for my GIVEAWAY, coming up soon!!!

Have a fabulous Friday!

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

My answer to yesterday's question: My favorite movie... that's a tough one... but the Tale of Two Cities comes to mind.  It was a good book too.  :)

As Promised

 As promised here are the pictures of the quilts shown by Natalie Mosher, at last night's guild meeting.

Like I said... They are pretty cool!!  

My favorites are the Christmas Seal, the Sea Turtle and the Lion.

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Here are the pictures of my sewing/craft area after getting it more organized.

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TODAY'S QUESTION

What's your favorite movie?

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5000

Well, I have over 5000 views of my blog.  

I think it's time to celebrate with a GIVE AWAY!

Keep an eye out for it.  I will post it by the end of this week.  :)

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Tonight's Bible study was in Genesis.  The story about Lot being rescued from a decimated Sodom and Gomorrah.  Angels took him by the hand and set him outside the city.   This has brought to mind a scripture in Hebrews.

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. ~Hebrews 13:2

We must always be aware of how we treat people.   Treat them with love and kindness... you never know... you may be entertaining an angel.

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

But Alas...

Well...I thought I'd have pictures to show tonight.. but alas... my camera battery died.

I went to our local quilt guild meeting tonight.  We had an awesome program.  Natalie Mosher had a trunk show and showed some pretty awesome quilts.    She appliques large animal faces on top of pieced blocks.  I will post the pics I took when my camera battery recharges.  My words will not do her quilts justice.

After I got home, I finished up organizing my sewing/craft area.  I took a pic of it too.  So, again I'll post it when I can.   I was able to get everything put back plus I now have room for my yarns and such.    My next organization spot will be my sewing/cutting table. It has drawers and a shelf that needs to be organized.  That will probably be a project for next week. 

I have scheduled myself to get a Christmas tree skirt done this week, but there is a workshop on Thursday evening and another one on Saturday I'd like to go to.  I think I can make the Thursday workshop for a short while... but am not sure if I'll make the Saturday workshop; it seems there might be something else going on Saturday...  I guess I'll have it all figured out by the end of the week.  :)  If anything, I might can get the Christmas tree skirt done on Friday.  

I guess that's it for now. I'll post pictures tomorrow.

Remember, God loves You!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

God bless and keep you,
Sonia


My answer to yesterday's question:  The biggest change ever made for me, was when I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior.  He turned a two-faced, angry, full of resentment, foul mouthed woman, into a woman who is now free from that bondage and living in peace, with joy in her heart. 

Scuffed Up

Here is the book cover I crocheted for the little Bible, I carry in my handbag.

I hope this helps keep it from getting scuffed up.

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TODAY'S QUESTION...

What's the biggest change you've ever made?

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GIVEAWAYS

1Choice4Quilting is having an awesome giveaway!

It ends July 25th

Check it out at...

http://blog.1choice4quilting.com/2011/07/new-giveaway-with-gorgeous-fabric-to-be.html

Adventures in Oz is having a awesome giveaway!

5 fat quarters!

It ends July 20th

Check it out at...

http://rubyslipperz106.blogspot.com/2011/07/mystery-mondaygiveaway5-fat-quarters.html

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SCUFFED UP...

How many times do we let ourselves get scuff up, by not starting our day out with the Lord?

I have found, if I go about my day without going to my Heavenly Father first, I often times, get frustrated, aggravated and just down right put out... Scuffed UP!

If I start my day out seeking Him first, then my day seems to go so much better.

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.  Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. ~ Matthew 6:31-34

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

Girls Day Out

Today started early with a Cranberry Slush... then off shopping all day.   My beloved daughter, Mom-n-law, Sisters-n-law (3) and soon to be Sister-n-law, took off around 9 a.m. 

We  had a day of laughter and good fellowship. 

Most of what I shopped for had something to do with crafts.   The best part of it though, is I got all of the stuff for $9.10.   Here's what I found...

 

 Patterns  for several dolls, afghan and runners/place mats

 

Crochet thread, 1.5 yard fabric and bag clasp

 5 doilies... I will use the four darker ones... not sure about the white one.

 A inspirational book and a pretty  rose pin.

We ended the day, meeting back up with the guys and ordering out Pizza for our evening meal.   I believe we were all wore out, but continued to have a good visit.   I don't like goodbyes.. but the time came and hugs and well wishes were given on the way out the door.

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TODAY'S QUESTION

  

If you knew you'd be financially taken care of for the next year, 

what would you do or where would you go?

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GIVEAWAY

http://kiki-itssewkiki.blogspot.com/2011/07/new-sponsor-and-giveaway.html

This giveaway will be open until Thursday, July 21st.  

Its Sew Kiki will announce the winner, chosen by random.org on Friday, July 22nd.  

Tell your friends and good luck!!

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Well, I guess that's it for this evening.

Here's wishing you a great Sunday!

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

My answer to Yesterday's question:  My ultimate vacation...maybe to Ireland and Scotland.

Your Ultimate Vacation Destination...

Microsoft clip art

Today, was one of those days...

You go through it, just cause you have to...not too excited about anything.  

Ever been there?

But we spent the evening visiting with family and that usually brings me out of my funk. :)

I started crocheting a cover for the little Bible I carry in my handbag, so that it doesn't get messed up.  You know how it is, everything gets tossed in and before you know it, your stuff is scuffed up and all.  I'll post a pic, when I get it done.

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TODAY'S QUESTION

 Where's your ultimate vacation destination?

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GIVEAWAY!

http://kiki-itssewkiki.blogspot.com/2011/07/new-sponsor-and-giveaway.html

This giveaway will be open until Thursday, July 21st.  Its Sew Kiki will announce the winner, chosen by random.org on Friday, July 22nd.  Tell your friends and good luck!!

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Shopping day planned for Saturday!!  Hope I find some good stuff.  :)

Here's wishing you a great Saturday!

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

My answer to yesterday's question:  On the beach watching the sun rise.