Free

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. ~ Psalm 118:24

My weekend end started out great, though I'm still trying to get over a major sinus cold.  I haven't felt as good as I do, spiritually and emotionally, in a very long time.    One word to describe how I feel.... FREE.

I've been able to catch up on some things. 

Here's the butterfly wall hanging.  I finished it today and practiced my free motion quilting on it.

My free motion quilting isn't pretty, but the more I do it, the better I will get.

We have cold weather moving in Tuesday night and the black birds have been gathering in droves.

Seeing all those birds prepping for the cold, made me want to bake.  I guess you can say I've been doing a little nesting of my own.  Anyway I baked some cookies.  Lemon cookies to be exact.  The recipe was on the side of a lemon cake mix.  They are yummy with a lemony drizzle on top.

One of the challenges I have set for myself this year is taking the antique and vintage blocks I have collected over the years and put them together into quilts or wall hangings, depending on how many blocks are in each set.   Here are the latest blocks I have acquired.  They are octagon in shape.  These blocks were all hand pieced and scrappy.

I have searched for this block on the internet and have had no luck on the name for it.  Tomorrow I will look through two books I have that document quilt blocks from the 1800's forward.  I hope to find it in one of them.

Do you know what it's called?

Sonia

some of what I've been up to.

Okay, I'm trying to catch up.  I will post two blogs tonight as I have a lot to share.

Here's what I've been up to... project wise.

I made this wall hanging.  The red fabric is a fat quarter from last year's Christmas party with the quilt guild I belong to.  The challenge is every year make something with the fat quarter you receive to show at the next party.

There was also a "dirty santa" game.  Each member had to make a set of place mats to swap.  Here's what I designed and made.  I used jelly roll strips, and English paper pieced the flower. The leaves for the flower are a napkin.

I also made two fleece blankets, but am giving them away for Christmas so I will show them later.


Here are some pictures of my home decked out for Christmas.  I give all the credit to my daughter.  I think she did a great job.

 

hugs,
Sonia

The day...

Today was the day...

The day for prom dress shopping.

Audre and I took off around 11 a.m. this morning in search of a prom dress. 

We looked at a lot of dresses.  








 

We looked at dresses that she wasn't very impressed with.

She gave me this look over several of the dresses we looked at in the first shop we went into.   

Needless to say we moved on...




Audre is petite and finding her size was a challenge, but three stores later we found a dress she was happy with and fit her.  Shoes were next and they were easier to find than the dress.

We had fun and Audre kept me chuckling throughout the day with her comments and faces over certain dresses.

I will have to show you her dress, but will wait until the day of prom.  There's no need in spoiling the fun and showing her dress before it's time.

Sonia

PS check out my giveaway by clicking on the GIVEAWAY tab at the top of the page.

What a pleasant way to end the year...

Hello!

This morning, a beautiful amaryllis bloom welcomed me as I walked into the kitchen.   I received it about 2 weeks ago from a friend.  

In the past three days, I have watched it go from one bud, to three, then having one open over night, with another beginning to open today.  I think it will be fully open in the morning.  The third bloom will probably be open by the end of the week.





This is a view of it with the sun shining on it, and the background in shadow.












What a pleasant way to end the year, with pretty new blooms.

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On the way home this evening, I took this picture.  There is only one jet in this picture, but at the time I was taking it, there were eight jets in the air.

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Here's the pot holder I started yesterday.

FRONT SIDE

BACK SIDE

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Check out Another Year of Schnibbles.

It is a challenge, to make a small quilt each month.

http://www.aquiltinglife.com/p/another-year-of-schnibbles.html

I think it sounds like fun.  :)

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Here's wishing you a terrific Thursday!

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

Block #2

Thank goodness it's Friday!!

This has been one crazy week.   I taught hazardous communications all week long, while getting ready for environmental certification and fighting a head cold.   There was one point, I didn't think I was going to be able to teach the class, because my voice was going out, but I made it through.

I'm doing much better this evening, sitting here sipping a tall mug of hot chocolate and eating a biscuit.

Tonight I'm posting the 2nd block of the month, in my 12 month challenge.   I say challenge, because this is the first time I have done a block of the month and have to be committed.    I will post a recipe tomorrow.

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BLOCK OF THE MONTH #2

This month's block is appliqued.     

Here's what you need....

1 -  11" square, your choice of background color

3 - Holly leaves

3 - Berries

You can cut the holly leaves and berries out free hand or use a template.   Here is a template I drew out for my block.   If you do raw edge applique cut out on the line.  If you do turn under applique, but 1/4" outside the line.

Lay the holly leaves down on the 11" square and applique in place.

I did raw edge applique with my sewing machine and used a contrasting colored thread in my bobbin.    

Next lay your berries in place and applique them down.   Now you can embellish with ribbon or embroidery.   I used my sewing machine and stitched a ribbon design on the background.   

Have fun with this block, put your own little twist on it and remember to share your block too.  :)

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TODAY'S QUESTION

Have you ever won a prize or a contest?

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Don't forget to check the giveaways I posted in the previous post.  There are some cute things to win.  :)

I guess I will let you go for now.  Remember to take time to laugh and and share the joy someone.

God bless and keep you,
Sonia


My answer to the last question: Ham.

Enjoy the Blooms...

Today, I finished the quilt I started on Thursday. 

This evening we went to my parent's house and my little nephew said my name for the first time! 

He got one of  mom's big spoons and carried it around playing and chewing on it and when it was time to eat, he decided he wanted to eat with it.   

Isn't he a cutie!

We missed the fireworks show in our area, but after we got home this evening we found the 4th of July fireworks shows on television.  So we still got to see them in the comfort of our home, but it would have been cool to watch the fireworks live.   We watched the  shows in NYC and in Boston, going back and forth between the two.

I'm thinking it would be pretty awesome to see those two shows live.

I hope you all had a great 4th of July!

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I'm not sure what type of flowers these are, but they are pretty.  They bloom every morning and then die off by noon.    I was thinking earlier, they are a good lesson for life.   

The flowers are a beautiful sight to me each morning.  I marvel at the creation of God's hands.  This morning as I looked at the delicate flowers,  I thought like these flowers we are only here for a short time.  As we enjoy the beauty of nature, we should also enjoy life. 

Challenge this week:  Take time to slow down and enjoy the day that's been given you.

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

Hoffman Challenge, False Teeth, & Positive Thinking

Hi all!

QUILT #1

Tonight was the Logan County PieceMakers Quilt Guild's monthly meeting and we had the Hoffman Challenge.  This was a challenge where guild members used the chosen Hoffman fabric for this year to create a quilted item to show.

We had six entries this year and they were all beautiful. 

Here are the Hoffman challenge entries with their corresponding numbers and note of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners.

QUILT #2

QUILT #3 - SECOND PLACE

 

QUILT #4

QUILT #5 - THIRD PLACE

QUILT #6 - FIRST PLACE

  Didn't they all turn out awesome?

It was cool to see them all.   They were more beautiful then the pics show.   To round the evening off nicely, I found out I was one of the door prize winners.   Check it out...  it's a Dritz light and set of fusible butterflies.  I thought it was a pretty cool door prize.

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HMMM...

Microsoft clip art

According to www.ducoclam.com/uselessknowledge; before all-porcelain teeth were perfected in the mid nineteenth century, dentures were commonly made with teeth pulled from the mouths of dead soldiers following a battle.  Teeth extracted from the cadavers of U.S. Civil War soldiers were shipped to English dentists by the barrel.

Now, if you know me, you know that I can't read something like this and just walk away.

Walk away, indeed.

We know the Civil War was from April 12, 1861 to April 18, 1865.

So...I did some research, and what I found was the first false teeth used in Europe was around the 1400's and yes, sometimes they were made from teeth provided by grave robbers or from people who pulled their own teeth and sold them. (Eeewwww!)

However, by the 1700s, the production of false teeth made out of porcelain began and a patent was taken out by Nicholas Dubois de Chemant in 1791 in England.     So, I'm hoping that the harvesting of cadaver teeth had stopped by the time of the Civil War, but who knows... maybe it was still a thriving practice here in the States... hmmm.  

You can visit the following link for this research info I have shared.

http://www.dental-implants-guide.com/history-of-dentures.html

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IN CLOSING...

It is important to stay positive and not let negative thoughts bring you down.   Remember, no one nor nothing can have any more power over you than what you allow.   So if that negative thought starts creeping in, get rid of it.   I know this is hard to do sometimes, but if you can, it will make a positive difference in your life.

A scripture comes to mind.   A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. ~ Proverbs 17:22

So until next time, keep your chin up and remember good memories and thoughts to keep you out of the funk!

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

Progress and Praise

This weekend I set goals... Here is what I have accomplished.



Mug Rug

Crocheted Dish Cloth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A good start on the rings.

 

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TODAY...

Today has been dubbed "World Environment Day".   

This day was created to focus on important environment issues.  The United Nations, promotes political attention and action as well as worldwide awareness of  the environment.    "World Environment Day" is celebrated in a different city each year.

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DON'T FORGET...

Don't forget to vote on the poll at the top of the page.

Only 4 days left to vote.

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ONLY 19 MORE TO GO...

Only 19 more followers to go and then I can have a Giveaway!

Please help by sharing my blog with your readers.

Thanks!

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PRAISE...

No matter what we go through, no matter how tough, angering or sad a time may be for us, God is always with us.  He never changes, He is always near.  So praise Him in the storms of life.

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God bless and keep you,

Sonia

Lord, give me the strength and grace to face it.

I missed my youngest today.   

She was on a band trip to Hot Springs.  A day planned, full of fun, with a Skillet concert to boot.   She just called and told me she will be home around 1:00 a.m.

At one point this evening, I walked to the kitchen and a thought hit me.   It was just me and David in the house.   Our son was still at work, daughter on her trip and the house was so quiet.   I thought, is this how it's going to be when they are both moved out into their own places?   

I don't think I like the quiet.   

I know however, that the day is coming and coming sooner than I like, that I will be facing that situation.

Lord, give me the strength and grace to face it. 

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Have you hugged your kitty today?

Today is Hug Your Cat day!

June 4th actually has three bizarre holidays attached to it, but since I have a fat Tabby named Elvis, I thought I'd highlight "Hug Your Cat Day".

Not sure who came up with this "holiday" or when it originated.  Not even sure there is any factual data out there, couldn't seem to find it, but I am sure it was a cat lover who created it.   I also found out June is "Adopt A Cat Month".    

Dog lovers... sorry... but I'm sure I will come across a "Hug Your Dog Day" at some point, though...

The other two bizarre holidays assigned to today are "Old Maid's Day" and "Applesauce Cake Day".

 

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Nap Taker?

 

Do you take naps?

  

Cast your vote on the poll above.  

 

Poll ends June 10th

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Progress...

My Goals for this weekend...

1. Mug Rug - for mug rug swap
2. Crocheted dishcloth - to go with mug rug
3. 2 crocheted rings - for friend
4. Continue Hoffman Challenge project

What I have accomplished thus far...

1. Mug Rug - completed
2. Crocheted dishcloth - completed
3. 1 crocheted ring - started

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Calling for 50!

I need 19 more followers to reach my goal of 50.

When I get 50 I will start a Giveaway to celebrate!

Please share my blog with others and ask them to join us.

I thank you for your help in this challenge.  

If you have suggestions to improve my blog, please share them with me.

  

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Until next time...

 

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

 

TGIF

Finally the weekend is here!





My Goals for this weekend...

1. Mug Rug - for mug rug swap
2. Crocheted dish cloth - to go with mug rug
3. 2 crocheted rings - for friend
4. Continue Hoffman Challenge project

What I have accomplished thus far...

1. Mug Rug complete

 I will post pics, on Sunday evening, of the projects I have completed.

If you have set goals for this weekend...Good Luck getting them done!

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CURIOUS....

Do you take naps?   

Cast your vote on the poll above.  

Poll ends June 10th

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Calling for 50!

I need 19 more followers to reach my goal of 50.

When I get 50 I will start a Giveaway to celebrate!

Please share my blog with others and ask them to join us.

I thank you for your help in this challenge.  

If you have suggestions to improve my blog, please share them with me.

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Learning something new...

I found out today was National Doughnut Day.

What a day to celebrate!

I have decide to add this to my blog.   Each day is assigned a bizarre holiday.  

I think it will be fun to learn and celebrate as we want.

Doughnuts!   Who knew?

It began back in 1938 by the Salvation Army, in honor of the women who made doughnuts for the "doughboys" during World War I and World War II.   

The easiest way to get to a man is through his stomach.  Feed him well and he will know you care.   The ladies back in the 30's supplied the "sweet tooth".

So... I will be a day late, but I think I will celebrate Doughnut day tomorrow. 

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Until next time...

Remember....Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace, and your best days are never so good you are beyond the need of God's grace.

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

A Recipe and a Gift Exchange

This is what I fixed for the evening meal tonight.  It may not look like much, but it is very yummy. 

Try it out.  :)


 Tater Tot Casserole
1 small bag of tater tots
1 package - favorite smoked sausage link
1/2 to 1 whole green pepper
1 can chili beans
Shredded cheese
1 tablespoon Olive oil

1. Put tater tots in a 10 x 17 baking pan.
2. Add olive oil
3. Season tater tots with your favorite seasoning
4. Slice smoked sausage and green pepper and add to pan
5. Add chili beans
6. Stir to mix the ingredients well.
7. Bake in 425­° F oven for 15 minutes, then stir one more time.
8. Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until tots are done.
9. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and put back in oven, until cheese melts

Can garnish with chopped onions, salsa, additional cheese... what ever you like, when serving.

Yield: 10-12 servings


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Check out this gift exchange by clicking on the link above.

I think this will be a lot of fun!

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Let me know, if you try the recipe and what you think of it, and also if you take the challenge of the handmade gift exchange.

I look forward to your response.  :)

God bless and keep you,
Sonia

Prayers, Quilts, Books and Powdered Donuts

I come to you this evening with powdered donuts and a tall glass of milk.  

I'm celebrating a nice surprise.  I'll tell you about it in a minute but first check out the following information posted by The Rabbit's Lair.

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Quilts for Joplin
 
Tomorrow - Friday, May 27 - we will begin our efforts in creating quilts of care for Joplin residents whose lives have been turned upside down by the tornado.


We know their recovery will be a long process, and it will be sometime before they will be able to accept our gifts of caring. Right now, the basic necessities of life are what they need. But by working on quilts now we can work toward being ready for when they can accept them.


We'll have kits available in fabrics that will make the young set smile -- "Dino" and "Dots & Daisies" -- or bring your own fabrics!


If you can't make it tomorrow, we've set some other Friday dates -- June 3 and 17, July 1 and 8.



Only Because of His Grace,
Mary Elizabeth

Posted by The Rabbit's Lair at 7:12 AM

Okay, so back to my celebration... 

I won a book!   I found out about it last week and received it in the mail today.   

The author even signed it for me.

It is titled, At the Captain's Command.  It is a love inspired historical story by Louise M. Gouge.  

I started reading the first chapter and was hooked.   This is going to be good read. :)

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I finally have it figured out... I think

For the Hoffman challenge I have decided to do a fabric bowl.  I have never done one before so it may be a challenge indeed.   I checked this book out at our local library to help me accomplish the task.

It is titled Fast, Fun & Easy Fabric Bowls by Linda Johansen.

Wish me luck with project.  :)

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Still need 19 more followers to reach my goal of 50.    

Please share my blog with others.

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Please remember all those affected by the tornadoes and storms in your prayers.

God bless and keep you,

Sonia 

Firsts and Laughter

Hello All!!   I trust you had a great day.   

Since my last blog was kind of dark and heavy, I thought I'd take a lighter note and focus on the "firsts" for this year here at home.

I'm always trying to get a picture of lightning.   Do you know how tough that is?   We had a storm blow through last night that knocked our electricity out for a few hours. 

Talk about some wicked wind!  

I tried to get a picture of lightning, as it was snapping and popping all over the place.  I took probably 20 pictures and this is the closest I came.  So, this is my first picture of lightning lighting up the sky.



 
Well... after that storm, (which snapped two trees, on my street, in two) blew through; I was surprised to see the first of my Tiger Lily's this morning. 

It looks like there will be more soon.  I looked at my Day Lilies and my Asiatic Lilies and they are loaded down and ready to bloom too. 




The Hens and Chicks I had last year, died.  David thinks he over watered them.   So, he got some starts from his mom for me and planted them in a pot.   He also got some Iris starts from her and planted those in my flower bed.   Here are the new little chicks, to start off this year. 

David has raised beds in the back yard for vegetables.   Here are some firsts for that garden.

Look as these little squash!

The first jalapeno pepper

and 

the first tomatoes!

So there you have it.  Some "firsts" for this year at my house.

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What to do... What to do?

I have to create something for the Hoffman challenge, my guild will be having next month. 

This is the fabric I have to use.  It's awfully pretty, but I must be suffering from quilter's block or something because I haven't come up with anything.

Any ideas?

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To bake or not to bake...

For some crazy reason, when I get stressed I start wanting to bake!   

The reason that is crazy?   

The reason is because I was not created to be a baker.

The only time I usually entertain the idea of baking, is around the holidays of Thanksgiving or Christmas.   

This can of pumpkin pie filling has been staring me down from the pantry behind me.  I have decided to bake pumpkin bread and probably a pie too, as this is one big can of pumpkin.

I'll post pics and recipes when I "get 'er done".

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"Get 'er done"

 Talk about "git 'er done",  tonight was the first time I have seen or listened to Larry the Cable Guy.  

I know he has been around for a while and you're probably thinking "what - does she live under a rock?", but I just never thought he or his show would be my cup of tea. 

Well, I was watching one of my favorite channels, The History Channel, and there he was was.   The show he is on is titled Only In America with Larry the Cable Guy.   

I watched the show, and he had me laughing out loud a few times.   At one point I got tickled just seeing him get tickled, by looking at a clown; but I have to totally agree with him, that clown just had the face for funny!  

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In Closing...

Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongues with singing...Psalm 126:2 (first half)

God bless and keep you,
Sonia

PS... don't forget the giveaways and sharing my blog with others, so that I can reach 50!