Still On Holiday!

Well, tomorrow we head for Oklahoma!  I am so excited!  I can’t wait to see my aunt and uncle.  We are having a blast with the kiddos.  They keep me in stitches!  They all have such a wonderful sense of humor.

I mentioned my little trip to the flea market and I wanted to share a pic of the figurine I bought.  It is similar to and kind of goes with the one you can see in my new banner.  I am quite excited to have found it!  I also, made it back to the bookstore and made of couple purchasing using my credit.  I came home with Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

All in all the trip has been fun and relaxing.  It’s always fun spending time with family.

On Holiday!

I am writing this from my mom’s house.  Hubby had a little time off and he I are visiting my mom, sister, and the kids.  So far, we’ve really had a blast.  I spent the day shopping with my mom and sis.  I even found a few pretties at the local flea market that I hope to share later.  I’ve had the pleasure of seeing my new baby niece.  She was born in October and is growing much too quickly.  We’ve had fun playing with Carter, Peyton, and Kane (our dear nephews and niece).  I’ve already visited the local bookstore.  I brought a box of books with me hoping for enough credit to come home with a new book or two, however, the owner wasn’t in yesterday.  She’ll be back on Monday and so will I.  I took a little time to peruse the shop and have an idea about what I hope to be able to bring home.  I brought my niece along and let her pick out a birthday present.  I think she had more fun playing the drums and guitar.  One has to walk through the Radio Shack to get to the bookstore and the kind gentleman at Radio Shack found out it was her birthday and let her play a little.  She was so excited!  I only wish I had thought to bring my camera.  A bit later in the week, we are planning to go up to Poteau, OK and visit my aunt and uncle.  I may be out of pocket for a bit as I wish to focus on spending precious time with my family.  I will return and in the meantime want to leave you with a precious picture of our darling girl!

I just adore her dress!  I adore the model even more!

His Brother’s Keeper

This was an excellent book. Mr. Sheldon weaves a wonderful story that teaches us a beautiful lesson about the value of things and our responsibility to each other. The story is set in the town of Champion and takes place during the iron miners strike of 1895. You will meet Stuart, the son of a rich iron mine owner, Eric, a childhood friend of Stuart and a mine worker, Andrew, preacher of a local church, Rhena, a local Salvation Army worker, and my favorite character, Doc Saxon. You will journey with Stuart as he becomes a child of God and struggles to understand what that means and what God wants of him. You will learn along with Stuart and the others what it means to be our brother’s keeper. This was a wonderful story, beautifully told.

The Great Gatsby

I have been curious about this book for sometime and finally checked it out of the library and began to read. It seemed to me a little slow at first, but in time became more intriguing. It is a tragedy of love, money, and selfishness. It teaches that there are indeed things of greater importance than luxuary and pretty things. Sometimes being a grownup means recognizing this truth and living accordingly. The rich in this story never grew up and others paid the ultimate price.

Confessions of a Shopaholic

As I began reading this book I found it somewhat superficial and a little slow. However, the more I read the more interesting the story and characters became. By the end I was quite engrossed in the story. I found the main character, Rebecca, to be a little silly and quite superficial at the beginning. As the story progressed she grew and I came to quite like her. She has a huge imagination that often takes off with her in tow. She’s young, living in London, and struggling to grow up. It was fun watching her grow and become more responsible plus the whole shopping aspect made the story fun and even informative. I had to question my own shopping habits and wonder at the times I had been fooled by what appeared to be a good deal. I will definitely be more careful in the future. I am looking forward to seeing the movie made from this book. I think it will translate onscreen quite well.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

I am a big fan of Audrey Hepburn. One of my favorite movies is “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Once I discovered that the movie was based on a novel by Truman Capote, I became quite curious. I knew I had to read the book. Fortunately, my public library had a copy. I enjoyed the book immensely! Holly Golightly is the same sweet, lost soul that Audrey brings to life onscreen. The story is both sad and sweet. I encourage you to experience both the movie and the book!

The Painter from Shanghai

Pan Yuliang’s parents fall on hard times. At their deaths she goes to live with her uncle. He’s a man of intellect and something of a dreamer. He teaches her poetry, however, he’s also an opium addict. This addiction leads to his eventual ruin. In an effort to survive and pay off debts he sells Pan Yuliang to a brothel. She survives and we begin to see a natural gift for color and texture. She exhibits this in her choice of colors for scarves and dresses. While working in the brothel she meets Zanhua, who becomes her husband and savior. He teaches her to read and write. She finds herself drawn to the pictures in magazines and begins doodling. Jennifer Epstein takes the reader through these beginning stages in her development as an artist. We follow Pan Yuliang through the Shanghai Art Academy and then to art school in Paris. We learn of the controversy surrounding her art and see the turmoil her country is in throughtout most of the 20th century. This book is a learning experience and a wonderful read. I owe Ms. Epstein a debt of gratitude for sharing the story of this amazing painter with me. I hope you, too, will pick up this book and join Pan Yuliang’s journey.

Flea Market Treasures!

After a long week of Jury duty and babysitting, hubby and I headed to the local flea markets for a fun day of shopping and treasure hunting. I was fortunate to find a bit of treasure. My little bits of fun and sparkle tinkle me pink and bring me joy. First up is a lovely picture to hang in my craft room. It is a Cameo Creation and will look pretty hanging with the others I already own.

I also came across a Sarah Vaughn album! This was especially exciting! I love her voice and her work. Although I have found one of her albums at the record store, I have never found one at a flea market. It’s in immaculate condition and plays beautifully! I felt like a true treasure hunter! Now, all I need is a price guide so I can determine if I’m any good or not.

A Little Linky Love

My recent jaunts around the internet have yielded a few wonderful websites and cool ideas that demanded to be shared.

The folks at leethal.net have put together a year of weekly diy roundups! So many projects and ideas to explore, so little time. Click here to have fun and be inspired!

Next up is the World of Mod Podge! I enjoy crafting and creating with this medium and was excited and thrilled to find a blog dedicated to it. You will find all kinds of projects and information in one place. I have only skimmed the surface of this wonderful resource and can’t wait to dig deeper!

I have kept various recipes for homemade play dough over the years. Its fun for the nieces and nephews and great for bible class. These receipes all required the use of the stove. Imagine my excitement at finding a receipe for microwave playdough! Tracy at Suddenly I See was gracious enough to share this receipe which is simple and fun. Thanks Tracy!

I have saved the best for last. I found ihanna and a kindred spirit all at once. Hanna has a wonderful, happy, joyful, creative blog that you simply must visit. You’ll find downloads, tutorials, articles, books, and so much more. Be sure to check out her 100 Ideas to Spark you into Creative Action.

Well, that’s all for now. Click away, be inspired, be joyful, and have a happy summer!

Internet Treasures

Here are a few lovelies I’m mooning over at present.
1. Ring made by Liebling Designs.
2. Sweet brooches by tiny art by yaelfran.
3. Cool Dr. Pepper earrings by TrashionFashion.
4. Felt Bon Bon Ring. Visit The Adventures of Blue Girl XO for a tutorial and make your own.
5. Terry cloth kittens. You can find a tutorial here.
6. Adorable recycled tin earrings by Shixie.