The Gift

DO NOT PANIC! THIS IS NOT A 'HOUSE PICTURE' FOR MY NEW COLLECTION!!

But I do love the artist... my daughter Kristin!!

(Please read on)

Kristin was trying to think of a house warming gift for a good friend.

(Hi Chad! I know you read my blog.)

So Kristin painted a canvas with this happy little house scene. Of course she built it up to him that she had been working very diligently on something very special for his new house.

She gift wrapped it and carried it on the plane with her.

I would have loved to have been a little mouse and seen the expression on his face when he could feel the canvas stretchers through the wrapping paper and ripped it open to discover Kristin's completed project.

What do you say to a good friend who has been working so hard on a present for you??

He was gracious... but stunned.

Hellooooooo... it's a joke, Chad!! Look at the back of the picture!

On the back she had attached an envelope with a gift certificate for a piece of art of his choosing.

Kristin always says that she didn't get any of the creative genes in our family... but, I think that gift was very creative, clever, and FUN!!

I love you, Kristin! Way to go!

~Mom

I was washing my hair with my Pumpkin Pie shampoo/conditioner... and thought you might enjoy this fun product too.

Above is my collection (although there are others):

Margarita

Pumpkin Pie

Apple

Coconut Frosting

Candy Cane

Cinnamon Buns

Sugar Cookie

It is so much fun to wash your hair with the 'smell of the season' and they smell delicious. Right now I have the Apple and the Pumpkin Pie in the shower.

They are shampoos with conditioner built in... one step. I have color in my hair and they still work great. Leaves untangled & shiny hair!!

They also can be used for shower gel, so one bottle is great for traveling.

They are made by Philosophy and can be ordered from www.sephora.com.

Fall hugs to you... Spring hugs to Australia.

xo Joni

The village is growing.

My daughter Wendy brought this paper house back from Sweden a number of years ago. So perfect for my growing village of houses.

A quick black frame, white background paper, and it now hangs on the bedroom wall... and the colors are perfect.

Thanks Wendy!!

I have so many ideas floating through my head, but I need to finish a Fall purse I started a month ago before I'm sewing with Christmas fabric.

I got a fabric catalog from Hancocks of Paducah yesterday.

I'm drooling over the lovely fabric and marking pages with post-its.

You can get it just by requesting one on their website.

We're having a jammie day today.

Finishing watching Lord Peter Whimsey.

Eating homemade veggie soup with Boyd's homemade French bread.

I'm doing some handwork on my purse.

Boyd's doing the New York Times crossword puzzle.

We going to start the DVDs of the first season of '24'.

and...

Our first fire of the year in the fireplace.

A Yummy day!!

Hugs, Joni

PS Hyperlink didn't work... www.hancocks-paducah.com

Wee Pumpkins

My bathroom gets decorated seasonally... usually just one focal point. I've discovered that this little hand-painted cupboard and chair are the perfect spot to showcase tiny collections. At this time of the year... my little pumpkins.

The photo below is the bowl in the picture above. I wanted to show you the itty bitty pumpkins sprinkled on top of the cinnamon potpourri... they're seed pods of some sort from a local florist.

Today is a free day... that means 'no doctor appointments' for either of us until tomorrow.
So... I'm going to finish up everything I didn't finish this past weekend.

You didn't really think I'd get everything completed in 2 days??
I get side-tracked easily... especially if I'm running errands.
And that makes errands an adventure!!

Off to eat hot oatmeal and tea.
Its 35 degrees today... brrrrrrrrrrr!

Autumn Hugs,
Joni

Houses, houses everywhere...

A quick visit to Target (they are never quick) yesterday to get an extra pillow for our bed (new bedding came yesterday... Pottery Barn is speedy) and I had a cart overflowing with things I knew I couldn't live without. My favorite treasure is this red and green wooden house. It's obviously an Advent Calender as each of the little doors open to yield a small gift for that day. I have a month to figure out what I'll be putting inside the doors. The house is sitting on my 'unmade' bed in front of a new sham that has HOUSES on it. Also, I bought sheets the color of the darkest green in the fabric. When it was all put together last night the room looked good. The light blue carpet now has red rugs on it and it's fine.

For the moment the house is perched on top of a bookshelf in the bedroom. Soon to be moved to my husband's night table or dresser and filled with little surprises.

I feel a house collection starting!

Have a fun-filled day!!

I'm off to the dermatologist to see what the itchy bumps are on my leg.

But alas... it's right near the shop that carries Amy Butler and Kaffe Fassett fabric...hee,hee.

Love, Joni

Halloween packages

I was just putting Halloween goodies in boxes for my daughters and I took a quick photo so I could get a post on my blog before the day ended. I need to take everything out and put in the tissue paper... but my blog is coming first today as I can't mail these until tomorrow anyway.

I couldn't find a Halloween box so just opted for something cute that looks like a suitcase. There is a touch of orange in the box design (I go nuts about details). Each box includes 2 Halloween pillowcases, 7 (what an odd number) Halloween appliqued wash cloths, a package of 'Monster Mash' Jelly Bellies, a bag of cinnamon potpourri, and 2 Halloween Pez candy dispensers. They're off to Arizona and Chicago tomorrow.

I had an MRI on my lower back this afternoon. I've had back pain and spasms for years. My doctor ordered x-rays last week which showed something odd... like an old fracture that healed wrong. "Were you ever in a car accident, take a bad fall, etc?" Yes to all of them! It's amazing what a 'klutz' I am after taking ballet for almost 15 years. I'll get the results next week.

This morning I zoomed off to JoAnn's to their pattern sale... 99 cents each!! I went on line last night and looked at patterns and wrote down numbers so that I could just charge on over to the drawers and pull them out. You could only buy 10 at one time... so I did. June of Junie Moon got me inspired to make some hot-weather skirts and tops to wear in Arizona next month. She shared some pattern numbers and I was able to get all of her suggestions. Thanks June!! I haven't made anything for myself in years. So, I'm going the muslin route first and playing Project Runway (which by the way, season 4 begins in a few weeks... love that show!!)

Off to rest my back before dinner. Tonight we're starting a Peter Whimsey movie series.

Love, love, love BBC series!

~Joni

A Saturday morning project

When I get an idea in my head, I have to try it!!

So, with all the things I should be doing... I made pillowcases this morning for the bed which will be redecorated on Thursday when the holiday bedding arrives. Oh well... for the next 5 days we can enjoy this look!

The pillowcases are made of a soft Amy Butler fabric and the blue polka dot band is a Kaffe Fassett fabric. The red trim is... no idea! But I like the way it all came together. I can't wait to go to bed tonight and read and sip tea.

Plans for the weekend:

1. Finish 4 Halloween pillowcases for my daughters.

2. Pack their Halloween boxes to be mailed Monday. I'll post a picture of all the fun things I found to send them.

3. Pack a box of cows for Nicolette (that should raise an eyebrow).

4. Get doll ready for mailing to Angie's Caroline.

5. Get magazines ready to mail to winner Pat.

6. Wrap digi mini albums I made for 2 friends.

7. Make chicken piccata for dinner.

(With Boyd in his cast, I'm getting some kitchen time)

8. Pedicure

9. Sew some Fall & Halloween napkins

10. Library returns

11. Read blogs!

12. Grocery store

13. Watch a movie with Boyd.

There... I've put it in black & white. Now I'm committed to complete it all.

Enjoy your weekend!!

~Joni

And the results of your input are...

I bought the duvet cover and 3 shams (king bed)!! And it will all arrive next Thursday.

Your comments were really helpful and helped me make my mind up.

Thanks for taking the time. You're all so sweet!

I'm going to try several red rugs on the carpet and see how it looks.

I like to change our bedroom with the seasons and all of my other duvet covers have a touch of light blue in them. I'll just play it step-by-step and see what it looks like.

I had an email from 2Peas this morning and look at the cute chipboard house they were advertising. Of course they were all sold out. However, a quick 'Google' and I found them in lots of online scrapping shops.

I ordered 3 houses. I might spray paint one red, one light green, and one the darker green in the fabric.

I'd like them hung on the wall vertically.

The above photo of the fabric was on my blog yesterday, but I wanted to remind you of the print.
I also thought of a green pillow with trees (free motion quilting) all over it, or just several trees, or one tree... with one small red bird on it. I already have plain red pillows.
It would be fun to make a light green house-shaped pillow and do some embroidery work on it.

I love this kind of project and it's such fun sharing with you creative gals.

We're off to the hospital... Boyd gets his cast on his leg today.

Love you all and your wonderful ideas!!
~Joni

What do you think??

The PotteryBarn Christmas catalog arrived a few days ago and I gasped when I saw this fabric. It's called something like 'Sleepy Swedish Village' or something close to that. I love, love, love it!!! And I've been looking for a holiday (Thanksgiving thru Christmas & Winter) duvet cover and shams. Below the photos I'll list the reasons I should buy it... it's the negative list where I need your very creative input.

The reasons I should buy this:

1. I LOVE IT! (reason enough)
2. The colors are perfect for the holidays.

3. It will look great with our red bed tables.

4. I love anything Scandinavian.

5. I have a red/white check Ralph Lauren comforter that would look good folded at the foot of the bed.

6. All of my bedroom accents are red or black.

The one reason I shouldn't buy this:

1. We have light blue carpet in the bedroom.

(It's worked OK with the Kath Kidston look I have now)

Your input would be very appreciated!

Love to you all...

~Joni

PS Boyd announced this morning that he will be doing 'some serious lounging today'.

An update, award and 'tagged'.

1. An update on my husband. Boyd was released from the hospital at noon today. Yea!!! Boyd is a diabetic and has been for many years. He had a small sore on his foot and within 48 hours his leg was red to his knee. Last Friday we went to the emergency room and they admitted him to the hospital. The fear was that the infection had gone to the bone and then surgery would need to be done. They kept him on IV antibiotics and did an MRI on his foot and leg and so on. Because it hadn't reached the bone he is home as of this afternoon and will have a cast put on his leg this Friday. We feel very Blessed. Until then, he is in the guest room with his foot propped on pillows and the remote in one hand... getting pampered by nurse Joni. Gabby-the-cat was so glad to see him.

2. Nicolette from Devliegendekoe gave me the "You Make Me Smile Award". Thanks Nicolette! That was so sweet. You make me smile, too. If you haven't been to her blogsite... please visit. She is a talented, creative gal from the Netherlands with a heart of gold to others.

3. I was also tagged by Nicolette to to share 6 facts/habits about myself.

The rules:
A. Each player lists 6 facts/habits about themselves.
B. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning before those facts/habits are listed.
C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 6 people and posts their names

1. I am so excited... my daughter Wendy is getting married June 28th... there is finally a date! She and Darin have been engaged but just couldn't decide on where to have the wedding as she has friends in so many places. Last week she called and announced that she is coming HOME to get married. The wedding and reception will be at the Country Club and they'll be married on the 18th green. Wendy grew up there golfing and Darin is a golf pro in Phoenix. So it's perfect! And best of all... on the calendar.

2. I watch a movie/DVD with Boyd every night after dinner. We never miss! BBC films and BBC series are our favorites.

3. I am an 'only child' of parents who were 'only children'. I never knew a grandparent and of course there were no aunts, uncles, or cousins. I never minded it... was always busy.

4. I can't wait to be a grandmother (Grammy).

5. I love Europe. I'd move there in a heartbeat if the opportunity arose. I did once before and taught school in Southern Germany about an hour from the Swiss border.

6. I love creamy, sugar free vanilla Chai tea. I order it by the case from http://www.seriouschai.com/. I think you can even order it by just the bag. If you haven't tried their brand (Big Train) it is WONDERFUL !

I need to choose 6 people for the 'Smile' award and the 6 facts/habits about yourself. This is difficult because so many of you make me 'smile'... but here's my list:

Lucy Locket

Helen Hancock

Thimbleanna Anna

Lit chick Mel

Caroline's mom Angie

and a new friend June of Junie Moon

I'd really like to elaborate about why they make me smile but we need to get to the doctor again and the phone keeps ringing and...

Off and running!

Hugs, Joni

A great idea!!

I love pumpkins anytime... but especially at this wonderful time of the year.

I bought these pumpkins this morning at a darling store in our quaint little town. They are handmade by a local woman, who buys chenille bedspreads and dyes them. I love the different patterns in the chenille. They have an actual piece of a branch for the stem.

I tucked them on a red chair, but they may find a home in another room as I move my harvest decorations around.

PAT... PAT... PAT... PAT... PAT... PAT... PAT... PAT... PAT

You are the winner of the 3 Christmas magazines!!

Please get you snail mail address to me so I can get them in the mail this week.

Have a great day!

~Joni

PS For those of you who've sent email... My husband is doing better but still in the hospital.

He hasn't been given any info on when he'll be released.

It went so fast.

Celebrate with me... my 100th Blog!

Leave a comment!

My husband will pick one name on Monday to win the following magazine package:

1. Quilting

2. Christmas Cookies

3. Christmas Crafts

Whoops... did you see my toes in the picture?

(In a hurry to get this on my Blogsite)

1,2,3... GO!

It has been life-changing meeting all of you...

love you all!

~Joni

Trick or Treat!

My youngest daughter, Wendy, has always dressed up her dogs for Halloween.

This is Wyley dressed in his Chicken costume.

He was not a happy camper and was not very cooperative.

This is Alfred, rescued from the New Orleans' floods by Darin.

Wendy said he was soooo good in his costume. He's glad to have a home and lots of love.

I decided to do a quick digital layout of the two of them.

Hmmmmm... I just noticed I misplaced the bottom text. I'll fix it before I print it out.

I'm in a hurry to go to bed and read my new book (pictured on the upper right).

It is sooooo good... so far!

Hugs from Joni

and

her 2 Granddogs!

Fun finds

More fabric for the stash... although soon to be sewn!

With my 'making pillowcases' addiction, look at the adorable fabric I found for Thanksgiving.

The yellow with red dots will be the body of the cases.

The cute (I love it) turkey print will be the end band.

I'll put a strip of red between the two for trim.

LOVE THOSE WHIMSICAL TURKEYS!!

This fabric is pillowcase soft.

The second fabric is white snowflakes on an off-white background.

I think I'll mix them up when sewing.

I couldn't resist this Christmas Pets print.

I'm going to make drawstring bags for family pets' Christmas goodies.

I also thought of cutting out the shapes the pets are on and appliqueing

them onto handmade Christmas cards... is there any other kind of card??

Although, I'm also tossing the idea of using Moo note cards for Christmas this year.

Have to think about that one.

I'm off to:

shower

go to the library

go to look at our citys' new bridge which just opened

stop at Starbucks

drive the new 2-lane roundabout

Hugs,

Joni

In progress

What's happening with the dollhouse?

Here's a sneak-peek into the living room.

I was pushing the furniture around to see what fit and what was needed.

There's a lot of work to be done before the furniture actually stays in the house:

1. Walls painted

2. Wood flooring installed

3. Curtains made

4. 2nd coat of white on stairs and door

5. Etc, etc, etc

I pulled the trunk/coffee table out to take a picture of the magazines on top.

Isn't that a hoot!!

You can buy almost anything for dollhouses... except what you're looking for!

On a different note...

We went to the movies last night and saw 'The Brave One' with Jodie Foster.

We both feel that she should get an Academy nomination for her acting.

There's violence... but WHAT ACTING!!!

And we see a lot of movies.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Hugs,

Joni

Knitting Season

Yes, it's that time of the year... knitting season!

When the leaves start turning colors, the temperatures start dropping, and football becomes a passion again, then it's time for me to get out my knitting. This is a hat I knit last Fall. I finished it one cold day and pulled it on my head... no 'blocking' at this house... and I wore it all winter.

I love following patterns in small doses. Although, I did make a patterned ski sweater once. Notice I said "once".

I usually just make scarves and mittens.

We always had a colorful 'mitten basket' by the back door filled with mittens made in different countries. The girls contributed as they traveled, and I searched the Internet.

I have a great pattern for 'Quilted Mittens' that I'll share with you one of these days.

You serious knitters out there must be cringing that I don't 'block' my knitting.

Hugs to you all,

Joni

This is the week of my 100th BLOG!

I'm trying to think of a fun "GIVEAWAY" for you .