YUMMERS!

An Inspiring Blog!

2011-08-25T10:45:00.000-05:00

This morning I decided that I had to get started on a new project,

so I Googled "Christmas Blogs".

I like to make things and have them tucked away in my cupboard for

SPECIAL PEOPLE!

I fell in love with this blog, Deck the Halls.

I spent hours reading one post after another.

I am totally inspired to order something from her store, or create

something of my own design.

So clean looking and pretty!

Love the apple!

She has a variety of different apples on her blog

and in her shop.

I liked the pillows. She had others, but they

didn't transfer to my blog very clearly.

You'll have to look for yourself!

Now, why didn't I think of this!!

So darn cute!!

Wouldn't they sell fast at a Fall Bazaar!

I'm going back to read some more posts...

Bye!

Make this a great day!

Joni

A Surprise!

2011-08-24T13:36:00.000-05:00

Special flowers from a special man.

Thank you!

~Joni

"I'm Baaaaaaaack!" Jack Nicholson in The Shining.

2011-08-16T12:36:00.000-05:00

It feels good to be back after my long detour via Facebook.

Facebook is fun, but brief and quick.

I did make some good connections with old friends

and we shared a lot of fun lunches together.

But, I missed my blog and my blog friends.

How are all of you?

Time for me to visit your blogs and catch up!

Below are a few mixed media canvases, that I made since my last post.

You can double click for detail!

"Happy House"

"Favorite Shoes"

A picture I made for a new friend who is a bird watcher.

Fun, fun, fun!

(The process that is).

Since my last post, Wendy and her husband Darin, bought a

BIG new home in Phoenix.

My SIL, Mary, and I are going to visit them in October.

And then I'll return for our annual Thanksgiving Fiesta.

Wendy is going to Thailand for a trade show right before

Thanksgiving, and squeezing in a wedding in The Keys.

Kristin is loving her move to Denver, and she is headed to Cabo

in Mexico before Thanksgiving.

As you know, my girls never waste a moment of travel time.

Next year will be Wendy and Darin's 40th birthday, and they've

already reserved a villa in the South of France.

There will be lots of friends going along to help them celebrate.

Make this a great day!!

Joni

I'm off to read your blogs!

Mother's Day Weekend... 2011

2011-05-09T10:03:00.000-05:00

So much going on this weekend.

The above layout is several years old but so perfect

to represent Saturday's annual Kentucky Derby which I love to watch.

Wendy, in her fabulous pink hat, was at a Kentucky Derby party

no doubt sipping mint juleps.

Actually, I think it was a wedding shower.

Kristin came home for Mother's Day and

we seemed to go from one place to another all weekend.

All fun!

She has a business meeting in Green Bay with a client

this morning and then is going to have to RACE to catch a

flight back to Denver.

If she doesn't make it... I'll see her tonight!

I am anxious to get the house picked up,

get Otter and I back to our routine,

and then I can start a new painting.

Make this a good day!

XOXO

joni

MAY DAY 2011

2011-05-02T11:20:00.000-05:00

My sweet friend Lyn (Lynette) surprised me with

this pretty May Basket hanging on the gate.

On the little pink card she had these lovely words

by Wordsworth:

"And then my heart

with pleasure fills,

and dances with

the daffodils."

This is the adorable May Basket that Lynn

created last year.

And dear Otter peeking through the gate

to see if it's something he can eat.

Soooooooo pretty!

Soooooooo thoughtful!

Make this a great day!

XOXO

Joni

HAPPY EASTER!

2011-04-23T11:18:00.000-05:00

I have been working on this canvas for my favorite little girl. She is 8 years old and is very, very creative! I thought maybe I could motivate her to come over and paint a canvas with me. We'll see!!

Happy Easter to all of you!

XOXO

joni

Mixed Media Painting... "The Nest"

2011-04-20T10:10:00.000-05:00

This mixed media painting is quite small... only 6" x 6".

I really like working small... always have.

The outside of the canvas is wrapped with

yellow polka dot ribbon.

This is going to be an Easter gift for my Pastors.

It's hard to paint something without

someone special in mind.

I promise to do a "Giveaway" one of these days.

XOXO

Joni

PS We're sitting here in the middle of a very messy

snowstorm that took place yesterday.

It's still snowing... but lightly!

Fantastic Fabric!

2011-04-13T10:44:00.000-05:00

You all know a lot more about fabric, fabric designers, and fabric shops than I do. But, I do know what I like and I love, love love this fantastic fabric by Laurie Wisbrun. Colorful and whimsical... my kind of look!

Look at those darling itty bitty chairs... and sofas. Yes, I'm in love!!

This is her just-released collection, "Pooches and Pickups"

for Robert Kaufman.

Soooooooo cool!!

You can visit her blog at http://lauriewis.blogspot.com/.

Her shop is called The Scarlet Fig and you can get there through

her blog.

Her Etsy shop is www.etsy.comshop/scarletfig.

I wanted some red & white 'itty bitty chair' fabric and found it at

https://www.sewtospeakshoppe.com/.

Hmmmmmmm... now what can I make??

XOXO

joni

A Rather Large Cupcake!

2011-04-08T13:21:00.000-05:00

I JUST finished my 'cupcake' mixed-media canvas.

I have a wall in my red & white kitchen that needed a picture

so I created this one.

I hung it on the wall to take a photo and it looks

just right for the spot.

Double click on it if you want to see the details in the background.

I have had so much fun with all the techniques I learned in

Christy Tomlinson's class.

And now I've made them my own.

Off to work on my bird nest canvases.

Make this a great weekend!

XOXO

joni

Spring/Easter Favorites

2011-04-06T12:15:00.000-05:00

Aaaaaah Spring! Finally showing your sweet head in cold Wisconsin.

I couldn't wait to start adding touches of Spring inside my house.

The tree above is simple, sweet, and feminine.

It is sitting on a pretty table runner that my friend Nicolette

surprised me with last year. She does such lovely stitching

and quilting. It was such fun bringing it out again for Spring 2011.

This is a new cubby organizer that I just got from Pottery Barn.

I just opened the box yesterday and I need to let it just "sit"

for awhile while I decide where it's going to go

and what will go in it. So, meanwhile, it's sitting at the end of

the hall holding a few Easter treasures and frames.

I picked this up a few years ago because I love

BRIGHT COLORS!!!

A tradition!

My annual "Spring Tree" full-to-the-brim with lots of ornaments.

Some of them go back to 1970. I bought them for Kristin's 1st Easter Tree

when we lived in Germany. I've added several each year since then.

There are small optic lights in this tree of branches. It looks so pretty at night.

This is one of my favorite bunnies. She just makes me smile!!

Now, back to 3 wet canvases. The huge cupcake is amongst them.

The other 2 have bird nests on them.

XOXO

~~joni

I had an idea...

2011-03-29T11:22:00.000-05:00

I was working on my big cupcake canvas and I had the urge to try some embroidery. So, I put the canvas aside and grabbed my embroidery supplies. I curled up in my favorite chair in the den and did a few sketches. Cut a pattern and traced it on some linen. Threaded a needle and dove right in. I outlined everything and then filled it in with watercolor pens. Added some french knot "sprinkles" and put a 5x7 frame over it to see how it looked.

I like it!!

Actually, it's still on the embroidery hoop as I have a bit more work to do on it.

But, before the day is done, this cupcake will be hanging in my red-and-white kitchen and I can go back to my canvas.

I love quick projects (that turn out OK) !!

XOXO

~joni

SPRING??

2011-03-26T12:23:00.001-05:00

Spring... where are you?

We got a taste of warm weather

and then it was snatched away.

We had several days of ice, snow, and slush!

Patience!

It will come.

Otter loves the snow!

He loves to run in it no matter how deep it is.

He just sinks in

and plays some more.

He has a bad knee on his left back leg

and I bet the snow feels good on the

inflammation... which he takes pills to help.

~~~~~~~

I'm working on a new canvas.

It's a BIG cupcake for the kitchen.

Wendy always says, "A cupcake is the

perfect dessert."

At her wedding she had

hot pink & lime green cupcakes

made by this award-winning baker in the area.

They were yummy!

I should finish my "Cupcake" this week

and will share it as soon as it's completed.

Make this a great week!!

XOXO

~joni

Tea for Two...

2011-03-20T10:34:00.001-05:00

Just finished this mixed media canvas.

I made it for a friend who always has time for

"Tea and Sympathy".

A side view to show you the music notes

around the sides of the 8x8 canvas.

I learned so many great techniques from

the "She Art" class created and taught

by Christy Tomlinson.

I'm overflowing with ideas for my next

canvases. Hmmmm... who will I make my
next painting for?

XOXO

~joni

Yesterday was Kristin's birthday. Happy birthday again, Kog!!

What a SURPRISE!!

2011-03-15T11:38:00.000-05:00

Monday began as usual... a cuppa Chai Tea at the computer while I watched the videos for my "She Art" workshop in my jammies. By the way... loving that workshop and would recommend it to everyone.

My daughter Kristin called. She lives in Denver (Cherry Creek) and said she was in the Chicago airport and on her way to Boston. I continued to watch the videos from my class while we talked and she said, "What are you doing today, Mom?" Her voice sounded like there was an echo. For some reason I turned around and she was standing right behind my computer chair... grinning her beautiful smile!!

It was the best surprise ever!!

Kristin was so excited that she had "pulled it off" as so many people knew she was going to try and surprise me. And she did!!

We spent the day and night together and then she had a meeting in Green Bay and then back to the airport to head home to Denver.

What a WONDERFUL 24 hours!!

Thank you sooooo much Kristin!!

Love you mucho,

~Mom

"She Art Workshop"... week #1

2011-03-06T10:01:00.000-06:00

From this mess...

And this mess...

I produced this canvas.

There were so many techniques and materials that were

new to me, so this is all an exploration of them.

I like things neat and tidy and this

Mixed Media art form goes against what my brain

is telling me what to do.

But I refuse to give up!!

BUT... it was fun!!

I look forward to week #2 which begins tomorrow.

Christy Tomlinson is a fantastic instructor.

I have indeed learned a lot!

I promise some giveaways in the near future.

Make this a great day!

XOXO

~joni

ICICLES

2011-02-27T12:25:00.000-06:00

This is the side of Jerry's 2-story house...

And those HUGE icicles hang over the driveway

where his car and my car were parked.

I could just picture that looooong one

falling and being a murder weapon.

"Do something!! That is so dangerous!!"

And he did...

He threw a broom like a javelin

and clipped the icicle (well most of it)

right off !

Applause Jerry!!

Maybe this will be a new Winter Olympic

game!

Of course the broom bounced off both of our cars...

but no damage!

Life is never dull!

XOXO ~joni

AN OLD PHOTO

2011-02-25T11:03:00.000-06:00

I found this old photo of the girls

and Wendy's best friend Libby,

in the basement. I was so delighted!

It was somewhat damaged, but

it was fixable with Photoshop Elements.

I haven't made a layout in months,

but had fun getting my fingers into it again.

I'm reorganizing the basement,

and looking for all of my art supplies

that I might be able to use in my class

("She Art" mixed media painting)

that begins Monday.

I'll take lots of photos of my creations

as they evolve.

You can still register for the class/workshop.

See: Information on a previous post.

XOXO

~joni

Soooooo LOVELY!

2011-02-21T13:47:00.000-06:00

A package arrived and look at the sweet, sweet

frames from Wendy.

They are so BEAUTIFUL!!

So CHARMING!!

I love, love, love them all!

The 2 bottom hearts open like lockets.

Thank you dear Wendy!

Such sweet daughters!!

Love you...

~Mom

PS We have so much new snow that schools were closed again!

Friday, February 18, 2011

2011-02-18T11:19:00.000-06:00

Taking Part In The Simple Woman's Daybook

Here's how to take part:

1. Write up and publish your journal page using the questions/picture ideas I have listed below into your blog entry. Be as descriptive as you can! (You may cut and paste them for the purpose to participate in The Simple Woman's Daybook.) Please add your "picture thought" photo at the end of your daybook entry because we all love pictures!

~*~*~*~*~

Here is a link back to the main page of the blog. http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/2009/01/taking-part-in-simple-womans-daybook.html
FOR TODAY

Outside my window... the sun is shining for which I am so grateful, but there is a very strong wind blowing. The remaining snow is dirty looking.

I am thinking... about what I should do this afternoon. I'm looking for a certain brand of black pen for my "She Art Class" which begins next Monday. I will probably need to prowl a lot of stores to find it. And if I do... I'm going to buy a dozen!

I am thankful for... the meds that are clearing up my sinus infection. I feel much more energetic today!!

From the kitchen... nothing cooking! But the dishwasher has been emptied and filled again. All is in order.

I am wearing... OMG... you'd laugh! A blue Cotton knit nightie with big green frogs all over it and a soft pink terry robe. Bare feet.

I am creating... a better workspace in my workroom. Shoving things around.

I am going... to go out for dinner with my friend Jerry tonight. Our restaurants and bars cater to 'Friday Night Fish Frys' in Wisconsin. Very yummy!

I am reading... "I'd Tell You I love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You" It a YA (Young Adult Book). I like to pick those up now and then. This is a story about a private girls school that is really for spies. Cute, but not spectacular! I love Anthony Horowitz's spy series... YA. Need to be read in order.

I am hoping... that the predicted snow is light and disappears fast.

I am hearing... wind outside and the kitchen TV rumbling away.

Around the house... Otter is on a diet and it just kills me to see his sad, droopy, hound dog eyes looking at me for treats and human food.

One of my favorite things... Vanilla Chai Tea (No sugar added). I buy it by the case online from Serious Chai.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Organize, organize, organize! And take Otter to the Vet.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...

Tulips from Kristin for Valentine's Day.

They are in such a sweet arrangement.

Thanks Honey!!

Make is a great weekend!

XOXO

joni

DONE, FINISHED, COMPLETED!

2011-02-11T10:22:00.000-06:00

Yes... it only took me until mid-February. I usually

finish up the first week in January but I was a

pokey turtle this year.

I usually need some kind of motivation to tie it

all together.

This year's motivation was the upcoming

"SHE Art Workshop"

which begins February 28th.

I am so excited and have begun to gather supplies.

And here it is!

Ready to take it's place on the shelf above my desk

with the other December albums.

I always feel the need to add an embellishment

to the binder rings.

I decided to use some of my Sculpy/Fimo beads

that I made a few years ago.

They were just the small added touch that I felt

the album needed.

I am satisfied!

Make this a great weekend!

XOXO

Joni

A Class by Christy Tomlinson

2011-02-06T11:41:00.000-06:00

Registration is now Open!

The She Art Workshop is a 3 week e-course the begins February 28th! In this workshop, you will learn how to create unique and detailed girls, as seen in my art projects! I will also share with you how I create my backgrounds, textures, and layering styles on canvases and other surfaces! You will walk away from this class feeling confident in creating your own personalized" She Art" projects as well as having learned new art techniques you can use in other mixed media projects! The She Art Workshop begins February 28th. Registration starts today and ends February 27th!

The She Art Workshop is presented in three parts.

Week one: Get Down to Basics! I will show you all the in's and outs of how I create my backgrounds including unique and thrifty item you can use use AND tricks and tips of using household objects for texture! I will also show you how to create simple dresses, faces and hair using paper, as well as tips for giving your girls a more "painted" look. We will finish it off with learning how to doodle to finish off your project.

Week two: All about the Layers! This week, we will get a little more creative and I will show you how to create layered clothing, how to personalize hair, and layering techniques for backgrounds. We will also add other items to our canvases (like birds, trees, houses, etc), to make a more complete look. Plus some creative writing tips for creating your own she words and phrases to fit the person you are painting it for.

Week Three: Making it yours! In this week I will show you how to create a girl based on a photo of YOU. You will use your picture (I will show you one of mine) as inspiration to sketch and design a girl that represents who YOU are. When you are done, you will have a portrait that simpy portrays how wonderful you are. I will also show you She Art projects that I did using other surfaces like tags, wood, bags, books, and more!

This class will have OODLES of never before seen "She Art" inspiration, just for you! It will also include downloads Pdf's of "She Art" words and phrases you can use on your art as well as templates for clothing, faces, and legs. Plus some fun clipart you can use on your She Art Projects as well!

All instruction will be in Video format, so you can stop and rewind as needed.

The She Art Workshop will begin on February 28th and will be open for an additional 3 week after the class ends (so 6 weeks total availability). You will also have access to a flicker group to share your art with others in the class! I will be available for help at anytime during the class via email and will be in and out of the class forum, checking for questions or help.

The class is $35. for the 3 weeks. To register, go to the bottom of this page

If this sparks the EXCITEMENT in you as it did in me... join me!!

XOXO

Joni

Valentine's Day Project

2011-02-05T09:14:00.000-06:00

I saw this adoRablE paper heart wreath at thehybridchick.com. It is way too cute not to pass your way. You'll enjoy the blog too... very inspiring! There is a photo tutorial showing you just how to make the wreath. I have so many unused sheets of 2-sided scrapbook paper that will work perfectly. Can't wait to make one for my house and a few friends. A perfect project for Super Bowl watching!

Make this a great weekend!

XOXO

Joni

Saturday Storytime

2011-01-31T10:49:00.000-06:00

We have a wonderful bookstore in our little town...

Apple Blossom Books!

Lots of books for kids and a good selection for adults.

And on Saturday mornings they have...

STORY TIME!

The back of the shop has been turned into an enchanting

world for children...

cozy, colorful, creative, and inviting!

One of the cute young gals who works

at the shop is the Story Lady.

This week she read several books about

love & valentines.

My friend Jerry's granddaughter

chose to browse the books

rather than listen to Story time.

I love the way the littlest children

put their legs straight out in front of them

as they listen to the stories.

Such a cute age!

This little girl listened to the stories while she

played with a soft-sculpture tree house on the

colorful carpet.

The Story Lady presented an art

activity that was coordinated with

the books she read to the kids.

She had pre-cut heart frames with

white tissue centers.

The children used glue sticks to

attach pieces of colored paper.

Grandpa Jerry watched all the activity.

This little boy came in his footy pajamas.

He found a place of his very own

to create his heart.

Jerry's grandson worked so intensely and carefully

creating his heart.

When he was through, he held it up for me to see.

Isn't it lovely!

We said Goodbye to the bookstore

and went next door to the Carmel Crisp Cafe.

Jerry's granddaughter was so engrossed

in her new chapter book that

she was in a world of her own as

she ate her ice cream.

A fun morning was had by all!!

Make this a great day!

Read a book!

XOXO

Joni

Thoughts as I look at this Photo...

2011-01-28T10:11:00.000-06:00

(Day #17 from my December Daily album)

Yes, that's me 'in all my glory'.

But, I don't mind wearing elf hats, Santa hats, or reindeer antlers in December.

Yes, I hate having my picture taken.

But, I do want to document this moment at Christmastime, 2010.

Yes, I loved that I was about to do a Story time for 4&5 year olds.

But, I can't show you the photo of the Story time because of a parent request.

My friend Jerry and I are taking his Grandchildren to Story time tomorrow at an adorable book store. I will take photos and share them with you as the store is sooooooo cute and mainly children's books. I'll make certain that I shoot from the backs of their heads... or crop them out!!

Here's something you don't know about me... I wrote my Master's Thesis on "The Benefits of Integrating ORAL Storytelling into the Classroom Reading Program". My mom was a great oral storyteller and the mental images that I created in my head have bridged the gap of time.

Make this a great weekend!

Tell someone a story!!

Joni

By the Light of My Valentine's Tree

2011-01-25T12:11:00.000-06:00

I have always had a Valentine's Day Tree.

It is a TRADITION!!

My mom and I made simple trees decorated with hand-cut hearts and paper doilies when I was small.

When I was teaching, the kids and I would make a tree adding lots of glitter and bling that would sparkle on our cheeks for days. When my girls were born we often made trees wth heart cookies hanging on them or whatever they wanted to add. I wanted them to have "ownership" which involved their contributing to the final product.

I am now 67 years old and the tradition of 'the tree' still continues. I love the changes that take place every year. It now has tiny optic lights on branches, and branches painted silver and sprinkled with silver glitter.

Last night I plugged the tree in the Den and turned off the other lights. I curled up in my favorite chair with my mom's hand knit afghan over my lap. I sipped a cup of hot Chai Tea and watched a movie. I was totally at peace and relaxed. I was cozy and happy. I enjoy my alone time. I make a point of creating a home atmosphere that creates that feeling for me.

Make this a great day!

Love,

Joni

PS Otter-the-dog SNORED through the entire movie.

An Exciting Day in Packerland

2011-01-23T11:20:00.000-06:00

Kristin's photo says it all...

GO PACK GO!!

Sleeping in on a Snowy Day

2011-01-18T14:28:00.000-06:00

"Hey Otter, wake up! It's 10:00"

We really slept late this morning... YUMMERS!

The sound of my Snow Removal guy woke me up.

Oooooh... the joys of retirement!

I have a white duvet cover on my bed at the moment,

so I put a red print comforter over half of our King-

sized bed each night so Otter doesn't get hair on the duvet.

Otter sleeps with his nose buried under the covers. I

guess that's a beagle thing.

"OK mom. I'm awake but I'd like to

stay here for a bit longer. I have some

stretching to do and I thought I might

chew on my foot for awhile!"

"Hey... give a guy a break! You're not gonna take

pictures of me when I just woke up?"

"OK... one quick pose!

What's for breakfast?

Make this a great day!

Joni

I Couldn't Resist

2011-01-15T11:16:00.000-06:00

I took a lot of pictures at Christmas and really haven't spent much time looking at them. After talking with Wendy this morning I decided to check them out and crop them, etc. I came across this trio and had to add an extra page to my December Daily (almost finished) album.

Wendy has such a fantastic sense of humor... always keeps people laughing. I'm glad I was able to capture the crazy side of her and to record it.

Make this a great weekend!

Joni

2011-01-13T12:03:00.000-06:00

If you want a book that you just won't be able to put down, then Sarah's Key is for you! It started as my 'book to read in bed at night' and has turned into filling every spare daily minute. I will finish it today and hate to see it end.

It takes place in and around Paris. The chapters alternate between the voice of a ten year old girl in 1941 and a woman reporter of today. The story is about the French police rounding up the Jews and sending them off to almost certain death... a piece of history I was totally unaware of. You'll love Sarah who is one of the children rounded up and sent away. She escapes from a prison camp to get back to Paris to find her younger brother who she locked in a cupboard (the key) to hopefully keep him hidden an safe from the enemy.

The woman reporter is writng a story about the Round-up and slowly learns about Sarah and the house she lived in.

I won't tell anymore. Just dash to the library or bookstore and grab a copy of Sarah's Key.

Then plan on ordering in or getting Take-out as you won't want to leave your chair.

Make a great day!

Joni

My Little Family

2011-01-12T12:01:00.000-06:00

Having your picture taken is a nice reality check as to what you really look like. I feel like I'm in my 30's... therefore my surprise at looking at a photo. My girls are so pretty and almost aways photograph well. Then there's their aging mom. I used to be taller than them... 5' 9" but that certainly has changed. The ole spine compresses with age. And what happened to my big brown eyes? Little piggy slits! I say this in jest as I am actually content with who I am. Despite this all I am a happy, happy person... loving each new day tht God blesses me with. And a very proud mom of two daughters that are lovely inside and out!!

Make your day a GREAT one!

Joni

The House That Sparkles!

2011-01-11T10:29:00.001-06:00

(A page from my 2010 December Daily album)

This is adorable Lee, peeking through a little window in the wall that goes from the hallway to my computer/scrapping room. Of course my camera was sitting next to my computer so I took a quick shot of her. Wouldn't you?

Lee is my cleaning lady and she is such a sweetheart. And such a wonderful Chrstian. She was here to give my house its pre-Christmas cleaning... much needed. In January she will be cleaning for me twice a month. She does such a good job and is so much fun to be around. Between Lee and my new Roomba, I should sparkle!

Make this a great day!!

~Joni

An Elf here, an Elf there, everywhere an Elf!

2011-01-10T10:35:00.000-06:00

(A page from my December Daily)

I really shouldn't call hm an Elf as he is from Finland where they would call him a Tomte or Nisse. I just refer to him as "Little Elf". He's sitting on top of a stack of children's Christmas books on a little child's chair. Christmas decorations at our house are fun and whimsical. I haven't gotten into the pretty stuff.

It' very cold today and a perfect day to work on my December Daily album. By the time I complete it, you will have already seen all of the pages... but not the embellishments I added.

The flu is running rampant around here. I slept all night last night for the first time since Christmas Eve.

Health and healing to you all.

Make this a great day!

~Joni

New Family

2011-01-07T09:39:00.000-06:00

My daughter Kristin, gave me these Nissen (Scandinavian elves) for Christmas. I just love them and they will probably stay up all year. They're from GarnetHill.com catalog... great gifts!! I tried to add a Link but the computer was balking at me. Sorry!

I seem to be gathering a collection of little pixie-type creatures. I have sooooooo many on my tree... part of my Scandinavian theme.

These guys need names. Any ideas??

Make this a great day!

~Joni

PS Anna... the Roomba comes with a lifetime warranty (Hammacher Schlemmer only).

Roomba the Robot

2011-01-06T10:54:00.000-06:00

My friend Jerry, got a Roomba vacuum for Christmas from his daughter. I had never paid much attention to them before but his was such fun to watch. When I walked in his house the day after Christmas, I couldn't believe how clean everything looked. His carpets sparkled! Soooooo... I borrowed it one evening and my friend Lyn came over to watch. IT IS AMAZING!! We both fell in love with Lucille (jerry's name for it)!

We researched for a few days as there are many different models and came up with one that we both thought was the best for Lyn's cats and my dog. We found it on Hammacher Schlemmer with a lifetime warranty and a code for free shipping. I can't wait until it arrives and I can put my feet up with a good book, a cup of Chai Tea, and listen to the happy little hum of my robot cleaning.

For more information just click on Hammacher Schlemmer above

Make this a great day!

Joni

"MY RED BOOTS..."

2011-01-05T11:00:00.000-06:00

(Photo is from day#9 of my December Daily album)

My daughter Wendy, sent me these red boots before

the weather got chilly/freezing. Red is my favorite color

and I adore them.

The first day that I wore them, my friend Jerry started singing

a silly song about red boots that had a real catchy tune.

So, as catchy tunes go, we were singing or humming it

constantly.

He heard the song on a TV show that one of is granddaughters

watches...

Jacks Big Music Show.

I wish I could sing it for you, but it goes something like this:

In my red boots. In my red boots.

I love to stomp around in my red boots.

STOMP, STOMP, STOMP!

B-O-O-T-S

I love to stomp around in my red boots!

It is driving me craaaaazy!!!

Have a fun day!

Joni

Happy New Year to all !!

2011-01-03T12:01:00.000-06:00

This is actually a photo from my December Daily album.

My photos are all full page size and mounted, punched

and held together with red rings. But I am working hard to

complete the journaling that goes with each page and add the

embellishments.

Then I can finally share it with you!

Love you!

Joni

December Daily #2

2010-12-03T10:09:00.000-06:00

Day 2

The Story...

On this VERY cold December 2nd, my good neighbor Glen arrived at my door and offered to put my lights on my fence. What a sweet man he is!! I had bought all new lights this year and he had quite a time getting them all straightened out... laughing all the way! He twisted them all over the top of my picket fence and set them on a timer. Last night my yard was lit up so brightly. Soooooo beautiful! Thank you Glen!! I love you! Santa comes in many forms. You were my Santa today!! Now I need to pay it forward.

Love to all!

joni

December Daily #1

2010-12-02T10:44:00.000-06:00

I just got home the night of the 30th and CRASHED! But I didn't want to get behind with my December Daily album. Soooooooo...

I found this photo of some vintage luggage months ago and saved it in my 'Christmas 2010' file just for this day. Good planning , joni... as I broke my camera on our trip. So happy to have a photo ready! I added the airplane and a few words, mounted it on red paper, and it is done. I also added a 3-D red number 1 in the top left hand corner.

I wrote the story of "the day" on Word and added it on the page on the left side.

I'll get photos of the actual pages as soon as I can get my camera lens repaired.

Love you all!

Joni

"DECEMBER DAILY"

2010-11-19T11:58:00.000-06:00

My 3rd year of recording December memories.

Ali Edwards hooked me a few years ago with the concept of a "December Daily" album.

I'm hooked!!

I couldn't wait to get this year's album organized.

But first I curled up with a cup of Chai Tea and went back in time

to the Decembers of the past 2 years.

2008

A 2008 sample page...

2009

A 2009 sample page:

Tah, tah... 2010!!

Although I still have Autumn decorations up I couldn't wait

to pull December mini albums and books for my small

shelf (Pottery Barn Kids) above my computer table.

My 2010 album is nestled in a metal basket...

awaiting my return on December 1st from a

trip to see my daughters in Denver and Phoenix.

The papers are cut and punched and ready to begin

recording this year's memories.

If you haven't attempted a "December Daily the time

is perfect to give it a try this year. They're fun and quick

to put together and you'll love reading it over and over.

My sweet mom used to say,

Memories bridge the gap of time."

Soooooo true!

Love you all!!

joni

A Blog that you'll love!

2010-11-10T11:18:00.000-06:00

http://mytwobutterflies.blogspot.com/

Meet Jenn Brasher!

She is one VERY creative young lady (mom and wife too)!!

My daughter Kristin met her in college and they've stayed

in touch through the years.

Jenn lives in Denver and has helped make Kristin feel

welcome in her recent move.

Jenn loves photography and did this self-portrait

for Project 365.

She's so talented at seeing a piece of clothing at a

thrift shop and creating something wearable from it.

BEFORE

AFTER

A Grandpa's sweater cardigan.

BEFORE

AFTER

She's just as talented making jewelry.

Jenn is having a GIVEAWAY.

Visit her Blog and leave a comment.

I sat and read her entire Blog the other day.

It is so motivating and inspirational.

ENJOY!!

I do each day!

~Joni

PS Jenn and her husband went to Italy with my daughters in September.

Daylight Saving Time Coming to an End

2010-11-05T11:05:00.000-05:00

A REMINDER...

It's time to turn back your clocks tomorrow night (in the USA)

and get an extra hour of sleep.

Enjoy that Extra hour on Sunday morning!

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

Joni

Lurking in the gloom...

2010-10-27T14:20:00.000-05:00

As long as I can remember we have had Better Homes and Gardens magazines in our house.

BUT NOW... http://www.bhg.com/ has become a favorite read!!

The following ideas are from their daily site that you can subscribe to free and get inspired by hundreds of exciting ideas and projects. They arrive in the form of an email... subscribe and you will be adding a daily smile to your life.

Simple black upholstery tacks.

I adore these painted pumpkins with a touch of Bling!

Unique idea for a door or a fence.

Shortbread cookies with almond fingernails.

Little fabric ghosts tied to painted branches & stuck in a pumpkin.

Love this on a gate!

Add some fake black birds or crows to an existing wreath.

Better photo of the painted pumpkins!

Easy to make!

But the squirrels are feasting on all of my Indian corn.

Thanks Better Homes and Garden website... http://www.bhg.com/.

I anxiously await your daily email!!

Have a creative Halloween!!

Joni

Marathon Shopping

2010-10-11T11:24:00.000-05:00

Kristin and Wendy were home for the weekend. It is always sooooo good to have them both under my roof!! We laughed and laughed and shopped and shopped. Kristin lives in Chicago (anyone want to rent or buy a cute condo on Michigan Ave?) and although she has access to great stores in Chicago, the sales tax is 10%. The moving van is coming to her Chicago place this week and she wanted to shop for her Denver place (Cherry Creek) as our sales tax is only 5%.

So... we shopped Friday evening and most of Saturday.

FUN, FUN, FUN!

She got the car packed and the realized that her suitcases needed to squeeze in someplace and so did Wendys. And... she was picking up her friend Katie and her luggage in Milwaukee and giving her a ride to Chicago.

Kristin bought 16 place settings of FiestaWare in yummy colors!

And lamps, towels, etc.

I got a text saying they had arrived home safely!

I can't wait to hear the story of how they all fit in the car.

See you at Thanksgiving!

I'm flying to Denver for a few days to see Kristin's new home and then the 2 of us will fly to Phoenix together for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving at Wendy and Daren's is always a blast!

XOXO

Joni

Apple Pickin' Time

2010-10-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

It's that wonderful time of the year... apple pickin' time! It's time to find an orchard and pick those apples right from the trees. A Fall tradition here in Wisconsin.

Jerry, his daughter, two grandchildren, a little friend, our two dogs and I, went to his brother's orchard loaded with baskets and bags.

It was a beautiful sunny day!

The trees were laden with every type of apple you can think of and we picked some of each. The most inviting are always at the tippy-top and this 'basket gadget' was perfect for reaching up high.

It doesn't take long to fill a bushel basket with so many big and little hands working together.

I just love this time of the year... jeans and sweatshirt time.

My dog Otter just loves Jerry and he is so good to Otter!

Jerry's dog Dixie isn't in the photos as her legs are soooo long and she moves sooooo fast that I didn't get even one clear picture of her as she ran laps around the fields. Dixie's a Doberman.

Otter had his first experience running in a farm field. All I could think of was, "I hope that his flea and tick medicine works well!" Just the thought made me scratch!

These apples are headed to the oven to become apple pies, apple squares, and apple bread. Jerry's daughter was going to make applesauce with a lot of her apples.

YUMMERS!!

Have an apple, polish it up, and crunch right in!

ENJOY!!

Enjoy the season that your part of the world is experiencing !

Joni

PS The photos of Jerry's grandchildren and the friend they brought along, are adorable. I was asked not to put the children on my blog and I want to honor their mother's wish.

Icky, Sticky, Icecream

2010-09-23T13:22:00.000-05:00

This is a page from my "Summer 2010" album.

Jerry deserved a big icecream cone for taking me all the way to Appleton to Archivers. Most men dislike that place, but he's a pretty good sport. I don't go there very often now that I do mostly digi scrapping, but I was in the mood to organize my "December Daily Album"... which is hybrid. I'll share photos of the collection I picked out for it on another day.

We stopped at Vande Walle's Chocolates for some really good icecream and it was indeed YUMMY!

And drip, drip, drip it did!

Make this a great day!

Joni

Picnic in the Park

2010-09-17T11:24:00.000-05:00

Always Time for a Picnic

We are very blessed to live a few blocks away from one of the largest inland lakes... Lake Winnebago! The park along the lake is lovely... Menominee Park. There's an old-fashioned carousel, a little red train that carries happy children through the park, a great zoo, a built-by-the-community playground (yes, I hammered some nails), Sea, Sand and Sailorland... another playground, a lagoon with paddle boats, bike and walking paths, and every sport you can imagine being played! I love to just sit under a tree and read!

Today, Jerry and I headed to the park with my picnic basket in hand. We munched tasty but very messy egg salad sandwiches... as the photos show. Everything slid out of the bread as we took a bite!

Jerry was gathering odds and ends of his sandwich to feed the ducks.

This photo gives you a better view of the shoreline up to the swimming pavilion.

Jerry took an afternoon nap while I played with my camera. The sound of the water, the ducks and the seagulls make a very conducive atmosphere for napping.

There are lots of boats on the lake... especially sailboats. These boats were returning from the end of a race. It's actually one of my favorite photos of the Summer.

I love our little Midwest city!

A lovely place to live and raise a family.

When we want a taste of an urban life, we just hop on down to Chicago.

But then we get to come home again to fireflies and quiet.

Make this a great day!

~Joni

Lovin' Italy!!

2010-09-13T12:29:00.000-05:00

Ten Days in Tuscany

Celebrating Kristin's 40th Bday

Kristin wanted to do something special for her 40th so she decided to rent a villa in

Tuscany... and invite 8 other close friends. They all chipped in for the Villa.

As a 'thank you' to them for helping her celebrate, Kristin hired an Italian chef

to come to the Villa and give them a cooking lesson and serve them a complete dinner.

Kristin said that this was the highlight of the trip her... being able to share this meal

with her wonderful friends.

This photo is out of order, but special to me.

This is the town of Portofino. A much-loved spot by me and

full of wonderful memories.

Wendy and Kristin

This is their Villa and they said it was much better than they ever expected.

You never know when you make all of your arrangements online.

They went to the small nearby town of Greve where they

were having a festival-of-sorts.

The town put on a version of "Grease".

They gathered in Florence for a glass of wine and to discuss

plans for the rest of the day.

Fried cheese balls!

Just like being at home.

Kristin, Wendy, and Wendy's husband Darin spent several days in Rome and

went to The Vatican.

They're on their way home as I write.

I pray for their safe travel.

Make this a great day!

~joni

Looks Like Fall!

2010-09-11T11:28:00.000-05:00

The Farmer's Market

Signs of Fall

This summer, we (my camera, friends, and I) spent almost every Saturday morning at our local Farmer's Market.

Last week the temperatures dropped and Fall showed it's true colors. It was amazing to see

the changes reflected at the market.

Acorn squash (Winter squash) appeared for the first time in the vendor's booths.

Baskets replaced some of the crates.

The flowers changed to those that can survive our chilly weather.

Soooooooo BEAUTIFUL!!!

The bands dressed warmer!

Beautiful orange pumpkins appeared in a number of the booths.

I also saw some colorful Indian Corn.

Warm clothing and warm egg rolls. They also make great crab rangoons!

Mum plants for sale!

Time to get those frost-tolerant flowers in the ground.

Isn't she lovely?

This morning it has been raining and we missed the Market, but there will be other

Saturdays thru October!

Missed you all this Summer!!

Make this a great day!

~Joni

PS All materials used in the making of my Blog Header are from Designer Digitals.

Check out their fantastic sale going on right now!!

Happy Birthday WENDY!!

2010-07-27T12:36:00.003-05:00

Today is Wendy's 38th birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO WENDY!! Wendy is my youngest and lives in Phoenix with her husband and 2 dogs. She is Operations Director for Pure Grips, a company that manufactures and sells Golf grips. Her husband is a scratch golfer! The whole family is involved and addicted to golfing.

Queen Wendy shall walk among her people later today!!
Thanks Sunny for decorating her office!

~Joni

A Summer Place

2010-07-19T10:20:00.009-05:00

Ardy and Eds has been in Oshkosh since 1948. It's an old fashioned 'Drive-In' that is only open in the Summer. 50's and 60's music plays outside... ah, memories!! The Car Hops wear roller skates and do a great job of staying up-right. When my girls were little they would ask if we could go to Ardy and Eds and "watch the Car Hops wipe out"... which does happen occasionally.

They serve great root beer in frosty mugs!

My friend GJ is eating a pizza burger. I had one also and it was tasty!

Great buns!

I ordered a diet root beer in a bottle. It was so darn good! It was also 90 degrees out.

We arrived in GJ's convertible... his Summer car. Perfect for eating at Drive-Ins,

but it was so hot we headed to an umbrella table for some shade. I love this photo of the underside of the umbrella.

So, if you're ever in Oshkosh...

~Joni

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-03T09:37:00.002-05:00

I met my friend DW for a sandwich at a local coffee shop yesterday. They make the BEST egg salad sandwiches on a yummy grainy bread. Great place to meet when you don't feel like getting out of your garden clothes. When I saw DW's shoes, I had to have a picture! My camera takes up most of the space in my purse, but it's worth it. Aren't those shoes perfect for the weekend? And so adorable!

Our fireworks are tonight and I wanted to play with my camera & the fireworks. However, My doggie is terrified of the noise of the crackers going off as they did last night. Tonight would be a bigger and much louder display (we live a few blocks from the lake) and I think he needs his Mom home to protect him.

Happy 4th to all of you!
~Joni

Free "Computer Tricks" class

2010-06-19T10:26:00.005-05:00

I have taken so many classes from Jessica Sprague. She is a fantastic teacher and person. She's offering a FREE online class... Compute Tricks for Cards. I'm not a card-maker but I know I will learn something new from this class. So, join me and register now!
Click on http://www.jessicasprague.com/ to register now!
Hope to see you there!!
~Joni

My BIL's funeral is this afternoon and I'm feeling very nervous.
Same funeral home and restaurant (including same menu) as
we had for Boyds. The memory is too fresh!
But this too shall pass.

Another Sad Loss

2010-06-15T08:09:00.002-05:00

Boyd's brother Dana, died on June 9, 2010 from cancer. He was in his 50's. So sad. He was a talented musician, composer, and actor. Like Boyd, he graduated from UW-Madison. He was also a member of the UW marching Band. The memorial service is this Saturday. Please keep his mom, dad, and sister Mary in your thoughts and prayers.

~Joni

Otter's Album

2010-06-03T12:16:00.005-05:00

I am continuing to work on Otter's album. As soon as I get caught up I am anxious to start an album about the transformation of my backyard... the picket fence and the tons of perennials and some annuals also. It's looking good and is so cozy. My own little world. Just needs a hammock!

And here's Otter...

If you want to know the name of any of the supplies that I used, just click on Designer Digitals on the right side of the blog.

Make this a great day!

Joni

Favorite NEW TV Series!

2010-05-31T09:36:00.005-05:00

I am head over heels in love with this new TV docu-series on Bravo... 9 By Design !

Husband and wife team Bob and Cortney Novogratz are owners of a NYC based design firm... Sixx Design. They're young and hip and artsy and have developed and designed UNIQUE in Manhattan. They've rebuilt entire blocks in the city and turned funky into fabulous! They face daunting construction challenges against rapidly ticking clocks. They create sumptuous spaces from wrecks and empty lots and then decorate with rare and inspiring collections.

Did I mention they have 7... yes, seven... children? The kids are loved and nurtured and put an interesting twist into the program.

The parents have a new book out, Downtown Chic! I saw it on Amazon.com and it's on my wish list.

Here are a few family photos...

They use a lot of photography in their decorating!

To read more about this fascinating family and show, click on Bravotv.com

Our cable company offers 9 By Design on Primetime on Demand so you can catch up or re watch the show. Also check their website for possible episodes online.

Enjoy!!

Joni

Signs of Summer

2010-05-27T12:42:00.002-05:00

Today is such a BEAUTIFUL day outside! It's hard to stay inside and work on anything! The rain and wind last night brought down most of the pods from my maple trees so it might be a good day to start raking them up. What a job! So many happenings outside are screaming "SUMMER"! I've listed a few on this layout... Can you add more? Share them with us all!

I hope your weather is as lovely where you live!

Make this a great day!!

Joni

PS Just got back from my doctor and she thinks I have a 'torn rotator cuff'.

I have an MRI next Tuesday.

Always something!

Otter's Album

2010-05-24T08:57:00.004-05:00

Otter's album is growing... finally! I seem to have my old love back for scrapbooking. I haven't had any interest in it since Boyd died. All of a sudden it returned and I could 'scrap' 24/7. However, my yard is loaded with newly planted perennials and they require a lot of watering to get those roots to head downward and get established. And my 3 huge maple trees have been dropping their seedlings all over the ground. I'm raking and sweeping constantly but I can't keep up with them. I'll be pulling tiny maple trees out of the flower beds all summer.

The credits for any of the materials used on the layouts can be located by clicking 'Designer Digitals' on the right side bar.

Make your day a great one!

Joni

Otter's Journal

2010-05-20T08:20:00.002-05:00

What a day I had today! My mom took me to this place called "See Spot Run"... and I almost ran the other way... to get a bath. I knew I was going to hate every minute of it and I was right. And to make things really bad, my mom left me and went some place in OUR car! And there I was, left to endure all those horrid things like soap suds and eeeeeek... the dreaded blow dryer! Hot, noisy and yuck, yuck, yuck!! They cut my toe nails and didn't even put polish on them like my mom has on hers. An here's the humiliating part... they put a scarf around my neck. I'm a boy, you nit-wits!

Then my mom came back to get me... had a little scare there for a moment... being a shelter-dog and all. Hey mom... I'm over here! Get me out of this place!! Whoa... what's this I spy. A little girl dog and she's a cutie! Wanna share a biscuit?

Home sweet home! Just in time to walk around in all that dirt for the garden.

Wags to you,

Otter

The Best Egg Salad Ever!!

2010-05-18T15:45:00.003-05:00

I have recently been trying to make great egg salad and have made batch after batch. This morning I finally got it right and it was YUMMERS!! That's my lunch in the photo below. And here is my recipe... for you sweet people out there!

Joni's Egg Salad

4 hard boiled eggs chopped
2 stalks of celery chopped fine

2 green onions sliced thin

4 small sweet pickles chopped fine

(pickle relish isn't as good)

4 T Hellman's Light Mayo

1 T yellow mustard

Heaping T of Dill

Ground sea salt

Ground pepper

Mash together with a fork and stir well.

Refrigerate so flavors blend.

Serve in pita bread or bread of choice

on a bed of alfalfa sprouts.

Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

Joni

Someday...

2010-05-16T10:49:00.003-05:00

This is a photo of my gardener's backyard. It's a small yard but carefully planted to have flowers in bloom all summer. I think it's a fairyland! This is his hobby! But through a mutual friend he has agreed to take me on as a client. He has already dug up 3 feet of my lawn all around the inside of the fence and along the garage. Planting will begin sometime this week. This weekend he's visiting nurseries all over Wisconsin looking for healthy and larger perennials. He's already bought all of my herbs and the lavender. Tomatoes will go in along the garage with green peppers. But, most planting will be flowers that will come up each year. Although annuals will be planted too! I'm excited to see what he is going to do with the window box under the 2 kitchen windows. My yard will still have some grass (for Otter) and a bigger central area than he has in his photo. I have brick patio which will have to do this year.

I'm anxious to post pictures as he uses his wealth of knowledge and works his creativity!!

Make this a great day!!
Hugs to you all!
Joni

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-11T11:47:00.007-05:00

Rarely do I have my picture taken, however the photo on my blog was two years old. So I braved the lens on Mother's Day! Also got a quick picture of Wendy and Kristin... and Wendy took a pic of Otter and I together in our favorite evening chair. This is my whole entire family! No Aunts, Uncles, or cousins. Small lot that we are, I wouldn't change it for the world.

Me

Wendy

Kristin

Otter and his Mom

Otter doesn't mind having the flash go off in his face... good boy that he is! Actually I have so many photos of him that I started working on his album this morning. I made a quick trip to Achievers yesterday and found the perfect album, paper, and embellishments. Boyd's desk is now my work table. Nice to have it!

It was a GREAT Mother's Day weekend!! Thanks for traveling here girls!

I am so proud to be your Mom!!

Happy May Day!

2010-05-01T09:07:00.004-05:00

Otter and I came back from a looooooong early morning walk and found my friend Lyn quickly leaving our backyard. Whoops... caught her on a secret mission! A May Day basket was hanging on the gate! It is just lovely and soooooo nostalgic! Otter the-curious-pup had to take a sniff through the pickets. Thank you Lyn for making this a special day!

When I was a child we always made May baskets for all of the neighbors. Usually made from paper and doilies and ribbons. We'd fill them with lilacs, violets, lily-of-the-valley, and buttercups. So much fun having a project to work on and to surprise the neighbors with. I loved my childhood!!

Happy May Day to all of you lovely friends!

Hugs to you all!

Joni

Nostalgia

2010-04-23T09:05:00.012-05:00

I loved TV as a child! Here are some of the shows that I remember. You may be too young to have had the opportunity to watch these weekly shows, but they bridge the gap of time for me. See how many you can name and if you're too young... ask your parents!

1. The 64,000 Question

2. The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis

3. Lassie

4. Our Miss Brooks

5. Father Knows Best

6. The Ozzie and Harriet Show

7. The Lone Ranger
8. The Perry Mason Show

9. Leave it to Beaver

10. Alfred Hitchcock Presents
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My favorite show was "The Mickey Mouse Club"!! When my dad was out of town I would eat my dinner on a TV tray in front of the show. I sang all of the songs with them and did a few of the dances. I loved the 'Spin and Marty' movies and was a fan of Annette Funnicello.

How about you?? What was your favorite TV show when you were young??

Can't wait to hear!

Make this a great day!
Joni

Von Trapped in Vienna!

2010-04-18T08:56:00.002-05:00

Boyd's sister and brother-in-law are "Von Trapped in Vienna". The European air traffic is in such a mess due to the clouds of debris from the Icelandic volcano. Mary and John were due home today... they live in Madison... but they finally have a confirmation for a flight on Thursday. They've been there for a much-needed vacation after Boyd's death and Mary's caring for her brother Dana who has cancer.

Sounds like an adventure to have an extended stay in Austria but "the Euros are running out", said Mary. They've been there for 1o days.

I miss you two and hope you get home 'sooner than later'. Mary stays with me about once a week and I miss our conversations. Otter loves her! Now, here's a thought for you... If you had to get stranded someplace in the world, where would you choose?

I'd choose the Provence area of France! So relaxing, smells like lavender, and I'd shop for their wonderful fabrics and eat their fantastic fresh veggies, bread & cheese with lots of olive oil.

How about you??

Make this a great day!

Joni

Dreams

2010-04-13T09:50:00.009-05:00

I have always wanted a white picket fence... always! When I was little and I drew pictures of houses with my crayons, they always had a white picket fence around them. Boyd's unexpected death taught me that there might not be a tomorrow... do it today! So yesterday I sat down with a contractor, Bob Christiansen (his company is called DREAM WORKS... isn't that appropriate!) and he measured and we sketched. An my dream picket fence will be built... picket by picket... in a week or too! Otter will have his own little yard to prance and play in. The photo below is random off the Internet but it's how I envision my "cottage look"... with my cottage house.
This is my new Springtime bedding (Pottery Barn). The sheets have lovely lace edging and the comforter is made of voile... soooo soft. Otter loves it but I haven't been able to get a picture of him in it yet... but I will!!

Also from Pottery Barn... I bought a mixture of spring floral pillows to scatter on my red couch in the den and the blue couches in the living room. They've added a fun Spring cottage look and feeling in here.

Our tulips are almost ready to bloom... yea! How about yours!

Off to have my taxes done. Yes, I know it's almost the 15th... what can I say?

Make this a great day!

Hugs to you all...

Joni

YUMMERS!

2010-04-08T10:04:00.007-05:00

This is a great cookbook brimming over with vegetarian yummy recipes. I bought it years ago because it has such a gosh darn cute cover! I love all of Mollie Katzen's cookbooks (the Moosewood series)! This is the Spanish Rice recipe from The Enchanted Broccoli Forest. I made it yesterday and it was REALLY yummy! It's a one pot dish and is fairly quick to make despite that the brown Rice takes longer to cook.

1 1/2 Cups chopped onion

2 large cloves crushed garlic

1/4 Cup Olive Oil

1/2 tsp salt (I use Sea Salt)

1 3/4 cups raw brown rice

2 chopped green bell peppers

1/2 tsp each: oregano and basil
freshly ground black pepper

Tabasco sauce to taste

2 1/4 cups tomato juice

2 small fresh tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup chopped green olives

freshly chopped parsley

1 packed cup shredded cheddar cheese

1. Saute onions and garlic in olive oil with salt.

2. Add raw rice, green peppers, and spices. Saute over medium hat another 5-8 minutes.

3. Add tomato juice. Bring to boil. Turn heat way down, cover, and let simmer 15 minutes.

4. Add tomatoes and olives. Stir, cover and continue simmering until rice has absorbed all liquid. Remove from heat.

5. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and transfer to a serving bowl. Stir in most of the cheese. Garnish with the chopped parsley and remaining cheese.

Great leftovers!!

Otter sat on the kitchen rug and watched me cook. Poor guy... he didn't even get a taste! I haven't ever given him any 'people food' and I don't want to start.

I'll probably eat those words one day!

Make this a great day!

Hugs to you all!

Joni

PS...

This is what we woke to this morning!

I am so blessed!

2010-03-30T09:29:00.005-05:00

My friend Nicolette, who lives in The Hague in the Netherlands, sent me a SURPRISE package the other day. She made me this LOVELY quilted table runner... Thank you Nicolette!!! I love it! I put it on the table for Easter week and it's just sooooo perfect and Springy! I can't wait for Kristin to see it when she arrives Friday for the weekend.

The little candles are in glass rabbit candle holders. They didn't show up in the photo but, oh so cute and perfect with the runner.Nicolette also sent a copy of Marie Claire Idees. I love, love, love this magazine as it is so overflowing with inspiration. I used to have a subscription to it thru Amazon.com. But it ran out and I failed to renew it. I need to order it again now that I am reminded how much I enjoy it. Thanks again, Nicolette!!

And what would my blog be without a current photo of the man in my life... Otter!! Such a loving guy!! He gets his first grooming on Thursday so he'll smell sweet when he meets Kristin for the first time.

I love my new vegetarian lifestyle and the exercise I'm getting with the frequent dog-walking. Otter could walk for ever! And listen to this... 14... yes, fourteen pounds have disappeared with these life changes. And it's been effortless with the yummy good food I'm eating. More about that another day.

Make this a great day regardless of the obstacles you face! Treasure each moment!!

Hugs to you all!

Joni

Otter and Ginger

2010-03-21T10:30:00.003-05:00

Guess who loves to get under the covers and put his head on a pillow?? Yup... that's my Otter!! He is soooo snuggly!! I think that's a trait of most beagles. He has certainly added a lot of life and love to this house. Meet our little friend Ginger who belongs to my friends Myles and Lyn. Ginger has a sister Gracie who is equally charming... she prays... HONEST! The humor in this photo is that Ginger is resting with her paws on a Scrabble dictionary. M & L are marathon Scrabble players! Ginger wants you to know that her favorite word is "MEOW" and that few Scrabble players know that it is an official Scrabble word. Soooooo... Meow to you! Ginger and Gracie love to have their teeth brushed every night. Wonder if my guy Otter would let me do that? I know there is meat flavored doggie toothpaste.

Coming this week:

1. A Great Trip to Barnes and Noble.

2. The Joys of Becoming a Vegetarian.

3. A New Cookbook Idea!

4. Kristin's 40th Birthday in Phoenix.

MAKE THIS A GREAT DAY!

~Joni

Ever see a green river?

2010-03-16T08:53:00.003-05:00

This is what my daughter Kristin will see as she leaves her downtown condo tomorrow to go to work... the Chicago River turns GREEN! Honest!! Tomorrow!!Called the eighth wonder of the world: Dyeing the Chicago River green on the morning of every St. Patrick's Day Parade. In the 1960's, plumbers set out to determine exactly how the river was being polluted... a job that heralded the introduction of the first batch of green dye to the river. The plumbers were testing plumbing systems to see if anything was being illegally dumped into the river. They were putting a green dye into the systems of each building. If the dye ended up in the river, they'd know whose system needed an overhaul. The idea of adding massive amounts of green dye to the Chicago River on St. Patrick's Day, however, came from a plumber working on the project. What better tribute to the Emerald Isle than a bit of Irish green in the river? The first time the plumbers tried it, the people of Chicago observed the bright green water flowing by their buildings for three days. Today it's more like three hours before the green stuff dissipates naturally. The process begins at 10:45 a.m. on Columbus Drive on the morning of the Chicago parade. Men in giant white suits and masks throw an orange powder -- one of three colors, along with white and green, on the Irish flag into the river. Boats churn the water to turn it a perfect emerald green, and the current carries the color along the parade route just in time for step off at noon. The river-dyeing festivities alone attract anywhere from 30,000 to 50,000 people -- two-thirds of whom traditionally stick around and join the even bigger crowd at the parade. The dye is a secret formula but it's 100 percent safe.

MAKE THIS A GREAT DAY!!
Joni O'Possin

What a Sweet Boy!

2010-03-15T09:39:00.007-05:00

Otter is just the SWEETEST dog! He is sooooo loving! And so good!! He's not interested in toys or rawhide chews... but checking out this teddy.

Favorite spot... the couch in the den. He loves to cuddle in the afghan that my Mom knit. Otter sheds a lot and of course the couch, being solid red, really gets 'hairy' by the end of the day.

Last week it rained everyday and created a great deal of mud along the sidewalks. YUCK!

This week is supposed to be sunny and in the 50's... great dog-walking weather!!

My pumpkins are gross and my neighbor offered to remove them for me. Guess he couldn't stand looking at them any longer. Actually... they've been buried in snow for months and not visible!! At least that's how I justify the fact that they didn't make the garbage in the Fall.

With all the walking that Otter and I are doing, I decided to change my eating habits and be kinder to the earth. I'm now eating 'green'... day #5. No more meat, fish, eggs, etc. However, I haven't given up cheese yet. That will come!! I've done this before and it's amazing how good I felt.

Make this a GREAT day!

Joni

I'm in Looooooooove!!!

2010-03-09T11:23:00.002-06:00

Meet Otter!!
He's a 2.5 year old Beagle that I saw at the animal shelter yesterday. It was love at first sight!! There is usually a 4 day wait but my timing was right and I was able to take him home yesterday. Otter came to the shelter because his owners were moving and couldn't take him with them. He craves attention and has a big heart! He is gentle and loving and is already mending my broken heart. He was up-to-date with routine shots, house trained and spayed/neutered... perfect!

Yes... he slept in my bed last night (well it's a king size). I slept with one eye open keeping an eye on him and we ended up going for a walk at 5:00 AM. The walking is just what I needed to burn some calories and Otter loves to be outside. With all the warm weather we've been having, there is a lot of MUD out there! So we'll have to wait a bit before we go to the dog park.

I need a nap!!

Hugs to all!

Joni

PS He doesn't mind the flash on the camera... Yea!!

Books and a Movie!

2010-03-05T09:07:00.009-06:00

Have you read anything by Adriana Trigiani? Big Stone Gap? (about to become a movie). A friend suggested Adriana's new Trilogy about a family of old world Italian shoemakers in Greenwich Village. They've been making exquisite wedding shoes since 1903 and now Valentine must bring the old-world craftsmanship into the 21st century. She returns to Italy to find some answers. Throw in a romance with a dashing chef! Adrianna is such a good storyteller... I don't want to put the book down and I just started it last night.
The second book in the trilogy is Brava, Valentine. The third book has not been published as of today.

I stumbled across this movie, Easy Virtue the other night on Netflix, and watched it right on my laptop... FREE! I adored it!! Great casting!! I may watch it again! Love Colin Firth... always! And Kristin Scott Thomas is one of my favorite female actresses. And what fun when the setting is an English Country House.

Jessica Biel, Colin Firth, Kristin Scott Thomas and Ben Barnes bring Noël Coward's witty comedy of manners magnificently to life in this "deliciously cheeky" adaptation. When British playboy John brings his new wife Larita - a race car-driving feminist from Detroit - home to meet the family at their country estate, pretty much everyone's expectations are disappointed. His snooty mother is offended by Larita's carefree American ways, while Larita does everything she can to get her mother-in-law to loosen up, which only annoys her even more. John's sisters have diametrically opposed feelings about their new sister-in-law, but his father is intrigued to have finally found another who sees through the family's façade - and takes great perverse pleasure in watching his wife meet her match.

The Newlyweds

Mother and 'the sisters'.

Mother finds her dog dead in a throw pillow.

Whoops!

New DIL sat on her!!

That's it for today... Make this a great day!!

Hugs to you my friends!

Joni

Simple but Tasty!

2010-02-28T10:01:00.003-06:00

It's beginning to be that asparagus time of the year. It was Boyd's favorite veggie! So in honor of Boyd here's a new simple and quick recipe I just tried. Asparagus Fettuccine

Break off the tough end of each spear by bending it gently until it snaps. It will break at the point where the tender part ends and the tough part begins.

Ingredients:
1 lb. asparagus, ends trimmed
2 Tbs. olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1⁄4 cup dry white wine
4 Tbs. (1⁄2 stick) unsalted butter
Zest of 2 lemons
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 lb. fettuccine
1⁄4 cup chopped fresh chives
1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Directions:
In an asparagus pot or steamer filled halfway with boiling salted water, add the asparagus, tips up. Cover and cook until tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Cut the asparagus into 1 1⁄2-inch lengths; set aside. In a large sauté pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Add the wine, bring to a boil and cook until almost evaporated. Add the asparagus, butter and lemon zest, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the butter melts. Season with salt and pepper. Meanwhile, bring a large pot two-thirds full of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water.Transfer the pasta to a serving bowl. Add the asparagus sauce and chives and toss to coat. Pass the cheese at the table.

I'm really on a 'cooking-new-recipe' kick! And I'm having fun playing in my new little red and white kitchen. A very comforting place to be!!

Make this a great day!!
Hugs,
Joni

YEA!! My Girls are Home!!

2010-02-21T10:29:00.004-06:00

And this is what the coffee table in the den looks like. It screams, "The girls are home!" And I love it! Wendy always has fun poking through the tubs in the basement and brings touches of nostalgia up stairs. Last night it was their Smurf collections and their Sticker Books. Home sweet home! "Move over... let me take a picture!" Notice the box of Milk Duds?? More nostalgia!!Almost all the Smurfs look essentially alike — mostly male, very short, with blue skin, white trousers with a hole for their short tails, white hat in the style of a Phrygian cap, and sometimes some additional accessory that identifies a personality. (For example, Handy Smurf wears overalls instead of the standard trousers, a brimmed hat, and a pencil above his ear.) Smurfs can walk and run, but often move by skipping on both feet. They love to eat Sarsaparilla leaves, whose berries the smurfs naturally call smurfberries

There was a huge stack of sticker books, but I just took a pic of a few of them so that you could get the idea. Wendy can remember everything about each sticker... what a memory! Some great stories were shared last night.

Kristin and Wendy have left for Chicago where Wendy will catch a flight to Phoenix and where Kristin lives. It's always so empty when they leave but I am so blessed to see them as often as I do.

Safe travel girls!

Hugs,

Joni

Yummers!

2010-02-19T11:23:00.003-06:00

I found this recipe on kashi.com and it is YUMMERS!

Beans make a nutritious alternative to meat, and heating them briefly in olive oil and garlic infuses them with flavor.

Makes 2 servings

4 ounces whole-wheat pasta shells, tubetti, ziti, or rigatoni
1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed
1 large clove organic garlic, minced (I smash mine and remove it after it has been sauteed with the beans)
2 ripe medium tomatoes, diced
2 Tbsps oil-cured black olives (I use regular black olives)
¼ cup sliced fresh basil... a must!!
Freshly ground pepper to taste
2 Tbsps freshly grated Romano cheese ( I use Parmesan Reggiano)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes or according to package directions. Drain.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add beans and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the beans are just heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add tomatoes, olives, basil and pepper. Stir gently to combine. Divide the pasta between 2 plates and top with the bean mixture and cheese. I toss it all together! I also add chopped green onions. OR you could add chopped red onion to the beans and garlic when sauteing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm finding a sense of peace in the kitchen and I've printed a stack of recipes to try. I'm about to go back to the kitchen and make Leek & Potato soup. A favorite of Kristin.

Make this a Great day!
Hugs,
Joni

Another Great Loss

2010-02-18T09:58:00.003-06:00

Gabby died Tuesday at the age of 18 years. She loved to sleep on my lap and play with plastic bags. Her love and warmth will be sadly missed. I love you Gabby! Go be with your Daddy.

New Scrapbox!

2010-02-15T09:26:00.004-06:00

I want to introduce you to Angel. She was rescued from a Puppy Mill by one of my good friends. After a lot of love and extensive grooming, Angel is thriving in her lovely new home... she had previously lived in a crate and was used for breeding. Angel has a HUGE wardrobe and I wanted to take photos of her in her many outfits. However, she didn't like the camera's flash. I will try again soon and share them with you. Isn't she adorable? And she has a personality to match!
I made another Scrapbox this weekend. I wanted to preserve my favorite book from when I was growing up. My Mom read it to me several times and then I read it myself a few more times. It has such unforgettable characters like Hookie-the-Goblin, Little Lemon Cookie, Snickerdoodle, and more. I read it to my girls when they were little and then they read it themselves, too! The book has been a fixture around our house since the 1940's.

I created a scrapbook page about this book experience, reduced it to 6x6, and printed it to be included in the scrapbox. The spine of the book was broken and I used a very strong 2-sided tape (from a scrapbook store) in the corner of each page to keep the book together

I stumbled upon scrapboxes at Tuesday Morning. They had Martha Stewart's label on them and they were only $3.99 each (originally $24.99). I bought them all!! The box I used for the above creation is from TJ Maxx. All scrapping materials used in the making of the above layout are from Designer Digitals (click on 'my Gallery' for more details).

My daughters are coming home this weekend and I can't wait!! We're going up to the Green Bay house to move all my scrapping materials, Summer clothes, and anything else of importance that was left behind. I just love every minute that I get to spend with them... such a gift!

Choose to MAKE this a great day!

XOXO

Joni

Snow, snow, snow!

2010-02-09T10:11:00.002-06:00

Snow... those beautiful white delicate flakes... that can shut down whole cities. Isn't that amazing when you think about it! My heart goes out to the East Coast and all the people that have been negatively affected by their recent storm. And another storm's on it's way! We had snow all day yesterday and it's predicted to hit us hard today and tomorrow morning. I love being snowed in! However... I wouldn't feel the same if I had to go to work.
********************************
Yesterday I added white wooden snowflakes to red branches on the fireplace. Wendy found the snowflakes at Crate and Barrel and they are so delicate. Love them! Thanks Wendy!!
I have become very sensitive to caffeine and am now on a quest for herbal teas and/or caffeine free teas. Some are soooooo tasty... and smell so good! At this time of the year I seem to have a cup of something hot in my hands most of the time.

RANDOM THOUGHTS...

~ "The Bachelor" was ridiculous last night!! Such phony drama... obviously rehearsed!

~ I am loving Geraldine Brooks novels. I bought them all! Remember... I buy on Amazon.com from their used books. So inexpensive and almost always in great shape.

~ Has anyone seen the movie "Amelia"?? I'd love to know what you thought of it!

~ I just watched "The Hurt Locker" and "Inglorious Bastards" as they both had a lot of Oscar nominations. I wasn't crazy about either of them.

~ Yesterday I wore my Uggs, a plaid flannel nightshirt of Boyds, and an apron over that. Try and visualize that for an outfit! It sure was comfy! Boyd would have laughed!

Make this a GREAT day! You have the choice... and if I can do it, so can you!

Hugs to you all,

Joni

Scrapboxes

2010-01-31T17:54:00.006-06:00

In the February Issue of Martha Stewart's Living magazine, there's a long article with photos (see: below) about a very talented gal that makes scrapboxes. You can also find out about them on Martha Stewart's website. I had to try creating one and bought several on an online site (they also have them at Michael's Crafts).

My box is 8x10 but they do come in other sizes. I printed a photo of Gabby and glued it (around the edges) to the back of the box. Then printed some letters from my stash and mounted each on a piece of red paper (for sturdiness and color), and staggered them with small pieces of foam to make them 3-D (there are actually 3 different heights but the camera didn't catch that). Finished it by gluing one of Gabby's favorite catnip mice to the bottom of the box. Simple and quick to do!! And it looks cute hanging on the den wall. Boyd would have liked it!

Here are the pages from the issue of Living about scrapboxes. The photos in the article are small but try clicking on it and see if it enlarges. Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't!

I have soooooo many ideas of ways to use these shadowboxes. Can't wait to start another!

Make this a great day!

Hugs,

joni

Good Eating!

2010-01-29T08:22:00.003-06:00

I have fallen in love with Kashi Frozen Dinners!! They are soooo tasty, unique, and very healthy!! This particular dinner (that I had for lunch yesterday) had such wonderful flavor and so many good grains in it... oats, brown rice, rye, red winter wheat, buckwheat, barley, and sesame seeds. Over this interesting combination were strips of chicken breast, spinach, orzo, red peppers, crimini mushrooms, Parmesan cheese and a garlicky sauce. It was soooooo yummy!! I'm hooked! They are a bit more expensive than most frozen dinners however Walmart has a great selection and good prices. I've had several of the other entrees and each one was tasty! Very high in fiber!!
Check out the Kashi website for some really great sounding recipes.

It's 0 degrees at the moment but I'm in the mood to go to Target. I do have a short list but with Valentine's Day quickly approaching I want to see what they have to add to my heart collection. Even without Boyd here I want to make the effort to continue familiar traditions. I think that's really important for my mental and emotional health.

I love Target!

Make this a GREAT day and treasure every moment with family and friends!

Hugs around the world... Joni

Hello you wonderful people!

2010-01-26T10:53:00.004-06:00

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the kind comments when Boyd died. I read them over and over and they brought me such a warm feeling. I love you all for responding to a difficult post.

I'm getting used to being alone... somewhat... and thought it time to attempt posting on my blog. My attention span is very short right now... I'm finding it hard to concentrate. But it's a beginning!

I was looking for a crazy photo in my files and found this one of Wendy, her friend Tiffany, and Kristin. It was taken New Year's Eve at a "Wigs & Wine" party. Kristin had flown to Phoenix from Chicago to celebrate with Wendy, Darin, and friends and get a bit of sunshine. Kristin was back in Phoenix last weekend to run the PF Chang "Rock and Roll Marathon" with a whole group of friends. FUN!!

Wendy and Darin just left for the PGA in Florida. Kristin is joining them tomorrow night. They never sit still. They live each day!

When I found Boyd that Monday, both girls were here that same day. They stayed for a week and held me up and organized the funeral, etc. I applaud their employers for giving them that time.

I copied this from Karen Walker. Try it yourself!

Outside my window . . . fresh snow on the sidewalks and sunny.
I am thinking . . . please let this Vertigo go away so I can drive.
I am thankful for . . . another day and my wonderful girls, my friends, & SIL Mary.

I am wearing . . . jammies with a hoodie sweatshirt zipped up. Charming!

I am remembering . . . Boyd
I am going . . . to get the Christmas decor tucked away in the basement today.
I am currently reading . . . 'People of the Book' by Geraldine Brooks. It's the first book I've tried that has hooked me.
I am hoping . . . for another good night's sleep.

On my mind . . . organizing papers for my attorney.
Noticing that . . . I'm not eating well... few veggies.

Pondering this word . . . "widow". I don't associate it with me. That's something that only happens to other people.

From the kitchen . . . I actually made chili a few days ago. After one bowl I froze the rest.

Around our house . . . Stacks of legal papers.

One of my favorite things . . . movies, movies, and more movies. I get lost in them and forget reality.

There! I did it! And it wasn't so difficult!

Love to you all!

joni

Sad News

2010-01-05T08:31:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, January 4th, my dear Boyd died unexpectedly at home. He was 62 years old.

Moving On...

2009-12-29T11:41:00.006-06:00

The "My Wellness Journey" class begins the 31st... and as of this morning I'm ready to go! The instructions said to make a 6x6 album covered with paper the makes you smile! This paper really did!! (June Bug Collection by Basic Grey) I finished the album this morning and it's ready for Thursday! I do need to sandpaper the edges but there isn't a piece of sandpaper in this house. Will pick some up later today!

This is the coordinating paper I used for the inside of the album. Normally I would have gone with a stripe or polka dot however I just love this paper so much! And you just can't have enough cheery colors at this time of the year!

Here are a few of my December Daily pages that haven't been punched and put into that album yet.

I don't know if you can read the journaling but the girl's dad took them and Wendy's husband to the Packer game against the Seattle Seahawks. The weather was freezing but a true Packer fan will sit through anything to see their team play!

Yesterday morning Wendy, Kristin, and SIL Darin headed to Chicago and flew to Phoenix AZ for a warm New Year's Eve.

I haven't done a page for Christmas as it was spent at the hospital. I'm not certain how I'm going to handle the page. Maybe it will be just a journaling format... no photos.

Boyd's brother fell on the ice at his parents on Christmas morning and broke a bone in his upper hip area. They found out that the bone broke because of a cancerous mass on his hip. The cancer is also in one kidney and lower lung. Please pray for Dana, his doctors and family. His mom is so exhausted as his Dad (90 years) fell last week and broke a bone in his shoulder area. I'll keep you updated!

Make this the best day you can!

Hugs,

Joni

Our December Story continues...

2009-12-22T12:15:00.006-06:00

My December Daily album is starting to get thick and take on that 'sandwich look'!! Day 18
This is a photo of our small tree in the den. We spend so much time in the den chatting, reading, watching movies, and knitting... and so on. Therefore it was the first tree to go up in the house. It has small colored lights, small paper tomtes (elf-like creatures), and a gingham ribbon as a tree-topper.

Day 19

A quick (?) run to Target and several hours later we returned home! You've gotta love Target as it has great stuff just calling out to be taken home! Gabby Cat loved the plastic bags!!

Day 20

The presents are finally all wrapped and under the tree. Wendy (Arizona) shipped her presents to our house and they are tucked under the tree also!

Day 21

When I woke on the 21st, Boyd's first words were, "It's the first day of Winter!!" There was a light snow falling and it was PERFECT!

Day 22

The weather forecasts for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day have not been traveler-friendly. Wendy is flying in from Arizona to Chicago to stay overnight with her sister. Then she and Kristin will drive up to Oshkosh late morning. TRADITION... They have lunch with their Dad and then come to our house for the afternoon and exchange presents. NEW... Then we're all going to church with their Dad and his wife Marcia, and then to their home for a light Christmas Eve meal. However the weather could play havoc with these plans... we'll see!

Now here's my BIG news...

I, joni possin, got a PERM!! I love it!! It's got body... yea!! It's still one length. Boyd took some pics but they were horrid, especially since I just woke up and had a plaid flannel nightshirt on. Not the best of necklines!! I will share a photo soon!

Fa la la la la!!

Holiday hugs...

joni

Up-to-Date with 'December Daily'

2009-12-18T12:25:00.010-06:00

Day 12
Gabby got a Christmas Mouse in her stocking... actually two! The green mouse has vanished but I keep tripping over this red one! She loves it!! For my album I took a photo of the mouse, printed it and cut it out. Then mounted it on white cardstock and cut around the mouse. Day 12
A photo of Gabby with her mouse between her paws.

Day 13

Pictures of most of our wreathes in and outside our home.

Day 14

The day I signed up for my new class... "Wellness Journey". More information about the class in my previous post.

Our 2009 Christmas card which will not be sent this year. I created it in PSE7 and saved it but can't find it. I keep searching! So... I decided not to send cards this year. I have too much I want to do... no time to start over!

Day 15

My current book... almost finished! A wonderful story about SELFLESSNESS! It takes place in a small village in England in 1666 during the time of the plague. This is a photo of the cover which I printed and cut out.

Day 15
This is a library card glued to the back of the cover photo.

Day 16
Each December I'm interested in seeing who (& why) Time magazine chooses for their 'Person of the Year'.

Day 17

I've been making heart garlands to hang on our tree. I wanted to enhance the Scandinavian flavor of our 2009 tree.

December has gone so quickly!! All the prep and it's over next week. But those moments with family and friends will last forever.

Fa la la la la!

Joni

Wellness Journey

2009-12-15T10:44:00.005-06:00

I am really excited about the class I just signed up for on Big Picture Scrapbooking. "WELLNESS JOURNEY" taught by Lisa Cohen. She is not only a great scrapper but a personal trainer, a nutrition counselor, and lifestyle advisor.

We will make a 3 Ring Binder to keep her handouts, our goals, personal plans, recipes, and so on.

"We will have the vitality to engage in the activities that we really want to do and the energy to enjoy the things in life that really matter", Lisa Cohen said.

And this is Lisa who has me so pumped and ready to go!

I'm not a great dieter and I don't like to exercise... but, I know with scrapbooking and record keeping involved I will give this class 100%.

The class runs from December 31, 2009 to February 24th (8 weeks) and is only $40.00.

For more information click on http://www.bigpicturescrapbooking.com/wellness.php.

I just heard this on TV as I was typing... "Christmas is really weird! When else do you sit in front of a dead tree eating candy and cookies out of an old sock!". Cute!!

Fa la la la la

Joni

December Daily Album (continued)

2009-12-13T11:26:00.004-06:00

DAY NINE (Wednesday)
We had quite a snowstorm! It started Tuesday evening and the School Closings started marching across the TV. The worst came during the night and Wednesday morning. Even though I have retired from teaching I still get a thrill of a "Snow Day"! It is so exciting to see your school district's name appear on the TV (snow days are built into our teaching contracts) and know you have a day to hibernate with your family.
DAY TEN (Thursday)
I put our new Scandinavian straw goat by the tree after I had tried it in a dozen places in the house. It's so big it really had to sit on the floor. I really like the added Scandinavian flavor in our home!

DAY ELEVEN (Friday)

We watched 'Julie and Julia' (from Netflix) and we both loved it!! Meryl Streep deserves an Oscar for her performance! This is an adorable movie... many laugh out loud parts! Perfect for Christmas giving or Holiday watching!

We may not send Christmas cards this year as I made a prototype on Photoshop but can not find where I saved it! I have searched and searched and am so disappointed that it can't be found!

Fa la la la la!

Off to take some photos!!

Joni

December Daily album... so far!

2009-12-10T11:05:00.011-06:00

I'm finally caught up with my December Daily album... and ready to share! Yea!! Intoduction and Day One... memories of Advent calenders through the year.

Continued Day One and Day Two... currant Advent calender and new Nativity set.

Day Three and Day Four... a day of shopping and my knitting project.

Day Five... Gabby Cat napping in den.

Day Six... discovering my St Nick stocking in 1945.

Day Six... gift cards for the girls and Darin for St Nicks stockings.

Day Six... anniversary of my Mom's death.

Day Seven... first snowfall!
Day Eight... putting on Christmas linens!

Yesterday we had a dandy of a snowstorm. Schools and businesses were closed... but it really is pretty! Today it is 5 degrees outside and that's not so pretty! We have to layer our clothes even inside our house! Brrrrrrrrrrrr!

Make this a GREAT day!!
joni

Snow at last!!

2009-12-07T09:40:00.003-06:00

I walked into the den last night and saw Gabby Cat curled up with her head on the afghan and nestled against some of the Christmas pillows. I backed up and got my camera... returned... and she hadn't moved. If you want to take lessons on 'how to relax', just follow a cat around the house! This morning we finally woke to snow... YEA!! Not a lot, but soooo pretty!! And if you know me at all, you won't be surprised that these outside photos were taken with me in my jammies and wool clogs... 23 degrees out! Does wonders for hot flashes!! This is the kitchen window and the greens in the window box are wired with little white lights. I planted the boxwood bushes when they were each bought in a paper cup size container. They have grown so fast and can be trimmed in the back to fill vases, etc. during the Holidays.

WHOOPS!! Snow on the pumpkins!! I keep forgetting to put them in the out for garbage pick-up.

I'm trying to get caught up with my December Daily album. Almost ready to share with you!

Make this a great day!!

Joni

Whimsical & Fun!!

2009-12-04T09:32:00.004-06:00

I was just poking around the Internet (to avoid unpacking all the Christmas boxes that we brought from our Green Bay house) and look at these wonderful, whimsical gifts that I found!! All 3 are from Horchow.com.

This cakeplate is so darn cute... but there's always that "storage issue". The shoe base is adorable! However... browsing time is not wasted because I really think those cupcakes will make a perfect dessert for Christmas Eve. I would imagine the bows are just fondant. My girls always say that a good cupcake is the perfect dessert... so we will enjoy!

Aren't these gorgeous stockings?? I love the beautiful fabrics outlined with the black & white checked fabric!! Hmmmmm... a version of that center stocking may be a fun project for the cold Winter months after the holidays. Browsing the Internet provides soooooo much inspiration!!

I just had to share this crazy cookie jar... a ballerina penguin! No inspiration here... just fun to look at!!

We had a dusting of snow yesterday and another during the night! Its 23 degrees outside but toasty warm inside... so inside I shall stay... today!

I started a knitting project yesterday and dropped a stitch. And no crochet hook! It's still in Green Bay! I'll take a photo when it's repaired!

Enough stalling... off to start unpacking those boxes!!

Make this a good day!

Joni

Getting Ready...

2009-11-29T14:53:00.003-06:00

Yes, I'm putting up Christmas decorations! Much earlier this year than years before. My daughter Wendy decorated her entire house before Thanksgiving. They're in Hawaii for a week and she wanted to come home with everything complete. Then she could put her time into creating her Hawaiian Album. Soooooo organized!! Her Christmas presents are even wrapped and ready to be shipped (they live in Phoenix).

After showing you some ideas to jazz up candles in hurricane glasses, I had to share what is sitting on our coffee table in the den. It didn't photograph very well but it's pretty in person. I filled the bottom of the glass with some old fashioned candies from a local candy shop.

Just think of all the possibilities!! This is our holiday 'night light' in the hallway before our bedroom. Branches sprayed silver and sprinkled with silver glitter and stuck in a gold vase. I also added some branches that have those little optic lights on them from Target. This really lights up the hallway at night and looks sparkly during the day too!

These little people are waiting for their place on our tree. The tree is up but doesn't have it's lights strung, so the decorations have to wait. Besides... these little guys look so cute snuggled in their little box! Wendy sent them for my birthday (Crateandbarrel.com)

I am getting so anxious for December 1st so I can start my "December Daily" album. Just a few days to go!! You still have time to join me in this fun project!!

A favorite quote from Abraham Lincoln...

"People are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."

Choose happiness!

Joni

Quick Seasonal Decorations

2009-11-24T09:50:00.005-06:00

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, you just might need a simple centerpiece or a side table touch-of-the-season. Here are a few simple ideas that you can pull together quick-as-a-wink!!

A candle in a glass vase, sconce, etc and a bit of color!! Cranberries add that touch of red and feeling of the season. Also great for Christmas!Twigs, acorns, a few leaves and you celebrate the Holiday with an Autumn feel!

A little red... a little green.... candles and glass! Always a winner!

My favorite... gather and polish acorns... glue on their caps... remember that big trees grow from these tiny pretties. Speaking of polish... grab a few small pumpkins (some white if you can find them)... wash them and polish them with furniture polish. A lovely luster! Table-worthy. We're celebrating Thanksgiving at Boyd's parent's home this year. His brother and his sister and her family... also Kristin is here from Chicago!! Yeah!! I never take time with my daughters for granted. My other daughter Wendy and her husband Darin are going to Hawaii for the week. I wish them a safe, fun, and relaxing trip.

I believe in the power of prayer! Prayers for my friend Marcia, her dad 'Dutch', and family at the loss of her mother this week will be appreciated.

Make this a great day!!

Joni

2009 December Day-by-Day Album

2009-11-21T09:07:00.008-06:00

This is last years 2008 December Daily album... And here is the new... in-progress... 2009 album!

Boy, I sat on this project for a long time... wanting to do something REALLY different! Finally I just jumped in one day and created an album that looks a lot like last years including the acetate covers! The paper cover, under the acetate, was done digitally this year!! The great part is that you can't make a mistake... there are no rules and it's whatever works for you!

Here are a few inside pages (no dates yet) to give you a feel for it's flavor. On December 1st I will journal an introduction page about my feelings, etc, that day.

I'm fond of layers of different sizes and shapes.

I did put a date on this page because it's St Nicks day at our house and I sort of have a feel for where I'm going with this.

At the end of the album I put this "Christmas Memories" page. It's always fun to reflect on memories.

That's just a quick sample, but I hope I've motivated someone to give a December Daily album a try! You will be so happy you did... and it's such fun!

Make this a great day!

Hugs,

Joni

New Things!

2009-11-19T10:15:00.005-06:00

For my birthday, my sweet husband gave me this cute little 7" TV for my desk. I just love it!! I spend a lot of time at my desk with my computer, photoshop, and just plain old creating! It's sitting on a cable box and has lots of channels. The History channel is on all day at our house and I throw in a few Lifetime movies... mysteries only! My little corner of the world is just perfect for me!! By the way, the TV also plugs into the car's lighter! ALSO NEW... My daughter, Kristin (the Chicago girl), got a tattoo on her foot... a daisy!! That's a first in our family! But... it's really cute on her dainty little foot! I was surprised how much I liked it! She did say that the process hurt. Kristin works for Sanford that makes Sharpie markers and I really thought she'd drawn it on her foot with a Sharpie marker!

I've got my December Daily album done and ready to go on December 1st. I'll share photos on my next blog of the album . Last year we were in Phoenix AZ on the 1st & 2nd... so palm tree pictures! When we flew home on the 3rd Green Bay was covered with snow and ice. Such fun to have that documented!

Make this a GREAT day!

Choose happiness!!

Hugs,

Joni

This is the cutest!!

2009-11-15T09:43:00.011-06:00

I was reading Karen Walker's Blog "Random Reflections" several days ago and fell in love with her adorable stamped owl cards (Karen is also a scrapper & photographer). I mentioned to her that I'd love to give card making a try and "where do I start..." to get the quality she creates. She responded with a great site that caused my heart to beat rapidly in anticipation. The blog belongs to Nicole Heady and sent me into a frenzy of excitement... no kidding!! My creative juices were running!! http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/

Look at these adorable cardstock houses... too cute!! You'll see more on the blog.

I love this little red house created by Debbie Olson... love the colors!!

This is a house by Nichole Heady and Lauren Meader! It is so precious!!

Another view! I love the boughs and the buttons. The boughs are made with a Martha Stewart punch which after much searching I just found & bought from Paper Wishes.

A close up of the curtain stamp with the window stamp over the curtains. There are so many, many stamps in the set!

Look at the lovely card created from the same stamp set.

A close up of the card!

The pattern for the house is a PDF file ready to be printed on cardstock with your printer! Lauren Meader created the pattern... she's so talented!! Check out her blog!! Delicious!! The house pattern is only $5.00 and can be downloaded... and used over and over!!

My directions (PDF file) are printed and my house is next to be printed. Just trying to decide on what color cardstock to use. I ordered the stamp set last night at midnight when it was released for purchase... now I just have to wait for the mail to bring it to me!! But meanwhile, I can get the house put together... or several!!

Make this a great day!

XOXO

Joni

WELCOME to our home!!

2009-11-12T08:59:00.005-06:00

My daughters haven't seen our 'new old house' put together. So these photos are for them! But I welcome you to peek into our little cottage home too!

I made this seasonal wreath a few years ago but it's holding up well. This is in the computer room... looking into the living room. You go up 2 blue steps and you are in the living room.
Here is the living room with an informal dining area (see the hutch sticking up on the left).

The fun part of this house... built in 1943... are the little built-ins here and there. Like this bookshelf! And going down 2 steps to the computer room.

My goal was "cozy"!! And I'm really pleased with the way it's turning out. The red blue and yellow run through most of the house, although I had the kitchen painted 'Bisque' to provide a blank canvas to work with. I've accented it with red, black, and tan (pics another day)

You can see through to the den (my favorite room) and the door to the right is the 'front door' which goes onto a covered porch. The fireplace behind the couch is in the process of getting a painted Scandinavian design... not completed yet. That wall is also brick but I had everything painted yellow (brick included) and it's difficult to see. The coffee table is amazing... the top is on hinges that allow the whole to to slide up and forward and a great place to have dinner with a movie. It's all about comfort!

Make this a great day! Choose happiness!!

XOXO

Joan

Before and After...

2009-11-09T08:21:00.007-06:00

Yes... this is the chaos (somewhat organized chaos) that was my desk and work space at our house in Green Bay.
And then we moved to Oshkosh several weeks ago and I had to sort it all out. BIG JOB!!

Now we are in our 'new old house' and I am loving my new organized spot. I found this wooden desk organizer at Achievers... a chain scrapbook Store. It holds sooooo much!! It certainly helped my desktop!!I found this great little red shelf at Potterybarnkids.com. Perfect for treasures that I like to look at over-and-over and things that inspire me!

Here's a peek at my half of the new-old computer room. I am really enjoying working in this area. I didn't realize how much I needed ORDER to create in. I actually designed and made my Christmas cards the other day (another post).

I am so happy about our move... now that it's over!! I needed a decorating project and this house needed redecorating. I took pictures yesterday and will gradually share them with you this week and next.

Make this a good day!!

Joni

PS Today's my 66th birthday!!

More photos about that in the next few days!!

Mickey Mouse's Makeover!

2009-11-06T09:41:00.006-06:00

This is Mickey in his 1928 debut as 'Steamboat Mickey' in his first cartoon. This often pops up in trivia games as a question!In the 50's Mickey took on the look that we all know and love to this day... cute, sweet and lovable. Easily identifiable by children and adults all over the world. He represented fun, love, kindness, and safety.

Well folks... this was in the news today! Mickey's makeover! More rat-like and mean-spirited!

M-i-c-k-e-y M-o-u-s-e (you have to sing it)!! Disney... how could you??

Do you have a favorite memory sparked by thinking "Mickey Mouse"?? Why don't you share it!

MINE: In the 50's I was an avid fan of the original Mickey Mouse TV Show. I ate many dinners on a TV tray in front of that show! I knew every song and dance routine and every Mouseketeer! I felt so safe and warm watching that show in our little house in Milwaukee. Life was good!

Make this a great day!

Joni

Free Holiday Class!!

2009-11-04T08:55:00.002-06:00

I was sooooooo excited when I saw this notice this morning... and it's FREE!!

Jessica Sprague's classes are OUTSTANDING!!! I have learned so much from her... she is a great teacher!! And this class is for anyone... anywhere!! And you don't have to be a digital scrapper... just take the class and Jessica will teach you all you need to know (through on-line videos). You will come out with a finished album ready for your holiday memories!!

I made one last December and I read it every now-and-then. Such fun... such wonderful memories!!

This class is FREE... you have nothing to lose!!
Go to jessicasprague.com... register (takes 2 minutes) and you'll be all set to go!! Just have to wait until the 16th to get started. I just put the dates on my wall calendar so I won't forget! If you don't want to continue at anytime... you don't have to!! You're doing this from the privacy of your home! I'll be here to help you if you have any problems or don't understand something! You can even involve your kids... they catch on faster than adults!

Her videos are available 24/7 and you can replay them as many times as you want. She always has wonderful freebies for you too!!

Can't wait!!! Join me!!!
XOXO
Joni

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2009

2009-10-31T10:10:00.005-05:00

The last day of October and on to 'dreary' November... somewhat rescued by my Birthday on the 9th and then Thanksgiving.

Instead of Halloween decorations, I decorate with a Harvest theme. Then everything can stay up until the Christmas decorations are lovingly unpacked and carefully placed here and there and everywhere. This will be a special Christmas as we're in our new 'old' home!!

This is a photo from 1953 when my friend Susie (on the left) and I (with the crimson lips) had a joint Halloween party for a bunch of girlfriends. We had a 'rec room'... popular in that era... and it was perfect for parties which we had a lot of!! Ooooo... the good old days!!

Talk about nostalgia... this is a song we used to sing:

Oh... it's Halloween and gob-lins are about,

you can see them lurking in the gloom.

But a way up in the sky...

there's a witch a-swishing by...

with a big black cat a riding on her broom.

Take care!!

Beware!!

Of the cat a-riding on the witch's broom!

BOO!

Have a fun day!!

joni