tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73163083024043163482024-03-06T00:25:24.577-08:00Desires of the HeartDesires of the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06581788046600970716noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316308302404316348.post-20914448327049498122015-11-07T20:05:00.000-08:002015-11-07T20:09:47.192-08:00Master Bath Renovation<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our early Spring/Summer project...............it seemed to take forever, but we got it done finally and I really love it!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Time just marches on doesn't it? I'm still kicking..........have had to rather curtail a few things in the last year and a half, due to two knee replacements, but doing well now and I am sooooo glad to have that all behind me!! Now, I can get back to doing the things I love, creating, designing, making our home a haven in this world. I know God is in control and we are not to worry, but oh my, our world is changing in so many ways. These things and illness in our family plot to bring spirits down, but we still must get up every morning full of hope and God's presence and provision in our lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I guess maybe that is the allure of redesigning a room...........I feel maybe like I have some control...........just a wee bit...........well, somewhat,......... the "budget" is also in control, but you get the drift.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our master bath has needed attention for some time, and so in the Spring, we started the task of putting down floor tile, changing the color of our vanity cabinets, new tile for the tub surround, </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">beefing up the trim, and painting it out white, as opposed to the stained oak. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">This is how it looked when we started:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">I was never happy with the way this turned out........the tile was too high on the wall for what I wanted. The contractor did not listen to me at all. Also, the window is set into a box on the outside of the house and it creates the shelf you see under it. However, whoever framed this in did not allow for the window to have trim on all four sides......consequently the side trim had to "deadend" into the tile. As an added insult, the person doing the caulking simply filled the gap with silicone, which bled up into the grain of the oak. It looked terrible. In addition, horizontal tile is nothing but a dust catcher, and the grout holds on to a good deal of the dirt, no matter how much you clean. So, I decided, we needed some kind of small counter material on top of the shelf and also on the front side of the tub. So, we ordered onyx slabs for this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In addition to these corrections and changes, there was carpet in this area.......yes, I know........the most terrible decision you can make, according to HGTV. HA! When we built, tile had been planned, but there was a snafu at the last minute and simply no time to correct it and keep on schedule, so we decided to put down the same carpet as the bedroom, tile the toilet room only, and change out the carpet at a later date. Well, 10 YEARS later IS a later date!! Actually, the carpet did much better than I thought it would, but it had paid its rent and it was time to tile the whole thing. By this time, the little tile we had installed in the toilet area, was not to our liking anymore, so it had to be removed also. We chose to put down 12 x 24 plank wood-grained tile in a soft silver gray.</span>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We got the marble subway tile at Home Depot and it went on pretty well, but was a bit of a challenge as the coloring was all over the place!! I originally wanted more just grays and whites, but so much of the tile had some golds and browns, that we just ended up distributing it as evenly as we could as we went. We used the border tile to finish it off at the top.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">Would you believe these cabinets were the BIGGEST challenge of the reno? I tried stripping them first........also used industrial sandpaper to get off the commercial finish.......worked fine in some places, but the paneled doors were a bear!! I had planned to just use a dark penetrating stain. When I realized I was not going to be able to get off all the finish, I decided to try the gel stain by General Finishes in the dark walnut color. I felt the Java would be too dark and I did want the grain of the oak coming through. Our cabinets were very well built and custom, so to replace them would be out of the question.........and I really didn't want to paint them either. (My husband seemed happy about that) It took me so long it seemed, but we did have quite a few interruptions. I tried to make sure that with each coat, I let it try a few days before doing another. I did all the doors in the garage as it got warmer. After they got two coats, I applied then two (or three) coats of Minwax satin polyurethane. Before I brushed on the poly, I sprayed them with a coat of poly, so I wouldn't disrupt the gelstain by brushing over it. I really do like the finished product, but it is very hard to get it to look professional, definitely not for the faint of heart, and there is NO way I would attempt a kitchen!! For small projects, tabletops, etc it is great, especially if you can't remove the finish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">The toilet area.............</span>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> love having enough room here to add the little wicker stand and a lamp! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I changed out some of my pictures in the toilet area too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">This is one of "best" changes in the bathroom!! We had a small chandelier here, but saw this light fan at Lowes on clearance and thought it would be perfect and maybe help the lady of the house keep her "cool" a little better when trying to get ready in the mornings................I just love it!!! It moves a surprising amount of air, but does not move the hair, if you know what I mean.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">They don't carry them anymore,.........not sure why. I have seen them on Amazon, but they are WAY more than we paid!! It was an Allen and Roth. Everyone seems to love it!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">Thank you for checking in. I hope your Fall is going great. I can't believe how quickly this year has gone and that we are already into November!!! Christmas will be here before we know it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">Singing His Praises,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">Linda</span>
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Desires of the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06581788046600970716noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316308302404316348.post-37194356743844721432014-05-12T09:04:00.000-07:002014-05-12T09:04:16.965-07:00A beautiful Mother's Day!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope you all had a beautiful Mother's Day!! It was a gorgeous weekend here in NE Kansas and we enjoyed being outside working on the yard. The winter was pretty hard on things....lost a few trees, some roses and a couple other things. I hate that......so sad when a beautiful specimen gets up to a pretty good size and then dies. This is the first time in our married history that we have actually had "trees" in our yard and we are thoroughly enjoying it. I had to bring in some of the bountiful branches from one of our viburnum bushes......Aren't they so gorgeous? We moved this bush from my husband's parents yard and it has done so well. I just wish the blossoms would last a little longer!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love the touches of green with the white. You know my favorite color is green......it just energizes me!! I call it the color of "life"!! And after a long hard winter, seeing everything greening up is especially a blessed sight this year after the long cold winter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love blue and green together and always have!! It seems to be a popular color scheme again in the decorating trends and magazines and I am so glad.....but I would love it regardless of whether it was the "in" trend. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think I need a greenery wreath around the blue willow plate in the center of my octagon frame. What do you all think? I need to get cracking on that!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My winter months were a time of recuperation too with not a lot accomplished other than healing from a knee replacement. I am so blessed that it was so successful and I hardly even think about it anymore.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been working in closets and so forth....feeling the need to weed out and pull out....give things away and such. We have "collected" for so many years and are realizing that our children are not as "wild" about our antiques as we were.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, I am contemplating getting a spot at a shop not far away. It is very enticing, but I know a lot of work too!!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nothing brings me more joy than taking a piece of trash and turning it into a treasure........I know many of you suffer from the same affliction /blessing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We joined our oldest son and family for a wonderful Italian lunch yesterday. I love my three boys to the moon and am so thankful that I got to be their mother. They are fine men now and I am so proud of the husbands and fathers they have become.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A phone call means so much to a Mom of a son and I had some of that too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wishing all of my blog friends a happy Monday with renewed inspiration for all that brings joy to your hearts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you for visiting me!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Singing His Praises,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Linda</span></div>
Desires of the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06581788046600970716noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316308302404316348.post-8755638754092141792013-12-23T10:57:00.001-08:002013-12-23T10:57:30.247-08:00Merry Christmas and Best Wishes in the New Year!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Merry Christmas dearest blog friends!! I am late, very late, to the party this year.......just a lot of things on my plate, but mostly I am in the midst of recuperating from total knee replacement two weeks ago today. As you can imagine, my "decorative endeavors" are slimmed and pared down considerably this year as I knew we did not need to have rooms of decorations to worry about getting taken down, packed and lugged to the basement!! So, a simple 6 ft table tree in the family room and a sprinkling of Christmas everywhere else is the ticket, and it is beautiful. Thinking maybe the peace of low-color decorations would be inviting, dealing with so many other things, I just used stuff I could find around the house in silver, gold, and white, and we really am enjoying it.</div>
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I'm finding that lately, less seems like more and of course a lot less craziness. After an especially busy and frantic Fall, I am enjoying just the simplicity of sitting, or should I say "lying" in my recliner with my ice pack and pain pills and a cup of something comforting looking at all your wonderful homes decorated for Christmas!! There is so much creativity out there!!!</div>
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I am doing well, they tell me, with my therapy, although frustrated that it is not fast enough, but you see that is part of my "overachieving" personality. (Smile) I found myself wanting to "wax" one of the other patients in the therapy room in the hospital...... he simply had too many excuses in my book!! (I'm not particularly proud of the fact that I secretly wanted to WAX Larry!!</div>
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But I cannot boast, as I have my moments too, when "I just don't feel like bending my knee in both directions until I feel it will pop like an overfull balloon and fly all over the room"!! But they say, no pain - no gain, literally, so I will persevere and hopefully and prayerfully be back to better-than-new before too very long.</div>
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I am grateful to have you come to visit and want to thank you all for your patience this year.......I have not posted as nearly as often as I intended.......and I do regret that. Don't know what the future holds, but my intentions are that I will do better!! I do so enjoy getting to know so many kindred spirits from all over the world!! </div>
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I wish for you all the presence of Emmanuel, "God With Us" this Christmas and all of 2014. We have several friends dealing with such very hard things right now, which really brings so many things into better focus about our lives. May your homes be filled with light and love because those are the most<i> important</i> decorations in any home!!</div>
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Hoping you can slow down and get back to the basics as we all so long to do, and I pray for love, health, and prosperity as well, to be able to do the things you want to do and the ability to bless others with ALL you have to give. Be remembered for your giving, rather than your getting!</div>
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So I'm Singing His Praises, </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Lord is Come!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let Earth Receive Her King!!!</span></div>
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Linda</div>
Desires of the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06581788046600970716noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316308302404316348.post-2614753848629235032013-11-04T11:16:00.003-08:002013-11-04T11:16:51.672-08:00Farewell to the Porch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi sweet friends!! Hope I still have some of you out there. Sharing a few photos of our screened porch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saying "till we meet again" to this little sweet space off the kitchen.....The temps are turning colder, and everyday there are fewer and fewer leaves on the trees. The Fall season here this year has been so breathtakingly beautiful, I just really hate to see it end!! This year just seems to have flown by.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"> I been away for a while, just so many things occupying my time it seems....... I worked most of the summer on two projects: Decorations for our ladies retreat at church the last part of September, and then my Harvest Home Open House on Oct 12. Both projects required many hours of creating, shopping, building, painting, etc and that is about all I really accomplished this summer!!!</span></div>
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Would you believe I really didn't take any pictures? Yeah, I know, dumb, right? I think I was just too tired ;)!! I did take a few pics of some of the items at the open house I will show you later.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I made some new covers for my vintage rocker and settee on the porch this summer and really enjoyed them. I now have room for the rocker because I finally realized that my little vintage porcelain stove was taking up valuable real estate and I would get more benefit from having another chair out there, so I SOLD it....... yes friends, I sold my little stove to a friend who absolutely loves it too and will take good care of it I know. I have enjoyed it for many, many years, but I am realizing more everyday that I must begin to pare things down a bit around here!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isn't it a beaut? Just so very cute and sweet!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The front porch for my open house, notice the clever taping of a new crack in our sidewalk......</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">....I love the Fall and wish it would last twice as long as it does, but looks like that is not to be......Christmas this year will be a little different for me as I am having some knee surgery at the beginning of the month.....so I am doing only a little decorating and working on it now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope to show you my results soon....thanks for not giving up on me sweet friends, I really appreciate you visiting me here!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope you are all enjoying the beauty and blessing of Fall in your homes also. It is truly a gift, isn't it?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Singing His Praises,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Linda......</span></div>
Desires of the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06581788046600970716noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316308302404316348.post-79329898624051558272013-07-11T18:46:00.001-07:002013-07-11T18:51:34.587-07:00Where Bloggers Create 2013!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGI2o_L-JaOZAe8KAKIzOmzCO1fS4AayoIa9k3YYOK0HJGgtr3s0MkObUm_yrJhPxpxzQePqpvxxtNobKDg_R_52yrBnRMQNWi26EAPjv3TCu7NjBe0kx59ynvTuWc-xihW2_pb0Peflo/s1600/WhereBloggersCreate2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGI2o_L-JaOZAe8KAKIzOmzCO1fS4AayoIa9k3YYOK0HJGgtr3s0MkObUm_yrJhPxpxzQePqpvxxtNobKDg_R_52yrBnRMQNWi26EAPjv3TCu7NjBe0kx59ynvTuWc-xihW2_pb0Peflo/s400/WhereBloggersCreate2013.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
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Welcome Friends!!! Today is the day we've all been waiting and preparing for!! Nothing like company coming to get our motivation going is there? Today is the day we get to share our creative spaces with everyone out there in Blogland!</div>
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Many, many thanks and accolades go to <a href="http://www.mydesertcottage.com/">Karen Valentine of My Desert Cottage</a> for hosting this wonderful yearly blog party again this year!! I know she puts untold hours and effort into this special event every year. It is truly a gift of love to all of us, Karen and we appreciate it so very much. To see all the other glorious and beautiful spaces, you can find the links <a href="http://www.mydesertcottage.com/">HERE</a>. Enjoy browsing and seeing the spaces of all the creative and talented women who make this world more beautiful and show us what and how they do it. It is so much fun to see all the ideas for decorating and organizing our special creating places. But, I warn you, it will take a few days to get through them all, so pace yourself!!</div>
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I have my studio cleaned and spiffed up, although I did not have as much time to revamp and primp as much as I would have liked too!! But considering that six months ago, I could barely get in here, I have made real progress!! Last year didn't exactly go according to plan with unexpected family events. Its not a huge room, but I just love this space and am so very thankful to have it!! The studio is just down the hall from the kitchen, so it is very convenient and such a refuge for me from the world and its cares and stresses. My sweet husband encourages me to have it, for which I am so so thankful!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4aM_zBcvfOylkTuS_TFbLdSteZpMQ4ykewF1XDuHpwkjfsyuKUOiQVZx9aMd_35WEAcIcotSqdHfShVkiJP704oyvzIqmBFKQxhxdAsIvtNj07PUBJudIUXvVnuO9csyjF3f2H_CebQA/s1600/IMG_3036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4aM_zBcvfOylkTuS_TFbLdSteZpMQ4ykewF1XDuHpwkjfsyuKUOiQVZx9aMd_35WEAcIcotSqdHfShVkiJP704oyvzIqmBFKQxhxdAsIvtNj07PUBJudIUXvVnuO9csyjF3f2H_CebQA/s640/IMG_3036.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Entering in........</div>
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I'm circling the room first and then I will go back and give you a few closer pics....I just love sitting in front of this window and looking out at the trees, flowers, and wildlife on our property as the seasons come and go...it is a beautiful view anytime of the year. It is perfect. I had to take this shot with a flash because of the sun coming in the window, so it is a little bleached out looking. The window faces southwest, so there is always great light in the afternoons. The window covering is an old lace shawl.</div>
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Backing up just a bit......You can see the side of my dollhouse, which is, I'm afraid, still a work in progress...but I tinker with it anyway even though I don't have all the trim done, etc after changing some of the wallpaper.</div>
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The front door is missing, ..... I need to repaint it a different color, so it is off at this point. And I ran out of the black octagon shingles, so I need to find something else for the porch roof. Isn't there always something that needs doing on our houses, big or small?</div>
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Looking back towards the door.</div>
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I have made a few changes on this side of the room, namely I took off the closet door, so I could put some cubbyhole units in the closet along that wall. Also, I used to have my sewing machine where the white cupboard is, but moved it into the other bedroom so I could have more workspace in here. We moved in the little table that was from my husband's childhood home. It is the cutest thing and has pull out leaves on each end. I put a big piece of glass on top and covered the sharp edges with duck tape. I really like sitting here and working too, and if our granddaughters want to spend time crafting, it makes space for them too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FGORrpcQfmOJm27_vIiWSEnwIilQ6QWmHqhruao5HuS8UOl6aTM1bC1rLvYO78pigEEFCLDyW5sU-ibWHLiplmDEddZO-gEYQGgCFtomgT_qmR7zdHtqQlDB6wtmMCd6EXoK9eqCXYA/s1600/IMG_3013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FGORrpcQfmOJm27_vIiWSEnwIilQ6QWmHqhruao5HuS8UOl6aTM1bC1rLvYO78pigEEFCLDyW5sU-ibWHLiplmDEddZO-gEYQGgCFtomgT_qmR7zdHtqQlDB6wtmMCd6EXoK9eqCXYA/s640/IMG_3013.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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A shot of my somewhat messy closet, but you get the</div>
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idea. I really have it crammed in there!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJqrhgP5Aq_SdRZsgJgDPS3zaKWmdI7h1_d6iXQPZUdLHpsFfBhOI8WalYIvGoBAQTp7xnBgxo9KGR6qDVVsMd_tevcMJJmji3YfWVFwK7MqWUGCQi-rOIAeBgkqfJZdG5w81nlweMoc/s1600/IMG_3012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJqrhgP5Aq_SdRZsgJgDPS3zaKWmdI7h1_d6iXQPZUdLHpsFfBhOI8WalYIvGoBAQTp7xnBgxo9KGR6qDVVsMd_tevcMJJmji3YfWVFwK7MqWUGCQi-rOIAeBgkqfJZdG5w81nlweMoc/s640/IMG_3012.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I try to label all my boxes and tubs, otherwise, I can't remember what is in them and that wastes a lot of time when you are hunting for something that you know you have!!</div>
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Moving on around the room................</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyl8IW-BgaZ_2mABEVWrxvqgPHObVicjQjxLbOXnQPt44U4qKepMSIdJK7w4XJei7a7lpEo6KZpxu1oiaFGsF-IGe8MarWMfS_N9nFGwNoD7cE640U4SV36v8eta1ykkqqJjNnMg8evhE/s1600/IMG_3016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyl8IW-BgaZ_2mABEVWrxvqgPHObVicjQjxLbOXnQPt44U4qKepMSIdJK7w4XJei7a7lpEo6KZpxu1oiaFGsF-IGe8MarWMfS_N9nFGwNoD7cE640U4SV36v8eta1ykkqqJjNnMg8evhE/s640/IMG_3016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My curio cabinet, where I keep small dolls and miniatures I have made.</div>
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Another work space,......IF it is not heaped with piles!! I used two of the cubbyhole units for the ends and a piece of Formica countertop over. The shelf above is a recent addition to hold miniature room boxes I am working on.</div>
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The little fairy scene under the mushroom was a class by <a href="http://karlascottage.typepad.com/karlascottage">Karla Nathan </a>at Birdsong last year. The NEST sign (on the wall in the picture below) is also from Birdsong, another <a href="http://karlascottage.typepad.com/">Karla Nathan</a> class. I didn't get to go this year because of a conflict.......hope maybe next year again....It is so much fun!!!</div>
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Miniature dress forms I made, and taught as a class for my local mini club.</div>
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A couple of my Santas,........ these were several years ago. The one in brown is a Kansas Santa with Wizard of Oz characters in his backpack. Haven't made any Santas for a couple of years, but I want to make some more.......never enough time. Each Santa carries a small gift box with a tiny nativity inside and a message about the real meaning of Christmas.</div>
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A pretty corner, love the purple beaded lamp shade. MOP buttons in the apothecary jar. My tiny, tiny dolls are in the little glass case.</div>
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I just love these little dolls, the smaller they are, the better I like them! It has taken years to collect them here and there.</div>
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This old spool cabinet holds an amazing amount of little stuff to create with. I have had it for many many years and it used to be my jewelry box, but I only filled up two drawers so I decided this would be a better use for it.</div>
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Another corner in the room, need to fill up my candy jars with some chocolate!!</div>
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The kitchen in the dollhouse....see what I mean about the lack of trim.....</div>
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A miniature hall tree, want to make one of these in "full size" for my big house ;) I have the doors and other components, but need some help from my guy. I'm not good with power tools!</div>
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Miniature coffee table made from a dollhouse "window" So much fun to design and make, another club project..</div>
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Another miniature cabinet.</div>
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This is a piece I am currently working on. The theme is gratitude! This is not a miniature, measures about 12 x 16. It will be under glass so it won't get dusty. When doing assemblages, I like to have them under glass if possible so they can be kept looking nice for a very long time and these days, who wants to dust something like that? So, I am always on the lookout for shadowbox frames in my thrifting adventures.</div>
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I am so happy to have each of you in my studio want to say a sincere "thank you" so much for stopping by to visit and letting me show you around. If you were really here, we could have a glass of lemonade and work on creating something beautiful together! Creating is such a huge gift in my life and I am forever grateful to God for allowing me to pursue these interests. I believe the desires He places in our hearts are the ones that fit our gifting and calling in this life. He is the Master Creator. </div>
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"Create in me a pure heart, O God, </div>
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and renew a steadfast spirit within me."</div>
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Psalm 51:10</div>
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Be blessed</div>
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always in your creating dear friends,</div>
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Linda</div>
Desires of the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06581788046600970716noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316308302404316348.post-15678169093807309772013-05-27T16:36:00.000-07:002013-05-27T16:36:23.778-07:00Happy Memorial Day Wishes and Gardening endeavors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Memorial Day to everyone!! Hope your day was filled with happy picnics, family reunions, parades, decorating graves of those dear to us, and remembering those who have fallen in service to our precious and beloved country. May their sacrifices never be in vain and may we always remember that our freedoms were all bought with a price and precious blood has been shed to keep us free in this country.</div>
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Our day was a quiet one, we received some very much needed rain! Several good hours of it and got at least 3 maybe 4 inches !! The ponds in this area are all but dry and we so need this wonderful rain to replenish them and the earth. Makes us so thankful for every drop that falls from the heavens for sure.</div>
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We have really been working in our yard and flower beds for the last few weeks. Darling husband, especially, has put in some long hours filling low spots up by the house and redressing with bark mulch. It all just takes time and effort, but it is so worth it at the end of the day. We so enjoy sitting on our porch and enjoying the fruits of our labors. We call our little 3-acre tract "The Promised Land". It is the property that we have always dreamed of owning with lots of trees and the Lord led us to it at just the right time in our lives. </div>
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Yesterday we picked out some knockout roses for the new bed he has been working on. This particular spot has been hard to grow grass in for the past two summers and finally we just decided to give up on grass and make it into a landscaped bed! We found enough limestone rocks on our property to line the area, so it looks pretty natural I think.</div>
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We plan to put in some knockout roses and also bought some crape myrtles to put in here. the pots that are sitting there are a shrub call "Abelia" . I loved the colors in the foliage and hope they will do well. We have never grown these before. This is right by our driveway going out to the street.</div>
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This is the view looking back at the house from the drive. We will soon have the carpet roses under the pear tree blooming. They are the red ones with the yellow centers. So pretty.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCo-iZO_QPh65hUAoqfn1IPKASxVMq2cuJQItdCTx2ZEKTcajOPhBfmNFiUQ3V5Ep5SePwCim7M5UAAuWxCIdHzaoL1urNk7qTe6uL02kWQIijqJm5iEvuMtxIfMYOFC7HDPK2EnT-4UA/s1600/IMG_2955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCo-iZO_QPh65hUAoqfn1IPKASxVMq2cuJQItdCTx2ZEKTcajOPhBfmNFiUQ3V5Ep5SePwCim7M5UAAuWxCIdHzaoL1urNk7qTe6uL02kWQIijqJm5iEvuMtxIfMYOFC7HDPK2EnT-4UA/s640/IMG_2955.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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A closer view of the front porch, we enjoy sitting out here in the mornings and evenings to watch the sunsets. I got my baskets of vining geraniums planted in the hanging pots but it will take a while for them to grow out. Overlook the ugly gutter pipes, we, "someday" hope to get them buried under the sidewalk. Wish we had thought of that before the sidewalk was put in ;). Darling husband made tabletops for the two sewing machine frames flanking the door. Then he cut out holes in them for the pots with the Kimberly Queen ferns to sit right inside the circle. They will grow huge by summer's end.</div>
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The view from the porch. See the birdcage stand used to hold a hanging pot? Hopefully, my million bell petunias will do well there.</div>
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This is at the end of the house. This bed had to be all filled in with dirt because it had settled so much during the past two dry summers. It is looking pretty good. The peony plants are just starting to bloom. We have a new arbor ready to put together and replace this one. It is starting to just fall apart. I may have to sacrifice the rose bushes though to get it in, and wouldn't you know this is the best they have ever looked!! The new arbor is made of vinyl and should do much better. It is very similar in shape to this one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoumU-Lcuwu6x7cMvZswRnEZIKi9DdE_wBAYmPJxP0TBlhmf3WEG2h8kBojTd_MNd5QdambuH1-tNc5rwyViNOxmfDPqzRQHrNhAEYYq1Cb0EN9hCWQDi2xR9ii9qmoj1Dhk6AdX_hBk/s1600/IMG_2957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoumU-Lcuwu6x7cMvZswRnEZIKi9DdE_wBAYmPJxP0TBlhmf3WEG2h8kBojTd_MNd5QdambuH1-tNc5rwyViNOxmfDPqzRQHrNhAEYYq1Cb0EN9hCWQDi2xR9ii9qmoj1Dhk6AdX_hBk/s640/IMG_2957.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another view of the side flower bed.</div>
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This is a back bed along the side of our yard. It is a little wild and I have been trying to gt it under control. Hope to get all the weeds out and then put down Preen and new brown mulch. This is the place I often get a case of Poison Ivy!!! Ugh.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMXoqX7XTFpsrLhXUfeIrpX6PtNhR2Wvl8mkEU0fW3Mby7n8nD_A8BJCzkI5UNeoq4GQZ8sgRX7cdvVW92RDJ4fKFqwa-pw5efc-ysWZmFx3zzGhg7b4lSsuZwygOyMJjBHSDOXP_i08/s1600/IMG_2962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMXoqX7XTFpsrLhXUfeIrpX6PtNhR2Wvl8mkEU0fW3Mby7n8nD_A8BJCzkI5UNeoq4GQZ8sgRX7cdvVW92RDJ4fKFqwa-pw5efc-ysWZmFx3zzGhg7b4lSsuZwygOyMJjBHSDOXP_i08/s640/IMG_2962.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is an old treadle sewing machine carcass that I decided to plant in...It will fill in and look beautiful. When the planter part falls apart, I will still have the stand to use in a different way.</div>
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I also have a "flower" bed planted now with a few green onions, but I plan to plant zinnias in it this week. And the planted wheelbarrow is new this year. Just something different. Notice the hanging bar of soap to deter the deer. They are a real menace for sure!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7YV6BUwI9FIJ8ZkLxFOK366P2c-GIYfxfOntp6BxeV-B6LGfwvgHJiS6hx2DoR3631jgPXjjGMTxzWFUU5NDWZmk-2Z8keX_FX7RETj6ZEyVnqKHIwZtBOLopWnWStmkMOzZdqo_TzXo/s1600/IMG_2964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7YV6BUwI9FIJ8ZkLxFOK366P2c-GIYfxfOntp6BxeV-B6LGfwvgHJiS6hx2DoR3631jgPXjjGMTxzWFUU5NDWZmk-2Z8keX_FX7RETj6ZEyVnqKHIwZtBOLopWnWStmkMOzZdqo_TzXo/s640/IMG_2964.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This pic is across the back of our property, really the side, but our house is place catawhompus to the road. We added this berm a few years back when we had to have a lot of earth removed from the walk-out end of our house to get it to drain properly. So, this is how we used all the dirt. We have forsythia, lilacs, viburnums, salvia, and cone flowers along here. It has all been trial and error along the way.</div>
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Looking past the walk-out end of our home. We put in drainage tubes out to the road and filled it all in with rock and plantings to look like a dry creek bed.....Oh So Much Work!! but turned out lovely and has done the trick with the drainage problems.</div>
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Thanks for wading through all these pictures. I just love this time of year and am sooooo hoping that we have a different kind of summer this year with regular rains and not those long weeks of 100+ temps. It is so nice to finally see things starting to bloom. Seems like Spring has taken so long to get here this year, but it IS here now!! </div>
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Now that the weather is getting better, I have lots of refinishing things to work on in the garage. Have also been working on new cushion covers for the wicker furniture on the screened in porch. I will show you when I get it all done!! </div>
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Singing His Praises,</div>
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Linda</div>
Desires of the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06581788046600970716noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316308302404316348.post-13355143624954068812013-05-06T08:14:00.000-07:002013-05-06T08:14:15.718-07:00Its Beginning to look a lot like ??????<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0x_dYw62-ddv4GEW-bvnBsa8DvMWdc0LbZoASEfRBWnTpQur7VUs5XW1mR7Abg0-oOkDeD1MttUn6pAU_LnQ3GrVp3df_GKe1wgZfCdfsyQKcoESOXh2VSDlZ_lW5g2Kt8px8OHgh8c/s1600/IMG_2902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0x_dYw62-ddv4GEW-bvnBsa8DvMWdc0LbZoASEfRBWnTpQur7VUs5XW1mR7Abg0-oOkDeD1MttUn6pAU_LnQ3GrVp3df_GKe1wgZfCdfsyQKcoESOXh2VSDlZ_lW5g2Kt8px8OHgh8c/s640/IMG_2902.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Ahhhhhhhhhh, the lilacs of Spring..............such a beautiful sight. Aren't they just lovely? I don't think we have had a prettier crop at this location ever. They come from an old bush that we transplanted from my husband's parents home. They had gotten their start from the farm of my MIL's parents, so these lilacs have a long history. My husband says he can still remember driving down the long lane to his grandparents house and smelling the lilac bushes lining the drive. What a precious memory. This is the third year or so since we moved the bush and thus far it had not bloomed, so we were a bit discouraged. </div>
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So, we have lilacs and gorgeous ones!! They smell heavenly. The old pitcher was also from my MIL's home, so it seemed a fitting vessel for the bouquet.</div>
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There is only one little problem. I cut these, all of them, before the last snow storm which was a week ago!! My husband had mowed the grass the night before the expected snow and we agreed that maybe it would be better to pick the bush clean and at least enjoy them in the house then to loose them all in the frigid temps.</div>
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SOOOOOOOOOOOOO frustrating is this SPRING!! When will it ever arrive???</div>
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I also bought flowers the day before to plant in the pots on the porch and deck. They are patiently waiting in the garage to be put into the soil. Maybe today it MIGHT be safe to plant them......I am leery, but I think they may not hold that much longer, so I may start today timidly. They said the sun would be shining today, but so far I don't see it. Now this is a big deal for me as I am one of those people who runs on..................</div>
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SOLAR BATTERIES!!!!!!</div>
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I'm starting to feel desperate people!</div>
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So, if you can't have Spring and warm sunny weather, what do you do?............</div>
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You start preparing for......................... CHRISTMAS!!!...........yes, that's right, it will be here before we know it!!</div>
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You put on your Nat King Cole album and sing along, slightly changing the words in honor of Cinco de Mayo and belt out " Nachos roasting on an Open Fire".............</div>
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At the very least, I thought I would do something constructive since I can't plant flowers or paint anything in the garage.........</div>
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I bleached out some bottle brush trees to decorate for the Christmas season. I hope to offer some in cloche -type containers for sale in the fall. Most of them turned out pretty well, a few stubbornly stayed the weird green color, so I guess they will get dyed green again, although I think I can come up with a much prettier shade of green.</div>
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So, that is what I have been up to. I hope wherever you are, the sun is shining and it is Spring. I know Spring eventually will get here, but it sure seems to be stubborn this year. If it means, however, that we might have a more bearable summer with cooler temps and more rain, than it will be worth it in every way!! We are getting some very much needed moisture and that is a VERY GOOD THING, so I am thankful!! However, my theory is that if the sun is not shining..............</div>
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IT NEEDS TO BE RAINING OR SNOWING!!!</div>
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Singing His Praises in the snow and the rain and evermore,</div>
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Linda</div>
Desires of the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06581788046600970716noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316308302404316348.post-37567849936615041682013-04-24T15:46:00.000-07:002013-04-24T15:46:01.475-07:00Powder Room changes!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was time to make some changes in the powder room bath after living here 8 yrs. This bath was not functioning the best because of a mistake in the design. I had always been frustrated that the person who drew up the plans and also we, did not realize there was a problem before the house was framed in. The bath called for a regular door, but after everything was finished,......oops, the door did not clear the toilet to store along the wall......so that meant you had to go all the way in, shut the door back to get to the toilet. Just awkward and I did not like the way it looked from the hall. As it happened, we did have several pocket doors installed in our house and it turned out there was one too many ordered. We could not return it as it had already been painted, so we stored it away in the basement these past years.</div>
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My man decided in January that he was ready to tackle tearing out the wall and installing a pocket door inside, so I was more than ready to say yes!!</div>
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So began the process.......</div>
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When I painted the bath, I did it in a rag roll sponge type of finish with a light yellow base and then different glaces of blush, sage green, umber, etc, were sponged over in areas and corners to give it a Tuscan feel. I really did like it, but since the walls were coming out and new wallboard was going up, I decided a change was in order. This time I thought gray! I wanted something that would look good with the antique oak dresser/vanity we had retrofitted to put in there. I purchased this piece at a garage sale and it was the perfect size. The drawers were altered to accommodate the plumbing... The mirror that came with it was pretty ornate, but worked just fine in the design. </div>
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The room is about 4 feet wide and 8 feet long.</div>
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This pic is of the hallway leading to the bath. It is long and we made it extra wide. Now, I know what you are thinking.... what is that striping? Well, soon after we had moved in.....I thought I might try rag-rolled strips in an off-white glaze over the sage green in the hall. Well, I only made it half way done the hall on one side before I wasn't sure I liked it and then the discussion came up about eventually putting in a pocket door on the bathroom inside of a swinging door. Well, that cinched it, I wasn't going to proceed with the stripes.....They are a LOT OF WORK and I wasn't sure I like it that well. This pic shows my cut in before re-rolling it in the green.</div>
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So, I have lived with a half striped hallway on one side for several years. Surprisingly, not many people ask why the stripes suddenly stop, I guess they are just being polite.....Oh well, I digress....</div>
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So, the whole side of the hallway got another coat of the same green. I love this green. It goes with everything!! "Dried Grass" from Walmart. I think it is now called August Dried Grass. It is a real good neutral color and looks really nice with the oak trim we have, which I might add looks like it is here to stay in the hall at least. I am working on the man about some other areas of the house.....Shhhhh! I really love white trim so much better.....</div>
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Okay, ready for the reveal??</div>
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I had this wall grille that I decided would look good over the toilet and it fit just perfectly. The wreath is one I made for my Mom and it came back to my house to live when we emptied her house. I got the basket from Walmart!</div>
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I love how it looks in the mirror. New hand towels in gold from Target. Love the ribs on them.</div>
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I hung two of my favorite pictures with verses over and under the shelf I had have had for years. Have to be a little careful hanging things on these two opposite walls as there are pocket doors in both of them now. The other pocket door leads into another bathtub area that is part of the guestroom bath, Kind of a Jack and Jill set up.</div>
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This old lithograph is one of my very favorite things. It is water stained and has some tears, but I don't care.....Isn't it just gorgeous? I got it many years ago at the White Cloud flea market. It had rained at the fair and that is when it got wet. The vendor was anxious to get rid of it I think. I knew I could live with the water stain...</div>
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A new rug that was perfect from Kohls with my 30% off on top of the sale price!!</div>
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A closeup of an assemblage that was <a href="http://bethleintz.typepad.com/">Beth's</a> class at <a href="http://karlascottage.typepad.com/">Karla's Birdsong</a> last year!! Yes, I finally got it done!! It takes me sooooo long to think about things and where I want them to be. I am so pleased with the way it turned out though!! and it was so much FUN!! I will miss getting to attend this year's event in June, hopefully I will get to go again in coming years if possible. </div>
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Do I look better in this picture?? No toothache and a little more sleep will do wonders for a woman!! </div>
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Thanks for your patience. I hope I didn't bore you with all the pictures!!.</div>
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By the way, the color I chose for the walls is BM AC-34 Cape Hatteras Sand. I had it mixed in Walmart's Best Glidden Primer in one. It is good paint. The color is something between gray and beige, but on the wall it just looks gray to me with a very small hint of a blue, which is why it is so complimented by the gold colors in the accessories I think.</div>
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I got a new light fixture for the vanity, a 4 light instead of a 2 light. It was just too dim in there for me!! I didn't feel too guilty as the one that was there, I had gotten off the clearance rack at K-Mart for $7.00, it had paid its rent. That, and the ceiling fan light fixture having 2 bulbs makes it so much brighter, and brighter ALWAYS makes me happy!!</div>
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Thanks for visiting!!</div>
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I'm singing His Praises!!!</div>
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Linda</div>
Desires of the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06581788046600970716noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316308302404316348.post-18272435436679394002013-02-26T13:35:00.000-08:002013-02-26T13:35:39.271-08:00A "little" bit of Spring!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm dreaming of Spring already..... but in miniature!! It is my turn to lead the project for our local miniature club this month. This project has been a little bit of a challenge for sure. See the little dome scene with the bird?.......yeah, that's my project!! Pretty cute, don't ya think? I have had this project in my mind for quite some time but had to figure out a way to do it.</div>
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I have two prototypes for the class.</div>
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One of the domes has a little white bird and one has a bluebird. They are both made on a little metal platter and set under a dome. The dome is about 1 1/8th inches tall and is the cut off end of a glass test tube. Oh my, this was the hard part!! I had several of these tubes that had held vintage beads. My wonderful man offered to try to cut them. Well, I think he got six or seven out of the bunch I had, so then I ordered new test tubes. These were a whole different ball game to cut and we ruined many of the fifteen I had. The last seven I took to a glass shop and they managed to get six done. I sure need to discover the secret of how to cut a glass tube!</div>
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Anyway after all the glass cutting, came the making of many, many tiny Sculpey eggs and the little birds. I am talking tiny folks!! </div>
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Since they were so Springy, I decided to stage vignette with them with some of my miniature pieces. Hubby took some pics of a not-very-great-looking me, playing with these tiny things.</div>
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Pardon that "tired" look in my eyes, I spent the night dealing with a toothache!!. Saw the dentist this a.m. and got antibiotics, hopefully that will be the end of it, otherwise, a root canalllllllll!!!!!!!!!! </div>
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The Spring Hutch was made in a Lisa Engler class several years ago. Some of the items were provided in the class and some things are mine. The little table is a Karen Markland piece, I LOVE anything Karen Markland does!!. The Easter basket is my creation as is the little vintage flower seed box.</div>
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This little box is one of my favorite things. It was a club project of mine as well. We all take turns and usually do one project a year.</div>
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It feels good to be creating again. It has been a rough couple of years. My job as medical transcriptionist was so very stressful for such pitiful pay, I finally gave it up even though I was doing very well at it. I love the field but just could not tolerate the feeling of continually being on call and never knowing how long each day I would be working. </div>
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So then, I got my real estate license to work with my husband. I love "all things HOME" and help with staging homes for sale and have had good results. We do open houses together and work on marketing ideas. It is fun to do it together. He has been doing real estate for 11 years now after retiring from his job with AT&T.</div>
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My mother passed away in June and I was able to be with her the whole week before, which was such a blessing. So then, it was a long summer, cleaning, sorting, and repairing the house to get it on the market. It just last week was sold and closed. </div>
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Life just sometimes comes in waves and we just have to take a breather and get our bearings again, at least I do, so that is what explains my absence from blogging for quite a while. It feels good to touch base with you all again and hear from you!! I read my blogs everyday, you all bring me so much happiness and inspiration.</div>
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So, hope you enjoyed my "little" glimpse of Spring. It is snowing here again today!! This is round two of some whopper storms, although this last go round has not been as bad where we are. Kansas City got walloped!! But, since we have been in a drought situation here for the last two years, the snow is such a BLESSING!! and we are so thankful for it!!</div>
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Thanks for listening sweet friends!!</div>
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Till next time, I am singing His praises.</div>
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Linda</div>
Desires of the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06581788046600970716noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316308302404316348.post-91978896915896538882013-02-14T12:13:00.001-08:002013-02-14T12:16:17.777-08:00Valentine traditions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">You have my heart!!</span></div>
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Well, I almost did not get this accomplished this year, but did manage to get them made. For some reason Valentine's Day seems to sneak up on me every year.</div>
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Many many years ago, when our children were young, I was thinking one day about what could I make to give to each of our close neighbors and friends to let them know we were thinking of them on Valentine's Day and wanted them to know they were loved and special to us. I decided I would make some sugar cookies for each person and put their names on it. Now it seems to me that Valentine's Day and chocolate are synonymous, so I wanted to come up with a way to combine the two items. I had some chocolate chips, so I decided to melt them in the microwave and try spreading the wonderfully goodness on the cookie instead of a layer of frosting. Then I made regular buttercream frosting to decorate the edges with a lacy scroll and write the names of each special person on the cookie. </div>
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They were an instant hit and I pretty much have made them ever since on VDay.... only once a year. Our neighbors grew to expect them and it has really been a fun tradition in our family. </div>
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The recipe for the cookies is from the Betty Crocker Cookbook and they are called Aunt Mary's Cookies or Deluxe Sugar Cookies, but you could use any favorite sugar cookie recipe. This particular one makes a very delicate cookie and calls for powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar. It is a favorite for us.</div>
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You bake the cookies and cool them on a rack. Then, I put about 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips in a bowl and melted them in the microwave for a little over a minute. Stir until the chips are dissolved. You have to watch it closely and do not want to heat them for too long or the chocolate will become grainy.</div>
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Then, spread the chocolate on each cooled cookie. I usually let them set over night to completely cool, but you can put them in the fridge or freezer to set up faster.</div>
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Then mix up your favorite butter cream frosting and put in a pastry bag with a star or shell tip. Just go around each cookie kind of moving in and off the edge of the cookie. I usually start at the center and move down the side and then go back to the center and do the other side. Usually, I hold each cookie in my hand, but a turntable might make it easier.</div>
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I'm not really sure what happened this time, but my chocolate looks a little speckled. Oh well, it should taste just the same. ha.</div>
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I usually do all the scroll edges and then go back in and write the names of my family and friends last. It helps to calculate just how many of these you want to send out before you make your cookies by making a list of recipients. This recipe makes about 2 dozen cookies. My cookie cutter is about 3 inches across. So, sometimes I have to double up on the recipe. You can make them ahead and have them in the freezer ahead of time and then all you have to do is pull them out and decorate them. (Usually, I am NOT that organized, but it has happened that way a few times.....)</div>
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I like to put them on a paper plate with a red napkin underneath, usually left over from Christmas. Then you can put the plate in a ziplock gallon-sized bag for delivery. For our children who live out of town, I store them in the freezer until we see them and they do just fine.</div>
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You could leave one in the mailbox for your postman, or take some to your favorite hairdresser or doctor. I have made them for our church staff also and put them in the break room. And I always try to take them to our close neighbors and any elderly widows we know.</div>
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It is just a fun way to say " I appreciate and love you" in a personal way.</div>
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And,........... THEY ARE YUMMY!!! The chocolate with the frosting and the cookie, oh MY, a perfect combination with a cup of coffee!!!</div>
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Hope you enjoyed hearing about my little cookie valentines.</div>
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So, will YOU</div>
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Have a wonderful Valentine's Day my friends!! All diets are off until tomorrow!!! ( or until you finish that box of chocolates your handsome husband gave you!!</div>
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I got red roses too......love that man......we will most likely go out for dinner and a movie tomorrow as we have some sweet granddaughters to support at a basketball game tonite!!<br />
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Singing His Praises,<br />
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Linda</div>
Desires of the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06581788046600970716noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316308302404316348.post-24461631767408980852013-01-24T18:06:00.002-08:002013-01-24T18:37:23.282-08:00Back to blue and green, my first love.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi friends, I hope you are all having a great month!! I have been spending a lot of time taking down all the Christmas and then trying to reorganize and accessorize as I go. It is a slow but enjoyable process and one that I am relishing these days. It is very cold in Kansas right now and I don't have much desire to leave the house anyway.</div>
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For Christmas, I had a lot of my red and white transferware out to go along with everything. What I have the most of is blue and white, and usually have most of it in the diningroom, but it is OVERFLOWING, I decided to use it in the kitchen too with my green. I just love blue and green together, don't you? Seems like green is really making a comeback also. GREEN is my favorite color and is kind of an anchor color in my home. It really serves as a great neutral in decorating and you can change it up with the addition of so many other color combinations. And, I find it so peaceful.....</div>
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I am enjoying a new plate rack to the right of the stove that I got from Nell Hill's this last fall on a fun shopping trip to Atchison. What a treat that store is!!</div>
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Someday I have beadboard wallpaper to put in the back of the the glass door cabinets. I just need to make the time to get it done. I keep realizing that is the key, is just deciding to go ahead and do it and cross it off my list, one of the things I hope to do better this year.</div>
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See the Moon and Stars green candy dish in the background..... it was my mother's and now it is mine to love. We always had a batch of hard candy in it at Christmas, a special childhood memory. We lost my mom this last summer, it still seems hard to believe. I find myself thinking that I need to call her just about every week. </div>
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This area is totally different than it has been during the eight years we have lived here. I did have a country possum belly hutch here, but is seemed to really crowd the space. The fake mantel came from some very dear and precious friends of ours who found it in an old house they purchased and did not want it. I gladly took it off there hands...;))) and have enjoyed it since the late 70's. I added the shutter doors over the opening. The empty frame above I have had forever also. I think it is part of an old game table. I just washed it with the off white paint.</div>
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Oh, and I have some cool fabric to make new window toppers, also on the list!!<br />
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This is how this area looked for Christmas:</div>
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What is missing in this picture is a wreath around the Santa head. I never got that accomplished, oh well, there is always next year, right? </div>
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I found the cache pot at a garage sale this fall and already had the pedestal, I think they look lovely together. For Christmas, I had paperwhites in it and it looked so pretty.<br />
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This little bookcase sits on a larger cabinet and is always fun to decorate for any holiday. I had a few of my smaller Santas in it along with the dishes.<br />
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Now, it looks like this:<br />
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That is my blue and green story for the kitchen. <br />
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Next up, I am totally going through my art studio that has been absolutely neglected for the last two years!! Hoping to be spending a lot more time in there creating in the coming months, but oh my it is really a process...but I'm getting there......<br />
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Thanks for visiting special friends!! It feels good to have a little change of scene and things freshened up doesn't it?<br />
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Till next time,<br />
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I'll be singing His Praises,<br />
Blessings, Linda<br />
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<a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/2013/01/fabulously-creative-friday-linky-party_24.html">Linking to Jennifer's fabulously creative Friday</a></div>
Desires of the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06581788046600970716noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316308302404316348.post-56868316403584316452013-01-11T07:03:00.001-08:002013-01-11T13:28:01.571-08:00Something good in the oven<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi friends, since it was a dark and dreary morning, I<br />
decided to make a batch of scones to take to some friends who just lost their mother. My friend also, Sylvia was British and such a wonderful person. I thought scones would be fitting. I decided to double the recipe so we would have a few too. These are super easy and one of the best scones I have ever tasted. The recipe comes from the blogosphere, but I don't remember just where I got it a few years back and I am sorry I can't give credit. They were called Chocolate Chip Scones, but I make them with cinnamon chips instead and they are sooooo good!! They freeze well also.</div>
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Here is the recipe:<br />
I often double it.<br />
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Cinnamon Chip Scones<br />
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2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar<br />
3 Tablespoons packed brown sugar<br />
1 teaspoon backing powder<br />
1/4 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
8 Tablespoons butter, very cold and cut into pieces<br />
(I use my pastry cutter for this)<br />
1 large egg<br />
1/2 cup sour cream<br />
1/4 teaspoon vanilla<br />
1/2 cup cinnamon chips<br />
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees -( I set my oven on 385 degrees as it seems to run hot.)<br />
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Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a mixing bowl.<br />
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Add butter over flour mixture and using fingers or pastry cutter or fork, work the butter into the flour until the flour mixture is very coarse.<br />
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In a small bowl, ( I used my measuring cup), whisk sour cream, egg and vanilla till smooth. Stir sour cream mixture into flour mixture until large dough clumps form.<br />
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Add the chips.<br />
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When dough starts to come together, turn out onto a clean surface and shape it into a 7 inch circle. If you prefer, you can make two rectangles. Slice the circle into 8 triangles or slice each rectangle into 4 triangles. ( Since I doubled my recipe, I did this in two larger circles and wanted smaller scones, so I cut each triangle into 2 smaller triangles.<br />
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Arrange triangles a few inches apart on a cookie sheet. Bake until golden, about 14 to 15 minutes. You just want them to barely start turning brown around the edges, so watch the first batch to know how long to bake them. Cool for 5 minutes. Then, glaze with a powdered sugar and milk mixture and serve while warm. Enjoy!!<br />
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Hope you all enjoy these as much as our family does. You could add dried cranberries, cherries, nuts, toffee bits, etc. also. I just tend to do the cinnamon every time. By the way, the cinnamon chips are almost impossible to find except during the holidays, but you can order them directly from Hershey. I think I used Amazon.com. But, be warned, if you order them in July, they pretty much come melted in the bag like this:<br />
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So, you have to chop them up. I plan to order some more when my stash is gone BEFORE it gets hot!! ha.<br />
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Well, girls, I made it through this post with the new format, but did have some troubles with the pics, managed to get it all figured out, finally!! I am so technically challenged..... Now to see if it will post.........<br />
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Singing His Praises,<br />
Linda<br />
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Linked with Fabulously Creative Friday Linky Party.<a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/2013/01/fabulously-creative-friday.html">http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/2013/01/fabulously-creative-friday.html</a></div>
Desires of the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06581788046600970716noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316308302404316348.post-81329118779873070812013-01-01T14:42:00.003-08:002013-01-01T14:42:45.387-08:00Testing.......Is anybody there????<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy New Year to all my blogging friends. Yes, it has been quite a long time since I posted!! Life sometimes demands that we put other things on the backburner and that is what happened. But, hopefully I can get back in the swing of blogging, as I have truly missed it. Unfortunately, the Blogger format has changed since I last posted and I am relearning how to go about this, so wish me luck. This is my second try this afternoon!!! I am scared to preview, as that is where I went wrong, so I may just hit publish and take my chances. ;)) Hope you are all well and looking forward to a wonderful 2013. I sure am hoping to have more time or maybe I should say MAKE more time for creative endeavors. I have decided that there is ALWAYS something I "should" do, and my usual habit is to choose that.... but alas that leaves me feeling kind of unfulfilled (if you know what I mean.) Just hoping and praying to have more opportunities to create, as that is my heart's desire. Wishing you the desires of your heart also my friends,</div>
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Blessings,</div>
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Linda </div>
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(here goes).............</div>
Desires of the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06581788046600970716noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316308302404316348.post-87843696077266893432011-02-27T19:45:00.000-08:002011-02-27T20:02:33.954-08:00Bring on the pansies!!!<div align="center"><span style="color:#333300;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFNPp9u_khz9yQrKoWPgRCaU95AVV-xKzJyI1qTdQNra6cnrEYxc-98xy0F3saFwPBVZf_WHoB5ln9w38abJgPZh2qhfyevYHv3VCc4lDtwkKaAxDztew231InlUHzqWbUfd-Qgykjr0/s1600/IMG_0521.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578582488961374130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFNPp9u_khz9yQrKoWPgRCaU95AVV-xKzJyI1qTdQNra6cnrEYxc-98xy0F3saFwPBVZf_WHoB5ln9w38abJgPZh2qhfyevYHv3VCc4lDtwkKaAxDztew231InlUHzqWbUfd-Qgykjr0/s800/IMG_0521.JPG" /></a>Well, this is my house, no not today, but very soon, I hope!! Today, we are socked in with heavy fog all day and another 6 inches of the white stuff on the ground!! I just can't think about it anymore. So, I am looking at my gardening books and magazines and dreaming of warmer days to come! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVPsV3Flb1qlhSk39WbkpJtZF-H_B-uvCfLMdbBRG-xoxYBY-KgbKEPvMnatfsOqbGl6eSHxPjTKJPY4buNl5xSO5e748yRBZDBK2l1x24RVSKcrzXolcV8iYafnX6L0MleHyfSqeYBw/s1600/IMG_0518.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578582264723285554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVPsV3Flb1qlhSk39WbkpJtZF-H_B-uvCfLMdbBRG-xoxYBY-KgbKEPvMnatfsOqbGl6eSHxPjTKJPY4buNl5xSO5e748yRBZDBK2l1x24RVSKcrzXolcV8iYafnX6L0MleHyfSqeYBw/s800/IMG_0518.JPG" /></a>Soon, I will be hearing the frogs in the pond across the road, the first sign of Spring to me. I love that sound!! I am hoping my ground cover will be a bit more prolific this Spring in the Secret Garden, and there is a rumor afoot that there might actually be electricity hooked up this lovely fountain!! Wouldn't that be wonderful? I have a hard time keeping the rabbits from eating everything I plant in this area, but I keeping persevering!!<br /> <br />Would love to have a bunch of ferns take hold under the trees here.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVV6WRPIQ6MBen0qbl68off_5lhowBPEJbdvwoHED8OLTeRRcqIYXnaGFbiTSj-WMy7hPf2OUSFG9tdcmFzLYks6lmWw2m5V7lpSSLUFS0r_ZNRoAOA0yKSpSoz1ViiJ0-fdGfVUaaFw4/s1600/IMG_0368.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578581833281347426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVV6WRPIQ6MBen0qbl68off_5lhowBPEJbdvwoHED8OLTeRRcqIYXnaGFbiTSj-WMy7hPf2OUSFG9tdcmFzLYks6lmWw2m5V7lpSSLUFS0r_ZNRoAOA0yKSpSoz1ViiJ0-fdGfVUaaFw4/s800/IMG_0368.JPG" /></a> Easter comes late this year, which I think will be so nice as all those cute little Easter outfits might actually be seen without the coats which cover them up so often here!!! <br /></div><div> </div><div>Thought you might enjoy seeing one of my miniature Easter baskets. They are such fun to make!!</div><div> </div><div>Hope you have all had an enjoyable and restful weekend. Lets all think about all the things we want to plant. Yes, the SUN WILL come out tomorrow and Spring will arrive again.!!<br /><br /></div><div>Singing His Praises,</div><div> </div><div> Linda </div><br /></div>Desires of the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06581788046600970716noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316308302404316348.post-23686138009919082672011-02-20T14:43:00.000-08:002011-02-20T15:15:01.954-08:00Dreaming of Spring decorating<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YoYpvxONH_SlbFVoi0HIjHEtzrWRSTXabiOBqXmUDzmZgcqEZvIX2vURdJZIF-EhjV8h2nsU6UXF-tfWSwuuq24dRjVEShBWmpn2kb4RfgAtJAf_frcIC7pRPGLkvAdv_HuANYShtoI/s1600/IMG_1714.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575907610015743218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YoYpvxONH_SlbFVoi0HIjHEtzrWRSTXabiOBqXmUDzmZgcqEZvIX2vURdJZIF-EhjV8h2nsU6UXF-tfWSwuuq24dRjVEShBWmpn2kb4RfgAtJAf_frcIC7pRPGLkvAdv_HuANYShtoI/s800/IMG_1714.JPG" /></a> <span style="color:#333300;">I am soooooo ready for Spring and all that comes with it!! Would you believe these are my bookcase shelves that I did last Spring and liked them so much, I just left them up all year!! It is balmy here today, a little windy and overcast, but still a pleasant change from the Artic expresses that we have had this winter in Kansas.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkdnMSbQ7Ot5b_vbQFwZataTOMoVSht4UWG_OwRq5j9LnWIU-HV7G6ihv_QqaXiYtjqt3qSYZMtwZqFFWo8qGq3KYxd5FBnp9sRCl5JJoS7D7320fFytx67cBgbd66bbBQRmTxWTUDTE/s1600/IMG_1715.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575907204116172626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkdnMSbQ7Ot5b_vbQFwZataTOMoVSht4UWG_OwRq5j9LnWIU-HV7G6ihv_QqaXiYtjqt3qSYZMtwZqFFWo8qGq3KYxd5FBnp9sRCl5JJoS7D7320fFytx67cBgbd66bbBQRmTxWTUDTE/s800/IMG_1715.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="color:#333300;">Love my little sheep collection and I am ready for Easter, arent I? I am way ahead of the game this time, ha. I am so pathetic. We have been working on so many projects (downstairs) in the last few months, my house (upstairs) has suffered. But, I am NOT giving up. I will keep preserving with my ideas and brain storms to make our home as welcoming as I can. It is me, I can't help myself!! I have found that working at home has made me even more of a homebody than I was before though, and that is not necessarily a good thing! </span></div><br /><br /><span style="color:#333300;">Sometimes, I have to make myself go get groceries. After I am out, I am fine and could go all day, it is just the want to. ha. I am spending too much time in my grubs with my hair undone, I guess. Any ideas from any of you who work at home?<br /><br /></span><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7bpX9-tuiOgs3ZB7pillabr-vkGrfNp4o9TSk-LdfBGzimHtxuW4a0Xyc4m82spdzQvOkftWUPFCxD7SKAF0jGVJBZfTdCqq_YRDIlFJZYk57KZpG8oBN1vi89OnXvnEWP27HqFnMBU/s1600/IMG_1718.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575906816063156994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7bpX9-tuiOgs3ZB7pillabr-vkGrfNp4o9TSk-LdfBGzimHtxuW4a0Xyc4m82spdzQvOkftWUPFCxD7SKAF0jGVJBZfTdCqq_YRDIlFJZYk57KZpG8oBN1vi89OnXvnEWP27HqFnMBU/s800/IMG_1718.JPG" /></a><span style="color:#333300;">Have been going through closets and drawers little by little as I plan to have a huge garage sale this spring. I just have WAY too much stuff and I am finding that I cannot keep it clean if I display it. That, and I am finding that my taste is changing a little and I am liking things a bit more streamlined I guess. BUT, it is NOT NEARLY AS MUCH FUN as my usual weekly trips to the Goodwill store!!! I still indulge every now and then, ha.<br /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#333300;"></span> </div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#333300;">Hope it won't be long before we can really get out and enjoy being outdoors, planting flowers, etc. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#333300;"><br /></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#333300;">There I go again with all my plans!! Lets see, I would like a new bed in the back yard, a brick walk, a little privacy screen for the trashcan, a little patio area off the deck, some new bushes in the back beds, more roses, a new bed in the front, a fountain in the secret garden............<br /><br /><br />Have fun with your ideas, girls, we have to keep our husbands busy so they won't be bored, right?</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#333300;"><br /></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#333300;">Singing His Praises, </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#333300;">Linda</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#333300;"><br /></span></div><br /><div align="center"></div></div>Desires of the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06581788046600970716noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316308302404316348.post-48175884470158142002010-12-25T17:42:00.000-08:002010-12-25T18:00:23.149-08:00Merry Christmas to all my friends!!<div align="center"><span style="color:#333300;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1K8ZZGlmy40rvjo3n5aJQkKl4K6oVfez3huO2RLqEPIi-KRz-Di6NAf6JdQoaGv98fDiIXd66X7GZb81UfCdBnHzmLRqi3zuwCQglCvBGZGaIqC6XCldtZN9gSLFdJBjY0dVJSviQfI/s1600/IMG_1911.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554801222073726866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1K8ZZGlmy40rvjo3n5aJQkKl4K6oVfez3huO2RLqEPIi-KRz-Di6NAf6JdQoaGv98fDiIXd66X7GZb81UfCdBnHzmLRqi3zuwCQglCvBGZGaIqC6XCldtZN9gSLFdJBjY0dVJSviQfI/s800/IMG_1911.JPG" /></a>Merry Christmas to everyone of you and all of your families!! I am still here even though you haven't heard from me in a while. It's been crazy in my world for several months, but I am learning to cope better with the changes in my life, I hope..... I wish each of you the most wonderful Christmas with those you love and a year ahead full of bountiful blessings from the Lord above. He is so good to me and patient with my mess-ups. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I am so grateful for a loving family and husband who is my best friend on this earth. We have a new grandbaby we are anxious to see soon. This time we have a BOY to go along with the eight little girls in our lives!! What a blessing grandchildren are!! We watched a Hallmark movie today and one of the characters said that children "force" you to live in the moment because that is how they live. I am continually striving to get better at living in the moment, aren't you?</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Schedules are usually begging to be broken so the fun can begin. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I want to work at letting it be okay that I did not do everything on my expected task list every day. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I am grateful that I have a loving Heavenly Father who always has time to fit me into his schedule if I will just show up....</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Hope to visit with you more in the future, dear friends.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyS6sBWEIdrCl-6V5mTDJEKoZT_Aki9vSVoDtdPai8y0gHnaZpUQeAPPM3F1NIn5HCl8XZ_LIEXzKTMtjJcXx6qT-0Efk4P0dqejQ0Ti2XBz0DbTk-XJOT3FgYbCk-UAV2Y2-PK-yVas/s1600/IMG_1916.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554800845127318466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyS6sBWEIdrCl-6V5mTDJEKoZT_Aki9vSVoDtdPai8y0gHnaZpUQeAPPM3F1NIn5HCl8XZ_LIEXzKTMtjJcXx6qT-0Efk4P0dqejQ0Ti2XBz0DbTk-XJOT3FgYbCk-UAV2Y2-PK-yVas/s800/IMG_1916.JPG" /></a>I will close with a picture of some of the minis I made for our miniature club gift exchange. I really want to duplicate the whole thing in full size too!! There I go again.... making plans.....</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Singing His Praises, </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Glory to God in the Highest, Peace on Earth and good Will toward Men.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Linda<br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div>Desires of the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06581788046600970716noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316308302404316348.post-74523735377132447182010-10-12T10:02:00.000-07:002010-10-14T09:01:26.188-07:00Heart of the Home<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsY4jerbao_vo1ri5KRJmuOfeBAFLSdknJZgV5ZGzjZHCoAuPK4JPFnDz_bpaK2YdrXeVL3NvLHf3RJpi9Va4VJu1v5GU5RJ2bp2P5NEfyJzjBriQNVxF-8A7usU47RgjXgSUsNq4AR3Y/s1600/IMG_1847.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527212671048619090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsY4jerbao_vo1ri5KRJmuOfeBAFLSdknJZgV5ZGzjZHCoAuPK4JPFnDz_bpaK2YdrXeVL3NvLHf3RJpi9Va4VJu1v5GU5RJ2bp2P5NEfyJzjBriQNVxF-8A7usU47RgjXgSUsNq4AR3Y/s800/IMG_1847.JPG" /></a>Hi Friends, Welcome to my Kitchen, the "Heart of the Home". We do spend a lot of time in these rooms, don't we girls? I really enjoy my kitchen in this home. I tried to think of everything I could when we were designing it. Of course, the sky was not the limit and as there was also the BUDGET, I think we did pretty well. It certainly meets our needs and is large enough to accomodate our family when the three families are here.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVbqhMNPUt5pisxAAUtcc26RbEJoPnElt2sREplwWYu0ke0qf9dVAPeE4wnC1F9d0u_PZnt8UQn74tIQSP5xyvkF3DbW2MvUudaDdLP4BQjrXUFJwMT-BS0LzpvwY2nfgt0WrLrmecYA/s1600/IMG_1866.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527211106438079618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVbqhMNPUt5pisxAAUtcc26RbEJoPnElt2sREplwWYu0ke0qf9dVAPeE4wnC1F9d0u_PZnt8UQn74tIQSP5xyvkF3DbW2MvUudaDdLP4BQjrXUFJwMT-BS0LzpvwY2nfgt0WrLrmecYA/s800/IMG_1866.JPG" /></a>We recently purchased this new breakfast area table and are really liking it! For some time, I have wanted a bar height table, but was concerned about purchasing sooooo many stools and then also finding stools that you really felt like you could sit comfortably for a length of time without a part of your anatomy going to sleep!!!! These are sooooo comfortable and the table has a place to rest your feet, so they don't go to sleep. The center has a lazy susan in it.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><br /><br />It is square, but the little side extensions pop up to make a 60" round table, enough for eight stools, which is what we could accomodate before with the regular table in this area. Some day, I think the possum belly cabinet will move to a different place and probably get painted. I may find something less deep to put in its place on the far wall.<br /><br /><br />I set the table for you.................I have absolutely no idea what we will be having...........how does tuna noodle casserole sound?<br /><br />The breakfast area looks out to the new deck that we have so enjoyed this summer and also leads out to the smallish screened in porch. I just love it when the weather changes and I can leave the door open!! We eat out here a lot when the weather is nice, and it is just steps from the kitchen. I can even pass things through the window above the sink...... so handy!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlNi9MVxot3JomE-Zi_Zyj3mavc32ZszvMuWTzsoLgBAI6nIDQgsEKO4yMvX8-jGefHIGQ1qEtkwkI9WQ3M1Vk-aKdY-hYPfheyZiKSVL9F9Z0XoWtHujtQMVLtescxOzs59HwlnlFYo/s1600/IMG_1845.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527210442581653202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlNi9MVxot3JomE-Zi_Zyj3mavc32ZszvMuWTzsoLgBAI6nIDQgsEKO4yMvX8-jGefHIGQ1qEtkwkI9WQ3M1Vk-aKdY-hYPfheyZiKSVL9F9Z0XoWtHujtQMVLtescxOzs59HwlnlFYo/s800/IMG_1845.JPG" /></a><br />My very old kerosene stove, I have enjoyed having this so much. I got it for $50.00!!! many years ago.<br /><br />It is green and white, but looks a little bluish in this photo.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NtVxr1xc6X_A1ZbE3hF5IVdWu6r7Y0LaRgNPlOeTiWCisuq566ZuYik_jHFiIaItLGOFIlEhcKYH-g79XrACXYSfdTCz56quM9LWREnWsBmA81EhDM80WHiqNnSghKY-pK8hIOtkXgI/s1600/IMG_1844.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527210027402132466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NtVxr1xc6X_A1ZbE3hF5IVdWu6r7Y0LaRgNPlOeTiWCisuq566ZuYik_jHFiIaItLGOFIlEhcKYH-g79XrACXYSfdTCz56quM9LWREnWsBmA81EhDM80WHiqNnSghKY-pK8hIOtkXgI/s800/IMG_1844.JPG" /></a>Sorry, it was suddenly overcast outside when I took this pic!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXeyp2PFw7-zd-nx0EfB-eYyomtoC6QIyt-ViFlQMofp24ZnKiCZVt5bMxgMZIJTemsSVhUTqY9klJWWPOw-xgar-6o6d_l2YdFnX4S6JM6AGTRU5uCjB7JYwaVVglNtDy_x44TXvAWg/s1600/IMG_1851.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527209523871377074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXeyp2PFw7-zd-nx0EfB-eYyomtoC6QIyt-ViFlQMofp24ZnKiCZVt5bMxgMZIJTemsSVhUTqY9klJWWPOw-xgar-6o6d_l2YdFnX4S6JM6AGTRU5uCjB7JYwaVVglNtDy_x44TXvAWg/s800/IMG_1851.JPG" /></a>Looking through to the porch area.<br /><br />I chose dark mahogany stained alder cabinets and really like them.<br />I would like to put some light fabric or paper in the glass-fronted cabinet where I keep most of our dishes. They would really stand out more this way.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRm7A1mWfdgDDcoLLJYhq_7oEhdW82JT9Fqt06IR5zyCOWYNbgcg0PWDPqCA5NTDXGEmnfyO91m4yyBiYwVq6GQ1oFadtk80rLiPDJ5JIDDursm5v0pWIfNMPSFHhMw0iZqIAVI0h9P4/s1600/IMG_1853.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527209216265018226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRm7A1mWfdgDDcoLLJYhq_7oEhdW82JT9Fqt06IR5zyCOWYNbgcg0PWDPqCA5NTDXGEmnfyO91m4yyBiYwVq6GQ1oFadtk80rLiPDJ5JIDDursm5v0pWIfNMPSFHhMw0iZqIAVI0h9P4/s800/IMG_1853.JPG" /></a>My little coffee and beverage area. Glasses and cups are above this area.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7P9_CB_cWfBMn9rKFjeA1PSp7jgl4-4VhHrZGHjq6eUUDtyHElHf7hfjLC8_fM_vHA2SJP5KShRLYZB9GLyKhaxIIDL3Q19tNOLIuLX_UTgzTuv9DYWHQlftccfu9wrNkMin7OotaFk/s1600/IMG_1852.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527208834825486082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7P9_CB_cWfBMn9rKFjeA1PSp7jgl4-4VhHrZGHjq6eUUDtyHElHf7hfjLC8_fM_vHA2SJP5KShRLYZB9GLyKhaxIIDL3Q19tNOLIuLX_UTgzTuv9DYWHQlftccfu9wrNkMin7OotaFk/s800/IMG_1852.JPG" /></a>The focal point of the kitchen is the mantel over the stove area. I designed this and my DH built it for me. It turned out just like I had hoped. I enjoy putting seasonal decorations on top.<br /><br /><br />The island is in the center and it is very large with no cooktop or sink in it on purpose. I can spread out quite a buffet on this area!<br /><br /></div><div>It also works just wonderful for cutting out sewing projects and hanging wallpaper!!</div></div><div></div><div><div></div><div></div><br /><br /><div>I chose to paint the island an off white and put beadboard on the ends to make it a little more cottage looking.<br /></div><div></div><br /><br /><div>No granite tops in the budget, so I chose a limestone looking formica with a stained border and I do like it a lot.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZLm5TfkPLEkoGPibo_a0CaJO0Yr409jUk4YCdaW6b1vRWNvBTje0RXzKAsvvILKXZXvFFMyOksb48A7MvHZmbZsgwx2cy70XZOhZj9-ix82vaP9GTcrP6C9bR-3YCUARAfPgxaPI9tE/s1600/IMG_1858.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527208419727163666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZLm5TfkPLEkoGPibo_a0CaJO0Yr409jUk4YCdaW6b1vRWNvBTje0RXzKAsvvILKXZXvFFMyOksb48A7MvHZmbZsgwx2cy70XZOhZj9-ix82vaP9GTcrP6C9bR-3YCUARAfPgxaPI9tE/s800/IMG_1858.JPG" /></a>This is the pantry area. Just a peak, as it, er, is not like I would like it to be, know what I mean? ha. We used an old door that we had been carrying around with us for years here. The chalkboard is a recent addition that I put together. Sometimes, I just hang a seasonal wreath on the door and I love that too. I did put up a grasscloth wallpaper just to simply give the room some texture and add a pleasing background.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgDiJcJ9sVjqnCdkqduSnom-5jC-DGsBpP2MDEoqRDttVo0SeB1_hDdDQv7stp_7zxj0TXWy3bBCO-HBDNp6ufLlH1vp7CnWgdtMTkakM0LU0eJU8X2LuGPyPNL1uebua_JAV4KzKtbM/s1600/IMG_1860.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527207969224898754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgDiJcJ9sVjqnCdkqduSnom-5jC-DGsBpP2MDEoqRDttVo0SeB1_hDdDQv7stp_7zxj0TXWy3bBCO-HBDNp6ufLlH1vp7CnWgdtMTkakM0LU0eJU8X2LuGPyPNL1uebua_JAV4KzKtbM/s800/IMG_1860.JPG" /></a> Wish I had just a tad bit more room here on top of the cabinets.....my only real regret, not using 9 foot ceilings in this room!! The budget came into play. Oh, well, if I had more up there it would just be more to get positively "furry" wouldn't it?<br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuP9uYq6Iz3muZ5vBnRvpuK0QNVfxyKWMXbSAyd9Mpz_RIi_TZs61dTs1ccGo-urezeHBSRLA9d6r8AtQE7I1VlOfpmzwEkpYERFct-lmqrPD3DNW2tB_A6XZJdImGgZdR9iinXjGT1k/s1600/IMG_1861.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527207520049429090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuP9uYq6Iz3muZ5vBnRvpuK0QNVfxyKWMXbSAyd9Mpz_RIi_TZs61dTs1ccGo-urezeHBSRLA9d6r8AtQE7I1VlOfpmzwEkpYERFct-lmqrPD3DNW2tB_A6XZJdImGgZdR9iinXjGT1k/s800/IMG_1861.JPG" /></a> I think one of my next projects will be to paint my very used and enjoyed breadbox an offwhite and add a blue and white knob. Sorry, I have no cake in the dome to serve you!!! Cake doesn't last long around here!!!!<br /></div></div><div><div>I do have some healthy pretzels in an old jar with a bail handle on it that came from my MIL.<br /></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnDPYP2Vg1AKm7fIJkc8IlwOLNUA-Zo7LTHoPDbwEdURWOWxfAQtGzAv4kGXkwnc6HP8s1tJ92uVOEL99L-XTYJC406Qxw6tNG1FiZ73c3GGdkUO_QPK2J3qcKMmLBr0K6ok_B5XC_QA/s1600/IMG_1862.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527207147025660418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnDPYP2Vg1AKm7fIJkc8IlwOLNUA-Zo7LTHoPDbwEdURWOWxfAQtGzAv4kGXkwnc6HP8s1tJ92uVOEL99L-XTYJC406Qxw6tNG1FiZ73c3GGdkUO_QPK2J3qcKMmLBr0K6ok_B5XC_QA/s800/IMG_1862.JPG" /></a> On around the room and back to the pantry door. I asked for a wall oven and a regular stove so that I would have two options..........................BOY, was that ever a good decision!!! It is soooooo much easier when we have company!! If I am in a real hurry when making cookies, I just use them both and am done so much more quickly!!!!<br /></div><div></div><br /><div>Maybe you notice my "almond fridge"..... that thing is still ticking after more than twenty years!! When we finish the basement, we will move it down there and get a new white one to go with the other applicances better...... but it really does not look that bad.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Guess you noticed that I pretty much like kind of minimal stuff on the counters, it just makes me happier. But, I can assure you, it does not ALWAYS look this way. It seems my daily quest is to get the clutter off the island and the area in front of the phone. ha. When we were raising our boys, this was a CONTINUAL battle, I'm sure y0u can all relate.</div><div></div><div></div><div>I am so thankful for my beautiful kitchen...... yes, I know that not everything is the latest and greatest, but to me it is beautiful because the Lord blessed me wtih it and I love how it all came together!!</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRIiGwdeweccVEPVzQsDwsJawANDRgZzjTxC4mWvVMbBoEkU3OWX8uHvYdmlEIVmPpb_hke7HtaC2vf9tnVr90G5l3TBNcHZzJpHj0UJklIEAiI4KeDpOrWKWB9thsoGVeQFkZJwupKA/s1600/IMG_1863.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527206735148719698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRIiGwdeweccVEPVzQsDwsJawANDRgZzjTxC4mWvVMbBoEkU3OWX8uHvYdmlEIVmPpb_hke7HtaC2vf9tnVr90G5l3TBNcHZzJpHj0UJklIEAiI4KeDpOrWKWB9thsoGVeQFkZJwupKA/s800/IMG_1863.JPG" /></a>How about an oatmeal fruit bar and a cup of coffee? Thanks for visiting me, dear friends, I enjoyed showing you around so much and now, my kitchen is really CLEAN and uncluttered. ha.</div><div></div><br /><div>Thanks to <a href="http://notesongs.blogspot.com/">Sheila of Note Songs</a> for hosting such a fun party!! Be sure and check out all of the other wonderful kitchens where women love and create for their families!!<br /></div><br /><div><br />Now, I am off to be inspired by everyone else!!!</div><div></div><br /><div>Singing His Praises,<br /></div><div>Linda<br /></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Desires of the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06581788046600970716noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316308302404316348.post-57572228915996678792010-10-10T15:59:00.000-07:002010-10-10T16:29:28.979-07:00The Splendor of Fall<div align="center"><span style="color:#333300;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0I2Ao2BsjUQK0ZTsmvbjrPGobjwcsGsoFmmBYGzy6_gYT26ELotR-awd4eo-a_vUZevTILOf0YJPs3Go2N6dRn7rU6QYFMOK0jAcSbc47tfJ-BXDiR17F3Qtu0fndwGPaggCEzaOejM/s1600/IMG_1840.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526558485251012818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0I2Ao2BsjUQK0ZTsmvbjrPGobjwcsGsoFmmBYGzy6_gYT26ELotR-awd4eo-a_vUZevTILOf0YJPs3Go2N6dRn7rU6QYFMOK0jAcSbc47tfJ-BXDiR17F3Qtu0fndwGPaggCEzaOejM/s800/IMG_1840.JPG" /></a> Hi Friends, Hope you all had a lovely weekend as we did. The weather is just getting more and more glorious here and I have to remind myself that the days will go fast and soon it will be too cold to go out and enjoy the beauty of the Creator. I try to pause now and then and have a cup of coffee on the front porch just to drink it all in. Sharing pics of my entry. It is pretty small, so I have quite a bit crammed in a tiny space, but enjoy it. This is a wreath I put together a couple of years ago. It did not sell at my annual Open House, so it became MINE. I love it hanging on our old window that looks into the family room.</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PBQHJ9zxJucP9Z2eLF9-ORIOZPwbxpeeoFInEOfFBMSszGEVd-DEqt3UTEy7-67BA8phyI3Zgc-2PZKgurP6eChPJlFIgzd5hwErqpVTsPN1PILXwQ-ol0863Y_rWRAlMUYBEJn53Bw/s1600/IMG_1841.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526558004705973426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PBQHJ9zxJucP9Z2eLF9-ORIOZPwbxpeeoFInEOfFBMSszGEVd-DEqt3UTEy7-67BA8phyI3Zgc-2PZKgurP6eChPJlFIgzd5hwErqpVTsPN1PILXwQ-ol0863Y_rWRAlMUYBEJn53Bw/s800/IMG_1841.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO63du8NoBfue_y2JJULIPGs3P4pehD6yb_y5_8QQEG-A8AvaQT4eQIEAS2Zjuv3BpEcvZJ3bnDHeh4UVPM4zWZGX_uzz1H_38EtIyI8vfqIsf3uuR8JsE2Mbg-xjSgHM_F81G6nMXsqk/s1600/IMG_1836.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526557632013678338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO63du8NoBfue_y2JJULIPGs3P4pehD6yb_y5_8QQEG-A8AvaQT4eQIEAS2Zjuv3BpEcvZJ3bnDHeh4UVPM4zWZGX_uzz1H_38EtIyI8vfqIsf3uuR8JsE2Mbg-xjSgHM_F81G6nMXsqk/s800/IMG_1836.JPG" /></a>I just love geraniums! I know.... a very ordinary flower, but to me a geranium just says "welcome" on the porch. These were especially beautiful this summer and somehow I managed to keep them going even through our long terrible hot spell in August! They will soon succumb as we have already had a few frosty mornings.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlBq2pko6Iwwk5PQbkAm5Yyr1mODBGci_0rp0Mk34QguYQxOav6VORbBjtsdjz0tMQn58ipyuW82_ucJsDfNQhyphenhyphenl7apnZxwAQnMkrqja-bDTvhyphenhyphenjk_TnpwBO-U3xQYoRW2HI02yB9nzc/s1600/IMG_1834.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526557290585567954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlBq2pko6Iwwk5PQbkAm5Yyr1mODBGci_0rp0Mk34QguYQxOav6VORbBjtsdjz0tMQn58ipyuW82_ucJsDfNQhyphenhyphenl7apnZxwAQnMkrqja-bDTvhyphenhyphenjk_TnpwBO-U3xQYoRW2HI02yB9nzc/s800/IMG_1834.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPZ1dI68yJN1Lza-MJfmZI2gjzwkQXaTsBqq_3KXrJswj8Dz3D0G0kHSTVeB2yJ67Wq8Z4LwI-4RX5n3jO75EjQpsCVMELfi5Q2j6QPnSnhqKyXPvenbRHZtF-UpQDRM9rWnohRzkfp0/s1600/IMG_1838.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526556872603174450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPZ1dI68yJN1Lza-MJfmZI2gjzwkQXaTsBqq_3KXrJswj8Dz3D0G0kHSTVeB2yJ67Wq8Z4LwI-4RX5n3jO75EjQpsCVMELfi5Q2j6QPnSnhqKyXPvenbRHZtF-UpQDRM9rWnohRzkfp0/s800/IMG_1838.JPG" /></a>The view from my rocking chair on the porch and one of my favorites. In the next couple of weeks, the color will really start coming on the trees.<br /></div><div>For most of our married life, we have not had the blessing of many trees, so it is soooooo wonderful to have a few to gaze upon!!<br /><br />We worked more on the basement this weekend. We are nearing completion of a bedroom and a bathroom. It is soooooo much work and has to be fitted in around our other jobs, but we are making progress little by little. Hope to show you some pics soon. I am using an old buffet for a vanity cabinet and have decided to paint it white, DH gave me his blessing..... what a guy!! Now we have to decide on a countertop that will not break the bank. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BEzEhJJZdvosGmUmNynhOP3GCPhf6KoTs4Dot_FjytNdyL72VffXmhts0GRtUWHj3cKKiO2LeB2Klgt6tLYVAwLXar_xVtdJJXPjnfK_XWjlx48v6cpwJHH_49Z7ndt5162f2TRTCV8/s1600/IMG_1842.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526556344267858306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BEzEhJJZdvosGmUmNynhOP3GCPhf6KoTs4Dot_FjytNdyL72VffXmhts0GRtUWHj3cKKiO2LeB2Klgt6tLYVAwLXar_xVtdJJXPjnfK_XWjlx48v6cpwJHH_49Z7ndt5162f2TRTCV8/s800/IMG_1842.JPG" /></a> Some of my very favorite old post cards and scripture cards. I change them out as the year goes along for the various holidays and such. Got a few new ones on a recent antiguing day.</div><div> </div><div>I am so grateful for all the blessings God has given me and our family. Lately, I have been more and more mindful that I just need to be more grateful. I think the world could use more of this, don't you?</div><div> </div><div>Singing His Praises,</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Linda<br /></div><div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Desires of the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06581788046600970716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316308302404316348.post-79573615867791723522010-10-03T19:25:00.000-07:002010-10-03T19:55:22.747-07:00Morning sunlight<div align="center"><span style="color:#333300;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlL3L9c542_sXQIRCB_P_tGaNeOHO9J96C_bF8uI9da5Xa8L3TuGFMSDR9kbPEklnm7vJHVlSvROTv_AP0cnEbRdyp61ipQzZSryVK7eyASdVj2on72yIms407jbRmIY1FZogVQyfXrSM/s1600/IMG_1831.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524013782014315474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlL3L9c542_sXQIRCB_P_tGaNeOHO9J96C_bF8uI9da5Xa8L3TuGFMSDR9kbPEklnm7vJHVlSvROTv_AP0cnEbRdyp61ipQzZSryVK7eyASdVj2on72yIms407jbRmIY1FZogVQyfXrSM/s800/IMG_1831.JPG" /></a>Good morning friends!! Hope you all enjoyed a fantastic Fall weekend as we did! We had an overnighter with our granddaughters and enjoyed them so much, but alas, I did not get any pictures, we just spent time together enjoying the great weather. Watched old episodes of "Get Smart" with them......too funny. I can remember when we watched this show in the 70s. It's corny, but clean if you know what I mean. We had a wiener roast Saturday evening complete with S'mores. Just simple fun time together. Then church on Sunday with everyone. Got to hear our son sing at church which is such a blessing to a mother.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih52AQQm6WVzip_NCZKt1atMnerTQn6BC0iustaIwNaP0YtCx7zDzIwMkvu8llmXG3NEBNoxN7PbybwuxBdbAKhf7quEJHJ22ycnBwZE3Ls56j_XjW8IR889z9iJvNLfN88FMg8sWUPh8/s1600/IMG_1829.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524013429758437954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih52AQQm6WVzip_NCZKt1atMnerTQn6BC0iustaIwNaP0YtCx7zDzIwMkvu8llmXG3NEBNoxN7PbybwuxBdbAKhf7quEJHJ22ycnBwZE3Ls56j_XjW8IR889z9iJvNLfN88FMg8sWUPh8/s800/IMG_1829.JPG" /></a>I am loving the early morning sunlight coming in all the windows and decided to take a few shots. Pictures never convey the beauty of sunshine do they? We have a new kitchen table and chairs that we are really enjoying these days. I was about ready to paint my oak pressback chairs after I had already painted the bottom of our table, but was really wanting a counter height table with stools that were actually comfortable enough that you could linger in them a while if you wanted to. This set is perfect and there is even a place to put your feet so they don't go to sleep! It is square, but the little sides flip up and form a more than 60" inch circle, enough to seat 8 people! It was just what I wanted in every way. We will use the other set in the basement when we get it all finished.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzSAgDr3vAdKB4q5pAnN1LpNvGQHVGbtKjp317OtN831fgyce0_3jNF2tK4RJhZsYNemkgF2l1pyu1imalwgpcqyylKFSokb-uZmxbBYnAU5g8M5ZGbLzFbuzAgsRfkCUWJWhReeNE9s/s1600/IMG_1823.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524012564984278914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzSAgDr3vAdKB4q5pAnN1LpNvGQHVGbtKjp317OtN831fgyce0_3jNF2tK4RJhZsYNemkgF2l1pyu1imalwgpcqyylKFSokb-uZmxbBYnAU5g8M5ZGbLzFbuzAgsRfkCUWJWhReeNE9s/s800/IMG_1823.JPG" /></a> A few Fall decorations, I did not go all out this year, kept it kind of simple, but I like it.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9tGgPq5LgJs-eGO-In9DzZGR3NiwUxACkU9BEOiTvLVtpd1aydTak2M6urLeh6E4jn0Q9eUgz9YPR9bPaNmWqq4MdxVewfYpOOXzqX3eWLLwTnIcfEgL_ORyqIy4VwB2nM5Wu6OLEZs/s1600/IMG_1822.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524012053835894898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9tGgPq5LgJs-eGO-In9DzZGR3NiwUxACkU9BEOiTvLVtpd1aydTak2M6urLeh6E4jn0Q9eUgz9YPR9bPaNmWqq4MdxVewfYpOOXzqX3eWLLwTnIcfEgL_ORyqIy4VwB2nM5Wu6OLEZs/s800/IMG_1822.JPG" /></a> I just love how the mantel looks in the morning. I just added faux pepper berries and orange calla lillies to my usual greenery and added a wicker tray and a brown willow plate.<br /><br /><br />Hope you are all looking forward to an incredible week. Enjoy your Monday, friends.<br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Singing His Praises</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Linda</div><br /><div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Desires of the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06581788046600970716noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316308302404316348.post-28640921970397272452010-09-19T17:40:00.000-07:002010-09-19T19:49:11.953-07:00Miniature Dress Forms<div align="center"><span style="color:#333300;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypG20u8ig4fCCuZhNdUHcYZkfnYS29GLUU7ljzPFnzPNaWNFZnjlHytkKhsw41Y_2w48HGCLKAGMczeTTZaXZoyeeYf4rHaI141CoODZ2BwH-0w4fwpvm0OEc8duFW1gB-8cemp5yu5E/s1600/IMG_1819.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518791459318460690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypG20u8ig4fCCuZhNdUHcYZkfnYS29GLUU7ljzPFnzPNaWNFZnjlHytkKhsw41Y_2w48HGCLKAGMczeTTZaXZoyeeYf4rHaI141CoODZ2BwH-0w4fwpvm0OEc8duFW1gB-8cemp5yu5E/s800/IMG_1819.JPG" /></a> Hi Friends, I have managed to work in a little creative time lately and have been working on miniature dress forms for our miniature club here in town. We each take turns <span style="color:#333300;">leading the projects each month and it is my turn for September's meeting. So, this is what I have come up with. The bodice is made from vintage seam binding and a length of lace gathered for the skirt. I used fine needlepoint canvas to make the hat by cutting a sqaure of the canvas and wetting it. I slipped it over the "ball" of a ball peen hammer and held it with a small rubber band until it dried and trimmed it up. It turned out pretty cute I think.</span></div><br /><p></p><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iFo5X-jFJwoenWwUAph_GKAY8zxj9PAun33Decr118Wu6B7pTLoLmPyOB1KE9fsmn3czfUaYRLUN5diavzdWAKRjKVTgtFqPBPEb0N5wzuF42Krhfm9qFkosP0PveghNUG_Pdpr6LkE/s1600/IMG_1820.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518791117449628898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iFo5X-jFJwoenWwUAph_GKAY8zxj9PAun33Decr118Wu6B7pTLoLmPyOB1KE9fsmn3czfUaYRLUN5diavzdWAKRjKVTgtFqPBPEb0N5wzuF42Krhfm9qFkosP0PveghNUG_Pdpr6LkE/s800/IMG_1820.JPG" /></a>This one is a little more shabby with bits and bobs of old trims and lace. I molded the form from sculpy and the stand is a cabinet knob.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNX_1doqBTCWFOTj4ap3KHHo3p7uEjeuUCO1rgxW3FocUoiHrt9L8i7d-Da-4BQpt669g5YqDPkJqwhSAeyqCHO6xEcD_HdwBw097K-7pc-wzMVC2ZqTTzknytG2qFkF_cRnKcM3JNZSY/s1600/IMG_1821.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518790758715405714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNX_1doqBTCWFOTj4ap3KHHo3p7uEjeuUCO1rgxW3FocUoiHrt9L8i7d-Da-4BQpt669g5YqDPkJqwhSAeyqCHO6xEcD_HdwBw097K-7pc-wzMVC2ZqTTzknytG2qFkF_cRnKcM3JNZSY/s800/IMG_1821.JPG" /></a>Another cabinet knob, this will be the base for our project, but I painted some of them all oil rubbed bronze and left some pink so the gals would have a choice.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-TT8f8XsGv01ULevCZ1QE5TVl50D-PfBMxwDuE5cqqZj3juDkKBd_0SoKD5c_8QlW7V1z1nhubO0nmgdM3vC72XkjlgPxvBRPqJ3HUDMVQgzS9YUIbc0id5kPNWPwGauqgfaCkKXv6A/s1600/decorated+dress+forms.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518790391676747154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-TT8f8XsGv01ULevCZ1QE5TVl50D-PfBMxwDuE5cqqZj3juDkKBd_0SoKD5c_8QlW7V1z1nhubO0nmgdM3vC72XkjlgPxvBRPqJ3HUDMVQgzS9YUIbc0id5kPNWPwGauqgfaCkKXv6A/s800/decorated+dress+forms.bmp" /></a>I can't give credit for this lovely ladies, I had used them for inspiration and they were in my picture file.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhO6PAiAkrPb6031u3CNAmbcj8NlDUdsTXky1mQwMBhwW3DhXtKzp6ZrDS6cLVBtrAWL6eUnMBC7FNn2mOQ3SANulVIpKpCReAsvYwq2Xzx9hg8Zqd3HleEYpf5tbSXPxgoJTfG9nHkVc/s1600/P7150055.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518790151388781282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhO6PAiAkrPb6031u3CNAmbcj8NlDUdsTXky1mQwMBhwW3DhXtKzp6ZrDS6cLVBtrAWL6eUnMBC7FNn2mOQ3SANulVIpKpCReAsvYwq2Xzx9hg8Zqd3HleEYpf5tbSXPxgoJTfG9nHkVc/s800/P7150055.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KeA93M76jjTKEz6LcMUbJdLMtmkrLLHXhpVFbs8CxtvB0_VCNLAqBy9qWMiAWhh2iVV2lg1I5HCrBPtq6w7iekrJbi-W07-zPjTwJ51kE-ssxKU5Mz1XNaBK8VcbE_A0zwFymvURZHY/s1600/pictures%2520for%2520victoria%2520mag%2520ad%2520002%5B1%5D.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518789987609805378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KeA93M76jjTKEz6LcMUbJdLMtmkrLLHXhpVFbs8CxtvB0_VCNLAqBy9qWMiAWhh2iVV2lg1I5HCrBPtq6w7iekrJbi-W07-zPjTwJ51kE-ssxKU5Mz1XNaBK8VcbE_A0zwFymvURZHY/s800/pictures%2520for%2520victoria%2520mag%2520ad%2520002%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a>So pretty, aren't they?<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGKi-XE136ijD9IcNLmflB9ZPQe-HsOmL0I8pZahnJWicklVdcRfIAJM32FLrSqmn9xJdOL09VYezU4dfbi-rE5hZknjTY6TETDK62x3NL3fQQfBJRarMkV0p1FCYip8biuH-rclUXBU/s1600/IMG_1818.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518789765938230754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGKi-XE136ijD9IcNLmflB9ZPQe-HsOmL0I8pZahnJWicklVdcRfIAJM32FLrSqmn9xJdOL09VYezU4dfbi-rE5hZknjTY6TETDK62x3NL3fQQfBJRarMkV0p1FCYip8biuH-rclUXBU/s800/IMG_1818.JPG" /></a>I am getting better and faster with my job as medical transcriptionist, which is so much better for the creative side of my life! :-) I HAVE to HAVE<br />some time to create, or I get really unhappy..... I'm sure you all know what I mean. </div><div></div><div></div><div>Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Till next time, hopefully soon....</div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br />Singing His Praises, </div><div></div><div>Linda<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><br /></div>Desires of the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06581788046600970716noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316308302404316348.post-83682075585540376812010-06-01T15:05:00.000-07:002010-06-01T15:33:47.651-07:00Still Playing House<div align="center"><span style="color:#663333;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0I9IBtleGuFVZKeEW9NjIeclhC5XH94Fgppq0se9nsGk9F9pYHaLVYWAE0JU97N6wvkiGEPnEGG6mOQK675EFi_8KKkI2DB6gss5PqZG837KlrTslaZktJtX-qxMLgGKAKvCqqlH9TI/s1600/IMG_1721.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477932002699159282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0I9IBtleGuFVZKeEW9NjIeclhC5XH94Fgppq0se9nsGk9F9pYHaLVYWAE0JU97N6wvkiGEPnEGG6mOQK675EFi_8KKkI2DB6gss5PqZG837KlrTslaZktJtX-qxMLgGKAKvCqqlH9TI/s800/IMG_1721.JPG" /></a>I know, it's been a looooooooonng time. But I am not giving up!! Still learning to balance my job and house stuff and still have some little bit of time left for my blogging. I came up with a vignette for the mantel and I REALLY LIKED IT. Just a mixture of neato stuff I have around taking up space in other places. I really have enjoyed the little girl bust. do you notice her necklace and tiara? We were sitting watching TV one evening just as the sun was starting to go down, and look what happened!! The sweet little princess is in the spotlight! It only lasted a few minutes and then it was gone. I grapped my camera to try to catch the image.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Still need to do something about the fan, don't I?<br /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vjjzMcUqbR_bIwdQwDsmS2mTGUWsvleTdh_2ylNQoZuXg2Wvv3eD-laIajoJvPkDGJ9QdzhBFRihjQaoX1VIVjHjT4Ioj6iujDPn3k68eV7v-MXLo9IqqmbYBsMkm6OK_XXZYdpX5mk/s1600/IMG_1729.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477931439454321282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vjjzMcUqbR_bIwdQwDsmS2mTGUWsvleTdh_2ylNQoZuXg2Wvv3eD-laIajoJvPkDGJ9QdzhBFRihjQaoX1VIVjHjT4Ioj6iujDPn3k68eV7v-MXLo9IqqmbYBsMkm6OK_XXZYdpX5mk/s800/IMG_1729.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCMKkJO4nzGMmiT3REmYqaeW9P9mNkLCta30SC5oJKtMb0848xLXhmtSIyUlL-BsEir0LJTw1k4apnLBHKgK313BF8u5n4CHjJUFepGpMg6UIANbxWQC4bsr4G-qligR7YpC9vO9rJ6Q/s1600/IMG_1732.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477931029974199426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCMKkJO4nzGMmiT3REmYqaeW9P9mNkLCta30SC5oJKtMb0848xLXhmtSIyUlL-BsEir0LJTw1k4apnLBHKgK313BF8u5n4CHjJUFepGpMg6UIANbxWQC4bsr4G-qligR7YpC9vO9rJ6Q/s800/IMG_1732.JPG" /></a>Hope you all had a great Memorial weekend. We throughly enjoyed it, but really did not do anything big. Just stayed home and worked on stuff in the yard and our NEW deck. Pictures soon to follow. Darling DH just outdid himself on this one!! It is sooooo beautiful and will be so nice to entertain outside.<br /><br />I got a painting table set up in the garage and started spraying away all those great thrift store finds. I think I have about four or five boxes of miscellaneous items that need to go white or ORB. So, I got a pretty good start on it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Most of my planting is done, may add a few more pots to the deck, but for the most part it is finished. The weather was just wonderful and it was so refreshing to just spend more time outside.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Until next time, be blessed and happy dear friends.<br /><br />Singing His Praises,<br /><br /><br />Linda<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Desires of the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06581788046600970716noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316308302404316348.post-15675896326543972012010-03-22T13:03:00.000-07:002010-03-22T16:52:54.530-07:00Playing House<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvLS4OaANF-3BJd7qt2QhO7Ov7XYknTY-Uxz2DPIJyG0IH-lFwNXRO72yCSIU26R1MjJTDeOnC59PDvHuAwyLAeQ6kL2GR__jZwPZYO1u4JHkuA7cdkuhDmteV0h0sUUak07Hk_pGZlU/s1600-h/Table+Top+Tuesday.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451608817227210834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvLS4OaANF-3BJd7qt2QhO7Ov7XYknTY-Uxz2DPIJyG0IH-lFwNXRO72yCSIU26R1MjJTDeOnC59PDvHuAwyLAeQ6kL2GR__jZwPZYO1u4JHkuA7cdkuhDmteV0h0sUUak07Hk_pGZlU/s400/Table+Top+Tuesday.jpg" /></a> I'm linking up to <a href="http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/">Marty's Table Top Tuesday party</a>. Be sure and visit all the other beautiful collections at <a href="http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/">A Stroll Thru Life</a>. Enjoy!<br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#333300;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvuyxds5i0keDJEw7h4yhr-Uf8PHIpRI7KMHMlW0RuI8loL0gbYjYVAQqbJCK8Xo6ZOY1Pa8B_I5jcXxkx981iU0NnJvDtbwdF6eCUwBWFKOCbxfozTbTu5-C-ahACAKVdDTmqN6YYfU/s1600-h/IMG_1703.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451552395141710098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvuyxds5i0keDJEw7h4yhr-Uf8PHIpRI7KMHMlW0RuI8loL0gbYjYVAQqbJCK8Xo6ZOY1Pa8B_I5jcXxkx981iU0NnJvDtbwdF6eCUwBWFKOCbxfozTbTu5-C-ahACAKVdDTmqN6YYfU/s800/IMG_1703.JPG" /></a>Happy Spring Dear Friends!! I have been really busy with my new job and it has not left me as much time for blogging! BooHoo, However, I AM really likeing the work, and it gives me a chance to stay home, which is perfect to me!! Anyhow, I recently changed a few things in the hallway and thought I would share them with you. This little table is a "dresser" that I found for 19.95 at Goodwill a couple years ago. The proportions were great, but it was a little too deep to fit in the areas I had in mind, so my wonderfully talented DH cut about 4 or 5 inches off the back of it and then re-attached the back and the legs. Since it has drawers, those too had to be shortened. I usually have it in the entry way, but decided to put in at the end of my long hallway to see how it would look and I really like it here. I like how the black looks with the picture too. This used to be over the mantel until I changed to my round mirror a few years ago. I need to hide the cord, don't I? Things really who up in pics, don't they? :-) The lamp also came from GW as did the umbrella basket below the table.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6vXpIr7hTJh05um9Qw5fkTG2DidAJehxQgbQgIoAtioNkBu2xHlR-WhftQKY4yqtCneXhuqTarfsUHIw7-AWGa9y_B5YKEWzKgaOLfm07WQtfmMS46x9UTbHCpr4PfM8cvi2ZJpoIUg/s1600-h/IMG_1700.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451551829184925330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6vXpIr7hTJh05um9Qw5fkTG2DidAJehxQgbQgIoAtioNkBu2xHlR-WhftQKY4yqtCneXhuqTarfsUHIw7-AWGa9y_B5YKEWzKgaOLfm07WQtfmMS46x9UTbHCpr4PfM8cvi2ZJpoIUg/s800/IMG_1700.JPG" /></a> I am really having fun with my new hall bookcases too!! Have been doing it all in a Spring look with mostly whites. I will share more of the vignettes later, but this is one of the shelves that is at eye level. Lots of junking finds here: The stand, the little girls bust, the mirror, and see the little jar with the eggs. I picked up the lid about a year ago and knew someday I would find the perfect jar for it. Another find from GW! That place can really make my day!!<br /><br />Hope Spring has finally arrived. We had 4 to 6 inches of new snow on Saturday, but by today it is mostly gone, and HALLELUYAH, THE SUN IS SHINNNNNNNNNING!!. That makes such a difference in the way I feel. This has been such a gray winter!!<br /><br />Hope your day is filled with Sunshine Too!!<br />Singing His Praises,<br />Linda<br /></div></div>Desires of the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06581788046600970716noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316308302404316348.post-69969558663111215752010-02-14T11:50:00.000-08:002010-02-14T12:20:26.892-08:00Happy Valenines Day!!<div align="center"><span style="color:#663300;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib364sMYTvlHVLCBlKOVGufhEMgrBkNgFJXYHGW3PB2Z-7jZHlfV_bjXVgpAIvH2lJ8XvJ5tQV5jQE74bMc4m9jIsGIrvH4B8CGTfCAkepeELKRJeeBY2LHjziY6Sh5tPhMom523OUxWQ/s1600-h/New+Years+Postcard.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438190973630811218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib364sMYTvlHVLCBlKOVGufhEMgrBkNgFJXYHGW3PB2Z-7jZHlfV_bjXVgpAIvH2lJ8XvJ5tQV5jQE74bMc4m9jIsGIrvH4B8CGTfCAkepeELKRJeeBY2LHjziY6Sh5tPhMom523OUxWQ/s400/New+Years+Postcard.jpg" /></a>Happy Valentines Day everyone. Hope you all have just the best and warmest day with your"forever loves". We went out for a special lunch after church today and enjoyed a warm meal while the snow flakes are flying outside!! Winter is still raging it seems around here. But, our hearts are warm with love for each other, family,and friends. A home to keep us warm and safe. What more could we ask for? My guy built a fire and we snuggled on the couch watching the Olympics for a while. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Thought I would share with you two of my favorite V-Day postcards. Isn't the top one sweet? I didn't get my traditional Valenine heart cookies baked this year. My new job is keeping me very busy, but I am enjoying it. Just nothaving as much time for all the other things I love to do. Are there ever enough hours for all the things we WANT to do?</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbN2wiRohvMYw8YepMfUmu09ZjETkJOlKZcPnrIPbzV7hYpABnbWKLPYeUem9hKkZ6aB_JO4guTxBdHmBxbXyOFpecUXeCL1w40Bxyt5r06dAPBCKkb5kW_SAbH0WlLiPCXTPn3g9aqs/s1600-h/Valentine.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 273px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438190593413214242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbN2wiRohvMYw8YepMfUmu09ZjETkJOlKZcPnrIPbzV7hYpABnbWKLPYeUem9hKkZ6aB_JO4guTxBdHmBxbXyOFpecUXeCL1w40Bxyt5r06dAPBCKkb5kW_SAbH0WlLiPCXTPn3g9aqs/s400/Valentine.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_KUryLoQVB_N3hK04uD8sT8iu-HRrl4Rj_TAhGxZc0bdhtXcA22PEnIH9PasE8wyqohUPbXETYHpQXcDgVoybS6ZBOmPVSEOM1uOS6pzDy5dG_OqbC8Z33UDsopArpxdZuSp-SGP9MgU/s1600-h/IMG_1634.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438189899206642562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_KUryLoQVB_N3hK04uD8sT8iu-HRrl4Rj_TAhGxZc0bdhtXcA22PEnIH9PasE8wyqohUPbXETYHpQXcDgVoybS6ZBOmPVSEOM1uOS6pzDy5dG_OqbC8Z33UDsopArpxdZuSp-SGP9MgU/s800/IMG_1634.JPG" /></a>I did manage to get a little time to visit my favorite Goodwill store and found a few treasures. Some old Christmas tinsel trim, an old angel ornament and some decorative Christmas Carols which would be neat in a Christmas assemblage. Also a pretty blue and white teapot ( like I need more blue and white) but I could not resist. I also found some pretty glass candlesticks to make little cupcake servers.<br />Love the little brush Christmas tree and look at the neato Bronze picture frams with the base for baby shoes!! The shoes are gone, but I am sure I will be able to come up with something else to glue to the base.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSezhywzP3HmV605rciFcIdaMIM7zFSjO_ci-fd-1rl1d_P2WMgDB0_CqBc12c4xKE91rUDKpFRr3TEfXCSyT9OhATbyewfQ0dpedBY9zoJNB4jOAhwDHPVESXmdO5UC56U3KxSQgFBpo/s1600-h/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFnZIaGVIRGoyM2hHWWlJYkVKNXFFS0EAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438189302620314786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSezhywzP3HmV605rciFcIdaMIM7zFSjO_ci-fd-1rl1d_P2WMgDB0_CqBc12c4xKE91rUDKpFRr3TEfXCSyT9OhATbyewfQ0dpedBY9zoJNB4jOAhwDHPVESXmdO5UC56U3KxSQgFBpo/s800/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFnZIaGVIRGoyM2hHWWlJYkVKNXFFS0EAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" /></a><br /><br />How do you like my collection? Been playing a bit with Polyvore.com. It's really fun to put things together for no $$$!! We are in the beginning stages of finishing our basement and this is the look I am going for. We are going to do the board and batten walls in off white and maybe a light golden tan on top. I love the casual look of all these items together. There is a very cool shop here called Gallery Classic and the owner really knows how to combine rustic things with elegant things. She coined the phrase "Rustic Elegance". I like it a lot. I plan to use lots of wicker and texture. Some painted pieces maybe in the robin's egg blue with tones of brown, honey beige and sage green. I think it will be restful.<br /><br /><div>Missing you all, hope it won't be so long between posts as this last one. Praying each of you are enjoying a blessed Sunday with those you love. </div><div></div><div></div><div>Blessings, Linda</div><br /></div>Desires of the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06581788046600970716noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316308302404316348.post-33984171448735539172010-01-03T15:09:00.000-08:002010-01-03T20:06:33.881-08:00Still looking a lot like Christmas!!!<div align="center"><span style="color:#666600;"></span><span style="color:#666600;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvNQzAmud31GDK3kBKwm2Om2RjQVBArxFODTeN_6aDxicxPOocfGrtOvn47lu2GHZA9Ds5ijaoVunydnofOicBsUnT4DpIyYl3szGwkJCggT1ehD7auKfWIlcyPA2T_k3c_tOTzQin0k/s1600-h/IMG_1526.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422662536035480962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvNQzAmud31GDK3kBKwm2Om2RjQVBArxFODTeN_6aDxicxPOocfGrtOvn47lu2GHZA9Ds5ijaoVunydnofOicBsUnT4DpIyYl3szGwkJCggT1ehD7auKfWIlcyPA2T_k3c_tOTzQin0k/s800/IMG_1526.JPG" /></a>Okay, so this is how our tree looked the evening of the 25<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>. All ready for our kids and grands to come the next day to celebrate!!!<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMt80-hhg2NzeOYigv85mtC7vsBoCUOkaC0TqCEY0Z-nE4Pj6lxcrbDgcGEvWYhlZ2UuNTDo7lRbtbPzQjCv_RkHIK24hToeNr8vwCRxLQl_0-FE1Av7NybnWROW4oqkLARfz4qM5reI/s1600-h/IMG_1526.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422661171710563218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMt80-hhg2NzeOYigv85mtC7vsBoCUOkaC0TqCEY0Z-nE4Pj6lxcrbDgcGEvWYhlZ2UuNTDo7lRbtbPzQjCv_RkHIK24hToeNr8vwCRxLQl_0-FE1Av7NybnWROW4oqkLARfz4qM5reI/s800/IMG_1526.JPG" /></a> And this my friends is how our tree looked on January 1, 2010!!!. That's right, it's just the same!! You see, we had a mysterious visitor come to our house on the evening of Christmas and it wasn't SANTA CLAUS!!! No, girls it was Mr. Stomach Flu who came calling, and he left us both sick as dogs for almost a week!! Oh my, this will be a Christmas to remember and not for good reasons!!!! I seriously thought of just packing it all away for next year. Then I could say I was all ready for Christmas of 2010 in January!! But, I guess that really wouldn't really be fair to the granddaughters. We will hopefully get together with of family next weekend. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I have already started taking down stuff and packing it away, except for the big tree, which I will leave for another week or so. It feels good to kind of start putting it all away. This Christmas arrived way before I was ready this year, and the weeks of December just seemed to fly right by. My mother always told me it would be like this and I didn't believe her!!! </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I have the "urge to purge" ( maybe symptoms left from the flu)!! Ha. But It is time to go through stuff and weed out what I don't just LOVE and pass on the rest to someone else. I have never liked the word Downsize..... it sounds like I'm ready for the assisted living center or something, but I do feel that eventually the possessions of life can sometimes FEEL like they own us and weigh us down. Is anyone else wrestling with these feelings also? I mean, I really love my Junk, I really do!!! A lot of my friends cannot relate to my love of JUNK anyway, so this is difficult to describe, but I KNOW many of you can relate. I really hate to get rid of something BEFORE I've had a chance to make it into something else. The joy is in the transformation itself!!<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Maybe I need to take a lesson from the birds, Just look at them. They don't have a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">possession</span> in the world and they are taken care of so well, aren't they?<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKKSSGwQRBFBRklCJyaooBiuiP7fvZDjgflaDgl0SmQxU0swl5ojrI7KE0INZyfTE8t5gO6xPfOAUQkZM468TTUXhmAsK_c62-Qj0HJqizFPsIxX42ZHNhFI42dIqX64p5LvgmVtZnpo/s1600-h/IMG_1530.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422660536056516690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKKSSGwQRBFBRklCJyaooBiuiP7fvZDjgflaDgl0SmQxU0swl5ojrI7KE0INZyfTE8t5gO6xPfOAUQkZM468TTUXhmAsK_c62-Qj0HJqizFPsIxX42ZHNhFI42dIqX64p5LvgmVtZnpo/s800/IMG_1530.JPG" /></a><br />Isn't he so beautiful?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEL3iOK2nM3Ve_VTdhbCldrug3t0r3HtoQnIW5mLbBQ28bTySh3vJQs0ZJxI7piABHrBpvdW1Jw7smyaLECGlYgqvBgPt7o4G9Ca-J2Nsoh8rO4rEyiiQ9ptNjvEhu8QJnCat40W4RNI/s1600-h/IMG_1543.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422659807573551554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEL3iOK2nM3Ve_VTdhbCldrug3t0r3HtoQnIW5mLbBQ28bTySh3vJQs0ZJxI7piABHrBpvdW1Jw7smyaLECGlYgqvBgPt7o4G9Ca-J2Nsoh8rO4rEyiiQ9ptNjvEhu8QJnCat40W4RNI/s800/IMG_1543.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_PDk_6cUkd_emSuk9piMZbyozDjVUYedvOGw0MOsctM29y90rWzqlUVRrDSp0gdML41kcEg4hDuPXBYxxaW5q6ZlOyBRjFLYJAuyrbuYKakvw-vGYq_o3KY7vUrFOqAHnyejJOq9eKo/s1600-h/IMG_1541.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422658944240137538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_PDk_6cUkd_emSuk9piMZbyozDjVUYedvOGw0MOsctM29y90rWzqlUVRrDSp0gdML41kcEg4hDuPXBYxxaW5q6ZlOyBRjFLYJAuyrbuYKakvw-vGYq_o3KY7vUrFOqAHnyejJOq9eKo/s800/IMG_1541.JPG" /></a><br />Still enjoying the lights on the house at night. I think the icicle lights are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">soooo</span> beautiful!! We still have lots of snow and it keeps snowing little bits almost every day. So beautiful!! Was so good to get out to church this morning. We helped take down decorations there too and pack them away for another year. After lunch then went by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Walmart</span> to pick up a few items and of course I found a few Christmas items that were 75% off!!! I couldn't just walk out empty-handed could I? So, I managed to pick up a few little things here and there to add to my already overflowing decorations. I am afflicted!!! Is there any hope for me??<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLt8CY9Dbz95JVMhye-5wAauUOIfT2hkiIIi5lyWt6QkfLb8B7X0R4ZG69yNLTNHbnV7mNkvR90EfPPhspNKIF26Z_Pzh2IFtJV9sOa5wFdfDO-mi3AY8YAtWfknbeGLNy5PrzYKpQ-BA/s1600-h/IMG_1551.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422658034855798002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLt8CY9Dbz95JVMhye-5wAauUOIfT2hkiIIi5lyWt6QkfLb8B7X0R4ZG69yNLTNHbnV7mNkvR90EfPPhspNKIF26Z_Pzh2IFtJV9sOa5wFdfDO-mi3AY8YAtWfknbeGLNy5PrzYKpQ-BA/s800/IMG_1551.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6jwltdvVA1VayFqFyJGvjTXx4uOMF05818sp1grLqQJjO5NJaViblffDWejpLed2rj9soSsNbPW6IQMbZ3_mdFfx45iHkfeMYf4lTwKmhPQpminUrgM5S62U4RgxpUCxX7iamOvbTYU/s1600-h/IMG_1550.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422657557894617570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6jwltdvVA1VayFqFyJGvjTXx4uOMF05818sp1grLqQJjO5NJaViblffDWejpLed2rj9soSsNbPW6IQMbZ3_mdFfx45iHkfeMYf4lTwKmhPQpminUrgM5S62U4RgxpUCxX7iamOvbTYU/s800/IMG_1550.JPG" /></a><br />I pray that the New Year will bring each of us a sense of His presence inside us and guide us into how much is enough. </div><div></div><div>Blessings, Linda<br /><div></div></div></div><br /></div></div>Desires of the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06581788046600970716noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316308302404316348.post-76811094267413962482010-01-01T12:52:00.000-08:002010-01-01T13:21:12.965-08:00Happy New Year!!!!<div align="center"><span style="color:#666600;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLLN6UuxkPBVeAbaowuvuqnhkuJAtwF079lJGiT5oZ-ylqdM6vShCMPXnUM4CHhcow1cHU0Ss8RnZV78pvZI-LwgR44egzv0ze9qItBhZTaJNd7J9mtFH56C2-KfEAcwKsgCbR39ll2o/s1600-h/New+Years+Postcard_0001.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421877806257816434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLLN6UuxkPBVeAbaowuvuqnhkuJAtwF079lJGiT5oZ-ylqdM6vShCMPXnUM4CHhcow1cHU0Ss8RnZV78pvZI-LwgR44egzv0ze9qItBhZTaJNd7J9mtFH56C2-KfEAcwKsgCbR39ll2o/s400/New+Years+Postcard_0001.jpg" /></a>Happy New Year dear friends!!!!! I hope this past year had been one to reflect, learn, and give thanks for, as we all look on a clean, fresh, piece of paper to write another chapter on!! </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Remember when you were young and you got a clean fresh piece of pretty paper to create a work of art on in school? I was always so excited to see what I could transfer from my mind onto that piece of paper. Our lives are so much like that, we are all artists!!! First, we are inspired by a dream of something, and then we <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">sketch</span> it out on paper for just the right proportions before we begin to color it in with the colors we love best. We also have the "Master Creator" to help shape, mold, and color our design. Our lives are filled with these little masterpieces that we and the Father create together. Sometimes He tells us to "go ahead" and do what we want, and sometimes he whispers gently in our ears to let him take over and watch him work, and we are amazed at his handiwork, his knowledge and skill to bring out just what we dreamed of!!!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">May you all know the feeling of creating with the "Father" as your teacher as you paint in the colors of your life.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">It has been now nearly a year since my first post, and I have so enjoyed this journey on paper!!!. To meet so many new friends and women who "get me". I have drawn confidence from that, to know that I am not alone and not as <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">weird</span> as I sometimes feel in this world. So many kindred spirits that I would have never known, had it not been for taking that first step of putting it on paper. I am so grateful for <a href="http://the-feathered-nest.blogspot.com/">Dawn at The Feathered Nest </a>for guiding and encouraging me to try even when I didn't know what I was doing. In many ways, I still don't know what I am doing, but I sure am having a good time!!! Thank you for all of your kind comments to me to inspire and encourage me. I really appreciate each one of you who have taken the time to leave me a little comment here and there. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">May we all look forward to 2010 with creative anticipation of what we will create together!!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Linda<br /></div><div align="center"></div>Desires of the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06581788046600970716noreply@blogger.com1