Bonus Time!

Wow, two posts in a day! I just cannot contain myself. The SUN, glorious sun just came out and it is warmish here! Oh yes, I feel like the bard of spring! I am just aching to get out there and rake away all the leaves ~ but I dare not; April is a changeable month around here. I want to keep all my little ones warm until the seasons catch up!
Here are some of my babies that are just bouncing for JOY in my back!
This is the sweet annie I was telling you about earlier this morning. Can't you just smell her sweet goodness??

Here are some phlox that I dug up at my Grannie's. I have lots of her old things. I have no clue how old some of my "Mama's" are. But I do know that I have some that are older than me ~ and that's right on up there with the dirt!


foxglove setting it's leaves . . .
some thyme . . .

my bleeding heart! I have this one under the big oak in my backyard. It is my little prayer garden. . . .


candy tuft . . .

I am aching to really get my fingers and toes caked with red clay mud! Come on Spring! I want to be barefoot again!

Welcome Spring

I know that Spring officially arrived in March. From what I have seen on the news it still looks like a lot of winter weather out there! We had a few warm days and then we plunged back into cold and rainy weather. Not complaining as we need a lot of rain here to make up for all we didn't get last year!
I did get this pic of one of my lovely forsythia bushes. The old folks around here call it "yellow bells"



I also got excited when I noticed that the Dogwoods are starting to set their blooms to open:


And just for fun, I am putting in two images of the eunomys that is climbing up a maple tree off our front porch. I planted it several years ago from one little rooting I pinched off from my grandmother's old place. It is very happy as you can see! It is spiraling around the tree and I took an upclose so that you could see the new leaves and share my joy with me!


In walking around out back, I noticed some Sweet Annie peeking up - of course, not where she should be! And some of my other flower babies will be waking up soon. I can't wait! And you know that I will share them with you!

The Humble Arts has it's latest edition up online now. Sure would appreciate it if you would take a peek. Perhaps something will catch your eye and you will leave there with a new special gift for you or someone else. We have a few new artists added to our ranks this month. Be sure to check them out!
The Humble Arts

Two More HARTS winners!!!!!!!

This weeks two winners are:

Ginny Soper
and
Janet Silloway


The artists who have so generously donated for this week's drawing are:

Annie of Chickadee Primitives

and

JoJo of JoJoCrow Primitives

Ginny will be receiving a lovely cards from Annie!

Janet will be receving her wonderful Gift Certificate from JoJo !

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Why I celebrate Easter

Jn. 3:16

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Acts 2:24

"But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for "death to keep its hold on him."

Thanking the Lord for forgiveness of sin, rebirth through Christ and a daily renewal.





Mt. 10:28

"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell."

Jn. 6:44

"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day."

Luke 20:38

"He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive."

The Family Table

This is a little nugget about family get togethers over dinner. A group of my friends have been discussing our Holiday Traditions and what we do, what we eat, etc.
My family generally heads down the hill to my folks house. Every one brings a covered dish and then helps Mom out with the things that she is preparing. Sounds so ordinary doesn't it? Ah, but there is pol'ticking going on behind the scenes. Let me start out with who brings what.
My sis is an excellent cook. She can make a can of collards look and taste gourmet.
Her spread is always must have.
My DD is an aspiring Rachel Ray and is quite the little kitchen diva. She works hard and it tastes delish!
My SIL, well, let's just say, looks can be deceiving. She works hard to bring a palatable looking dish. But you see, I have my Daddy's imagination. It can be very very vivid. I have been inside my SIL's house. I KNOW what her kitchen looks like, so, I am not wont to eat what comes from there. Savvy?
Then comes me. I am a very big foodie. I make some good eats! My Daddy loves my cooking, he just doesn't know it! You see, I made the mistake of telling my Daddy years ago, and I mean years ago as in BC that while married to my first hubs, herein called The Devil, that I used to scrub the toilet with his toothbrush and occasionally feed him a mighty dog casserole, or perhaps let one of the dogs lick his plate before I served him or I am almost ashamed to admit his, give him a good spit and shine in his serving. Okay, I have fessed up.
. . . I have tried to repent. Sisters, I have tried to repent. But even after all these years if I think about it, it still feels good and justified . . . My own dear Daddy even tried to warn Luscious - who you can tell hasn't heeded his advice - Daddy would tell him -" Don't ever get her riled up, son. She has some wicked ways with food."
Okay, anyhow, I shared this with Daddy one day. He has never eaten anything I have cooked since then! Well, he HAS but he doesn't know that I cooked it. I have my sister pass it off as her own. I will then bring an extra broccoli casserole or some other dish that Daddy doesn't care for.
That way, he can say, " Baby, you know I can't eat that." and no one's feelings are hurt.
Now, this is where the fun comes in . . . at least to my warped brain. I have often sweetly asked him over dinner when he visited with bro and his wife recently. He doesn't visit much. Get it? The man who has the vivid imagination is better off NOT knowing what said SIL's kitchen looks like. I find it highly amusing watching him devour her offerings. Shame on me! Hey, I get my kicks where I can!
So this Easter holiday, I will make a few wonderful casseroles and a special coconut pie for my sister to carry in and get all the praises for. If you had ever been in my SIL's house, you would be smiling next to me.

5 things?

My pal Pam of Soft in The Headtagged me to disclose 5 things about me that you may not know. It makes me wonder what you don't know about me?
I think it would be much more fun if we went around tagging folks and asking them, Do you use deodorant, do you wear granny panties, do you floss . . . but that may be too personal?
So, in the nature of wearing my heart on my sleeve, I will post the following:
1. I am related to George Washington. Now before you remark that GW didn't have children, I know that already. When I was a little kiddo, my Grandma Dolly would tell her grands all about our family heritage. We always thought she had a loose screw among the cobwebs. Then my dear Uncle Earl spent years and years doing family geneology and yep, it is documented fact. GW had a brother and we are related to him. Appears that we all descended from his loins on the wrong side of the sheets. Kind of related I guess; makes interesting conversation?

2. I have done makeup and hair in the past for celeb imitators at Universal Studios in Orlando

3. I played Bingo the night before my oldest one was born and won $88.00. I thought it interesting that he was born at 8 minutes after 8 in the evening the following day.

4. My hubby never calls me by name. He always calls me Baby.
5.I like to eat things salty and sweet together. You know, Popcorn and chocolate. Couldn't you tell by looking at my child bearing hips?

Now I am supposed to tag five more folks. Who do I think is game? Hmmmm.
Let's close our eyes and let the fickle finger of fate land where it will (sort of like how I plan on voting this year - you know, the eeney, meeney, miney, mo! method!)
Okay, here goes:
Robin of Bird in Hand
Kat of ScaredyKaterpillarsNoMore
Sharon of Greeneyez2
Courtney of Momma's Goodies
Cora of Hidden Riches

Now if you gals have already been tagged and played and want to sit this one out, that is fine with me.
And by the way, Happy St. Paddy's Day! I am on my way to kiss the Blarney Stone!

Not your typical Rubber Ducky

This afternoon I decided to do something I really hadn't done since the Christmas Holidays. Bake. That's right. I cook almost daily for Luscious Larry ~ however I haven't baked a cookie since then. Pish and Tush. Shame on moi. So, this afternoon, he got a double dose of Momma Blondie's culinary skills.
I made blueberry muffins (had a few blueberries in our freezer from our bushes) and an old time favorite standby Soft Raisin Cookies.
It was fun to be in my kitchen with the sun shining through the windows. I had said windows cracked slightly for the cool cool breeze. I felt almost like Harriet Nelson or even June Cleaver. I didn't have on an apron this afternoon but my scruffy old gray hoodie and tattered blue jeans. Luscious calls it my uniform. I s'pose it is. I am so comfy in this outfit. Betcha you have a favorite ensemb that you prefer! Tell the truth!!
As I was preparing to put one batch on a cooling rack,this one little rascal scurried over to the edge of the platter.

I thought, he looks like a little duck! Luscious agreed. Now that I have the pic, I don't know what it looks like!
I am not seeing the Madonna in my cornflakes and this will NOT end up on ebay; it is far too tasty for that.
What do you think it is???

Oh and here is the recipe for these fabulous cookies!

Soft Raisin Cookies - Blondie's Bestest yet!

1 cup water
2 cups raisins
1 cup shortening
1 3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 tsp vanilla
3 1/2 cup a/p flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Combine raisins and water in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook for 3 minutes; remove from the heat and let cool (do not drain). In a mixing bowl, cream shortening, gradually add sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients; gradually add to creamed mixture and blend thoroughly. Stir in nut and raisins. Drop by teaspoonfuls 2 in apart on greased baking sheet. Bake @ 350 for 12-15 minutes. Makes about 6 doz.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Don't forget to the read post below this one about the Humble Arts Winners!!!!!!!

Good Afternoon, Friends
I wanted to post this as soon as I could - I will be back later hopefully after a big holiday dinner for another post.

We have TWO MORE WINNERS from The Humble Arts month long drawing!!!!!
This weeks two winners are:
Angela Prince-Bex and
Judith Fox

The artists who have so generously donated for this week's drawing are:
Doreen of Vermont Harvest
and
Flora of Bonehead Studio



Congrats to these lucky winners!
If you would like to be entered into the drawings each week the month of March,
please go to The Humble Arts and register for our mailing list! It is easy, free and you just might win!!

Six Word Memoir

Me imitating my Mom. I remember this little ironing board; I got it for Christmas! My six word memoir would have to be:

I WILL NEVER EVER GROW UP
Amy of Abundant Curiosities

tagged me to do a six word memoir meme.This is fun and really neat.
Six words that sum up your life.
Ernest Hemingway was bet $10. that he couldn't sum up his life in six words. He won that bet when he wrote, "For sale, baby shoes, never worn." You can go to Bookbabie's blog and read about the book that was inspired by his quote and how it influenced her to start this meme.



Now the rules are:
1. Write your own six word memoir
2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like
3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post and to this original post if possible, so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere
4. Tag five more blogs with links
5.Remember to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play!
I am tagging the following folks with a great sense of humor:

Cathy of Tadpoles and Teacups
Cookie from Curds -and- Whey
Karin of Countryfolk Keepsakes
Lorraine from Piecake Primitives
Steph of Sunshine and Ravioli

Can't wait to read what they right.


My Granny Ethel, who taught me to quilt, crochet, garden and laugh ~ with my baby sis, Cat. Notice the TV to the left. Yep, Mickey Mouse Club was a brand new thing back then! Gosh, even back then, I had a flare for fashion!

Catching up

I have lots to catch up on in the blog world; to all my blogging buddies who have graced me with awards - I haven't forgotten. The past few months have been really a whirlwind.
My plate has been full, as many of yours are as well. I like to blog to share what is going on in my little corner of the world, what I am creating, etc. Helps to sort things out for me in my mind.
I promised to myself to be a more consistent blogger for my own discipline. yeah, right. So, I am going to get caught up here and cheat with a few rolled into one!
I have been given a few neat awards and I am going to put them in my right column - I have to thank a few for giving me the YOU MAKE MY DAY award. What a nice thing to say! I will have to reciprocate of course, with those whose daily reads I enjoy and miss when I can't sit long enough to read! If I have forgotten and neglected to add you, please! forgive me!!!!

Thanks to
Sara

Cookie

I am going to make another post today; in a few minutes actually because the next one deserves it's own little showcase as well.
But before that, I am going to pass this wonderful little award on to the following because they always make my day! Period!!!!
Sarah
Dixie
Robin
Stacey

Okay, gals, pass this one on!

We have TWO winners!

We have TWO winners drawn today - March 9, 2008!
Congrats go to:
Susan Saint-Leaves and Mandie Lancaster

Susan will be receiving a cutie patootie whimsy sheepie from Cookie of Curds-n-Whey!!!



Mandie will be receiving a very hoppy bunny from Stacey of Tattered 'n Torn Primitives!!!

Ladies, your artists will be contacting YOU to get your particulars. Thank YOU for
being a Humble Arts supporter!!

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We will be drawing TWO more winners next Sunday AND continue each Sunday until the end of March for our continuing First Anniversary celebration. There are still LOTS of Great Prizes to be given away! Hop over to: The Humble Arts and take a peek to see what we are offering!

It 's Anniversary Time

Wow! Where has the year gone? This past year has seen a lot of growth, unique talent and friendships built on The Humble Arts! We are celebrating our first anniversary this month. Lots of doorprizes - 2 a week during the month of March!! I hope you will hop on over to The Humble Arts site and register by signing up for our Mailing list!
Be sure and check us out on March 1. Click Here to go right over. Look at the new site and visit each lovely artist.
Many of us have our own blogs and you can find them in the right column of my blog. I know that they would appreciate a visit now and then and a pat on the back for sharing their talent with the world.
We have accomplished what we started out to a year ago - and then some! I feel so very privileged to know these gals. Each one offers their own special style of ~ whimsy, primitive, cottage, vintage ~ to the site. We are excited! And we are looking forward to seeing you there!!

Another re run for you!

Here is one more from last summer. I have to admit that I love the pics of the flowers/weeds. Makes me very hopeful!















I could write a total epic Michener novel about what I have learned about myself from weeds. It's true. Think about it. Weeds flourish in parched land while most flowers with the exception of succulents, perish. They can't stand the heat, the relentless summer sun without moisture. We are in a heat wave where I live and also we are in a moderate drought. I am an early rise by nature. Even before I married and had children, I was an early riser. My mom always said that I was in a hurry to live each day. That's one way to put it. I have learned that I get more accomplished when I start early and I poop out about mid afternoon and need a recharging! Okay, my ADD is kicking in again. I didn't really mean to throw that in, but, since I said it and just read it, I can dance ahead to complete the thought about weeds.

I am an indiscriminate gardener. If there is a spot in my garden . . . heckfire, if there is a spot anywhere in my landscape that I think needs something there, I will fill it. I have been known to go foraging in the woods looking for the perfect
woodland specimen to fit under one of my sprawling oaks, or to hide delicately beneath my beloved pussy willow.

I even use weeds. Yes, you read right, weeds. I know some folk that call anything a weed! But a weed to some is a ground cover or flowering grass to me!

Take for example the lowly bugle weed. Now that's it's common name. It is now being sold in garden spots under the name Ajuga. I have it growing all around my yard. My hubby mows it over calling it a weed. When I first spotted my bugle weed, I quickly called my sister, Cat. She is as much a weed lover as myself, often accompanying me on treks through the hills and hollers we live on.
Buttercups, bugle weed, gil go o'er, are all wonderful weeds to me. I know them by sight immediately in their early stages and gently pluck them from where they have been blown the previous season. I then place them where I can enjoy their beauty. You just need to find the right place to stick them where they will be happy! People are like that. I know you have heard the old saying, you can take the man out of the country but you can't take the country out of the man. Wherever they are at, they carry some of their "raising" with them. If I notice a flowering weed - (which by the way, more times than not, they are an herb) I
notice it's surroundings. What is it that caused this particular plant to take hold there. I sweet talk to it the whole time I am digging it up telling it how happy it is going to be in my garden. It can be a prince surrounded by an array of nodding subjects.


A truly regal, no - make that majestic, weed is Mullein. Erect and proud in my backyard at over 6 foot, these specimens can grow to over 10 foot tall. Their grace is matched only by their ability to withstand the heat of the summer sun without wilting. Mullein is actually an herb that is seen growing along the sides of the road in ditches, accepting the total disregard of passers by who fling their McDonald's bags at them. Oil from the flowers have been used for centuries for pulmonary ills. In fact, it is distilled today for many cough remedies. It also has anti bacterial agents in it. It makes a wonderful ochre dye from the golden flower heads.
I sow a lot of seed each year. Perrennials seeds, annual seeds ~ most I have gathered from my own, some I pluck from a friend's garden, some I order. In each batch of seed, there is always a weed that will pop up next to it. I let the weed grow until I decide if it is a prince, pauper or interloper. But above all, watching something grow from the ground up is a joy. It reminds me that life is a cycle. We come from the dust and return there. I remind myself when I look at the mullein to look cool, calm and collected when the heat gets turned up and to reflect the natural beauty that God has placed within me.

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (Matt. 6:28-29)

Writers Strike?

I understand that the writers strike for tv is over or almost over. Not much of a tv watcher, it really hasn't bothered me. I prefer old re runs anyway or watching/listening to TruTv (formerly known as Court TV) during the day. Salacious trials are better than a soap opera to me!
That being said, I thought I would take a litle "strike". I am soooo ready for spring and I know that many of you are. I am going to repost this little one from last summer. I am already starting seeds under lights in my basement and planning my garden out this year! Come Spring! Hope you enjoy this one!
As you probably have figured out by now, I love to grow things. I prefer to grow from seed, but, gosh I am human and fall prey to flower pots in the garden center. But I don't buy the pretty ones. Nope, not me. I always go to the back section where on a black metal rack are the sick, dried out lifeless specimens that are being sold because they need TLC. My husband thinks I have some horse trader in my family gene pool because I have no pride whatsoever about dancing those distressed, nearly lifeless pots to the garden manager. I must have a way of shaming them with my total look of disbelief that they would charge me (or anyone else) for something that they had neglected to death! Most times, they will give me these poor things that need a good long drink of water and fresh soil. Some live, some are too stressed to survive, but most will give me seed.
Last year I was on one such jaunt and came across a small pack of what was marked cucumbers. Now I make a mean hot dog relish and that requires cucumbers. Family and friends bring the empty mason jars back for refills. So, looking at the sad cucumbers, I thought of relish. Once more, the garden manager met me and said, M'am, if you can get a Straight 8 out of these, I would like to see one! Smiling, I assured him I would be delighted.
I watched with hope as the plants grew. The problem was, they weren't cukes. They were gourds. Now anyone that knows me, knows that I LOVE gourds. I make birdhouses, fence decorations, doll heads, bowls, so many endless possibilities with the curcubita family. Another bonus with gourds are the amount of seeds that they produce! I always have more than enough to share with friends near and far.
Hoping that they were a long neck dipper, I knew as soon as they started to round out that they were the common gooseneck.


Within each seed head is a multitude of seed. Each one seed produces a multitude of more seed. And each seed produces what it is meant to. All they need is a little water, soil and sunlight. We are all sowers. We sow into each other's lives various seeds. Love, friendship, encouragement, laughter ~ I want to sow good seed. And if I think I am sowing one seed and it turns into another plant - like my cuke to gourd incident - I hope that what is produced is a happy bonus. (Matthew 13:1-23)

A Cozy in anticipation of Spring . . .

I know I am not the only one that anticipates each season! I love each season and each month (oh, wait a minute, I don't like August!) Anyhow, just last week we had a lovely little snowfall and today it is almost 60 degrees. The wind is blowing as if it is March already! We have daffodils peeking their heads up and the Easter grass is coming up too! Makes me want to hurry up and lose weight!! Betty, are we there yet????
I enjoy happy colors. I like things that are borderline bright. Yellow has always been my favorite crayon, along with purple, red and robin egg blue. Oh, and I adore lime green. This afternoon while going through my stash of fat quarters I decided to make a little cover for my recycled veggie cans. Yes, I recycle almost everything. They make great pencil holders, little pots for seedlings and rootings - they are the right size for a lot of things! Sometimes I paint them and put rick rack around them or glue buttons on them. But today, well, today, I felt like making a pencil cozy.

First thing you need to do is find a can. Measure the circumference and double it. That will give you your length. Then measure the height of the can. I like a ruffly effect so I added an extra 2 inches.

After pressing, I sew two seams at the top and two at the bottom. These are for the elastic casing. When the seams are sewn, simply use a saftey pin and pull the elastic through the casing. Now this isn't rocket science. To get the right amount of elastic, just measure the circumference again and then minus a little bit. You want it to fit snugly but not so tight you can't fit your can in it. (I guess I should remember that when I try to buy jeans?)

After you have secured the elastic, it is time to sew up the side seam and fit your recycled can into it's new little cozy.

I remember my Granny doing this for flower pots back in the day. I may have to do that for some of the Easter Grass (the proper name is Bethelem Star) I plan on digging up very soon!

The Big Surprise

Good Morning, Folksies!
Yesterday the Valentine fairies surprised everyone here in my little corner of the world. We got snow. It was not in the forecast. Don't you love it when that happens? It began snowing Wednesday evening, just little flurries here and there. By 10:30 it was a virtual whiteout it was coming down so fast. When I awoke in the morning, it was everywhere.

For those reading this that are in areas hard hit with all the white stuff, I know you are tired of seeing it. But for this little area, it was exciting. We haven't had much this year. Just a little dusting the other week. Not enough to do anything with. This time we got close to 4 inches. Of course by mid afternoon it was gone except under trees. It was the perfect type of snow. Light, fluffy, great for snowballs.

Because it was such a surprise, the roads weren't scraped or salted until late morning. I didn't work (a personal yippee for me) and hubs was home as well. We walked down the hill to my folks. Even my 84 year old Daddy was impressed with God's ability to screw up the weatherman's prediction of sunny but cold. Yep, I always say that God's the weatherman. Ask Noah.

To all the Sweethearts out there

Thought I would share some quotations that I am hoping, dear folksies, will meet with your approval. After all, everyone is somebody's someone!

Love may not make the world go round; but it makes the ride worthwhile.
-Sean Connery
Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.
-Robert Frost
Gravity cannot be held responsible for people falling in love.
-Albert Einstein

Without love, the rich and poor live in the same house.
Anonymous
Love is a grave mental disease.
Plato

Where there is love there is life.
Mahatma Gandhi

I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is mine.
The Song of Solomon

We were two and had but one heart.
Francois Villon

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!

Well, hush my mouth!

One of my blogger buds who has become quite a dear friend, gifted me with this lovely award. Donna of Made in Heaven says this:
"Art Prize and Award"This prize has arisen from the daily visits that I dedicate to many blogs which nourish me and enrich me with creativity. In them I see dedication, creativity, care, comradeship, but mainly, ART, much art. I want to share this prize with all those bloggers that entertain me day to day and to share this prize with those who enrich me every day. Doubtlessly, there are many and it will be hard to pick just a few, the people I will name today deserve this prize, as do the very long serious list of bloggers I also enjoy to read, but I will name the first 10 and will leave the rest of the work to all the bloggers that visit other's blogs and are nourished by them."++++++++The rules of passing on this award are as follows:- post award in your own blog: [Post who gave it to you]- indicate its origin and a link to the site:
So, I will pass the artsy torch to:

Betty ofShe Sews Pretty
Robin of Bird In The Hand Primitives
Dixie of Northdixie Designs
Kat ofKaterpillars No More
Amy of Abundant Curiosities
Cathy of Tadpoles and Teacups

These gals are always good for inspiration, a dose of Dr. Feel Good, and in general, all around good artsy eggs.

Thanks Donna!!! Pretty good for someone who hasn't been blogging too awfully much lately. I promise to try to get better.

a few up and comers . . .

I almost have these little tykes ready. Just need a few more finishing touches and then they will be ready for The Humble Arts!

The Humble Arts will be having a month long celebration during the Month of March. Please keep your eyes peeled for future announcements. We will be doing giveaways weekly. to win you must register for our mailing list - lots of goodies will be given away.