Fringe curtains

I'm having a GREAT WEEK here in Iowa. The Midwest Writing Center puts on a kick-ass conference and it is inspiring to be in the company of so many wonderful writers.  And I'm telling ya -- EVERYBODY has a story!!

Elliott and Emily are moving into their new house this summer -- and they have done SO MUCH WORK. It's really shaping up and I love, love, love having Lilly just ten minutes away.

Emily bought a colorful bed set at a garage sale -- but Lilly's room needed curtains.  I started off by cutting the pink flower fabric away from the twin bedskirt tht she didn't need...

Although, I've gotta say -- the fabric from those "bed in a bag" sets is really marginal....I had to back it with some muslin.

Then, I cut some 4" strips from various t-shirts I had laying around...(white and hot pink strips)

I made some tabs for the curtains...

There will be pink and white fringes -- AS SOON AS I GET THE CUTTING DONE...(THAT'S THE last STEP)

I love this picture.  It doesn't show the curtains well -- or Lilly or Emily either, for that matter...but I love the view out of Lilly's bedroom window.  And it felt like I captured one of those moments....working on Lilly's new bedroom...

Brain Tease

Every now and then, I receive an email forward that really hits home. Like this little brain tease that came to me from Linda P.  One of my breakfast clubbers...here's a picture I don't think she's seen before...with one of her BEAUTIFUL daughters.  Kim.  I think.  (hey -- they're twins...I cannot be held responsible if this is Whitney)...

Okay -- some of my sewing sisters worry they're not as young as they used to be.

 Hey -- YOU ARE FINE.  BRIGHT AND INTELLIGENT AND LOVING AND YOU TAKE CARE OF EVERY BODY. 

Feel good.  Be proud.  You are kind....and smart...and important....


This little brain tease is an example from a Brain Study: If you can read this,

you have a strong mind. You maybe can forget about alzheimers.

7H15 M3554G3

53RV35 7O PR0V3

H0W 0UR M1ND5 C4N

D0 4M4Z1NG 7H1NG5!

1MPR3551V3 7H1NG5!

1N 7H3 B3G1NN1NG

17 WA5 H4RD BU7

N0W, 0N 7H15 LIN3

Y0UR M1ND 1S

R34D1NG 17

4U70M471C4LLY

W17H 0U7 3V3N

7H1NK1NG 4B0U7 17,

B3 PROUD! 0NLY

C3R741N P30PL3 C4N

R3AD 7H15.

PL3453 F0RW4RD 1F

U C4N R34D 7H15.

Summer Pedicure

This week is one of my favorite weeks of the summer. I belong to the Midwest Writing Center -- and their annual writer's workshop starts on Thursday. It is always a joy for me to spend three days with creative people -- thinking and writing and sharing deep thoughts.

Of course, I have to coordinate my wardrobe and get my summer pedicure...

There's always a chance I'll want to wear this modified t-shirt one day...

I have another black and white shirt that says, "I write -- therefore I am".....

I have SO MUCH turquoise in my summer wardrobe -- I decided to just GO FOR IT...

I can't decide of his closeup of my big toe is terrifying or artistic...

My favorite summer sweater has swirls of turquoise...

And these are the splashy summer pants that go with the first shirt.  Yes, somebody made these pants  in a size 22.  Shnocking, I know... 

And IS THIS THE BEST COMPUTER BAG YOU'VE EVER SEEN??  When I bought it two years ago, I couldn't have known that one day I'd want a matching pedicure...

More Treasure

Any good day of junkin' would have to include BOOKS. Of course...I am a sucker for many different kinds of books...and last Saturday was a VERY SUCCESSFUL day for book buying...even by my very high standards!!

I bought half a dozen book treasures...

As we were walking through one of our favorite antique malls, I said to Bert, "I am so disappointed with today's children's books. OH MY GOD...the books they write for kids are SOOO BORING and pointless. And the classic children's stories? Positively horrifying. If you're a pretty girl, like Snow White -- you have a wicked step mother who is actively trying to murder you just because her trusty mirror tells her she is not the most beautiful? For crying out loud -- it's like an episode of the Real Housewives of Orange County."

Then -- SERIOUSLY -- in the very next booth -- I found this!!  Awesome.  EXACTLY the book I dreamed about...  Stories that take up four or five pages -- beautiful illustrations -- AND THERE ARE ACTUAL LESSONS to be learned.  Hallelujah...!!  Now I don't have to sit down and write a bedtime story book for children...

AND this cookbook isn't just ANY cookbook!!  Ohhhh Nooooo...Its a 1947 version of the Meta Given's cookbook that was my mother's "go to" cookbook.  It was the only cookbook my mother ever owned -- and the original was dog-eared and stained, with missing pages and a broken binding...This one was IN PERFECT CONDITION...and only $2.00.....can we all say it -- on the county of three...two...one....'RITALUCK"..!!

How well I remember the black and white pictures in this cookbook.

Whenever I see this Meta Givens cookbook I buy it -- because I love giving it to my nieces.  Although, I have to start writing this stuff down...But I don't know who I've already given it to...ugh...

But -- as good as all those books are -- maybe the biggest book tingle of the day -- believe it or not -- was this....

This little book is such a treasure -- one day soon I'm hoping to share the entire chapter about the care of wool blankets!!  EUREKA...what a find...I am such a lucky girl!!

Treasure Hunting

Like everybody else in the world -- I work hard at making myself happy. Every day of the week has it's own joyful thing happening. Take Saturday, for example... If you know me -- you know that SATURDAY IS THE DAY I GO JUNKING WITH BERT. As unbelievable as it sounds -- we find treasure EVERY SATURDAY. But my idea of treasure is probably different than YOUR idea of treasure. I thought it would be fun to show you the loot from just ONE typical Saturday....

Hey -- Care Bears are back!!  20 years ago, I made one for 8-year old Sarah Sawyer after she broke her arm.  On Saturday, I found the perfect Care Bear for her baby boy!! 

A mini-reindeer made out of a baby sock!!  TOO CUTE...

And a fabulous plastic train case for all Lillian's jewelry!!

An aluminum rolling pin??  It's a little bit smaller than my regular rolling pin -- and I think Lilly is going to love it!

Okay -- time to bunch some treasure together...little sunglasses, and a variety of small boxes which Lilly will love...

And some books on tape, and a napkin holder, and a few patriotic t-shirts, and Profet sandals...HEY -- THAT'S A JELLO MOLD!! 

Even though I gave all my Jello molds to the Goodwill store ten years ago -- and I haven't actually MADE a molded Jello salad since ten years before that -- I'm thinking how much fun it will be for Lillian...right?? I mean -- surely you can see what perfect sense this makes...

Little William needs the fabric book that goes with his Care Bear...

Two orange aprons...I LOVE 'EM.  And I can hardly wait to turn them into a Mommy/daughter matching set!!  Emily and Lilly are going to LOVE 'EM...

So -- that's it. Well, most of it...As it turns out, I've saved the best for tomorrow!!

Summer Day-Trippin

I LOVE SUMMER.  There are so many opportunities to do day-trippin.  AND I'm already looking forward to spending some of those days with my great-nephews and nieces.  Next week the local high school is doing "The King and I".  Theater is one of my favorite things to do with them.  Or an art occasion...I'm always looking for some kind of hands-on event.  Neighboring towns are good candidates for a day-trip.  All summer long, there are fairs and festivals. 

This year, I had a great kick off with my day on Vashon Island and their wonderful Art Tour...

I received so many emails about my visit to Dixon, Illinois -- I feel like I should get a job with their Chamber of Commerce.

They have a lot of ongoing exhibits at the Historical Society

And I wanted to show you the view right as you walk in the door.  A wide staircase leads up to this wonderful quote and fabulous picture of Ronald Reagan....

Which is MADE OUT OF JELLY BEANS!!

There is a bronze statue of President Reagan...he and Rhonda would have made a cute couple, eh?

OF COURSE, I had to do a "shoe shot".  Rita, Ronnie and Rhonda...

Bill Jones is explaining the architecture of the Chautauqua auditorium...

And, then -- lunch at the wonderful Basil Tree Ristorante!!  If I can figure it out -- I'm going to give you a hyperlink to their menu.

Summer Television

Speaking of my clubbers -- we don't always agree on everything...This week, Linda P. said, "there's not much on television right now"...

And, of course, I blurted, "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? DANCE MOMS IS BACK!!

Really. Nobody watches more television than I do.  Right now, the regular networks have America's Got Talent AND So You Think You Can Dance AND Duets with Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Nettles...

If that isn't enough excitement for you -- check out the cable channels.  Lifetime has new seasons for DANCE MOMS, and ARMY WIVES.  

TLC has a new DIY competition show with Tory Spelling and the History Channel has my American Pickers AND Ice Road Truckers.  (Although I am missing Lisa..).

Not to mention my "go-to" channel -- HGTV.  Their Monday "Love it or List it" is a new fav -- and I continue to love, love, love their Wednesday night line-up.  You cannot watch an episode of "Rental Income" without falling in love with Scott McGillivray.  OH MY GOD.  He is just too handsome -- and he can remodel a crappy basement into a stunning rental property in less than 50 minutes.  Genius.

AND THE NEW DESIGN STAR is on Tuesday nights??  Really people???  THERE'S NOTHING ON TELEVISION??

Of course, I can't forgot BRAVO.  Where the Real Housewives of Orange County are ending their cat-fight season and my beloved NEW YORK CITY babes are coming on strong.  (I love every scene that happens in New York...)  But, of course, the best Housewives franchise is the NEW JERSEY crew.  If you are a fan, I don't need to say any more...and if you are rolling your eyes, I already said too much...

NOTHING GOOD ON TELEVISION??  Puhleeeze....I haven't even started with Mose on "Amish -- Out of Order"....or my new feminist heroine, Bertha, the Hutterite woman who was shunned for letting her son attend high school. 

REALLY PEOPLE??  You can't find anything interesting to watch??   Can you say, "My Great Big Fat Gypsy Wedding?"...

Yesterday, as I was getting my summer pedicure -- the woman sitting in the next chair was in town looking at houses.  She stopped at the nail shop to check out the neighborhood and talk to some local people...

Pretty good strategy, eh?

Anyway -- two or three of us were giving her our take on the local schools, etc.  She has two young daughters and asked about dance schools.  I jokingly said, "hey -- if dance is your thing -- you should move to Pittsburgh so they can attend the Abby Lee Dance Company."

Three other women squealed, "OH MY GOD -- ISN'T SHE AWFUL?"

And I knew I was not alone...

Sew And Tell

If you read this blog on a regular basis -- you know I try to make every single day something special.

Hey -- why not??

Monday is? That's right...my Carrie day. The house gets cleaned while I walk on my treadmill. Perfect.

Tuesday is what? That's right....my book/breakfast club. Yeah, yeah, yeah -- we're doing more eating than reading the last coupla years.

We enjoy having guests...Mary always comes during her December visit...

But whether we're reading or eating -- we OFTEN have a little "Sew And Tell"...

Linda P. saw a very expensive jeans purse at a boutique in Arizona...and thought I CAN MAKE THAT!

Starting with an old pair of blue jeans...

She personalized the inside ofr her bag with specific pockets for her "stuff"

There was no cost to the old jeans, and she cleverly bought a $2 purse at the Goodwill store to get the handles.

However -- that's when her luck ran out.....I think the charm was $14, and I'm pretty sure the irresistable belt was $20.... But, of course -- the satisfaction of CREATING IT HERSELF -- 'PRICELESS"....!!

Micky Mouse Dress Redo

Here's the thing about MY KIND OF SEWING.... Sometimes it works out -- and other times it doesn't. And I'm fine with that...lol...

I had a baby sized "Micky Mouse" dress which I thought was very cute. I cut around the big Micky Mouse head, then did a raw edge applique onto a size 4 red t-shirt.  I simply cut off the long sleeves -- then added a black and white striped skirt to turn it into a toddler dress.

The little maiden I had in mind was Carrie's daughter, Elizabeth -- who, at the time, was actually PLANNING a trip to Disney World. However -- the Micky Mouse dress did not interest Elizabeth. So it ended up in Lillian's room, along with a dozen other little recycled t-shirt dresses...

On the day she was playing with Cash, Lilly changed clothes six or seven times -- and the Micky dress was paired with various pants, shorts, etc.


When she put it on, I could see that the dress was too short...



WAY TOO short...so I made a mental note to add a piece of fabric around the bottom of the dress...

And the next time she was here, it was the first thing she put on!  Much better!!

The girl has her own sense of style.  Purple leggings and a brown hat.  PERFECTION!!

Dixon, Illinois, Part Two

After Ronald Reagan was out of office -- five guys purchased the Dixon, Illinois house he used to live in. Their plan was to turn it into a tourist attraction -- but they were not having much luck.

At some point, Ron called his old friend (and biggest campaign contributor) -- Norman Wymbs. The mayor of Boca Raton, Florida, Norman and Harriett Wymbs were wealthy. Ronnie said, "they're having bake sales, and this thing isn't going to sustain itself...it's going to be an embarrassemt for me. Could you go up there and fix it?"  (I'm just guessin'...)

So, Ronald Reagan's biggest fan -- Mr. Wymbs --  came to town and purchased the Reagan home -- along with many surrounding properties.  He completely renovated the buildings, creating parking lots, etc.

Eventually, he also purchased the long-abandoned Dixon High School. (the Historical Society where Rhonda and I were having our meeting).

Because it had 12" granite stone walls -- demolishing the building would have bankrupted the school district. Wymbs bought the building for $500 (when the school district delivered the title, they gave him back his money.) He established a foundation -- creating the "Dixon Historical Society".

Bill Jones was hired (21 years ago?) to head the foundation and oversee the renovations. OH MY GOD...what a job he's done. The building was solid as a rock -- because it WAS a rock -- lol...but it immediately needed a new roof and over 200 new 10' windows. (which Marvin windows donated).

Bill took classes at the Smithsonian to learn how to maintain a climate controlled environment for exhibits, etc. He hired local craftsmen, and a 90 year old artist who has painted many scenes depicting Dixon history. (like the time there were hundreds of people on the bridge, watching a baptism, and the bridge collapsed, killing 45 people)...

One of the rooms houses the Dixon Chautaqua exhibit. Since both Rhonda and I have taught classes in Chautaqua, NY -- we were fascinated to hear from Bill about how during the turn of the century, there were many Chautaqua Camps all over the country -- and they attracted speakers on the circuit like William Jennings Bryant, Mark Twain, etc. Dixon, Illinois was the second largest -- right after the main one in New York.

Rhonda and I were absolutely slack-jawed. I can't think of any other term. Meeting Bill and listening to him talk was like a behind-the-scenes history lesson...and we were both fascinated. Just when I thought Dixon, Illinois could not get any more interesting -- Bill mentioned the richest family in town. A family we all know....and neither Rhonda nor I had any idea....

Can you guess what family business started in Dixon, Iowa?? And some family members still live there -- and this wealthy family maintains a gated estate for the family retreat every summer?

The family name is Walgreen... WHO KNEW?? Hey -- what an incredible day, eh? It didn't hurt that Rhonda found a fabulous little Italian restaurant for our lunch -- the Basil Ristorante. EXCELLENT.

AND -- oh yeah -- we had a terrific meeting, with lots of ideas sizzling all over the place for 2013. Social marketing is moving so fast, it's hard to keep up -- but we have some REALLY EXCITING things happening this year. 

Here's my point.  Just like people, towns are snowflakes.  Each one different and unique.  The next time you drive by a "Historical Society" -- TURN THE CAR AROUND...

Dixon, Illinois, Part 1

Recently, I met Rhonda Pierce, the Marketing Director for Schmetz needles in Dixon Illinois so we could have a business meeting. Rhonda lives in Chicago, and I live in Iowa -- so Dixon was half way for each of us.

Rhonda is great about doing internet research -- and she found a quiet place for us to meet -- and a great restaurant for lunch. PERFECT. She gave me the address for the Dixon, Illinois Historical Society, and we both arrived at 9:00. Here is my report on our MOST FASCINATING DAY...

We set up for our meeting in a large (50' x 50'?) room with 10 foot ceilings...it had a raised stage at one end, a dozen floor to ceiling windows, and a gorgeous shiny maple floor.

The man who runs the place -- Bill Jones -- used to be an engineer with the Illinois Department of Transportation. Our first question to Bill was about how Dixon is dealing with a city clerk who embezzled $53 million. It's been such a big story here in the midwest -- we couldn't help but be curious. And it was so interesting to get the story from a longtime Dixon resident.

Surprisingly -- there's been almost no impact on the city itself or the people who live there. (So far, anyway.) Of course every cafe and church basement for miles around is buzzing with this story. People wonder if she was alone in her embezzlement -- and it's possible she'll take down a lot of people before it's over -- if only by association. This woman had the job for over 20 years -- and the $53 million figure only goes back to 2006.(I think) Holy Begezzus.

Bill told us how the actual arrest took place. The FBI had been investigating for months -- and they had identified her assets. On a single day -- they seized all of it. Her horse ranch in Dixon, another one in Beloit, Wisconsin, bank accounts in various cities, and over 400 purebred quarter horses. Then -- the Feds had to hire a company to keep the horses alive. She had horses in Texas, Maryland, California, Kentucky -- she collects huge fees for stud services. And -- here's where the story gets really interesting. This woman was a HUGE PLAYER in the quarter horse association...Her horses were national champions like six out of the last 8 years (??).... And because hundreds of her horses will be auctioned off at a distress sale just as soon as she's found guilty of the embezzlement -- she may single-handedly destroy an association that has been in existence for over 100 years....

Just when we thought Bill was the most interesting guy in the world -- he kicked into the REAL STORY in Dixon, Illinois...

Which was the building we were sitting in... So make a cup of tea -- because this is gonna take awhile....