A Tribute to Mother

May 10, 2010....Mother's Day...


I wanted this to be a special tribute to my mother who passed away several years ago. She was my special rock...my go to person...she always understood my situations...even before I had them figured out. It took a strong will and mind to raise stair step children in the 50's and 60's. She always said that having 3 toddlers at once was an experience. I was the oldest, then my sister, 2 years younger and my brother a year younger than her. My youngest sister came along 10 years after me. I was the first grandchild and the first for my parents so can you guess who the spoiled one was?

My mother was a homemaker, dad's secretary and also found time for one of her favorite activities....bowling. She and my dad were avid bowlers, both belonging to the 700 club. Most of the traveling throughout Illinois to tournaments was before us kids were born and then while we were young.
When my youngest sister started school, mom decided it was time to work outside our home. She went to work for the Illinois Department of Public Aid until her retirement. The picture above is one of several shots taken for their wedding. I have always been proud of my beautiful mother and handsome father!!

The gorgeous Spring Catus was my gift for Mother's Day. I think, together, they made my day...have a great week...Shelly

Getting back into the swing of things!

Hi all! It's been a while since I have posted...but I have been keeping up with everyone. I'll even try to catch up on the Monday Photo of the Week. I'm not linked to the themes, but will find them through some of your blogs.

The last few weeks in my world has been kinda topsy turvy...some problems to deal with and some minor surgery on my left foot..."a misplaced 4th metatarsal head" does that tell you what you need to know? It was causing pressure on the bottom of my foot and had to come out. When I asked the doctor if a person could live without that bone, he just glared at me and said "You ! are gonna have to!" Ok, so a week ago I had the surgery and today went back for a checkup. Everyone, including me was pleased as healing is underway. It sill hurts somewhat to walk and I have an ugly shoe to wear. I can't wait to get back into regular shoes....if fact...I have ordered new ones...some cute MaryJanes.

Anyway, I tried to keep busy last week when I was unable to walk...not a whole lot a person can do lying in bed with your foot up on pillows. Thanks to a wonderful bogging friend who sent me several digital images to work with, I've been coloring and now am trying to be creative making cards...some I will described below.

This little girl looks like she is in deep thought...

On the inside, just a touch of inspiration!

This little girl is doing that "he loves me, he loves me not".

And on the inside the definition of a wish!

I found the puzzle pieces on clipart...I just copied and pasted a whole sheet to use however I wanted.

The inside, I found these words very fitting...just like puzzle pieces....

My granddaughter wanted to create her own card for one of her best friends...Reese...this is what she came up with.

She wanted the bow to be on the inside. I don't know if you can tell, but the stripes on the front and back are shinny and the dots on the inside are also shinny and glittery. I think she did a great job!

Have a great day.....Shelly

Photo of the Week...My Favorite Color

I figured that this would be an easy theme...my favorite color...but....I decided that I don't have a favorite...at least not just one. The picture below is of my tote that I use everyday. I bought it for two reasons...one because I just love the color combination and two...because I wanted a pattern for making ones of my own.



Just as I was happy with my choice....I looked around my bedroom for more inspiration and behold....my every wall is adorned with sage green...yes...maybe my favorite color!!! I guess you can say that I have "many" vinyetts. In this corner is a scrip picture from my girls along with special wall pockets and antique doilies.

On this wall is a special tapestry purchased from a friend's shop...just love the sage green and it went well with my birdhouse.

This is the wall above my bed where I hang my angels...of course, I painted the shelf to match the other greens in my room. The spray was purchased from the same friend...she is not in business any more, but always had such beautiful pieces. The little lady hanging on the left is a borrowed piece, and made by one of our blogging friends!!!

This is the corner of my life where I do most of my serious thinking and TV watching. See...more green and the Big Gold Chair. On the self are some homemade fabric balls and 4 small mirrors purchased from a friend and painted green. The little doorknob shelf was a purchase from a friend and the mirror above it was a gift from a co-worker.

Come, sit for awhile and visit with me....Have a great day....Shelly

Grosgrain: Flirty Aprons GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Grosgrain: Flirty Aprons GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

What a wonderful giveaway. Take a look at all the cute aprons!!!

When I saw this site it reminded me of a recently purchased book about APRONS My mother wore aprons when she worked in the kitchen....sorta like June Clever...I wear a red one, when I remember to put it on. There is something so comforting about an apron...maybe the thought of something marvelous being baked or simmering on the stove...I don't know...but I do know that I have a thing for aprons...Shelly

Photo of the Week...Changing Seasons

It has taken me all week to find signs of Spring. Today is the first day of Spring and I will say that the signs are slowing appearing.




The grass in our yard is starting to green up and look...already I found a dandelion amongst the crabgrass. My yard really does need attention. We have clumps here and there mixed with a few wild onions sprigs.







I'm not sure what these little purple flowers are, but when they start appearing, you know Springtime is just around the corner.












I snapped this picture because I was following some sort of blue bird...he or she nestled in. This is left over berries for the climbing plant on our shed. Since I know very little about plants and their names...I can't tell you what it is. Evidently, the birds don't care for them...they are so plentiful.


I did find that the Red bud tree at the side of my house is now starting to bud. We usually see the flowering pear first, then the service berry tree, then the red bud and dogwood.

A hah, the first budding of the daffodils...Spring is here...

Have a great day....Shelly

Photo of the Week 2...What Am I?

I'm proud of my certificate from the Missouri Mappers Association. It was achieved though dedication and testing of my skills with understanding the "cadastral" mapping system setup by the State Tax Commission in the early 80's for a state wide reassessment of real property.
At present, I am still using the pen and ink method...
















Below is a map print...actually, right in the middle is my property...about 1.23 acre. Looks pretty cool from the air.

This is a view of my mapping workstation...note the light table...it is really helpful when using a photo underlay and a mylar on top to draw property lines. See my stack of work in the lower left...I'm so behind...this work should have been done by the end of January. I need a clone...2 jobs in one is getting to be an art form. I couldn't give up one over the other.

The tract books are about 2' by 2' and are quite heavy and must be carried to that long table in the back of upper photo for viewing.

This is one of 2 safes that hold some of the most valuable land records for Reynolds County. These are my tract books and contain land transfer information from the late 1880's to the present.

When I pondered this question, I first thought of something odd or unusual...I guess some would say that I am odd and unusual.

I looked around and decided that I am a Jane of all trades...besides being a mom, wife and grandma, my job outside the house keeps me pretty busy.

This is my main work station...phone and computer work here!!! Seems crowded, but it saves steps when everything is within reach.

At work, I wear two hats...the first is kinda like a crown...I am the queen of Title Insurance, Deed preparation and the all round "go to" person when it comes to real estate. I love my job because I not only get to work with so many lovely people, but I also enjoy the research and history part of the job. I get to pour over old courthouse records...finding lost heirs...and getting the satisfaction that I have solved and brought together "a chain of good title".

My second hat is sorta like that of a "pirate", you know...using maps for treasure hunting... only since I am involved with the mapping of our county's real estate records...yea...I actually take a deed description and plat it or draw it out for taxing purposes. I've been the mapper or "cartographer " with Reynolds County for over 25 years now...boy I really am getting old. This is also a job that I love dearly. Give me a E 1/2 NW 1/4 SW 1/4 Section 16, Township 32 North, Range 2 East any day and I'll be a happy camper. Several years ago I attained the designation of Professional Missouri Mapper...wow, I have a title...Michelle the PMM. Sounds pretty important doesn't it?

As you see...I still haven't mastered inserting pictures...but I think my next post will be better...I have a plan...until then, have a great day....Shelly

Photo of the Week...What Am I?

Went on a road trip Sunday and...had a blast searching for oddities and got in some target practice with the 22 rifle. Just wanted to give you all a chance to guess what this is....Will let you know sometime this week....Have a great Monday...Shelly

Photo of the Week...Bottons

Looky here, I knew my Button Angel would make her debut one day! My youngest sister gave me this angel made of buttons and thread spools...I think maybe because I was the sister that always was sewing something. When my children were young, I made a lot of their clothes...just ask them how embarrassed they were...and usually wearing look-a-like outfits...what was I thinking?

I like sewing, but am not happy with my current sewing machine...newer versions are not always the best. I've even found myself hand stitching instead of using the machine. Anyhow, my little angel has her place on my shelf...maybe I should make one with all of my buttons...have a great Monday....Shelly

Production under way....

Trying to get motivated after such a dry spell is difficult at the least. I have been collecting fabrics, papers, embellishments, etc. for some time now. Most of my crafting supplies have been pushed in closets and under counters and just plain "piled up" wherever there was an empty spot. My daughter and I spent Saturday trying to reclaim my stash. We pulled out boxes and rearranged in clear tubs....some organization is coming back to my supplies. Soon, I hope to have my own room for crafting and computer time.

My oldest grandson, Noah, will be celebrating his birthday on March 4th. One of my goals this year is to create and produce greeting cards for my family's birthdays and celebrations...so far so good...I've only missed one. Here is a picture of the card I made Thursday night for Noah. The inside has a pocket to hold his treasure, which is under a huge red X...that marks the spot!

I'm still experimenting with my camera and still trying to learn how to work my blog options....having trouble moving pictures where I want them...I'll keep trying.

Have a great Sunday....Shelly

Photo of the Week...I made that!

WORK IN PROGRESS!!!

I've been busy today not only learning how to use my new camera, but trying to be artistic and try my hand in card making. I am inspired by Linda of Linda's Crafty Creations, who produces the most marvelous cards...check out her blog site http://lindascraftycreations.blogspot.com/. My card is for my special friend's birthday coming up in March....Sorry Judy...you are my maiden voyage. I snapped this picture before I put the finishing touches on...just imagine a pearl hat pin and pearl buttons with a little glitz here and there. You can't see the wording on the teacup, but it says "Treasured Friend"...I know, I need a lot of practice and ideas on how to put these together. I decided to make all of my greeting cards this year..Ha Ha...do you think I will make it? Have a great Monday....Shelly

Photo of the Week...Clouds

Since our sky's have been overcast lately and not very interesting, except for the snow flakes, that seem to be daily, and the fact that I still don't have my own camera, I grabbed this shot from my files.

This was the calm before the storm and I mean a storm... it was snapped at a place on Black River known to all as "Chiggerville". Notice the black cloud in the upper left, well right after this picture was taken, mother nature released her furry...one of our Ozark storms...everyone went scurrying for cover...another fun day at the river came to an end.

This got me day dreaming about summer time...trips to the river for swimming or just hanging out....enjoying the warmth of the sun...camping, yea sitting around a fire, drink of choice in hand....I can almost be there!!! Leisure time!!!

I'm not coping well with this year's winter weather....can't seem to get adjusted to the cold. Our past several winters have been rather mild compared to this year. The temps have been below normal and we have had more snowy days than I can count. Don't get me wrong, I love the area where I live...you know...in Missouri, just hang around and weather changes quickly and often.....Have a great day....Shelly

Photo of the Week...Hearts

This was the Lee/Miller homework for the week 2/6/2010 to 2/12/2010. Actually, it was Evy's homework, but it turned out to be a family project, with all of us contributing.... The goal was to make some sort of heart to hang in the school hallway for the yearly Valentine's Party. This beauty, is outlined in glitter and has a boa of feathers as it's border.

I thought this would be a good choice for this week's picture but had trouble loading my pictures Monday. Don't know why...I did everything the same today...it amazes me how each session at the computer can be so different....anyway, this week has been challenging. Evy, my granddaughter that lives in my home, had her tonsils and adenoids removed on Tuesday. What a day...overnight we got about 5 inches of snow and needless to say, the 40 minute trip to Farmington, was about 90 minutes. Traffic wasn't bad at 5 in the morning, and everyone was behaving...just a slow go...I usually don't drive on snow, but I can if needed.

The surgery was a success and Evy did a super good job. Her voice got a little sweeter as did her temperament. Can you tell that she is one of the 5 joys of my life?

Have a great day....Shelly

Monday Photo of the Week

Snow...Snow...Snow... 8 inches in all. It started with just flurries about 8:00 A.M. on Friday and snowed all day...into the night...and came to an end early Saturday morning. The day turned out to be just gorgeous. The sun was shinning and the road plows had cleared the highway just in time for some playing. We got a call to come join some friends at a dandy playing spot. We call it "at the end of Circle Drive" It's level and just great for what the kids had in mind. Evy, my granddaughter mounded up a snowball for each hand...she was ready....

Ryan, my son-in-law thought he had one up on Evy....I'm not too sure who got who first!!!

Evy enjoyed her turn on a car hood fashioned with a seat. She was buckled in and ready for her ride. The snow just flew as they whizzed though the open fields. I think she wanted to go faster and faster, but the driver kept things under control.

Now for my picture of the week. From the car window and reflecting in the side mirror, Ryan tries to get one over on Evy. Needless to say, everyone came home cold, wet and hungry. Nothing like playing in the first good snow. Really glad that it was such a beautiful day!

Have a great Monday.....Shelly

Great New Blog Site

I've found yet another great talented artist that you need to check out. Her name is Diane Knott and she is fantastic...also has a very teriffic giveaway for Valentine's Day. Pop over and see her http://dianeknottsmusings.blogspot.com/ ...you won't be disapointed.

Have a great day...Shelly

Good Samaritans

Good afternoon....I just caught a bit of time to share with you my thoughts for today....You know, here in Missouri it is known that if you don't like the weather, just stick around cause it will change at a moments notice. The forecast on last night's 6 o'clock news said to expect snow starting around 9 P.M. and continuing though Friday and ending by Saturday morning with accumulations of 6 plus inches...more in the Southern parts of Missouri. The air is so dry, which is unusual for here, that the snow has been light, but has been falling all day. It's around 2 P.M. , the roadways and cars have a coating of snow but still to see anything to really measure.



Reynolds County is full of rolling hills and curvy 2-lane roadways. Our county has 7 different school districts...some called off school early this morning, but some were stubborn and waited until the snow started falling and getting the kids back home was a problem. One district even said they couldn't send the busses back out and that parents needed to pick up their children...glad that wasn't the school my granddaughter goes to...I would have been pretty mad.



Against my better judgment, my daughter and son in law set out to keep a doctor's appointment in Farmington this morning. While there they called to let me know that the roads weren't too bad and that their trip had been successful...so far...On their way home, about 10 miles from home, they came across a lady whose truck had slid off the road. They stopped, gave the lady a ride to call her husband and even drove the truck out of the ditch for the couple. When the thankful husband asked what he owed the kids for their help...they replied "not a thing, we were glad to come though when we did and able to help".....Makes me so proud of my kids!!. They are the "bestest". They have been invited to the couple's campgound to enjoy drinks and fellowship...I hope when the weather is better!



The snow is picking up and coming down a bit harder. It looks beautiful and I'm sure that the area kids will be able to do some sleigh riding this weekend. During my younger days, we used to gather at the best sledding spot, build a bonfire and take turns seeing who could go the farthest down the hillside. Yes, I did have some of those "good ole days"



Have a great one....Shelly

Blog Candy

Please check out this blog spot I am following. Linda is at http://lindascraftycreations.blogspot.com/ Lots of crafting ideas and her work and blog spot is wonderful...

I need to win some blog candy so I can start my on creations....Shelly

Photo of the Week...Favorite Coffee Mug

Here it is, my favorite coffee mug. This is a special cup mainly because it was a gift from a very dear friend, but also, it makes the flavor of coffee, tea, hot cocoa, or just plain water taste it's best.

My friend, Judy, and her family vacationed in Cape San Blas Florida this past year. I'm sure she will post pictures from their trip. Some are on her blog site now. http://judek1954.blogspot.com/ They had such a wonderful time that she and I are planning our own trip in the near future...I can hardly wait!

I keep this mug at my office and have my daily coffee and Pepsi in it to "take me away" to places where I'd like to be. Don't we all want to visit or live in another place? By following and visiting blog sites of all my new friends, it is almost like being in their part of the world. Such enjoyment following blogging friends in Austraila, England, Canada, Florida...gee, I can travel and not leave my chair, for now anyway. For all of you, thank you for giving me a glimse into your lives....Shelly

Giveaway

Found a great link for all of you crafty bloggers. Click on http://sisterscraftycreations.blogspot.com and look into this site for gifts, ideas and motivation...Shelly

Photo of the Week...Shadows

Wouldn't you just know it, the day I want to find some good shadows, the sun will not cooperate! Two of my kids, Mandy and Ryan, suggested we take a drive down some of our back roads, staying nearer to home. They took me to places that I had never been before. The pic on the right is of a barn near "Horseshoe Ranch". We were trying to capture the shadows of the sunlight peering though the slatted sidding, but I think we may have caught a mistic orb. I have heard ghost stories about this place...spooky!!



Another journey down "Hyatt's Creek Road" we came upon a cave near a place called Alcorn Hollow. Ryan crawled in, just to snap a few pics of how the light streams in from a small opening above. Further in, and past a small pool of water, the cave opens into a large cavern...awsome!!




You just never know what you might find while venturing down the back roads of Reynolds County. New places, old places, new friends, old friends, (we acutally came across an old buddy to visit with). Some places have changed and many have stayed the same, but everyone has their own stories about the where's and why's and how's...








Have a great Monday.....Shelly

Out and about

I had the most amazing day Saturday. Headed towards our largest shopping area, about 40 minutes away, to pick up my monthly scripts when I found my self pulling into a flea market. I wandered through looking and inspecting all that was offered. I personally thought most worthy items were overpriced, but what do I know? I did find an antique country cupboard that was priced at $350.00. It was in great shape, even had a flour drawer and beautiful wood. Lots of old dishes and linens caught my eye also. I must have spent hours in there just gazing and admiring...what fun.

I still don't have a camera of my own, so I missed some good opportunities. Maybe soon as I am having to borrow my daughter's.

Next, I found myself dinning at one of my favorite Mexican restaurants, we like to call it "Chippy Dippy" for the chips and salsa they provide as an appetizer. Good food and drinks. I did finally pickup my scripts and did a little shopping at the local Walmart. Couldn't believe how long the waiting line was at the pharmacy. Maybe a dozen deep the whole time I was there.

A different way home than the usual. Country gravel roads and lots of scenery. My day out was so enjoyable and stress free. See, I am starting to think of me, me, me.....Have a great day! Shelly

Blog Candy Time!!

I've just found a wonderful blog site about an artist. Her special talents include cardmaking. Check out her Blog Candy Time!! at http://normajean8105.blogspot.com/ and you won't be dissapointed.

Photo of the Week...Something New

I can't tell you how excited I was to be selected as one of the winners of Linda's (The Window of My Life) Christmas give a way. A lighted container full of hand picked shells from her favorite spot in the world, Anna Marie Island, FL. I was notified that the package was on it's way and I watched eagerly for it's arrival. The mail carrier brought it directly to our door on Saturday morning. She knew it was too important and impressive to leave at the box on the highway. As I carefully peeled away the bubble wrap I felt a soft spot. Much to my dismay, the container was broken. For a minute I was upset, not because the glass was broken, but because I knew Linda put her love into gathering, arranging and packing this lovely gift. I looked around at my own supplies and found a container that was just a bit large so scrambling now, I pulled a box of sand that my best friend brought back this summer from her vacation to Cape San Blas, FL. What a perfect combination, treasures from an old friend and treasures for a new friend.

I have also included a picture of how the container looks with the overhead lights on. My only delima now is whether to take the container to my work site so I can enjoy it during the day, or to leave it at home, on my computer desk, so that I can enjoy it during the evenings. As my youngest used to say, sissions, sissions, sissions.

Now I need to work on my photography skills.

Have a great day! Shelly

Photo of the Week...The Grandkids

Well here are all five of my grandchildren. The oldest girl and the youngest girl on the bottom left are the daughters of my first born girl Becky. The two boys are the sons of my middle daughter Lori and the little one in the middle is the daughter of my youngest daughter Mandy. Can you tell that they are my pride and joy? Having grandchildren is the "grandest" experience a person can have. I was always close with my cousins and I try to make sure that these cousins will be the best of friends. They all live nearby and can get together often. We just had the best Christmas enjoying each other and trading gifts. Of course, I always make them promise to be Grandma's baby forever. Do you think they can keep that one? Not!
Have a great day!

Shelly

A New Me

Most Saturdays are routine for me, breakfast for the family ( I usually only do breakfast on the weekends), straighten the house, do laundry, drive 20 miles one way to get groceries, back home to fix the supper meal then I'm free to do my thing, whatever that may be! Being the routine creature that I am, I have Saturday night TV shows that I like, but what's up with all the reruns? I guess a hiatus for the holidays.

I've decided not to make resolutions for the new year, but to try to make my life more interesting as in, reading more, finding blogging friends and concentrating on me me me....

We'll see how that works out.

Have a great day!

Shelly

Learning From My Mistakes

I have been following a new found friend on Blogger and thought that I could give it a try. I figure that if I connect with talented people, surely, some of their abilities will rub off on me. I enjoy crafts, but do not confess to be an artist. I can follow directions and usually produce a good product, but artistic ability, no. Let me give this a try and rate my progress.....

Have a great day!

Shelly