New Years Resolution A year of Thanks

I don't usually make New Years resolutions anymore because a lot of the time I don't stick to them (lose wight, work out, you know) and then I get all bent out of shape with guilt so this year I decided that I was going to make one but my New Years resolution was going to be something to make others feel good. I've decided to give thanks personally to those who have touched my life in a special way. All year long I plan to hand write notes to each of these people. It may be someone who always smiles and says hello genuinely. It may be someone who always makes me feel special in some way, like my coworkers, my friends, my family.

It might be someone who does a nice job on something I have hired them for ie; the guys who installed my entry door, my fence, that do my landscaping, etc. The nail tech, the hairdresser. I want to say what I often feel but don't always verbalize. The cashier or clerk that bags and loads my groceries into my car, who always have a good attitude even though I know they have had a long day standing on their feet and have more than likely encountered less than pleasant people along the way.

It's the simplest of things that touch my heart and make me happy. People who are genuine, who have an easy smile or laugh, people who have a good heart, people who love to help others, people who are quick to point out the good in others, people who enjoy life, people who make art that makes you smile, people who have a good attitude about life, people who take pride in what they do. You know those people. They surround us every day and yet I don't always let them know how much I appreciate them for whatever reason.

So that is my New Years resolution. I have bought some blank cards by Anna Griffin (I love her stationary) in the wedding section of one of the craft stores, so that I can stamp an image on it and the word thanks or thank you and hand write my note. I saw some pretty thank you cards but I wanted them to be something I took the time to create.

Did you make a New Years resolution that you want to share?

What was your New Years resolution.

Been a busy bee creating

Hi there! Wow, it's been a couple of weeks since we've visited. Sheesh where does the time go? I never wanted to be one of those people that acknowledges the older you get the quicker time seems to go by, but I'm there now and it's true. I'm sorry to say.

I have been busy making things for my poor neglected shop. Above is a wedding guest book alternative. It's a box I made that can hold 100's of my postcards.

I also will be making these table numbers in various frames. I've made these 6 to show some of the options. They're aren't over the top frou frou. They are simple and low key.

I made several of these wedding guest book alternatives, as well. I think having something pretty to display long after that special day is over is a fun idea. And I don't know about you but something in crisp white satin with lace and roses would not go with my decor or stay white in my home for that matter, so I started thinking outside the box. Well of a box, actually. Pardon the pun. I know, I know. Not funny. I couldn't help it though.

You all know that in the past I have made many wedding guest books and I do truly love making them but I thought I might try something new and a little different. I wanted to make something fun and put a twist on the traditional guest book. These are different than anything I have seen out there. The wedding day should be fun and carefree. I have more items in the works. Let me know what you think so far and if you have any fun ideas, please do share them. http://www.etsy.com/shop/Design4u

Hugs!

Tammy

Happy Thanksgiving Friends!

Happy Thanksgiving friends! I hope those of you that celebrate Thanksgiving have a blessed day full of good cheer surrounded by those you love! For those of you who do not celebrate, I wish the same for you.

Good ole' Norman Rockwell, American Illustrator, 1894-1978. He painted such picturesque scenes for the Saturday Evening Post about everyday life.. Love his work! Here is a link that showcases a lot of his works. Check it out. A lot of it will make you smile, if not laugh. Hugs!

Happy Monday!

Tarnished and Tattered. Love all things that encompass these two words. Here I made a "Skinny" which is a 3"x5" card as the basis and then you run with it. My swap partner loves green, Paris, script writing and vintage. She loved it.

What is it that draws us in when we see chippy paint, raveled edges, yellowed pages, vintage linens and anything special from a bygone era. I know for me, I love to imagine that the recipient treasured the item and that it was well loved. Age gives character. Well that's what I tell myself when I am doing my makeup. lol Fine wines get better with age and I think you do too.

Happy Monday!

A very special Veterans day

I'll never forget the day I was working in the floral department of Harris Teeter, and a little girl and her mother came up to the counter to pick out a special balloon for her father. The little girl picked out the perfect Fathers Day balloon and she was so proud. As they were walking away, I said I hope your daddy has a happy Fathers Day and she turned back to me and said her and her momma were going to his grave to send a letter up to to him in heaven. She said every Fathers Day she writes a letter and attaches it to the balloon and she lets it go all the way up to heaven so her daddy knows she still loves him. I smiled at her and told her how lucky her daddy was to have a daughter that loved him so much. Oh my gosh, I was a puddle when she walked away. It broke my heart. How touching. This one little thing meant the world to this little girl. Imagine if she still had her father. He died serving our country.

Remember this Veterans Day to be thankful to all whom have served our country and all who are serving our country. Freedom is not free. It is not just the men and women in the armed forces that this service affects but their friends and families, too.

A month of thanks

In the land of bloggers you sometimes come across those whom share your interests, who inspire and encourage you. I have been blessed to find so many of you that do just that. Thank you for being you. You never know when someone might need to hear what you have to say or write or when you may trigger another persons memory or maybe when you will inspire someone to make some art or take a step forward or to be brave.

I love that we can pop into eachothers blogs and become a part of something much larger than anyone ever dreamed would be possible. It's amazing how we can make friendships with people across the globe and in the same town. We may never have had the opportunity otherwise. I am thankful for Blogger. :)

Tea anyone?

Won't you join us for some tea Dearie? We have some lovely spider, I mean spiced cake. Your favorite. It'll give you something to crow about.

Easy and Yummy Spiced Cake Recipe

• 1 (18 1/4 ounce) package yellow cake mix
• 3 eggs (or as called for by your cake mix)
• 1/3 cup oil (or as called for by your cake mix)
• 1 1/3 cups water (or as called for by your cake mix)
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions:

1. Combine cake mix with spices.
2. Prepare cake mix according to directions on box.
3. Bake according to cake mix directions on the box.
4. Frost with your favorite icing or frosting.

A secret garden & a freebie image

We found a wonderful place called Architectural Antiques & Garden Elements a couple of weeks ago. I fell in love. Who wouldn't? There is a shop with store rooms full of all sorts of wonderful things from rehabs done here in Charleston.

You can find lights, tiles, pillars, furniture, windows, doors and so much more.

But for me the most intriguing area of all was the wonderful hodgepodge backyard with oodles of wonderful rusty bits and fabulous garden fountains, planters, urns, statues, furniture, columns, etc.

Such a lovely place for a treasure hunt with wild flowers poking up here and there and a lazy black and white cat curled up in a place with dappled sunlight, not in the least bit bothered by visitors.

We bought this cast piece above for one of my living room walls among a few other items. We will definitely be back for more goodies next spring when it is time to start the garden out back. We have big plans for the small space we have to work with.

This statue below is a close up of the tall statue you see in the photo above with the pillars resting up against the building. See her? She's nearly dead center. She is your freebie if you'd like. I added a map overlay to her just for fun.

I have had a lazy morning and now I must get a shower. Yes, it is 12:20 but I've only had this one day off in the last 7 days and not another until Friday so I feel entitled. :) Never mind that I have been dealing with a cold all week long. Now a flipping cough is trying to pry it's way in. I need to run to the drug store to buy some zinc lozenges and eat 1 of my Flintstones. lol I am not going to let it win! Swords are drawn. Well enjoy your Sunday. Mom's coming to make fried chicken and baked macaroni and cheese. Haven't had those things for years. This was Jack's request when she offered to make dinner for us. He wants her recipe, hence her making it here. He's becoming quite the chef.