Sewing, yes, I am having a great time with new fabrics, my collection of older fabrics, and the great free patterns on line.  The books I have gotten recently with patterns and instructions, as well,  for making clothing for my grandchildren are so much fun.  I've been pulling out my Somerset magazines, some old and new....from aprons, altering, sewing and crafts.  Pulling them all together letting my mind and hands take me where they want to go, those things are working great and it helps to make me forget about other stuff. 

Since my camera went ca put!, I don't have photos of all the goodies I have made and sent off near and far for my children's children, and more.  Darn, I always want pictures to help me remember what I've made, otherwise 'boom' they are gone from memory exactly what they look like.  From dresses, aprons, fleece pants, and bags, jewelry, cards, books, altered art, etc...have to remedy that soon.   Just another thing to add to the list of things to get done.  If the things on the list each weighed a pound, my sons would not be able to pick it up.

Also, I have gotten out of the house a bunch more, and even though 'me bones is achin', I can say, at least I am happy right now, and that is all that counts.

Altered beginnings....

I have recently realized where my altered works come from, they come from my soul seeking peace and quiet.   Art has always been my saving grace, from sewing t o painting, paper and fabric are waiting in my studio to be altered.  Having been through many transformations from precocious child, back talking preteen, curious teenager, to the wife, mother, and grandmother I had always hoped to be.  "I may not always be right, but am seldom wrong." Author Unknown
 
Art has always been there for me throughout all of these transitions, along with my devoted and loving parents.  My parents may no longer visibly be seen other than cherished photographs, but are always in my heart and mind.  I thank them every day and pray they watch over my family and guide them in some way.  I love you Mom and Dad.

So Much to Do!

....and so happy to be doing what I can!  Went to a mosaic lesson at the library with my sister Kate and niece Sarah last Tuesday.  Have yet to finish my project, but it is something new for me.  Along with a variety of many other art projects going on at home...cards, tags, and always gifts to make.

 Speaking of gifts, I managed to finish the Christmas presents for my grand babies!  I don't even think I took photos of what I made, but I am just glad to have got them out in time to Alaska for Miranda & Henry, and on Christmas Eve at home for Harper! Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year's to all!

Of course, these are not current photos, but they are what I have on my laptop right now, which I am using to update my blog.  Miranda is now five years old, Henry is seventeen months, and Harper is fourteen months old.  They are the light of our lives!

Oldies But Goodies...

Lost and found art project photos on pc to upload.  These are not new projects, just ones I've neglected to add.

Yes, I am still here, the house is a mess, but I am happy...

where oh where am i in this cluttered up mess!

     not a total loss though, Len has a JOB, YAY!!!
he started yesterday, and we couldn't be happier, he actually is smiling again!
it is so wonderful, he comes home tired, takes a nap, has dinner, we talk for a while and then he goes to sleep.  all fine and dandy with me, for sure!  I set up his coffee, make his lunch, tidy up and go to sleep, it is fantastic.  thank you to all the prayers and help along the way, God Bless everyone indeed! 
getting to be late tonight, but that is okay, I will be up to make sure he gets out of the door okay, and then I can take an extra snooze.  I love you Len, and I am very proud of you, as always, your Annie.

what will we do?

     Time is running out, don't know how much more we can take...no job, unemployment is almost over, pension fund is low since we have been using that to help pay the monthly bills because you can't live on the government supplemental income.  So, this week we are meeting with a counselor to help us decide what our options are: bankruptcy, sell the house and everything we can part with and will no longer need?  

      Then we will have to move in with some friends who have offered us space to store our belongings, and a bedroom for us, too.  They are prime examples of Good Samaritans who we have been blessed with!  We will be the best guests as possible while we try to find our own downsized digs.  Our dogs will be with us, so we will have our hands full.  Please God,help Lenny find a job soon, please.

time to share something good!

...yes!  my sister Kate and my niece Sarah!  they came back into my life in 2009, finally i have added this photo and wrote about the Good News!  i am so happy to have my family back!  too many exclamation marks, i know, but it is so wonderful and worth waiting for!

     even more good things to say about this subject...recently, Len & i attended two family gatherings: David & Jane's for a Labor day party,  Mike & Pat's for a Crab Feast party!  Mike Jr. started this annual event 3 years ago.  good idea young man. in fact he asked us if we were back from now on, so i replied "yes, i guess time does heal all wounds".  thank you Mike for asking.  i have always loved my family, so it feels right to be back in the fold.  sure, it will take some time for more of the gang to return, but when they do, it will be good, real good!  Mom and Dad are smiling, i can feel it in my heart.

      it's time to move on and live for today, for we know not what tomorrow holds.