Cassie is Home!

We got to bring our precious Cassie Kitty home today. She has improved much but still needs to eat more. We are so very happy to have her home again.

She has wandered through the entire house.....every room...every special place she likes to lay and.....the screened in porch where she likes to watch the birds.



"Look Mom. See my boo boo. This is where Doc Ron stuck me with a needle. It hurt!"

Cassie held her little paw up for the pic.


I will miss her in my studio but never as much as I was missing her this past couple of weeks. I am so VERY grateful that she is on the mend.

THANKS to ALL of you who have sent me messages of good wishes and asking how Cassie was doing! I APPRECIATE ALL of you, my FRIENDS!!!

Hugs!

June's Winner Announced

I am happy to announce that Summerset Banks is the winner for the June drawing. I will be mailing her the great packet of goodies.

THANKS Summerset! For visiting my blog and leaving a comment. Please visit frequently.

For all you faithful visitors please don't forget to leave a comment each time you visit so you, too can be eligible to win a monthly prize and be entered in the drawing for the grand prize in December. It will be a very personalized and special gift!

Details can be read by clicking the link on the upper right of my blog page!

Side note: I always send a little surprise along with the drawing prize.

I will be posting a picture of the prize for the month of July soon!

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Photo by Saji and Niffy (flicker.com)


Best Wishes for a safe and joyous Independence Day! Hope you are able to spend time with family or friends or attend a big public celebration.

We will be spending a relaxing day with a few friends and our youngest son and his friend. Our eldest son and Tracie aren't here this year because they will be visiting soon and they needed a weekend of relaxation. Our other son is on his way to Afghanistan.

He wrote yesterday to wish us a Happy 4th and to let us know that he was in Romania. He has a short tour this time but as many of you parents are aware that does not lessen the danger. I pray for his and all our other troops' safe returns.

In my younger years I did not really pay much attention to the meaning of this day but time has shown me how precious the meaning of today. Living in this great country is a privilege that was not much realized by me until 9/11, my husband serving in Desert Storm then my husband and son serving together in Iraqi Freedom. I now have a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by all who serve.....whether it be the troops or the families at home. The brothers, sisters, moms, dads and children both on the front lines and at home have given so much for the betterment of others.

Please take a minute today to remember all those who have died fighting for the freedom of others and those who are far from home and loved ones. Say a prayer for their safe return and for the success of the mission they so bravely serve.

Say a prayer for the families at home....the children awaiting parents to return....the parents awaiting children to return.

CELEBRATE YOUR FREEDOM AND THE GREATNESS OF OUR NATION!

This is Cassie on a day when she was doing well. She had climbed in my bag and was lying there when I discovered her. She is so sweet!

As of today she still has not eaten. She drank a little water and walked a little but just won't eat.

The vet called this morning to see how she was doing and we told him that she still won't eat. He was going to his clinic and said for one of us to bring her in so he could look at her. I took her. The incision was swollen and she had a temperature. 103.4 degrees. He checked her tummy and the incision was oozing. She has an infection which is not uncommon when the intestines are involved as they are full of bacteria.

Needless to say - he kept her. He is giving her antibiotics interveinously and some nourishment. She is very sick. My heart aches for her as I know the pain must be tremendous. He is going to give her a pain injection because a pill would not be good for the intestines. He isn't sure when she will get to come home. He said he is concerned about her well being.

I just pray she does get better and gets to come home. I am very concerned for her!

One thing he did comment on is that the ribbon was about 1/2 inch wide which was lucky because a string, thread or dental floss can cut through the intestine then there is very little that can be done. The wide ribbon had not cut the intestines so that was a good thing. He said dental floss is the worst as it is very strong.

Nala, our yellow tabby, misses her playmate. While Nala is very mischievous I do believe she senses that something is wrong. She didn't bother Cassie at all while she was home.

Please say a prayer for our Cassie. She truly needs them.

Update on Cassie

Thanks to all of you who have sent me kind thoughts and have Cassie in your prayers.

The vet called today and asked if we would mind bringing Cassie home early as she won't eat. He thinks she is frightened and perhaps if she comes home she will.
He knows us well as our son worked for him during high school and college.

Cassie is home. She can hardly move. Still hasn't eaten but did go to the potty.
I feel so sad for her but am VERY grateful she is going to be okay.

Apparently the vet did not have to remove a section of the intestines but rather made 3 incisions in the small intestines, snipped the ribbon and carefully removed it in pieces.

I can't even imagine the pain that poor kitty has.

I will NEVER allow her in my studio again! Will keep you posted on her progress.

My Sweet Cassie

I simply had to post this warning to all you animal lovers out there that have a precious pet you cherish.

Sweet Cassie loves to hang out with me in my art studio. Unfortunately I must keep my eye on her constantly as she loves to get in the various supplies that I have. She loves "INchies" and frequently takes off with them when I am working on them for a swap. She also loves ribbons, yarns and threads and will frequently grab them and start chewing.

I have always been able to get them from her but a couple of days ago I couldn't. She grabbed a pink ribbon approximately 14-16 inches long and ran with it. Hubby and I chased her all through the house but before we could catch her, she ate it.

Needless to say it caused her to get ill. She was vomiting on Wednesday morning so my husband took her to the vet. They ran tests and gave her barium to xray her but she kept vomiting it up. The vet determined she had a blockage. He asked if we were sure she ate the ribbon. My husband assured him that he was positive she did. The vet explained that the ribbon could cut her small intestines and surgery should be performed right away.

He did the surgery and sure enough she had the ribbon lodged in her intestines. Without prompt surgery she could have died.

Please, PLEASE do not let your pet in your studio! There are so many dangerous items that they may find and want to use a toys. As much as I love Cassie's company I know now that the studio MUST be off limits. Dangers are everywhere!

If we not known for sure that she had eaten the ribbon we would have lost our precious kitty. I am so grateful that we knew and that when my husband got up yesterday after I had left for the office he realized she was ill. I guess she came to him, lay down in front of him and meowed. He said he just knew she was saying "Please help me!" He immediately took her to the vet.

I am so happy that he did not hesitate. How lucky we are! The medical report is she is doing fine but is still at the vet and will be for a few days.

I will keep you posted.

Prize for JUNE

This has been a very busy month. I am late getting a picture of the prize for the month posted. However, for all the visitors that have left comments since June 1 I have been placing your names in the jar for the the monthly drawing.

Here is a picture of the prize:



The prize consists of dried botanicals from my garden and pasture, Vintage buttons, pages from a 1918 Ladies Home Journal and other misc not shown but will be a surprise.

Don't forget to leave a comment to be entered to win. There is a link on the upper right of my blog that will take you to the details of my monthly giveaways.

BLOOMS BRIGHT

"I wake with the flowers that will
watch out the night;
Yellow and white
In the midsummer twilight over the land
For the dawn at hand.


You shall find me early and leave me late
I can always wait,
As sure as the summer and sun will disclose
The heart of the rose,












With the brooding passion of poet or bird
Till life be stirred
In the formless thought, in the eggs of blue,
And love in you.

Oh, the sky delight of the rosebuds' red!
Oh! the word unsaid!"

from The Nature Notes of an Edwardian Lady by Edith Holden

JUNE in BLOOM

"The evening comes, the fields are still,
The tinkle of the thirsty rill
Unheard all day ascends again,
Deserted is the half-mown plain,
Silent the swathes! the ringing wain,
All housed within the sleeping farms!
The business of the day is done,
the last-left hay-maker is gone,
And from the thyme upon the height,
And from the elder-blossom white
and pail dog-roses in the hedge,
And from the mint plant in the sedge,
In puffs of balm the night-air blow
The perfume which the day fore-goes,
and on the

Creation for Lucky May Visitor

Gathering supplies I begin creating the giveaway for the lucky winner of the May drawing. Painting will be the first step for this one-of-a-kind gift for that special person.






I pick up the brush and begin, letting the brush guide me on what to paint. Soon these daisies begin to take shape.





Once I finished them I laid them to the side to dry. Then I began to focus on what to create with these, my favorite flowers.



After they were dry I pressed Steam-A-Seam2 on the backside of the painted fabric.














Now I needed to decide how to present these lovely florals. MMMMmmmm...I think I will use a Vintage album page, sheer fabric, French lace and ribbon.














Now to draw the lucky winner before I show the final creation!......And the winner is:........Doreen G who left a comment on May 12....She lives at the Big Pond in Australia!!!! (Doreen, please send me a private email with your snail mail address so I can mail you the prize.)



















And here is the PRIZE!!!! CONGRATULATIONS, DOREEN and THANK YOU FOR VISITING! Please continue to visit often.






I collect all the names from the comments throughout the month then draw a lucky winner at the beginning of the next month. Please see the drawing information at the upper right on the main page of my blog for details.

Paper Bag Wallets

Spent the day in my studio recycling brown paperbags into wallets.

I enjoy figuring out ways to reuse items that we would normally toss away or send to the recycle center. As I looked around my stash of brown paperbags I decided that it would be fun to create a wallet and cell phone holder.

Gathering bits and pieces of fabrics, trims and buttons I began assembling a wallet. Having no pattern, of course, I began experimenting with strengthening the bag so it wouldn't rip and how to assemble it.





Then using the sewing machine and a free-style quilting stitch I quilted one of the pocket, decorated it with bits of lace and a button. Soon I had a Vintage wallet.


















Since I am frequently drawn to bright colors and have a lot of scraps in my fabric treasures, I decided to create a paperbag wallet in brights. Here is the result:





These unique creations are small and just the thing when you want to head off on a shopping trip and prefer to leave your large handbag at home. You can place your money in the deep pocket and cell phone in the front decorative pocket.

Please leave a comment telling me what you think of these fun wallets. You will be entered in my monthly drawing and could possible win something special if you name is drawn.

Perhaps a fun wallet???? What is your favorite color? When is your birthday?

Please tell me. You just never know what "goodie" could find its way to you.

What IS Your Choice?.....

Would you like this month's givaway to be a packet of Vintage papers, laces, yarns and ephemera.....OR would you like to receive an original piece of artwork that I create?

I am going to let the visitors to my blog decide. This month when you visit my blog please leave a comment telling me what you would like to receive from me.

On the first of June when I draw if your name is chosen you will recieve the gift of your choice!

Your choice and My fun! I really want the monthly drawings to be all about YOU so I thought what could I do for YOU!

Please leave a comment each time you visit so you will have more chances to win!

Good Luck! AND Happy Spring!!!!

Art & Soul Virginia

As always Tracie and I had a blast teaching our classes. The students were FANTASTIC and OH, so TALENTED! I am completely in AWE everytime we teach our painting classes at what the students create! This is especially rewarding when many of our students have NEVER painted before and to tackle painting a bird takes courage.

Each student brings a given talent that she was not aware she had. With our techniques and showing them a few tricks the paintings are BEAUTIFUL!

Without sounding like an infomercial....this IS the class for you if you have ever wanted to pick up a paint brush and begin creating something to be proud to show family and friends! YOU, too, can create beauties like these:







































Here are the BEAUTIFUL necklaces painted by students:

A Mother's Thoughts

Our middle son left for Afganistan this week and needless to say I miss him already. He will only be gone a short time ( 6 weeks) but being a mom I am still concerned for his safety.

Mother's Day will not be the same without his laughter and sense of humor entertaining all of us.

My heart is sad as I think of him being one of the most dangerous areas of the world.....and Oh, so far from home.

This tall handsome responsible young man will always be that tiny beautiful baby with the blue eyes and blond hair that I held in my arms many years ago.

I still see that little boy every time he laughs and teases. Precious are the memories of the fun times when he and his brothers share stories and play games.

I will be counting the days until his safe return and his laughter fills the air I breathe.

I love you, Chad.

Mom

APRIL GIVEAWAY WINNER

The winner of the April Giveaway is Denise (DeeX355). I will be mailing her the packet of goodies so she can create some FABULOUS artwork!

CONGRATULATIONS TO DENISE!!!!

The May giveaway will be announced in a day or two. I just returned from Art & Soul Virginia so am running a little behind. Please click on the link on the upper right of my blog to read what the giveaways are all about.

Always leave a comment when you visit so you can be entered into the giveaways!

Blossoms Abound

As I gaze out my windows I am in awe of the color and beauty surrounding our home. The trees and shrubs are in full bloom and paint the countryside in vibrant hues.

Here are a few of the blossoms:

This is the lovely red bud my husband planted outside the kitchen window for me. The red bud is my favorite tree.




As I walk to the flower garden hubby planted my favorite shrub...the lilac bush. We had one planted for years but it never bloomed, so last year he dug up the old and planted a new one.....it is in full bloom.
















Everyday as I arrive home I see this lovely crab apple tree. It is planted next to the driveway where it is surrounded by flowers all summer. Looking out the living room window I see this beautiful tree.

















This is our apple tree. It provides a lovely view from the dining room.

We planted it 18 years ago when we built our house. It has struggled to survive but still blooms beautifully every spring. The wind has blown it over several times and hubby ties it back up. I won't let him dig it out and get a new one because it really works hard to survive.....I am just sentimental.




SPRING...my favorite time of year as the sleeping follage wakens and provides me with so much beauty to enjoy.

Wanting to go........

......with Mom.

Here is my sweet kitty, Cassie. As I was getting my things packed to head to Omaha, Cassie got in my bag and hasn't moved. She has been watching me as I gather all the stuff to put in the bag.

I think she will miss me?!!

Sweet, sweet girl!

APRIL GIVEAWAY.........

....has finally arrived! I was away enjoying the fun at ArtFest and am a bit tardy posting the giveaway for April. However, for all of you who have left a comment since April 1st I have entered your name for the drawing.

Please be sure to leave a comment for each post so your name will be entered into the drawing.

Lots of fun papers, ribbons and bits of ephemera for you to create FABULOUS works of art!

HAPPY EASTER........

.......to my family and friends!

As spring begins to arrive it starts the beginning of life, perhaps that is the reason Easter is in the spring.








The botanicals begin to come to life after a long cold winter. New born fawns, birds and other animals are starting to play in our pasture. I LOVE the spring.




















My wish for each of you is that you, too see new beginnings for your lives and you seek the path that will bring you happiness.

Bless You All!!!

......AND THE MARCH WINNER IS..........

Jody Bradshaw!



Jody is the winner of the Easter basket and eggs with a message.

It will be put in the mail tomorrow.

CONGRATULATIONS, Jody!!!


Since I was at ArtFest I didn't get the drawing completed until today.

I will get a picture of the April prize posted in the next few days.

Be sure to leave a comment everytime you visit my blog so you will be in the monthly drawing!