Travel Journals

It was in the month of February, with the snow falling down all around us, that we first discussed our trip to Greece. We talked about the best time to travel and it was decided that the month of July would be the perfect time. Work would be slow for my husband, school would be done for my son and football practice would not begin until August, and as it turns out the sweet little girls I babysit would also be on vacation at that time. Perfect I thought but July is soooo far away. When we would get together with the family members that would make the trip with us, we would talk about what we would do, where we would go and of all the relatives that we were going to meet. I would listen with excitement but it just didn't seem real to me. Well here I sit on June 25 with only nine days until our departure. With the suitcases spread over the living room floor and all of my "To Do" lists it has suddenly become real to me. I am going to GREECE!!! I can only imagine the things that I will experience. My father in law came to America when he was just 16 years old and his whole family still resides in Volos, Greece. There are so many relatives to meet. My husband has had the opportunity to visit on several occasions but this will be the first time for my son and I. This whole experience is totally new for us. You may find this hard to believe but either Alex or I have ever been in an airplane. I don't want to forget a single experience or moment of this once in a life time trip. I decided the best way to remember was to take tons of pictures and to write daily entries in a journal. Because this trip is so special I didn't want just any journal and I could not find one that I loved. Then the thought came to me....why don't I make one. Why stop at one? I decided that my sister in law and my mother in law should have one too. I didn't want anything too heavy so I decided to use a regular old composition book and alter it.

I gathered all my supplies and began creating. I first created one for my mother in law and then my sister in law.

Once I completed theirs, I went to work on one for myself. I wanted mine to look like a vintage travel journal. First I started with a textured cream paper and sprayed it with a little walnut ink to give it that aged look.

Then I added all the vintage elements that I love, wallpaper, postcard images, a piece of vintage tape measure, sheet music, and buttons. To finish it off, I stamped my initials in the corner.

I can just imagine how it will be sitting at a little cafe' journaling the adventures of my trip, how blue the sky looks and how clear the sea. And years from now when I want to remember these wonderful memories I will open my journal and they will all come flooding back to me.

A Day with Dad

I am sure there are not many fathers that read my blog so it seems silly to say Happy Father's Day. I do hope you all had a wonderful day celebrating your father, grandfather, husband and all the other special fathers in your life. I had a very enjoyable day with my father and my husband. The weather was beautiful, a perfect day for a Father's Day picnic.

A day to celebrate my Dad...

Growing up in my family there was just my sister and I. That meant bad hair days, giggles, having nothing to wear, tears, screaming, dancing, shopping, baby dolls times two. My dad left all the girly girl activities up to my mom but he did spend time with us in other ways. One of my favorite activities with my dad was at dusk when we would all pile in his truck and go deer spotting. I remember how cool it was to see a field full of glowing eyes. To this day, I have a love for deer and still enjoy seeing them in the wild. My dad also taught me to love fishing. I loved it when my mom would pack a picnic dinner and as soon as my dad would arrive home from work, we would take off for the local lake. I am sure that my dad must have lost track of the number of worms he put on hooks, fish he removed from those hooks, and hooks he removed from his fingers. Not to mention all the stray casts that ended up in the near by tree limbs. Once my sister saw a water snake and ran screaming down the lake shore all while the button on her reel was still pressed. It took my dad forever to reel in all that fishing line. Oh and there was the time I set my rod down just in time for a fish to pull it right into the lake. My dad, to no avail, jumped right in (cloths and all) to try and save it. It's a wonder he was able to get any fishing in at all. There are other special moments that I share with my dad. I will always remember how he looked on my wedding day, and how happy he was when he became a grandpa.

A Day to Celebrate my husband...

My husband is the most wonderful father. Sometimes I get jealous of how close my husband and son are. I can truly say they are friends. They enjoy each other's company and just hanging out together. One of my favorite sounds is hearing them laugh together at a silly movie. They are so much alike. They enjoy the same type of movies, they have the same sense of humor, they love to aggravate, hate to cloths shop, and I know they both love me :) He is a proud Dad and is so supportive and encouraging to Alex in whatever he tries. I could not ask for a better role model for Alex.

There is one more special father in my life to celebrate, my father in law. He too could not be prouder of his grandson and truly loves his family. He is always there for each of us to offer advice, support, and encouragment. He was unable to spend the day with us as he was out of town. Eventhough he was away from the family today he was never far from our thoughts.

This picture was taken on Alex's birthday in April.

A Happy Father's Day to all the special Dad's in my life. I love you all and have been blessed by having each one of you in my life.

Roses and Peonies

Not a long post this evening. I just wanted to share with you some of the little beauties growing in my garden at present.

There was the threat of rain storms today so I thought I would bring some in before the rain dampened their beauty.

I love the simple beauty in nature.

A Wonderful Weekend

A two hour drive doesn't sound like a great distance. Just jump in the car and go for the ride. But sometimes life gets so busy with everyday things, before you know it months fly by. Then you stop to realize that it has been months since you made the drive to visit your sister at her house. Oh of course we talk on the phone and she and her family make the drive to visit our parents (who live minutes from me) but it's just not the same as a weekend visit. Well this past weekend I did just that. I left my husband and my 17 year old son to fend for themselves and I hopped in the car with my parents and their very large but very sweet black lab, Molly and headed for Andrea's house. Andrea lives about two hours north of me in Brookville, PA. Brookville is a nice little town located in Central Pennsylvania very near Cook Forest State Park. The scenery was lovely as well was the drive. We arrived around dinner time and Andrea was preparing a wonderful meal for us. While she was busy in the kitchen, it was decided that my brother-in-law, Tom and my nephew, Hank would go for a kayak ride. Well actually Hank did the kayaking and Tom went for a swim. Tom is a very strong swimmer and is entered in a relay race of sorts this weekend. So we loaded up the kayaks and headed for the Clarion River. I was content to sit on shore, enjoy the scenery, and take pictures. My mom on the other hand (who is much more adventurous than I) decided to give kayaking a try. She did well and had a blast.

I was so impressed with Hank's kayaking skills. He just jumped right in and took off.

On Saturday there was a wonderful herb festival held in Cook Forest. The rain held off and we were able to wander through the tents picking the most fragrant herbs. I have always loved Holly Hock flowers so I purchased a beautiful plant which will hopefully someday yield lovely pink blossoms.

We woke early on Sunday and headed to a large open air flea market not far from Andrea's home. Oh we had such fun looking for those hidden treasures. Because we know what each other's interests are, we were able to spot things for each other that otherwise would have been missed. My sister purchased some wonderful old chess pieces, a vintage child's game and a fun vintage tablecloth. My mom found pretty depression glass dessert plates, a milk glass shoe, and a sweet hand mirror. And I--- well just look at all my treasures :)

I think the little rose pitcher was my favorite find. It came from a wonderful little shop called The Open House Shop. It was filled with treasures both new and vintage. From the moment you walked in the door you knew you were someplace special. The owner, Robin, was so friendly and helpful. I visited her twice this weekend and I am sure it will be on my list of favorite things to do on my next visit to Brookville.

I was sorry to see the weekend come to an end. (although I think I wore my sister and my mom out with all of my treasure hunting ) I had such fun visiting and spending time with my family. Times like these sure make special memories.

(Me, my mom, and my sister, Andrea) (my nephews, Hank and Isaac and my sister, Andrea)

I've been tagged!!

As I have shared in a previous post, I really had no idea what to expect as I started my blog and etsy shop. I thought it would be a fun place to share my thoughts and to show some of the projects that I have completed. I did not expect that I would meet so many wonderful people through this blogging process. I have been chatting with some of these new friends on line, reading their blogs and admiring their beautiful art. My blog has connected me with friends from all over the country that I would never have had the opportunity to meet. Deborah from http://starrynightimpressions.blogspot.com/ is one of these new friends. Deborah's esty shop is filled with wonderful French vintage inspired treasures. Stop by for a visit you will be so glad that you did!! So my new friend Deborah has tagged me. What does that mean you ask. Well here are the rules....

1. First I am to let you know what the rules are :)

2. I am to let you know who tagged me and link to her blog

3. Now for the hard part... I am to share 7 facts about myself on my blog, some random,

some weird. I have done some silly and weird things in my life time. I just have to decide

which ones I want the world to know about. :)

4. Next I am to tag 7 people at the end of this post by leaving their names as well as a link to

their blogs. So look out all my blogging friends---you could be next :)

5. The last rule is to notify who I have tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Well here we go with my 7 random facts about me........

1. I have absolutely no musical ability. When my son was a baby I would sing him lullaby's. He would fall to sleep so quickly probably because he didn't want to hear me sing. Oh and by the way my dancing skills are just as wonderful. I have been described as "having no rhythm" You will not be seeing me on Dancing with the Stars :)

2. I am afraid of high places. Even if I am watching a movie and the scene is taking place high in the air, my stomach gets butterflies.

3. When I was a little girl, I knocked both of my front teeth out within a weeks time. One came out while I was jumping on the bed. I missed the bed and jumped right into my dresser. (how many times did my mother tell me not to jump on the bed---I guess she was right) The other lone tooth got caught in the swing chain and opps came right out. I had to wear a set of false teeth for a while so my other teeth would come in correctly. Here is a picture just for fun of my lovely false teeth.

4. My teenage idol was Scott Baio. Oh did I love him. I can remember writing Mimi Baio all over my notebooks. YIKES

5. The summer I turned 16, my sister talked me into going on a wilderness adventure to Blackwater Falls West Virginia with our church youth group. We were gone for 10 days and carried everything we needed in our backpacks. I slept under a tarp, ate spam, went caving, and even repelled off of a 90 foot cliff. Imagine how that was with my fear of heights :)

Not something this girl is ever going to do again!!! Glad I have these pictures to prove that I did it.

6. I do not like to drive on major highways. I will travel 40 miles out of my way just so I don't have to drive next to a trailer truck. I know all the back ways to all of my favorite places. These days with the price of gas I may have to be brave and take the more direct route.

7. I have watched the movie Ever After a Cinderella story with Drew Barrymore about 50 times. Whenever I am working in my craft room I love to have it on as I create. My friend Joyce says I listen to that like other people listen to the radio:) If you have never seen this movie before, rent it you will love it.

Well there you have it 7 random facts about me. I hope they gave you a smile.

Now let me see who I will tag........

http://scrapforjoy.blogspot.com/ my wonderful friend Joyce

http://www.sweetbellabug.blogspot.com/ another wonderful friend Bethany

http://scrappycatsx3.blogspot.com/ yet another special friend Michele

http://catnapcottage.blogspot.com/ my new friend Cindy made through etsy and blogging

http://www.southernladyvintage.blogspot.com/ another friend Barbara made because of etsy and blogging

http://countryfrogcreations.blogspot.com/ a wonderful scrapbooking friend Bev

http://therosecottage.blogspot.com/ yet another friend Lyn all because of etsy and our blogs

Tag you are it ladies. I can't wait to read your random facts :)

Don't forget to REMEMBER

Each year as the month of May comes to a close, there is one special weekend bursting with activity. Picnics with family, swimming pools will open for the summer season, greenhouses are busy selling flowers to be planted, summer cabins will be opened and freshened for another season, boats will be readied and taken to open waters, oh and so much yard work to complete--mulching, mowing, planting. Well this weekend is here---Memorial Day Weekend. In this fast passed world that we now live in, let us take a few minutes to really remember what this weekend is all about. Yes it is all of those for mentioned things and yes it is an extra day off from the office, but it is also time to remember our soldiers. Those who are serving, have served, and have given their lives for our country and our freedom. Such sacrifices these men and women have made as well as their families. So as we are enjoying all of those wonderful activities, please don't forget to remember our soldiers and their families. Pray for those currently serving to return safely to their loved ones, pray for those families who have given the ultimate sacrifice of theirs and don't forget to say thank you to those who have protected our freedom. As I close this post I want to share with you a poem that simply touches my heart and reminds me how blessed I am to have my freedoms. How thankful I am for our soldiers and their families.

Who's Got Your Back

I am a small and precious child

my dad's been sent to fight,

The only place I'll see his face

is in my dream at night.

He will be gone too many days

for my young mind to keep track,

I may be sad, but I am proud

My daddy's got your back.

I am a caring mother

my son has gone to war,

My mind is filled with worries

that I have never known before.

Everyday I try to keep

my thoughts from turning black,

I may be scared, but I am proud

My son has got your back.

I am a strong and loving wife

with a husband who had to go,

There are times I'm terrified

in a way most never know.

I bite my lip and force a smile

as I watch my husband pack,

My heart may break, but I am proud

My husband's got your back.

I am a soldier

serving proudly, standing tall,

I fight for freedom, yours and mine

by answering this call.

I do my job while knowing

the thanks it sometimes lacks,

Say a prayer that I'll come home

It's me who's got your back.

Happy Memorial Day and please don't forget to REMEMBER.

The Art of Repurposing

What in the world is repurposing you ask?? Well I define it as taking an object with it's original purpose and using it for something entirely different giving it a new purpose. You may have repurposed items all around your home without even realizing it. The laundry basket used to store toys, a pretty mug used to hold pencils by the phone, or empty baby food jars used to organize nuts and bolts in the garage. All good examples of repurposed items. Items for repurposing can be found just about anywhere. They can be new items or previously used items. I must admit I have been known to rescue items from the certain demise of the garbage man. I call these items curb-side treasures :) To master the art of repurposing you must "think outside the box". Well that's how my family refers to me anyway. When I look at an item I think about what it would look like with a fresh coat of white paint, or how I could use this item for unique storage or what would this item look like in the garden? It helps to give new purpose to things. Are you still confused ? Let me show you a few examples from around my home.......

First let's visit my garden.A bucket that once held coal now holds a pretty flower.

An old worn out shutter makes a nice background for a cheerful potted flower.

An old locker basket is now the new home for a happy geranium.

I have lots of repurposed items inside my home as well. Here are just a few of my favorites.

When I saw this old fan blade guard I just fell in love with it's charm. I wasn't sure what I would do with this little treasure but since it was only a quarter I scooped it right up. After I got it home I realized what a wonderful towel rack it would make hanging on my little red table in the kitchen.
















This was a real find at a local flea market. It's original purpose was to display bags of chips for sale at a grocery store. I thought it would be perfect to display some of my favorite vintage photos of my family.

I love to repurpose items in my craft studio as well.

I have always loved the look of these old flower frogs.
I have quite a collection of them. This one found it's way to my scrapbook table and is the perfect thing to hold all of my pencils and pens.










I just recently added this repurposed item. When I came home with this my family just shook their heads. I told them not to worry I had the perfect plan for this treasure. What is it you ask...well it is the springs of a baby crib (painted that pretty shade of blue that I love) It is the perfect way to store all of my die-cuts. I purchased some little "S" hooks for them to hang on---now I can easily see what I have and it makes them so accessible.


I found this sweet little salt shaker at an estate sale recently. I really loved the way the glass was cut. I use salt shakers in my craft studio to store my glitter, but this one is so pretty I thought it would make the ideal vase for those dainty flowers growing in my garden right now.

As you can see, it is so much fun to repurpose items. Just use your imagination and "think outside the box". You will be amazed at how once that was headed for the trash will now become one of your prized treasures. Have fun and Happy treasure hunting :)