All the joy $3.35 can buy.  More .79 primula from Home Depot.

Well come on, not everything can be white!  A heads up, I just listed the last two heart and home pillows in etsy.  I'm moving on to other things.  Cleaning house today, it was distractingly messy!  Packed up the remaining winter decor that was still tucked here and there in corners. Now I am making soup (Chicken noodle and Potato and Leek soup from Julia Childs cookbook) for a Church dinner tomorrow. It smells so good cooking! Then a trip to Borders is planned and a movie on the sofa later.  A full day and a good one.  I hope you all have a fun and full weekend too!

White Wednesday

My friend Rhondi over at Rose Colored Glasses is having a White Wednesday party.

I think I have mentioned how this time of year I crave a bit of white in my home.  It is so calming and bright. I am sure it is the brightness, more than anything that I appreciate.  It is so often gloomy in Michigan in January.

I found these beautiful creamy white primroses at Home Depot for 79 cents last week. I wanted to load up my cart but I had some self control and only bought three.

They just glow in the sunshine, and even when it is dark, they are a bright spot in my home.

I think I found these little birds at a yard sale. cheep. lol:>)  The fine embroidered lawn tablecloth came in a bag of vintage linens from my Aunt Sharon.  It is crisp and so delicate you can see through it.  I love how the embroidery adds a little texture in such a pretty way. The tureen was a gift from a friend who knew I would enjoy it. It doesn't have a lid but that means it is perfect for displaying plants and other things around the house.  I appreciate the crackly finish and the aged white. 

I wanted to say thank you to everyone who has purchased a heart from my etsy shop. I am slowly getting around to making more. Anyone else have time management issues?  I know I do.  I appreciate everyone who visits, each comment, each new follower.  It is a constant amazement to me that my ramblings draw any interest at all.  I thank you humbly for your interest and friendship!

January is almost over, I am so thankful for that!  Christina at Soul Aperture is having a link party and encouraging everyone to think about the simple things in life that bring us joy.  What are some of my simple joys?

Every ray of warm sunshine that peeks from behind the clouds. 

 Flowers, fresh air, the hope of Spring. 

A hot cup of coffee on a cold day.

The feel and smell of a babys  buttery soft skin.

A soft warm bed at night, with fresh sheets!

A cuddle from my daughters.

My husbands warm arms around me.

The sound of leaves in a gentle breeze.

Soft grass beneath my feet. (Can you tell I need some spring?)

All such simple things that mean so much to me.  Hop over and say hello and maybe join the party.  We all have so many things to be thankful for! And don't forget to visit Rhondi and say hello. She is another lady who believes in thankfulness:>), just one of the many things I appreciate about her.  I hope you are all able to find some sunshine today. Thanks for stopping by!

I've been working on a few hearts for etsy. This burlap beauty with a chocolate brown velvet ribbon hanger is one of my favorites, but there's a little something for everyone.  To hang on a peg, a chair, a bedpost.  A little token of affection for Valentine's day for someone you love, or for yourself.  For my blog  friends only, I'll wrap it up pretty and send it directly to a loved one, no extra charge. Just convo me and let me know where to send it and what message I should include:>)

A bit of blessed sunshine today and I can show you the table runner I made from the oops squares left over from the girls quilts. What? You've never heard of oops squares? :>) Remember, I am a pretty good seamstress but this was my first time making quilt squares. Real pieced quilt squares. So I had a few that weren't square at all. I was able to salvage them by cutting them down in size and by not expecting perfection. I let myself off that hook.  And I love the runner. It is bright and cheerful even if it isn't in the colors I usually sew with. Can you believe there is no red? That's next on my project list, a quilt and maybe a runner that better matches my dining room.

I sent the girls quilts out to the quilter Saturday, I am so excited to get them finished and in their hands.  It should be 3-4 weeks and I can't wait to get them back so I can bind them. It has been a long process, and the girls have been so patient! The runner gives them an idea of what their quilts will look like:>)

Can you see the little bit of green outside? It is supposed to be in the 40's this weekend (oh happy day!) I suppose winter will return eventually but these little warm ups and sunshine sure make it easier to endure. 

Got it! The compact flash came in the mail and I have been noodling around with it just a little. The cold white days of January may be a time for new beginnings but it seems to also be a time when I just can't seem to motivate myself to do anything. The weather has been slightly warmer but grey, and grey just saps my energy.  And it's Tuesday already! How did that happen?   I am trying to get sewing done but once the sun dips below the horizon I just can't do anything but count the hours until bedtime. Now you know why winter is not my favorite time of year. But each day is a nanosecond longer and eventually I know I will see the sun again. Right now I'm getting ready to leave for work. I just wanted you to know I'm alive. Sleepy, but alive:>)