birthday day!

Happy Birthday, Grandma and Papa!

Grandma is my Mom, Papa is Jason's Dad, my father-in-law.

We party together every year on or near November 9th. It's the right thing to do!

Cake. Ice cream. Coffee.

Yes, we did make dinner, but that isn't what we gather for. We come together for cake!

Yes, my Dad was there, but it wasn't his birthday and I have room for only so many pictures...you're OUT, Dad...



...because I just had to include this photo of the very spoiled grand-dog.

Do you think we should fit her for braces? She does have Pa's (my Dad) underbite...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

happy days!

Perhaps it's safe to feel like Fall is finally here in Florida. The past few days have been glorious, temperatures in the low to mid seventies, beautiful breezes, lovely sunshine and absolutely no humidity. We've been sleeping with our windows open, relishing the crisp night air. Walking outside is joyful, no instantaneous sweat pouring down one's back...just pretty, sunshiney weather.

Here's to hoping that the hot, humid days are behind us and cooler days are waiting to greet us. Oh, I know that some hot days are certain to rear their ugly heads and I'll be sure to complain and rail against them.

But for now, I am basking in the cooler, refreshing breezes and looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Where do you live and what's your weather like?

oops! I did it again...

After this fiasco, you'd think things would change. That I'd be more careful about leaving the house without triple-checking my appearance from head to toe.

At this juncture, I would like to blame two very dear people...my MOTHER and my SISTER-IN-LAW...

I spent the whole entire day with them, from 11 AM to 5PM.

We even had a lovely lunch together, sitting at a cozy table, laughing and looking at each other while chatting and eating.

You'd think, then, that they would inform me that the mascara on the lower lashes of my left eye was missing! One lopsided eye. My worst phobia, going out in public without makeup...

Discovered, 6:30 PM. Gee, thanks girls!

walk on by.

I've been busy decorating the outside of our house for Christmas. I think I did a pretty good job! And the snow that fell in Florida added a nice touch of whimsy, don't you agree?

A funny thing...I went grocery shopping yesterday (Sasquatch was hungry) and noticed that the other shoppers seemed to be acting particularly strange. One lady even kind of ran past me, like she was trying to get away from me. If it weren't for the fact that I was in Publix and there were no blue light announcements for shoppers to run to (remember those?), I'd think I was at K-Mart back in the '70's. People seemed to be looking at me in a strange kind of way...even the manager dude that was cashiering left right in the middle of scanning my groceries (Lisa took over for him). Then my bagger ran off to get "something" for another customer...odd, she usually insists on taking my groceries out to the car...

Maybe they were all acting strange because MY ZIPPER WAS DOWN THE ENTIRE TIME I WAS SHOPPING!!!

You know what? Years ago, that would have profoundly embarrassed me. But not anymore! Approaching the age of 50 leaves one with a "who cares- oh well" attitude.

I wonder if this is going to reflect poorly on our son...he works at that store.

games girls play.

She wanted these this morning, but she didn't get them...

...because she never finished this, from yesterday.

So now she's doing this, to punish me.

I know this game...sulk until you get what you want.

You know what? It works!

dash away!

Finished! The dear deer was just too dear...I had to share him with you. I trimmed just above the deer's head with pom-poms, then found the merry plaid fabric to complete the purse. If I don't sell it before, I'll be carrying it to mass this Christmas Eve...but let's hope it gets sold.

Tonight, I'm heading to Curves for a fun-filled evening. No, I'm not exercising. I'm setting up and selling my wearable wares. Let's hope I sell some stuff...I can then buy more fabric to make more stuff with! It's a vicious cycle!

Next...photos of my aprons.

and the beat goes on...

Apron #1: sexy, sassy
Apron #2: cute, cheeky

Not to mention those dress forms: they're FABULOUS...I'd love to get my hands on those beauties.

I didn't make these aprons (wish, desire, covet), they're the add-ons to my current apron craze. You can find a whole slew of expensive, I mean, adorable aprons at Anthropologie. On the cutting table: two more hostess aprons (waiting for photos) and two full aprons, waiting to be sewn up. Photos tomorrow, if the sunshine cooperates.

And what did you do today?

gettin' tanked!

This is a fuel tank and MacGyver's foot. He wrestled the tank to the ground, fully loaded. The tank was loaded, not MacGyver.

Here "we" are, removing the doo-hickey and getting ready to replace it with the thing-a-majig. Look at those hands...God gave those hands a lot of strength and knowledge.

MacGyver doesn't go anywhere or attempt any job without his arsenal of tools and wires. It just wouldn't be right!

This is the back of the truck in question. It belongs to our son, who had to go to work, leaving his dad to drop the fuel tank, remove the parts in question, replace with new parts and hoist that #$%@! back up into place and strap it back in, all by himself. I stood in as MacGyver's beautiful, yet clueless assistant, chattering his ear off and handing him the whatchacallit. My hand even got a little grease on it...

I had to leave this behind at my sewing machine. It's yet another apron.

But I tell ya, I wouldn't have traded my time spent sprawled out on the driveway, half under the truck with MacGyver. It was a perfect day! And yes, the truck is up and running...don't ever doubt MacGyver!

Hallelujah!

Little children disappear from the bosoms of their family. A young woman vanishes outside a concert hall. A Roman Catholic priest is viciously murdered. Devestated parents. Hearts ache. Citizens mourn. Communities cry.

In our despair, we cry out to Heaven and we know we are heard. In the midst of darkness, we feel the warmth of the Light. We turn to it, we cling, knowing it is our salvation, our hope. Because without that faith, we rot in evil.

"Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord, May all their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. In Jesus' name, Amen."

coffee, tea and...this!

As I stated yesterday, I'm currently fascinated with aprons. This is my answer to the flouncy apron pattern I've fallen in love with in my new apron book. And look! I forgot to add the pocket. Crikey, how did I forget to do that?! See, it's a good think I posted this, or I may have left off that darling pocket altogether! Note to self: add pocket!

What are you doing this weekend? My boys are going to watch the fights tonight at Sneaker's sports bar. I think I'll cozy up to my sewing machine and create!

coffee, tea and aren't these divine?

prons! My newest, latest, greatest obsession. I have a lot of those, don't I?

I found this book and though I already know how to make several of the featured patterns, there were a few that beckoned to me, called my name, taunted me.

Like this little number. Oh, it's so sexy! I believe there's a sheer overlay and that just piqued my curiosity. I get piqued on a lot. Don't pity me!

And this darling number, it's to die for! It has the most adorable flounce and ruffle, though it requires a good deal of binding. You know, binding and I are not great friends. We barely tolerate each other. It's because binding is independent and cheeky...it just doesn't know it's place!

Isn't this a demure little number? It 's beautiful. (I don't know why my photos didn't upload large, but I wasn't about to go back and start the whole process over. I'm lazy that way.) Just take my word that this is simply a beautiful pattern. The mustard fabric is silk...just what I choose to wear in preparing the evening dinner! I think the apron should be used as evening wear; don your stockings and heels and wear it as a skirt! I'm not sure what you'd do about the opening in the back, but these days, is that really an issue?

I'm hoping to take some photos of the aprons I've been making...but if they're bombs, you won't find any evidence of it here at It's A Wonderful..., because I'd have to rename the blog, "It's An Abomination..."

Have a fabulous weekend!

4th quarter finish.

No, it's not too early for Christmas! I am doing you a favor, gently reminding you that the season of Jolly, Peace and Noel is right around the corner. And what better reminder than two happy photos?

That snowman is heading somewhere, he's sitting in his suitcase! Snowmen are minimalists, they don't need a lot when they travel. Just a scarf, hat, mittens, boots and candy canes. I think I'd trade the candy canes for Kahlua, but hey, let's embrace our differences!


And here is a gaggle, a peck, a pride, a school of candy canes. Mmmmm, they're perfect!

Yesterday, I made my pilgrimage to the Olde Green Cupboard...if you live in Jacksonville, you really must go visit. The Ladies of the Cupboard are busy decorating the store, getting ready for Christmas. Entering the store is like walking into a vintage photograph, with beautiful and whimsical Christmas decorations greeting you at every turn. They have the best ornaments, lovely scented stuff, antique furniture pieces, tons (literally) of gorgeous fabrics...cookies, coffee, music and lots of laughter. Especially lots of laughter.

*Sigh* I love Gloria and her girls. They're sooooooo much fun! The OGC is like a brothel of all things wholesome and good. I aint lying.

ticket to ride.

There's a new ride in these parts. A ride that encourages drinking and driving, so who can resist?

That alone makes you want to go out and cut the grass! Hey, save some for me!

*FYI...those aren't my legs and feet! I have much cuter shoes...

soup du jour.

Those sisters are at it again! Today, they're offering this free downloadable design right here. There's nothing to it, just go and get it! Mindy, Randi, Donna, Trudy, Sandra...I think you girls would all love this design, so git, while the gittin' is good!

There was a crooked man

Who walked a crooked mile.

He found a crooked six pence

Against a crooked stile.

He bought a crooked cat

Who caught a crooked mouse,

And they all lived together

in a crooked little house.

On another note, my dear husband wrecked his back about two weeks ago. He's been walking all crooked and contorted-like. Think of the letter "S." That's what he looked like. You see, not only is he mechanically gifted, but he also thinks he's Superman. I won't bore you with the details, but he's doing much better, since he had a steroid-filled needle rammed into his spine. If I wake up one morning and he's green and all buff, I can't promise that I'll snap off a picture for you, but I'll try as I'm heading out the front door...

vintage memories.

I found this adorable blog & web site this morning...it's really just too adorable! If one were say, over the age of 45, one might remember graphics like these in the primary readers children used in school. Not that you should assume I'm over 45...that'd be ridiculous of you!

Look at this tough cowboy...those were the days little boys could play with toy guns. And little girls could, too. I know of a little girl who packed heat in her holster, with two pearl-handled toy pistols. Not that you should assume that I'm old enough to have been allowed to play with such toys. An era when little girls were encouraged to hone their God-given instincts, such as being the nurturer of a family and do sweet domestic chores, like baking pies. Prior to the days of buying your pie crusts already made and ready at the grocery store. I wasn't around during the Jurassic era, pie crusts have always been bought!

Now, this little web site is full of vintage charm. It has vintage toys, vintage books, even vintage party favors like my favorite vintage game, pin the tail on the donkey. Pssst....it's the same game I saw in my house as a child, but it must have belonged to one of my older brothers...I'm not old enough to have actually used it at one of my parties...but don't tell them I said that...

Go and visit this site and enter to win a $25 gift card. Take a joy ride back in time...and please, go visit the play kitchen section. I want that kitchen cupboard and Wolverine refrigerator.

Kitchen Commando!

I'm in an apron-making frenzy. I came across this fabric in my "generous" stash, and decided to try making some aprons to sell at market here in town. There's a large military presence in Jacksonville, so I thought that perhaps this apron might be fun. I gathered black tulle at the waistband and placed a modest ruffle at the hemline. This was the first apron, but I have several other ideas in mind for this fabric. Maybe some pom-pom fringe? Yes! I love that stuff!

Next up: a cute, cute pocket apron, I can't wait to finish it! It's a pretty wild fabric, but then again, I'm a wild, wild woman!

he came home with flowers.

Totally unexpected, wonderfully beautiful.
Happy Anniversary, Jason!

You are a blessing.

Thank you, God.

I'm all stitched up.

Meet my new friends, Twin Stitchers. They're twin sisters and best friends. I am completely obsessed with their designs, the simplicity and yet, utter genius and creativity of their work. Come, let's look at a few samples:

Yes, I can do that! Do what, you ask? I think I could stitch that and gobble 'til I wobble! I definitely can do the gobbling! This design, as well as several others, are offered as E-patterns, downloadable right into your trusty computer. Convenient and instant gratification, no waiting for the USPS!

Get a load of this charmer, Our Family Tree. That would make a great gift...countless gifts, in fact. You could stitch one for different branches of the family...get it? Different branches...as in, family tree. What did you just call me? Never mind.

My heart beats faster at the cuteness of this Sand Box Family. Once all the stitching is complete, you go back and color inside the stitching lines. Yes, I said "color" as in crayons. Yeah, I know, pretty darn stinkin' cute!

Head over to meet my new Twin Stitcher friends and take a look around. If you're into any kind of stitching craftery whatsoever, look out! Cute designs, prices that cost less than a hamburger with charm galore, you'll be back here swooning with me and congratulating me on my Nobel Peace Prize.

Now if I could only decide between the Gobble 'til You Wobble or the Happy Camper design...which do you think I should get?

Nobel Prize.

I'd like to interrupt this cute reindeer blog post to inform the blogging world that I have been named the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

I don't know why I was awarded this distinction. Perhaps I won for vacuuming the 1-foot dust from my blinds. Maybe it's because I drove my dad to his physical therapy session today. Or for baking my family a great frozen pizza for dinner.

I do so many noble deeds everyday, I'm sure I deserve this honorable distinction. But you know, having a child in the house brings me back to earth, he keeps it "real" for me. He said to me, "Mom, I realize you won the Nobel Peace Prize, but it is a three-day weekend and you promised that I could have a mind-blowing party for my high school friends this weekend." Kids, they just keep you grounded.

I promise you this prize won't go to my head.

Jason, bring the car around for me! I have interviews scheduled with the Island Dispatch!

signs of Christmas.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
And so begins my holiday sewing.

I love Christmas!