simplegifts

trying to get the photo color right...

I Love America - A.D.

I live in a great country, America. It is a free land to worship God. Abe made the north and  south together. George was first in war and first in peace. I like America, a great land. -A.D.

Alan wrote the above at school. He received a Punctuation Champ certificate and I have to agree! Proud Mom.

heartsy

Happy Valentine's Day.

lovely love

{ Lighting is off today. Very cloudy, cold, dark outside.}

 

"Look Mommy, True Love."   {Alan's hand.}

I have not painted anything in a very long time. Maybe over a year? I can't remember. I started this bird long ago and pulled it out on Saturday and this happened. I like her.  The colors are so much better in person.

Ribbit.

Daniel made it. Honest. ;o) I found some inspiration on Pinterest, however what I thought was a frog box was really a monster box so I guess this makes it an original. Lol. He brought home a cereal box from school. We downsized to a cracker box, turned inside out and painted green. I did use some unsightly packaging tape to put it back together, but I don't care and neither did he. Had the googly eyes, found a fly clip art for his tongue.  The End.

1927

Early this morning we walked a few blocks over to look at a house. 

I've loved this house for quite some time. I kinda have a thing for loving houses. I've never been inside it. It's on the market for super.cheap. SUPER.CHEAP.  It's the cutest dump I've ever laid eyes on. Dump = way more work than we can do/afford to get it habitable.  If someone had the time/money to do it, the.house.would.gleam. Glimmer. Shine. It is such a wonderful home. I bet in 1927 it was gorgeous.

I wish I could have it and fix it up. We could practically own it, if we could sell our house and get what we think is a fair price.

Investors are descending on it in droves and that just hurts my little heart.

This home is on my walking route. I'd paint it yellow with white trim, and a RED door.  The shutters are green as is the roof. I'd keep that.

STAIRS! eek. These would be painted. The risers ...is that the word?... would be painted different colors and the tops white. A nice gleeming glossy white.

Hello. The cutest mural in the dining area ever. I'd keep this. I'd find a way to make it work because it is just plain fun. Love it!

With the estate boxes. I think it's pretty.

There are some chandeliers/sconces that are very foo foo which are not me, but I'd put them somewhere ...maybe over the stairs?

Doozy Dump needs:  foundation repairs, huge plumbing repairs--its a lake under the house, gas line repairs, central heat and air, ceiling repairs--big hole and sags from animal infestation, new windows, wood siding repairs--has gaping holes. All this to get it somewhat liveable. Then! All nasty carpet ripped out, update kitchen, update upstairs bath but keep claw foot tub, tons of painting, cleaning every surface, lighting, fencing, major yard work in the backyard, repairs to 'garage'... way too much for us to do...$60,000+ if not more just to get it put back together.

4 bedroom 2 bath 2700 sq feet $75,000. That's what lured us in. Space for the seven of us!

It was a fun look.

To Reinstate.

 

When I hit the delete button...on purpose...to joyful life, I did remove lots of photos that I treasure. Photos of people, places, and craft that I love. Sometimes that "joyful life" really sucker punched me...because, well, I guess I am not always filled with joy. Which I desire but do not always possess. Truth be told, people. I needed a big honkin change. Whether or not I am living a joy filled life at the moment, I surely can find thanksgiving. Hence, "simple gifts". I just had to do it. And I am seriously glad I did.

Gah. Ok. So I am going to reinstate some of the photos that were lost to my fresh start that I'd love to keep.

First up, EMBROIDERY! Who knew?! I love it!! Most especially designers Alicia Paulson, and Pam Garrison. Those two ladies of craft rock it for me. I love every.little.thing. they make. All of it. I find tons of inspiration in their blogs, homes...any glimplse of their world they show us.

 

You Are Loved. Pam Garrison

 

Happy Day. Pam Garrison

DaisyChain Sampler. Alicia Paulson. I've stitched this on a khaki color, and this kona grey (not sure of the exact name). I truly love it on grey. Truly Scrumptious, It's truly truly scrumptious...do you ever think of that song from Chitty when you hear or see the word truly? I do. All the time. I usually want to break out in song, but I hold back. Unless I'm at home. Then I might. I'm werid like that.

Scrumptious as a cherry peach parfait... I cannot be the only one who does this?

This is still in the basket to make, too. It's mine. But more "personal" since these are the colors of Uganda. They.so.are. In due time.

floss .  fabric .  babies who require samplers  .  families who require lots of embroidered pillows, namely ours  .   colors of uganda  .   simple gifts  .  and joy, joy is good  .

spring walkabout

I took my new camera for a walk around the neighborhood yesterday. Spring is springing, people. Not quite ready for it, but I'll adjust.

Isn't this fantastic?! Those are Stock buds. They're so g r e e n. It's very soothing.

Jemima Kitty. Golly gosh if she is not the most fantastic love muffin of a kitten, not to mention crAzY. Her little expectant eyes crack me up. She's up for anything, I tell ya.

Salvia in a pot out back. Just this one lone stalk + bloom is left of my bushy blue plant from  summertime. Love.

Old rose. Love.

Trying to decide on the next banner. And. Teeny daffodils! I think that's what these are. Anyway, quintesencial spring flower. Period. I like them.

Baby fly on jade.

The Chub. Our 20+ pounder.

8 things

* kitties that pose
* dead yard
* Ephesians
* my One Year Bible
* Di Giorno pizza when chicken and dumplings goes horribly wrong
* reworked chicken soup for tomorrow
* laughter as a family
* sick days

fresh start

Welcome to Simple Gifts. 

* clementines
* sunshine
* crisp breeze
* son home sick
* open Bible
* water
* clean clothes
* His indescribable gift.

Come back, if you like.