Follow The Star.....

Every year about this time, I try to write a poem. I have been neglectful of this task the last 2 years. But, here it is for this year. I hope you enjoy it.

I always try to get back to the TRUE meaning of this beautiful season....

Merry Christmas

Kitty

Follow The Star....

I woke at five, jumped out of bed
I’m late, I’m late, I loudly said!
I’ve got to run, just do the hair
Throw on the clothes, oh gosh, a tear!

Grab a mug and poor some jo
Grab the ads, thrown to and fro!
Coupons laid beside the purse
I have to hurry to be the first!

Racing to get down to the mall
I plan to make a great big haul!
Elbow to elbow, we stand in line
The doors swing open and search the signs!

Oh, there it is, the video games
Grab one of those, it’s the right name!
A barbie for Heather; a game for Rose
An empty bin – I just about froze!

Where’s the stock I saw in the ads
What do you mean – the paint was bad!
What will I do without the right gifts
Oh my goodness, the kids will be miffed!

I’m wasting such time
Can’t wait in line
I ran out the door, and onto the next store
I got in the car, OH what a bore!

The car raced ahead, but not too far
Day turned to night, and I saw the first star
I suddenly stopped and stared at the light
I thought to myself, why put up a fight.

This time was not meant for money and strife
This time was not meant for all this hype.
I slowed my breathing and closed my eyes
Searching my memory, I then realized

This Christmas is sacred, so pure, full of love
The Christ Child, OUR SAVIOUR, HE sent from above
My heart filled with gladness, I took a deep sigh
That star, still above me, in heaven, on high.

The birth of our Saviour, so pure and so sweet
The wise men and shepherds and angels did greet
Such simple reminders, such simple regard
Just sit and remember, it isn’t so hard.

So when you are rushing and toiling about
Your heart is pounding and you have some doubt
Remember the birth of the baby that night
Praise, God, Hallelujah, HE gave us this light!

It's Time For The Prom!

It's PROM Time!

Hosted by the lovely Natasha (http://www.natashaburns@blogspot.com) at Natasha Burns Creations. Natasha is going to give us alot of info on who is "Going to the Prom" today! Stop by and see her blog! It should be fun dropping by to see "What Everyone Is Wearing"!

I couldn't decide what to wear, so I've decided to let you all help me decide. I've started off with this "GORGEOUS" 50's prom gown. Studded rhinestone bodice, strapless, with loads and loads of white tulle. I'd say you'd have to have a teeny-tiny waist for all of this tulle! But I just love it! Since it's so near Christmas, I'm thinking of this as a Christmas prom!



This B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L Prom Gown is from the 40's. Soft as a baby's skin. Doesn't this just scream romantic and ALL GIRL! The neckline drapes with the softest pink ruffles I've ever seen. Waisted with an overskirt of ruffled fabric. This is not tulle, not sure what it is, but it is just gorgeous! Brigette Claudette, my mannequin is also sporting some rhinestone jewelry. Forgot to get a closeup of that, but just enlarge the pictures....

Just as add'l info, this is the corner of my bedroom (still working on the bedroom). The screen I found at a local antiques fair Heather and I attend. I've gathered two crinoline skirts on one side and on the other side is a child's bridesmaid dress or confirmation dress? Not sure. But, adorable with the veil.

Needless to say my round suitcases come in handy to hide all the "unsightlies". Jammed with creative paraphanelia!

And what girl goes to the prom without shoes? I found these vintage Saks Fifth Avenue shoes at a local antique store. Sorry about the light in the pictures. Best I could do late last night. They are clear vinyl with rhinestone bows. There are also rhinestones embedded in the heels! Don't you just love them. So absolutely romantic!

Well girls, can't wait to see what you all are wearing to the prom. Hope you have a fun day! I'll be stopping by!

Kitty

Let not your hearts be troubled.....

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
—John 14:1-3

As many of you probably now know, my Dad passed away on October 19th. He was 75 years old. He and my mother were married for 57 years. I miss him very much. In tribute to my Dad, I thought I'd give you a brief synopsis of his life......

My Dad came from a poor family. His Father was a "lineman" and his job was to string power lines. Due to the nature of his job, he moved his family constantly. Dad was in 13 schools in 12 years. Needless to say, he did not get the best education.

When Dad was 17, his Father moved them to "Snow Shoe", way up in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania, near State College. He met my Mother and fell in love. When his Father's job was finished there, he told his Father he was not moving again, and a store owner allowed my Dad to sleep on a cot in the back of his store, all the while, my Dad attended high school. Dad was a Junior in high school at this point, and despite his small stature, was a dynamite football and basketball player. My Mother was a cheerleader and must have been smitten. My Mother graduated that year and Dad still had another year to go. But after Mom graduated, she and Dad got in the car and drove to Butler, PA, where my Dad's family was currently residing.

At this point in his life, he and my Mother decided to get married, so Mom sent home to Snow Shoe for the necessary paper work to get their marriage license. My Mother was raised Catholic and my Dad was Protestant. They were married by a Justice of the Peace, but it wasn't long until my Mother was crying every day until they were married by her priest. Needless to say, they took the long ride back to Snow Shoe to be married. Dad said he only had $5 in his pocket to pay the Priest, but the Priest accepted that and married them. My Mother's tears stopped flowing.

There was much moving around for them for the next 10 years; and three children later, they ended up living in New Brighton, PA. It was about the age of 30 that my Dad gave his life to the Lord. He was a changed man. He was 32 when he felt called to the ministry.

He and my Mother spent the next 20 years serving the Lord. You could call my Dad more of a "country minister", as he ministered to alot of country people. There were no big, stained-glass churches for him. Just simple little churches with families that needed him. He was happy to do the Lord's work.

At the age of 52, Dad decided to retire from the ministry and went back to working as an electrician, which is the type of work he did before he entered the ministry. It wasn't long before Dad began working for a young contractor who had a family. Dad's ministry never ended when he left the church. He ministered to this young man and many others on the job. Bringing many to the Lord. The construction work-place was his new church.

Dad did not waste an opportunity ministering for his Lord. He quietly spoke of his love for the Lord and was always ready to speak to those in need.

I know this story isn't dramatic. This is just a story of one humble man who used his time here on earth to make a difference in people's lives. This is the story of my Dad.

As many of you probably read on Heather's post, his favorite song was

"On the Wings of A Snow White Dove".

Here's the entire lyrics:

On the wings of a snow-white dove

He sends His pure sweet love

A sign from above

On the wings of a dove

When troubles surround us,

when evils come

The body grows weak

The spirit grows numb

When these things beset us,

He doesn't forget us

He sends down His love

On the wings of a dove

When Noah had drifted on the flood many days

He searched for land In various ways

Troubles, he had some but wasn't forgotten

He sent him His love

On the wings of a dove

Ferlin Husky (peak Billboard position # 1 for 10 weeks in 1960)

Words and Music by Robert B. Ferguson

Happy Halloween!!

I thougt since it was into October now (well, just a bit!), I'd share some pictures of my little front porch all decorated for halloween! I like just a few pumpkin lights strung about, and of course, my big scary pumpkin on my vintage post. My Mom, who is recovering from a small stroke, put together a wreath for my front door, and just behind my white railing, I have a black bench with a potted mum on it.

I still like to sit out here since it's been so warm and just have a morning cup of coffee. It's a cozy little corner.


Well, I didn't realize how fuzzy my cornstalk picture turned out, but since it's dark now, it'll have to do! LOL! I always put cornstalks around my bell pole and gather pumpkins at the base. This year I wrapped some orange lights around it. Just a little bit more festive that way. The pumpkins are half real and half "Michael's" fake! Love those fake pumpkins.

I stuck this scarecrow in a white urn I just got on clearance from Michaels. His side kick, the black cat, and the scary halloween tree complete the picture in my dry sink. I took some fliers that came in the newspaper and put them through the shredder to make my "Spooky grass" for the tree and urn.

It's still warm here in Pennsylvania. The temps are above normal. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I will be happy when it cools off a bit! Happy Halloween everyone!

Kitty

Karla's "What do you LOVE about your Home" Romantic Country Party!!

Well, to keep it simple ladies, I guess I'd have to say I love alot of my chandeliers and lighting in my home. This little beauty hangs in my small bay window in my dining room. My home is not very large, and all the beautiful lighting makes it very very cozy. Love those glass amber tear drops hanging from the lamp. This lamp looks particularly nice in the fall when the colors are just right for it and the days get shorter.


I know this isn't a light or lamp, but I had to throw it in as it reflects my dining room chandelier and my overhead light. This mirror belonged to my grandmother and hangs in what I call my "Front Room".
Isn't she a beauty? I looked for years for this overhead stained glass light. She's the perfect touch to my "Front Room".

This was one of the first stained glass lamps I purchased. Love it. It too sits in my front room. I almost knocked it off the other day while cleaning. UGH!

I couldn't get a great shot of my dining room chandelier, but I just LOVE this light. It's not over loaded with the crystal drops, but just enough for my taste.

Well ladies, this is one "category" of things I love about my home. I can't wait to see what all of you other ladies have posted today. Have fun and thanks for stopping by. OH, and by the way, Karla, thanks for hosting this lovely party!

Kitty

Artful Creations - What Fun!

It's been a busy summer for me, as I'm sure all of you will agree. So, taking the time to sit and create some lovelies has been challenging. With working full time, having time to enjoy the grandbabies and helping my parents, I've squeaked out a little time to bring you my newest creations.

Heather, my daughter from Pretty Petals Boutique , has listed in her boutique, a few items I have created over the last while. I'm so very excited to bring you two of my Romantic Lady Boxes - Rose and Rebecca.

Rose is the first, and dare I say, a dream to see. She has been created on a box of seaglass blue and glittered just enough here and there. Vintage lace has been used to embellish along with those gorgeous paper roses. The ultimate touch for Rose is a rhinestone necklace and earring. You have to hurry if you want her, there's only one!

A small pink veil covers the vintage lace on the bottom of the box:

Now Rebecca is the shy one. That romantic glance over her shoulder is just too beautiful! A glistening background of the lightest pink glitter and that fabulous glass glitter that Heather is selling in her boutique surrounds her portrait. A vintage bauble on her hat and the cutest little pink pom-poms adorns the edge of the lid.

I was so taken with Heather's WISH Banners that I just had to try an aqua/turquoise JOY banner. It is the prettiest of blues! The tulle hangs so gracefully, combined with two colors of coordinating ribbon. The letters are glittered with a high-end glitter that sparkles like diamonds. The vintage white millinery flowers add the most delicate touch. Hop on over to Heather's boutique and take another glance. I think you'll love it!








Well, ladies, I'm off to get supper on the table. We've had a busy weekend. The grandbabies were over and my son-in-law's birthday was yesterday, so I had a dinner. My parents are coming over now to have supper with us. The weather is gorgeous and oh yes, I got my cornstalks and pumpkins around my bell pole! I'm decorated for halloween and will try to get a post out soon. So have a wonderful evening. Talk to you all real soon!

Kitty

The Name Game

I was tagged by my daughter, Heather, Pretty Petals Boutique, for the name game. I have been a bit slow about posting this as I have a rather long middle name, Laraine, 7 letters. I had to get my thoughts together.

Here's the rules: List one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name. If you don't have a middle name, use the name you would have liked to have had. Then tag a person for each letter of your name. I'm thinking this has gone around quite a bit through blog land, so I'm going to just say, let's all play! Leave your "facts" on your blog and let me know. I'd love to read what you all have to say!

L - Lattes - Well??? I know that's kind of lame for a start, but I really, really love latte's. Skim please (so I save about 100 calories for a grande!) Stay away from the bakery case!

A - Animals - I so love animals. My dog "Lady" is such a sweetheart! She brings such joy to me. She's a shepherd/doberman/lab mix. And like I've said in my profile, she just doesn't know she's big! If any of you have a lab, you know how she loves to play ball! (Not that she gives it back to you!). I've owned many cats in the past and love them to pieces. Had birds when I was a child, and also a guinea pig. When Heather was little we had a hamster named "Zippy".

R - Reading - I love to read. I'm reading an older book right now called "Coming Home" by Rosamund Pilcher. Love all her books. Very English. It's pretty sad when you're re-reading a book and you say, I don't remember reading this (many times!)!

A - Aunt Aggie - That's my Mom's middle sister. She is the one that came up with my name. She lives in the middle of Pennsylania, up in the Allegheny Mountains. Has a garden and raises different sorts of animals and is "the life of the party"! Thank you Aunt Aggie.

I - Icicle - OK I had a hard time with this letter. It was between this and ice cream. But, I truly love when those huge icicles hang off the roof line in the winter and the sun comes out and they shine just like diamonds! (If it was ice cream - I'd like a scoop of Chocolate Turtle please! Cake cone for me)

N - Nursery for plants - I LOVE going to a plant nursery and looking at all of the glorious plants and deciding what can live on its own after considerable first year care. My rule is, you get nurtured the first year and then you are mostly on your own. So, I have to pick carefully! LOL! OK, I do feed them!

E - Eating Out - I love nothing more than going out for a good meal in a nice restaurant. One of my favorite places around here where I live is "The Cheesecake Factory". It's "Spicy Cashew Chicken" for me! You've gotta try their hot fudge sundae! (I know! - how do you go to the Cheesecake Factory and not get cheesecake??) Runner up is a great steak at the "Longhorn Steak House".

Well, I've done my best here. This was tougher than I thought. Hope you all have a wonderful day and I'll be talking to you soon...

Kitty

Behind the Scenes....

I had to take pictures of all of my "stuff" that I use to create (or should I say a small portion of my stuff) (LOL!). Since I am a "newbie" to this whole creating business (at least this paper creating), I am amazed at all of the "stuff" one can accumulate. I thought you might appreciate the vinyl placemat I use to glue on. It belonged to the oldest grandson who is now 13. I just don't think he'll need it any longer. The little one still has his placemat, so there won't be a problem. Try as I might to be organized about the whole matter, I keep going to another room to bring more supplies to the area where I am creating. Of course, I create on the dining room table. My husband and I are empty nesters, so we eat on TV trays in front of the TV most of the time with something that we taped from the TV the night before. I know this sounds all wrong. But trust me, after working all day at a full-time job, this small thing is heaven! Of course now I am digressing, so back to the point of the post. All of the supplies get scattered over the table (I cleaned up a bit in this picture) and then finally I get frustrated and stuff gets jammed into a box (or 2 or 3!).

I see all those beautiful art studios in books and on some of your blogs and would like to share the beginning of that process with you. Now don't look away, I know it is ugly! LOL! This cupboard below is an old kitchen cupboard I picked up at an antique store that was going out of business. I liked it because the bottom was very deep and the top had glass panes. It has a pull out board that I suppose was used to bake?? The board retracts back against the back of the cupboard when not in use. I thought I might be able to contain my creative chaos into such a cupboard. Yeah, right!


So now I'm thinking, OK, this is a start. We'll see what fits in this once it has been painted (which I'm hoping is soon so this is the before picture). My house is small, so I can't dedicate any one space to the on-going expansion of the creative mind! So, the computer's in one place, the cupboard will be in another, with most of my supplies, I hope. But, we'll see how it goes. I'll keep you all posted.

Happy creating!

Kitty

Joyful Mish Mush

Hope you all have been doing well. I can't believe we are at the end of summer and facing Labor Day. The grandbabies are back in school as of today. The little one is going to Kindergarten. This is a big deal with riding the bus and all. The big one is 13 now. Where did the time go? They're growing up so fast! Love them to pieces!

I put my Flickr photo on last night. I hope to add lots more pictures for you all to enjoy

For this post, I thought I'd share some of my hat pins with you and other pretties at the bottom of the post. These are just an assortment of the black hat pins. Some are wood, some are stones with rhinestones and some sequins.

A little look at my hat pin holders. The one in front (better picture later) I got from a lady in Cape May who handpainted these and other lovelies. I'm not a rose painter, but I've always admired her work. she did the sweetest little business card holders as well.

Love those old shakers for the pins! Aren't they gorgeous! They look so pretty with the tall hat pin holder.

I've not always loved it, but Amber seems to be one of my new favorite colors. Maybe it's fall approaching?? But I love the depth of the color...

Amythest and pink glass. Love those 2 shades. They're so romantic and girly....

This is my first box creation. I worked with old wallpaper (which can be challenging). Don't look too closely as you'll see my mistakes. But, for a first attempt, I'm happy with the way it looks. A spray of ribbon roses on the left and a cluster of vintage buttons. Loved the little girl in the Acme Soap ad with her apron full of posies... Dark haired girls always remind me of my lovely daughter, Heather.

I put a little velvet ribbon inside to cover up the seams and used tiny pink rhinestone buttons in the corners. I had some difficulty deciding what to do with the inside lid. But, all-in-all, I am happy with the results.

Now these beautiful things I bought from Rhea. You all might remember her "Cherish" box that she sold a while back. I snatched it up quite quickly! Love it. Here's the contents. Lovely tags and Christmas tags and a hand painted shell and button and a little hankie. Oh, don't forget that sweet ballerina!
Don't ya just love this little girl on the box! She's just so sweet! Rhea is so talented! Love her stuff!

I loved the box contents so much I asked Rhea to paint me some shells and buttons. Originally I thought of them as gifts, but can I part with them? Oh, I don't know!?!?


Well, that's my post for today ladies. Hope you like the pictures. It's always nice to look at lovely things to inspire and just to take the blood pressure down a notch! Have a wonderful day!

Kitty