It's Raining, Praise the Lord

I hear the wonderful sound of rain and thunder outside.  I am so thankful to have rain falling on my beloved parched North East Texas.  After all the fires, this precious rain is such a welcome gift from God.

Fire, Fire, Fire Everywhere!

Labor Day, September 5, 2011 brought tragedy and heroism to my small community of Diana in the form of wild fires.  The winds from hurricane Lee battered the drought stricken trees of North East Texas, snapping them off like small twigs.  The broken tree branches were slammed by the wind into electric lines, breaking the lines and sending them tumbling to the ground.  When the electric lines hit the ground they sparked igniting the parched brown grasses on the ground.  The fire was alive and on the move then.  The fire traveled at a very fast pace because of the strong winds of hurricane Lee.  The volunteer fire department responded almost immediately and managed to save all by one home that was threatened.  The fire burned for several days and new fires broke out many times during the next few days.  The firefighters continues to do what was necessary to contain the fire and protect human life and property.  They are true heroes.  The members of the Diana community were quick to step up with donations of food, water, fuel, money and helping hands.  I am so proud to be a part of this loving community.  Small town USA?  Yep, that's a real compliment.  May I ever belong to a loving small town USA.  I thank God for allowing me to live in such a wonderful place in Texas.

Gift Giving Time is Coming

Can you believe it?  It's AUGUST!  Only 4 1/2 more months until Christmas and Holiday gift giving time arrives.  I am an 'all year long' shopper.  I begin my Christmas shopping the day after Christmas each year.  I keep a list of items I'd like to get for each person on my list when I think of it.  (I have to do this or I forget~!  Old age is such a pain. <smile>)  I also shop sales all year long and try to always have a ready supply of hostess, birthday, housewarming, bridal shower, baby shower gifts and any other gift giving ocassion that comes up during the year.   My gift closet is almost always full.  I save loads of money this way, by buying gift items when they are on sale.   A few years ago I discovered Etsy.com and just fell in love.  I am still amazed each time I search for unique and handmade or vintage gifts and ~OK, I confess...items for myself too~!  The talent of the artist of Etsy.com is astounding.  Last night I decided on a family gift giving theme and created an Etsy Treasury.  I will have to make more family treasuries later, because I found so many wonderful items I didn't have room for in just one treasury collection.  This is the link to that treasury. 

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/M​TA5NDkzOTJ8NTUzMTAxODEw/its-a-​family-affair

It's a Family Affair

www.etsy.com 

Take a few minutes and check it out.  You'll be so pleasantly amazed. 

If you have never shopped year round, why not give it a try starting now?  You will be happy when December arrives and you are almost finished with your shopping......and spending.  I am always on the lookout for just the right gift for my loved ones and if i wait until December to begin the search I feel too stressed and too broke.  I take December to browse and enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas.  I decorate the house, wrap the gifts, cook, entertain, and relax some.  I have promised myself this year I'm going to even wrap some gifts before December.  Wouldn't that be wonderful?  Decorate the tree, go to my gift closet and take pre-wrapped and labeled gifts out and place under the tree....Wow!  I am going to dedicate 1 hour a week to wrapping and labeling gifts and see how I do. 

 Hoping you all have a wonderful day.

Remember....no one can make you feel bad unless you give them permission.

Denise~

A NEW ETSY TREASURY OF GREAT ITEMS!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTQyMTkxODF8NTUxMTg3MzQ0/autumns-coming

Check it out!

Gearing Up for the Fall/Winter Holiday Season

Am I being overly optimistic?  I certainly hope not!  I prefer to think of it as being prepared.  I have been working like a drone to create new and different wreaths, floral arrangements, and storage boxes for my ETSY and BONANZA stores.  I am planning to expand to EBAY this month.  The hardest part of this is dedicating the computer time necessary when I really want to be creating wreaths.  I just love love love making wreaths.  <smile>  Yesterday I created a Christmas Kissing Ball (it's so adorable), a Funky Turquoise Feather Wreath, a bright Pink Storage Box, a Christmas Swag, etc, etc.  You get the idea.  This weekend my work space has been used many hours and I want to be in there creating even when I must be sleeping.  Two weeks ago I had 3 sales and this past week nothing.  I am hoping to learn more about marketing online and of course that also takes computer time.  Maybe I need a partner....nah...I know I can do it myself.  Can anyone say, Time Management???

Well, enough about that.

I am so happy to be alive today.  It's a glorious day, so bright and sunny, so HOT!  North East Texas has certainly been a very hot and dry place to be since the beginning of July.  My grass is crunchy.  Yep, crunchy!  I try to water it just enough to keep it alive, but even that is very expensive.  Last month over $100.00 of water went on my 'crunchy' grass.  I really am happy to be alive today, even though I told you how hot and dry it is here.  But, the one thing I know, God will send the rain and cooler weather when it's time.

I hope you have a wonderful day!

If you have the time and inclination.....check out my stores.  http://www.bonanza.com/booths/thejourneyaccents
http://www.etsy.com/shop/JAZZYWREATHSINTEXAS?ref=si_shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheJourneyAccents?ref=si_shop

STATTEAM artists on ETSY

STATTEAM artists on ETSY

Christmas in July Sale!

Check out my Christmas in July sale going on the entire month of July.  It's never too early for a real bargain.  Get your holiday wreaths now and relax because you are ahead of the crowd.  Check out both of my Etsy shops, TheJourneyAccents and JazzyWreathsInTexas.  Use coupon code XMASINJULY for 20% off your purchase.

There is Still Hope for the Human Race

I never cease being amazed at the man's inhumanity to man.  The cruelty we show each other as a race (the human race) is beyond belief at times.  We hear about all the horrible things human being do to each other.  More than half the television shows are about people murdering, raping, kidnapping, etc. and 90% of the nightly news is taken up by the same kinds of reports.  It is very easy to let yourself be depressed by all the bad news and horrible things we see, read, and hear.

The flip side of that coin is what I have been witnessing the last few hours.  I have seen a call go out for help for a friend in our community who is in need and that call has been answered over and over.  Money has been pledged for immediate help and for monthly help.  Labor has been promised for work that needs to be done.  Friends are rallying around someone who is in need.  The person in need has never asked for help. An earthly angel saw the need and instead of saying, "Someone ought to help," said instead, "I will help," and then sent out the call to others to help as well.  That's all it took.  People are standing in line to help.

Now, aren't humans strange creatures?  I'm glad I know the humans who are good and caring, instead of those who do evil to others.  I guess maybe there is hope for us after all.

Vote for TheJourneyAccents on Heartsy.com

http://heartsy.me/deals/3781/like?image=image1

I am trying to get featured on Heartsy.com, a community of artisans who sell their products by offering great deals.  Please click on the link above and vote for TheJourneyAccents.  I'd love to be able to offer everyone some really phenomenal deals on my great creations.  If you vote Yes, Definitely I will get featured and you can cash in on some of those great deals.  All deals on Heartsy.com are at least 50% off.

Thanks in advance for your votes.

Anything you see on this blog or in my Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheJourneyAccents?ref=si_shop or on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=552022860 that is marked SOLD can be ordered if I still have the materials to make it.  If I don't have the exact thing shown I probably have something very very similar, so just send me a message and together we will create something perfect just for you.  I love custom orders and will do my best to create exactly what you want.  You can even check my sold items in my Etsy shop  for anything you'd like me to recreate.

Sunday Afternoon

Hello everyone!  Wow, is it ever hot here in North East Texas!  I was just outside to photograph a wreath and I was 'glistening' (you know ladies don't sweat, right?) in about 30 seconds after walking outside.  I also took time outside to move the water once again.  I'm trying to keep my grass alive during this drought we are experiencing.  I know God will send the rain, but we are so very dry.  The grass in the pastures is burning up and not growing so cows and horses are suffering as well as the farmers who will have to scramble to find enough hay to feel them.  If the rain doesn't come soon people will begin to sell off their cattle to lighten the load on the pastures and then cattle prices will fall.  I'm betting beef in the grocery stores doesn't decrease in price though.  Seems nothing ever seems to go down in price.

I am trying my best to be a very frugal shopper.  Yesterday I went to a resale shop and a garage sale and really got some nice bargains.  I got 4 shirts for my son, 3 dresses for my granddaughters, a purse, several household/crafting items, lots of holiday decorations and I paid $22.00.  I'd say that was pretty good shopping.  Wouldn't you?  Now if I could just start selling some of the things around here that I no longer use....that seems to be a bit harder for me.  Maybe one of these days the spirit will move me to declutter again.

I've been busy this weekend baking.  I don't know what got into me.  I baked one plain pound cake and one chocolate pound cake.  I gave cake to my sister, my parents, my friend and I had lots to put into the freezer.  Nope, I didn't eat any, although I was sorely tempted.  It smelled sooooo good.  I like to have homemade cake in the freezer just in case visitors drop by.  With pound cake you can always serve it plain, with ice cream (Bluebell Homemade Vanilla of course) or make Strawberry Shortcake, so I try to keep it on hand.

I'm going to post pictures of my newest wreath creations.  Just a couple of things I whipped up this morning before church.  I'm going to make one more wreath before going to church tonight.  I'll try to post it later tonight.  I sure do wish I could stay home from work tomorrow and make wreaths and gift items.  I'm in the mood to create.  Remember it's never too early to start your Christmas shopping.  Keep TheJourneyAccents in mind for those gifts for a special someone in your life.  I will be posting lots of gift items in the near future.

Always remember....No one can make you feel bad unless you give them permission.

Let Freedom Ring Patriotic Wreath

Sold!  Yippee!

Great Healthy Figures Legal 'Tortilla' Chicken Soup

Wow! I just cooked the most wonder soup! The best part is that is it Healthy Figures legal. That's right! I'm trying my best to alter my eating habits and my body size and shape. I have a hard time eating enough meat so I'm thrilled to discover this new dish. A large serving of this soup should be equivalent to one serving chicken and one serving vegetables. Here's the recipe:

Legal 'Tortilla' Chicken Soup

Boil 2 to 3 large skinless chicken breast with a celery stalk, 1/4 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

While the chicken boils:

In a dutch oven combine the following ingredients and bring to a boil. Simmer while you dice the boiled chicken:

1 can low fat Chicken Broth
2 cups Water
1/2 large Pablano pepper, cut into strips about 1 1/2 inches long.
Roasted Red Peppers, course chopped (about 1/3 cup) I use the jarred type.
1 small can chopped Green Chili Peppers (mild)
1/4 Onion, minced (I use onion flakes)
1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp. Cumin
1/2 tsp. Nature's Seasoning (made by Morton, found in the spice isle)
1/4 tsp. Black Pepper
1/2 tsp. Salt (or to taste)

Chop or shred chicken and add to dutch oven. Also add 1 can Rotel Tomatoes and 1/3 cup chopped Cilantro.

Simmer for 10 more minutes. Eat and enjoy.

(I did not have a recipe for this soup so all measurements are approximate. Adjust them to your own taste.)

I just ate a bowl of this delicious soup and it really hit the spot! It has a taste very similar to my favorite Mexican restaurant's tortilla soup. Of course this version is minus the cheese, tortilla strips and avocado, but still it's close. I hope you try it and enjoy it as much as I did.

WE HAVE A WINNER!

As promised, we drew a number for the winner of the wreath give away this morning. Although we did not have many to become followers (and I know some who tried but were unable to make it work) we are thrilled with the additional followers who did sign up. Thank you so much for taking your time and effort to become a follower. Hopefully you will be able to gain something useful from this blog as I become more proficient in blogging.

The winner of the wreath give away contest is SAMANTHA. She was the last one to become a follower and the number drawn out of the basket was #9.

If you didn't win this time, rest assured there will be other give aways as the year progresses.

I'd love suggestions, recipes, menus, or anything to do with home and family life.

Thanks again!

LAST DAY TO SIGN UP FOR WREATH GIVE A WAY

Today is the last day to sign up for the free wreath being given away by The Journey Accents by becoming a follower of this blog. Tomorrow the winner will be chosen and the wreath will be mailed out this week. Become a follower today for your chance to win!

A GLORIOUS SUNDAY MORNING!

It's Sunday morning and the sun is shining brightly here in East Texas. I was up early and outside enjoying the fresh air.

Right now I am sitting in my recliner with my laptop and my kitten on my lap. She is sleeping while I type. She's so precious. I didn't know I could become so in love with a new kitten as quickly as I have, but...it happened. I have an older cat and even she is beginning to come around. Wow, has she been pouting for the past 2 weeks, since the kitten has come to live with us.

Today after church services my family will arrive for our annual Memorial Day/Birthday Celebration Barbecue. I'm expecting 11 family members today. We are going to grill hamburgers, hot dogs, and steak with all the fixins' about 2 p.m. I know it will be a good time. We will also have dominoes, cards, and lots of playing with the little ones. I wish everyone could be here, but sometimes that is just not possible. My niece is in Haiti on a mission trip. My daughter-in-law is working and my friend is on his way to work also. Sometimes life gets in the way of celebration, but I am blessed we have jobs to go to.

It's time for me to get up and get moving. I need to wash and prepare the potatoes, squash, cabbage and carrots we will be grilling today along with the meat. Yummmmm, Yummmm.

Wishing all of you a great holiday weekend. Enjoy yourselves and your loved ones and friends. After all......what else is there?

Remember, to become a follower and be signed up for a free wreath give away contest. June 1st is the last day of the contest, so become a follower today.

BUY ONE GET ONE SALE!

That's right. The Journey Accents has a special section in our Etsy shop called HOLIDAY BOGO. If you are an early shopper like me, check out the selection there. It works like this. You choose 2 wreaths you want, pay full price for the highest priced item and get the lower priced wreath FREE! I will also figure a combined shipping price for you. Just convo me to let me know which one's you want and I'll fix you up. If you prefer to go ahead and buy before we convo then I will refund the money to your paypal account. Keep checking the HOLIDAY BOGO section for more items being added.

The Journey Accents will also soon be adding a new section of gift items. Again, for you early holiday shoppers....check it out.

Remember, it's not too late to become a follower and be entered to win a free wreath! The contest ends June 1st, so become a follower today.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheJourneyAccents?ref=si_shop

Hope all of you have a wonderfully blessed day.

Denise

A New Etsy Treasury for Your Viewing Pleasure

Check out this new collection of items I chose from the wonderful Etsy artist. I am amazed at the talent I find there. Of course there is a VERY talented Wreath Designer...I think her name is Denise and I believe the name of her shop is The Journey Accents. Now why does that sound so familiar???

Remember....become a follower of this blog and you will be entered in a wreath give away contest.

Wishing all a wonderful prosperous day!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4dd47b042a308eefe41408a9/for-the-love-of-cats?index=0

The New Me

Well, I did it and I love it! The new short haircut is perfect as well as the lighter color. My hair stylist is the bomb! Thanks, Leslie! Just wanted to tell you, if you are considering a new look that will be a drastic step...go for it! The great thing about hair is that you can change it often. It feels great to have a new look.

Have a wonderful day!

The New Do

Ever been nervous about a haircut? Well, I am. I am going to 'attempt' to get a new hair style today. I want a short and sassy cut and to go a bit lighter. Am I crazy? I suppose I will know in a short while. My appointment is in 30 minutes. I go armed with full color pictures of hair models I got online so my stylist will know exactly what I want. Will she say, "Oh, I'm sorry, that look is just too young for you?" or "Ugh! That cut would only emphasize you double chin." I could go on and on with these negative thoughts and fears, but I am determinded to bite the bullet and just go for it. Afterall, if I hate it, my hair does grow fast. This will be the shortest hairstyle I've ever had. Wow! I am afraid and excited all at the same time. At least I have comfort in knowing it can't be as bad as the time in the early 80's when I went in for a body perm and got a Barbara Streisand big curly do instead. I cried for 3 days over that. Remember how they alway tell you not to wash your hair for 2 days after a perm or the curl will come out? NOT TRUE! I washed my hair about 15 times that horrible day and that perm lasted almost an entire year. Just my luck that it was an old wive's tale. This time will be better. I really think I will like short hair for a change. I really think I will like short hair for a change. Yes, I really think I will like short hair for a change.

Remember: No one can make you feel bad without your permission.

BECOME A FOLLOWER AND ENTER A CONTEST

The Journey Accents home decor Etsy shop is having a contest!! To enter become a follower of this blog between May 15 and June 1st. On June 2nd a random number will be chosen and the follower who's number in line corresponds will be chosen the winner. The winner will receive the original design wreath from The Journey Accents shown above. Tell your friends and family about this contest. We look forward to seeing your name as a follower.

Thanks!

COUPON SAVINGS

Coming soon! Money savings coupons for The Journey Accents.

Etsy Treasury

Check out this great Etsy treasury which featured one of my wreaths. I love this collection of items.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4dc344d679166d91a429a12c/you-ruffle-my-feathers

IT'S FRIDAY!

I love Fridays! The weekend offers so many opportunities for rest, fun, exploring, adventure, and being with my friends. This weekend I plan on creating at least 4 wreaths, photographing and posting them here and on my Etsy site. That will be the work/pleasure part of the weekend. I can't call it all work, because I love making wreaths so much.

This morning I got up at 4:30 to get ready for work. We have a safety meeting the last Friday of each month and it begins at 6:30 a.m. I pick up breakfast at 5:45 so I may be fading by early afternoon. That's very early for this old woman.

Have a glorious day! Count your blessings! Thank God for life.

Wednesday, May 4th

What a glorious day I awoke to this morning: the sun shining brightly, the birds singing, the sky a deep clear blue, the temperature a crisp 48 degrees, green foliage freshly watered from the recent rains..... God is good. It still amazes me...this beautiful world we live in. Even when ugly things happen, the beauty of the earth shines bright. When I think of this truth, I feel secure, content, and peaceful. That old saying, "No matter how much things change they always stay the same", is a great comfort to me. I never thought I would have to say this, but I am entering the latter part of life and as I get older I see things differently than I did in my youth. Life itself is more precious to me. I realize just how short life is and understand that wasting it is just not an option that deserves consideration. Each day is a new adventure for me, a new opportunity to do good, to appreciate the good around me. So go out today and enjoy the gift of life you've been given. Yes, I'm stuck in the office all day too, but I don't think of it that way. I am happy to have a job that I love, one that challenges my mind and my people skills and one that pays the bills. It is a great blessing that I try to never take for granted. My 'day' job allows me the opportunity to do what I love to do and that is to make wreaths and other floral designs. The Journey Accents is my 'night and weekend' job and my pleasure. To sum it up...LIFE IS GOOD! Enjoy it! Cherish it!

And always remember this...No one can make you feel bad unless you give them permission.

Treasury

The Journey Accents was included in another great Etsy treasury of wonderul items. Check it out.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4db99f33b5eb6d91fd9e01d9/golden-sun-light#4db9a0f6b2246d91106d278d

Happy Easter everyone! Another beautiful day given to us by our God. Thank you, God, for all the wonderful blessings of life.

Cowboy Up Etsy Treasury

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4daef332358e6d913ab22524/cowboy-up#4daf0fa365dd6d910fe19586

Check out this new Etsy trasury featuring TheJourneyAccents.  It's a darlin' collection.

Sunday Morning Thoughts

Another beautiful morning in North East Texas has dawned and I am thankful for the opportunity to experience it.  Sight is such a precious gift and I oftentimes take it for granted.  I am blessed to  see my beautiful granddaughter's smiles, the wonderful greens of spring, the aging faces of my precious parents, my son's handsome manly images, and the smiles of my many friends.  So many things I take for granted in this life.  Blessings rain down on me constantly.  I will make an effort to acknowledge those blessings and to be thankful for those blessings each and every day.

I will be posting new wreaths today and tomorrow.  I've been working on some new designs I hope you will enjoy.  I wish I could get all the ideas racing around in my mind's eye out and onto wreaths, but I don't seem to be able to work that fast.  Please check back soon to see the new listings and visit my shop on Etsy.

Have a wonderful Sunday and remember ~~  No one can make you feel bad without your permission.

A Beautiful Morning

Wow!  The sun is so bright this morning.  It is a glorious day!  After the rain of Friday morning everything is so fresh looking.  My yard is so green and seems to be growing as I watch.  It's such a beautiful sight.  I am going to do some exploring today with a friend.  We are going to a very old town in Texas where we may do a little antiquing and possibly....just possibly stop by the pottery outlet (Ok, I confess.  I am going to make sure we stop there. No telling what great 'wreath' finds I might make there.)  I hope all of you have a wonderful experience today.

A Tribute to My Grandparents

If you have time give this Etsy treasury collection a browse.  I compiled this group of Etsy finds as a tribute to my grandparents.  All of the items featured  remind me of wonderful memories of my childhood.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d295e9f19078eefea71fe7d/a-tribute-to-my-grandparents?index=20

April Showers

It's 1:15 a.m. and the rain has finally arrived.  I also hear hail hitting the windows.  There is thunder and wind, a real storm.  This storm was predicted to arrive around 5 this afternoon, but has just made it to North East Texas.  We need the rain and it is a welcome gift from God.  My grass will be so happy, because it was just fertilized and now will the rain, it will be bursting with new bright green growth.  There is nothing more refreshing than the new growth of grass.

Easter is only 10 days away and as promised I will post our Easter Dinner menu.  In our family everyone brings food to each family gathering.  The menu is planned and everyone is given their assignment.  This helps the hostess to have a little less cooking and also makes sure we are treated to everyone's specialty food.

Easter Dinner Menu (dinner meaning lunch to those not living in North East Texas)

Baked Ham
Cornbread Dressing (this is my mother's specialty....so very good)
Corn Casserole (my baby sister's usual contribution to family gatherings)
Green Beans
Lettuce and Tomato Salad
Deviled Eggs (my daughter-in-law's special addition to the meal)
Fresh Fruit Salad with Fruit Dip (this has been a traditional Easter salad for many years at my house)
Purple Hull Peas (a delicacy and staple in the South)
Mashed Potatoes
Macaroni and Cheese (my son's specialty and always requested)
Rolls
Chocolate Pie, Easter Bunny Cake
Tea - Kool-aid  - Coke  - Dr. Pepper - (and of course my standby) Water

There will be about 17 people here, after we all attend morning church services, for this day of fun, fellowship, and food.  We will take a break from eating, egg hunting, talking and laughing to play Easter Bingo (another family tradition we have come to look forward to).  In our family Easter Bingo Games everyone plays and everyone wins prizes.  It is a lot of fun as there is always a lot of laughing that goes along with the game.  The smiles, laughter and love are the most important parts of this and all family gatherings.  This year we have a new star.  She has just started to walk and I'm sure we will all take the time to admire her new abilities and watch her as she finds her first Easter Eggs.  (Of course her Mimi will hide some in plain view especially for her).  We are blessed with four precious little girls in our family.  I just love being a Mimi to those angels.

The rain is still falling but the wind has quietened down.  It's probably the right time to say Goodnight and head to bed.

Remember ~~ No one can ruin your day without your permission.

April Sale section

Just wanted to drop in a note letting everyone know that TheJourneyAccents has an April Sale Section of discounted items plus 5% off all items in the shop with the Coupon Code 5INAPRIL.  Check it out.  You might find something your home or someone on your gift list can't live without.  Thanks in advance.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheJourneyAccents?ref=si_shop

It's Tuesday!

Just a quick note!  I'm off to our satalite office today.  It's a 2 hour drive from my house, so I will have a lot of 'thinking time'.  I love to drive and think.  When I'm not in the original thought mood I listen to books on tape (CD), which in my estimation is a great invention. 

Have a splendid day and look for the beauty all around you.

I Ran Out of Weekend!

Monday is here too soon.  I need 2 more days of weekend to do everything I had planned.  Does that ever happen to you?  When it happens I know I've had a productive couple of days.  I was as busy as a bee this weekend, but still so much to do.  Maybe that's what keeps me going....always so much to do.  I do wonder what it would feel like to get everything done ~ to finally have that perfectly organized house and life.  Boring!  I need something to work towards and to plan for, so it's OK that I never get finished.  That gives me a reason to get up and get going every morning.  Speaking of getting going ~ time to head off to my 'real' job.

Take time to check out this great Etsy treasury today.  http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d98ff575bc96d91cca8a817/open-magnificent-monday-all-day-bnr

Sunday Afternoon Happenings

Happy Sunday everyone!

I stayed up very late last night catching up with an old friend.  It's always nice to reconnect with a friend and find that your friendship really hasn't changed, even though much time might have passed since the last time you saw them.  That's the thing real friendship is made of.

I was still able to get up on time this morning and get to church services.  I'm glad I did.  It's so good to meet together with my church family to worship.  I am blessed to have a wonderful church family and I love them all very much.

I've had a busy Sunday afternoon.  I am in a creating mood this weekend and  I haven't gotten around to the cleaning portion of my weekend.    I have several (OK, I cannot lie, especially on Sunday) MANY MANY MANY floral supplies on my dining room table, my dining room floor, and my living room floor.  It looks like a floral supply store exploded in my house.  I have tried to work neatly, many times, but I must confess, so far, I am a complete failure in that area.  If any of you out there have a sure fire solution for this problem..... please share it with me.  I need HELP!

I have a couple more wreaths to make today ~ one on the easel is almost finished and one is still in my mind's eye.  This should probably take me an hour and a half to 2 hours.  After that, I PROMISE MYSELF I'm going to organize and put the floral supplies in their respective bins.  Tomorrow I will take them to my storage building where I will place the bins neatly on the shelves until the next time I need to make a wreath.  Then the whole messy process begins again.  I sometimes wonder if I am capable of creating in a neat, organized environment.  I'm not so sure that I am.  Anyway, hope springs eternal that I will discover the magic solution.  Anyone know a magic cleaning elf that needs a job?  I'd give him a good home.

Have a great afternoon and remember ~~  No one can make you feel bad without your permission.

A New Etsy Treasury

My items were featured in a new Etsy treasury this morning.  Take time to check it out.  Enjoy!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d97ed8996178eef941b18f4/open-spectactular-sunday-all-day-bnr

Happy Saturday.

My momentum is in gear this morning and running smoothly so far.  A special order 'frog' wreath is done and on my door.  I will deliver it tomorrow.  Another special order wreath will be next on my agenda.  I'm excited about it.  It's going to be covered in sunflowers, red geraniums, and possibly tiny red roses.  A red gingham ribbon bow will complete the look. (At least that's what I see in my mind's eye.  Now to just make that design come out of my fingers and onto the wreath.)  I will post pictures a little later today.  I'm thinking of a beach themed wreath also today.  I have some starfish and driftwood I'm eager to use in a design.

TheJourneyAccents was featured in an Etsy treasury this morning.  Take time to check it out as well as the shops featured there.  The BNR treasury has a lot of discounts listed today so take a close look.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d967030d58a8eef9900e574/open-splendiferous-saturday-all-day-bnr

Before my momentum dissipates I'm going to go get busy.  Check back for pictures.

Happy Saturday.

April 1, 2011

Happy April Fool's Day! 

The day started early for me.  Up at 4:30 to get dressed and out the door to the donut shop by 5:45.  Once a month I get breakfast for everyone at work for the Safety Meeting.  It's a monthly ritual and honestly it's a ritual I enjoy. 

TheJourneyAccents was featured in an Etsy treasury ~~ take time to check it out.  http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d95393a34228eef62f81c63/open-fantabulous-friday-all-day-bnr  Etsy is full of great artists and craft people  (Is that a real term?).  I am constantly amazed at the great work they do.  If you haven't ever visited Etsy.com, do yourself a favor and take a few minute to browse around.  If you can dream it up, you can find it there.  I buy a lot (too much, ha ha) there because I like helping homebased artisians, but also I like to know it is original work and I won't see it in my neighbor's house also.  The bigbox stores are great, but China has enough of my dollars already.  If I can keep more of it going to an individual business, that makes me happy. 

I'm so looking forward to the weekend.  I am going to plant some flowers tomorrow.  (at least that is my plan).   I'll post pictures when I get it done.  Last year I didn't plant a single plant for the first time in my life.  This year I'm going to plant a couple of tomato plants, 2 or 3 hills of yellow squash and some flowers.  I can't wait to see it all grow and to eat the tomatoes and squash. 

Well, it's off to work I go.  Enjoy your day.

Remember ~  No one can make you feel bad unless you give them permission.

5% OFF SALE

TODAY ONLY!  5% off everything in my Etsy shop.  Just use the coupon code SPRINGFLING.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheJourneyAccents?ref=si_shop

Thursday, March 31st

Well, it's the last day of March.  I'm not sure if it came in like a lion or not, but I do know that today here in East Texas it is going out like a lamb.  Now if we will only get those April showers next month, that will be a real blessing.  The gardens here are so dry, but I have faith that the rain will come when it is needed most.

I have been feeling under the weather for a few months and I mention this only to alert everyone to something I have discovered.  The day before New Year's I had the flu and some other complications.  Since then it's been just one thing after the other and I haven't felt myself at all.  Constant fatigue and just general feelings of being unwell as well as some medical concerns have been my companion since the beginning of 2011.  Last week I went to the doctor and had even more test done.  This time I think (hope and pray) that we have hit upon the cause of my problems.  The blood test revealed that I am Vitamin D deficient.  My doctor believes this deficiency may be the cause of all my troubles.  The great thing is that Vitamin D suppliments are cheap and easy to take and the sunshine is free.  You do have to request this test, but it's something to be aware of.

I was pleasantly surprised this morning when logging in to Etsy to discover one of my wreaths had been purchased.  It was one of my favorites.  (Seems I always think that when one sells.  It's like sending my baby off to a new home.  Yes, I am a bit crazy at times. )  I am hoping this Vitamin D therapy will renew my energy so I am able to create new wreaths again.  Even doing that has been hard for me lately. 

Wishing each and everyone a great day.

Remember...No one can make you feel bad unless you give them permission.

4:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Goings On

Good Morning!  I woke this morning, hopped out of bed, and plugged in my glue gun to get started early.  Ideas were popping like popcorn in my mind and I was eager to get them onto a wreath.  Yesterday I painted a wreath with just a light dusting of cream paint hoping to create a shabby chic look.  Later when a picture is posted you can decide if I achieved that look.  At this point, I'm not so sure.  The jury of my mind's eye is still out.

Spring is in the Air!

It's been a while since I have written.  Well, OK, I'll be honest.  It's been a long while since I've written here.  I am determined to learn how to do this thing which is so foreign to me...this thing called BLOGGING! I've always had the idea that if it can be done, then I can do it!  I will go with that notion now and do my best.

Spring is my favorite time of year.  The baby greens are such a great expression of renewal and change.  The one thing I've learned in this life is that the only thing I can depend on in life is that it will change.  Just about the time I think I've got things all lined out...it changes.  Sometimes I wonder if it's a test, to see if I can stay on my feet.  Other times, I know that I am not nearly so important in the scheme of things.  Change is just a part of the natural order of things and as change goes, Spring is a change I enjoy.

Easter is one of the 'big' event of spring for me and my family.  Easter Sunday lunch will be enjoyed by about 15 family members at my house.  It's a tradition I truly look forward to each year.  I'll post the Easter Sunday menu later.

Spring is also a time to change that winter wreath you have on your front door.  I've been busily creating new spring wreaths for my Etsy shop.  I only wish I could work as fast as I can dream up ideas.  Maybe one day, I will streamline the process a little more, but for now I just create at the pace I am comfortable with.

I plan on posting a DIY section soon with instructions and pictures.. (as soon as I get a little more comfortable with this Blogging process) so stay tuned.