Lolly's Nest Egg

I'm a Proud Sister and Daughter!

2011-02-26T00:11:00.000-05:00

Exciting news in the Busey family last week with the long awaited release of the product of the last 4 years of my brother Travis' (and father John's) research.....................their book was officially released. It is not a novel, but a historical reference book...information that has never been compiled in one place before! Woohoo!! This reference work chronicles more than 23,000 Union casualties at Gettysburg by generlas and staff and by state and unit. Thirteen appendices also cover information by brigade, division and corps; by engagements and skirmishes; by state; by burial at three cemeteries; and by hospitals. Casualty transports, incarceration records and civilian casualty lists are also included.

Some publishers thought this work could not be done....it would be too large....but Travis connected with McFarland Publishers and they were supportive and excited about this 3-volume set. This is definitely not a novel, but geared to historians, schools, and genealogists. The guys have another contract and are hard at work on the companion book of Confederate casualties.

http://www.amazon.com/Union-Casualties-Gettysburg-Comprehensive-Record/dp/0786448008/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1298695642&sr=8-1

And another great thing for my brother, Travis - his artwork (the tattered flag) is on both the front cover and the back cover.

I am the proudest sister and daughter in the world! Way to go, guys!!

Lolly

Oh, yeah, I do have a blog.......

2011-02-05T15:25:00.000-05:00

My how time flies! :) With the holidays and work and work and more work the months have gotten away from me.

I have been busy with my day job, trying to find a new day job (please, universe!), my home businesses (ebay consignment and craft business), my beloved four-legged furry children and so, sadly, my blog took a back seat. My intention is to blog more intentionally and with some regularity. I think I tend to get so overwhelmed that instead of doing anything, I just stand still. I am working on that.

First and foremost, please meet Zeke, the newest member of my family. He came to me on Thanksgiving weekend and is just a real lovebug.

He is a real sweetheart and likes to stay super close to me, much to my sweet little Freida's dismay (Freida is my shadow). They have learned to tolerate each other...they can both touch me at the same time as long as they don't touch each other! LOL. Speaking of touching, this is a usual scenario as I sit and work at my laptop in the evenings...(excuse the blurry picture)..

And my beloved Freida looking on from behind my head.....she looks as though she is saying "oh mom, what have you done and why is he here?" :)

And finally a bit of a picture marathon to catch you up on my life of late....I am still eating well, but have incorporate aspects of Kris Carr's Crazy Sexy Diet, and am including lots of green smoothies, juice and raw foods. I made an amazing creamy raw ranch dressing....yummy! I love the taste of my green smoothies and coming up with the different concoctions, but I must admit that I do have a hard time getting past the color....is that normal?

Me at an almost 70# weight loss....

What to do if you get a cute rug for Christmas but with so many cats, you can't use it as a rug or the cats would use it as a scratching post.................well, you hang it on the wall of course!

And I am in my studio creating new crafts all the time....here are just a few...

Well, I guess that is the update for now.....I am off to a get-together with friends this evening and then to Walmart (I know....the excitement is killing me!)

See you soon!

LOLLY

My sweet dog-child, Lily

2010-10-29T20:34:00.000-04:00

My sweet dog-child Lily passed away when I was at work yesterday. I had my TOPS meeting right after work and after that my mom followed me home to see her - but she was already gone. She had been going downhill this week. I had told Lily all morning and she knew that my mom (GaGa) was coming over and I believe that she waited to pass until she knew that I wouldn't be alone to find her.

My girl was so amazing...she fought back from heat stroke, hydrocephalus, COPD, enlarged heart, arthritis... but her little 8 pound body just couldn't fight anymore.

My heart is broken and I can't stop crying, but I am also remembering how very lucky that she and I found each other and that I had her in my life for 7 years.

A quote that I love that gives me comfort in times of loss of my 4-legged children:

"We who choose to surround ourselves

with lives even more temporary than our

own, live within a fragile circle;

easily and often breached.

Unable to accept its awful gaps,

we would still live no other way.

We cherish memory as the only

certain immortality, never fully

understanding the necessary plan."

— Irving Townsend

Etsy, Cat Illness, and Cat Bite!

2010-10-12T19:04:00.000-04:00

I love the Etsy website for handmade goods. Soon I will open up my store again and I just reopened my mom's Etsy store (she is a brilliant artist, but not good with the online business aspect of it so I am her business manager!). I am so proud of her and her creations that I just wanted to share a few here.......her etsy site is GaGa's Sewing Room. I just love how she combines cool fabrics and vintage lace, doilies, or hankies.

Here are some of her latest aprons......love them!

Last week, one of my dear sweet cats, Buddy, was hospitalized with a complete blockage - he was near death. He survived and came home and on Friday morning, I was trying to pill pop him his meds and he gave me a big, strong bite on the finger....OW!!! I was happy that he was feisty, but OMG, the bite REALLY hurt. By Saturday morning, it was swollen and bright red and had spread to my whole hand (pictures below are on Friday night...by the following morning, my right hand was twice this size). My doc on Saturday morning took one look and told me that this was VERY serious. I guess that cats - all cats - have a specific bacteria in their mouths (Pastuerella). I was given a super strong big dose of antibiotics in a shot in the behind :) and was told to elevate my hand and put on a heating pad all weekend. If it was not better on Sunday, I was to go immediately to the hospital to be admitted because I could lose sensation in my hand or worse! Yikes....this was scary stuff - all because of a cat bite. I am happy to report that I am now on the mend, although I am on strong antibiotics for 10 days and will have to continue to have the area monitored.

And this is my beloved little culprit, Buddy. :)

I will be back more regularly with blogs on my weight loss (more than 50 pounds so far!!), recipes that are super yummy, crafts, giveaways, and of course more beloved cat photos of my four-legged furry children!

Blessings,

Lolly

I am a work in progress...

2010-08-01T20:15:00.000-04:00

I am a work in progress... in all aspects of my life - health, weight, happiness, hope.

I have been on Dr. Joel Fuhrman's Eat to Live eating plan for not even two months and I have lost almost 40 pounds. I truly feel that I have found the perfect way to eat for me.

I have had many scale victories, which is great, but perhaps the most exciting thing for me right now is the non-scale victories I have had. Specifically and most importantly, my health is getting better. While I don't want to admit my weight here yet, I do still have more than 100 pounds to lose (that's the not the health news :) but just an FYI). For many years, I have been on the highest dose of an expensive blood pressure medicine that also contained the highest dose of a diuretic. Well, several weeks ago, I was feeling dizzy a lot and nauseous for reasons I couldn't identify. I went to the doctor, and he feels that my blood pressure meds were too high and it was making me dehydrated and my electolytes were all off. So, he put me on a new medicine, HALF the dose and NO DIURETIC. While not super low, my blood pressure is 120/70, which is the lowest it has been in at least 10 years. WOOHOO!! So far, no more dizziness. I go back to the doc on Wed to confirm that my blood pressure is still under control but I think it will be good!

Another great victory occured at my TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meeting a few weeks ago. This is a weekly weight loss support group and we meet every week and weigh in at the scales. Well, I hit a number on the scale that I haven't seen in more than 15 years. I'll give myself another WOOHOO for that!

I love this eating plan. I am eating three big and delicious meals each day (no between meal snacks) that include wonderful fresh vegetables, luscious fruits, yummy beans, plenty of water and more!.

I feel energized lately which is fantastic and has also been a long time coming. Seriously for the first time in a long time, I feel hopeful! Hopeful to lose the remaining weight, hopeful for today, and hopeful for what the future may hold.

In previous "diets" - and believe me, in my 45 years there have been too many to count - I have initially done well and if there was a setback, or whatever, I would give up and go back to my old eating patterns. I have gained and lost so much weight over the years that I have lost count. At times, just thinking about the amount of weight I need to lose has been overwhelming but no more. I am taking one bite at a time, one decision at a time. And this amazing Eat to Live plan is helping me.....I no longer have insatiable cravings, no longer have the desire to be obsessive compulsive with my food. I am learning to feel at peace and at home in the body that I have right now at this very moment. I am learning to cultivate kindness toward my body not only in the foods that I feed it, but in the thoughts that I have about it.

My next step in this journey to wellness is to start exercising. Any movement is better than no movement! :) I have osteoarthritis in both knees and currently use a forearm crutch. As the weight comes off, I have less and less pain. Although I know that cartilage won't grow back, my goal is to put off knee replacement for years and years and build up the strength in the muscles around my knees. Actually my goal is to not have to use the crutches except for when I have flare-ups. So...movement starts this week!

Now that I have rambled on, I will leave you with another gratuitous cat picture. This is my sweet Marty sharing a joke with Baby Spike. LOL.

HOT, HOT, HOT

2010-07-10T22:42:00.000-04:00

My house a/c is broken and I am not a happy camper. It broke last night and they can't come to fix it until Monday afternoon. I just had a brand new a/c heat pump etc put in 3 years ago (thousands of dollars!) and now this. Ugh. I am lucky, however, to have a home protection insurance that no matter what needs to be done, I only pay my deductible of $75. That is such a provision right now. Three years ago when my a/c broke and I got new, I bought about 4/5 fans - luckily I kept them (note the massive dust on the black one...clearly I never thought I would use them again!). But that is another thing I am grateful for...the fans not the dust! :)

The cats, pup and I are too hot to do anything today but lie around the house. Being hot = no energy. I had big plans to get things done around here, but they will have to wait! Oh darn, I can't do laundry tonight! LOL

I have been enjoying lots of fresh fruit today! These strawberries and blueberries are just AWESOME and so wonderful. I bought so many that I am freezing some as well. I used to just stick them in the freezer and they were just never right. I read on another blog to put them on a cookie sheet/tray and stick the sheet in the freezer. Then once they are frozen put them in their individual baggies and freeze them. Works like a charm....who knew (well probably everyone, but now I know too!!).

Hope you all stay cool and I hope come Monday eve I am cool again too!

Lolly

Staycations are great...

2010-07-05T19:15:00.001-04:00

Wow, the weather here in Virginia is brutal today. This is the last day of my 4-day *staycation* and I have literally not left the house...it is about 98 degrees, with tomorrow and Wednesday expected to be in the low 100's. Ugh. Even the squirrels are hot.

Friday, I had the girls - my nieces Mallory and Courtney, and my mom - over for our monthly scrapbooking party. This time we concentrated on making their mom and my other sister birthday cards (my sisters are twins) as well as lots of fun bookmarks. These girls - all three of them - are so talented and we have such fun!!

This is Mallory (age 9) being silly. She is just learning cursive writing - note the sweet sentiment she wrote on Amy's card.

Sweet Courtney (age 12) contemplating her next creation.

My beautiful mom (who is also my best friend!).

My sweet little girl, Lily. She is getting so old and has so many medical issues (COPD, Hydrocephalus, Arthritis, enlarged heart) and yet she just keeps doing so well. She had her regular checkup at her vet on Friday morning and she is doing great. She is 9 pounds, a little heavier than she should be, but that is due to the prednisone that she takes and is to be expected. Boy she is such a little lovebug and so devoted to her mommy. I literally stayed home Saturday, Sunday, and today so when I head back to work tomorrow, she will definitely be sad. She is having a bad hair day here, but boy is she cute!!

A lazy Monday at home....

and finally....at this moment as I sit in my big overstuffed chair with my feet up on the ottoman, this is what I see (my sweet Freida)....

Books, Books, Books

2010-06-29T20:37:00.000-04:00

Yikes. I have so many books that I have purchased in the last year to read and yet...here they all are (and I am sure there are more in a few other piles or drawers around the house) - still unread.

I have been so stressed this last year and have had so much on my plate that I just would tell myself that I "can't make time to read." Yet, I believe that is exactly what my soul needs. There is nothing better to me than to curl up in my big comfy chair and read a great book. So, starting now, I am going to set aside time each week to do just that - curl up with one of my neglected books and take the time for me.

Feeling Great...Eat to Live Update

2010-06-23T20:33:00.000-04:00

Seriously, I am so pleased with my new Eat to Live diet (I hate that word...diet). I have been doing this for not even two weeks, and I have already lost 15 pounds and I eat a LOT. Unbelievable. Now I have a lot of weight to ultimately lose, so I'm sure it will come off faster at first, but the success has been even more of a motivator, not to mention that I am just feeling so much better!!

I think for a non-vegan or non-vegetarian, this would be a hard way of eating to start...very extreme. Luckily I have been a vegetarian for more than 15 years and have been a complete vegan for a year and a half so the transition has been very easy.

I haven't started making any special recipes, etc....still looking forward to that. Right now I am doing the strict 6-week aggressive program....programming my mind and body to get past the food addiction. If you had told me three weeks ago that I would not be able to eat some of my planned foods since I was full I would have laughed out loud. And if you had told me that I could not have any between meal snacks, I would have said HA! I would have said..." I can't go that long between eating." When in actuality, I am NOT hungry between meals.

Breakfast and Lunch today (ignore the ugly paper plates and plastic - I was at work)....

(Is there a secret to peeling a pretty orange....my oranges are always so messy looking.....but at least they taste super yummy!!)

Until next time...

Peace.

Eat to Live and a Lovely Farmers Market

2010-06-13T14:01:00.000-04:00

A lovely friend gave me the Eat to Live book by Joel Fuhrman and I love it. Officially started that eating plan today. I have been vegan (and before that vegetarian) for a long time, but I always add way too many processed foods, etc. This feels right to me. Prior to this, I have lost 30 pounds so far this year, but at my current weight, I have so much more to lose.....more than 100 pounds. But actually, even more important, or at least equally as important, I believe that this will improve my health (high blood pressure, severe osteoarthritis in both knees, etc), and even prolong my life. That's a ~~good~~ ~~great~~ amazing thing!!

To that end, my wonderful mom ( who is also my best friend) and I took a drive down to my aunts in Gordonsville, VA (about an hour and half from my house) and about a half hour in found this fantastic farmers market. YAY! Luscious vegetables!!

(I am so in love with both these large cherry tomatoes and the amazing tomatoes below!! YUMMY!)

I am continually amazed and just in awe of how beautiful Virginia is. I am so happy to have been born, raised and still living in this beautiful state!!

And finally, I have to leave you with a few pictures of some of my beloved 4-legged children......no reason....they just make me so happy!

Baby Spike....

Marty...

and dear Henry as I try to work (well, okay, I am really on Facebook, but I had intentions of working!)

I could go on with pictures of my furry 4-legged children, but I'll save that for another day!!

Peace my friends,

Lolly

I try, folks, I really try

2010-05-12T21:45:00.000-04:00

My goal, truly folks, is to be a good blogger and blog regularly. I will get there soon, I am hoping. I think of things to blog about constantly but somehow lately, life has been getting in the way.

This past weekend, I was happy to get some cooking done. I like to cook things on the weekends that I can freeze portions of for future use and dinners.

I made a really great homemade vegetable broth that I then froze in individual 2-cup containers. It smelled WONDERFUL and I am really happy with it since it has no sodium and just fresh vegetables and water! Lovely.

Then I made two tofu loaves - soooo good and so low calorie. I froze individual servings and was also able to share some with my mom, who had her first taste of tofu. She loved it, so YAY!!

And finally, on Sunday, I made a really tasty black bean soup in the crock pot....and got to use some of my homemade vegetable broth!! Delish!!

And I would also like to share with you my beautiful grandmother, who just celebrated her 93rd birthday on Sunday. She lives in a wonderful nursing home about 10 minutes from me. Although she can be stubborn and spoiled sometimes, she is an amazing woman. And heck, if you get to the age of 93, you can be stubborn and spoiled....you've earned it!!

See you next time - hopefully with not such a big gap in between blog posts!

~Lolly

Saturday...and the livin' is easy!

2010-05-01T13:54:00.002-04:00

Good afternoon, folks! After a long week, the weekend is here! WOOT! My mom and I are meeting a group of our wonderful friends tonight so that will be fun.

I lost about 2 pounds this week (I have my weigh-ins on Thursday nights). Not as much as I had hoped, but considering my weekends are usually spent eating too much and all the wrong things (my obsessive compulsiveness rearing its ugly head). Yet, when I plan and pack my breakfast and lunches during the work week, I eat very well and in moderation. This weekend, so far, I am eating only healthy, good for me foods in all the right portions. I know it's only Saturday, but normally by this time, I would be up probably a few pounds between Friday morning and Saturday morning. I really have a food addiction and it is truly a day at a time. I want to be healthy and happy. If I can live with my conviction of being vegetarian for 15 years before going vegan a year + ago, I can do this too. It's all connected.

I had planned on doing only a whole foods diet , but have adapted it a bit for what I know will work for me. I will still do mostly whole foods, but will include Ezekiel Breads occassionally, Gardein products occassionally, and the cereal I eat for breakfast during the week (with raw almonds and either sliced banana or strawberries). So, not exactly all whole foods, but I think this is what is going to work for me.

So, for now, this is what I think will work for me and I am pleased with it. Always a vegan diet, but not all whole foods! Healthy, yes, and that is most important for me right now.

Lunch just now was super yummy....a sprouted grain english muffin toasted, 2 tbsp hummus, with some Mediterranean tabbouleh added on top. It was REALLY good and quite satisfying. Who knew....a measured portion would be enough....took me a while, but for today, I get it. :)

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Lolly

All Locked Up, Safe and Secure

2010-04-26T23:13:00.000-04:00

Stressful day today. I was leaving for work early this morning - had brought my stuff out to the car and then had to go back in the house to check on my old pup Lily. Well...I couldn't get in! The door lock was broken. We had a ton of rain so I waited a few minutes, thinking maybe it had something to do with being wet. No. I was locked out of my house. OMG.

I had to go to work (Mondays are very busy). I called a local locksmith and arranged to meet him at my house after work. Of course I freaked out all day at work. My crazy brain was convinced that the unknown locksmith was going to rob my house before I got home (nothing against locksmiths....it was just my weird brain!) and the alternative, I was then convinced that my front door would suddenly unlock and all my animal babies would escape. Yes, I was a basket case!!

Finally, I got home and met the locksmith. It took him more than an hour to even get the door open. Apparently the latch or something had just disintegrated. I just had the lock installed 4 years ago when I bought my new front door. Frustrating, but at any rate I am all locked up safe and sound - and $100+ lighter in the wallet - and am grateful that everything worked out.

On a happy note, Mom and I went to Snow Creek Farm about two months ago (our friend opens her home 3-4 times a year to sell her amazing crafts, art, etc) and she gave us some pussy willow stalks for decoration. Well my mom had mentioned that when she was young she stuck a pussy willow branch in the ground and watered it religiously and a pussy willow grew. I wasn't sure, but thought, what the heck.I stuck some in a large Grecian pot and some directly in the garden area. Well..........................tada.....................I actually have pussy willows growing............take a look.

And I am happy to report that even more are starting to *bloom* in the ground. Who knew, but I am thrilled.

And finally, another picture that makes me happy. As I sit here at this moment in my big comfy overstuffed chair and ottoman, this is what I see at my feet just beyond my laptop - my sweet heart cat, Freida (ignore my funky foot).

The Cove

2010-04-24T11:50:00.000-04:00

I saw the creators of this documentary called The Cove on Oprah on Earth Day and was literally sickened. It was created by dolphin activist Ric O'Barry,director Louie Psihoyos and co-produced by Fisher Stevens. I haven't seen the whole movie but just the Oprah Show and the trailer was a shock to my system. I know I should watch the movie, but it is just so disturbing I am not sure I could physically get through it.

After watching The Cove, Ric O'Barry says people will be shocked by the slaughter and inspired by the magnificence of these mammals. "It's not about intelligence. It's about consciousness. They are self-aware like humans are self-aware," Ric says. "I don't believe that the fishermen are aware of that."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KRD8e20fBo

I understand that there are atrocities everywhere, even in my own area, but I think it's important to talk about all of them and to share what we learn.

Check out the trailer and I would love to know if you have seen the documentary. The slaughter begins again in September.

Lolly

EARTH DAY AND A RENEWED COMMITMENT...IT'S A NEW DAY

2010-04-22T22:08:00.000-04:00

What better day to renew my commitment to blogging than EARTH DAY. Although I will occasionally share things I make, animal pics (well, probably more than occasionally), and other miscellaneous items on this blog, for right now I am going to devote a lot of time to my vegan life (vegetarian for 15 years, and made the switch to veganism in March 2009) and my switch to all whole foods (starting today) and my main focus right now of NEEDING to lose more than 100 pounds.

People always seem surprised that I am vegan – “how can you be a vegan and have such a weight problem?”. Well, duh folks, if you are eating too much, eating processed a lot, have major portion distortion, don’t exercise, etc……the weight piles on. I have gained and lost and gained and lost so much in my life and really that stops now! I have osteoarthritis in both knees (very painful and I have to use forearm crutches to walk) and I have extremely high blood pressure that is only regulated with a high dosage of medication ($60 a month). CHANGE STARTS TODAY. I need to get healthy for me, for my beloved four-legged children and so that I am here to try to make my mark in this world.

I belong to a weekly weight loss support group, TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) so will have a weigh in every Thursday night. So far this year I have lost about 18 pounds, but that should have been more, since I would lose 4 pounds one week, gain 2 the next and so on. I am all about consistency now. A friend in the group took me aside the other day and said, “What would it take to get you to eat a piece of meat?” I was shocked by the question because this friend knows how passionate I am about my veganism. I immediately said “Never – that will never happen.” She then asked me, then why can’t you apply that same passion and resoluteness to your weight loss journey? Hello, folks, lightbulb *AHA* moment.

So, I am going to share my journey with you and hope that I will have your support. I will also be more than happy to hear any tips, suggestions, guidance you all can give me on this road. I am hoping to post something every day. Change is hard, whether you choose it or not, but I am worth it. OK, I am going to be brave here and insert a few current pictures of myself…most were taken at work over the last few weeks (clearly I don’t have enough to do – lol) so let’s consider these my “before” pictures (no full body shots, though – don’t think they even exist).

Thanks for listening and I look forward to getting to know you all!!

(my sweet boy, Marty)

Peace,
Lolly

I Survived the Blizzard of 2010!

2010-02-14T18:38:00.000-05:00

Well, as the title suggests, I did survive the Blizzard of 2010 here in Virginia! Will I ever see grass, pavement or my back yard again...well, that is the question! On the 6th of February, we had 32" of snow............and then before we could even dig out of that, on the 10th, we had another 12". I was literally stuck in my house for 6 days.....this stuff has never happened in my neck of the woods. The area was paralyzed. Schools are still closed tomorrow. Last week, the Federal Government offices were closed for 4 days....also unprecedented! Here are some pics of the *excitement*....

Luckily, even though I was going stir crazy by this past Friday when I went back to work, my beloved four-leggeds and I were hunkered down safely at home with all that we need...

I still haven't given up on attempting to blog on a MUCH more regular basis....it really is my goal!

In love with...

2010-01-30T15:53:00.000-05:00

First of all, so much for my resolve to blog more regularly...yikes. I do intend to be better about this. I have a million things in my head that I need to blog about...but first...

I celebrated my birthday this month and my beloved mommy :) bought me my new love...

Yes, I am in love with my new Paula Deen copper bottom stainless steel cookware. Oh, be still my heart!

It's funny, really, because Miss Paula couldn't be more non-vegan based, but I just think she is adorable. Seriously, her products rock and are absolutely high quality. I swear my food tastes better.

One more thing I am loving at the moment is the wonderful new book from Alicia Silverstone

There is no earth shattering new information or anything, but it is just a beautiful book that reaffirms the reason I am vegan and how proud I am to be just that.

And finally, I am loving the fact that I have lost 15.6# in the last 3 weeks by recommitting to a healthy me. Only 100+ pounds to go, but hey...I am a work in progress.

Love, Lolly

10 Things I Can't Live Without

2010-01-09T21:08:00.001-05:00

Inspired by some of my fellow bloggers who have done this, I thought I would list the 10 things I can't live without.

1. My family - I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family. I am super lucky to call my beloved mother my very best friend and confidante; I have a fantastic younger brother who is a wonderful friend; I have younger sisters (they are twins and only 18 months younger) who are good friends; I have a really nice stepfather; and an extended family of 92 year old grandmother and lovely aunts and cousins!

(mom and brother)

2. My beloved animals - They truly make waking up each day worthwhile. They inspire me with their unconditional love and total devotion. I can't imagine life without them.

(some of my beloved furry children)

3. Technology - computer, cell phone, etc - What would I do without the convenience of my cell phone and also texting? Or how would I do without blogging, Google, Facebook, email, etc.? Oh and I can't forget how happy my digital camera makes me!!

4. Daytimer and To Do Lists - Despite my love of technology (see #3), I still love a good paper trail. And I really love the concept of my paper to do lists and post-it notes! I also have and will probably always have and use my beloved daytimer. I am a very visual person.

5. Hot Showers - There is nothing more comforting to me than a long, hot shower. It is my meditation and singing time. :) It eases all my aches and pains - both physically and emotionally.

6. Merle Norman Make-up - What can I say - I am vain and want to look good. I've been using Merle Norman foundation for more than 25 years. Bamboo Beige rocks!

7. Air Conditioning - I can't stand to be hot (except in the shower ~ see #5). I have been known to have my air conditioning still running in late November. Enough said.

8. Entertainment (TV/DVR and Music) - "Hi, my name is Lolly and I am a TV/DVR-aholic." I admit it - I love television. I am hooked. I love comedies (Modern Family, Big Bank Theory, to name two); I love dramas (Bones, CSI, Burn Notice, White Collar, to name a few); I love reality shows (American Idol, Biggest Loser to name some fun ones); plus so many more including Food Network shows, HGTV, etc. There is hardly a show I don't like and with DVRs I can watch what I want without commercials. Woot!!

And Music - well, I just love it and it feeds my soul. My music tastes are so eclectic - I love everything from Top 40 to Country to Oldies to Gospel; I love everyone from my beloved Adam Lambert (I heart Adam so much!!) to the late great John Denver to the Black Eyed Peas to Elvis.

9. Jewelry, Perfume, and Clothing - What can I say? I'm vain and proud and I want to look nice.

(I love Timeless perfume from AVON)

10. Water - I love it. It's all I drink. I do also think it's been my secret to smooth skin and few wrinkles, even in my forties. I gave up caffeine and sodas about 14 years ago. I love water!!

That's my 10!

Resolved...

2010-01-03T17:25:00.000-05:00

2009 was a hard and long year in many aspects. 2010, however, is here and holds the hopes and dreams of the life I want to create for myself.

I have many things - both profound and fun, big and small - that I want to get done this year.

So, in 2010, in no particular order (well, except for the first one which is pretty critical), I resolve to...

...lose at least 100 pounds
...live more ~~frugally~~ smartly
...continue to pay down debt
...grow my emergency savigns account
...learn to love myself now - as I am this very moment - and to continue the self-acceptance as I move forward
...continue to grow and market my home businesses - and mom's and Travis'
...continue to nurture the relationship with my nieces and nephews
...blog regularly at least 3x a week
...learn to quilt
...create more scrapbook pages and do some legacy scrapbooking
...work on my book ideas (secret for now)
...no longer wear my past hurts and disappointments like a suit of armor
...organize all photos on my computer on CDs as back-up
...be creative on a daily - ar at least weekly - basis
...set up at craft shows this year with mom!
...redecorate guest room
...enter photo (specifically pets) contests, etc. - get my photos out there
...paint living room and make new curtains (I have had the fabric for almost a year! -- it's time!)
...add exercise to my daily routines - ANY movement is better than none :)
...learn to crochet and knit

I am so excited to see what I can make of this new year. For all of you, may your 2010 be filled with peace, wellness, joy, laughter, and love.

(My sweet kitty, Freida (to the left), says Happy New Year!!)

Rest in Peace, my little cat-child, Joy

2009-12-19T19:39:00.000-05:00

I am so sad to tell you that I lost my dear, sweet cat, Joy, today. Earlier this afternoon, she lost her very brave, but oh, too brief battle and passed away. I knew this day was coming but your never really prepared, are you? My beloved animals are my children and Joy was the perfect cat-child. She had such a big personality for such a tiny little girl and she will be missed so much. As I write this, her BFF, Henry, is roaming the rooms up here as if he is looking for her. She wasn't with me for long enough, but the time that I did have with her is indelibly etched in my heart and soul. It was a privilege to love her and a *joy* to have her love me back.

During her last few weeks, her favorite spot was to sit behind me on the back of my big comfy chair and place her hand on my back or shoulder.

The picture below is Joy on the right, laughing, and her BFF, Henry, on the left.

"We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan." ~Townsend

I'm a proud daughter!....and a proud sister, too!

2009-12-08T19:36:00.000-05:00

First and foremost, I am so lucky to call my mother my very best friend. She is an amazing lady. Since I was a toddler I was convinced my mom could do anything....now I know she can! She is an amazing artist - fiber arts, pen and ink wildlife pictures/notecards, altered arts, and even some writing!

She is so talented but in true artist fashion, she is not much of a business woman (ok, well maybe there is just this one thing she can't do :) ). So, I decided to become her business manager and market her and set up an Etsy store for her. I just want to show her off here............if you get a minute check out her Etsy store HERE (I still have a lot of things to list and she is working on building her inventory) but I love everything she does!!

Yes, I am proud....here is just a sampling of some of her cool aprons - two of them are made with vintage linens...very cool:

OK, while I am sharing the talents of loved ones, let me tell you about my amazing artist BROTHER, Travis. He does the most AWESOME pencil portraits....he is really good and now some of his commissions grace homes throughout the United States and Canada. He is still so reasonably priced compared to other artists I have seen. But, like mom, he is not business minded, so I set up and run an Etsy store for him as well. Check out his Etsy store HERE and here are some of his recent portraits:

Thanks for indulging me by listening to me rave about my mom and brothers talents!

Now if only my creative muse would come back to visit so I can reopen my own Etsy store! Hopefully in 2010!

Talk to you soon,

Lolly

Scrapbooking fun with the girls.......

2009-11-29T19:26:00.000-05:00

At least once a month, I have my sweet nieces, Courtney and Mallory, as well as my mom over for a scrapbooking party. I am trying to pass along my love of scrapbooking to the girls.....and they do love it!!...and they are really good at it! Mallory is just 9 and Courtney is almost 12. This month, we did a few scrapbook pages, but mostly worked on Christmas cards/tags/bookmarks. A lot of fun was had.

Joy (gray and white kitty below) used to be their kitty until she came to live with me. She has a very serious heart condition and may not live much longer, so Mallory was very upset about that, but Joy heard their voices and came down to sit with them as they created. What a sweet memory and although Joy totally loves living with me, she really misses "her girls". (note: ignore the binder clip holding my curtains closed...that is a funny story for another post - I have fabric to make new curtains for the living room, but where is the time?)

My beautiful mommy!

Hard at work. What I do is bring down my big 6' card table and set it up in the living room and bring down all my scrapping goodies. I have a home studio/office, but 4 of us in there would not be conducive to creating!

Mallory and mom!

Courtney with Joy.

The girls always make a special point to hold my big boy, Marty. He is like a doll. He loves to be held like a baby. But don't wear black if you want to hold this boy...he is a major shedder, hence the quilts covering all of my furniture!

Mom making her holiday cards and tags........she is such a great artist!

I just love all three of these wonderful ladies. We have so much fun when we are together!!

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! I was off for 5 days, but it still wasn't long enough! The days just flew by!

Passionate about.....

2009-11-21T15:47:00.000-05:00

I think when you share your life with the four-leggeds, you realize that "animals are my friends" - and in my case, then, how could I eat my friends? I have my sweet pup, and my beloved cats, and even a rabbit (long story, but thanks to my niece, Mack, about 6 years ago). I also feed the wild ones - the squirrels who eat peanuts from my hand, the birds who literally flock around me and aren't fearful, and even the geese when I see them.

I have been vegetarian for about 14 years and became completely vegan early this year. I always wanted to be vegan, but was convinced that I couldn't live without my eggs and cheese. How wrong I was. I am eating better and healthier and yummier than ever.

I have reawakened my love of cooking this year. I have some awesome vegan cookbooks and have also been having fun "veganizing" traditional recipes. My carnivore friends and family are amazed that my food tastes good. Gasp! --- you mean vegan food tastes yummy? :)

Now to get this weight off.... It's great that I have nothing but healthy, organic, good for you food in my fridge and pantry, but......hello.....earth to Lolly....if you eat too much of it and have major portion distortion, you are NOT going to lose weight. Sigh....I am a work in progress.

And don't worry, my friends. I am passionate about animals and my veganism, but would never push it on anyone. I like to share what I know and what I have learned, but it has to be a personal choice for each person.

Blessings,

Lolly

Now back to our regularly scheduled blogging…

2009-11-18T17:14:00.001-05:00

Oh yeah....I do have a blog. After too many months away, I am ready to blog again. I have a new blog look, a new outlook on life, a desire to lose weight and finally get healthy, and a desire to build a thriving and creative business. Currently I am a work in progress, but for the first time in a very long time, I am feeling optimistic about...well, everything.

First, my weight. I am tired of being fat. There...I said it. I just don’t want to be fat anymore. High blood pressure, arthritic knee, feeling ugly…..no more. I know it will take time, but I am ready. Finally, at the age of 44 (45 in January), I can say that I am ready. In addition to other things, I want to document my journey to good health and happiness. I have more than 100 pounds to lose and I know that I can’t think long term. Those numbers can be overwhelming. I need to take this one day at a time, maybe some days even a minute at a time, but I ~~need~~, no I WILL, get there.

I am also going to use this blog to document some of my yummy vegan cooking, wonderful recipes that I have "veganized" myself and others that I have tried that my wonderful blog friends have shared with me. I love to cook and I love organic.

And finally, I will use this blog to document and share my crafty creations, as well as those of my mom and brother (who I run etsy sites for!!). We haven't officially opened my mom's etsy store yet, but am planning to do so Thanksgiving weekend (when I have 5 days off in a row!! woot!!). She has some aprons that truly rock!!! I will share them here when we get them up. I also run an etsy site for my amazing artist brother, so will share some of his work as well. And when I am ready to open my etsy store back up, I will share that as well.

OK, glad to be back to blogging!! Now it's time to catch up with some of my favorites!!

Love, Lolly

It's been a while........

2009-05-12T14:08:00.000-04:00

It's been a while...I have been a bad blogger....but I will be back soon to blog again...in the meantime, enjoy these pics of some of my beloved furry children....oh, how they make my heart happy!

My heart cat, Freida...

My big sweet boy, Bob...

My little baby, Henry...

My dear, gentle Baby Spike...

My loveable and oh, so nosy Jack...

My funny old girl, Sharlet...

My gentle giant, Marty...

My aloof cutie, Buddy...

Talk to you all soon,

Lolly

My Sweet Girl, Bess

2009-02-23T19:12:00.000-05:00

Bess 2/23/03 - 2/15/09

I am so sad to tell you that sweet Bess passed away on February 15. I have been so devastated and shocked by the loss that I haven't been able to post about it until now. She had been in the hospital since the Thursday evening before and fought so hard, but in the end it was just too hard for her. They had gotten the diabetes under control, but her body was just ravaged with infection and her breathing couldn't be sustained without assistance. I was with her as she took her last breath.

I wish you all could have known her sweetness. She was a good little sister to Lily and boy did this girl love her cats, especially her newest kitty, Henry. Her joy was in being the tattletale and letting mom know everything that everyone was doing. :) She loved her toys (she and Lily especially love their stuffed purses!! - typical girl) and she loved her biscuits and she loved her mom! She looked at me always with such love and devotion. From the moment I got her from a rescue almost exactly 5 years ago (she was only one at the time) she was all mine and we adored each other. I can't even begin to tell you how much I loved this furry four-legged child of mine, for it was boundless. There is a hole in my heart today.
Be blessed my sweet girl, Bess. Mommy loves you.

I'm still here....

2009-01-21T12:38:00.000-05:00

I have much to post, and am ready to get back on track with everything, including blogging. Not today :) but before the weekend for sure.

In the meantime, Oh happy day!!

Christmas Card Swap 2008

2008-12-19T11:11:00.001-05:00

Happy Holidays to you! Although I have been taking a break from swaps for a few months, I just had to participate in a fun Christmas Card Swap hosted by Jan & Tom. It was a lot of fun. I sent to 12 folks and so far have received 8 cards. In our cards, we were to send "little gifts" with each card...here is what I have received so far!

This lovely card, ornament and yummy recipes are from Lisa. I just noticed on her blog that her mom passed away yesterday, so my condolences go out to Lisa and her family. What a terrible time of year to lose a loved one.

This cute card and fun handmade tags are from Awtem Nymf

This lovely card and vintage hankie is from Deb, aka Garage Sale Gale. Love it!

This fun card and little ornament and proverb card are from Cary.

This amazing crocheted angel is from Jan, the hostess with the mostess! Thanks, Jan!

This amazing crocheted cross bookmark is from Linda.

This handmade card and tags and cute cupcake notecard are from Missy.

And finally, this fun little package of a cute card, note cards and gift tags are from Lady Jane.

AND I also wanted to thank my dear friend Kai, who sent me the sweetest package with this adorable handmade ornament. Thanks, Kai! You are the sweetest!!

A Pretty Little CAT FRIENDLY Christmas

2008-12-15T11:36:00.000-05:00

pic of me on 12/13/08 in front of mom's xmas tree...

Welcome and Happy Holidays!

Heather at Pretty Petals is hosting a Pretty Little Christmas Blog Party today. I don't have lots of "pretty" holiday things around. I have cats. I used to have a beautiful, Victorian tree every year. I have cats. I used to have lots of glittery pretties around for the holidays. I have cats. I used to have pretty garland coming down the stairs. I have cats. You get the idea.

So, now I have a few key holiday decorations that so far are completely cat-friendly. And truth be told, while I love to look at pretty decorations and I do sometimes miss it, my pretty little four-legged furry children make me just as happy at the holidays and year round.

So....
These are some sample cat holiday cards that some company sent just this year in the mail that I thought would be great cat-friendly decorations, so I purchased some $3 black frames at Walmart and voila! (that's my sweet kitten Henry snoozing in these first two pics)

A cute little Santa (who may not be as cat friendly as I first thought) and a cute little prim stitching project framed up on the wall.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care.... (well this is really my faux fireplace that we had growing up)

And finally, this is my tree now... a two-foot pinecone tree.... :-)

Have a wonderful peaceful holiday, my friends!
Lolly

pic of my sweet girl, Teddie

PEACE

2008-12-08T18:51:00.000-05:00

Peace to you and yours this holiday season.................I wanted to share some of these sweet, peaceful photos with all of you of a few of my four-legged furry children..........

Miss Teddie (left) and Joey...

Spike, my gently boy...

and Marty, my gentle giant...

Love to you all and I will be back soon (ish) to update my blog. I have so much to blog about but when I find the time, the energy is gone......

Peace!

Lolly

My sweet cat, Mouse

2008-10-16T09:55:00.000-04:00

My sweet cat, Mouse, passed away in the early hours of this morning after a fairly short, but hard-fought battle with skin cancer. White cats are prone to skin conditions and unfortunately hers was a very aggressive form. She was my completely deaf and oh so sweet girl who was only 8 years old. For someone that couldn't hear a peep, she didn't miss anything and definitely made her presence known!! She was a feral cat that I fed from the time she was about 3 months old. She had a kitten, Max, and they both came into my house to live with me when Mouse was about 1 and her kitten was about 5 weeks old (that is a long and beautiful story that I am thinking about writing a children's book about). She was still nursing him at the time and was a great mom. She was friends with all the other cats and loved to be near me, loved to eat, was one of my "greeters" when people came over and just a real light in my life.

I lost my old boy, Charlie, just this past December (see this blog) and Max (Mouse's kitten) passed away suddenly just four short months ago (see this blog) so you can imagine my devastation. Her life and our life together was just too short. How can it be over so soon? But I want to always remember the wonderful details of her life with the love and faithfulness she showed me. Although she wasn't with me long enough, I am grateful for every wonderful day I had with her and the two boys I lost this past year. I hope Mouse knew how much I loved her and how much I will miss her physical presence in my life.

Be blessed my sweet girl.

"We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan." ~Townsend

This is sweet Mouse...

And here she is loving and cuddling with little Miss Teddie....like I said, she was a friend to all!

OUR ETSY STORE IS OPEN

2008-09-10T12:49:00.001-04:00

Hi folks! Finally, I can do a blog letting my friends know that our Etsy store is open, Lolly's Nest Egg with The Needle's Web. I am in business with my mom, who also just happens to be my very best friend. We don't have tons of stuff in the store yet, but will be adding and updating weekly, and sometimes daily!

From our Etsy store announcement, "We are a mother/daughter (and best friends) team who love to create! Our original and one-of-a-kind designs are made with love and great attention! We only make those things that inspire us and that we like ourselves! Lolly (the daughter) creates under Lolly's Nest Egg and Sandra (the mom) creates under The Needle's Web, but you can always find our work in this shop at lollysnestegg.etsy.com. You can see more about us in our Profile section!"

Woohoo!! Some of the things we have listed include:

This AWESOME handmade LONG scarf for Goth chicks and for chicks who love Halloween......LOVE IT! Can be found here.

Another VERY COOL creation for the goth chick or the chick who loves Halloween (although I would wear it year round!). It can be found here.

Perfect for the season! This is a FUN necklace for all the Democrats out there (there is a Republican one too!). It can be found here.

This is Miss Betsy Beary who comes with HANDMADE clothes and stuff, as well as a HANDMADE bag to keep her and her wardrobe in! She is not handmade but her stunning wardrobe is...you must take a look. She is here.

We also have these adorable DEMOCRAT and REPUBLICAN dog bandanas. The picture is Democrat but we have both in several different sizes. Check it out here.

Thanks for looking! I hope that we can eventually be as successful as some of the wonderfully crafty ladies whose blogs I stalk...I mean read....every day! :-) They are my inspiration!!

Love, Lolly

Catching Up....

2008-07-29T13:37:00.000-04:00

Hello, friends. I am back to blogging and I am commiting to being much more regular with it. I have a lot to say but with not feeling well and the loss of a furry baby, I didn't want my blog to be a constant downer. Having said that, though, I will appreciate all prayers and good thoughts this Friday, August 1. I am having intravenous iron infusion - a 6-hour procedure...ugh. Despite taking strong oral iron supplements, I am still severly anemic and my blood levels keep going down. I have had test after test come out ok, but my levels keep dropping. So we are going to try this and I am hoping that this infusion and subsequent therapies if needed will give me more energy so I feel better. I also need more energy for CREATING! Mom and I have given ourselves deadlines for FINALLY opening our etsy shop (mom is going to be selling with me!) so I need to make that inventory. Fingers crossed.

OK, fun stuff......here are some ATCs that I made for a swap I was in....it was an interesting swap, because we had to use recycled product for the base of the cards. I used boxes from my AMY's meals....and of course that is my little Frieda as the model in each card.

Some more ATC for a feathered friends swap....

Some cards for an anything goes card swap....

And I should have blogged about this in June, but two years ago I got my grandmother into a wonderful nursing home closer to me (about 5 minutes from my house). I am her power-of-attorney and just love the care they give her there. We are a very involved family so she feels like a queen there. She is 91 years old and she is just thriving and truly feels that it is her home. The facility and the employees (as well as the residents) are wonderful and each year they have a *SENIOR* prom (get it?) where the seniors can dress to the nines. The nursing home even has beautiful dresses the ladies can borrow and fancy jewels and nice things for the men. The residents are in heaven each year and they play music from all of the decades. The joy on many of the residents' faces will honestly just take your breath away! I always attend and leave feeling very blessed to have taken part. Anyway, here are a few pics of my beautiful grandmother at this years prom....isn't she a beauty?

(that's my mom on the left)

Let me end this long post with this sweet pic of one of my furry kids...sweet Bess. Isn't she adorable (and when she's sleeping, she's not yapping! :-) )

Hope you all are well and enjoying the summer! Talk to you soon!!

Lolly

The Winner of my Giveaway is...

2008-06-26T15:03:00.000-04:00

Hi, friends! Just a quick note to announce that the winner of my first ever giveaway is.......

obsessed scrapbooker of Life in Smirleyworld

Her number was chosen by random generator:
This program will generate a random number between two numbers of your choice.
Enter a lower limit: 1
Enter an upper limit: 22
Random Number: 14

Thanks so much to all who played!! I really like doing giveaways! There will have to be more!

Elizabeth will be getting the summer edition of Artful Blogging, plus a bunch of other goodies that I have collected (some vintage goodness and fun scrapbooking stuff). I will post pics later of the goodies I am sending her!

Love, Lolly

I'm back...and MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!

2008-06-19T09:11:00.000-04:00

I'm back...not quite 100% recovered yet, but getting better every day (it was bronchitis and for some reason it really threw me for a loop, but three rounds of antibiotics later and many cough medications...)...and and I am still missing my sweet cat Max, but taking comfort in my memories and my other four-legged children. Thanks to all of my blogger friends who sent me sweet wishes about my sweet boy.

OK, on to business. I am FINALLY starting to feel the creative juices flowing again, so am going to work this weekend on producing some stuff. In the meantime, I thought I would have MY FIRST GIVEAWAY! Blame it on not feeling well, but I actually bought two issues of the Summer 2008 ARTFUL BLOGGING magazine....doh!

SO, I would love to give the extra copy of ARTFUL BLOGGING (Summer 2008) away to someone! I will ALSO throw in a bunch of other fun supplies and vintage goodness (not pictured) to the lucky winner!! Each comment on this post will be entered in my giveaway. I think I will have the drawing on...let's say a week from today June 26. Just be sure that I have a way to reach you! I will post the winner after 12:00pm EST on June 26!!

Thanks, my sweet friends!

Lolly

I lost my sweet cat, Max...

2008-05-30T12:19:00.000-04:00

Hello friends. I am so sad to tell you that my sweet little four-legged furry bundle of joy, MAX, passed away on Wednesday morning. I had dropped him off that morning at the vet to have surgery, then I headed home since I have been so sick. My Max was to have all of his teeth extracted because of severe gum disease and a raging infection. They gave him a sedative before they could even give him anestesia or intibate him (normal procedure) and within 2 minutes he fell over and his heart had stopped. They gave him CPR for about 15 minutes to no avail. The doctor thinks that the infection may have compromised his heart and it was just too much for his body. Also since he was a feral cat, we just don't know about genetics, etc. But without the surgery, he would have continued to have infection after infection and would have starved, since he wasn't eating enough to sustain his big body.

I am still in shock today and so very sad and depressed. I just lost my beloved Charlie in December and now my sweet boy, Max....Max was such a good boy. He was only 7 and I have had him since he was 5 weeks old when I took in him and his beautiful mother who were ferals - he was still nursing when I took them in. Max was a talker. In the picture below of him alone, he was "talking" to me, trying to get some message across. He was my social butterfly - always greeting everyone at the door. He was my constant shadow (much to the chagrin of my other beloved shadow, Freida). Max made me laugh with his antics. He was a friend to all of the other animals - not a mean bone in his body. You all know that my beloved four-legged furry children are the world to me and ARE my children. I miss him so much and I just wanted to share my thoughts with you all. There was such a depth of love in his eyes when he looked at me. I hope he always knew that I felt the same.

My dear Max - be free, be strong, know that you will be mourned and missed, that you have loved and are beloved. Be blessed my baby kitty, until we meet again.

Love, Lolly

My sweet boy, Max

Max (in front) with his mom, Mouse...

I'm still here!!

2008-05-20T16:23:00.000-04:00

Peek-a-boo!! I'm still here!! I have been sick for the past few weeks and have not even had the energy for blogging....I have so many things to post about! I will hopefully be back soon!

~Lolly

Toy Day

2008-05-01T10:15:00.000-04:00

Hello! Today is Scrappy Jessi's Favorite Childhood Toy party and I want to play!! Sorry for some of the blurry pics, but of course I waited until the last minute to look for some of these and then the scanner wasn't working, and then....well you get the picture!
Anyway, here we go. This is me at about a year and half...I loved dolls and stuffed animals and I loved my books....those Little Golden Books rock!!

Me again with my Raggedy Ann doll!

This is a new monkey I have now, but when I was young I had one EXACTLY like it.... I can't explain it, but I just have always LOVED stuffed monkeys.

Another new one, but one like I had when I was little...

Oh, this is my beloved little tiger that my beloved grandfather gave to me when I was a toddler. Obviously this little guy has been with me for forty years. My grandfather is long gone, but I just love this little guy. He proudly sits on a shelf in my studio.

Also this beloved stuffed bear of mine..little Teddie has been with me since I was an infant and also keeps little tiger (above) company on a shelf in my studio. As you can tell, I took these guys everywhere with me when I was young. They are tattered but very loved!

Here is an older me when I was about 8 or 9.....once again surrounded by stuffed animals and dolls and reading....note I was reading (and really into) Jughead and Archie....clearly that dates me!

A young me on Christmas morning with my new kitchen set....my sisters and I spent hours with that set and all the accompanying fun stuff that went with it.

You can only see one piece here but on this day, my sisters (they are the blond twins) and I received this fantastic block set and we literally played with that for years in so many different ways. I can even remember building "furniture" for our Barbies with the set!!

That's it for today! I couldn't find my pics of some of the other fun toys I enjoyed as a child................like the board game (remember those?) SORRY, Barbies and especially my beloved Barbie Camper, my Crissy doll, my Little Kiddles, etc.......I could go on.....

Thanks, Jessi for hosting this fun party!!

~Lolly

The wonderful junque in my trunk.....

2008-04-22T11:00:00.000-04:00

I was lucky enough to participate in Junque in my Trunk swap hosted by Heather at Pretty Petals Boutique. My partner was the wonderful Elaine but she doesn't have a blog at this time (but she should!!)....Anyway, this first batch of photos is what I sent to her. The box (trunk) I made has a vintage picture of my grandmother on it.. what a beauty she was (and is - she will be 91 next month!)...I wish I had taken more detailed pics of all the fun goodies that were actually in the box, but I was running late in mailing the package and so it goes...anyway, here is a condensed visual of what I sent to the wonderful Elaine....

And here is the absolutely wonderful and quite stunning "trunk of amazing junque" that I got from Elaine......she truly went above and beyond and I am still in awe of all the unique goodness that she sent my way. She knew that I love anything cat or vintage cat-related and almost everything in the package was cat related...even the vintage cards had cats on them...unbelievable thoughtfulness.....first of all, this is the amazing flower covered box that I first opened...I truly did not want to open it - it was that beautifully put together....

And this is just a few pics of the amazing things Elaine sent me......

This was an absolutely fantastic swap and I had a great time giving and receiving!!
~Lolly

Easter Basket Goodness X 2

2008-03-25T14:03:00.001-04:00

I participated in the fun swap hosted by Genevieve, Bella-Enchanted's Easter Basket Swap and was lucky enough to have TWO partners! Double the fun!!

My first partner was Elizabeth and this is what I sent to her! I apologize in advance, because I have the pics of the wonderful basket she sent me on another cd that I don't have with me at the moment....I will add later. Anyway, this is what I sent to Elizabeth....

My second partner was Carol and she was just a doll! This is the package that I sent her...it was a lot of fun to put together!

And this is the wonderful package that I received from her in return! Candles and lace and vintage inspired collage sheets with cats and animals that she cut out and wrapped with a ribbon, stationary, note cards, stamps and an amazing apron that I already have hanging in my kitchen (I collect old and vintage inspired aprons!) and more!! She really went overboard and I just love everything!

This swap was a lot of fun to participate in.
Even though I am addicted to swaps, I have also been in my studio working on some creations and business ideas and will post about those soon.

One more swap that I did participate in was the Alpha Stamps/Tallulah's Swap hosted by Lenna over at creativeswaps.blogspot.com. She is awesome. Mine are soooooo simple compared to some of the other creations that I am almost embarassed.....next time I sign up for her swaps, I will go all out!! Here are my creations:

I let it go too long....

2008-03-10T12:24:00.000-04:00

I let it go too long without getting it done....yes, look at these gray roots and flat as a pancake top heavy hair on Friday morning.........

but after visiting Jay at the shop on Friday afternoon, and some big blond chunky foil highlights later.... voila.....I am happy again! Having a month of bad hair days was a killer and it is amazing - and may sound pathetic - how much lighter and happier I feel with my hair done!!

I know, I know that in the scheme of things in the world right now, this isn't a serious issue, but if something so easy can make a person so happy (me).....well I say Happy Day!

Also, I put together these little simple bottles with a strip of scrap paper, copy of an old pic and millenery flowers from an old hat.....I think they are quite cute (and the bottles came from the antique mart where I purchased them for 50 cents). I may add a ribbon on the stem.

Daylight Savings Time Swap - Goodies Sent and Goodies Received!!

2008-03-05T15:08:00.000-05:00

Another fun swap was just wrapped up! I participated in the fun Daylight Savings Time Swap hosted by Kai. My partner was Cindy Owens (she doesn't have a blog but she totally should - she is amazing!!). We needed to create something that was our interpretation of Daylight Savings. I created this collage - it is about a 9x12 board. The lighting on this pic is not the greatest, but you get the gist. Daylight Savings to me means time for Spring, things "bloom"ing, etc.

This is the bottom half of the collage with miscellaneous bits and bobs in the nest of these sweet little birdies...

Vintage children's faces in the flowers (from an old Golden book)...

Of course, I threw in some other fun Easter stuff, a few vintage items, some pretty buttons, etc....

BUT WAIT.......look at the masterpiece that I received from sweet Cindy.......she is a dollmaker (Thimbleprims)......look at what she created for me............I love all things cat and I am now the proud owner of my very own little Miss Kitty ......sitting down she measures approx 6 inches........she even has cute accessories...a kite...an easter basket full of goodies......

Look at the beautiful face that Cindy painted....she also made the dress.....wow!

And as if this sweet Miss Kitty was not the greatest treasure, she also sent me these wonderful items!! Thanks so much, Cindy!! You were a doll :-) to get to know and when you become a famous dollmaker, I can say "well I have the first Kitty that she ever made......signed to boot".

One more pic of Miss Kitty's sweet little face.......

My Sweet Little Nest Swap Creation

2008-03-05T14:41:00.000-05:00

I'm behind in posting again, but here is the package that I sent to Jenelle, who was my partner for the Sweet Little Nest Swap hosted by Heather at Speckled-Egg. The pictures are really not that great, but I think it turned out pretty cute. I used an old crystal bowl that I attached with ceramic glue to a cute old plate with lots of vintage and vintage inspired jewels and doo-dads in and around the bowl nest. Kind of eclectic but I like it. I also attached a vintage calling card and a vintage flower leaf from an old hat to the plate.

Then I also sent Jenelle a few other things, including some Easter inspired goodies, etc.

I shipped it out on Monday so hopefully Jenelle will get it today or tomorrow.
Thanks for looking!

A little creation

2008-02-28T11:28:00.000-05:00

I am participating in the Springtime Soiree Collage Swap hosted by Danielle. Of course, as usual, I wait until the last minute for everything...it is due in her hands by Tuesday, March 4 and I am just sending it today....but with priority mail, it should be ok.

Anyway, we just had to make a 4x4 collage with a vintage springtime theme (we make one, we get one back). I used a 4x4 piece of wood from the craft store - spray painted it white and used bottle caps for the vintage faces. I rubbed a twig/branch around the sides to make it appear older and I wrapped the sides and the hangy thing (!) with a piece of vintage velvet ribbon. I like it. It's sweet. (the pics are not that great, because I took the pic at midnight last eve, but you can get the gist).

I have also finished my projects for the the Daylight Savings Swap and the Sweet Little Nest Swap and will get those pics taken and posted by the weekend when I ship them out.

Another fun swap received!

2008-02-25T11:41:00.000-05:00

I received another fantastic Swap pacakge on Saturday!

She was early (earlier than me anyway, since I am not mailing hers until this week!) but I received a lovely package from Jenelle for the Sweet Little Nest Swap! Look at this amazing nest!! I absolutely love it! You can't see the inside that well on the second picture, but it is filled with little sparkly lovelies and the little note in front of the bird says "spring blessings". Is Jenelle not the best for sending this my way??? I definately lucked out in the partner department on this swap!! :-)

She also sent me these wonderful tags that she created. (I simply love tags and ATCs lately.)Aren't these tags just lovely?

I especially love this one with a dangling crystal - I love the sparkly bling!

Jenelle even sent goodies for the "kids" (my four legged menagerie) - look at these adorable trio of cupcakes - they are dog squeak toys!! CUTE!! and next to it is a cat toy shaped like a piece of cake! Priceless and very much appreciated!

Thanks so much, Jenelle! I will post later this week about what I am sending to her for this swap!! Fun!

Okay, here is just a cute pic of my sweet heart cat, Frieda yesterday. When I am in my studio (or anywhere), she is my constant companion. I originally bought this basket to store supplies in my studio, but she decided that it was very much to her liking, so *we* had a slight change of plans, and now she graces this basket whenever I am creating or on the computer doing other business. I pity the poor fool (other cat) if he/she is in the basket when Frieda and I walk into the room! :-)

Catching Up....

2008-02-22T09:10:00.001-05:00

I always have good intentions of posting regularly, but with work, sickness, time spent reading all of the other wonderful blogs, life, etc, time definately slips away from me. I am in a bunch of fun spring swaps that I am working on....Danielle's Spring Soiree Collage Swap, Kai's Daylight Savings Swap, Heather's Sweet Little Nest Swap, and Lenna Andrews' Alpha Stamps Tallulahs Postcard Swap. Fun, fun, and more fun!

Also, I just had to share this! My birthday was a month ago (I know I should have posted this then), and I just want to share this blog that my mom posted about me on her myspace account (yes!) on my birthday...my mom is my absolute best friend in the world...we live about 4 miles apart..here is her picture.

Anyway, here is her blog from January 24 (my bday) and by the way, my real name is Lorraine (mentioned in the blog below but friends and family call me Lolly):
Happy Birthday to You!!! Lorraine Marie you have been a blessing in my life!
I remember when you were born like it was yesterday. You were so little and so fragile looking with your long arms and legs and dark hair. And even with all the bruises from the hard birth, you were absolutely beautiful! And I was so young to be a Mom. And so immature. But when I saw your face and your beautiful blue eyes gazed into mine so trustingly, I knew it was time to grow up and be the Mom you deserved.I loved you so much. You looked so pretty in white with your dark hair. I remember not wanting to share you with anyone and wanted to hold you and stare at your pretty face all the time. I couldn't believe you came through me and that I was chosen and blessed to guide you, teach you and protect you through life!

When you got older your hair got wavy and long and it seems like your eyes got even more blue. Since mine were so dark, it made me happy to gaze at bright blue trusting eyes. You were tall with long legs and pretty hands. And you were so smart! I thought you were perfect.
When your sisters were born, it was hard for you to share your Mom but you were so helpful with them and loved them so. You were like a little mother to them and liked them as long as they left your toys and stuffed animals alone! As they grew it became harder for you to have a life of your own. Amy and Jill were into everything, including the toilet much to your horror! I've often said that I wish I could have spent more time alone with you before the twins were born but we managed to become so close in spite of it. Love knows no bounds. And you were my beloved firstborn.

Through the years and the ups and downs our love has been steadfast. I'm so proud of the smart, caring, and beautiful woman you have become. I'm so proud that you've accomplished so much. You have your own home, your own life and are so admired and respected in your job. And your pure love of animals swells my heart with pride. You are among the most compassionate people I have ever met and the depth of your soul is immense. You give of yourself without limit. You're spirituality is deeply quiet and naturally ingrained and so lovely.

What would I have done without you in my life! You are such a magnificant gift.

Happy Birthday my dearest of daughters. Forty three years seem like but a blink of an eye and you have been such a joy to me in this life. I wish for you a lasting love, and a happy and long life. May you always know that love surrounds you and that I have loved you since the moment of your birth and I will love you for all eternity.

"There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward. Through the hands of such as these God speaks, and from behind their eyes He smiles upon the earth. " (Gibran)

Love, Mom

Is that not the most wonderful gift to get from your mom? I printed it out and put it in my journal and will cherish it forever!!

Another thing I am way behind on is posting about two additional Valentine swaps I was in ....

I participated in The Hanging Heart Swap from Sweet Goodness Swaps and this is what Kai made me.....I just love things that are made by other artists....they bring me such joy! I love it, Kai!!!!

This is what I sent to Kai! This was a FUN swap!

Then, I also participated in the Crafty Cupid Swap and my partner was Stevie.....this is the package that I sent to her!

And this is what she sent to me......

Look at what she did below....see the tag in the bottom left corner....she took my picture from my blog and made me a personalized tag...is that not the cutest thing ever? I may have to use that idea in the future!!

I can officially say that I am addicted to swaps and love every minute of it.

I am off work today, so need to get busy working on my crafts and my part-time ebay business (not craft related), and I also want to start making things for Etsy. My mom has some wonderful creations that I will be posting in etsy in the coming weeks as well. My goal is also to update my blog more regularly. I have a list of things I want to post about!! I promise myself that I will do better!

Have a great weekend!

Sweetheart Box Swap Recieved - Lucky me!!

2008-02-04T11:54:00.000-05:00

I am a lucky girl to have had such a great swap partner, Angela for the fun Sweetheart Box Swap hosted by Maria at The Junkk Drawer. Look at all of the fun goodies I received~

First of all, look at the loveliness upon simply opening the shipping box....what fun! Let's dig in!

I love aprons and Angela sent me the most adorable apron - it's brown and white with appliques hearts on the front! I love it!

Angela is such a sweetie, she even sent something for the "kids" - my four legged cat children! Now that is special!

A lovely handmade card.....I love handmade cards.

This is her decorated heart candy box.......love the fur border!! My cats thought that was their present too! :)

Look at all the pink/white/red girliness on the following pictures........OOOH!!

Thanks so much to Angela! I absolutely love participating in these neat swaps! I have another swap that I received to post about - I'll try to get that done in the next day or so!

Sweetheart Box Swap Mailed!

2008-01-28T17:23:00.000-05:00

I was able to ship out my swap goodies for the Sweetheart Box Swap hosted by Maria over at The Junkk Drawer.
I had a great partner, Angela (check her out over at Life with One Busy Boy). She should have the package today or tomorrow, so I think I can go ahead and post the pics here. It was a fun swap - I hope she enjoys her goodies (I couldn't limit myself to just fitting inside the box, so.....)

Happy Monday everyone!

Missions being accomplished and more! Fun!

2008-01-23T16:13:00.000-05:00

I am so proud of myself....ever since I took the initiative with my studio shelf (see previous post), I am FINALLY feeling energized to get some things done around my house. Some days I think that is what holds me back from really getting into my crafts - the idea that I SHOULD get things done in the house....then I just completely shut down and do neither. Oy!

Anyway, this project pictured below is only half done, but only because I have to run back to Lowe's to get more grout.....I have a small vanity in the upstairs bath that had that old, probably original linoleum crap on it....so, I broke up some vintage plates that I had been collecting in a closet and tiled around the sink.....I love it! I can't wait to see it when it is actually grouted....I plan to work on that this weekend. I will post a finished product pic at that time.

Then, I had this shelf that my mom gave to me and I love it and need it for the kitchen, but it was this gross green........so I painted it burgundy, hung a few crystals from the top, and I like it. You can kind of see the open shelves at the bottom of the pic....I am making curtains for those, that match the curtains I have in my lower kitchen cabinets (the curtains were an idea which I totally took from Karla at Karla's Cottage - thanks, Karla!)....a really neat burgundy/cream toille fabric!

Okay, and finally, speaking of kitchens, I really do love mine! I love my corian counter tops and my seamless sink; I love all of my crystal jars, both new and vintage (that hold cat treats, dog treats, rabbit food, etc); I love my mirrored glass jewelry box that I use for tea bags, etc; I love the vintage plates and pictures and frames with loved ones (both animal and human); and check out the fantastic cat mold that my godmother just sent me for my birthday (which is tomorrow Jan 24 - I will be 43!! - where did the years go??) - I love it all! These pics are just the one corner of the kitchen and then my memory card was full and I had to get to work......but you get the gist! The only thing that really bugs me right now is the cabinet door pulls - I really need to find some crystal ones - that will be my next mission on eBay.

Well, thanks for listening to my rambling......

Things happen....

2008-01-15T19:28:00.000-05:00

Just as I am getting my craft back on, what happens but my studio desk (a shelf in the open closet) collapses.....luckily, I was in the room at the time and was able to catch it as it fell. Nothing broken. Turns out it was probably a good thing......the shelf that I was using was actually not anchored on the wall very well and was an accident waiting to happen. I put on my carpenter britches and measured and purchased new wood, twice the depth of the previous shelf. I was also able to raise it up a little bit higher, so now my bar stool that I sit on fits beautifully under the shelf. I'm sure others could have done a much better job, but I am really proud of myself!! I quite like my new shelf.

Happy crafting to you all!

I'm Back....

2008-01-07T12:26:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! I am back from taking a break for a little while....had to, not wanted to. At Thanksgiving, I came down with pneumonia and it really threw me for a loop this past month. In addition, I have very high blood pressure and so December, in between being sick and tired, I have been getting over that serious bout of pneumonia, have been working to control my asthma, working to control my blood pressure and am once again back on the weight loss train. I have had numerous doctors’ visits this past month (cardiologist, allergist, ultrasounds, ct scan, and stress echo) so am dealing with these issues. I have got to get a grip on my health and weight. I want to be around for a long time! My four-legged children need me!!

So.....My house is a mess and my studio has been neglected, but with the new year comes better health and excitement for what the new year will bring. I am at my highest weight in years, and so on December 30 I started the Bob Greene BEST LIFE DIET (vegetarian version) and in the first week have lost 9.6 pounds. I have been a yoyo dieter for years and have always said "this time will be it".....well, this time HAS to be 'it". My doctor told me that my blood pressure and weight and age (I'm 43 this month) makes me a prime candidate for a stroke. I have to say that scared the heck out of me, so onward to extreme good health. I have a long way to go, but I will get there.

I am ready to get crafty and so have joined a couple of swaps - The Sweet Treats and Roses Swap hosted by Karla and Beth and The Sweet Heart Box Swap hosted by Maria at The Junkk Drawer. Looking forward to getting busy with these!

On December 8, I lost one of my beloved cats, Charlie.
He was my handsome, snaggle-toothed blind old Persian cat. He had gone blind earlier this year due to detached retinas caused by high blood pressure. He also was discovered to have an enlarged heart. However, that did not stop him. He adapted well to the blindness and was still my handsome, friendly greeter to all who came in the front door. He still followed me everywhere and along with Frieda, the queen (see below) reigned supreme as a leader among the others. Charlie died at home with me after what appeared to be a stroke – he was able to limp to all his favorite spots downstairs, almost as if he was saying goodbye – then he made it to my chair and he passed away peacefully in the spot next to me that he loved so much within an hour. My sweet Charlie gave me such tremendous joy when he came to me in the final five years of his life and the realization that he is gone from me now is almost too much to bear. He is missed greatly.

I am excited and energized about what the new year will bring to me. 2007 was filled with highs and lows, but each and everyday I am grateful to be here on mother earth, to have a family (4-legged and 2-legged) that I adore, friends who are wonderful, a home that makes me happy, a job that leaves me satisfied, a spiritual life that fulfills me, a voice that I can use to sing, to praise, to yell, to question, to laugh and to cry, and a life that is blessed with goodness.

I am happy to be back!

So many blogs to post, so little time!

2007-11-20T21:13:00.000-05:00

I am so far behind in posting blogs. I check other people's blogs all the time but I have not been able to make the time to post all the blogs of my own that I want to write. It seems there is never enough time in a day! Yikes. Anyway, as of right now, I am off work until Monday, so no excuses. Starting tomorrow, I am going to attempt to catch up with all my blog writings and picture posting, etc.
Stay tuned.......
Lolly

Late But Wonderful -- Sweet & Sinister Swap

2007-10-23T18:26:00.000-04:00

First of all, this blog is VERY LATE in being posted and I want to apologize to my swap partner, Tara for the delay in posting these wonderful goodies that she sent for the Sweet and Sinister Swap hosted by Kari! I love everything that she sent! First up is this wonderful candle stand that she brilliantly put a pumpkin on! I love it. The candle stand is a nice substantial size andmy cats don't bother it, so that's another bonus!

Next is this AMAZING decoupaged (sp? I'm tired tonight!) box. I love it and she did beautiful work. Then to my surprise there was a sweet array of trims - I love it all!
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Tara sent these lovely scrapbook supplies with some amazing black and white papers.......stunning!

An adorable black and white pirate wand.

I am clearly a cat lover and she sent these wonderful black cat pot holders - love them!

Then she sent this wonderful little spider scrapbook journal complete with embellishments. I love it and can't wait to work on it.

And finally, the only thing not pictured here is a great black and white chinese lantern and tags.

Tara - you are awesome and I love the Sweet & Sinister goodies that you put together to send to me! You are the greatest and it was wonderful getting to know you! Thanks for your patience with me in getting this blog posted - it's 2-1/2 weeks late but the sentiment is so sincere!!

I'm back .... my sweet cat Freida's ordeal

2007-10-20T12:08:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted for a while, but I am back. I have a ton of blogs to post in the next few days, but thought I would start with this one. My sweet baby cat Freida has had a very trying two weeks. On the 6th, I took her to the vet because for a few days previous she was throwing up and that Friday evening had started to throw up blood. Freida ended up having emergency surgery that afternoon.....she had swallowed a 7-inch piece of ribbon with wire on the sides (like for wrapping gifts and crafting). She ended up spending the weekend at the emergency vet and then had to be confined in a large cage at my house for another week. My poor baby. It was very serious and she had some issues with high temperature (she was on two antibiotics and pain meds - not an easy thing to give a cat meds) and the scar on her tummy is a good 8 inches long....ouch!

I am happy to say that she is very much on the road to recovery. Her staples came out a few days ago and other than being a little bit more tired, she is back to her old self ---- a true DIVA. Ms. Freida is my heart cat - I hand raised her from the time she was one week old (she is 5 now) and she is truly the ruler of the roost and my constant companion and shadow. My heart....

I have just been sick about it....I am always so careful about things that the cats and dogs can get into. I have been feeling so guilty about this....the only good thing is that my house, and specifically my floors, have never been so clean and tidy! Now I just have to figure out how to pay for all of this! Thank goodness for credit!

Here is a picture of my sweet girl....

Black Cat & Pumpkin Swap Goodies from Catie!

2007-10-04T02:21:00.000-04:00

I wanted to share with you the WONDERFUL box of goodies that sweet and talented CATIE sent me. She was my partner for the Black Cat and Pumpkin Swap hosted by HopHopJingleBoo. First she wrote a wonderful note to me and included this sweet little vintage cat card........

Look what Catie made for me! This amazing Witch doll sitting on a pumpkin and holding her cat. Oh my gosh! Miss Catie...you are so very talented and I will treasure this cutie!

Then we have this wonderful Halloween Tree that Miss Catie made......pictured here with a whole pile of handmade ornaments made with vintage supplies (I will put them onthe tree later when the cats aren't around...they already think the box and its contents belong to them!). Note the cute candle holder that the tree sits in!

Next is a pail of candy (yum!!), Halloween socks, and some thrifte jewelry that Catie found for me.............how did she know what a jewelry person I am? I LOVE IT!

Some fantastic, whimsical holiday crepe paper.

More jewelry! You go girl!

More Halloween goodness! Cute!

Pumpkin earrings...........too cute!

And finally some wonderful vintage wallpaper and fabric samples! These will be perfect for my collage work!

Thanks so much Catie for everything! You went way overboard and I LOVE IT ALL! But truly the best part of the swap was making a new friend and getting to know you! You are an awesome person and super talented!

"Little Things" and "Dream" Collage

2007-10-03T23:12:00.000-04:00

Here are two recent collages that I did....I love them....the birds are copies taken from a vintage children's book. The little girl in the "Dream" collage is me! I am proud of these and love how they turned out.

Goodies from Natalea!

2007-10-03T20:19:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to win a drawing that Natalea held on her blog. I won this adorable witch placque!

Not only is the placque itself cute (and I just love anything witchy!), but even her packaging was fantastic!

Thanks so much, Natalea! Your little witch has a place of honor in my studio!
-Lolly

What Do You Love About Your Home? Party with Karla...

2007-09-25T11:25:00.000-04:00

Karla over at Karla's Cottage is having a party and has invited us along...she is celebrating her article in the most recent issue of Romantic Country magazine. How exciting is that! I will have to get a copy of that mag. I love reading Karlas blogs and she is so super talented.

Let me preface my blog by saying that I didn't plan this through very well, and definately procrastinated and then not getting home until 9pm last night, so....having said that, I have taken strategically placed pictures of specific vignettes in my house, hopefully hiding some of the dust and CLUTTER! I should also mention that I like stuff and am a firm believer in "more is more".

First of all, I love everything about my home, but I have a real fondness for my beautiful bedroom. Pictured here is a dresser that was my grandmothers with some of my beautiful finds displayed...I have also attached a close-up picture. It just makes me happy to be in this room.

Okay, now on to the little vanity alcove in my bedroom....love it.

I also have a guestroom that is in the process of being created (no pictures yet...yikes!) and my studio space (which I wrote about in my previous blog). As we head down stairs, I just love what I did on the hall and it goes all the way down the stairs. I just painted squares in a lovely burgundy color and then the photos are arranged in and around the stairs... the squares look crooked, but I think (hope) it is the angle of the camera....c'est la vie!

I won't show you my whole living room, as that is a big culprit of the messy dust and clutter, but will show you a few sections that I just love....I kind of wish I had an armoire to hide the big television (and like Karla admitted to in her blog, I also am ADDICTED to television!), but I just love the old music stand it sits on now...and the two etageres have been with me forever. And again, the walls are all full.....did I mention "more is more"?

Last but not least I just love the art of Henriette Ronner-Knip (dutch painter, 1821-1909) and have several pieces that I adore!

I am so in love with my kitchen, too, but it looks like a disaster hit at the moment, so will save that special room for another blog.
Thanks for sharing just a few snippets of my home that I love so much! It is filled with lots of stuff, but more importantly it is filled with lots of love.

My Studio Space....

2007-09-23T15:27:00.000-04:00

I always enjoy reading other bloggers' posts about their studios/craft nooks, so thought I would share my space! I am actually very proud of it. The room I use is the third small bedroom in my house. I have put a LOT of stuff into the space, yet I don't ever feel crowded or overwhelmed!

First up, here is my actual work space.....I converted a closet into my "creating" area....you can't see it all in the pic, but the storage goes UP into the high recesses of the closet and still everything is very accessible. The countertops are about waist high, so I use a bar stool to sit and a small stepladder for accessing things up high. Note my constant companion, Freida (I hand raised her from the time she was about 2 weeks old) on the bar stool. What a cutie!

This is the other corner of the room with window, chair, bookshelf, etc.....excuse the unfinished floors....I laid linoleum and need to finish the edges.

Here is the corner that houses my television, desk, printer, etc. In addition to my full time job and craft endeavors, I also have an ebay business and an AVON business, so a lot of stuff happens in this room and at this desk. Note the walls are literally covered up to the ceiling with all of the pics andplacques that I have accumulated, a lot of them cat related, since I am the crazy cat lady. These are things that wouldn't go with any other room in my house, but I love them, sooooo......

This is another shelf that is next to my work area....

Note this (dusty) pic of my sewing machine (to the right of the bar stool in the flowered case). This is actually a brand new sewing maching that I bought 2 years ago.....I have yet to use it....shameful!

Another pic of the corner with my tv, printer, et.....

Well, there you have it. Portions of my beloved studio! I am so happy with how it has all turned out.

BLACK CAT AND PUMPKIN SWAP

2007-09-22T02:16:00.000-04:00

I wanted to share some of the goodies I sent to Catie. We were swap partners in the BLACK CAT & PUMPKIN SWAP hosted by Deb over at HOP HOP JINGLE BOO.

First up, this collage. It is on an 8x10 canvas. I really like the way it turned out. I will have to make one for myself!

Then I threw in this trio of pumpkins. They are all very different, but each unique its own little way and I love them all and couldn’t choose just one, so I sent them all to Catie. I DON'T KNOW WHY THESE PICS ARE ACTING THIS WAY.....hopefully I CAN FIGURE OUT WHY AND EDIT THIS POST.

I also sent along this pumpkin spice sachet (smells divine!!) and the cutest, tiniest little pumpkin soap from AVON.

Above are some vintage magazine pages rolled up and tied with a cute little pumpkin/fall pick…..
This is a lovely vintage hankie with beautiful lace bundled together with a new hand towel that actually has a picture of a silly black cat.

OK, I know the rest of the stuff I will list here is not black cat or pumpkin, but I really wanted to send these things to Catie. Above is a an adorable vintage Golden Book entitled C……well, C is for Catie Ann….you get where I’m going here, right?

Here are a couple of vintage button cards, BUT ALSO a couple of vintage-inspired buttons that I think are just lovely. I thought Catie would like them.

There were a few other miscellaneous items in the box not listed here, and I of course had to throw something in for Caties sweet cat, Callie. Hope she enjoys…..
I had such fun putting this swap package together and I wish I had actually HANDMADE more items, but I am happy with the collage I made and the other contents of the package and I hope Catie likes it as well.

Collage Love

2007-09-16T00:46:00.000-04:00

I am really loving collage these days. Here is a pic of a collage I just made for my mom. That is a picture of her in the middle. Mom is a very cool chic, my best friend, and an amazing artist. She loves anything black, spider webs, and diamonds, to name but a few things, but that is what I have reflected in this piece that I call the "Spider Woman" collage. I gave it to Mom last night and she loved it. I did two other neat collages for my two swaps I am participating in and will post those once they are in the mail to my swap partners. I have about five other pieces in the works. I am having so much fun!

Here is the "Spider Woman" Collage and I really like the way it turned out....

How Lolly got her craft groove back...and two cute cats!

2007-09-10T19:19:00.000-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted a blog in more than a week, but once I jumped back into my crafty self, I lost track of the days! I am just so inspired and am having so much fun! I will post some pics later this week. I am trying to finish one swap that has to be mailed this weekend and will post pics of that this week.

Some parts of my life are in still in chaos and I am working on those, but when I am being my artful self, I am so happy and so content......I had forgotten what that feels like. The art really feeds my soul.

I love my little studio/office and feel so much at peace in there. I have actually found myself sitting at my desk at work (I work a full-time 9-5 job) counting the hours until I can get home and make something. Fun, fun, fun.

I am going to make a commitment to post regularly and try to become a real part of this wonderful and amazing artful blogging world.

Pictures of some of my creations will come later this week. In the meantime, here are two fun pictures of two of my cats. This is my dear Spike....and yes, he likes to sit like this when he is with me......

And here is my old man, Charlie....he recently became blind due to two detached retinas caused by high blood pressure, but nothing slows him down....love that snaggle tooth....

Swap Fun!

2007-08-31T15:21:00.000-04:00

I have joined two swaps - I am so excited! My first swap ever that I signed up for is the Sweet & Sinister Swap hosted by Kari over at ArtsyMama and am so excited. I have so many ideas and have been paired with a great partner, Tara. This is going to be so much fun. After lurking in blogland for so long and watching all the other fabulous swaps, I only hope that the package that I put together lives up!

OK, then I came across this other interesting swap and definately decided that it was also right up my alley! It is the Black Cat & Pumpkin Swap hosted by Debra at HopHopJingleBoo.
I am excited about this one, too! Halloween is a favorite of mine, and add in black cats......I'm there!
My mind is spinning with ideas about what to put together. Both swaps require that I post both what I send.....and what I receive, so I will share that with you!

Talk to you soon!

Yummy Yard Sale Finds from Saturday!

2007-08-28T10:01:00.000-04:00

Good morning. I just wanted to share some of my yummy yard sale finds from Saturday....I got home and felt I had really scored! I am very psyched!
First up, this entire basket of vintage buttons was $8 - yay!! I tend to use a lot of buttons in my crafts and even in my scrapbooking. I had already given my mom a bunch of the black and gray ones to use for her witch dolls (I'll post about those another time!!) before I took this picture.

Then I found these wonderful large vintage Needlework Crafts magazines. There is one from 1949 and the others are from the 50's. They were $2 a piece, but well worth it...I just love the pictures and the neat vintage ads.....each magazine is crammed full of vintage goodness!
I also found some sheet music for $1, a lovely old (albeit dirty) jewelry box for $1 and a baggie of vintage crochet "thingies"....they are not really doilies, but I love the colors in them and am sure they will eventually be put to good use!

I found some ribbon (not vintage) and the whole lot was just $1, so that was great. But then I found these old books that are just awesome for $4 for the lot.....the best one is the one on top, which is a 1950's Montgomery Ward Wallpaper Catalog filled with samples.....absolutely luscious!!

I was/am so excited about these wonderful finds! I have TONS of scrapbook items/supplies that I can incorporate into my altered art, but when I stopped crafting a few years back (long story), I got rid of a lot of my vintage and collected "stuff", so am building up my collection again! I am feeling so inspired!! I am off for 4 days this holiday weekend, so am going to spend time in my home office/studio getting my craft on!!

Have a great day!

My First!

2007-08-27T11:11:00.000-04:00

My first blog! I am new to this, so I will fill in the main page more thoroughly later, but I just wanted to post something! I have been a fan - well, a lurker, really - of the "artful blogging" world. The amazing artists whose blogs I have been tracking are so inspiring to me and have helped me to get my craftiness back on!! Yay!

I hope to get to know these ladies better and to post my projects, join in swaps, and all that other crafty goodness!!

Lolly