Bittersweet and the little soap company

*Home Sweet Home*

 

A tad of this, and a tad of that best describes my domestic urges lately. I'm hunkering down for a long winter retreat within my home/studio. I've been visiting this place a lot, and this place too. I've had my face stuffed in this , and anxiously awaiting this one to arrive.

I really need to stay away from this place! Seem to be having a hard time with this one!

Worked on some new packaging for this too. 

I really want to make more of these!

Enjoy caring and sharing Autumn days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Pantry Re-do

I recently sat and looked at my pantry area in my kitchen and said to myself, I don't believe I like the way that looks.  Do you ever do that?  This is an open pantry and since I am short on space must be functional as well as look good.

I'm going to share a very private story with you.

One of the things my Mom wanted to do before she passed away was to help re- decorate my home. She was an excellent decorator and a whiz at utilizing items she already had. Our tastes are in some ways alike and in someways different. For instance, Mom liked items that were primitive, where as I prefer things that are not so woody and distressed. Mom liked natural wood, I like painted wood.

After we began to re-decorate I started to realize soon after just how much it meant to my Mom to fulfill this task of re-decorating our home before she died. Then I began to see deeper the reason she wanted to do this. After Mom would leave to go home to her house, I began to look around at our house in a different way. As I looked around our beautiful  newly decorated home I see  bits and pieces of my Mom scattered in every corner.

My sweet Mother was making sure that I did not forget her in the way that she knew how to.

It's been six years since my Mother's death, and as I look around our home I continue seeing her  in every corner/s of our home. Even though there are little things here and there that I have since moved or changed, there are certain things that I just can't. As I look at the wood blinds and the distressed fire place, my mind travels back to the days my Mom was here decorating, and remember almost every moment we shared during those days.

Nevertheless, I'm sure you can understand how difficult it is for me to change things in our home.

When I move that chair to a different spot, or paint the dresser a different color, I immediately think of my Mom. I can sometimes hear her telling me she likes the new look. I have even caught myself asking out loud, "what do you think Mom?"

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane....

Patrick is flying to L.A. this morning to visit his Aunt. He loves to fly. I on the other hand, despise it. I can honestly use that word and really mean it too. His other Aunt, MP, is flying into KC to accompany him to L.A.  

When I was little, my Dad used to fly privately. We would fly over our house, fly little mini trips, and of course the time we flew to my Uncles landing field somewhere in the middle of nowhere. That particular flight stands out. I remember my Dad asking me to "get down and cover your head". Then I remember doing it for about five seconds and then getting up and looking out the plane window. The only thing I remember after that was staring into a line of trees ahead next to a fence. Needless to say, to this day, I'm terrified to fly.

I have flown since then on commercial jets, but still dread walking onto the plane, and dread even more the plane itself. At least with a small plane I can see what's going on. I know, I know it's safer than driving your car. Don't care! I hate to fly!!!

Patrick is looking forward to flying and fortunately his Mother's fears have no impact on how he feels about flying. I'm happy he feels that way too.

Tuesday, I had to think what day it is for a moment. Patrick's Aunt is an extraordinary woman. She once worked for Don Henley as his private secretary during the eighty's. Don was the lead singer for the Eagles.  She's one of those gals you just can't help but like. She's bubbly and full of energy and cute too. I'm sure knowing her as I do, she will have a complete action packed  itinerary planned for the four days Patrick is there to visit.

Lennis and I plan a quiet time doing much of nothing. Well, I guess I never just do much of nothing, but I  plan to sew  more Cherry Poppins Peg Bags, and have several other projects I'm working on.

I am shipping Easter orders out later today, so you should get them this week.

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Mix It Up!

I'm working my way towards the kitchen with my Spring cleaning. I'm on a roll, and can't stop. My kitchen pantry is in need of a make-over, and my cabinets are oozing with little jars of spices. I'm putting those spices in alphabetical order so I can easily find what I'm looking for. I'm mixing modern with Vintage in hopes that I'll get a happy medium.

I found this vintage shelf paper at the flea market. I really like the design, and especially like the red. I am going to see if my printer can re-produce this shelf paper somehow so that  I can offer it on Vintage Two. 

Sandy and I have been busy getting ready for the auction. I took another load of stuff over last night. It looks like we will be having the auction in a couple of weeks. I am looking forward to watching my stuff get auctioned off. I think it will be exciting to watch and see what things bring. I have some collector stuff that I'm looking forward to watching that. Most collectors know what a piece is worth so they know exactly how far to go on their bids.

I'm scurrying in several different directions lately, mixing things up a bit.

I'm placing business projects on the back burner for awhile so that I can relax and enjoy my domestic Spring  bliss mode for a few more days.

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

   

It's a Spring Thing!

I knew it was coming! Every Spring I get this sudden burst of energy and begin Spring cleaning our house. Windows first, and boy were they dirty. I believe I might have missed a few Spring cleanings while having the shop.

Lennis and I were power cleaning and power mulching the entire day. We cleaned the front windows of the house. Now let me tell you too, it's not an easy task. We live in a home that was built in the twenty's, so window cleaning is a task in it's self. Take out the storm windows, take out the screens, shut the window, go outside to clean the window, back inside, clean storms, put storms  back in. Imagine that 10 times. That's just my front windows. 

Great feeling of accomplishment though when we finished, and the windows are shiny clean to allow that Springy sunshine to flow into our home.

I use newspapers to clean the windows. They work better than paper towels, and your putting another use to them. We also covered our flower beds with cedar mulch. I prefer mulching with  cedar over cypress, and I also use cocoa bean hulls. They smell like chocolate. When guests stand by the flower beds lined in cocoa bean hulls they always say, "I smell chocolate".

Then after we cleaned the windows I rewarded myself with two Vietnamese coffee's. After drinking the coffee's I decided to re-arrange the music room. Have you ever moved a piano? Well, I would suggest having a couple Vietnamese coffee's first!

Monday is sure to be filled with more domestic bliss and a break from my regular work. As I'm cleaning, I can't help but think about the movie "The Color Purple". Do you remember when Celie marries "Mister", and she walks into her new home, and it's totally dirty? Then the next scene, you see a sparkling clean house with clean linens hanging outside, and shiny clean dishes stacked neatly. That's what I think about while cleaning my house. The simplicity of a clean house. Simple, but yet soulful. Kind of silly I suppose, but that's what I feel.

Enjoy a caring and sharing Spring day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one) 

   

Icy Bliss, Empty Boxes!

It is so cold outside, brr!! The thermometer reads 1, and there are large deposits of ice most everywhere you look. Nice to be in my warm cozy house on a morning like this!

I have to admit too, the cold icy weather has helped motivate me to get started cleaning up the mess in the basement, and I'm proud to say, I completed the task at hand! I found myself needing a lot of convincing before starting the clean up.  Finally after a couple weeks of contemplating about it, I jumped in head first. See those empty boxes? I didn't ever think I'd see those boxes empty!

I have everything sorted, and as soon as the weather breaks I will take it to my friend Sandy's empty house to sell.

I also started building the new web site. "Vintage Two". I  am so excited about this web site!  My passion for everything vintage is becoming a little business. Not that I needed a reason to frequent flea markets or estate sales, but now that I'm selling the items I can justify purchasing more. Oh, I hope I can part with this stuff. It's going to be tough! 

The web site will eventually be an auction site. Not like E-Bay so much, but rather everything vintage, and just the items Sandy and I find, (The Vintage Two), but you will be able to bid on the items, and the highest bidder will win the item.  It's going to be so much fun! I can't wait to get it up and running!

Bittersweet orders will make their way to the P.O. today. I don't even have to leave the house, just set the packages outside the door and the post man takes them for me. You gotta love it! No more standing in long lines at the P.O. staring at the back of peoples heads.  Three cheers for the Internet!!!

I am spending time in the studio today getting my inventory built up for Valentine's Day.

We've had such a long weekend it's hard to get back into the swing of things. All of the schools have been canceled today except ours. The five o'clock alarm rang this morning, and I did not want to get out of my warm bed. Patrick and I were hoping school would be canceled, but to our disappointment it was not. So whether we like it or not, it's back to school.

Oh, by the way, yesterday I left an important part of the Mamie story out.

Mamie and her family moved shortly after we got together, that is why I always wanted to know what happened to her...

Enjoy a caring and sharing day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

 

 

Aromatic Retreat

The studio is becoming an aromatic retreat within my home.  I love walking down my kitchen stairs to my little shop. It's like entering a different world. A world filled with some of my favorite things, including little vintage treasures that I've collected here and there that seem to be fitting perfect in their new home.

The little lamp in one of those finds. I bought it at my friend Julie's shop. The white camisole I have had since the early eighty's, and used to be my favorite little undershirt. I had it on display at the boutique, and customers would always ask if it was for sale.

The tiny blue bird was a Christmas gift from Julie along with the pink box looking object next to it.

Do you know what the pink box looking thing a ma jiggy is? It is a laundry detergent dispenser. It's the prettiest one I've ever seen! I'm guessing from the fifty's since it's pink, but it might be before that. I keep my laundry powder in it. It has several slits on the top so that you can pour your laundry powder in the washing machine. It holds enough powder to wash around fifteen loads of laundry. You don't see these very often, and usually when you do their condition is not very good.

Thank you Julie for giving me such beautiful things for Christmas. I will treasure them for as long as I live.

The new soap fragrances came yesterday afternoon. I couldn't wait to open the box! I wish you could smell through  my computer! My fragrance manufacturing company has out done themselves this time. I was blown away by all of the new ones. They are going to make some smell good Spring soaps.

I have to be in a certain mood to make soap. I know this is going to sound silly, but for me, soap making is like a yoga class, it's relaxing and soothing for me to make soap. It takes considerable amount of accuracy and precision when making it, and its very temperamental, so much that, if the temperature isn't just right, or you don't weigh things accurately, well let's just say it ain't pretty! Even after ten years of making it, I can still have little problems that come up.

Even after all this time, I feel the same passion I felt when I made that first batch of oatmeal soap. I kept a couple of bars of that first batch. When I look at it, it reminds me of how far I've come since then, and triggers a number of memories. I never imagined at that time, that I would be doing the same thing for so long, and still enjoy it as much as I did back then.

I do believe I will be making soap for as long as I live, and possibly after that, if such things are allowed.

Instead, it will be a day making laundry powder, and linen sprays, and dryer sachets, and ironing spray, products that help add a bit of joy to a usually hum-drum chore, not to mention, the aromatic sweet soothing smell of lavender that fills your space as your work! I use the real thing baby! No skimping here....

I hope your day is also filled with the things you love to do!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Saturday Filled With Whatever!

Oh, I am so getting use to having these Saturdays off! Last Saturday was spent getting ready for Sunday's party, so it was spent cleaning and cooking, but this Saturday may be filled with whatever. I don't think I realized how much I actually missed not having Saturdays off when I was busy at the shop, but now I that I have them off I really did miss you Saturdays!

Not having the shop has also allowed me to do more cooking too. Cooking and baking has always been a favorite passion since I was a little girl.  Last night I made spice cake with old fashioned caramel icing. I had forgotten how long it takes to cook and stir to make caramel icing, but it is worth it! My Mother used to make it, and it was always one of my favorite icings. I have to admit too, that feeling of warmth and contentment came over me while standing over the bowl stirring for some thirty minutes. I also made chicken and noodles for dinner. I sauteed slivered carrots, onions, celery, and peppers in olive oil, and then boiled the chicken in the same pot with a few cups of water, and then tossed in the noodles. I believe it was the best chicken and noodles I have ever made!

Patrick's paper comes out today, which means that Mom will drive him around town to deliver it to his subscribers. Patrick has grown from this shy little boy that used to hide behind his Mother's leg to a people loving type A/extrovert six times over!

I drop him off to the various businesses on the square, and he will visit with them for hours. Of course Mom is in the car waiting patiently the entire time. He is building special friendships with the shop owners downtown, and I am a very proud Mom!

So a Saturday filled with whatever!

The word has a different meaning than before. I used to use the word rather loosely, and never put much thought into saying it. I even compared the word to an old Doris Day song, whatever will be will be, the future's not ours to see.... and now have since realized, and have learned that the word holds a deeper meaning to me. The word is significant and has the ability to set the tone for each one of our lives.

One thing remains true though. Whatever can be whatever you want, and you yourself have control over it. It's a great word!

Enjoy a Saturday filled with whatever!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)      

   

Moving On!

Yes, I am moving on, at least trying to. Christmas stuff has been taken down and stored away until next year, and I've replaced the holiday stuff with fresh  flowers from my friend Alan's shop and strategically  placed them around the house to add a bit of Spring. I love fresh flowers! They add so much beauty to your space, and they make you feel good too.

Instead of working yesterday, both Patrick and I played. Patrick goes back to school today, so we decided on his last day of vacation to head over to our newest favorite market. The owner, Shannon, is one of the nicest shop owners I've ever met. While we were there we ran into the Shatto's, and visited with them for awhile. Their story is very interesting. Leroy Shatto went to the same small town school that I went to. He was a few years older than me, but I remember him. Both he and his wife are very nice people, and we enjoyed visiting with them. I told him that I had went to the grocery store to purchase another gallon of milk, and the shelf was empty. He said, "I had a little talk with the cows about that this morning".

Funny how we live in such a big city, but run into people we know so often.  I like that, it makes me feel safe.

I managed to get the other CD up on the web site, and I did get orders for them shipped out too.

I was planning on working on several things today, but have since decided to finish my painting in the studio. So painting it is. Then I can begin to make the new things to put in the new space.  I believe I am even going to be able to have the outside door open since it's going to be so warm. Yeah!!

Enjoy a caring and sharing day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)    

Home Saturday

Patrick and I had fun yesterday. We indulged in good food, and each others wonderful company.

Ah, my first Saturday off from the shop! I believe I could adjust to this pretty easily. The day is going to be busy. I am getting ready to unplug my computer and take it to my dad's so that he can insert a new CD reader. I haven't been able to run any of my graphics since it's been down, and I have some projects that are in need of it. I should be up and running in no time.

Then a trip to the store so that I can get all the stuff on my list for tomorrows celebration. Then, can you believe we need to go get a few gifts??? I can't! I really don't like having Christmas after Christmas, it just doesn't feel right, but that's the only time we could have it so I guess it's better than not having anything. It's even stranger since New Year's falls on a Sunday, so were celebrating two holidays in one day.

Low Key is the special word to describe tomorrow. I did order some flowers from my friend Alan and I am making a special "turtle cheesecake" so even though it will be rather casual it will still be special. I'm also making lot's of cupcakes for the kids, and speaking of kids, some of them are picky little creatures, so the menu also includes "mini pigs in a blanket", made especially for them.

What about those napkins! No matter what the event, casual or low key, I never use paper napkins or paper plates or plastic cups. Well, maybe if it's a huge event that would be an exception, and there was a time when I didn't have the money to purchase such things as glass goblets, and fine china, but now, when hosting any event I believe it's comforting to your guests to show them that you think they're special, and what better than to serve them with beautiful glasses and cloth napkins.

I do believe that I actually despise plastic glasses! Whip out those cloth napkins and glass goblets and lets have a real party!

Can you imagine? Please, let me pour you a glass of wine in that plastic cup! UK! Double UK!

OK, enough about the plastic cups.

Here's the deal.. Since the death of my husband's Mother, we seldom get together any more. When she was alive we got together all of the time, but now we're lucky if we visit with each other once or twice a year. So I want the time that we spend with each other to me special. That's another reason I believe everything should be a cut above.

Well, I could go on and on, but I better get started or there will be no dinner!

I will be signing off for a few days.

Please, Please... HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Enjoy a caring and sharing day too!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none) 

 

   

Moving Mess!

Only one thing left at the shop to move, and that's the big heavy cast iron bath tub, which we are not in any big hurry to carry out that task.

My basement looks like a tornado hit it. This a picture of a nice area, I couldn't share the other one's they are scary! I can tell the pieces are going to fit nicely into their new home. Even though it's a total mess now, I can see that it will be cozy and cute when completed.

I do believe it's going to take a few years to sort through everything, and I also believe I could easily open my own crafty store and not have to purchase a single thing to stock the shelves.

It's such a good feeling to know that all my stuff is safely at  home, and now I can focus my energy on marketing and  creating new products rather than spending so much time at the shop. My enthusiasm is at it's top level, and I am so excited about the new things that are coming my way.

Shop life consumes so much of your time. Don't get me wrong it's fun too, but man or man, does it take a lot of time!

I am slowly getting orders out, and planning a trip to the PO today, so if your waiting on an order it should be arriving within a few days.

Lennis's family is coming Sunday for a late Christmas celebration. I hope they don't want to go to the basement! They would freak out!

I am so proud of Patrick, he has been spending his own money to buy his nieces and nephews Christmas presents, which he also did with my family. He also makes his famous "rum cake", and gives it to the adults in the family, and our neighbors. I love getting the rum cake it's delicious!

Enjoy a caring and sharing day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Tried and True!

In between busy shop life and Christmas shopping, I am planning my holiday menu for both Christmas Eve, and Christmas morning. My family always comes to our house on Christmas Eve, and I pull together a small dinner accompanied by an appetizer. Then that same night after my family goes home, I prepare a brunch dish for Christmas. Oh, I mustn't forget Patrick's latkes.

After we open our presents and drink a good amount of coffee, I call my Dad to come over and join us for brunch, and to share with him our loot that Santa left the night before. All of these things are part of our family tradition.

Aren't traditions great! They allow you to know exactly what's going on long before it happens. They make you feel warm, safe, and content.

Christmas Eve Menu:

Sour dough bread dip

Roast Beef Platter

Sorghum Baked Beans

Pink Salad

Bread Pudding

Christmas Brunch:

Spinach, artichoke strata accompanied with potato latkes, and orange slices.

Sour Dough Bread Dip:

1 loaf Parisian round french bread

1 pint of sour cream

1/2 cup chopped green onions

1 cup chopped ham

1-8 ounce package cream cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cut out center of bread, reserve for later,  mix all the above  ingredients together in a large bowl, and place inside center of bread, bake at @ 350 for around 30-40 minutes or until bubbly. This is an appetizer I've made over and over again. It gets rave reviews from everyone, and is quick and easy.

Sorghum Baked Beans:

I don't really use an actual recipe, I just throw stuff in. I have estimated the following. Lot's of tasting....

4 - 6 cans of pork and beans, drained

1 tsp. of minced garlic

1 Tbsp. of yellow mustard

11/2  cups of brown sugar

1/2 cup ketchup

1/2 cup chopped green peppers and onions

pinch of liquid smoke

1 cup of sorghum or molasses

Bake at 350 for 2 hours.

Pink Salad

1 can fruit cocktail

1 can pineapple chunks

1 can cherry pie filling

1 can sweetened condensed milk

handful of walnuts

1 )8oz) container of whipped topping

Combine all ingredients except whipped topping. When ingredients are completely covered with condensed milk, fold in whipped topping.

Bread Pudding:

1 loaf white bread, torn into small pieces

1 qt. hot milk

3 eggs, beaten

2 cups white sugar

2 Tbsp. pure vanilla

1 cup golden raisins

3 Tbsp. butter

In large bowl, pour hot milk over bread. Blend eggs, sugar, and vanilla. Stir egg mixture into the bread mixture and blend well. Add raisins. You can add a bit of nutmeg and cinnamon if you want. Mix well.

Melt the butter and pour into a 9x13 pan. Pour bread mixture over butter. Bake for 40 minutes, or until firm and golden brown. Serve hot or cold. I prefer mine warm.

Spinach Artichoke Strata:

1 pound of frozen spinach, thawed and drained.

1 cup fresh mushrooms

1 can of artichokes, cut into small pieces.

1 qt. of half and half

12 eggs

1 tsp. salt and a dash of pepper

12 slices of fluffy white bread

12 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions

Saute mushrooms in 1 Tbsp. of olive oil. Season with salt, and set aside.

Line bottom with 6 slices of bread. Scatter spinach, artichokes, and mushrooms over the bread, then sprinkle with half of the scallions and cheese. Pour 1 cup of egg mixture over the top. Repeat layers with remaining bread, veggies, and mushrooms, cheese, and scallions. Slowly pour remaining egg mixture evenly over top. Place foil over top and leave in fridge overnight.

Adjust oven rack to middle position. Bake in preheated 325-degree oven until custard is just set, about 50 minutes. Turn on broiler and broil until strata is spotty brown and puffy, about 5 minutes longer. Let stand for 8 to 10 minutes, then serve...

These recipes will make you the queen of the ball! They are not only easy they are tried and true...

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

The Red Stockings Were Hung...

 

Ah, Christmas shopping on Sunday, and the beginning process of putting up shimmery Christmas lights and decking the halls for the  "Most Wonderful Time Of The Year"! Christmas. This is a major undertaking in our household, and usually takes several days to finish the process.

The dried hydrangeas are traded in for evergreen, and the pictures on the piano are replaced with Patrick's treasured Christmas villages, which fall under his same ritual every season of placing each one in the most appropriate setting. My Mom's gourds that she painted, aren't they different? I love the one that's painted black. I remember her telling me after she painted it.. She said, "Do you know what it's saying"? It says, "Do you see what I see"? as the little snowman looks up at the star.

This week, the long awaited, Ouvrez la maison! I'm  searching for a dress to wear for the special once-a-year celebration. I know what I want, but just haven't seen it yet in the stores. Don't you hate that! I might settle on a little black dress if I can't find what I'm looking for.

In addition to the open house, I have a list of things to make..

1. Bursty Balls
2. Christmas Cards (I provide complimentary little cards to my customers to go with their Bittersweet gifts.)
3. Ironing Spray
4. Lip Balm (Can you believe , sold out again!)
5. Lavender Linen Spray
6. Little Boxes
7. Bottle Essential Oils
8. Brochures
9. Business Cards
10. Wrap more Christmas Soap, I believe I will run out over the weekend.
11. Finish Putting Up Holiday at Home, guests are coming this weekend.
12. Make goody bags to hand out to customers during the open house.
13. Make more Cookies and Cupcakes.
14. Ship orders
15. Last weeks totals recorded

Remember when I talked about Missouri weather? Well, today it's around sixty, tomorrow seventy, and Wednesday and Thursday SNOW! Oh, I hope it snows for the open house...

Have a caring and sharing day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

Remember That Day?

Yesterday Patrick  hosted a one year celebration for his paper, "The Downtown Liberty".  Richard and Matthew from "Franklin 242"  generously loaned their beautiful home to Patrick so that he could host his event. But, before I tell you about the party, first I need to go back earlier into the morning.

We're hustling around trying to get everything ready to take to the party. I needed to make a trip to the shop to get the big coffee pot. While getting ready to leave I noticed the back door of the house was open. So yelling into the house, "Is Lily in there"? (Our Little Cairn Terrier we've had for seven years) NO! Two hours later, NO LILY.. We searched the entire neighborhood, and NO LILY.

Party Time and still NO LILY.. Lennis and I are distraught, while Patrick rallies on knowing he has a party and big presentation.

We arrive at "242", which is just a couple of blocks down the street. Matthew graciously welcomes us into his lovely bed and breakfast. The guests start arriving, family, friends, and subscribers of Patrick's paper. I'm trying not to think about Lily's disappearance, and enjoy the moment.

Patrick continues with his planned presentation, discussing future plans he's made for his paper and web site.

Great presentation Patrick! Now it's time for cake and punch, which Patrick had ordered from the famous Wally's. Yummy! It was a lovely party!

Time to go home now, and pick up where we left off looking for the fourth member of our family.

Again, NO LILY! We had removed her Lily tag with our phone number awhile back, although I can't remember why, so she only had her veterinary collar on,so... I call the emergency number for our vet. I'm thinking, why hasn't someone called? Why hasn't someone called? It's now 7 pm and still NO LILY! Our friends stop by to help us search. We put up missing dog posters,but still, NO LILY! It was very hot here yesterday, so I'm thinking, I hope she has water. Poor Lennis is walking around like a zombie. Patrick is still on his party high, so he doesn't seem to worried. I'm sad, so sad..

We regrettably decide to cease the search. Going back into the house we're all exhausted and depressed. I'm praying to GOD that Lily is safe.

We're setting on the porch, each trying to figure out what could have possibly happened, when a truck pulls up the hill and stops at our driveway. A lady gets out and yells, "are you missing a dog"? Lennis throws up his hands with excitement, runs to the woman, gives her the biggest hug. We all run outside too. We ask the woman, "where did you find her"? She explains that she has two cairn terriers in her fenced back yard, and that her neighbor saw Lily and thought she was hers. So...He tossed her in her backyard fence along with her other two dogs. She was napping and when she woke, noticed the extra dog playing with her dogs. She remembered driving by our house and seeing Lily.

Lennis jumped into the car and followed the woman to her house to get our little dog.

We anxiously await her arrival, as we each take deep breaths of relief. What a day! A day that we will always remember.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Proud Mama

I am indeed! My son Patrick began publishing his very own paper called The Downtown Liberty a year ago, October 1st. He added the web site about six months ago. He does everything, including the layout, researches articles, takes the pictures, interviews people , the whole package.

Patrick is thirteen!

Set aside the fact that he is my son, he is one of the most ambitious people I have ever known, never allowing anything to stand in his way, but yet achieving his goals politely and respectively. A great newspaper reporter!

His goal after college? A journalist for the evening news..

The "Downtown Liberty" is published every month, and hand delivered by Patrick to his subscribers , which include local shops, businesses, and downtown Liberty merchants. He even has a secret shopper, along with interesting articles about some of Liberty's past heritage.

His office consist of the local downtown book store. Most  everyone knows his name. "What are you working on this month Patrick"? they ask.

I am blessed to have such a soul in my life. And...

It's things that make my life a little more interesting..

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

Happy Girl And Happy Ending

To The  Big Garage Sale ... Friday I had over one-hundred very nice people stop by and purchase some of my stuff. Yes, I kept track of how many people came. Saturday on the other hand, was slow, so I closed early loaded the car with the remains and scurried off to donate it to the local thrift shop. Whew, was I tired!

It was fun! I enjoyed just setting and talking to people. I sold most everything. It's so nice when things turn out the way you expect them to. AND....

It is such a good feeling to shed belongings I no longer need.

Now I can get started on the room downstairs. The plan... New cabinets, cutting and work area counter top, and redo the soap room. In short, a lot of work to be done... I'm desperate, my fabric is oozing out of the closet, and I really have no idea what I even have.

The soap room is filled with manufacturing items for  making Bittersweet Soap. I have an old meat rack that stands about seven foot tall, and holds approx., four thousand bars of curing soap. 

When you make so many different things in your home it tends to get out of hand sometime. I know some of you understand.

Now, clean up the big mess remaining in the basement.

Not really looking forward to that, but....

It is things that make life a little more interesting.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

Hot Coffee, Monday Morning and....

It's starting to feel like Fall in Liberty. Crisp cool mornings and evenings are beginning to settle in. This week is garage sale week. I will be a happy girl when it's over! So much work @ preparing.

Monday, September 11th too. I was trying not to bring it up, but it is very much on my mind this morning. This week brings back unhappy memories for me, along with so many other  people, I'm sure.

This time five years ago my mother was dying with leukemia. First 9/11, then Mom passed away a week later. The day of 9/11, and that week remain in my mind forever. I've tried not to think about it, but it doesn't seem to work. I'm a pretty upbeat person usually, and try to look at the positive side of things. I also believe GOD has a reason for EVERYTHING...

I have found since Mom's death, that  I am not the same person I was when she was alive. I can't explain that exactly.

Most of my friends Mother's are still alive. Just the other day, A good friend Staci asked me. "Do you still feel sad about loosing your Mom?" I answered, "Yes, I do, It's an odd feeling too". "I sometime feel as though a little bit of me went with my Mom when she died". Maybe more because we were so close. I talked to my Mom every day and she was my best friend.

So today, a melancholy day for me, and so many others.

I will go on with my daily tasks as I do every other day, stopping every once in awhile while to think about the treasured happy memories that are tucked away deep in my heart, while a smile gently appears on my face as I reminisce those memories.

It's these things that shape our life and our souls.

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Peter Max

When I was growing up one of my favorite artists was Peter Max.

His work was unlike anything I had ever seen. I loved the vibrant colors, and the way he seemed to capture their intensity.

You don't hear much about Peter these days. His work is to this day extraordinary to say the least.

What an interesting life he has had, which I believe led him to be the artist he is.

Anyway, it's things that make life a little more colorful.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Clean House 2

Clean clothes and..

The basement is taking on a whole new look. A less cluttered look that is pleasing to one's eye.

OK, there are stacks upon stacks of stuff I'm preparing to sell at the garage sale, and that's not so pretty, but during the preparation I have cleared closet's and rooms and oh, so nice.

I knew I was in for a lot of work too. I had no idea. Now it's coming back to me. I remember the time and work that goes into having a garage sale. Whew. I am pricing items to sell, cheap that is.

From my past experience with garage sales, there is always that person that wants you to lower the price even more. I have to admit that is annoying to me, and probably one main reason I hate garage sales.

I mean come on. It's already cheap! Just fork over that $$dollar and....That's another blog.

I guess it's a personal thing with me. I even have a problem at flea markets, asking if they will take less, and that's pretty much a expected thing at the flea market with the vendors. I won't go into the time I was at an auction and bidding against myself. You get the point.

Still to come... Clear the garden shed and the boutique.

Anyway, it's things that make life a little more interesting.

Have a great day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

All Teared Up!

My uncle sent me these photos last night. I had never seen these before. I sat looking at them while tears filled my eyes. They bring back such great memories. My Dad and I, and check out the little blue dress, cute.

My Mother had exceptional taste. I remember her dressing me like a little doll. I also remember hating it. I was such a tomboy. Looking back, I am so glad my Mother dressed me in these cute clothes.

Now I know why I have this compulsive shopping thing.

Check out the very retro family grilling. Oh my gosh, and cute clothes again.

A favorite is the picture of my Grandma Lola. She was the loveliest woman. She taught me so many things while growing up. I loved going to my Grandma's house. She was such an interesting woman. She loved life!

Some of the things my Grandma Lola taught me... How to sew by hand, Rug Hooking, Tole Painting, Copper Tooling, Water Color Painting, Cooking, and my favorite thing my Grandma did before we went to bed..Story telling. She told the best bed time stories! No one could ever make "The Three Bears" sound as good as the way my Grandma told the story. She had a garden filled with sweet peas, and we would cut the fresh flowers and bring them inside and place them in little vases.

Before I was born, my Grandma owned a cafe called, "Lola's Cafe". Her specialty was fried chicken. She made the best! Her secret? Dip each piece of chicken into egg batter, then flour, then egg again, and lot's of salt and pepper. Double Dipping you know. Yum, Yum.. Almost every Sunday we went to Grandma's house for her special fried chicken.

Another favorite, this picture of my Mom. What a great picture! The tears are coming again.

Thank you Uncle Richard, for sharing these pictures.

What a treasure they are to me.

Anyway, it's things that make life a little more interesting.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Buckeye Brown and Rusty Red

I absolutely love brown and red together. Probably because they are so close in the color family.

We have a buckeye tree down the street that I got my inspiration from. This brown is actually an exterior color, but I loved it! I have always liked the color rusty red too.

Only one thing left, hang the rusty red drapes on each side of the shutters. POP! Then..

The dining room is finished and I'm happy with the results.

The dining room table was my parents while growing up. I remember many nights setting at this table doing homework.

I love old furniture. There's something about it's wonderful craftsmanship, and knowing it's been in my family for so long it has soul. The brown walls compliment the rich wood tones in the furniture.

Today, I'm going to start getting ready for the "Big Garage Sale."

After looking at all the stuff I have, I don't think I need to purchase anything ever again, and since I make so many things, my downstairs resembles a Joann's or Hobby Lobby. I won't be shedding any of that stuff.

The fabric room is stuffed full and oozing out of the closet. It's not a pretty site. I am planning on installing new cabinets and counter top downstairs after the garage sale. I can't wait! Finally I hope to have an area to sew.

Anyway it's things that make my life a  little more interesting.

Have a great day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are sure better than one)

Clean House

Maybe it's because I can feel the summer air changing to Fall, I don't know, but there's a strange phenomenon going on the past few days in our house.

I'm calling it "Clean House". I am shedding the old stuff,  so that I can replace with new stuff.
I'm even considering having a garage sale. I am not a garage sale person, but I think it would be the best way to shed the old stuff. The shop is full of things I need to shed, and the shed is full of things I definitely need to shed. So, garage sale it is.

Garage sales can be fun. I like to price things to sell. So, if you come to my sale it's cheap baby!

I schedule the Salvation Army to come the day after the garage sale, so what doesn't sell they take, and I'm left with nothing. Which is great!

Anyway, it's things that make my life a little more interesting.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

 

Back to school and cupcakes

Back to school day today, and I'm thinking cupcakes.

I always try to have a snack made for Patrick when he comes home from school on the first day. It's a  thing that my Mom did, and I always looked forward to it when I was growing up. Which brings me to.....

What is the fascination for cupcakes?

I admit, I have always had this appreciation for the cuteness of these lovely little petite cakes, simply because I like little things, and especially little things adorned with candy colored icing and sprinkles.

So, is that the answer?

Do we adore cupcakes because of their cute little size?

Or could it be, that we prefer having our own little cake that we know is all ours? Is that where the phrase, "Having Your Cake and Eating it Too", comes from?

When you get right down to it, it really doesn't matter. We love cupcakes, because we Love Cupcakes.

Which brought me an idea:)

Have you seen the hand crocheted cupcakes like these?

I can't wait to make them!

I had planned on making a new lip balm for Fall, and had decided on White Chocolate as the new Fall lip balm fragrance. I am going to make a crocheted cupcake and insert a lip balm in each one. What a cute holding place for your lip balm! I'm also going to scent each cupcake with the yummy smelling white chocolate fragrance.

I'll keep you posted on their progress.

So, cupcakes.... One of those things that make life a little more interesting.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Am I really here?

Oh my, I forgot about how it feels to get up at 5 am.

I thought I was a morning person, maybe not.

Patrick starts school this week, and the routine has always been waking at 5 am to be able to catch the bus and get ready for school.

On the other hand, summer has been laid back and lazy and we have completely changed from school routine to summer relax routine, which includes staying up late watching TV  and sleeping much later.

This was the first day of waking early. You know how it is that first day of doing something different. Seems like no matter what it is, it takes awhile before you adjust.

Coffee, coffee, please make it it the biggest cup you have.

Actually I prefer waking up early, since I get an enormous amount of things done before going to the shop. I do believe though, I might prefer sleeping late at the moment.

Anyway, it's things that make my life a little more interesting.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Happy Birthday Honey

Tomorrow is my husband Lennis's birthday.

I am such a lucky girl to have this man in my life. He is truly one of the most unselfish generous human beings I have ever known.

I'll never forget the first day we met. It was a Sunday morning and I was stopping by the little donut shop to get some coffee and donuts. I was leaving the shop and he was entering. I looked him in the eyes, and what can I say, Love at first sight. I even remember that warm tingly electrifying feeling I got all over when I saw him.

Ever since that first glance at the donut shop some twelve years ago, my love continues to grow each and every day for this wonderful man.

When Lennis was growing up his Mother would always make spaghetti and meatballs for his birthday.

I have continued this tradition. I allow the sauce to simmer all day and it's aromatic fragrance fills the house.  I Don't use a recipe. Lot's of garlic and crushed tomatoes. The most important part of making the sauce is letting it simmer all day. It becomes rich and thick and oh so yummy.

Then I believe instead of a birthday cake, I am making french silk pie too. Birthday boy's pick.

So tomorrow, a birthday celebration for my husband.

Anyway, it's things that make my life a little more interesting.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)Lennis, X X X X too.....