Not Really a Red and Green kinda Gal......

I LOVE making goodies and decorating for Christmas! But I don't " DO" too much in the traditional colorway. I love the neutrals, with bits of Silver and Golds. And I simply LOVE the pastels!

So again, when I saw the darling wreath in "Matthew Mead's" Holiday Mag,,,I had to make one,,,,or three......

I added a bit or turquoise tissue flecked with silver (From Caspari) And a chunk of  thick pink satin ribbon bow.

Thought these might be fun to make in a "Beachy" theme too, with creme/turquoise and Shells.....Now if I could just find a place that sells the Styro wreaths at a  decent price,,,,,,,T

I'm adding some new "Events" links to my Sidebar. If you've got something going on, Virtual or otherwise, let me know, I'll be glad to add!

Have a GREAT sunday! If you're local, stop by Joyworks, we're getting the Holiday "Bling" on!

Hugs, Love and a Bus!

Shell

When the "tough get's goin', " Create!

So Today? I made Bird Ornaments.......

And,,,,I think the words I used were appropro..........

"Believe" in Change......

"Rejoice"........

"Faith"........

My Joyworks "gang" gifted me with over $150 dollars in Craft Gift Cards for my Birthday! They were perfect gifts,,,,because well, we all need supplies,,,,,

I picked up Michael Mead's Holiday Magazine .....and let me tell you,,,,,it is FANTASTIC! The best idea magazine I've bought in a LONG time. (Shout out to Amy Power's whom I met last November at Silver Bella,,,,,she's got a 4 page spread in there too! YGG!)

Anyway, I just kind of used the Bird Template that they used for a Card and modified it into an Ornament.....

There are 100's of Ideas in the Magazine,,,,,some you could make "as is," or put YOUR own spin on it! "Traditional" items, as well as many NEW twists! I highly recommend this Issue! You'll go back to it again and again for inspiration!

Again, I cannot begin to say how blessed I feel by friends right now. I'm embarrased to say how many friends jumped to my rescue in SO many ways and I thank you ALL from the bottom of my heart.  It means more than I can ever say......

I like to think I'm strong.....can handle it ALL myself. I guess the one thing I've learned as of late,,,,that I truly, am NOT all by myself. And I feel SO blessed! And yes, I'll get through all of "this" and once again, I'll grow stronger. I've survived Divorce, widowhood, 2 Tours of my son in Iraq. I've faced financial hardships before....I changed careers, returned to College late in life,,,,,,,and? I've cleaned up Cat puke!

I'm basically strong and some days I don't WANNA BE!

(Insert the "I Will Survive" song here!)

I was hurt, deceived and angry,,,,and yet now my heart overflows with gratitude and love. Thank you. I'm putting this all to rest and moving on. I've "flushed" the proverbial 'Pity Pot' and I'm looking towards the future! And I'm Excited,,,,,about Change, new projects, new goals.

( I have to share the "Pity Pot" reference with you........When I was widowed, back in 1994,,,I connected with a lot of more "mature" widows and widowers." One 80's something woman listened to my story and tears and told me, "It's OKAY to sit on the "Pity Pot" once in a while, as long as you remember to FLUSH when you're through!") Words to live by, I'm sure. We cry, rave, rant and then,,we just need to MOVE on!

Ohhhhhhh, SUCH Big hugs and Love to you all. I cannot believe the support! You are all the Bestest!

And oh yeah.... I haven't given one in a while,,,,You get A big old noisey "Bus" on the Cheek!

Shell

Thanks

Friendship,,,,,and Lessons

I just have to say, I've never felt more loved, cared for in my life!

I'm going to be okay....at least for a while. I can get into retirement accounts.......an although I'll be Taxed/penalized.....I can restore funds to live/operate on. I cannot even BEGIN to mention friends that called or emailed me with financial help. I'm overwhelmed. And,,,I'm truly, truly blessed!

Several friends offered Monies,,,,,several offered to "Push" orders for custom goods.......Several just offered emotional help and suggestions.

Again, I'm going to be "OK." I've made some plans. I'm excited about them. First of all, I'm going to move into my "little Back Cottage." I'll fix it up! Then I'll rent out my larger home........AND,,,,,,,,have a NEW studio built above my existing garage. With TONS of natural light! ........It'll take some time,,,,and monies, but, I truly "feel" like I need to continue on this "Artistic" dream.

I'll downsize,,,,,but it'll be worth it. I'll keep ya'll posted. Again,,,,,,thanks for the messages of support. I had a meltdown.......but I'm going to be OKAY......Because, truly? I have all of YOU for support!

Oh,,,,,the Biggest, Bestest, Hugs and Love,,,,,,I cannot imagine my life without all of YOU!
Bus on the Cheek!
Shell

Here's the Deal..........My Blog maybe shut down for a while...........

My renter is Waaaaaaaaaaay far behind. That is my monthly income for the most part.  I make a Bit , working at Joyworks,,,,,,,,,,,and while my crafting/Shows have grown-I'm tapped. And my renter/tennant has not paid me what he owe,,,,,,,for Months, and months.

So? Just want to let you all know,,,,,,,,I'll post again WHEN I can...........Frankie owes mes for several Months.......and I may soon lose my phone/internet service for a while.

Just found out from a Friend...He's been payin' for a Healthclub membership........And I'm thinkin' a Game Console......And i'm in over draft...........Well you cut some people slack,,,,and have patience.....Until the screw you!

Not taking it anymore! Calling in the "Chips, Cards and BS..........
"Ugly Post" but Thanks if you have my Back!
Shell

Ruffles and Rust Autumn Extravaganza!

SHEW!!!! Talk about sensory overload! Ruffles and Rust was A-Mazing!

There is just NO way that you can get around to taking pics of all the fantastic people, booths, stuff...So here's a taste and I'll "Steal" a few pics from Friends for the next post........

My ahem,,always "Colorful" Booth....

(Marilyn) My boothmate........ and if you didn't read my Facebook Comment last nite I'll share a Funny below.............

Mary, my  awesome Sis-in Law,,,"My 'Banker' and Shopper Extrodinaire"

"Spooky" Trunk

Jewelry and Hairclips........

Pumkins, poodles and Polka dots...

Okay,,,,this 8 pcs Silverplate didn't sell,,,,,,,it's Gorgeous, let me know if you're interested,,,it's a Steal!

Random images I took just before Friday nite.........

Loved, loved, loved this booth!Look at those Chairs on top.....

And look at these.....I wanted that Bird Pillow on the left SOOOOO Bad! I don't have a link, or a Card, if you know who this was, please comment.

This booth was Cowgirl Darlin'!

I wanted the "No Floozies" Sign - NFS......Ackk!

Haiiley's Cottage had these magnificent Deer,,,,,,Complete with Fur Collars!

Gorgeous Cloche' in Ormorlulu's Booth!

Guess who I thought of when I saw THIS fun old Spider???

Oh Lulu! It was a "Bazillion Dollars" or I would have bought it for you~!

Thanks for ALL the help, Mary, Zoe, and Penny! I couldn't have done it with all of you!

You're the BESTEST!

I'll do another post in a Day or so, with Links and more pictures!

Okay,,,,,,,I do believe I'll take a nap!

Hugs and Love,

Shell

OOPS! Almost forgot the "Funny!"  So last nite? Zoe and I were heading home from the Fairgrounds, with our Vehicles full of stuff,,,,,I'd put my "Mannie" Marilyn in the front seat of my 4x4. Her wig had fallen off and she was kind of "slouched" over. We made a quick stop at the AM PM and a young man was getting our of his car next to me. I got in line to pay and the Cashier and the woman in front of me buying gas were taking FOREVER!!!

I looked back at the young man rolled my eyes, sighed (apparently I lose patience when I'm exhausted) and told him I'd just finished an antique and craft show at the fairgrounds

"Oh. I guess, maybe THAT explains what I saw in your front seat. I thought somebody was either passed out or Dead!"

I laughed all the way home!

Moi Sharing a Birthday with my dear Rita.......Show/Store and Blessings!

I wasn't going to post until after the Ruffles and Rust event this weekend, BUT,,,,,,,amidst the CHAOS of Jana, Jill, Me, and Kim getting ready for said event, Someone (Penny?) managed to take a couple pictures at Rita and My, Birthday Celebration at Joyworks yesterday morning. ..... (Rita and I share a Birthday every year,,,,,,exactly a Week apart!)

(Happy "50th" again, for Moi and Rita!)

To say it was a CRAZY morning, is putting it lightly! So,,,,here's the dealy-o: Many of us were getting ready for  the"Ruffles and Rust" event. Packing/pricing, getting ready to set up a "do" the show.

I have my own booth....
Kim (our baby Joyworker) has HER own booth.....
Jana is "doing a JOYWORKS booth..........

And oh yeah,,,,,,,,,,Penny is helping Me,,,,,,Luanne is Kim's Mom and I'm sure took and active roll in getting ready for the event too,,,,,and Jill is helping Jana........Oh,,,,,,,,and by the way??? The Joyworks STORE still has to be open and fully functional, because they get busy DURING the event!!!! Do the Math, if you'd like,,,,but we're all hoppin' in some respect to keep all the "balls in the air!"

(Silly Rita, my "Birthday partner", hiding behind a Hydrangea.......Love her!)

So? At the Party? Most of us were like "Deer in the Headlights, or Well, you might say...a  tad bit ADD! Not a birthday for ONE,,,,,but for TWO.......and the day before show Set up. But, it was too fun! We had a GREAT breakfast........Fun & creative Gifts from the "Bestest" Co-workers.........Even though many of us felt like we were headed for the "Starting Gate."

Love my Rita Girl,,,,,she and I will spend a day together SOON doin' girl things! And,,,,,Love my Joyworks girls,,,,,,,,,You always throw the BEST parties!

(Some of the "Gang")

And Big love, appreciation and respect for Clarice,,,,,,,,,"Our fearless leader." Joyworks would NOT have continued/grown, flourished for 32 years without her. These shows are a TON of work. And  it's hard for shop owners when these events occur and their staff takes part

But, for me, part of the way I "think" now,,,,,part of what I do,,,,,,,,,,,is a direct reflection of having Clarice and ALL the Joyworks Gals in my life. I have learned to look at things a bit different. So,,,,,,,"Sorry Clarice that I'm not working this weekend,,,,,and THANK YOU Clarice for your Visions, your Creativity.....YOU, Jana  and  the Joyworks crew, have Changed my life, my thinking, in SO, so many ways! (Including Rita insisting that we're still 50 each year!)

Hope we ALL have a fun, successful, creative and love-filled weekend! I'm Blessed with the BEST!

In work, in Life and my Blog friends! (Can't WAIT to share you images of the Vendors and Booths---Ackkk!)

(Takin' a Hot Soak in the tub and callin it good! Back to "fluff" R&R tomorrow!) More to follow!

Big Hugs, LOVE and a  grateful Bus on the Cheek!

Shell

Hope we ALL have a FUN and Success-filled Weekend! (Whatever you DO!)

Feeling a Bit Vintage,,,,,,a Bit unraveled and a Bit "Special!" A reflection.....

Yesterday, I turned 55! I can't believe it! When, or HOW did I get this Old, or ,,,,I guess this Far in my life's Journeys?

There are So many aspects of my current life that make me happy, that make me reflective, that make me Wonder WHAT the Next Chapters are supposed to be.

Mostly? I like "Me." I mean, I like who I've evolved into. I Think. I wish I was Still a size 12, I wish I didn't have to remind my loving hair stylist to "add a touch of color" to my brows. I wish I didn't have to wear readers, or Really? Pluck a few white hairs from my Chin.........I've been single for several years now and I can go Days (Okay Weeks) without shaving my legs, because the Dogs don't care.......and well, WHO else is going to see them? My underwear is less than imaginative......my "Whitey tighty" grandma pants occupy more drawer space than my black silk thongs or bikinis. 

But,,,,,,and that's a bit But, and NO, I don't have one of those,,,,,,,I've got no "junk in my trunk" but the spare Tire has filled out nicely around my Middle........

 I still have a lot of wishes and dreams,,,,,,and as my dear little 92 year old Helen tells me,,,,,I have a LOT of life ahead of me.  Wow!

So,,,,,,,WHAT and Whom,  do the years ahead hold in store?

My Sister in Law Mary sent me this email a couple days ago........It's one of those "pass it on "and get Lucky" kind of things. Well, I love, love Love the sentiment, and I love her,,,,,,,,,She's been in my life/with my brother,,,,,,,since I was like 8 or 9. But the email she sent me? Is SO worth Sharing,,,,,,and cut/paste Pass it on.........I think you'll Love this!

 A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day,
drinking iced tea and visiting with her mother. As

 they talked about life, about marriage, about the

 responsibilities of life and the obligations of

 adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her

 glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance

 upon her daughter.

 'Don't forget your sisters,' she advised, swirling

the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. 'They'll

 be more important as you get older. No matter how

 much you love your husband, no matter how much you

love the children you may have, you are still going

 to need sisters. Remember to go places with them now

 and then; do things with them.'

 'Remember that 'sisters' means ALL the women.

 your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other

 women relatives too. 'You'll need other women. Women

 always do.'

What a funny piece of advice!' the young woman
 thought. Haven't I just gotten married?

Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a
 married woman, for goodness sake! A grownup! Sure
my husband and the family we may start will be all I
need to make my life worthwhile!'

 But she listened to her mother. She kept contact
 with her sisters and made more women friends each
 year. As the years tumbled by, one after another,
 she gradually came to understand that her mother really
 knew what she was talking about. As time and nature
 work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman,
 sisters are the mainstays of her life.

After more than 50 years of living in this world,
 here is what I've learned:
THIS SAYS IT ALL:
 Time passes.
 Life happens.
 Distance separates.
Children grow up.
 Jobs come and go.
 Love waxes and wanes.
 Men don't do what they're supposed to do.
 Hearts break.
 Parents die.
 Colleagues forget favors.
 Careers end.
 BUT.........
 Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how
many miles are
 between you. A girl friend is never farther away
 than needing her can reach.
 When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you
 have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life
 will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on,
 praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on
your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the
 valley's end.
Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk
 beside you....Or come in and carry you out.
 Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters,
 daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers,
 Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended
 family: all bless our life!
 The world wouldn't be the same without women, and
neither would I. When we began this adventure called
womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or
 sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we
would need each other.
 Every day, we need each other still. Pass this on.

You can choose to copy this message and pass it on, and I could too. But, I loved the message, the reminder, the strength. And well, coming from my sister in law,,,,,who came into my life at the age or 8 or 9........it means the world. I cannot imagine NOT having her in my life.

This isn't about "Male Bashing." There are some great guys out there! My Brother is one of those,,,,and I hope my sons live with integrity and purpose. But there IS something special about our Women friends. New AND old,,,,,Near AND far.

I feel SO blessed to have so many wonderful women in my life! We ARE Strength for each other, support, understanding, compassion, encouragement, learning and LIGHT! My birthday just reminded me of how many WONDERFUL women I'm blessed to have in my circle. Thank you~ for being part of my life. Counting my "female" blessings,,,,,,,and okay,,,,,my oldest son Sean-that has been through SO much,,,,,,,and I think has finally "come into his 'own'" literally took me by the arm and walked me to a wonderful Birthday dinner last nite!

I don't think I'll be posting for a week or so,,,,,I have SO much to finish for Ruffles and Rust next weekend! Ackk! Have a GREAT week and I hope to post TONS of pics next Sunday of the Event!

I love you all,,,,,,truly, I have the BESTEST blog friends EVER! "Love all my "Girls!" Enjoy your Days and Efforts!
Shell





 to all the women who help make your life meaningful.



I just did. Short and very sweet:







 There are more than twenty angels in this world.



Ten are peacefully sleeping on clouds. Nine are



 playing. And one is reading her email at this


 moment.







 Send this message to ten of your friends including



 me. If you get 5 replies, someone you love will



surprise you.








ppy days!







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shelly39wa@aol.com

Once again I'm trying to post in this new format.....I uploaded "Google Chrome" to support this new system,,,,but my Toolbar is at "Half Mast." IN other words, I SEE half of each Icon that supports Fonts/ Editing and well, yeah, pictures.

I have Been So busy, between working and getting ready for the "Ruffles and Rust" Event in a few weeks anyway,,,,I haven't taken any pics!

But Fall is definetly here in Western Washington.....it goes from cold/warm, Sun/Rain......and everything in between! One of the things I fell in love with Last Fall, was, "Carmel, Apple Cider!" Great for when you want a BIT of Sweet,,,,no more caffeine and a "touch of Fall!"

Torani? The folks that make all those Flavors that you ask for in your coffees at the Latte' stands, make a GREAT Light Caramel Syrup........Which you can add to Cider,,,,,along with Mulling Spices or a Cinnamon Stick and  whole Cloves!

Hope you are enjoying the "fruits" of Fall and doing what you Love to do! I'm feeling a BIT ADD-I seem to have a LOT of projects that need to be finished in the next week or so..........

Frankly, I have reached a point of decisions. I support myself. I work weekends at my Beloved Joyworks, and rely on my Rental Cottage for the rest of my income-and I'm owed more than 3 months rend.. And, well, I pick up extra's doing my Crafts/orders and Shows.

This next couple of weeks, is going to be a BIG deciding factor as to HOW I proceed. ....Scarey? you Betcha! So,,,,,I'm going to seriously ask for prayers/ guidance/wisdom and input from ALL of YOU! I need your thoughts and insight more NOW than ever.

I've had lots of kind and dear messages from a LOT of you as of late on Facebook and via Email. Thank you.  It means the World right now!

Hugs, Love and a Thankful "Bus"

Shell

Love and Hugs to you All!

Shell

(Belated Birthday Wished to Lulu.......and today is Lynn Steven's Bday!) I'm blessed to have a LOT of Libra's in my life!

Okay,,,,,,I give up,,,,What is UP with "Blogger?"

All of a Sudden,,,,,,,New Format? Am I the ONLY one that didn't see this coming???????

Well apparently my chosen Quote (From Sittin' Pretty USA) is appropriate on more than ONE level! I was going to post about trying and creating new things,,,,,,and NOW? Well, I'd just get used to a new Format.......And honestly? I don't like it! Where's My Blogger Format?????Okay,,,,,I'm getting older 55 in a few days,,,,,but come on! I'm Current........I do this all the time! I don't LIKE THIS! :(

Big Sigh........My little friend Helen turns 92 tomorrow.....I KNOW she doesn't like changes either.....in her body, her mind, her sight or hearing.........so, I'm thankful (well, NOT so much about the BODY part and the MIND at time is in question) but you know what I mean!

Okay,,,,,so are we all going through these growing/changing phases together or is it JUST ME?????????

Hugs Love and a Confused AND Frustrated Bus!

Shell

"Don't Covet your Ideas"........I LOVE This!

First of all, I'm sorry, if last Evening I sounded like I was giving up the "Blog Ship!" I've truly been So busy and recent postings, which I THOUGHT were fun/enlightening or Creative,,,,,,,,and too a bit of Time to post.....I had a "Moment" or Two where I questioned  What I was spending time on! I'm sorry. I truly LOVE my Blog friend,,,,readers/commenters or otherwise. I just feel a BIT (?) spread thin and wondered whether anyone was really Reading this,,,,,,,or whether I was just Talking/Typing  to thin air! Truly,,,,,,,,,,,
I am grateful to have Blog friends and followers,,,,,so forgive my "Pity Pot" moment!

So? If you've followed my Blog for a while,,,,,,,You KNOW, I throw it "all" out there. My life? Well yeah, pretty much an open Book. And Things I create, techniques, ideas,,,,,,,and well, I don't hold back! You can copy my stuff........ ("Hello" 'friends in China, India, or other Third World Countries,,,,,that somehow managed to find their way to my little blog.........)

I SEE you! You're in my Traffic Feed and I stop and think, I HOPE you're getting a decent wage for what YOU are doing/copying..........
Otherwise, WHY would people from Cambodia, Sri Lanka and the likes be looking at MY Blog? (And I'm sure others......) Hey they're doing their jobs, and my stuff isn't licensed. And I think I/WE should feel a BIT flattered that they're looking at what we're making/doing ...........

That all Said? I LOVE THIS Quote/Post from my Friend Linda Morrison........of "Luluz" Fame.........

We may be "emulated" by a friend, or, "copied' by some Company,,,,,,,bottom line is- Continuing to Create,,,,New, Fresh Innovative items/venues,,,,,,that just have a "Twist" that is you,,,,,,,and you alone!

Check your Ego/Creative liscensing at the door.....we live in an age where what we create/share WILL be reproduced and marketed. So,,,,,,,,Whaddya Got? Let it Go and Move on!

Enjoy your Sunday! "If you Create it, 'They will come.' Get over it! And move on to the NEXT idea!

Hugs, Love and a Creative "bus"!

Shell