Twas the week before Christmas...

~ Twas the week before Christmas and here on Cape Cod, Grandpa was reclining and giving a nod, to Grandma who was wrapping and trimming the tree, all bought with her shopping from an Internet spree.
~ The stockings were hung on the chimney with care, ready for Santa who would soon be there.
~ Cookies in the oven and pies on the sill.
~ Save some for Santa who undoubtedly will, arrive right on schedule with a splash heard by all, at the salt water's edge where he gives the call...
~ "Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Santa is here...bringing you gladness and holiday cheer.”
~ Grandma & Grandpa raise their glasses high, toasting another year of memories gone by.
~ With thanks for their blessings and health and good cheer.
~ "Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year!"

SAD

~SAD...Seasonal Affected Disorder...a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms in the autumn and winter year after year. Hmmm...me thinks I see myself in this definition.
~For instance...the time changes back to Standard time this weekend. Happy to have the extra hour in the morning but not so much about the lack of light early in the evening. Sometimes, I wonder how I ever endured the winter months here in New England for most of my life. Not until we got to escape to sunny Florida each January, did I realize how "down" I get when the dreariness of winter sets in.
~Once upon a time, hubby and I enjoyed winter sports. We lived for snow so we could pile our skis into the car and brave the cold on some mountainside somewhere. It was a good way to spend quality time with our 4 children as well. And the clothes were cute.
~But now, the mere mention of snow and dropping temperatures depresses me. It means I can't ride my bike in the morning. It means I can't work outside in the yard. It means driving anywhere is going to be a pain in the neck. The trees are bare and the roadsides get messy with slush. I could whine about it all day.
~I will busy myself for now, decorating for Thanksgiving and then for Christmas. But after that, we're outta here...heading toward that sunshine that awaits us. Hmmm...warmth and sunshine. I like the sound of that.
~In the meantime, I'm also sewing aprons for the Holiday Gift Gallery that is held each year at the restored Highfield Hall mansion here in Falmouth. Part of each sale goes to benefit Highfield's restoration and the rest goes to little old me. Here's what I sewed up this week.


Bliss bouquet in teal





Meadowsweet Daisy Path




Check us out at www.apronsgonewild.etsy.com

Are You A Fish Out of Water?

~I saw this little blurb on a friend's facebook status today. It's a sweet reminder, perhaps, of how and why some people thrive while others spin in circles.
~There's a lot of discussion about praising kids for mediocre work these days. The effort is purported to be worth as much as the accomplishment. However, I'm always torn. While one kid is trying his hardest and struggling, is perhaps another just being lazy while both might be producing a low level result? How does a parent or teacher know the difference? IQ tests are not showing clear cut results anymore. Many adults find they have no interest in what a grade school achievement test showed them to be best suited for. Both hubby and I wonder what we were truly meant to do in life. Were we steered into careers or lifestyles that were what was expected of us? Or did we subconsciously achieve success because we were in the right place at the right time.
~People always bemoan later in life that they wish they'd followed their hearts when they were young rather than conform to the mold that society put them into. But I often wonder what part plain old fate plays in it all. I firmly believe that everyone is different and not all of us can throw a baseball or perform heart surgery. But we all don't have the drive to pursue our heart's desire either. Wishful thinking often takes up a lot of time. Blaming parents and teachers and friends for keeping hidden talents hidden is an easy out. If you look carefully, the fish usually knows it can't climb a tree so it expends its energy elsewhere. I can't build lasers or furniture like hubby can so I design and sew things that I need and like and I write stuff.
~Individuals usually find their own way. Being thoughtful about encouraging children is a good thing. But lavishing praise on everything might not be as worthy as acknowledging specific things in each child that are worthy of praise. Those who climb mountains often do it against the will of those closest to them. Not all success stories are products of a healthy, encouraging family life. We're not all good at everything and often, not even good at what we think we're good at! But most of us seem to find our way in spite of being told we can't.

Back with a Vengeance.

Okay...so I'm back. Back with a vengeance.

Seems the political season has heated up already. In spite of the fact that I often get into trouble with my offspring regarding voicing my political opinions, I've decided to go with it, rather than fight it. Guess it comes with age; speaking up, that is. I will celebrate my 70th birthday next week. I think I'm developing a bit of attitude. I remember my dad, who lived to be 98, saying things like, "I paid for this road, I can drive however I want!" Or..."I've lived longer than you so I know what I'm talking about."

My dad also loved to argue about politics. He and I came from different points of view. We would often argue until I was blue in the face. (Note that I said, "I" was blue in the face. Dad would just sit back, relax, and enjoy every minute of my frustration.)

But something happened to me throughout those years of arguing, discussing, whatever you might call it. I learned that it's important to have a political opinion and to voice that opinion, even when it's not popular. Standing up for one's beliefs is often difficult. It can cause hurt feelings (and migraine headaches)! But if we're all passive and constantly worried about being politically correct, we risk being run over by a giant truck called government.

There are two camps in politics. One believes in the individual. The other believes in government. Individual liberty versus socialization are two firm positions that come with plenty of fodder for argument. The argument is good and extremely important...and the argument shouldn't be stifled.

Missing In Action

~While I've been personally feeling guilty about neglecting my own blog, I can't help but notice that a few of the other bloggers whom I follow haven't been posting new material much either. I wonder what it is? Have we grown weary of writing about stuff? Or are we just getting lazy? In my own case, it seems that I just can't find the time anymore. Blogging is almost like keeping a diary;
the kind of thing where you write down your thoughts each day and muse over the things you've done as well as the people with whom you've interacted. It should be simple and fun. When it becomes a chore, you begin to neglect it. I guess I'm going through the chore phase. Each night I tell myself "You'd better write a new post!" But I end up shutting down my laptop and going to bed instead.
~Perhaps it's because the spring and summer seasons are hectic around here and there doesn't seem to be a good block of time alone to write? Or perhaps it's because we haven't done any new projects recently so I don't have as many stories to share. Or...I'm just getting lazy. In any event, I know how disappointed I get when I go to a blog that I enjoy reading only to find that I've already read their last blog post two or three times! Maybe we've all contracted some sort of blogger virus that's keeping us from updating things for our readers? I hope the enjoyment of writing new posts hasn't run its course for me; I hope I'm just going through a phase. And I hope the bloggers I follow haven't fallen into the same trap. I'll keep looking each day, hoping for updates. And I'll keep nudging myself to get back into the swing of it. We'll see.

Criminal Minds

Scary and Gory things make me uncomfortable and I hate to cry when I'm watching a movie. You know...that knot you get in your throat trying to hold it back? But for some unknown reason, I am addicted to the TV series, Criminal Minds. Talk about scary and gory!
Last night, I almost sobbed out loud when one of the main characters, JJ, was forced to leave. Then there's Dr. Reed, a quirky somewhat gawky young genius who has a eidetic memory and can rattle off facts a mile a minute. Hotchner, the leader of the group, almost never, ever smiles. But the episode where his wife is murdered, opens up a wave of emotions that let you know he does feel things, after all. Garcia comes off as the wacky but sweet and brilliant computer gal who can check out a profile online quicker than you can say, "Gotcha." But she's got a great big heart and a special relationship with the hunky Derek Morgan. Emily is the smart, serious one, who wears her weapon with style and doesn't hesitate to use it when needed.
Criminal Minds involves the FBI's behavior analysis bureau. Their job is to analyze clues and information gathered from a crime scene to figure out the personality, temperament and intent of the killer in an effort to prevent another murder that is certain to happen in short time according to the plot. I think I'm more addicted to the characters than the stories. Whatever it is, I find myself sitting up alone at night, wide eyed while munching on something or other watching the BAU do their stuff. As soon as hubby goes to bed, I walk around and lock all the doors, even the garage entry door (because that's how a lot of criminals find their way into the house), making myself nice and safe knowing that I'm going to hear noises that really aren't there for about an hour. Since stalkers are one of the more consistent profiles in Criminal Minds, I find myself wishing I didn't hate curtains as much as I do. Our windows are bare because it's a look I love. But at eleven o"clock at night, when I'm sitting all alone in the dark, I wish I could close the blinds that don't exist.
Chalk it up to quirkiness, I guess. For me, it's the best entertainment on TV at the moment!
Of course, I should be making more aprons and blouses for my etsy.com online shop instead of sitting watching television.

Check us out at http://www.apronsgonewild.etsy.com/. We have a new ruffled blouse that can be worn on or off the shoulder.

Summertime around the Farm Table

~My computer screen saver is set up to randomly float pictures from our picture file across my screen. Every now and then, a picture of the 12 ft. farm table that hubby built last year catches my eye. Seeing it, reminds me of summer nights on our back deck, with our son-in-law standing at the grill holding a glass of chardonnay, and the rest of us seated around the big table enjoying the evening.

~Our winter here in sunny Florida is winding down. My thoughts are turning north toward home. Summer on Cape Cod is family time for us. Warm evenings on the front porch, a cold draft beer from the kegerator, feet up, good conversation, and then that dinner on the back deck....all of us around that big table. It's a simple life. Nothing fancy. We are easy to please. In between, I'll try and make some new aprons and summer blouses for my online shop.

~I said...I'll try.

~Check us out online at www.apronsgonewild.etsy.com

Lazy, Hazy Days...

~I'm sort of feeling like a bum lately. I've had two aprons cut out and ready to sew for the past two weeks. I just keep looking at the sewing machine and walking right by it. Not sure if I'm getting really, really lazy or if it's the nice sunny weather that's luring me away. Usually, we have a span of a time while we are here in Florida that keeps the temperatures cool during the day, making it too chilly to sit out in the sun or venture off to the beach. It's still good for hubby's golf outings but I usually capitalize on those cooler days by revving up the sewing machine and firing off several new aprons. ~But this year has been different. I just keep walking by my fabric pile with hardly a glance. What is it about the nature of people of my generation that we have a compulsive need to always be productive? Being raised with a strong work ethic sure plays tricks on the mind. I feel extremely guilty when I'm not doing something worthwhile. Although I know that relaxing and enjoying life is a good thing, nevertheless, I feel almost naughty doing too much of it.

~Today, I vow to construct a new apron. I do. I vow. I will. Here I go. TTYL.

(One day later...)

~Please allow me to introduce "Peacock Feathers in Sea Glass".... a 100% cotton apron cut a little bit fuller for the generously endowed hostess. Check it out at http://www.apronsgonewild.etsy.com/

Sink Reflections

~When I opened up my yahoo mail first thing this morning, there was an item taken from Real Simple magazine about how to keep your kitchen spotless. Easy, daily suggestions that will keep your counter tops and sink free of clutter. The details in the piece were taken from a book that I actually own called, "Sink Reflections." In it, the author, Marla Cilley, attempts to inspire her readers to begin with just one thing...the kitchen sink. Her theory is that if you keep your
sink clean, shiny and free of clutter, the resulting pleasure will prompt you to keep your counters clean and your appliances sparkling. She tempts you to adopt her mantra of never going to bed leaving a dirty sink. Your sink is the first thing you see each morning when you start your day. If it's dirty and full of clutter, that will affect your mood and mentality and how you proceed with everything else.
http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/549/how-to-speed-clean-your-kitchen
~I think it's great advice. Ms Cilley is absolutely correct. The kitchen sink greets me each and every morning. If I come into my kitchen and face dirty dishes sitting in the sink, the message is "You've got a day of mess ahead of you." If it's clean and shiny, I relax, pour my coffee and start to think positively about what I can accomplish that day. I'm not going backward. I'm going forward.
~Often, it's the smallest things that make or break a mood. Habits that may seem insignificant are sometimes the impetus that make us productive. Little things mean a lot.
~It is said that it only takes 28 days of repeating a function to form a habit. From my own experience, I find that to be true. I'm certainly not "Suzie Homemaker" or "Nancy Neat." But I do make it a habit to keep our sink clear of clutter, our counters wiped down and our appliances fingerprint free. It seems to keep me happy and frees me up to do more productive things. A peaceful mind is a productive mind. I never go to bed without first making sure the kitchen sink is clean. Seeing my reflection in the sink each morning puts a smile on my face. The 28 days it took to form that habit was well worth the effort.
~I took these pictures of our kitchen sink here in Florida early this morning when I came downstairs.
~Put a smile on your face and send me a picture of your sink reflection.
~And while you're at it, check out our unique selection of aprons and tops at http://www.apronsgonewild.etsy.com/

Valentine's Day

~Valentine's Day.

~Sweethearts, lovers, close friends....everyone likes to take the opportunity on this day to show the folks they love just how much they love them. Cards, flowers, candy, jewelry. A marketing bonanza.
~Hubby and I just exchange cards on Valentine's Day. The habit probably stems from our younger days when we had barely enough resources to run the household, much less spend on ways to state our love for each other. Therefore, the card and what it says, means a lot. I always tell hubby that whenever I get mad at him, I read the cards I've saved that he's given me over the years. Since neither of us is very outwardly demonstrative, we often express things in writing that we don't express in words or actions. I think that's that way with a lot of couples.
~One of our daughters gets an interesting gift from her hubby each year on Valentine's Day. He writes a sonnet for her. Now a sonnet is more than a poem. A sonnet follows a strict rhyme form and a specific structure. It has 14 lines following one or another of several set rhyme-schemes. A sonnet is not that easy to compose and takes a lot of thought. Anyone who has had a sonnet composed specifically for them may consider the sonnet composer to have been extremely caring.
~Our daughter always comments on how her hubby is so cute about his sonnets. He can never wait until Valentine's Day to reveal his poem...always having the need to recite it the night before. Very dear, indeed.
~I love the sincerity of the sonnet. But I know my hubby wouldn't know where to begin. And I always find the words in the Hallmark card he gives me to be straight from his heart.

~Happy Sweetheart's Day everyone!

The Great Winter Escape

~Well...we're here in sunny Florida. I must admit that having the doors and windows open in January suits me just fine. I think that's what I hate the most about winter back home. Having everything closed up feels claustrophobic. Gray skies and short days seem gloomy to me. I start fantacizing about summer and life on the porch. I imagine the tanned, smiling faces of our grandchildren coming back from a day at the beach and evenings sitting around the firepit, telling stories and singing songs.
~Our ability to spend our winters in Florida stems from a long range plan that began over thirty years ago when we purchased a small townhouse condo near the beach just south of the Kennedy Space center. There wasn't much here then. It wasn't spiffy or upscale. But it was on the barrier island and there were miles and miles of beach with little parking areas every five miles or so. You could just pull off the road, grab your beach towel and flop down in the sand. We used the condo as an investment property for most of those years. We redecorated a couple of times and as we did, we watched the area grow. We started to see restaurants, and grocery markets crop up in commercial spaces that had been deserted during the downturn of the 70s. Beautiful condos were constructed along the beach. Due to height restrictions in the area, none of the buildings took over the clear blue skies...and you can still pull off the road every half mile or so with free parking to access the beach. Carefully planned commercial development brought jobs to the area. New hospitals located over the river on the mainland. That development opened up new prospects for pharmacies and medical practices on the island. A burst of energy was thrust into just about every facet of life here.
~Now that we are retired and get to enjoy our little condo and all the things this area offers, we are grateful for the chance to escape the New England winters. Snow was a welcome sight when we were young and we took our four children skiing. But once you give up a snow hobby, the wet, white stuff just means work. And cold work, at that.
~This winter up north sounds especially bad. No just wet, but bitter cold. Not a day goes by down here that I don't thank the big Guy up there for leading us in the right direction way back when we fell upon this cozy little southern abode. Funny how life works out.

A New Year

~A New Year....Is it really something special when it happens? Or is it just the same old...same old? I must confess that around here it has become just another year. But deep down, I know it is something special. It's a rebirth for many folks; a chance to look at life with new aspirations. If you're overweight, you swear yourself on a diet. If you are a shopaholic, you cut up your credit cards. If you are a bit lazy, you join a gym. But what happens to those best laid plans?
Usually, by mid January, you are back to your old habits, completely forgetting about having resolved to do this or that. Yet, every once in a while, someone, somewhere sticks to his or her resolution and life changes in a good way.
~I've known people who resolved to do something about their weight on New Year's Eve and then really did something about their weight. And it stuck!
I guess the good thing about making a New Year's resolution is that it shows how humanity always holds out hope. No matter how many times you break a heartfelt resolution, you usually make another one the next year. Hope usually comes with a strong sense of passion. It feels good to hope.
~Hubby and I are just about ready to head south. Except there is snow looming in the forecast on the day we want to leave. It will be hard to wait, even a day or two. In my old age, I've become completely intolerant to cold. Hubby says my
circulator doesn't work. The cold starts in my feet and spreads to my calves and soon overtakes my whole body. When we were young, we could hardly wait for snow so we could ski. That's what winter sports do for you. Make you wish for snow. But these days the cold means inactivity which leads to being...well... cold. Now that the hustle bustle of the holidays is over, I can't wait to get into warm sunshine, balmy breezes and sun, sun, sun. I can take my daily walk without freezing; fiddle around in the patio without a down jacket, drive to the store without warming up the car first. Lovely, simple thoughts that make me very happy. Florida, here we come.
~Be sure to check out our online store to see more aprons like the one granddaughter Emily is modeling at:
http://www.apronsgonewild.etsy.com/
~I'll be adding lots of new items soon.