sugarbumps creations

Christmas

2011-11-22T07:24:00.001-06:00

I have new appliques on Etsy for Christmas. Slow sales for some reason. Last year I couldn't keep up, but I won't complain. Just gives me more time to spend with my family. I have lots to do for the holidays. How about you? Cookies to make with a few grandchildren, gifts to finish.

Hope all have a merry Christmas. Remember to thank our Heavenly Father for sending His Son to save us.

Crochet Along

2011-09-17T16:31:00.001-05:00

I'm doing my first ever crochet along with Inner Hooker at http://oxfordfam.blogspot.com/. Here is a picture of just a few of my sunburst grannies. I've done way more than these, and I will add pictures later.

I'm really enjoying this, but I've got to catch up to the others. I started about a week late.

Sweet Pants for Girls in My Etsy Shop

2011-08-25T19:31:00.000-05:00

I have been working on some new items for the shop at Etsy, and I want to share some pics with you. These pants are so fun to make, and so comfortable for little girls.

This is the first group of pants.

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Next group

This pair didn't get into the first two pictures. All of these are $18 each, a very reasonable price. I use only top quality fabric and all are professionally sewn and serged for reinforcement.

I hope you will hop over to sugarbumps creations on Etsy and check them out.

Also, I have been working on new appliques

Introducing Miss Frankie N. Stein

And Mr. Frank N. Stein

My Pumpkin

Something for the boys

Must have a witch's hat. This one has a clear acrylic crystal attached for a little bling.

And we must have a black cat for "luck".

June Is Busting Out All Over

2011-06-14T11:54:00.000-05:00

Wow! Just too hot for June! No telling what July and August will be like here in Mississippi. August usually is our hottest month of the year, with July coming in 2nd. I've been working like crazy on items for customers, getting orders filled. I will be working on some new items coming soon for fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Here are some of the custom orders I've done.

I love this turquoise and red fabric and was so glad to finally get to use it.

The Julia longall, I love this pink and gray paisley fabric, don't you?

Bright, colorful cotton knit with a cool appliqued tank - The Lindsey set, capri and tank. I do love the appliqued flower.

The Julia longall again in turquoise, green and brown. Love the paisley ruffle. How about you? I would wear this myself, except I'm a little too old, I think.

The last two for this customer is the Lindsey Peace set - capri and appliqued peace ruffle shirt.

The very last one is the Lindsey Owl set - capri and appliqued owl ruffle shirt.

And, of course, headbands to match all. These are the first three. Three more to go.

New Items for Etsy

2011-05-30T21:43:00.001-05:00

I've been working on a few new things that can be found in my Etsy shop. Sharing with you today.

Ms Scottie Dog Appliqued T Shirt - $18.00

Mr. Dinosaur Appliqued T Shirt - $18

Flirty Appliqued Seahorse Girl's Tank Top - $18

Boy's Seahorse Appliqued T Shirt - $18

Boy's Appliqued Snail T Shirt - $18

Girl's Birdie Appliqued T Shirt - $18

New Appliques available to purchase:

These appliques are pre-stitched for the look of "I did it myself". They are all hand cut and made by me personally. Heat and bond is applied to the back, so all you have to do it iron it onto your item of choice. No sewing required, unless you want to for added security. If so, use monofilament thread and just straight stitch around the perimeter of the applique.

All of these appliques are $8.50 and are also available in my Etsy shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sugarbumpscreations

I will be posting new items as they are made. Thanks so much for checking me out.

DO IT ANYWAY

2011-05-11T19:22:00.000-05:00

I get up every morning, drink my coffee, take my shower, dress, go to the sewing room, sew, clean the house, cook, sew some more. Why am I saying this? Well, I thought back months ago I had found myself, but when it comes down to it - who am I? I've been thinking about this, and, so far, have not come up with anything. Do you ever just wonder how you got where you are, where you have been, why some things happened to you, or why some things did not happen to you. Am I happy with my life? Well, I love my husband, I loved my children, I love my grandchildren, but am I really happy with me? The answer to that is NO. A big fat NO. And I don't know why.

Lord, please help me to understand me. Somedays I just want to hide away, never go outside. I cry more than ever these days. I think about my life and what I have accomplished. Guess what! I can't think of anything that I have done that is important in this life. I mean, shouldn't I have done something that contributed to mankind or the poor or the underprivileged or the homeless or the sick children that are all over this earth? I've never won an award, been written about in books or newspapers, never made a lot of money, never made a difference. Maybe that's what is wrong - I've never made a difference. Am I having a pity party? Well, maybe I am, but I don't think so. I'm just trying to figure out who is Virginia Lynn Higginbotham Palmertree? Really, who is she?

I wanted to be somewhere else with my life at this stage of the game. I wanted to have made more money, been more important, been more successful by age 64. And how did I get here so fast? I don't want to leave this earth and regret my life. I don't want to leave this earth wondering if I ever did enough. Oh, the money is not important to me, the "fame" wouldn't make a difference, I just want to make a difference. But first I have to know who I am and why am I here? It's getting late in this life of mine, so I need to hurry up and solve this mystery.

I'm watching American Idol and Lauren just sang a song that has made me think - "I Did It Anyway". Wait, maybe that's the answer.

You can spend your whole life buildin' Something from nothin'
One storm can come and blow it all away
Build it anyway

You can chase a dream
That seems so out of reach
And you know it might not ever come your way
Dream it anyway

God is great
But sometimes life ain't good
And when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
I do it anyway

This world's gone crazy
It's hard to believe
That tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway

You can love someone with all your heart
For all the right reasons
In a moment they can choose to walk away
Love 'em anyway

God is great
But sometimes life ain't good
And when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
Yeah - I do it anyway

You can pour your soul out singing
A song you believe in
That tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang
Sing it anyway
Yea, sing it anyway
Yeah, yeah!

I sing
I dream
I love
anyway

New Website I've Fallen In Love With

2011-05-09T09:09:00.000-05:00

I want to share a tutorial I found on V and Co. website. This bracelet is so cute and easy to do. I know I'm going to have to make one, or two, or three. Please check out this talented person. She's got lots of other tutorials on her site that are so wonderful. I know I'm going to try out many of them soon.

http://www.vanessachristenson.com/2011/03/v-and-co-how-to-jersey-knit-bracelet.html

Mother's Day Without You

2011-05-06T08:16:00.000-05:00

Dear Mama,

Another Mother's Day without you, and I still miss you. I think of you often, cleaning the house, cooking for us, making sure we were all spotlessly clean. You and daddy raised us well, and you were always at home for us. I remember coming home from school, and you would have gingerbread baked for us. I could smell it before I got in the house.

I remember the year I saved my allowance (50 cents a week) for weeks and bought you that brooch from Ben Franklin Five and Dime. It said mother on it and had colored rhinestones all around it. You seemed to love it. After you went to Heaven, I opened your jewelry box and there it was. You had kept it all those years. I couldn't believe it, because I know it couldn't have cost more than $1.50, not exactly a family treasure. Thank you for that, mama.

I miss you and love you, mama. You were the rock in our family. I know you and daddy are now together again, as you always wanted. We weren't a perfect family, but we all loved each other and for that I thank you. You are missed by Tommy and me.

Love forever,
Lynn

I'm Still Here

2011-04-18T08:19:00.000-05:00

Well, I have been away for quite some time. I think I hit a dry spell on writing, and I had a lot going on the last few months. Busy filling orders through Etsy and taking care of family. Some things I have gotten accomplished so far are these items. I have done lots more than this, but I don't want to fill this blog up with tons of pictures of what I've made. I'll be working on new dresses for a few weeks, as well as boys short sets. Hope to get those listed this month. April has actually been a slow month in sales compared to March. But that does give me a little time to do some catch up on my house. Spring cleaning is around the corner for me. I am ready to de-clutter my life. A lifetime of junk in my house is just not working for me.

Spent Saturday in Clarksdale, Mississippi for the Juke Joint Festival. What a great festival it was. Over 55 bands, food, vendors, and lots of memories of my childhood in Clarksdale. I'll post some pictures for you of the festival. If you ever get the chance you should go to this festival. It will not disappoint you! I had such a great time, I just hated leaving. Spent the day with brother, husband, brother's sweetie and cousin and his wife. What a great day!

EtsyKids Treasury Team: "My Bunny Valentine" Treasury Challenge Winner: sugarbumps creations

2011-01-23T09:36:00.000-06:00

EtsyKids Treasury Team: "My Bunny Valentine" Treasury Challenge Winner: sugarbumps creations

EtsyKids Treasury Team: sugarbumps creations on Etsy - Valentine's Gift Guide

2011-01-22T00:28:00.000-06:00

EtsyKids Treasury Team: sugarbumps creations on Etsy - Valentine's Gift Guide

And The Race Is On

2011-01-19T20:53:00.000-06:00

It's a new day, it's a new life. I've been in hibernation for a long time, and now I am awake. Really! I'm not kidding, people. If only I had about fifty more years to live, but that would make me 114 years old, so I have a feeling that's not going to work. So I've got to work really fast to get everything done. I'm not good at sitting, but sometimes it's not so bad just to sit and look around and see the things that you don't notice everyday. Like there are acorns all over my yard - I'm thinking I must have the happiest squirrels in the world. I like to crunch them as I walk to the mailbox. The acorns, I mean. Of course not the squirrels, I like them and my cat likes them.

And have you ever been driving and you pass over those places in the road that make the click click noise. I love that. It reminds me of when I was young and we were traveling to Clarksdale to see my Mamaw Burns. And my brother and I would count between each click all the way.

I like to sit and watch the birds in my yard. This picture was taken from inside through the screen. I kind of like the effect. But isn't that bird so pretty? We feed the birds and in the summer the hummingbirds are just crazy.

Do you know how fun it is to sit back and watch your grandchildren? As new people, they have so much to learn from this earth, don't you think? How great it would be to be like those children again and see a bird for the very first time, to step on an acorn and hear the crunch, to listen to the clicks driving down the highway and to have heard that for the first time in your life, to see the sun, the rain, all for the very first time! I remember the first time I took my first child outside and she had never walked on grass before. She just kept looking at that grass and raising her little feet way up, like wow, what is this, it feels so good. (That's the little girl over to the right)

So I plan on doing all of that for the rest of my life. Listen to the clicks in the road, watch the birds and squirrels and do all of this as if it was my very first time. So......THE RACE IS ON!!!!

A New Year, A New Me

2011-01-18T21:29:00.001-06:00

Well, I don't know how new I'm going to be, but I'm going to try to do some things differently. Like, I procrastinate a lot. I'm going to try to NOT do that so much. I'll start tomorrow. I would like to be a better person, a better resident of the earth, a better parent to my adult children. I really would like to be remembered someday as a pretty good grandparent, one who cared and shared.

These are not really hard things to do, but still it's time for me to do it. I've wanted for such a long time to do something for others, and I realize my time on earth is getting shorter with each passing day. I believe I know what I'll do, but I'll keep it to myself. I think the best things we do for others should not be announced like it's some great accomplishment. What we do for others should be done because, well, because it's just the right thing to do.

It snowed in Mississippi in January this year. I can not remember the last time it snowed like that. The world is changing and so are we all. Let's all change for the better. If each person just spoke one kind word a day to some other person, just think how many kind words would be spoken across this planet. Kind words are like treasures, they are to be cherished and shared.

I lost a lot of important people last year. It wasn't my favorite year, but not my worst. My brother was killed in March, I lost two aunts, one uncle. I lost a neighbor of 20 years, such a fine man. I lost a childhood friend in April. I suppose it's a sign for me - I'm getting older, and so are all the people I know. If we live long enough, we get older, it's just the way it is, no way around it.

My son, who I've spoken of in previous posts, now is in a long-term care living facility. He left one week ago today. Now, that was hard for this entire family. But I had to put my selfish side away and do what was best for him. Now, he is playing cards, dominoes, bingo. I'm proud of my son, and I wish he was the son I used to have. He's not, and I've accepted it. Doesn't mean I like it, and I wish this path that was chosen for me was different. I can not change that, so I will keep on the path and do the best I can.

Life is not always easy, but if we keep fighting the good fight, in the end, we will win. I will win, with God leading me down this path. Do I question why my son? Yes, I do. But, then, why anyone's son or daughter? We were given free will long ago, and because of that, bad things happen to good people. We do not always choose our path, sometimes it is chosen for us, and if that happens, we must remain on the path and steadfast, though the path gets rough and bumpy. At those times, God carries me.

Where Am I and When Did I Leave?

2010-11-24T19:05:00.000-06:00

Today in the grocery store, I found myself staring at the shelves of food, wondering how to make shoepeg corn casserole. I've been making shoepeg corn casserole for years and years, but for the life of me all I could think of was shoepeg corn! And on top of that, I couldn't remember what all I was going to make for Thanksgiving. I just was a blank slate! My mind just wouldn't function. Was it me? Or was it the 5000 people at the grocery store grabbing for food! I knew I had to get out of there! Quick!

I just threw those flowers in just because I like flowers. It has nothing to do with what I'm writing. But, anyway, where was I? Oh, yes, the grocery store. I managed to grab what I thought might go into the casserole, and went to the nearest check-out line. Then I was out of there. That's when it hit me - where am I and when did I leave? I used to be all ready for Thanksgiving, lists made, ingredients in the cabinet. Now, I can't find anything, and for some strange reason, I keep moving things to places that I think will be a good place to remember, than I can't remember where I moved the things. Why did I move them in the first place? They had been in the other spot for 6 months, and I knew where they were. Now I can't find them. And you don't want to see me when I can not find something. I mean, I can not stop looking. I become obsessive about it, like if I don't find it the world will come to an end.

Just one more thing, if you find me, please return me to my husband, and don't tell him where I was. He already has questions about my sanity. Let's not give him anymore fuel.

EtsyKids Treasury Team: Rose Prints Online - Letter Love

2010-11-24T18:47:00.000-06:00

EtsyKids Treasury Team: Rose Prints Online - Letter Love

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

2010-11-04T23:26:00.000-05:00

Well, I survived Halloween and all the orders. Now it's on to Christmas. I am swamped already with orders, but I'm not complaining. Business is good. And it's putting me into the Christmas spirit. This will be the first year in a long time that I will be at home for the holidays instead of working (outside of the home, I mean). I'm excited about that.

Christmas is a special time when our family really shows off, and I love it. I can't remember one dull Christmas in the Palmertree family. We are all like a bunch of kids when it comes to Christmas. And most of us love hand-crafted gifts. Plus I'll get to bake a little more.

One picture from last year's celebration.

I've been working on appliques as I have already posted. This is my newest applique. Isn't he cute? I love this one. More for the boys, I think. He has a sister. You've seen her before, but I'll post her one more time so you can see how cute she is.

Now, you know you need these appliques for your children's shirts. Go to Etsy to purchase at my shop, sugarbumps creations.

Until next time, Happy Thanksgiving, and Merry Christmas!

Christmas Appliques

2010-10-25T22:21:00.000-05:00

Today I've been working on some new appliques for my Etsy shop. I love Christmas, and this will be my first year at home for the holiday. Normally, I'm at work at my shop. Now, my shop is in my home. I'll be able to make goodies and handmade gifts this year. I'm excited. Making the appliques has got me into a sewing for Christmas mood. Here are the first few appliques I have made.

How do you like these? I've got some more to work on tomorrow. Then I'll work on my Christmas clothing I'll list on Etsy. Check my shop out when you get a chance.

Have a great week and come back soon!

Reunion for the Class of 1964

2010-10-14T09:48:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, my graduating class of 1964 had a get together at a local restaurant, Vanelli's. This is our second one to do. We don't really call it a reunion, because we just get together and have fun. Most all of it was planned and done on Facebook and word of mouth. I'll share a few photos.

Friendships! We sometimes take these for granted. But this past weekend brought it all back to me. Friends grow older and sometimes weaker, but friendships grow older and stronger. So many people in one place, all talking, laughing, remembering. How can it get any better. My heart was lifted so far above my head. These people who I met so many years ago, are truly still wonderful and special. Always cherish your friends, as they will help you in times of trouble and laugh with you in the good times. Sometime words are not necessary with friends. Maybe just a hand to hold, eyes to look into, tears to share. God is in the making of friends, and He keeps us bound even through time. As we get older, I think we realize more and more what these people in our life mean. And they become more important to us. If you have someone in your life like these people, don't fail to reach out and tell them what they mean to you. Don't put it off until tomorrow, do it now. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, we must live the day as if it were our last. Love your friends, laugh with your friends.

1946 Was A Very Good Year

2010-10-14T08:43:00.000-05:00

Well, I did it! I turned 64 this week. Doesn't feel too bad. But I had a fabulous day. Got a few gifts so I thought I would share them with you.

This canvas was made for me by my daughter, Angela. She is very creative and sells these wholesale and retail. I love this one especially, as I love this bible verse.

My daughter, Lori, made these for me. Another creative daughter. What can I say! I have great children. Love these earrings. I'll be wearing them this weekend when I go to Joe Wheeler Lake to relax for a few days.

Another daughter made this for me. A very special bracelet and she is also very creative, as you can tell. I must say this Power Bracelet seems to work. I haven't fallen down once since I got it and my self-esteem is definitely up. This was made all from duck tape, with lovely permanent magic marker print.

Two of my granddaughters made a few things as well. They made me this cake! Delicious, but who told them to put those candles on it? I have a feeling their mother may have had something to do with it.

Then just for fun my granddaughters carved pumpkins and left them for me. I really don't think I could have had a better day than this. Gifts and some of my family all day. What a great way to celebrate life. I think I'll save those candles to use another year!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-15T09:15:00.000-05:00

Just some things in this universe that God made and did a great job, I might add.

Will You Still Need Me When I'm 64?

2010-09-06T18:47:00.000-05:00

Time is going by very fast for me, and soon I'll be 64. I remember that song from when I was a teenager - "Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I'm 64." That seemed like such a long time away!! But here it is, just around the corner. Do you ever wake up in the morning and think how did I get here, where did the years go, and who is that woman that has moved into my house and is calling herself me?

I have found out, though, that this is not the last part of my life but the BEST part of my life! This weekend I went to an MSU college football game with my daughter and family, my 2nd one in my lifetime, the first being when I was a sophomore in high school! I LOVED IT!!! The drums, the band, the touchdowns, the screaming, the cheers, the cowbells ringing, the heat, the people, I loved it all. And I didn't even know I would. I know - I'm starting late! Well, at least I'm starting. I enjoyed myself so much, and didn't think about one problem at all the whole time.

Just look at those guys playing! They were great! And the band! Wow what a band! It sounds so much better when you are there than on tv.

And to top it all, State won against Memphis State. What a great first State game for me! So, I'm asking you this? Will you still take me to the game when I'm 64? Or 74?

Getting Ready for Fall

2010-09-02T08:35:00.000-05:00

Here in Mississippi Fall is not in the near future, but other places are getting ready. I have been working on new items to post to Etsy for Fall and Halloween. Newly listed items are appliques that I am now making and selling for you to put onto your own garment.

Also, a few new outfits for the holidays are coming out of my studio. And more will be coming. I just got in a few new bolts of fabric, and I am anxious to cut into them. As soon as I have them ready, I will post them. Here are a few Holiday items.

You can find these items at my etsy store: http://www.sugarbumpscreations.etsy.com.

Fun Follow Friday

2010-08-20T08:20:00.000-05:00

Today I want to share Fun Follow Friday hosted by Simply Stacie and My Wee View. The goal of this hop is to get new Google Friend Connect Followers for your blog and be introduced to new blogs to follow! All you have to do is add your blog link and start blog hopping and following away! You aren’t required to write a post for your blog for Fun Follow Friday unless you want to.

When you visit a blog that you like and want to follow, leave them a comment with your link telling them you are following from the Fun Follow Friday.

The main goal is to have fun and follow the blogs that interest you!

There are a few fun things that Fun Follow Fridays does each week:

1. Each week 1 winner will be randomly drawn for the #3 Spot

2. Each week 1 winner will get Premium ad space for 1 week on both Simply Stacie and My Wee View. To enter, you have to blog about Fun Follow Friday! (You can still participate in Fun Follow Friday without making a blog post about it. However, to participate in this special giveaway, you need to write a post about it).

The above copy is from simply stacie's blog. Just wanted to get all of it right. Her site is http://simplystacie.net. A fun blog for sure and lots of blogs are already listed for you to check out. Also My Wee View is a great blog. So go join both of their blogs, and check out "Fun Follow Fridays".

God Has A Plan

2010-08-19T08:29:00.003-05:00

This blog today has nothing to do with creating, nothing funny, no wise words, just some things from my heart. For three years my husband and I have been searching for help or a place for my son to live and have some kind of life. He is brain damaged following an attempted suicide December 11, 2007. Buster is 41 and has one son, Chase age 11. Buster doesn't even remember he has a son. Some days he doesn't even know us and in his mind he is 18. It's hard to see your once lively, handsome son become a mere shell of what he used to be, and I worry about what will happen when I am no longer here. Who will watch after him? Will he be put away somewhere to live out his life? I can not bear to think about that.

Now, my daughter has no place to live and she is 39. Of course, we have offered her a place to live for a while. This is something I wasn't expecting, but she is my daughter and I feel that I am supposed to help. Also, another daughter called this morning and is having some problems. She will probably need a place to live. I don't know if I have room but if I do she will join us.

So, I have been asking God to let me know in some way if this is what he had in mind. It wasn't what I had in mind. But sometimes what we want for our life is not His plan. I am weary and tired of searching for a place for Buster, for some form of help. I have called every place I can think of and emailed every association I have found with no results. I have emailed senators and representatives, no response at all.

For some reason, yesterday, I just felt a peace. I have made a decision to take care of my son as long as I can. I believe in my heart that's what God wants me to do. I know I'll get tired, but I have three wonderful girls that I know will help me when I need a break. They have always been there for me. I couldn't ask for better children than these four young adults. Oh, they have had their problems, don't get me wrong. None of us are perfect, and we all make mistakes. But they have always learned from the mistakes and taken responsibility. For that I am grateful.

I'm not sure, still, why God has given me this "job", but I accept it. I think that's why I feel peace. I have accepted it instead of fighting it for so long. If any of you out there feel life is just too hard, think about the ones who have it harder than you. My girls and I visited Mississippi State Hospital last week, and while it was the cleanest place I've been, it is sad at the same time. Men walking in their socks looking for their shoes, not knowing the shoes were in their pocket. One man called me mamaw. Others just sitting in chairs staring at nothing, talking to themselves. It broke my heart and I couldn't get out of there fast enough.

I request your prayers today, as I will need them. Both my husband and I will need them.

Getting Ready for Canton

2010-08-15T10:18:00.000-05:00

Still sewing for Canton Flea Market in October. If any of you get a chance, you should try to go October 14, Canton, Mississippi. Great outdoor market, with many artisans, we well as just about anything else you can think of to buy. This will be my first time to be a vendor, and I'm a little nervous. Hoping I can make enough to sell, as so many people come to this particular flea market.

I will share just a couple of things made so far.

This is one of my new Christmas shirts and I'm working on one more for girls. Got to come up with something for the boys. I've done a reindeer in the past, and I might do it again, as it was very popular. My other girl shirt is HOPE with the O being an ornament. I think it's going to look good. I will post it sometime today.

I like this little set for boys. I will be making it in various sizes. I am awaiting 4 bolts of fabric to begin my next designs. I will be making reversible jumpers, one side being a Christmas theme, the other side for any time of the year. And I will be making some long-alls for boys, as well as pants and shirts appliqued. I think I will be busy from now until October!

Life is good here in Mississippi, though a bit hot this year. I hate to say this, but I will be glad when it gets a little bit cooler. If only we could have cool weather a little bit longer here. We don't have that many months of COLD weather, but it's enough for me.

Enjoy your Sunday and stay cool.

Wordless Wednesdays

2010-08-11T09:05:00.000-05:00

Anyone who knows me knows that "wordless" is not me. I have many words and sometimes they just spill out before my brain says stop. But today I will get on with the job at hand and share some pictures I''ve made lately and not say a word! I promise.

A few appliqued shirts.

Next to last picture is my brother, Tommy and his sweetie, DJ, on his Harley. The last picture is of sidewalk chalking by my granddaughter, Julia Grace, age 9. She is so precious and I love her.

Beating the Heat with Sewing

2010-07-27T09:45:00.000-05:00

Though I've been absent most of July, I have been accomplishing a few things. Despite the heat, I've managed to sew some new items for sugarbumps creations on Etsy. Plus, I'm getting ready for Canton Flea Market in October, a HUGE market for handcrafted items, as well as many other things. I'm excited about going, and nervous about how much to make, considering how many people go through there in one day!

This style of peasant dress is so simple, but I think is very comfortable for your child to wear. Wish I could wear them, but unfortunately I'd just look like an older woman wearing a mumu. I don't think I like that look.

Then, I've been working on sugarbumps baby bottoms. I think these are so cute. Want a pair? No, I can't make them for a size 14 woman, but I wish. I'm doing different fabrics on these. This one is minky dot. I'll be doing some in chenille, as well as just regular cotton fabric with ruffles or appliques. These are super easy and quick to do, so I'm hoping I can do lots and lots.

This is an item I'm making that I just love. Why do baby gowns have to be white or pink or blue. Why not fashionable and funky? So this is my newest item at sugarbumps creations. Fun baby gowns. How cute is that? Lots more coming. And I'm doing some appliqued onesies and t-shirts. Haven't got pictures, yet, but I'll have some later in the week.

Stay inside and keep cool! Sew and create while the heat is blazing! It's a great way to keep busy and stay creative. My sewing room is my therapy! And believe me I need it! Hope the rest of the week is good for everyone.

Been Gone Too Long!

2010-07-26T10:53:00.000-05:00

Well, I haven't blogged in almost a month! My brain just wasn't into it, I guess. My last post was a tribute to my brother who was killed in a horrific car/18 wheeler crash March 17. Today, I want to tell you about my brother-in-law, Ross.

Ross just turned 55. He had a severe stroke in June, something we never saw coming. Ross is a big, burly, Harley Davidson driving, construction guy. I guess that's why it is even harder to take. His stroke has left him paralyzed on the left side, and no sight in his left eye. He, possibly, may remain this way for the rest of his life.

We never know what life is going to bring, but we must go on and handle it the best we can. And with God, all things are possible. Please keep Ross in your prayers, as he has a long way to go still. He will have surgery in August to replace the part of his skull they had to remove for his brain to swell. So hard to grasp. But we thank God for sparing Ross's life and allowing him to remain on this earth with us.

Short blog, but I've got to get up from here and accomplish a few things while the sun is up! Have a great Monday everyone! Remember, God is in control.

Memories of You

2010-07-03T11:17:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow will be July 4th, Independence Day. But for me it is my brother's 52nd birthday. For 51 years the USA has celebrated my brother's birthday along with all of his friends and family. When Jamie was little you could not convince him it wasn't all about him. But this July 4th will be a little different for a lot of people. My brother is not here, but I'm sure fireworks will be shooting forth in Heaven. I don't know if the 4th will ever be the same for me. I always thought of Jamie when those fireworks started, and he was quite a firecracker himself.

There we are, the three of us, Lynn, Tommy, Jamie. I told my brother, Tommy, we are only two thirds now, we will never be a whole. There will always be a void where that one used to be. Jamie loved people and would go out of his way to help his fellow man. As a postman, it was not just his job, it was his mission. The people on his route, a lot of them, were elderly, not wealthy. Jamie would check on them, even when he wasn't working, making sure they were okay and if they needed anything he took it to them. Now, that's not just a postman, that's a friend.

This is Jamie and his wife, Pam. They were married when she was 17, true soul mates. They have a son, Steven, born on our daddy's birthday. It will be hard for him to live his life without his dad, I know.

The last picture made of my brothers together. Tommy is on the left, Jamie on the right. I cherish this picture. Don't they look alike? I think they do very much.

Jamie, if you can hear me today, happy birthday. I will forever love you and miss you. My heart will never be the same without you. I hope you knew how much you were loved on this earth by me, Tommy and all the friends you left behind and there were many. When the fireworks begin tonight, I know you'll be looking down and know it is for you. Love you, sweet baby brother.

It's My Life, and I'm Sticking To It!

2010-07-01T23:06:00.002-05:00

I've been blogging a while and I really don't know if anyone's listening. But that won't stop me. I need an outlet sometime to get the words out of my head, or they just keep going round and round in there. Sometimes they get lost and it's hard to find them again. At first, when I would write, I tried to think how it sounded. I was thinking too much. Now, I've let go of some of that and it feels much better.

Today, I looked around me and saw lots of wonderful things. Tomatoes, green on the vine. I love tomatoes and I can't wait to eat these when they are big, red and juicy. As I took this picture I thought what a great life I have and how wonderful that I have tomatoes growing in my yard. I'm thankful for little things and it doesn't take a whole lot to make me happy either.

I have a wonderful, crazy family, who keep me laughing all the time. Four grown kids, six grandkids, what else could I want? We have lots of faults, lots of problems, but we seem to plow through together. Always together.

And that's my life!

Wordless Wednesdays

2010-06-30T08:48:00.000-05:00

Wednesday again, almost July. I remember summers when I was young. My brother, Tommy and I would roam the woods behind the house, make hide-outs among the bushes, go swimming in Norman's Lake, set fire to the woods. Oops! That slipped out, sorry Tommy. But today, so many years later, the heat bothers me a little, though I hate cold weather. Then the heat was nothing, just the joy of being outside and playing from sunrise to sunset. So today, I'll share a few pics of us in the summer back in the day.

The End.

Made by Me Mondays

2010-06-28T09:49:00.001-05:00

Monday again? Wow! Where does the time go? I really would like it to slow down, honestly. The older we get the faster it goes.

I've been working on some dresses for little girls the last few days, and I will share them with you today.

This is the first one I made. I just love these dresses. If I wouldn't look like a little old lady in a mumu I would make one for myself. How lucky to be small and young and wear these very cute, comfortable dresses.

I apologize for the photos, as I was in my sewing room and just snapped these quickly. I guess my favorite is this one with the geese. The fabric is by Lizzy House. Great fabric designer. Hope you enjoy my little dresses. Now I'm going into the sewing room to get a few more made.

Wednesday, I think!

2010-06-23T14:54:00.000-05:00

It seems that since I've quit "going" to work, I can not keep up with the day of the week. Sometimes I wake up in the morning and the first thing I do is think - "what day is it?" Maybe it's Monday, no wait, on Monday I did so and so, so it can't be Monday. I don't have a calendar hanging in my sewing room. Maybe I should get one. I like calendars, but if I like them a lot, I can't throw them away, especially if they have pretty pictures. I, also, have trouble throwing away magazines. I mean, I was in printing for 30 years, so I know how hard the process is to get that magazine finished, but it's the pictures that keep me from throwing them away.

Oh, and I love to buy books and magazines. I have so many that I will never do anything with, but I have to have them. I'm sick. I know I'm sick. That's the first step, isn't it? Admitting you have an addiction?

And I won't even go to the fabric addiction I have. It's embarrassing. My husband wanted to rent out the old Lowe's building for my stash. He said that being on drugs would cost less than my fabric spending. Maybe he's right, but I get much more satisfaction out of the fabric than I would from drugs, I'm sure. I'm not saying I have experience in drugs, I'm just thinking fabric is better.

That shelf up there? That's just a little teeny tiny bit of fabric I have. This is just one room. I have also taken over the sun room now. It's full also. I even gave away about 6 boxes of fabric to the church to make clothing for underprivileged children. Didn't make a dent! But I am trying to go through it and do something with it, as I don't think I have enough years in my life left to use the fabric. Then there's the fact that if I really like the fabric I find it hard to cut it. I know, I know. What is it for, if not for cutting and sewing? When I die, just do the inside of my casket with some of my favorite fabric. Or just roll me up in the fabric, don't even get a casket, it's okay with me. Wait, how did I get off onto this subject? I said I wasn't going to even talk about my fabric addiction. Okay, so I lie, also. Look, I've got to get to the sewing room and use some of this fabric. They say to live each day as though it were your last, so I've got a lot to do!

Daddy Was a Hell of a Man

2010-06-20T16:59:00.000-05:00

What is it about little girls and their daddy? We wrap them around our finger, then they take over our heart. My daddy married my mom when she was 16; he was 21 getting ready to leave for WWII. What a way to start off your marriage and your adult life. He came back two years later, a man in every sense. I was born 10 months after his return.

My daddy died in 1987 at the age of 64, young in today's standards, and young even then. I have missed him everyday for 23 years. I think of daddy everyday. He was a self-taught man, as he left school in the 5th grade to help his family. He was a hard worker and a soft spoken man with lots of wisdom. I wish I was half the person he was.

This is daddy in the first house my mama and daddy built in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He was so proud of having his own home and mama kept it squeaky clean. I never realized how young he looked and was. Why is it when we are children, we think of our parents as old? They are still young with dreams of the future.

It's hard for me to write about my daddy; I don't know why. I love him so, and wish I had one more day just to be with him. He would always hug me and tell me he loved me everytime I saw him. And we were very close. He had his problems, mostly brought on by the war, I think. But he overcame them at the age of 47 and joined AA. He used to tell me, "I thank God everyday that I am an alcoholic. I would not be the man I am. God knew what he was doing."

Every year my daddy made an inventory of his life for the past year, the good and the bad. Then he would go visit his pastor and go over his inventory, make amends for any bad he had done, any person he had hurt. How many people do you know that does that? He was a very spiritual man, and his belief in God ran deep. He knew he had a purpose on this earth and when that purpose was fulfilled he would be ready to go home. He definitely fulfilled his purpose on this earth.

Daddy grew the most gorgeous roses and planted vegetables every year in his backyard. I think he felt closer to God outside in the garden. In fact, his favorite song was "I Come to the Garden Alone". I love that song and everytime I hear it I think of my daddy. I wish my grandchildren could have known him. I just think he was a beautiful man and human being. He was tough on us growing up, but I understand it now. He wanted us so much to have more than he had, to go further in life than he did. How strange, he went so far in life, I could never equal his impact on mankind.

So, today on Father's Day, I wish you, my daddy, happy father's day, and know that I have missed you so much. I can still smell you and here your voice. I can hardly talk about you without crying. I want to thank you for giving me so much, for being there when I needed someone to talk to, for being firm with me when I needed to learn my lessons in life, but most of all for being my daddy, for being one hell of a man.

Wordless Wednesdays - But I Have a Few Words to Say!

2010-06-09T22:33:00.001-05:00

Before I get into the Wordless Wednesday pictures, need to share something with you. I have a cat named Miranda Lambert. Now, I love this cat, never thought I'd love a cat like this, and she's an inside cat, something I've never had - an indoor animal. Well, Monday I went outside to clean her litter box, then went back in fixed her food and water, then went about my business. Hours later, Robert comes home, says, "where's Miranda?" I say, I don't know, haven't seen her in a while, look in her bedroom and see if she is asleep (yes she has claimed a bedroom). So, I think, OH NO!!! What if she slipped out this morning while I was cleaning her litter box? I thought I shut the door but, then I think, well, it wasn't all the way closed, but surely she could not have opened it and got by me. We search the house over calling her. NOTHING! I'm in a panic now. So here I go outside with her food bag, shaking it and calling her. She doesn't come. So I'm walking up the street, crying, shaking a cat food bag, hollering MIRANDA LAMBERT WHERE ARE YOU? I MEAN IT, GET YOUR TAIL HOME RIGHT NOW! I am now officially the crazy cat lady of the neighborhood I am sure. I stopped and thought, " My God, I'm walking all over the neighborhood, crying over a cat. I've lost it.

Well, we did find her under the work shop. I got her out by shaking the food bag. I must have been a pretty sight, searching for Miranda Lambert! Okay now for Wordless Wednesdays.

Terrific Tuesday

2010-06-08T13:06:00.001-05:00

Tuesday again, and everything around here is as normal as can be. What is normal, anyway? I got to see a couple of granddaughters the other evening, very briefly, as they are 16 and 14. So, you know they are very busy. But I cherish every minute I get to see any of my grandchildren. I haven't seen my Lindsey in quite a while, so I think I'm going to have to go over there and see her. She never ceases to amaze me with what she comes up with. She is a very creative and happy child, 13 years old, and smart as smart can be. Here she is at the Elvis Festival this last weekend having a great time, like she always does. When I'm around her I find myself smiling all the time. She is an only child, besides her doggies, Harlow and Maggie, and her kitty, boo-boo kitty. And she's beautiful on top of it all. So, I guess today my terrific Tuesday is all about my terrific Lindsey.

You know she's beautiful, just look at her! (She takes after me.) I'll share a few more photos of her, then I'll share my terrific shirts I made

Now for my shirts - not the greatest photos but you'll get the idea.

That's about it for me. Happy, terrific Tuesday to everyone. Now back to the real world!

Made by Me Monday

2010-06-07T09:48:00.001-05:00

Today is the day I share something I've made. This last week I've been slaving, well working, anyway, in my sewing room on some new totes/diaper bags. I have a few pictures of Two of them and I will share them with you.

This is the second one that I've done, though this photo really isn't very good. It is Hot pink peace with zebra lining. I'll be working on 4 shirts today and will share them tomorrow. I think They're going to be very cute. Nice appliques on each one, so come back tomorrow and see what I've accomplished today!

Onward I go, shower, then the sewing room is beckoning. Hoping for a very productive day! And hope yours will be good, as well.

Wordless Wednesdays - What Makes Me Happy!

2010-06-02T11:08:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesdays! I'll share a few things that make me happy!
Friends and Family!

ME AND ROBERT!!

Terrific Tuesday

2010-06-01T21:24:00.001-05:00

Today is Terrific Tuesday. So I am going to tell you what terrific happened to me. My sister-in-law visited me today. Her first visit since her husband, my brother, was killed in March. It's been hard for us all, but her visit made me feel so much better. So, that's the first "terrific" thing that happened.

Also, today my daughter went to the dermatologist about a mole and good news it's okay. I was worried about it because the first doctor told her it had 3 characteristics of melanoma. They "shaved" it off and sent it off, but her doctor says it looks fine. Very glad about that news.

Thirdly, I went to Heirlooms Forever, and they had just gotten in some new Michael Miller fabric by Sandi Henderson. Of course, I bought some. It is lovely. When I get something made with it, I will post it. No picture of the fabric, alas. It's still in the car, as I have brought home too much fabric lately. It will come in tomorrow while my Robert is at work. Poor man, he has no idea.

That's about it, besides just being a terrific day. So, tell me about yours. Link up and let us hear about your "Terrific Tuesday".

Made by You Mondays

2010-05-31T10:10:00.002-05:00

It's Monday and Memorial Day. First, before I post my made by me, I would like to thank all those people out there that have kept us free for centuries. My daddy was one of those and spent his Marine time on Iwo Jima, watched the flag being raised, and fought for our freedom. I know many of you have loved ones or friends that have fought and are now fighting for us. My prayer is that soon they will all be home.

Made by Me Monday is such fun for me.
get to show off something that I have made for the world to see, or at least, for the few that come by my blog. I'm working on some totes/diaper bags right now, but I have done a few new shirts for some customers and I will share a pic of them now.

Terrific Tuesday

2010-05-31T09:48:00.000-05:00

Good morning, fans, friends, and anyone else out there. Today I'm starting "Terrific Tuesday". Every Tuesday I will post something terrific that has happened to me, for me, or something terrific I have seen, be it a new creation, a child being helped, an older person being helped, etc. You get the idea - anything that is terrific to you. If you want to play along, just add your link below and we can all play together! I am looking forward to seeing what "terrific" things are out there that you would like to share with each other.

Creative Mondays

2010-05-24T20:59:00.001-05:00

I'm supposed to post something creative today, something that I've created. I actually haven't created too much today, so I'll just show a few things from the past. It's the best I can do today. It just didn't hit me right, I guess. My creative side stayed in bed.

These are a few kitchen stowel I made and appliqued a few months back. I may have already posted about them, but you get to see them again. Lucky you. I'll be making some more of these, maybe to keep for myself for a change. But really the whole purpose of making these is to sell them.

Here is one of my favorite boy shirts that I hand embroidered. I love hand embroidery. You know, I need to get back to that. I haven't been doing it now in a while and I miss it.

Also, I love to crochet, so I made these baby bath cloths to sell. They are great to bathe with, even for yourself. I packaged them with Johnson's Baby Soap. They make great little baby shower gifts. Something sweet to add to your gift to the mom. My next crochet project is an afghan I want to make from that new book I got. I blogged about it the other day. It is a beautiful book.

I also like to make pillowcase dresses, so I'll show you some here that I have made and probably posted in the past. But, like I said, I just didn't do much creating today, besides a towel wrap.

I make different things for children - pants sets, dresses, just pants. Here are a few for you to see. I've got to get back to these, too. I enjoy making these the most.

Hope you've enjoyed a little of what I have done in the most recent past. Stay tuned for what's ahead.

LOVE Japanese Books

2010-05-21T21:36:00.001-05:00

I got a new book today that I have been waiting on for a week. And it has not disappointed me at all. This book is so wonderful. I wish you knew how it makes me feel. The colors, the stitches, the pictures just are so inspiring. I want to make everything in the book! Will I? I don't know! But I will certainly try. Why are the Japanese so good at this? And why can they not write these books in English? I know they know English, there are even some English words in the book. But their diagrams are so good, you really don't need words.

Maybe I'll just make up my own words. Or learn Japanese. Doesn't matter, I will get these patterns one way or another. Such a beautiful book. I used to own a printing company, so I really look at the colors and the print critically, and I must say the Japanese have got it down pat. Are those shoes just about the cutest things you've ever seen? I will definitely be making these. And I really love the afghan.

Don't you love those linens? This is certainly on my to-do list. Lovely! Who could resist these? Not me for sure. All I can tell you is the ISBN number.

The number is ISBN978-4-07-268091-9. So, if these pictures have tempted you at all look for this ISBN number. I got mine off Etsy. I've got to get off this computer so I can study my new book.

Wordless Wednesdays - God's Wonders

2010-05-19T08:51:00.002-05:00

It's All In The Family

2010-05-17T10:47:00.004-05:00

This is my oldest daughter who is so special to me. And she is special to a lot of people. She's definitely one of a kind, and I wouldn't have it any other way! She's my angel pie. She always has told me she wanted her "respeck". So one year I made her this - her very own respeck towel.

And, of course, she had to have her "credick" crown also, so I made her a t-shirt the next year with "credick" and a crown appliqued on it. Sorry, no picture of that. So now she has her respeck and credick crown. I could use a little of both of those things. You think somebody might make that for me? Nah! I'll have to do it myself, and it just want be the same.

All my children are pretty special to me. Here is a picture of my next to youngest child after playing ball on Mother's Day. What happened is a guy threw the ball up and batted it, and Terri caught it in the face. Shattered her nose and she had surgery on Friday to repair it. Poor baby, she is in great pain. She said it was worse than child birth, and I think I can believe it! Her whole face is swollen, it's pitiful. She's my sweetie pie. Here's a picture of her with her oldest daughter, Nicole, my first grandchild.

My youngest child, Lori, was my business partner for 5 years at sugarbump's. I enjoyed being with her everyday! I think we only got on each other's nerves a few time. It's nice to be with your "child" everyday when they are adults. That's her on the left. She's my Lodi Lu.

My son is my second child, and lives with us. He is 41 and has brain damage from an incident in 2007. He always lets me know how much he loves me. Buster is best known as "the boog". That's him with his son, Chase, my only boy grandchild.

So, that's my family. Oh, maybe I should let you see my husband! There he is with our two youngest grandchildren, Isabella and Julia, Lori's two girls.

Last, but not least, is the newest addition to our family - Miranda Lambert - who has managed to take over the household.

THE END!

Heaven Is a Cleaner Place with Mama There

2010-05-09T10:07:00.001-05:00

Mother's Day again. My 5th year without my mother. So I just wanted to write a tribute to her here, maybe she'll read it from far away in heaven.

My mother didn't play sports, didn't wear jeans, didn't plant flowers or dig in the dirt. My mother did clean house like a professional, made fabulous meals for all of us everyday, was always there when we got home from school, did laundry like nobody's business. She never drove a car, though she tried to once and swore she would never do it again. She didn't.

What I remember about Mama is that she was a meticulous housekeeper. I don't remember EVER seeing any dust, dirt or clutter in our house. Everything was always in place, folded and put away, dusted, polished and mopped. When I was very young she worked at Woolworth's in the office. Daddy would take us down there and I remember running down that old wooden floor to my mama's arms. Woolworth's was my favorite place to go, anyway. When we started school (my brother and I) for the first weeks mama would walk us to school so we would be safe, and meet us after school and walk us home. And when we got home we always had a snack waiting for us. Later, when we were older, mama always made homemade gingerbread and hot tea for my girlfriend and me after school.

Mama was funny without knowing it. She used to tell me that she knew if she could just pull the water hose into the house she could wash down the walls and the house would be so much cleaner! I would laugh when she said that, what a joke. One day I visited and, you guessed it, there was the waterhose snaked in through the dining room window, through the hall, into the bathroom, and mama washing and scrubbing the walls. She also did the dining room walls. Unfortunately, there was carpet in the dining room and it was extremely wet. Her friend said put baking soda around the edges, it will soak up the water. The baking soda did soak up the water, but hardened by the next day. Mama had vinyl flooring put in that week.

She worried about dirt and things like that, wanted the best and cleanest for us. She felt she wasn't getting the turnip greens washed enough. Bright idea, put them in the dishwasher and they will be so clean. Note to self: don't forget what happens when very hot water mixes with turnip greens. Well, that didn't work so well.

So, I just want to say "Happy Mother's Day" mama. I know you're walking with daddy right now and sweeping those streets of gold. Heaven is much cleaner with you in it. Love you, mama.

Time In A Bottle

2010-05-07T21:21:00.002-05:00

It's finally Friday! I Think! Since I've been at home I've lost all track of time. One day blends into another, I can't keep up with the date. Maybe I'll get used to this soon, I don't know. Plus, I don't know how to be at home. I mean, I've not been at home in a lot of years. I'm 63 and I've worked most of my life, so here I am at home, trying to figure out a schedule. How do you do that? Someone tell me, please.

Just finished one more little appliqued name top and bloomers. I think it's pretty cute, don't you? Looks like I'll be making lots of these. I've had lots of requests for them. And, of course, the appliqued name shirts, which I've doing for about 5 years now. I really thought every child in Tupelo, Mississippi had an appliqued name shirt, but I must be wrong. I just keep doing them. I actually enjoy it, though, so it's okay.

You know, as you get older, you tend to reflect on your life and how you got where you are more and more. Well, I haven't figured out how I got here, yet. I mean, I went to sleep at 25 and woke up at 63. At least, that's the way it feels sometime. I just can't believe so much time has gone by and my children have children. My oldest will be 43 this year. My youngest is 33. I have two in the middle: Buster, who will be 41 tomorrow and Terri Melissa, who will be 39 in July. How did that happen? I'm telling you, watch it, because once you have children and they get in school, time becomes like a jet plane. And you'll wake up one day and all of the years you meant to do this or that are gone. I wish I could put time in a bottle and put a cork on it. Enough of that.

Believe I'll get ready for bed and read for a while. That seems like a great idea. Then tomorrow I'll think about the schedule thing.

What I Have Been Doing With All My Free Time!

2010-05-03T09:04:00.000-05:00

Wow, so much free time now that I have closed my shop. NOT!!! I have been going non-stop since April 17. I have repainted my sun room to become my sewing room, monogram room, get away from room. It's been quite a chore but I think in the end it will be worth it. Still have a ways to go, but I am now moving things into the room. I am trying to organize as I go, but that could take me a lifetime. And I've got a lot to get accomplished before I go to Mississippi Market in June.

I have been doing a lot of sewing and monogramming over the last few weeks. I'll post some pictures here so you can see what I've been doing. I've enjoyed making these for little children to wear. Hope they enjoy them as much as I enjoyed making them.

I really love the Weston outfit. Maybe I like the fabric, I don't know but it is one of my favorites. Also, I like the Hot pink dot here on the left. I like the applique on the shirt with the Lime Green monogram. Do you like it? I think I may do some more like this without the monogram to sell.

Here are a few more of the items I've been working on. Hope you like them.

Letter To 12 Year Old Lynn

2010-04-28T20:41:00.003-05:00

April 28, 2010

Dear Lynn,

At twelve you have no idea what awaits you. That’s why I’m writing this to you, so you can be guided through the next 51 years of your life. You’re going to have lots of bumps along the road so hold on tight and keep on walking. The road is long and winding but the end is worth it.

Hang onto your faith and beliefs, they will get you through the next 51 years. Be proud of yourself and always stand tall, always believe in yourself. Try to remember that not all people in the universe look the same but they are the same within their souls. God made us all and he made our outside different for a purpose. How boring this world would be if we all looked alike. Always respect others and try not to judge too harshly or not at all.

Unfortunately, we are all human beings with many faults so you will make some unfortunate choices in your life. But know that sometimes the bad makes us appreciate the good. I would tell you of some of those bad choices, but then you would not “learn” the lessons you learned so well.

I would like to tell you to stay away from that first man you married, but if you were to do that, you would never have the first 3 children. And they were your very reason for existing for such a long time. And, of course, those three children had 4 of your fabulous grandchildren, who make the world make sense. But I will tell you to take care of yourself and know that you can not change anyone, only yourself. Others will tell you what you should do, but you have to make the choice yourself. Maybe you could just make it a little sooner!

In life, there are people you meet that influence you as a person. Stay close to those that are good influences. You are sometimes known by your surroundings. I think, all in all, when it comes down to it, you’ve done pretty well, considering. Get ready for deep loves and tremendous heartbreak. I do wish you could see your life from where I am, but that is impossible. That’s why I’m writing this letter.

You can change history by changing your choices, but if that happens you lose a lot of what makes you who you are. So, I’ll not tell you to do things differently. I’ll just tell you to be a strong, faithful, considerate, truthful woman. Do not waver when others do, stay on the path, do not let go of your dreams. And remember my favorite quote - “If you believe it, you can achieve it“.

PS - LAUGH A LOT!!

Please visit Pink Moss and participate in her project - "In My Daughter's Eyes". Write your 12 year old self a letter - it will free your spirit I guarantee!

Perfect Day at the Park

2010-04-26T09:57:00.001-05:00

Long weekend here. Sewing, painting, sewing, painting, birthday party. Sunday we all went to the park to celebrate one of my granddaughter's ninth birthday! I enjoyed the park so much. I don't even know when I went to the park last. It was a perfect day - sun shining, not too hot, wonderful breeze, and grandchildren all around me.

And all but one child of mine at the park to enjoy what God has given us - a beautiful world full of wonder. So many people there Sunday enjoying family time. We ate pizza and chocolate cupcakes! It tastes lots better outside at the park. I think I'd like to go to the park more, now that I've finally gotten myself out of the house for something other than work.

It was a relaxing day - until I got home to the painting. But while at the park with my family, I forgot all of that, just enjoyed the moment.

We walked down by the water and watched the ducks talk to each other and interact. Took lots of pictures of nothing important. But I think that's what I enjoyed most. I think the ducks were talking, you could see them moving their little beaks and squalking at each other. I wonder what they were saying. Probably, look at these people staring at us. Why do you think they want to take pictures of us?

The end of a perfect day!

The Next Chapter of My Life

2010-04-14T17:09:00.000-05:00

Today is Wednesday and it is the second day at home for me. I went to the shop today (the new people are moving in) and I must say, I was a little sad when I saw other people's items there not sugarbump's. But I have plenty to do at the house, let me tell you. Everything that was left at the shop is now at my home!! I am overwhelmed by it all.

I will be going to Mississippi Market in June to wholesale some of my wares. I'm just a little scared about it but will make it I'm sure. I am wholesaling, shower wraps monogrammed or not, appliqued letter towels, diaper covers, bibs, monogrammed hand towels, key fobs and luggage tags. I will place pictures here as I get my samples ready. The towel wraps are so cute with fabric down front and around bottom of the wrap, then monogrammed with one letter, if desired.

To the right is a new applique for summer. I do the name shirts a lot and enjoy doing them. I will be doing some appliqued shirts and onesies to sell on my facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/sugarbumpscreations. Check me out there. Facebook is a great way to get the word out about your craft or business. Plus you find many friends there. I have reconnected with so many friends from high school. It has been a real blessing for me.

Also, I've joined the BlogFrog Community. You should check it out if you have a blog. Again, a great way to communicate with other people. All kinds of discussions and information among many smart women.

The Fat Lady's Singing

2010-04-10T06:26:00.000-05:00

The day has come for sugarbump's to close the doors. And today is the last day open to the public. Seems bittersweet. I have loved my shop for the last 5 years, something I've always wanted throughout my life. I just waited too long to do it. If I have any words of wisdom to the young, it's live your life and do the things that make you happy. If you have a dream, don't keep putting it off - do it. Step out on faith, then give it your all. That's my only regret - I put off my dream too long.

Even though my shop is closing, I will continue to create from home. It is built into me, I can't get rid of it, nor do I want to get rid of it. When I am making something, especially for a child, I'm the happiest. Plus, I have enough fabric to clothe the children of the world. I believe that if God gives you a talent, it's your responsibility to share it with the world. Not all may appreciate it, but it is what you're born to do, you will be driven to do it.

Goodbye, sweet shop, I'll miss you and all the people that have come through your doors. They all have become my friends. I've watched new moms with their new babies and those babies are now 5. They all like to come to sugarbump's. We always treat you like family.

It's All Over But the Shoutin'

2010-04-03T06:45:00.000-05:00

Well, it won't be long and I will be going to the house. I'm actually excited to be able to do this. I've still got irons in the fire, so I won't stop creating. I'll be going to Mississippi Market in June with a few things that I'll be wholesaling to shops. That should keep me busy for a while. When I get my samples done I'll post pics and see what you think of them.

I want to thank the few people I have as followers now. I have wondered for a long time whether to keep up a blog but thanks to Facebook, I think I have finally been recognized. Oh, I'm definitely not in the class with most of these artists, but I do enjoy the little things that I do. Hope I'll be able to do it for quite some time to come.

Tomorrow is Easter, and I think of what a sacrifice was made for me so long ago that I may have eternal life with my Father. As we grow older we seem to hold on a little tighter to all around us. But I know one day I will be walking those streets of gold and singing praises to the Lord. What a great time that will be!

We Will Dance

2010-03-18T20:36:00.000-05:00

Yesterday morning I was awakened with a phone call from my sister-in-law. My baby brother, Jamie, had been killed in a car crash. How can I explain the depth of my sadness? I am 12 years older than he and growing up he was like my little baby. Where I went, he went. I would hold him in my arms and dance for hours, then when he was a little older, he would stand on my feet and we would dance and laugh the time away. I pray he has found peace now, as his last years have been painful - for him and his family. He was a kind, loving, giving human being, who loved life. He has two beautiful, wonderful sons, Steven and Justin. They will have to live their lives without their father. He was 51. Justin is 28, Steven, 18.

I will see him again one day and he will stand on my feet and we will dance.

Spring Has Sprung, The Grass Is Riz, I Wonder Where Them Waspies Is

2010-03-15T22:51:00.000-05:00

Monday, Monday.....gray day today! I'm stilll looking for the sun, but it just comes out for a day then leaves. What's with that? Mississippi weather is so unpredictable, you never know whether to wear a sweater or flip flops. I think I'll wear flip flops and carry a sweater in the car, that way I'll be prepared.

April 10 in Tupelo we will have our very first hot air balloon festival. I can't wait to see the balloons. I'll take lots of pictures, but you will not catch me in one of those things. God gave me feet to walk the earth, not wings to fly. I will have a booth there with my little handmade items and some things from my shop, as well. My daughter will have a booth beside me - bigcountry tees. We are excited about this festival. We love festivals in Mississippi. Just think of something - we'll make a festival for it. I'm not kidding either.

In June I'll be going to Mississippi Market to show my wares. It is a wholesale show for buyers only. Just like going to market, except I'm behind the booth instead in front. Hope all works out well. Again, I am excited about this. My daughter will be there also, along with my good friend and her daughter, who makes all that cute artwork in my shop.

How many of you out there are looking forward to spring? I am not a winter person for sure. I would rather take clothes off than put on layers of clothes. I enjoy making spring clothing for children and summery tops and skirts. All the bright colors of the season makes me happy. I've been sewing today. Well, not really sewing clothing, getting appliqued name shirts done for customers. Five down, about 16 to go. I'm always doing appliqued name shirts. Every child in Tupelo must have one.

I do enjoy making them though. I'll be doing some appliqued items for the festival and for Mississippi Market. Owls, birds, squirrels, flowers, peace sign, things like that. Also, appliqued letters on shower wraps, I think, if I can find the blank shower wraps. I just don't want to make them, just embellish them with fabric and applique.

Actually, the grass has not "riz" yet, I'm just anxious for it to make an appearance, then I'll know for sure that Spring has Sprung.

That's What Friends Are For

2010-02-22T20:25:00.000-06:00

My good friend, Sandra, and her daughter, Tracy, came to my shop Saturday and revamped it. Just because they're my friends and wanted to help. How can you ask for anything more? So I'm going to put a few pictures in here to show you how great it looks.

New Artwork at Sugarbump's

2010-01-23T11:38:00.000-06:00

We have added new artwork from one our local artists, Tracy Robison, in the shop. I love everything she does. Her work is very whimsical, and she is a very talented lady. I'm putting a few of her pictures here so you can see how cute it all is. She is on Facebook, if anyone wants to check her out. Also, I believe she is setting up an Etsy Shop. She is Theartgirl2 on Etsy. I am taking in work from local craftspeople now, and I love to see how talented so many people are. I was planning on shutting down my shop, but right now I am still going. Not sure how much longer, only time will tell.

I have been working on some appliques here lately and thought I'd share a few with you. I do love appliques. These are for children, but I plan on doing some for adults, also. I love owls and this one I thought turned out pretty cute. Below is a rocket I did for the same little boy.

Homecoming Queen

2009-11-18T20:57:00.004-06:00

My husband and I attended my granddaughter's homecoming. She was crowned homecoming queen, which made us very proud. She just turned 14 this month and will be at the high school next year. Where did all the time go? She and her sister are our first two grandchildren. Her sister is 18 months older than her and is just as beautiful. All my grandchildren are beautiful, but I'm not prejudice.

Seems like yesterday they were babies and needing us so much. Now, they're young ladies, learning all sorts of things, and growing up so beautifully. I enjoy them coming over to visit. Saturday we had 4 granddaughters over for the night. Papaw made a campfire out by the edge of the woods, and the girls roasted wieners and marshmallows. They were eaten as soon as they were cooked. You know, kids have a large appetite. Bella, the youngest grandchild - 4 - ate all night, well at least until 10:00 when we said no more. They all fell into bed about 11:30 and slept soundly all night! Breakfast was exciting, everyone wanted something different. So I cooked biscuits, pancakes, bacon and eggs. All was eaten.

I Found My Tail

2009-11-06T10:24:00.004-06:00

This year I turned 63 and for 43 years I have been chasing my tail. I think maybe this year I have finally found it - or what's left of it. I'm not kidding when I say that it seems as though I've done nothing but try to be someone that others would like. Now, I still want people to like me, and I'm not really a mean person anyway, but I just feel that it's time for me to let go of some things. I'm closing my shop this year that I've owned with one of my daughters. At first it was just devastating for me to close, but I thought about it and I think it's more ego than anything. I'm beginning to like the idea of going home, doing some things I've wanted to do for such a long time.

I believe I'll continue my blog, but try to be more me on here. You know, how sometimes you are writing, and it just doesn't seem to be the real you? I don't think I'm making things up, but I do wish I could be more honest with myself. This will be a sewing blog, a creations blog, a journal blog, a whatever blog I want it to be. Probably no one reads it anyway, so I might as well put into it what I want to put into it. Make sense? Oh, well, it does to me. I wish I didn't start lots of things then not finish them, or think I can do lots more than I really can. I've got to let go of some of that. That's hard to do, though. So, I'm starting my New Year's resolutions early this year. Maybe I can actually stick to some of them.

Tuesday is my Monday

2009-08-25T08:33:00.007-05:00

My shop is closed on Monday, so today is my Monday. Sugarbump's has been opened 4 1/2 years and we may close this year due to the economy. I am struggling over this, as I love my shop, but at almost 63 I would really love to be at home to do some of the things I really enjoy. Sew, crochet, embroider, read. I would still do monogramming from my home. I really wish the economy would pick up, then I would not have tomake this decision. My daughter nominated us on the shinealight.ivillage.com site as a small business that makes a difference. And we are in the running. But it could come too late. Or it could not come at all. Life is tricky sometimes. And somedays it feels like Monday all over again.

Sunday dinner at the zoo and other things

2009-08-02T09:17:00.018-05:00

It's Sunday and the sun is shining, something I haven't seen too much of lately here in Mississippi. My family will be over for dinner today, so I must get to the kitchen. I love to cook for my family because they always seem to love all I cook. So my day will probably be very full of laughing and lots of talking all at the same time. When we all get together it's like a zoo. The Palmertree Zoo.

I will sew sometime today, probably later in the evening. Making appliqued onesies and tees for little ones. Also, applique on bibs. I love applique and I'm doing some for adults, as well. I sell them at my shop, sugarbump's, in Tupelo.

I have been looking at old photos lately and scanning them to save on cd. I'll share a few here with you.

I must say we were quite a pitiful bunch, but we cleaned up very well. Old pictures bring back lots of memories. My mom and dad were such beautiful people. That's mama and me there on the left. And daddy with our boxer.
Isn't daddy handsome? I miss him and mama.

Day after Independence Day

2009-07-05T16:48:00.011-05:00

Yesterday was July Fourth, as I suppose most everyone in the US knows. So we know what was going on that particular day. I wonder what people were doing the next day. Did they go about their business as if they were always free, did they get it? Do we? Today, the day after Independence Day, do we still thank God for the freedom we have? Do we realize what a great country we live in today, even with all the flaws we have? After all, today I can write this freely, I can salute the flag with pride and know that it's there because of those who came before me. So, today I just wanted to say Happy after Independence Day! Let freedom ring.

Now, what have I been doing since my last post, which was quite a while ago. Well, I've been working at sugarbump's, my daughter and I both hoping the economy will get better. New things have been added at our little shop. Among them some items we have made ourselves. I'm doing appliqued shirts for adults as well as for children. So far I've done a cross, peace sign, fleur-de-lis, and the words peace and love. I really like the fleur-de-lis. And the shirts with peace and love are so cute. I think anyone could wear them. The colors I have right now are white, brown, turquoise, fuschia and lime wedge. The shirts are a fitted, cap-sleeve. My favorites are love and peace.

My daughter Lori is making hand-stamped jewelry, and taking orders at the shop. We have a facebook page: sugarbumps. If you are on facebook you can find us there or our website: www.sugarbumps.com. I enjoy doing applique so much, and I do appliqued name shirts for children at the shop. They are very popular, and we get many orders for them.

Going to sign off for now. Hope to get back to this blog sooner next time. Summer time in Mississippi is HOT, so I'll be inside more or in the pool.

you should have seen it in color

2009-05-10T23:33:00.007-05:00

I've been going through photos lately and wanted to post them on my blog. This first picture is of my mom and me. That's my brother to the side over there. This is in the Mississippi Delta, where I was born. Must have been a Sunday, but I'm not sure. My mama was such a pretty lady. I never realized how young she was in all of these pictures. You don't think about those things when you are young like that. Everybody is old. This was at my Mamaw's house in Clarksdale. We were there a lot. Mamaw took care of all her grandchildren while the women worked. No such thing as daycare in those days.

And this is my Mamaw on the right. Such a sweet, kind lady.

Sunny Monday

2009-04-27T09:49:00.004-05:00

It's Monday, which means that my shop is closed and I'm home. After straightening up the house a little, I'll be headed to the sewing room. Ready to get appliques done for onesies and t-shirts that we will be designing and selling at sugarbumps, my children's boutique. Well, not just mine - my youngest daughter, Lori, is my partner. She is so good to work with. I am excited to do these appliques. So many ideas. Wish I had started all of this at a younger age so I would have more years to play with what I love to do - sew.
This is my new machine - Viking Sapphire 830. I love it. I have other machines that do embroidery as well, but I just wanted a good machine to sew and of course with a few other bells and whistles. I gave my Brother 8500 to my daughter, Angela. My other machine is also a Viking. I keep it at work. So now I have two Viking machines - great machines. I am partial to my Viking Rose, though. I also have my mother's machine - a Singer from the 60's, but a good machine.
I better get up from here and get to work if I'm going to accomplish anything in the sewing room today.

vintage embroidery

2009-04-12T10:03:00.004-05:00

I love all vintage embroidery transfers, and I am constantly embroidering something, when I'm not sewing. Right now I'm getting ready to make my kitchen curtains. I am embroidering Vogart's rock n roll vegetables on the main part of the curtains and putting bands of colored linens towels as a frame. I've got red and golden yellow, so I think I'll use both. I'm going to be redoing my kitchen in butter yellow, red and either turquoise or green. Can't decide on the last color.

Here are some pics of the embroidery I do. I make a lot of bibs for my shop, onesies, and t-shirts. Made a quilt for a young lady, doing 9 blocks of vintage embroidery. I am working on another one for her, as she is expecting in June. Both quilts are baby quilts, using vintage reproduction fabrice. Really sweet. I'll have to get on my other computere to post more pics, as I forgot they are on it not this one. Sorry.

This is the latest creation I have done for the shop. I love the way it turned out. I used Sandi Henderson's patterns, Portabellopixie ruffled pants and I think Claire.

Today is Easter and I have family coming over this evening. So I must go get the house together and begin cooking. I will post some more pics later today.

Flickr

2009-02-23T14:50:00.001-06:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

eye am not too crazy about tomorrow

2009-02-03T21:14:00.003-06:00

Okay, so tomorrow morning I have to be at the eye doctor for tests from some retina doctors from Memphis. Seems I may have to have some laser surgery to weld the retina. Sounds like construction to me. But if it saves my eyesight, I'm all for it. Everything I do depends on my sight. I've often wondered about what I'd do if anything ever happened to my sight. I would miss seeing the faces of my children and grandchildren the most. I think everything will be okay, and it's really not in my hands anyway. So, anybody out there who reads this - please pray for those doctors - I want them to have steady hands.

Back to sewing for a while before bed. Working on the dresses for the shop. I will post some pics as soon as I am finished with them. Then on to the next project.

I have got to get back to the baby quilt I'm doing for a baby girl. It is hand embroidered on each block, using vintage transfers. I made one for a lady's daughter and now that daughter is having another girl, and she wants another one. I just found out today the sex of the baby. It's not due until June, so I have plenty of time. I have already started on the embroidery, in hopes that it would be a girl. I have already done one for a boy, so I'll probably put it into the shop to sell.
Night, Night.

superbowl sunday

2009-02-01T17:35:00.003-06:00

Well, today is SuperBowl, and I fixed my chili for us to eat on. Husband is watching the tv and I'm going to sew for a while. I've got some ideas for projects for our shop, and I want to get started.
Tomorrow Lori and I have an appointment with one of our sales rep for ordering fall and winter clothing. We are trying to keep our ordering down this year, but it is so hard to judge what going to transpire with the economy and the new ruling from CPSIA. But we will plug through and make it another year. This year we will be opened 4 years. I just can't believe we have had our little boutique that long.
Signing off for now - the sewing machine calls.

sewing lessons

2009-01-26T13:37:00.009-06:00

Today is Monday, my sewing day with Lori. She finished the dress for Julia Grace. She just needs to become relaxed with the machine. I think she is afraid she will make a mistake. I wish I had a nickel for every mistake I've made! That's what they make seam rippers for. Not much going on here in Tupelo. I am working on a bag for myself - it's more of a big tote for whatever I want it for. I saw one in a shop here and it was $60. Of course, I will never pay that for something I can make. It is basically a big cotton bag with ruffles on it. I used vintagey looking fabric in 4 different patterns and colors. I really like it and I am almost through with it. I'll post a pic later when it is complete.

Making lots of pillowcase dresses for the shop. I don't know if I've already mentioned it, but we moved our shop one last time. The next move I make will be to heaven. But we are in a much nicer location, one that is more accessible to the customer, and there are several boutiques in the shopping center with us. It has improved our walk-in traffic tremendously. We are down in sales this month - as all shops are right now. I expect to see an upward trend by March and even better in April. We are already getting Spring product in and I love it. Cold is not for me. To the left is a picture of the outside at Christmas.

Here are some pictures from Christmas. The picture to the left are my 5 granddaughters. Aren't they pretty? I could just squeeze them, they're so cute.

And to the right in the 1st picture is Angela, Nicole and Lori. The other is my grandson, Chase. He is so cute, isn't he?

Hubby is back from giving blood. He looks the same, so I guess he didn't give too much. He's already gotten his 3 gallon pin. Three gallons of blood! Think about that.

I made a baby quilt before Christmas and sold it to a family for their daughter. It had 9 blocks in it, all hand embroidered with vintage children's designs. I enjoyed doing it so much. I have one ready to put together for a boy and I am working on another girl one. If noone wants to buy them, it's okay with me. I'll just save them for a great-grandchild someday. Yes, I plan on being around to see them. I have to live quite a long time, as I have so many things to accomplish.

I'm going back to my sewing, now. Happy January and here's hoping Spring gets here very soon.

Back again

2008-10-21T11:01:00.012-05:00

It's been so long since I posted to this blog, but life has been pretty crazy for me for the last 10 months. My son - how can I put this - had an "accident" and was in the hospital for the month of December, then he was sent to a neurological center for treatment in Arkansas for 6 months. He has brain damage - permanent. It is so sad for our family. We can not understand how something like this can happen. He is 39 and has a son who is 10. I know it is hard for Chase because his dad is just not the dad he had 10 months ago. But we are living with this day by day and living for the moment. He gets around fine, walks, talks, eats, but has to be reminded to do everything.

His memory is totally gone, though he remembers us and friends if they are in front of him. Basically, he is on the couch watching tv everyday. We finally found a doctor here that is willing to treat him in some way. It is just all so experimental with anoxic brain injury. All oxygen was cut off to his brain and we don't know how long. Makes it tough. He will never live on his own or work. He has no short term memory to speak of. Just remember us in your prayers - but especially Buster - prayers are what have gotten us this far.

On to better and less depressing things. I have been sewing a lot lately, making bibs, doing a lot of hand embroidery, etc. for sugarbump's, our children's and monogramming boutique. Christmas open house is November 6, so we are desperately trying to keep up! This is one pic of our new shop. We moved here July 1 and absolutely love it. Here is another pic.

Here are some pics of things we make in the shop. Bibs with vintage hand embroidery.

We also do cute little pants and tops with appliques and appliqued name t-shirts and onesies.

I didn't get this posted on the day I started, so Christmas Open House has come and gone now. It was crazy and wonderful at the same time. But I'm glad to get back to the regular routine in the shop. Lots of things to do and make, lots of monogramming!

don't get around much anymore

2007-09-30T20:40:00.000-05:00

I haven't been around lately. Just too busy at the "bump". We've been to market since I last posted to buy for Spring. I've been crocheting and sewing a lot, also. Finally finished my afghan and I'm putting up a pic of it. I really love it! And it's mine.
I got a book (Japanese) in about a week ago with an afghan I want to do in hexagons. I saw it on another blog (Moonstitches, I think).
Here are some of the pants I've been making for sugarbump's. They seem to be very popular.

It's finally getting a little cooler around here (About 85 degrees on some days). That's much better than 102 anyday! I wish the days could stay like this for a little bit longer. We don't have much winter here in Mississippi, but it's enough for me! Me and cold weather just do not get along. Here's a pic of one of the little hummingbirds in my yard. I love to watch them - they are such fighters, definitely protecting their territory. I've seen about 5 or 6 at one time in our back yard. They sound like bees when they come in to the feeder.
It's after 9:00 pm so I believe I'll go relax in the living room for a while. I'll try to post more often, but no promises.

Bodock - too hot to handle!

2007-08-27T15:24:00.000-05:00

I've been silent for a while, due to lack of thoughts. I have been sewing a lot lately, however. I'm trying to get ready for the Pontotoc Bodock Festival this weekend. I've been sewing little pants for boys and girls, bibs, pacifier holders, onesies and tees appliqued. It is really going to HOT Friday and Saturday. I think it's supposed to be about 102 degrees Friday and maybe 99 degrees Saturday. Thank goodness for one cool day!
Got to run to the back of the shop and continue to monogram.
Well, This is after the Bodock Festival and I had to pack it up early due to heat! I'm not kidding the heat just about took me away. My son-in-law came and got me and saved the day. That is the LAST festival I'll do, period. Why would anyone in their right mind have a festival in Mississippi during the hottest month of the year? Lesson learned.
It's Monday and sugarbump's is closed, so I'll get some things done around home. At least I have lots of things made for the shop, now.

And That's No Bull

2007-06-17T15:38:00.001-05:00

Not much to talk about but I wanted to share a picture. We got free advertising last week with this.... That's our shop with the flowers on the window. A bull calf got loose downtown Tupelo and he moseyed on down to the sugarbump's. You should have seen the 5 police cars chasing him. So the picture ended up on the front page of the local paper. This is the second time we have gotten free advertising. The first time was during katrina. The winds came through here and blew off part of our roof and we ended up on television news. In fact, that's how I found out about it - I was watching the weather when there we were!

I don't know what was funnier - the cars chasing him or the policemen chasing him of foot (about 10 of them). Just another day at sugarbump's.

I washed my fingers today and I can't do a thing with them!

2007-06-03T12:00:00.000-05:00

I thought I had some things to write about, but all of a sudden my mind went blank and my fingers would not type what I wanted them to type! It's Sunday and sunny, my son and grandson spent the night and will be here tonight as well. I love them really I do, but I believe I have become a creature of habit and my habit is doing whatever I want to do whenever I want to do it. I remember way long ago I was so sad because my last child had left home and I had no children to fuss over. Even my Sunday school class said cheer up - now you can do things you have been waiting to do. I couldn't see that then. Well, it didn't take me too long to enjoy my new life. Now, I love my kids, really, but I think I love them more away from me than living with me. Does that make sense? Enough of this - I'll save this and write more later when my mind is ready to speak to my fingers.

I'm back, after letting my fingers rest a few days. Unfortunately, I still don't have anything inspiring or interesting to write about. I am still working on the baby vintage embroidered blanket. I'll probably be working on that for a while.

Here's a pic of my 5 granddaughters. They all love each other so much and I love all of them. When they get together it total bedlam at the house. That's (from left) Julia, Taylor, Nicole, Lindsey, Isabella. My grandson, Chase, is not in the picture. Aren't they the cutest? Julia and Isabella are here with me now, though they are asleep. We got out of the pool at 4:00, ate a snack, turned on Sponge Bob and they passed out. Nicole and Taylor leave tomorrow for church camp, but they were here until Saturday afternoon. Lindsey is camping this weekend so I haven't seen her. Chase was here last weekend and will probably be here next weekend with my son, Buster. He still hasn't gotten into his living quarters, yet.

I believe I'll go ahead and publish this post before I get carried away. I haven't sewn this weekend at all, only a little embroidery. My fingers are behaving a little better right now, so I'll go and do a little handwork.

My fingers have a mind of their own...

2007-05-31T19:05:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since I posted here. I've been busy, but I'm not sure at what. I've been reading other blogs and doing some thinking lately. And that takes some time anymore.

What I've been noticing is that so many crafters out there do those cute little stuffed animals that look like - well, no animal I've ever seen. And lots of fun totes that are just so simple! I look at the bags I make and wonder why I put so much effort into each one, when everyone else just whips them up and bingo they're done. I think I'm on the wrong track! Even the hand embroidery I do, I spend so much time - why do I do these things? I'm driven to it, is all I can figure out. Something within me will not let me stop, even if I wanted to stop. So, I sew, crochet, embroidery and anything else I can do that is creative. And I don't even consider myself really a creative person in the end. The young people out there these days are so talented, it makes me envious.

Why didn't I start all these fun things years and years ago? I was so busy with life - kids, business, etc. - I didn't stop to do the things that were boiling inside me to get free. So, if there is anything I could say to my grown kids and anyone out there it is this - JUST DO IT! Time will not stand still, the kids will not go hungry and the business will continue without you there every minute! I wish someone had said that to me about 30 years ago! All those things I was going to do someday have not been done yet and someday is HERE! So, at 60 I will do those things I've longed to do - crochet afghans all day, sew, hand embroidery little onesies and tshirts and blankets, read a book for hours on end sitting in the back yard while the birds sing. What fun is that to do what you love while there is still time!

Wow! Where did all that come from? My fingers just ran away from me. And while I'm at it, why can't they print those wonderful Japanese craft books in English? I know they know the language, because I see some of the words are not in Japanese. They could make a killing here in the USA if they would just translate their books! And I don't think I'll be able to learn Japanese in time to do the things in the books. Those Japanese are some crafty people, is all I can say! I'll just buy them anyway and follow their wonderful diagrams. Hey! Maybe they know what they're doing after all.

Well, the Annual Elvis Festival has begun here in Tupelo, MS. I would like to go tomorrow night because Taylor Hicks is the headliner at the nightly concert. But I will probably stay home and visit with my son and grandson, who will be staying the night with us. The Festival is a big draw here as Elvis was born here in Tupelo (if anyone doesn't know that by now). We get all kind of interesting people here who come just to see Elvis's first boyhood home.

I believe I'll get off of here and go to the living room and embroidery for awhile. I'm working on some blankets/quilts for babies using vintage embroidery transfers. I think they will turn out just fine.

Another Saturday at the 'bump

2007-05-12T11:15:00.000-05:00

The Gum Tree Festival is going on here and it's a little slow at the shop today. Okay by me! Lori and I will go to the festival when I close at 300. I enjoy walking on the square and seeing all the artists.

These are samples of what I hand embroider onto t-shirts, onesies, etc. and sell at the shop. I just love all the vintage transfers, so I keep doing them whether they sell or not. It doesn't matter to me, because I get such a joy from the stitching. I've gotten some great old transfers from ebay. I remember my grandmother embroidering pillowcases when I was a little girl (that was about 102 years ago). She looked so serene, so I think that is why it brings a peace to me. Of course, I don't have to think about anything other than what I am doing at the time. I'll post some more when I finish the linen bubble and panties. I think they will be so cute.

Lori just came into the shop (it's her Saturday off) to make a bracelet for a customer. I believe I'll go to the back and watch her. Her jewelry is so pretty. AND I have another daughter who is very talented - Angela at Pink Present. She's the one who keeps me straight and up on all the latest "beat box" news. She has her own line of screen printed tees and does canvases and other painting. You can see her stuff on Etsy or her web site: www.pinkpresent.biz. I have been blessed by my children (and theirs).

Bebop or Beatbox, it's all the same to me!

2007-05-11T18:54:00.000-05:00

Well, I have been admonished by my eldest - it's not bebop! Okay, so I'm a little out of touch with the whole "beat box" thing. Who knew? Not me, for sure. So, sorry, Blake. I'll watch myself more closely when I comment on the American Idols. But Blake is still in the running, though I think he may go next week. That's just my opinion and you know what they say about opinions.

It's Mother's Day weekend, so maybe we'll be slow Saturday and I can just do a little of nothing at sugarbump's. I'll probably work on some of my sewing that needs to get finished. I've got too many ideas and not enough time to get them finished. Does anybody have this problem? I always think I can do way more stuff than I really can! And I take home all kinds of things to do and never get half of it done. Today, I brought home some t-shirts, a few linen bubbles, and bloomers to do hand embroidery on. I love all those vintage transfers, and do a lot of that to sell at the shop.

Also, I'm crocheting on a little giraffe. My oldest granddaughter, Nicole, wants me to crochet her friend a purple goat! Well, I admit I have never crocheted a goat. But I found a pattern on ebay and bought it, so I guess I'll be doing that next. That's her to the left over there. She will be 13 next week. I just cannot believe she will be a teenager already! Has anyone crocheted a goat before? I'll put a pic up when I get it finished. Nicole wanted a pink giraffe, but it's aqua and red. I didn't have any pink thread I liked for it. Maybe she will be okay with this color.

I will be through with my afghan this weekend, probably. I have not been working on it at all, or I would have been done a long time ago. I really like this afghan, and I haven't made one in such a long time. I've been busy crocheting little caps for kids, scarves, things like that. I get a satisfaction out of doing things for children, rather than for adults. You know, I could be crocheting right now if I wasn't on this computer! So, I am getting off of here now.

Have a happy Mother's Day! I plan on resting a lot, and cooking out on Sunday afternoon after church. (My Robert will be cooking out, that is.)

I'm hiring a bulldozer!

2007-05-09T19:01:00.000-05:00

Thirty-eight years ago yesterday I gave birth to a bouncing boy! My second child! He was so cute and chubby, unlike his older sister. Now she was cute - the cutest baby I've ever seen! But she was not so chubby until 4 months of age. They both have made me very proud to be a mom, as have my next two born 2 and 8 years later! Angela, Buster, Terri, and Lori. Without them I would not celebrate Mother's Day, so I say thank you to all four.

I'm going to finish my afghan this week. I'll post a pic when it is finished, if I can find my camera! It's somewhere around the house, I'm sure, or at the shop. I will be so glad to get rid of all my clutter in this house! I've often thought of bulldozing everything out and starting over.

I think of my Mother when those thoughts invade my head. One year she kept telling me she wished she could just bring in the water hose and hose everything down to get the house really clean (she was a clean freak like you wouldn't believe!). Well, low and behold, one day I go over and the windows are all open, the water hose is snaked into the dining room, into the bathroom, through the window, and Mama is spraying down the walls! I've never seen anything like it. Unfortunately, the water collected in the carpet in the dining room. What did she do? Well, someone told her baking soda would soak up the water, so she bought I don't know how much baking soda and put it all around the dining room. Daddy replaced the carpet the next week! Don't try baking soda on carpet, you'll be disappointed with the results!

Tonight is elimination night on Idol. I believe Blake needs to go home. I'm really tired of the bebop sounds. I know - he's cute and young. But he'll have a good career without Idol. I'm still torn between Melinda and Jordin.

So much for all this, I'll go do something constructive and make myself feel better. Or maybe not.

My little hubby's out mowing the dried up lawn. Where is the rain we are supposed to get? My yard it crying out! And it's just so large, it's hard to water the whole thing. It's probably waiting for me to have a day off, then it will come a flood.

Miles and Miles To Go . . .

2007-05-02T21:26:00.000-05:00

Wow! It's Wednesday evening already, and I just finished watching "Idol". I will hate for it to end, but I WILL get so much more done when it is over, so it's kind of bitter/sweet. Evenings are when I can do things like crochet (though I do that watching Idol), sew a little, read my magazines (which I have too many of), and get on the computer a little while. I have so much I want to get done for the shop, that my mind gets bogged down. I need a brain transfusion.

You know, I was thinking today how my life has transpired. It just seems like yesterday I was a young mother with all the time in the world to do all I wanted to achieve. Now, I look back and wonder where all the time went. I have accomplished a lot, I know, but more of what I wanted to do has not been done. I guess that's the way it goes for most people. We think time goes on forever, and it does, just not with us here in this world. I feel like I did years ago, then I look in the mirror and question where that woman came from, and why is she pretending to be me. Life has a way of just keeping on after all is said and done, and that's what I'll do, just keep on keeping on. I do find myself trying to clear out the clutter in my life, looking for that perfect serene place. With everything I clear out, I feel a little lighter.

I believe I'll end this tonight and get ready for bed. Another day awaits me and I have miles and miles to go.

It's Monday and I'm off, which is really great!

2007-04-23T13:49:00.000-05:00

I'm off today, and I plan on doing not much of anything. I am cutting out a new diaper bag for the shop (http://www.sugarbumps.com/), but that's not really work. As I said before, Saturday was rummage sale day, and I really am glad it's over. Up at 4:00 am and to bed early, about 9:30 pm. I was worn out!

Went to Hancock's yesterday afternoon, to get some new fabric for this diaper bag. It is a vintagie (is that a word?) looking fabric in lavender, green, peach. It reminds me of a vintage quilt. It may turn out looking great! I'll post a pic later, if I feel it is worthy.

I went to Hobby Lobby this morning to pick up my yarn I ordered to finish my afghan. I crochet every chance I get. This is the first afghan I have made in a very long time, and it is for ME. It is a soft wave (ripple) design, that is evidently very popular these days. It is the first pattern I crocheted way back 102 years ago. So, I guess it's true what goes around comes around. Crocheting is so quieting for me. I usually do it in the evening while the tv is going. Mostly, I have always made hats, scarfs, sweaters for children, purses, things like that. The afghan is definitely fun to make and fast. I will be making one for 2 of my grandchildren's step-mother, who is expecting her first child, a boy. It will be in blues and brown. The girls live with their dad and her, so I know her very well.

Got to get off this computer if I plan on getting this diaper bag made today.

Decluttering

2007-04-22T07:12:00.000-05:00

Haven't posted in such a long while. The weather here is getting better again. I love the warm weather. Of course, we haven't had much cold weather in Mississippi this year. We had some cranes nesting at the edge of our woods, but I haven't heard or seen them in the last 2 days. Also, the hummingbirds are back and just as entertaining as ever.

We cooked burgers outside last night and Lori, Isabella and Julia came over. Isabella is such a mess at two years old. Always wanting to go outside and play. Julia is a little quieter than she is Julia is six, or will be next week. We will go to her party at Flip-Flop Gymnastics next Saturday. Robert and I got her a new Barbie bicycle!

Angela, Lori and I had a rummage sale behind sugarbump's yesterday. I have accumulated too much junk over the years, and I need to get rid of it all. Too much fabric and yarn! I don't think I could live long enough to use it all up. So, in the rummage sale it went. I will probably have one more in May, though I truly do hate having them. You have to get up so early to get all of that stuff out, and pricing everything is such a headache. But I have made a start on cleaning out the clutter in my life. I have a lot more to go. I wonder if I could just bulldoze everything out of here and start over?

My son and grandson stayed the night with us. He is in between houses, so on his weekend to get Chase, they stay here. I usually cook for them, but last night they went to the movies, so I may not get a chance to cook today, as they will leave fairly early.

I have all these ideas in my head for making things for sugarbump's. I believe I'll work on a new diaper bag for the shop. I've got a pattern drawn out, so today may be a good time to try it out. Robert and son-in-law, Corey, have gone fishing, so I'll be alone for a while (except for Chase who is still asleep, and Buster who has gone to a meeting). I usually sew just about every day. I love doing it. Monday I will start teaching Lori to sew on her new machine she got for Christmas. I hope she enjoys it as much as I have over the years. We will start small, probably a pillow of something.

Sunshine today

2007-02-15T14:53:00.000-06:00

Okay, I'm totally new to this blogging stuff. So, I'm going to give it a try. My daughter and I own a children's boutique in Tupelo, Mississippi called sugarbump's. And another daughter, who has a business called Pink Present, is with us at the shop. Who would have thought I would wind up one day in business with my children? They put up with me, though.

It's Saturday and I'm here at sugarbump's to kind of clean up our back area. I'm hoping for a good weekend, no rain, just sunshine today! I think I'll take home some projects to finish for the shop. I'm making some new spring items and new diaper bags.

Tomorrow I'm going to church at The Orchard. I haven't been in a while, and I'm needing it. I think Lori and family will go, also. She's the one who is in business with me. The umbilical cord never got severed, which I like a lot.