The workings(?) of the male brain...

Did you ever wonder just how a man’s brain works? Now they say women are the gathers and men are the hunters. The thought is that women go out and we take it all in; looking at everything, surveying our choices and collecting what we need or might need or can somehow possibly use in some way at any point in time. Men go out, get just what it is they set out to get and return with just their intended goal, frequently oblivious to all other surroundings.

I had coffee with a friend a few days ago and we were talking about these differences and it reminded me of a funny story.

Several years ago, I was planning my wedding. We were going to have an outdoor ceremony and I had found a wonderful old iron arbor that we would use to exchange vows under. I had spent the better part of a weekend cleaning it and giving it a fresh coat of paint to spruce it up for the event. That Monday, I was home from work, so I managed to drag the two very large pieces in from the yard, down the hall and into our bedroom. I’m sure I must have look like some sort of contortionist as I made attempts to get both piece standing with no ground to push them into for stability. Trying to keep these heavy, awkward iron pieces from scratching the wall I used every muscle I could to hold the two pieces together while attaching them to each other with some wire.

After it was in place, I wanted to see what it would look like decorated for the ceremony. I draped some silk ivy over the top and down each side. I wove some wide blue ribbon through the openings and then I hung word charms all around the arbor.

Amazingly, I had the whole thing finished before my future hubby came home from work. Now, there it sat, against the wall across from the bedroom door. It stood at least 6 ½ feet tall and about 4 ½ feet wide. It was dressed up all pretty and ready for display.

I worked on the project for a great deal of time and I had given a lot of attention to all the details. I was brimming with anticipation as my intended walked down the hall and into the bedroom to change out of his work clothes. I stood out in the living room waiting to hear his reaction.

Silence.

There he was walking back down the hall towards me asking about dinner.

WT#!!!!!???

So I say to him… “I think you missed something”

He checks his fly to make sure he zipped himself up and looks down at himself making sure all clothing is where it belongs.

Looking at me with that blank “What do you mean” look on his face, I point back down the hall and say “Go back into the bedroom”.

This time I follow him. As we stand in the room he looks around and holds out his hands as if to say what am I missing.

In amazement I point to the arbor. He chuckles and says sarcastically, “It’s not like it’s 7 feet tall or anything”.

Now I have a greater understanding of how he can walk past the sock on the floor 10 times and not see that it needs picked up and put into the laundry basket. The down side is he falls back on the 7 foot arbor as an excuse any time I have expected him to see/do something.

T-shirt scarf

For months I was seeing these T-shirt scarves on various blogs. They look cute and seem to be easy enough to make. I do love a good accessory to liven up the old wardrobe so I added it to my ever growing “to do” list. I was pretty sure I could handle the task but once I tried it I knew it would be great to do with my girls. It really was as easy as everyone said.

The straight forward version is to cut strips across the body of a T-shirt and then stretch them out and tie them together.

Ta-da. Yep, that easy.

I was about ready to make mine when I saw this post and she added a braid to hers. A little more sewing was needed to secure the braided ends but still really easy to make.

My girls made their's one Saturday morning.

My girls made their one Saturday morning. My six year old was worried about cutting by her self without a line to cut along. So, I folded the t-shirt and pressed down with my fingers to leave a mark for her to follow.

They also decided to get a little creative by mixing one strip of their colors with each other.

Through the magic of Pinterest I found this one. So I had to try it out for myself. Yep, still pretty easy. It takes a little more time to make but very simple and no sewing required.

Trace some circles...

Cut out as many as you can from one shirt...

Spiral cut each circle....

Ok, so I said no sewing but it satisfied my OCD to stitch the pieces together. After I had them all cut I laid them out on top of each other and put a couple stitches in the middle to hold them all in place.

They add the perfect touch to a T-shirt wardrobe and with a cute flower pin you can dress up the most boring outfit.

Happy Valentine’s Day

Have a happy day everyone!!!

(those are pancakes if you were wondering.)

Feeling a Little Down?

I know we have had an unusually warm winter in this part of the country but don’t forget it is still flu season. I’m doing fairly ok. Not really sick, just maybe a little run down (or on overload).

Looking at our snowman today, made me wonder, how many other people might not be feeling up to par.

In an effort to stay ahead of the game, I thought I would publish my own PSA. Don’t be fooled by the extra sunshine, remember to maintain your health. Always get the rest your body needs. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat something healthy everyday.

Seriously, I hope you all are doing well. Take care of yourself. Spring is almost here, I can feel it!!!

(Hmm, Maybe that’s what the snowman is doing…He’s looking for spring??)

I am surprised that he is still standing. Really, how far can he tilt????

Still here and with a flash back

I know I’ve been neglecting you all for ohhhh sooo long. Geez, I missed the whole month of January. Aside from the three kids…in two different schools and four extra curricular activities, the jewelry business and the feeble attempts at maintaining the house I have another project on my plate that has been monopolizing my attention. As some of you know I not only sell jewelry on my website but I occasionally participate in vendor shows.

Well now instead of waiting for the right show at the right place with timing that suits me… I’m co-organizing a vendor show with a friend of mine. In about a month from now, 40 local vendors will be coming together to sell their handmade crafts and art work
Myself included!

It’s been a wonderful learning experience and a great deal of fun to fine so many talented people and pull them all together. I’m sure it will be a great success for all of us but I didn’t want to just post (brag) about what I’m occupied with right now.
I thought it would be fun to share a blast from my past.

A week or so ago my Mom came over with this….



Finger Puppet Gloves!


A few decades ago, when she was in nursing school, I “helped” her with a class project (Ok, so I did it for her but I had fun doing it). I think it was for a pediatric class and she had to come up with some sort of toy for the patients in a hospital. I bought a cheap pair of garden gloves at the hardware store and used a bunch of acrylic paint and some embroidery floss. (I’m sure I had most of that on hand already. I have inherited a pack-rat gene somehow????

Anyway, I think I did ok showing ethnic diversity but I may not have been entirely politically correct. I might have gotten carried away with the American Indian??? Nonetheless, my kids have had a little fun playing with them.

I do have a few more ideas for some posts in the near future. I promise to do my best at not taking quit so long next time.

I hope you all are well and I’ll be around to visit your blogs soon. Miss ya!!!