My "New" Porch

I know a lot of ya'll have been hit with terrible weather lately, but here, it's been almost like spring. So, that inspired me to piddle around outside and re-do my porch. As most of ya'll know, my favorite aunt Evelyn went to an assisted living facility a few months ago, and I was fortunate enough to get some of her things. One being this great set of furniture that sat on her front porch as long as I can remember. When I brought it home, we put it in the barn until we could find the perfect place for it. And I think we did.

Our friend Wendy also gave us a little night stand that was her grandmother's. I painted it black and distressed it some, and it looks perfect with Evelyn's furniture.

The little angel picture and the "feed the birds" picture was from Michelle for Christmas. Thanks hon!! Love 'em....and, here again, they look perfect!!

The little lab and duck wind chimes were made by me when I had my little wildlife craft business, Retriever Ridge. This is probably the only thing I have left of that little craft business which I did 20 years ago to supplement my income as a single mom.

The "candlelier" was given to me by Michelle. She found it and said it looked like me!! She knows me so well.

The "antiques" sign was a Christmas gift last year from my brother Randy and wife Elsie. How perfect is that??!!

All the other "stuff" is just things friends and relatives have given me and I just love 'em all. It gives me such peace to sit out here and just look at all my stuff and remember the great friends and family that thought enough of me to give me things that remind them of me. I am soooo blessed!!

We've taken a week off from the shop....whew....much needed, and I surely have enjoyed this time to do things around the house and catch up on my blogging. After New Year's....it'll be on again. Speaking of New Years....ya'll have a happy one!!

Love ya'll,
Vic

What a Great Christmas

Hey ya'll. Hope all ya'll had a great Christmas. We sure did. Not just because we received such great gifts, but because we realized this year what great friends we have, and we have so much to be thankful for.

We received this great antique tobacco humidor from our friend Dee Dee. What a great, loving gal. Dee Dee.....you just shouldn't have done this. We truly love you!!

And doesn't it just look great with the pineapple light box my hubby got me!! And his mom's old tobacco jar?? Perfect!!

May God truly bless you, Dee Dee, and be with you in all that you do. And....we'll be there for you too!!

Love all ya'll,

Vic

HO HO HO

Merry Christmas ya'll!! Thought I'd jump on here a second before everyone woke up and I got busy.

Guess what Santa brought? A great noodle board stove cover!! I'd seen these on some of ya'lls pics, and...yeah...I hate to admit...coveted it. I mentioned it to hubby, and he mentioned it to our friend Ronnie. And guess what? Yesterday, Ronnie brought it by. He made it!! How cool is that??!! Course, he can make anything. It's made from 100 year old pieces of wood he took out of a house a while back and saved...not knowing exactly what to do with it, but he said when Jackie told him what I wanted, he knew this would be perfect.

Thanks Ronnie....love ya man.



And my little "Charlie Brown" Christmas Tree that I got from the shop that nobody else wanted looked great after I stuck some gingham ribbons and cookie cutters on it. It found a home on this great noodle board.





Hope all ya'll have a glorious day!! MERRY CHRISTMAS YA'LL!!

Love ya'll,
Vic

I Won.......Yay......Yum

Hey ya'll. I won my first giveaway ever......and boy oh boy is it great!! I came home from the shop yesterday and guess what was waiting for me? This great prim cone filled with lots of Christmas goodies from Deb's Primitive Country Kitchen. It's already found a home next to a window in my bedroom. AND.....she included some great homemade candy that.....uhhhh....I was FORCED to share. Sorry...I was all caught up in the moment and got kinda greedy. But, she was sooo generous, there was plenty to go around.

Deb......thank you sooooo much for such wonderful things. My first winning is sooo exciting. I'll think of you every time I look and smell the great cinnamon coming from the cone. And......everytime I have a piece of candy........yummo!!

Hope all ya'll have a great Christmas!!

Love ya'll,

Vic

Love My New Floor

Hey ya'll. Lots of ya'll have been asking for pics for my new floor. We have a bit to go. Son Rob is gonna do the hall while he's on his Christmas vacation (what a dear!!). And we haven't put the baseboard and molding down yet. Friend Randy has some cedar left over from his gorgeous house that he's graciously given us to rip and use. It'll look sooo good. Many many thanks to Randy and Tim and Rob for helping us. We couldn't have done any of it without ya'll. What great friends!! And what a great son!! Love all ya'll!!

The Joys (and Woes) of Having a Thrift Shop

Don't faint ya'll.......yeah, I'm still among the living!! The shop is keeping us hopping, especially now in the holiday season. Praise God, all is good. But now, if I'm not at the shop, I'm making stuff every spare moment I have. I do take the time to check in on all my blog friends. Might not have time to post, but I do take a few minutes to read comments and your new posts.

We're opening Monday thru Saturday during the Christmas season and have lots of great new items for that special gift giving. Last night I made up some new candle tarts. These are going for $1.00 per bag of 2. I have Cherry Vanilla, Orange Spice, Cinnamon Stix and Indian Summer. I also made some oatmeal soap bars, which will be selling for $1.00 per bar. I still have a few tart loaves left in Christmas Spice, selling for $3.00 per loaf, and a few select Halloween Spice loaves which have been reduced to $2.00 per loaf.....a great bargain with a great fragrance!! I just put out some new tart burners for only $2.00 each...hurry, they're going fast!!

I'm moving most of my handmade items from my Ebay Store and Etsy Shop to the store, but if any of ya'll are looking for anything in particular, shoot me an email, 'cause I'm still shipping :)

Michelle has some great prim shelves (I just HAD to have a couple for the house). And we have LOADS of great Christmas decorations at cheap cheap prices.

Hope all ya'll have a Blessed Christmas, and let's all remember the REASON for the SEASON :)

Love all ya'll,
Vic

Finally..............

Just had to pop in and share a bit of great news. We paid our house off!! Praise God!! Since my retirement, it has been soooo hard financially. But God gave us the strength and determination and we made the last payment this week....it's all ours!! Now, it won't be such a strain each month and for Christmas, hubby and I are giving each other hardwood floors!! What a great gift!!

Thank you Lord :)

Love ya'll,
Vic

Busy....Busy....Busy

Hey Ya'll. Sorry I've been MIA for a while. The shop is really keeping us hopping...ain't that great??!! It is sooooo much work, but we really love it. I've been making tarts almost every night and whew, it's hard to keep up with everything. I've been slowly closing out my Etsy and Ebay stores. Probably won't close Ebay completely, but trying to just save some precious time somewhere. And since the things seem to be doing real good in the shop, I've just been taking them down there.

Just wanted everyone to know, even tho I haven't been posting, ya'll are still in my heart and in my prayers. And just in case I get busy and don't get a chance to post....hope everyone has a GREAT Thanksgiving. Let's all eat a big ole bunch of turkey.....and remember what we have to be thankful for :)

Love all ya'll,
Vic

Happy Halloween Ya'll

Hope all ya'll have a fun and safe Halloween. If any of ya'll are in my neck of the woods, stop by the Finally Friday Concert at the Fine Arts Center in Camden. They'll be lots of things going on for everybody....of course you can listen to my hubby's band....they'll be playing there :) AND it's FREE!!








Love all ya'll,
Vic

Happy Fall Ya'll

Sorry I haven't been around lately, but just wanted to say all ya'll are in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for all the posting and encouragement. Ya'll are the best!! Happy Fall from my home to yours.

Love all ya'll,
Vic

Be Careful Whatcha Pray For!!

Praise God...Praise God...Praise God!! Been soooo busy with the thrift shop. God has blessed us soooo much. Saturday, our first day open, and we did terrific!! Since we had NO Budget, we were waiting until we sold a little bit before we ran an advertisement in the local paper. We did put out signs on the main roads with balloons and arrows. We had people waiting on us at 10:00 when we opened, and almost all bought something. We were so excited, and then a lady said "are ya'll part of unit 60?" We were, like, "What's unit 60?" She said, "ya'll didn't run the ad in the paper?" Come to find out, a guy who had a warehouse behind the shop was having a warehouse sale and advertised in the paper! So we had free traffic!! We befriended the guy with the warehouse sale, and he donated a bunch of stuff. We've had bunches of other donations from people who had yard sales and just wanted us to pick the stuff up and take it off their hands. And.....that's not all. Our landlord, who actually owns all the warehouses, said if we wanted to, when he had people to move out of their warehouses, we could clean them out...you know just sweep and take off the trash, and if there was anything left, we could have it. We cleaned one out today and got a great couch, chair, coffee table, mattress, bar stool...all kinds of really neat stuff!! Michelle and I took the stool, which was already painted a neat prim cranberry, took the padding off, and covered it with a burgundy gingham material. We sat it out front, and somebody is coming back to buy it!! Is that GOD or what???!! And....to top everything....my dear sweet friend Cora is donating some items too!! Love ya girl!!

We've actually done well enough to rent a little warehouse next to the shop to keep the furniture, the other large items and the surplus inventory in...and the landlord let us have it cheap cheap.

Just want to take a minute to thank each of you who have been giving us ideas and suggestions on our little venture, and all the encouragement. If any of you are ever in Camden....please look us up!!

Oh yeah, I'm printing up some coupons for $$ off purchases, so if you're coming thru our little small country town, I'll be sure to give you some!!

It's really keeping us busy, and I don't know how often I'll be able to post, but I'm certainly gonna try. I can't afford to lose touch with all you great people out there. My Ebay Store and Etsy Shop are still open, and believe it or not, doing better than they ever have....go figure.

And.....Dear Lord.....just to say "thank you" just doesn't seem enough!! I don't know where YOU want us to go with this, but I know you'll be with us every step of the way. I love you, Lord, and just want to be obedient. Thank you for granting us the desires of our hearts :)

Love all ya'll,
Vic

Country Girls Thrift

Hey ya'll,

Well....here we go again. My daughter, Michelle, has always wanted to open a thrift store. One that's real neat and has real neat stuff. I told her I would help....if it didn't involve money ;) So.....we've been lookin' for places to rent for a few weeks. Just couldn't find anything she could afford. Most places were either waaayyyy outta her budget, or in such bad shape and the landlord wanted us to foot the bill to bring it up to code....NOT. Then, outta the blue, we found a place... move in ready....priced right...first month FREE (can you believe that??)...month to month lease AND the price includes power and water!! I told her, "Mannnnnnnnn, God is good!!" So, she signed the lease and we started movin' our stuff in. We were gonna try to open to the public Saturday, then she said, "Momma, let's do it Friday!!" So, I wake up this morning at 5:00 all excited, only to find some kinda tropical depression comin' thru....torential downpours...hear it beatin' the tin roof to death as I sit up here typin' away!! Oh brother!! I think it's supposed to get outta here soon. Sure do hope so. We've got signs and balloons to put up, posters to get out, stuff to price....and on and on.

At any rate, I stopped and snapped a few pics while we were puttin' all our stuff in there. Included one of my baby girl Michelle....she's so happy. We've had bunches of people offering free stuff if we'll just go pick it up. Praise God!! So, we've done this with no $$ down except just what was needed for permits and licenses......and, of course, all the free sweat equity :)

Ya'll keep us in ya'lls prayers. We're optimistic.....but also realistic. We've gotten real good feedback from everyone we've come in contact with....and now it's in God's hands....what better place to be??!!

If you live around Camden, SC.....stop by 1311 Gordon Street and give us a holler ;)

Love all ya'll,
Vic

Tin Cans..........

Hey ya'll. I haven't posted in a while.....been busy, busy, busy. Thought I'd share a little craft I've been doing lately, and actually been doing quite well in my Ebay store. I have been using plain recycled tin cans and painting or rusting them and using them for pencil holders, utensil holders in the kitchen, or filling with silk flowers for a little prim arrangement. They seem to be going pretty good. When I first started making these, Rob laughed and said, "Mom........surely you don't think people are gonna buy those??!!". He doesn't understand "Prims" anyway. But now...who's laughing!! I remember he said the same thing about my rag balls!! You can check these little cans out in my Ebay Store, my online store and in my Etsy Shoppe. I can also make special orders..special color combinations if needed.

Love All Ya'll,
Vic

New Decorating Idea..............

Hey ya'll. A while back, I was cleaning out some "stuff" to make room for more "stuff" and ran across some vintage sheet music that belonged to my mother and father-in-law. As some of you may know, my husband's family is a VERY musical talented family.

My father-in-law was the band director for 30 years at the local high school and also played trumpet with many of the "big bands" in that era. My husband, of course, an avid drummer, my sisters-in-law playing flute and piano and my brother-in-law plays almost every instrument there is......he was kinda a "catch all" when my father-in-law needed something in the band, he made Billy learn to play it. And my mother-in-law taught piano lessons.

When my mother and father-in-law went to be with the Lord, and we had their estate sale, some years back, we got most of the music stuff, since Jackie is the only one still active in music. We put these treasures in the attic, and truthfully forgot about them. Well, when I ran across these, I thought, these are too good to just be hidden away up here. So, I listed them in my Ebay store. These are great for the collector, or better still, when framed, they make a great addition to a cottage or shabby chic decor. You can put them in a grouping near a piano, or just about anywhere. If some of ya'll are into the cottage or shabby chic, check these out.

Love all ya'll,
Vic

I Got An Award!!!

Hey ya'll. I'm soooo tickled. I got the "Brilliante Weblog" from my dear sweet friend Linda at Linda Pinda. Check out her blog at http://lindapindadesigns.blogspot.com/.

I'd like to pass this along to my dear sweet "bloggin' buddies":

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Sparrowgrass at http://flowersmith-debra.blogspot.com/

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Southern Blessings at http://southernblessings.blogspot.com/

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Sherry's Cabin at http://sherryscabin.blogspot.com/

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Cobwebs & Cobblestones Prim-Antiques at http://cobwebscobblestones.blogspot.com/

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Parker's General Store at http://parkersgeneral.blogspot.com/

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Southern Born at http://wwwsouthernborn.blogspot.com/

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Finding My Knitch at http://findingmyknitch.blogspot.com/

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Now... as you all know, there are rules that come with getting these online awards. The originators of these awards ask that you each:

*Put the logo on your blog.

*Add a link to the person who awarded you.

*Nominate at least seven other blogs.

*Add links to those blogs on your blog.

*Leave a message for your nominee on their blog.

I'm sure the world won't end if we don't have time to do all these, but I just wanted everyone to know how much I love ya'll and admire your blogs. AND, just wanted to say thanks for the encouragement and inspiration ya'll give me everyday.

Thanks for being my "Bloggin' Buddies" :)

Love all ya'll,

Vic

DJ Fun.........

Well, we survived the DJ gig last night at Tim's for Mick and Christina's wedding celebration. Christina is from Honduras and an absolute joy to be around. I'm so happy for her and Mick. They seem perfect for each other and the kids just seem to adore her....and she seems to adore the kids. Our friends Tim and Randy actually hosted this party as a wedding gift for their cousin Mick. We have done djing at Tim's before and he has expanded his already ULTIMATE set-up. Any outdoor event he has there has always turned out great. This one turned out to be a real challenge, however, when Mick asked for Latino music for his bride. I searched frantically and got what I could. Not knowing Spanish, I just didn't feel comfortable playing something that I did not know what they were singing!! But, evidently, Christina was pleased with what we played. And I was very relieved when she said she wanted rap!! We partied and partied and ended up playing everything from the Latino to Southern Rock to Country to Rap .......even Hannah Montana for the kids!! Some wanted to do a little karaoke which we gladly obliged. When Mick and Christina and the kids left, the party continued, and I even left Jackie at the table while I joined in on the Cupid Shuffle!! Fun!!

While we were there, PJ and Jen announced their wedding in May, and talked to us about doing their complete wedding at the lake. Praise God!! Looks like this thing might make it after all. Our friend Joey, Tim and Randy's brother, will be coming back from Iraq in about a month, and they'll be having a celebration for him which we'll be djing. Our little Marine friend, Donnie, has already left for his second tour of Iraq. Ya'll please keep both of these Marines....and all the others.... in your prayers.

Now I can start back on my prims. I've missed them so and have been thinking about so many projects.....I don't know which ones to start first.

Anyway, I took this little video from our table while everyone was enjoying themselves. It's kinda dark, but you can see all the people bustin' a move when the lights flash on!! Even the little ones!! Don't forget to turn off my music before you play it.




Love all ya'll,
Vic

Still Alive and Kickin'

Hey ya'll. Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Thanks to those who've noticed and asked if I was ok. I'm fine. Just been soooo busy with the DJ thang. Praise God. We've got a big wedding party for a couple who actually got married in California a few weeks ago and wants a "home town" celebration for those who didn't make the wedding. I've been a busy bee loading playlists on the laptop and Jackie's been upgrading the mixer and speakers. And of course, there's Fay.....with all the lightning and rain she's been dumping on us. But, we really can use the rain. We lost power yesterday for a few hours, which threw us into a tailspin with all we're trying to get accomplished before this weekend.

The benefit Jackie and I played last Saturday went well. I really enjoyed myself and the other musicians. It had been a long time since I played my keyboard, but the people there really made me feel special. Keep in mind, I'm NOT an accomplished musician like most of the others who were playing at this event, but they're all a great bunch of guys, and playing with them would make ANYBODY sound good.

My poor Ebay and Etsy have kinda taken a back seat to the DJing right now. But that's ok. I'm still having sales and it keeps me from getting bored with all that's going on. Maybe after Saturday, I can get back to my crafts. I'm excited about the aproaching Fall and Halloween season and feel the need to be "creative".

Jackie's band, Ambush, has been asked to play the Finally Friday concert on October 31. This is a great event that the Fine Arts Center sponsors on the last Friday of the month from March thru October with local bands. It's real neat....a big outdoor event where the kids can come and you bring chairs and blankets and listen to great music. It's really an honor to play these things. This one's gonna be a big Halloween party with costumes and all. Hope Momma's gonna get to come down and finally hear Jackie play. She loves music.....and has even been known to "cut a rug" a time or two ;)

Oh well, hope to have some pics of the benefit soon. And maybe, by then, I'll have some of the wedding party too. I posted some new pics on the DJ Myspace of a Hannah Montana party we did for Little Bree back in April. You can check 'em out by clicking on the icon below..



Love all ya'll,
Vic

Another GREAT Giveaway

Hey ya'll. Ya'll need to check out this fantastic giveaway over at Behind My Red Door http://behindmyreddoor.blogspot.com/. All my favorite things. Be sure to tell Linda that Vic sent ya.

Love ya'll

Vic

Hmmmmmmmmmmm

In my last post, I mentioned a gentleman who was planning on launching a federal lawsuit against the agency that persecuted me. Well............it was supposed to be served yesterday August 8. The exact same date, last year, that they forced me into early retirement. I bet my former boss had a great weekend. And all this time I felt defeated. God's on time.....all the time...........and ALWAYS in control.

Romans 12:19
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Just one of those things that make you go "hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm?!". Thank you Lord.

Love ya'll ;)
Vic

Thanks

First of all, thanks for all the encouragement all ya'll have sent to me. Sometimes, just knowing you're not the only one who has problems helps tremendously. Sorry I haven't "blogged" in a while, but we've really been stretched pretty thin....Praise God. It appears that August will be a pretty good month. We've booked a good wedding party event for the DJing. Looking forward to that. Our "shady" friend has bought a local establishment and wants the band to play on rotation AND wants us to DJ regularly. That will be a good steady thing. Ya'll can check out our new little My Space website....just click on the link below.



Now, for the good part. Our neighbors.....come to find out, it was a dog barking device, not a camera. Didn't know until everything came to blows and we confronted them about why in the world they would do such a childish thing. They claimed Patsy's barking was driving them crazy...especially when they tried to have a party at the pond. After about 2 hours of hashing this back and forth, I finally just said "you know what kids, do what you have to do. We've been here 20-something years. You knew we had dogs when you looked at the house. If it was an issue, then you never should have bought the house. Do what you have to do, but we're not going anywhere, and we're not changing a thing". Then they said, "Ms. Vickie, maybe we over-reacted". Apologized, and all seems to be well. Praise God. That simple. I'm beginning to think this "growing old" thing might have an advantage after all ;)

I was contacted by a gentleman who is filing a lawsuit against the agency I used to work at, and he wanted me to join in. After hours spent in prayer and discussion with Jackie, I don't think this is what God wants me to do. Just looking over all the evidence I collected the years I was there brought back so much pain. I hadn't looked at all this "stuff" since I left almost a year ago to the day. The documents I had collected were all internal financially related, and really not relevant to his case anyway. I did give him some names to contact and ethic agencies to get in touch with and "wished him luck". He said he was on blood pressure medicine now, and it had only been a couple of months dealing with this situation. Imagine what kinda shape I was in after dealing with 'em for years!! And I truly appreciate the peace God has given me after I finally threw in the towel. I have to admit, tho, after allowing God to be my vindicator, it will be satisfying to see all the negative press take place....and who knows, maybe this man will actually expose all the wrong doings and make a difference. He has the money to carry this thing out. Anyway, that "season" is over for me. Praise God.

Well, hope all ya'll have been good. Supposed to be 100 degrees here today....oh brother. Let me scoot.

Love all ya'll

Just when you think...............

Just when you think things can't get any worse, they do.........then God comes along and does something so incredibly amazing that you have to say, "Mannnnnnnnnnnnn".

This past year has been a complete roller coaster ride. Almost a year to the day ago, I was "forced" into an early retirement by a corrupt government utility. After being the office manager of this agency for eleven years and stumbling on some wrong doing, they demoted me, cut my pay almost in half and promoted the one I reported. This making me completely doubt my senses and refusing to be a part of what was going on, just decided to retire early while I still had half a brain. I've been making and selling prims on Ebay, Etsy and my online store, and, let's face it, about to starve to death. Now, even with a half a brain, I realize completely that you never get out of crafts all the time you put into 'em. But the peace I got from all the little goodies just seemed to be enough for me. God has been sooooo good in providing. Jackie's band is playing about three times a month, and that has helped so much. Not only financially, but the people we have been able to reach and talk about God with....you just wouldn't believe. Have we made a difference? Well, we don't know. But we're just planting a seed. It's up to God to do the harvest. The DJ gigs are really beginning to pick up. Praise God. But, in my mind, I guess, I'm still comparing the "revenues" to what were coming in before. Do the math. We should be homeless. But, we're four payments away from having our house paid for. We had to look at ourselves......we sure don't LOOK like we're going without food......know what I mean? A couple of weeks ago, I had some tremendous sales on Ebay.........can't explain it...........it just happened. But somehow, I always feel like I'm not contributing anything to the household. I've always been very self-sufficient. Being the oldest of four kids, always worked to get whatever I needed........Momma had three other younger kids to take care of, and I realized that. So I babysat, cut grass, whatever I could to make some extra money 'til I turned 16 and then worked at Kmart (a REAL job). Worked continuously (except when I had the kids and went on a short maternity leave both times). Going through a horrible divorce and THEN working THREE jobs to make ends meet. So, you can see, all this PEACE is really unusual for me! Trying to apply for another job has really been a struggle for me. My self esteem is zero. I can't use my last job as a reference 'cause they'll give me a bad one. I guess I really upset the apple cart when I "blew the whistle" on all that was taking place. Kershaw County is such a small, rural county, that everyone here is either related to one another, or fixin' to be. People try to always turn the boardroom into the bedroom.....go figure. Disgusting. I've tried to get online bookkeeping and other types of REAL online jobs. Which all of these seem to always turn out to be fake. Anyway, for the past few months, I've been in continuous prayer about what in the world God was wanting me to do.

Another thorn in our side. Our new neighbors, a young yuppie couple, coming from two prominent county families, deciding to want to enjoy the "country" life, have decided to put a surviellance camera in a birdhouse, taking pictures of our back yard. We think they're trying to start some kind of case against Patsy, our heeler. The little girl is just protecting what's her's. She only barks when they come over on our side of the pond. And, I must admit, it is an agressive bark. But, apparently it annoys the yuppies. We contacted the local law enforcement (if you can call it that) thinking that this is an invasion of privacy, but they say it's perfectly legal. Go figure. I googled it, and believe it or not, they're right. What is this world coming to??!! Oh well, I guess they'll capture me sittin' on my porch gettin' my peace on. But, the cops also said, the yups would be wasting their time if they are trying to prove a case. We keep her confined on our property. And we're not doing anything wrong. Duh.....

Now, for the GOOD part.

We have a dear, sweet friend, who is the type of, well I won't say shady....well, yeah, I will say shady. He has the biggest heart of anybody I've ever seen. But like somebody once said, "Oh yeah, he'll do anything for ya........but then again.......he'll do anything TO ya". He has bought a small neighborhood club, wants us to DJ once a week. Like maybe a "Eighty's at Eight" or "Beach Blast" theme. Which sounds like fun...and good money. And STEADY money. Wants me to promote the club through My Space, posters, etc. Which sounds like fun. Everything I thoroughly enjoy. But here's the kicker. Yesterday, he comes down our dirt road in his little red sports car convertible. Now, here we are. On the back porch, Jackie just finished cuttin' 5 acres of pasture. Tryin' to cool off with a glass of tea before going back and weedeatin' and "finishing up". When we heard this familiar sound, we were both, like, "OH MANNNNNNNN"! This guy gets out, wide open, Patsy 'bout takes his head off (so we had to round her up and put her in the kennel), and he bounces up and says he just bought an estate sale, and says "Hey Vic, you need to come over to the house and get all this craft suff. The lady that died....that's all she did was craft stuff. I think there's some suff you might can use for your stuff". So, after he left, Jackie and I sorta cleaned up and rode over there. Now, this guy just bought an old house that's been vacant for over five years, and he's renovating it. Actually, it looks real amazing. We're thinking, OK, we'll pick up a couple of boxes of "whatever". We brought back a TRUCKLOAD of silk flowers, baskets, prim easels, rusty wire, wreaths...............you name it. We didn't even make a dent in the stuff. He's got about three more rooms packed with this stuff, and says he's got about another two truckloads to get. How cool is that? I can't even describe all this stuff. Stuff like pipberries that I really wanted to buy for my crafting, but having NO BUDGET, couldn't afford. Boxes and boxes of gingham ribbon.

Now. Another problem. Just where are we gonna put all this stuff. Well, my dear sweet hubby says "Hey, since I'm converting the barn into the Drum Barn, I'll take the rest of the music stuff from the studio, move it down there, and you can have the whole upstairs for your craft room, store, or whatever you wanna call it". Praise God. I mean, I have enough stuff right now, without doing anything else, to open a retail shop. No kiddin'.

So, here's my plan. It'll take me a while to sort through all this stuff and get organized. If any of you need any silk flowers or a particular ribbon, email and let me know so I can keep a list while I'm sorting through. I'll work out a "heck of a deal" on these things before I list 'em on Ebay. The stuff that's in "not so good shape", I'll probably have a huge yard sale or either take to the flea market.

God is good. All the time. Thank you Lord. And bless our "shady" friend. It's not up to us to judge. And......bless our yuppie neighbors. May you let them find something constructive to do and not get so bored

Oh yeah. Thought ya'll might get a kick of my Momma and my nephew. Guess I'll add this to my list of worries. Oh good grief :)

I Believe...............

I believe - That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I believe - That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I believe - That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I believe - That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I believe - That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I believe - That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I believe - That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I believe - That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I believe - That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I believe - That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I believe - That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I believe - That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I believe - That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I believe - That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I believe - That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe - That no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe - That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I believe - Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I believe - That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I believe - That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

I believe - That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I believe - That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.


Thanks Julie

Love all ya'll

Happy 4th Ya'll

Hope all ya'll have a safe and happy 4th. We won't be doing much....ain't that great!! I've got a boston butt in the crock pot. Probably make some BBQ and maybe some rice.....just keeping it simple. Michelle has to work, and Rob got attacked by a pit bull last week. He was inspecting a house, and the dog had broke a chain. He's ok, but had to get stitches, and right now he's real sore. I just hope there's no nerve damage. He's really taking it well. He said he was just thankful it was him and not a child. At 6'2" he was barely able to fight the dog off, and it probably would have killed a small child. Even at 35, I still worry about him. I guess our kids will always be our "kids", no matter what age. Anyway, just a quiet 4th for us.....Praise God.

Don't think we'll accept the praise band positions. After hours and hours of prayer, God showed us last weekend that He just didn't want us to serve in that capacity. For those who don't know, Jackie and I have always felt a calling to help those struggling with drugs and alcohol. Well, last week something happened that truly showed us, and answered our prayers. Jackie went to the local store for a few items and for a visit. When he got there, the owners were completely franic....there sons were just picked up for drug related charges. He was able to witness to these folks and provide comfort and encouragement and resources for help....something he couldn't have done if we had accepted this position. He would have been involved with the praise band and wouldn't have even been available to go to the store nor would have had a reason. I know a lot of people don't understand our calling, but that's ok. WE know what we are supposed to do. We will help in anyway we can until this church can get this thing off the ground.....if they will accept that, but right now, we're just needed somewhere else. The saved don't need saving ;)

Thanks to all ya'll who have sent me comments on this issue and who have been lifting us up in prayer. It wasn't an easy decision. We both love music so much. And, I guess, there's still that thing in the back of our minds that the only way to help is through a church. God's just trying to get us out of the box.

Love all ya'll,

What Gives Me Peace

Thanks to all my friends who have been praying with me for our decision for the praise band opportunity. Just to let you know, we haven't made one. It seems like the opposition is really getting in the way. This church is in the middle of a battle between people wanting to keep it traditional and people wanting to go contemporary. It concerns us that we're stepping right in the middle. But, then again, is this what God wants? Please continue with us to lift this opportunity up in prayer and stay in God's will.

In the meantime, when I need a place to go for peace, I go out on the back porch and look at all of God's work. He's really blessed me with a simple, peaceful backyard that I thought I'd share with all ya'll. We've planted tomatoes, squash, cukes, peppers, basil, oregano, lavender, hummingbird vine....all kinds of things. It's not much, but it's everything to me....all the stuff I love. Most of it was free. Stuff from the dump (we call it the "Mall") or stuff that people we know were gonna throw away. And stuff from the barn we don't use anymore since the horses left. The old pots came from my dear Aunt Evelyn's house in Greenville (now in assistant living). Those have been there ever since I can remember. The garden angel came from my sister-in-law's house in Charlotte...she was gonna throw it away. And, oh yeah, yes, that's a "redneck hot tub". We took an old watering trough from the barn that we didn't need anymore and turned it into a "spa". Believe it or not, it really brings relief on those 100 degree plus days. Gives a new meaning to that word we use so often......SIMPLiFY :)

Ya'll come see us!!

Love all ya'll,
Vic

Decisions...decisions

Got a call yesterday from a friend who asked if Jackie and I were interested in heading up a praise team at her church. This is the third request for this in the past few months, so I'm beginning to think this is really what God wants us to do. The first time, the guy never really followed up on it after we were asked. The second time, it was a new church opening in Columbia (about 50 miles away) and the preacher asked us with only a few days to get the thing together and we just really didn't have time. You know, it's so fascinating to sit back and see how the Lord works. This church has been trying to launch a praise team with their own church members, and right now, their drummer was injured and their keyboard player can no longer play due to some physical problems. Find this very interesting, being Jackie plays drums and I play keyboard.

Now Jackie has continued to play professionally in a local band, but I haven't played out since The Sonlight Festival last July 28. Almost a year to the day. I remember the scripture, 2 Peter 3:8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. So, I've been in almost constant prayer about this opportunity.

Without going into a lot of detail, we have been so devastated from the last time we did this. We started a youth praise band a few years ago at our church, with a few of the teens, and God used us to build this to do a "Jammin for Jesus" concert that absolutely packed the house. For some reason, right after this, the preacher shut it down. The kids were a whole lot more disappointed than we were. The only reason we could think of was that service drew more people and won more souls to Christ than his services did. What a shame. Does it really matter who does it if the end result is the same?

At any rate, since that time, we haven't really had a church "home". God seemed to use the music to send the people to us that He wanted us to reach. But now I'm reminded of the scripture Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Maybe this is our new season. It seems like every reason why we turned down the other opportunities has been resolved. This guy is calling and really showing his interest. We're not under any specific deadline to make this happen. It's here in town, maybe 5 miles away (which is a big plus with the gas situation). And it's a paying position. Not that money really matters, but it does help with me being retired and to cover the expenses that sometimes comes with this. It seems as though God has worked everything out...all we have to do is accept.

So, remember us in ya'll's prayers. We're supposed to meet tonight.

Love Ya'll,
Vic

Old Age

Old Age, I decided, is a gift

I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometimes despair over my body, the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror (who looks like my mother!), but I don't agonize over those things for long.

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend.

I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon?

I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 & 70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love .. I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day. (If I feel like it)

MAY OUR FRIENDSHIP NEVER COME APART ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART!

MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE A RAINBOW OF SMILES ON YOUR FACE AND IN YOUR HEART FOREVER AND EVER!


Love Ya'll

Thanks Edna

Two Horses

From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing. Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him.

This alone is amazing.

If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field.

Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell. It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.

As you stand and watch these two horses, you'll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse is, trusting that he will not be led astray.

When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, it stops occasionally and looks back, making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges.

He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.

Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives.

Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way....

Good friends are like that... you may not always see them, but you know they are always there.

Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours.

And remember...be kinder than necessary- everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Live simply,
Love generously,
Care deeply,
Speak kindly


Thanks Paula

Love all ya'll

Wash Day

Monday: Wash Day

Lord, help me wash away all my selfishness and vanity, so I may serve you with perfect humility through the week ahead.

Tuesday: Ironing Day

Dear Lord, help me iron out all the wrinkles of prejudice I have collected through the years so that I may see the beauty in others.

Wednesday: Mending Day

O God, help me mend my ways so I will not set a bad example for others.

Thursday: Cleaning Day

Lord Jesus, help me to dust out all the many faults I have been hiding in the secret corners of my heart.

Friday: Shopping Day

O God, give me the grace to shop wisely so I may purchase eternal happiness for myself and all others in need of love.

Saturday: Cooking Day

Help me, my Savior, to brew a big kettle of brotherly love and serve it with clean, sweet bread of human kindness.

Sunday: The Lord's Day

O God, I have prepared my house for you. Please come into my heart so I may spend the day and the rest of my life in your presence.




'Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.'


Thanks Brenda

My Mother

My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
'If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.'

My mother taught me RELIGION.
'You better pray that will come out of the carpet.'

My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
'If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!'

M y mother taught me LOGIC.
'Because I said so, that's why.'

My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
'If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me.'

My mother taught me FORESIGHT. 'Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you' re in an accident.'

My mother taught me IRONY.
'Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about.'

My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
'Shut your mouth and eat your supper.'

My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
'Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!'

My mother taught me about STAMINA .
'You 'll sit there until all that spinach is gone.'

My mother taught me about WEATHER.
'This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.'

My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
'If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!'

My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
'I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.'

My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
'Stop acting like your father !'

My mother taught me about ENVY.
'There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do.'

M y mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
'Just wait until we get home.'

My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
'You are going to get it when you get home!'

My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
'If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way.'

My mother taught me ESP.
'Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?'

My mother taught me HUMOR.
'When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me.'

My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
'If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up.'

My mother taught me GENETICS
'You're just like your father.'

My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
'Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?'

My mother taught me WISDOM.
'When you get to be my age, you'll understand.'

And my favorite:

My mother taught me about JUSTICE.
'One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you.'


Thanks Janie.....and Thanks Momma....and Thanks Aunt Evelyn, you were my 2nd Mom.

Join My Free Plug Board

Hey ya'll. I just added a free plug board for all you talented ladies (and men). Just scroll down to the bottom of my page and add your URL. It can be your blog or store or whatever...it just has to be 88 x 31.

I thought this would be a great way for me to share all ya'll's wonderful sites.

Love all ya'll,
Vic

Drink, Steal, Swear & Lie

I met this 90 yr old guy while I was in Virginia and he had a motto he lived by everyday. He said listen carefully and live by these 4 rules: Drink, Steal, Swear, & Lie.

I was shaking my head 'no', but he then told me to listen while he explained his four rules. So here they are:

1.. 'Drink' from the 'everlasting cup' every day.

2.. 'Steal' a moment to help someone that is in worse shape than you are.

3.. 'Swear' that you will be a better person today than yesterday.

4.. And last, but not least, when you 'lie' down at night thank God you live in America and have freedom.



I am not as good as I should be, I am not as good as I could be. but THANK GOD I am a lot better than I used to be!

Thanks Brenda

Aprons...Pockets...and...Rag Balls...Oh My !!!

Vintage aprons are really popular right now. I have a precious little yellow vintage apron listed in my Ebay Store right now. Check it out, along with some new Prim Pockets and Rag Balls I just listed. Some of these are made from matching fabric. They make a great grouping....like in a foyer or bathroom or on the dresser in the bedroom. When you buy the Rag Balls AND the matching Prim Pocket, I'll ship the Prim Pocket for free. How cool is that? And with the price of gas......it's a real good deal.

Love all ya'll.

And the winner is........................

Dani!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats girl. Please email me at vsbasden@bellsouth.net and give me your address. This will go out tomorrow.

Thanks to all you precious ladies who entered this. I've really enjoyed meeting ya'll and reading your blogs. Let's all visit often, now that we've found each other.

If you didn't win this time, keep watching. I've had so much fun with this one, I might have to have another give away soon. And ya'll check out my Ebay store, Etsy and my online EZ Shoppe for more prims.

God Bless all ya'll :)

Hugs and Love,
Vic

Prim Pocket Give Away

Hey ya'll. Since everyone is giving stuff away, I thought I'd get in on the action. I'm giving away one of my Prim Pockets. Just leave me a comment letting me know you're interested in the drawing. The drawing will take place next Thursday morning, May 29 at 9:00 a.m. DST, so make sure your comments are in before then. I'll post the winner shortly after that so you can email me with your address. I'd like to ship this to the winner on Friday morning, May 30.

While you're here, how 'bout checking out my sweet friends at GTPF. They're having a great give away too. Just click on the link in my previous post. And check out all our links for more great items and blogs.....you'll really enjoy these wonderful talented ladies.

This is a cute different door greeter. It's made from a black gingham pocket. It's full of Sweet Annie sprigs and has a grubby tag with "Welcome" fastened with a rusty safety pin. It also has a rusty wire hanger with a plaid homespun bow. It measures 4" wide and 5" high not including the hanger. This would look so cute on a door knob, or hung on a front door or stair case. It also can be hung on a peg. A cute addition to any prim decor.

Have fun....and God Bless :)

Vic

The Great GTPF Give Away

Hey ya'll. Ya'll really need to go over to the Glad Tidings Primitives and Folkart blog and check out their free give away. Just click on the link below and it should take you there.

Ya'll have fun :)

Love all ya'll

I Had a Drug Problem

The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a Methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question. "Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?"

I replied, I had a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug every night to church revivals.

I was drug by my ears to another room for a hard spanking when I was disrespectful to adults.

I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, spoke ill of my teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't do my best at everything I was told to do.

I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity. I was drug to the kitchen to help Mother with the dishes and then drug to bed early to get a good rest.

I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flowerbeds and cocklebur's out of dad' s fields. Every Summer I was drug to the garden to hoe weeds and then mow the lawn around the house.

I was drug to the homes of family, friends and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood; and, if my mother found out I had taken one dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.

Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, or think to this very day. They are stronger and more long lasting than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today's children had the kind of drug problem we had back then, they wouldn't have the kind of drug problem they have today.

God bless the parents who drugged us.

~Author Unknown~

Thanks Julie

I Am a "Kept" Woman

You see, there were a few times when I thought I would lose my mind, But GOD kept me sane. (Isa. 26:3)

There were times when I thought I could go no longer, But the LORD kept me moving. (Gen 28:15)

At times, I've wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had done me wrong, But the LORD kept my mouth shut. (Psa. 13)

Sometimes, I think the money just isn't enough, But GOD has helped me to keep the lights on, the water on, the car paid, the house paid, etc.., (Matt. 6:25 -34)

When I thought I would fall, HE kept me up. When I thought I was weak, HE kept me strong! (I Pet. 5:7, Matt. 11:28-30)

I could go on and on and on, but I'm sure you hear me! I'm blessed to be "kept".

Thanks Brenda

Happy Mother's Day Ya'll

A newborn's conversation with God

A baby asked God, 'They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?' God said, 'Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you.'

The child further inquired, 'But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy.' God said, 'Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy.'

Again the child asked, 'And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?' God said, 'Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak.'

'And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?' God said, 'Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray.'

'Who will protect me?' God said, 'Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life.'

'But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore.' God said, 'Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you.'

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, 'God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name.'God said, 'You will simply call her, 'Mom.'

Thanks Brenda

The Secret

One day, one friend asked another, "How is it that you are always so happy? You have so much energy, and you never seem to get down." With her eyes smiling, she said, "I know the Secret!" "What secret is that?" To which she replied, "I'll tell you all about it, but you have to promise to share the Secret with others."

"The Secret is this: I have learned there is little I can do in my life that will make me truly happy. I must depend on God to make me happy and to meet my needs. When a need arises in my life, I have to trust God to supply according to HIS riches. I have learned most of the time I don't need half of what I think I do. He has never let me down. Since I learned that 'Secret', I am happy."

The questioner's first thought was, "That's too simple!" But upon reflecting over her own life she recalled how she thought a bigger house would make her happy, but it didn't! She thought a better paying job would make her happy, but it hadn't. When did she realize her greatest happiness? Sitting on the floor with her grandchildren, playing games, eating pizza or reading a story, a simple gift from God.

Now you know it too! We can't depend on people to make us happy. Only GOD in His infinite wisdom can do that. Trust HIM!

YOU have to tell someone the Secret, too! That GOD in His wisdom will take care of YOU! But it's not really a secret... We just have to believe it and do it... Really trust God!

~Author Unknown~

Two Traveling Angels

Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room. Instead the angels were given a small space in the cold basement. As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it. When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, "Things aren't always what they seem."

The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest. When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field.

The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel how could you have let this happen? The first man had everything, yet you helped him, she accused. The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die. "Things aren't always what they seem," the older angel replied. "When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it."

"Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead. Things aren't always what they seem."

Sometimes that is exactly what happens when things don't turn out the way they should. If you have faith, you just need to trust that every outcome is always to your advantage. You just might not know it until some time later..

Thanks Edna

Another New Addition

We had to say good bye to our faithful companion Sydney. He had been a great guard dog here on the farm for many years, and I guess it was just his time. We were so worried about who would be taking care of us, and we checked out some other dogs, but we're so partial to Australian Cattle Dogs. We've had this breed for sooooo many years, even raised a few litters in the past. We decided to go to the pound, and low and behold, there she was. A little 8 month old Red Heeler named Patsy. We decided to give her a try, brought her home, and she has just blended in perfectly. Thinks this place is her's now, so we feel safe again.

Ya'll help me welcome our newest family member.....Patsy :)

Better Late Than Never

I got tagged by my dear sweet friend Cora, oh, a few weeks ago. And just now gettin' around to responding. Please forgive me Cora. I've had soooo much going on, and I really miss my "bloggin'". I'll try to post some things I don't think ya'll know about me. Here goes:

1. I was an aerobics instructor for years. Taught both women and a co-ed class at my job, kinda like a corporate fitness program.....please keep in mind, this was back in the 80's. Even dabbled in bodybuilding, and was invited to compete in a couples competition, but just couldn't do it. There was too many steroids being used, and I couldn't be a part of that.

2. My husband Jackie and I started a youth praise band at our church a few years ago, and had a big "Jammin' For Jesus" concert. Not braggin, but we absolutely PACKED that place. It was one of the most rewarding things the Lord has ever blessed me with.

3. I took engineering classes while I was a Senior Buyer at a machine gun manufacturing plant. Thought I might want to do that, but decided it wasn't for me. I just continued as a buyer for 12 years. Then moved on....

4. Worked with the local county Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission for a few years. It's funny how God puts things together to prepare you for trials to come. I still use the knowledge I acquired in this job today to help those that God puts in my path who struggle in this area.

5. I've actually had a hand in breaking horses a few years ago. Not that I was that good, only that (at that time) I was so tiny, I could just hang on for dear life whenever they would put me on these crazy animals.

So you see, I guess I'm a jack of all trades, but a master of none!! Never stayed on one thing long enough to actually make a career of anything. But that's OK. I know that's how HE wanted it :)

Oh yeah, ya'll check out my friend Cora's blog:

Keep 'em In Ya'll's Prayers

Remember these two brave young men in ya'll's prayers. Thanks again Joey and Donny. Joey, we'll see you soon....and we'll be ready to DJ the homecomin' party at the new "Tim's" :)

A Special Thanks....

Jackie and I had the previlige to DJ a going away party for a Marine friend Saturday, and it's been on my mind ever since. I think we all take our freedom for granted in the day to day hustle and bustle we get caught up in. Or at least I know I do. I just want to say a great big "thank you" to all these precious men and women.

I remember one Sunday going to church when Joey's mother came to me with a worried face and said, Joey got his driving permit last week....then a few minutes later a young, proud "kid" came driving up in a big 4 wheel drive "monster truck", beaming from ear to ear. We've watched this "kid" develop into a responsible mature adult. And even at the tender age of 20, already serving one tour in Iraq, getting ready to go to Afghanistan, he has it "together" more than many 50 year olds I know.

As we went mud boggin' that night....yes I went muddin'.....I noticed something in Donny, also a 20 year old Marine and our "mud" driver, that I've also noticed in Joey and his brothers Randy and Tim (also fellow Marines that served a few years back). These are some of the most loyal, respectful young men I've ever seen in my life. We had just met Donny Saturday night, and I've never been treated with such respect as he showed us.

Although war is a very sad, tragic thing, God's word says:

Ecclesiastes 3:8
a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

I am truly thankful for all these young men and women who have been called to serve our country. Thank you Robbie Anderson. Even tho you've gone on to a better place, you were a true friend and you raised your sons well. We miss you sooooo much. Thanks to our great TRUE friends Randy and Tim Anderson who have served in the past. Thank you Grant. And Thanks to Joey Anderson and Donny who are serving now. May God be with you and keep you safe.

Sound Familiar??

WHY I LOVE MOM

Mom and Dad were watching TV when Mom said, "I'm tired, and it's getting late. I think I'll go to bed"

She went to the kitchen to make sandwiches for the next day's lunches.
Rinsed out the popcorn bowls, took meat out of the freezer for supper the following evening, checked the cereal box levels, filled the sugar container, put spoons and bowls on the table and started the coffee pot for brewing the next morning.
She then put some wet clothes in the dryer, put a load of clothes into the washer, ironed a shirt and secured a loose button
She picked up the game pieces left on the table, put the phone back on the charger and put the telephone book into the drawer.
She watered the plants, emptied a wastebasket and hung up a towel to dry.

She yawned and stretched and headed for the bedroom. She stopped by the desk and wrote a note to the teacher, counted out some cash for the field trip, and pulled a text book out from hiding under the chair.

She signed a birthday card for a friend, addressed and stamped the envelope and wrote a quick note for the grocery store. She put both near her purse.

Mom then washed her face with 3 in 1 cleanser, put on her Night solution & age fighting moisturizer, brushed and flossed her teeth and filed her nails.

Dad called out, "I thought you were going to bed."

"I'm on my way," she said.

She put some water into the dog's dish and put the cat outside, then made sure the doors were locked and the patio light was on.
She looked in on each of the kids and turned out their bedside lamps and TV's, hung up a shirt, threw some dirty socks into the hamper, and had a brief conversation with the one up still doing homework.
In her own room, she set the alarm; laid out clothing for the next day, straightened up the shoe rack. She added three things to her 6 most important things to do list She said her prayers, and visualized the accomplishment of her goals.

About that time, Dad turned off the TV and announced to no one in particular. "I'm going to bed."

And he did...without another thought.

Anything extraordinary here? Wonder why women live longer...?

CAUSE WE ARE MADE FOR THE LONG HAUL..... (and we can't die sooner, we still have things to do!!!!)

~author unknown~

Malachi 3:3

Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it."

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire , remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

~Author Unknown~

LEMONS and SUGAR

This should probably be taped to your bathroom mirror
where one could read it every day. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.


1. There are at least two people in this world
that you would die for.


2. At least 15 people in this world
love you in some way.


3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you
is because they want to be just like you.


4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone,
even if they don't like you.


5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you
before they go to sleep.


6. You mean the world to someone.


7. You are special and unique.


8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.


9. When you make the biggest mistake ever ,
something good comes from it.


10. When you think the world has turned its back on you
take another look.


11. Always remember the compliments you received.
Forget about the rude remarks.

I'm Now on Etsy !! :)

Hey Ya'll. Well, you just won't believe it. Ya'll might have just created a monster....cuz I'm now on Etsy!! Ya'll are leading and I'm just a-followin'!! Once again, thanks ladies for all the encouragement :)

Visit my shop by clicking on the link below: See ya'll there!

My Etsy

Do Work

Hey ya'll. Haven't been able to do share too much lately. I've been doing work. Thanks to all the inspiration you ladies have given me, I've bit the bullet and taken a step forward. It's on now... :)

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