Sew Dear To Me

February Desktop Digital Design

2012-01-31T10:28:00.000-08:00

I used to download the Free Digital Desktop design every month from the Shabby Princess Blog, but found that I would have a hard time matching the photos I wanted to use with their design. So through trial and error, and with my stash of digital scrapbooking kits I've been gathering, I have started to do my own, like the one above for February!

The main kit used was "Chocolate Kisses" by Sugarplum Paperie, found at the Digichick website.

I also used a few elements from one of my favorite designers, Natali Design, from a free kit she is offering to people who "like" her Facebook page.

The pretty brown flower was found at Delicious Scraps, from a minikit called "Sweet Valentine 3," which was also snagged as a freebie. You should be able to find it easily by googling it ~ I think I found it just last week.

'Til next time,

Mary

Another Winter to Get Through

2011-12-27T11:22:00.000-08:00

This was last Winter ... around Christmas, in South Carolina. This Winter, however, we find ourselves in Lafayette, Indiana, where we should now be experiencing "real" Winter! Ha! Just a dusting of snow so far that hasn't stuck, treating us to a "green" Christmas instead of the "white" one we all like to sing about. Doesn't hurt my feelings at all. Just perhaps, after the coming week of mild temperatures forecast, we will get that horrible Winter they have been warning us about. I hope not since we are far afield from home (South Carolina), in Indiana, where hubby was offered work after finishing up his last project at the end of October at USC Columbia. And after having moved South in 1990, I have to say I am one southerner who does not miss those harsh northern Winters one bit!

I do anticipate hibernating like a big 'ole bear here in Indiana till Spring. Probably while away the hours checking out Pinterest or reading my new Kindle Fire that hubby bought me as a reward for quitting smoking. I have a feeling it's going to be a long, long Winter.

'Til next time!

Secret Stash Digital Scrapbooking: Sneak Peek: Be Merry

2011-12-05T14:14:00.000-08:00

Secret Stash Digital Scrapbooking: Sneak Peek: Be Merry: It is going to be a very merry Christmas indeed with my newest festive kit on the way! And what a more merry way to celebrate than to give a...

Goodbye Summertime!

2011-09-11T11:09:00.001-07:00

Guess it's time to put away the whites ... but maybe not if it's long sleeved. :)
There is something bittersweet about saying goodbye to Summer. Although I won't miss the steamy, humid, blistering heat of Columbia, SC. I swear that place seems to be the hottest on earth. At least it feels that way to me. Just this past week it has started to cool down in the mornings and late evening, with the sun setting earlier than usual. Yes, the crisp autumn air will be most welcome. If we are very, very fortunate, we will be back "home" quite soon, able to get back into a routine and get some much needed work done around the house. Please ... please ... NOT Los Angeles. Some times we don't get much say in which way the wind blows us. Good thing we are made to adapt to an ever changing world!

'Til next time

2011-05-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

(Click on Image to Enlarge)

If you're in the market for some good deals on quilting fabric, I'm listing 1 yard pieces and a "French Country" set of 2 yards this week on eBay. Just go to the link over on the top right hand side of the page and click on "Sew Dear To Me".

I hope to continue to go through my quilting studio this weekend and sort out more to list. Gotta finance the "Sisters" Girl's Retreat to Myrtle Beach for our Scrapbook Bash! :)

Happy Easter!

2011-04-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a blessed, happy Easter with family and friends!

For the first time in several years, we stayed home and worked on household chores ~ Mr. Sew Dear finished the electrical outlets and fixtures in his work shed. And I completed the dreaded task of turning over the Winter clothes to Summer, getting the Dressing Room reorganized. I wish there was enough closet room in the house proper without having to haul the seasonal clothing up and down from the attic, but that's in the future renovation plans. Once you finally own a house, the re-do list gets longer every year, I believe. By the end of this July, when hubby's project is complete, there may be changes brewing in our place of domicile. It depends on what his company has in store for him, and since that's not very far away, I find myself becoming anxious. We have put so much of ourselves into many projects in and around the house, and have become so attached to it. It will be hard to move, but change, as they say, is inevitable.

My sisters are planning a family "Scrap Bash" for next month in Myrtle Beach. It sounds like a blast, and I could use a break from the normal routine! Who doesn't love the beach?!!!

Til next time,

Mary

What's Blooming in South Carolina Now?

2011-04-11T15:08:00.001-07:00

(Click on photos for an Enlarged View)

My parents had Candtuft in their garden, and I was so thrilled to see it pop up about a year after we moved into our house. To this day, 5 years later, I am discovering new volunteers that mysteriously appear each year!

Usually I can identify what they are by googling them ...

These Star of Bethlehem popped up in the grass last year and I dug them up and moved them to a proper bed!

Last spring I planted Forget Me Nots from seed and transplanted them into the garden. This weekend I was thrilled to see how beautifully they have blossomed this year!

And of course the dogwood are blooming ~ we have 2 large white ones, but my favorite is the pink one of course!

A couple of weeks ago I was at my parents' in the Atlanta suburbs and shot some wonderful photos of their gorgeous daffodils and narcissus!

Happy Gardening!

Free Vintage Easter Tags

2011-03-22T14:26:00.000-07:00

It seems like ages since I've played with graphics! I've been playing all day and decided to end the day with a quick couple of vintage Easter tags to celebrate the upcoming Easter season. These would look so cute tied on a child's Easter basket. Who doesn't love polka dots!

Just click to open the image in a new window, click on to download to your computer, print out on cardstock, cut out, and punch a hole in the top for your ribbon or string. Enjoy!

2011 FLW Bass Fishing Tournaments

2011-03-22T07:10:00.000-07:00

(Click to view larger image)
I was so excited to hear the news from my baby sister Peg that my nephew, Josh, has secured a sponsorship this year for his 2011 bass fishing tournament season! His sponsor, a local Chevrolet dealership wanted some photos, so she called me to design some layouts. We'll be rootin' for you Joshua!

(Click to view larger image)
This Winter has been so awful for sickness, and I, for one, am glad it is over. It started with hubby's Bronchitis he had while on vacation the week before Christmas, and then we passed it around a couple of times. Dad was in the hospital twice since New Year's with Bronchitis and/or pneumonia as well, but he's on the upside now and started pulmonary physical therapy yesterday to improve his lung function due to COPD impairment. Mom was also in the hospital with that stomach virus ~ a pretty severe case for someone in their 80's. But I'll be heading out tomorrow to Atlanta for a visit with them under much better circumstances! My sister Patty is coming down from Watertown, New York, so I'll get to see her during her annual Spring visit! Maybe we'll get to do something fun like visit a few of the antique malls. I haven't done anything fun in ages!

'Til next time,

Merry Christmas from our House to Yours!

2010-12-28T14:43:00.000-08:00

(Click on Images to View Larger Version)
I know I'm a little late, but wanted to share our Christmas home with you. We were late getting everything done, between hubby having Bronchitis on his week's vacation before Christmas, my straining my back and then coming down with some crud (bad cold or bronchitis too, for which I reluctantly broke down and called my doctor to ask for a prescription today). And it probably won't come down for another 3 weeks. I do hate to let go of Christmas! :)

We DID end up, surprisingly, having a White Christmas in South Carolina. It was only 3 inches of snow, but the beautiful white blanket of snow was so peaceful looking!

I really struggled getting the Christmas cookies baked, but the ever cheerful (even with just getting over his illness) Mr. Sew Dear, helped me finish up the "Thumbprints" and Chocolate Covered Cherry cookies!

For those of my praying blogger friends, please say a prayer for my Dad who is in the hospital again with, we think, pneumonia. He was there last year at Christmas, even with a flu shot. But they have x-rayed his lungs, given him a breathing treatment, and taken his blood, so hopefully they will have narrowed down which virus is giving him such a bad time and can get the right antibiotic in him quickly. At 83 years of age, pneumonia can be so dangerous.

Best wishes for a wonderful New Year for all of us!

Collected Treasures...

2010-11-08T10:57:00.001-08:00

(click on images to enlarge)
...from the Country Living Fair at Stone Mountain Park, Atlanta, Georgia, a couple of weeks ago ~ thought you might like a peek!

First, the vintage ticking pillow with gorgeous tatting and silk rose you see above...

vintage child's slate...

...Too cool Steampunk necklace. As you will note, I can be "29" forver!

...a beaded lariat necklace (Actually found this at the St. Catherine's Christmas Craft Show)

...vintage seam binding (the stone looking cache pot was from a stitchery kit my sister bought at the Olive Grace booth, but she didn't want it and gave it to me!)...

...more can't live without "Hooked on Rugs" hand dyed chunky yarn...This stuff comes in handy for SO many things! :)

'Til next time,

Mary

Whatever ya do, don't forget to VOTE!

2010-10-28T11:47:00.001-07:00

Country Living Fair 2010 ~ Photos to Share!

2010-10-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

What a great time my sisters, sister-in-law, and good friend Tammy had at the Country Living Fair! Hope you enjoy the photos as much as we enjoyed being there. Oh, the thrill of the hunt with these kindred spirits! LOL!

Clicking on the images will open a new window to view the image in a larger size.

Hope you enjoyed the tour! Til next time,

Mary

Going to the Country Living Fair in Atlanta this weekend!

2010-10-18T09:43:00.000-07:00

I couldn't find a vendor's list, but a google search of images found that these folks will be there ~ sounds like it will be a blast, schlepping around there with my sissies!

http://earthangelstoys.blogspot.com/

http://playswithpaper.blogspot.com/

http://olivegracestudios.com/

I understand Olive Grace has teamed up with Amy Barickman, and you should be able to get an autographed copy of her latest book! Cool!

Book preview is here: https://amybarickman.com/

http://small-stories-studio.blogspot.com/

http://jenniferlanneoriginals.blogspot.com/

That's all I could find so far...Not sure if they will allow photos, but I will try to take some! :)

The Witching Hour Approaches...

2010-10-01T10:17:00.001-07:00

Don'tcha just love HALLOWEEN! It's such a FUN Holiday! Don't forget to visit the Kindred Sisters for some primitive Halloween shopping (the easy link is in the column to your right ~ just click to visit)!

Picking Crewel Back Up

2010-07-14T11:09:00.001-07:00

Looking for a take-a-long project recently, I picked an old crewel project back up ~ a 1980 kit from Erica Wilson called "English Garden". I'm hoping with another couple days worth of stitching, it will be ready for framing. I was showing my progress to my sister over the weekend, and she commented that crewel work has seemed to decline in popularity. I have always loved this design and am looking forward to finally getting it finished!

Click on the image and it will take you to Photobucket to view in a larger or high resolution size to see more detail. You have to roll your cursor over the top of the photo though for the "zoom" menu to show up.

'Til next time,

Mary

Fabric Rosette Tutorial

2010-07-13T07:54:00.000-07:00

...Haven't tried this one yet, but if anyone visits "Freckled Laundry" and tries her tutorial, let me know how you like it!

http://www.freckledlaundry.com/2010/07/fabric-rosette-tutorial.html

'Til next time,

Mary

Making Fabric Flowers

2010-07-01T05:42:00.000-07:00

(Click on images to enlarge)
A couple of days ago I "googled" tutorials on how to make fabric flowers and found several that I wanted to try. I whipped up a few in about an hour ~ I was wanting to make them for the purses I am going to make from Amy Butler's "Birdie Sling" pattern. I choose 2 different fabric lines to make 2 summer purses ~ "Midwest Modern" from Amy Butler, and the "Blush" line by Basic Grey for Moda. I even got to play with some of my vintage buttons and beads, selecting ones to use for the center of the flowers.

(Midwest Modern
(Blush from Basic Grey)

It was a lot of fun putting my hands to work creating again. It has been soooo long since I've allowed myself to do so, or even spent any time in the craft studio. And this is a quick and easy project for a "creative fix." Spending time in the craft studio this week has motivated me to try and get things more organized, and it is such a challenge. The room is not very large and I have windows on 2 walls, 2 double closets on another, and the quilting design wall taking up a whole wall. I am rethinking that, as well as other storage options with little to no wall OR floor space! Think I might have to look at the ceiling? If you haven't visited any of the "Where Women Create II" blog postings, you can click on the image link in the column to your right...I've been getting some ideas... :)

'Til next time,

Mary

What's Blooming in South Carolina Now!

2010-06-22T08:23:00.000-07:00

(Click on images to enlarge)

I'm not sure if it's all the rain we've had recently, but this is the nicest stand of Bee Balm that's blossomed for us since planted about 3 years ago!

With temperatures forecast this week to be in the high 90's (10 degrees higher than normal for this time of the year), I'm afraid that the garden will soon be done blooming. I am going to have to research drought resistant plants and work on adding some as fillers!

'Til next time,

Mary

What's Blooming in South Carolina Now!

2010-06-07T03:55:00.000-07:00

(Click on images to enlarge)

Happy Gardening!

'Til next time,

Mary

Wishing everyone a great Memorial Day Weekend!

2010-05-25T17:16:00.001-07:00

A "Dear Jane" Quilting Journey

2010-05-12T05:23:00.000-07:00

(Click on image to enlarge)
My friend, Kindred Sister Doreen (a/k/a "Aunt Reen"), has embarked on a "Dear Jane" quilting journey. Her very ambitious goal is to produce 6 blocks per week, and as you can see from above, Doreen has met her goal for Week #1! Yay, Doreen!

If you would like to follow Doreen on her quilting journey, you can check in on her from week to week at her blog where she will be posting about her progress here:

AUNT REEN'S PLACE
Good luck Doreen! This is an amazing project, and what an heirloom and achievement you will own when complete.

'Til next time,

Mary

What's Blooming in South Carolina Now!

2010-05-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

(Click on Images to Enlarge)
Peonies are such a lovely old-timey, heirloom type shrub. My mother, now 84, still talks about her father's garden, which of course included many peony varieties. This one turned up as a volunteer in the front bed. I think it must have been in the topsoil we purchased and placed there when we put in the raised bed and French Drain in that location.

I'm really pleased with the over-wintering of my Geraniums. I just kept them in the dining room which received plenty of light and watered them sparingly. Set out a couple of weeks ago and fertilized, they are already blooming profusely!

Another volunteer that popped up this year is this variegated Iris. I have no idea where it came from, but love how unique it is!

I also overwintered my Asperagus Fern this year, adding some Verbena to the pot. Instead of setting it out during the days and bringing it back in at night, I just left it out and shocked it a bit, but after trimming it up, it is coming back nicely.

The vegetable garden is coming along nicely, although hubby did some damage over the weekend. We had some peat starts for pepper and flower seeds doing really well and almost ready to transplant into the garden when he decided to overdose them with a too strong mixture of water and Miracle Gro. I told him not to do it, but he wouldn't listen. He was really disappointed when they all died, but "live and learn", right? LOL! Off he went to Lowe's yesterday morning to buy some pepper plants. Sort of defeats the purpose of our little "living off the land" experiment!

'Til next time,

Mary

April Showers ...

2010-04-19T10:32:00.000-07:00

...usually bring May flowers, but we've had so very little rain this month! We've been watering the vegetable garden with tap water from the garden hose, but rainwater produces the best results. We have two barrels located under the gutters to catch the rain and use it to water the potted plants on the porch and whatever else we can before it runs out, and it really does make a difference!

If the corn we planted this year is going to grow "as high as an elephant's eye," I think we are going to have to bite the bullet and buy some soaker hoses!

Til next time,

Mary

I worry too much...

2010-04-16T09:18:00.001-07:00

Wish me Luck!

2010-04-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow morning, bright and early, I take my Certification test for Medical Insurance Specialist. To date, all my study of courses in the medical field have seemed so alien. It is an entirely different field from what I have done in the past 35 years of my "career." My inner self is totally conflicted between continuing this endeavor and getting a paying job and wanting to pursue something that is fun and exciting. Which, to me, the medical field really isn't. Lucky, lucky people who have a job that they not only love, but provides a good living. Well off to study, and as I said, wish me luck ~ Please?!!!

'Til next time,

Mary

A Spring/Summer Blog Makeover

2010-04-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Y'all! I'm so excited to report that Spring is in full bloom here in South Carolina, and as is often the case, our weather transitions to Summer very quickly. I decided to give my blog a seasonal makeover, using photos from our gardening endeavors. We are so lucky to find something new and surprising pop up every year, since the previous owners of our home were very avid gardeners. The property set vacant for several years before being sold, and the gardens did languish. But each year we add more Miracle Grow, and Shazam, something is rejuvenated. This year I found more crocus and some red tulips so far. The only thing I'm not happy to see is Wisteria. While it IS beautiful and smells really lovely, it is very invasive in this part of the country.

We recently started planting our vegetable garden ~ corn, sugar-snap peas, zuchinni, crooked necked squash, and tomatoes, as well as two trays of seed starts of vegetables and flowers which have just started to sprout. I'm really looking forward to a fun-filled gardening year of more surprises ~ including the surprise that I DO have somewhat of a green thumb! LOL!

'Til next time,

Mary

A Joyous & Blessed Easter to All

2010-04-04T13:09:00.001-07:00

As heard on "Huckabee"

2010-03-31T09:23:00.000-07:00

...a commentary on the government's current opinion of the economy:

"If the economy is 'going swimmingly well,' there must be a lot of people swimming in a different body of water."

I like how Huckabee tells it like it is!

What's Blooming in South Carolina Now...

2010-03-28T13:58:00.000-07:00

In the 4 years we've lived here, we've never had a nice bloom of the saucer magnolia trees, until this year! Seems like our weather, just before Spring actually hits, warms up enough for these trees to start their cycle of bloom and then along comes a frost which ruins the blooms. But we were so lucky this year to witness the spectacular bloom!

The ornamental pear trees are blooming at the same time, and providing a lovely foil background for the tulip shaped flowers of the saucer magnolia...

...just the loveliest shade of pink...

Of course the daffodils have poked their sleepy heads up to welcome Spring! Nothing says Springtime and sunshine like daffodils!

I should have taken some closeups of the double ruffled variety ~ they are beauties.

We are so looking forward to our huge vegetable garden this year. Yesterday we ordered seeds to start in a cold frame. I do hope the Sweet Annie seeds gifted to me from my KSGP Sista will grow! And I'm really excited to try and grow some Hops vine again on all the fence we have.

'Til next time,

Mary

Obamacare ~ An Issue I feel very strongly about

2010-03-19T15:46:00.001-07:00

If you are against government run health care, sign the Petition here:

http://novemberiscoming.com/

which states...

Dear Member of Congress:

Your vote isn't the only one that counts. November is coming and you can't hide from the voters. Corrupt backroom deals are driving a government takeover of our health care, and I don't like it. If you vote YES on the health care bill, I will vote NO on you in the next election.

You can also visit Sara Palin's Wall on Facebook (link is here: http://www.facebook.com/sarahpalin?ref=nf&v=wall#!/sarahpalin?v=wall&ref=nf)

"America – Be Heard or Brace for “Transformation”
Please stay involved throughout the weekend on the Obamacare debate. There will be another very important rally in D.C. at noon on Saturday. If you are anywhere near the Beltway or can travel there this weekend, I urge you to participate. Jon Voight and Rep..."

She is urging that if you are anywhere near DC at Noon this Saturday, to participate in an important rally to be held there. I hope enough people are starting to get angry enough to launch a protest as serious as some others over the course of our history, (protests against the Vietnam War comes to mind).

God help us and bless us and the United States of America.

Current U.S. Government 2010

2010-03-16T05:01:00.000-07:00

My Dad sent this to me in an email. When you were younger, do you remember your grandparents talking about the State of Affairs ~ it was all doom and gloom, and hand wringing. You probably didn't take any of this seriously. I don't know if it's because I am now 50-something, but stark realization has finally sunk in that they were trying to warn us of what was coming. And, here it is:

What the hell happened - 545 people vs 300 million people

This is about as clear and easy to understand as it can be - read it!!
The article below is completely neutral, ...not anti-republican or democrat.

Charlie Reese, a retired reporter for the Orlando Sentinal has hit the nail directly on the head, defining clearly who it is that in the final analysis must
assume responsibility for the judgements made that impact each one of us every day.

It's a short but good read. Worth the time. Worth remembering!

545 vs. 300,000,000

EVERY CITIZEN NEEDS TO READ THIS AND THINK ABOUT WHAT THIS JOURNALIST HAS SCRIPTED IN THIS MESSAGE. READ IT AND THEN REALLY THINK ABOUT OUR CURRENT POLITICAL DEBACLE.

Charley Reese has been a journalist for 49 years. 545 PEOPLE--By Charlie Reese

Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them..

Have you ever wondered, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?

Have you ever wondered, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?

You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does.

You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.

You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.

You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.

You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices equates to 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.

I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.

I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.

Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.

What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits..... The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.

The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House? Nancy Pelosi. She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.

It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million can not replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.

If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.

If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red ..

If the Army & Marines are in IRAQ, it's because they want them in IRAQ.

If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.

There are no insoluble government problems.

Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.

Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.

They, and they alone, have the power..

They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses.

Provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees...

We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!

Charlie Reese is a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper.

What you do with this article now that you have read it........ Is up to you.
This might be funny if it weren't so darned true.
Be sure to read all the way to the end:

Tax his land,
Tax his bed,
Tax the table,
At which he's fed.

Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes
Are the rule.
Tax his work,
Tax his pay,
He works for peanuts
Anyway!

Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.

Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.

Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he
Tries to think..

Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries
Tax his tears.

Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways
To tax his ass.

Tax all he has
Then let him know
That you won't be done
Till he has no dough.

When he screams and hollers;
Then tax him some more,
Tax him till
He's good and sore.
Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in
Which he's laid...

Put these words
Upon his tomb,
Taxes drove me
to my doom...'

When he's gone,
Do not relax,
Its time to apply
The inheritance tax..
Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge Tax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
Sales Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service FeeTax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Nonrecurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax
STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY? Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, & our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.

What in the hell happened? Can you spell 'politicians?'

I hope this goes around THE USA at least 100 times!!! YOU can help it get there!!!
GO AHEAD - - - BE AN AMERICAN!!!

'Til next time,

Sweet Sister Sara's Giveaway!

2010-03-11T09:13:00.001-08:00

One of the sweetest and very talented sisters of the group to which I belong, Kindred Sisters Gathering Post, is having a giveaway to celebrate reaching ONE HUNDRED, yes, you read that right ~ 100 ~ followers of her Sweet Magnolia's Farm blog! So pop on over (the link is below), and enter to win the gorgeous seed ditty bag with paper rose you see in the photos above!

SWEET MAGNOLIAS FARM BLOG

Til next time,

Mary

Spring IS coming...

2010-03-10T08:13:00.000-08:00

..I saw more crocus popping up in the back garden a few days ago, and our weather was in the 70's over the weekend. We're going to have rain for a few days now, and soon after, I hope to see the daffodils blooming! And it won't be long before the roses need pruning to start blooming anew.

Take heart, Spring IS coming!

Free Primitive Easter Hang Tags

2010-03-09T08:13:00.000-08:00

Just click on the image to open a new window, right click on the image and save to your computer! Print out on 110 lb. cardstock, and use as is, or embellish them with ribbon, glitter, buttons, or whatever else you can imagine!

I created and sold these last year on eBay, but with the fees rising higher and higher, it's just not worth all the time and effort to list there anymore. I guess this is the same conclusion reached by a lot of the primitive handmade artists. Unfortunately, there is not nearly the amount of primitive, handmade items available on eBay these days. Everyone has either moved to Etsy or the other private websites springing up everywhere ~ Just so you know where to look these days. Our group, Kindred Sisters Gathering Post has their own website (see the link at the top right column of my blog here), as do many others such as The Primitive Gathering, To Dwell in Primitive Times, Whispered Secrets of a Primitive Past, Primitive Folk Art Talk & Tea (PFATT), just to name a few that I'm aware of. You may also find your favorite primitive artists selling their items on an extended selling page of their personal blogs. Just google their names, and I'll bet you find them!

Happy creating to you!

'Til next time,

Mary

Hippitty Hop Hop...Easter's on it's way!

2010-03-08T05:29:00.000-08:00

(Click on image to enlarge)
From my Atlanta sister, (known on eBay as "Kindred Spirits Mercantile"), comes this adorable bunny rabbit egg make-do, executed in punch needle. It is based on a rug punch design by Leah Smith. You can see additional close up detail photos by visiting the eBay listing for this unique piece at the link below:

KINDRED SPIRITS MERCANTILE
'Til next time,

Mary

Another new punch needle...

2010-03-06T07:46:00.000-08:00

(click on image to enlarge)
...from baby sister in Virginia, on eBay now. A very unique, one-of-a-kind piece!

She enlarged the Country Stitches pattern in order to mount the bird on a vintage glass bottle. My Dad was a vintage bottle AND old books collector, and I have always loved to collect them too, which is why I love how she assembled this piece!

She uses some of her antique buttons ~ a china calico for the bird's eye, and several wired as an embellishment around the bottle. China calicoes are some of the oldest buttons still able to be found, dating back to the 1840's, and are one of my favorite antique buttons to collect. AND, she's giving up more of her antique toilet pins (stuck in the top of the bird's head). All reasons why this piece is "sew dear" to my heart!

To see more detail photos, you can click on the link below to visit her eBay here:

MAGPIE1217
Til next time,

Mary

New Easter Punch Needle from My Sisters!

2010-03-02T06:59:00.001-08:00

I've been remiss in "plugging" my two sisters' punch needle listings of late on eBay. Bad Sister! They've been doing really well with their Easter themed pieces, and I think you'll agree, the designs they are choosing to punch are so very appealing! Take a peek below ~ I've included a link to their eBay auctions so that you can take a closer look if you'd like!

First, from my sister Claire in Atlanta (Kindred Sisters Mercantile), she has a Rooster piece listed this week that I just love...

...And a set of 3 Chicks that are just adorable...

You can see them both here:

http://shop.ebay.com/kindredspiritsmercantile/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25

And from my baby Sister, Peg, in Virginia, she has the sweetest bunny pinkeep, as well as a bunny riding a rooster table mat, both designed by Brenda Gervais of With Thy Needle & Thread (I just love, love, love all of her designs ~ they are truly one of a kind)...

You can see these in more detail here:

http://shop.ebay.com/magpie1217/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25

Thanks for visiting today!

'Til next time,

Mary

Welcome SPRING!

2010-02-28T16:02:00.000-08:00

There are sure signs that Spring is just around the corner ~ Joe Biden gave a news conference last week with ashes on his forehead (marking the advent of the Easter season on Ash Wednesday), AND, I just spotted the crocuses coming up in the back yard today!

Spring, a time for new beginnings...It's keeping me hopeful about the new career change I have been pursuing. I just finished my first classroom class, "Medical Physician Practice Clerk", with the final week spent doing "clinicals" as they call it. It's also called an internship or externship, but involved working for free at a medical practice. My work hours were 9-5, with an hour for lunch ~ a pretty easy schedule compared to my previous career which involved many a 14 hour day, often 7 days a week. It was a nice, newer facility, located about 5 minutes from my house. All the hardworking, dedicated ladies that worked there were very nice to me, and the week flew by.

Traveler's Rest Family Medicine participates in the internship program as part of Greenville Hospital System, who has a lot of input with Greenville Tech on this medical program I am taking. Up next is my Certified Medical Office Manager class which starts on March 15th...and a ton more on-line classes I have yet to finish. I should be done by July of this year.

Other goings on? We're working on stocking up on next year's firewood. Last weekend was so mild and sunny that hubby and I split,(actually hubby did all the axe swinging), and stacked a ton of wood! Between trees our neighbor is taking down this year and some other good contacts, we are finding good hardwood for the wood stove for free!

Changes are in the wind for hubby right now too. He is presently agonizing over another job change in an effort to climb his way back toward what he was making before this crummy economic crisis grabbed us all by the throat. Thinking positive thoughts that whatever happens, it will be for the best!

'Til next time,

Mary

New St. Patrick's Day items at Kindred Sisters Shoppe

2010-02-13T11:24:00.001-08:00

I've managed to add a few new items for your St. Paddy's primitive decor...

Just click on the "Kindred Sisters" image at the top of the column to your right to visit our web site and see these items in more detail!

Thanks in advance for peeking!

'Til next time,

Mary

Spread the love...

2010-02-09T14:45:00.000-08:00

I've left several hints over the past few days for the heart shaped Russell Stover box of Valentine's Day candy...What are you hoping for? What girl could pass up the opportunity to get some CHOCOLATE! LOL!

Kindred Sisters January Giveaway!

2010-01-06T10:42:00.001-08:00

To ENTER, click on the banner link below...

Donated by Susie Dele, a member of the Kindred Sisters Gathering Post's group of artists, Susie specializes in all kinds of unique, one-of-a-kind creations constructed mainly with wools ~ each one a perfect treasure! Hurry on over to leave a comment and enter the giveaway today! Good luck!

'Til next time,

Mary

New Valentine Creations!

2010-01-05T12:27:00.000-08:00

The gals over at Kindred Sisters have launched their Valentine creations over at the web site! If you are a lover of the color red, you won't want to miss the chance to score some really unique handcrafted pieces for your Valentine decor! There is a wide variety of items available, representing each of our artist's favorite mediums in which to work, from quilted pieces to quite unusual primitive dolls, as well as one-of-a-kinds you'll not find anywhere else! Here's just a sneak peak at some of them...

Look to your right for the link to the web site where you will find these and many more new and unique items to surround yourself with and help you feel "the love" this Valentine's Day!

'Til next time,

Mary

Staying Cozy Through a Cold Snap

2010-01-02T18:06:00.000-08:00

Here in South Carolina, the winters are usually pretty mild. This winter, however, just over the past couple of days, it feels like we're in a "deep freeze." It's 24 degrees this evening! The weatherman says with the wind chill it feels like 15 degrees. It will drop to 18 degrees overnight. Sure hope this doesn't last long.

The week before Christmas, Mr. Sew Dear got a wild hair and decided that we were going to heat with wood. Off he went on a hunt, calling folks who had advertised on Craig's list and in the local pennysaver. He came home with a "Black Bart," an older wood stove that he inserted into the fireplace opening. It came with the original manual and instructions on how to build a sheet metal vent to attach to the top opening of the stove and angle it back to draft the smoke up the flue. He bent the sheet metal himself and screwed it all together, sealing it with furnace cement. Yes, it's nice to have such a handy man.

Over the holidays it was quite pleasant burning wood. The wood stove has removable doors and you can place a barrel type screen into the opening and enjoy the visual coziness of a fire burning. However, when Mr. Sew Dear returned to work after the holidays, it became my job to keep the home fires burning. The first couple of days I struggled, I swore, (yes, I did), and was pretty frustrated having to build the fire from scratch. I went through almost all of the kindling and 8 pieces of fat light, and by noon, the temperature in the house was still only about 66 degrees. Every evening the Dear one gleefully would get the temp up to 70, then 72, and at one point a balmy 76 degrees! When he came home that first night, I confessed to being a miserable failure as the keeper of the wood stove. Not only was I unable to get the temperature up, but it stubbornly smoked on me as well. I told myself it was because there was hardly a wind that day and the fireplace wasn't drafting well. Maybe...maybe not.

Since then we've been experimenting, tweaking, and adjusting, (doors open vs. doors closed; smaller spit wood vs. huge pieces, and etcetera). My sweetest sets the alarm clock for 2:30 a.m., gets up and feeds the wood stove so that I don't have to start building a new fire in the morning when he heads off to work. Yes, he's committed to this venture! Earlier this week I hated to head off to the grocery store, terrified that driving down my street on the way home I'd see my home, from the top of the hill, all ablaze, having to rescue my little doggies. Yes, it's a constant chore feeding Black Bart. With every passing day I become more and more manic-obsessive as I watch the temperature rise and fall. That first week I was loading up the wheel barrow at the wood shed at least 2 times a day, hauling wood into the house. It's a dirty job, and anyone who really knows me, knows I don't like being dirty. But mostly I'm afraid to get sidetracked doing something else, lest I totally forget about Black Bart, the fire goes out, and I have to invest half a day getting it started again! Can you tell I'm less than enthused about this method of heating? When I was growing up, my parents supplemented the heat in the house with a wood stove. My Mom told me that she wasn't very good at tending the fire either. Maybe it's genetic.

Are we saving money? I'd have to say I'm not convinced. But we'll have to see what the power bill looks like when the next one comes in. With this cold snap, I do know that the floors are so cold we've become worried about pipes freezing, so for now, we're leaving the faucets on a slow drip overnight. Sheesh, I thought I left all these kinds of worries behind when I moved from upstate New York to the sunny South!

'Til next time,

Mary

Sharing our Christmas

2009-12-29T10:38:00.001-08:00

(Clicking on the photos will open a new window with the larger image)
As you can imagine, with the economic crisis we are all suffering through, we had a pretty simple Christmas. Our gift to ourselves was indulging in a real frasier fir Christmas tree this year. An unexpected Christmas bonus, however, allowed Mr. Sew Dear to shop around and find us a wood stove insert which we have really been wanting for our fireplace! So we surrounded ourselves in old familiar Christmas decor collected over the years ~ years when we had money and found some great, unusual things in our travels up and down the Eastern seaboard. And cherished handmade ornaments collected over the years from friends and family members, which we gleefully examine and exclaim over when placing them on the tree, Christmas music in the background adding much joy to the occasion!

The smell of a real tree is so wonderful!

I have a Christmas doll collection, from cherished friends, that I love...

...And many handcrafted items made for me over the years by my sisters ~ including these Santa dolls and tulle winged girl reindeer from my Atlanta sister, and gorgeous punch needle pieces from my Virginia sis.

I have many wreaths bedecking the outdoors and indoors ~ the birch paper covered base one I created several years ago...

A long admirer of the needle arts, I have pieces done by me from several years ago that I am very proud of. My New York sister is an expert cross stitcher, having completed a great number of pieces on linen ~ 28 count and/or 32 count, which I find just amazing. She helped and encouraged me with the 2 next pieces below, which are around 20 years old.

These other pieces I found on eBay in the last several years...

I would like to make a primitive little mouse, all dressed up, to sit next to this really cute cross stitched piece! One of these days...

The fireplace is decorated with greens, lights, red and white velvet flowers, berries, and my collection of blown glass birds. Above is a Christmas German die cut that I searched high and low for on eBay and had it framed because I had seen it in Lynnette Jensen's (Thimbleberries) Christmas book, and just had to have one!

To the left of the fireplace is where we hung the hand painted Santa this year. It's 4' tall, and we used to hang it outside. It's difficult to hang it on the vinyl siding and was getting warped, so we decided to bring Santa inside this year.

Now for the vintage stuff...

My kitchen is decorated with some old feedsacks that say "Holly Sugar" on them ~ the large one, and then some smaller ones in the old wire egg basket...

This is one of my favorite vintage pieces ~ paper mache over soup cans for a yule log!

One of my favorite eBay sellers, "izzybs" did these, but she hasn't been selling anymore for over a year. She's a wonderful primitive artist!

I have two manger sets, one more rustic with all white porcelain pieces of shepherds, Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, but I do love my Jim Shore set!

We had it in a lighted curio cabinet last year, but sold it over the summer at our yard sale, so I had to improvise where to put it this year. It ended up in the sunroom on Mr. Sew Dear's drafting table, covered with brown kraft paper.

There's sooo much more that I didn't get done. Time always seems to run out on me. I am starting to understand why my Mom only wants to do the little 2' fiber optic twirling tree anymore! :) This week it will be time to pack it up in the plastic tubs and haul all those wonderful memories back up to the attic for another year.

Even though we didn't get each other any gifts this year, when Mr. Sew Dear told me I looked beautiful in the the glow of the Christmas lights, that was more than enough for me! Looking forward to better times in the New Year for all of us!

'Til next time,

Mary

A Very Merry Christmas to One and All!

2009-12-25T17:07:00.001-08:00

Tis the Season!

2009-12-04T13:43:00.000-08:00

Feel the peacefulness, childlike wonder, and whimsy exhibited in the unique goodes, all handmade with the finest craftmanship by the primitive artists of Kindred Sisters Gathering Post. Below are just a few of the examples being offered on eBay right now. Just type "KSGP" in your eBay search menu to bring up 34 (at last count), items being offered this week! You definitely don't want to miss this ~ the holiday season is upon us and goes by in a flash. You will surely find many one-of-a-kind items, perfect for that hard-to-buy-for friend, relative or loved one!

'Til next time,

Mary

New Gorgeous Holiday Punch Needle Pieces from my Sisters!

2009-11-30T07:33:00.001-08:00

My two sisters who sell their finished punch needle on eBay have finally finished some new holiday pieces! This one is going to be MY Christmas present, if it doesn't sell. I don't think there's much of a chance of that happening, but this Santa said he wanted to come and live at my house! hee hee..

(Click on to enlarge)
She has another Santa piece listed as well. Here's the link:

Magpie1217

My other sis has punched up this wonderful vintage style snowman piece called "Moonlight Skate"...

(Click on to enlarge)
These are both Brenda Gervais designs, who has just THE BEST primitive and folk art style designs around! They are a bit pricey at around $12.00 apiece for the pattern, and then the shipping cost, but well worth it in my opinion.

You can find Moonlight Skate here:

Kindred Spirits Mercantile

Once you get there, you will want to click on "See Other Items", under "Seller Info" on the top right hand side of the listing! She has two other listings for punch needle birds mounted on small wooden candlesticks as make-do's. I think my favorite is the cardinal, but that goldfinch would look beautiful in my blue and yellow living room (hint~hint).

Well, gotta get moving and get back to work on getting the Christmas decorations done. I think we will hang ornaments on the tree tonight! I always say we are going to get done early because the season flies by way too fast for me. Christmas is our favorite holiday of the year!

'Til next time,

Mary

KSGP on eBay this Week

2009-11-23T13:30:00.001-08:00

Here's a peek at just a few of the new items the KSGP sisters have listed for you on eBay this week. Find the link to the KSGP auctions in the column to your right, (about halfway down the page), OR sign in to your eBay and type "KSGP" in the eBay search menu!

I'm going to be going away, tomorrow I think, to travel to Atlanta for the Thanksgiving holiday with my family. Nothing makes you feel more grateful than to spend this time of year with those nearest and dear to you ~ family. I'm grateful to still have my parents at 82 and 83 years of age. So many have already had to say goodbye. Even though this has been a tough year economically for us, I am grateful for what we do have and for the Lord's continued blessings every day. Wishing you and yours a blessed holiday season as well.

Til next time,

Mary

Now on eBay ~ Chipboard Christmas Tree Ornaments

2009-11-11T13:34:00.001-08:00

Working with vintage postcard and trade card images, I created these chipboard Christmas Tree Ornaments. Starting with scroll shaped chipboard from K & Company's Urban Rhapsody Naked Chipboard Tags, and a kit from Crafty Secrets (love the ink stamps!), I layered images and elements in an altered art/mixed media manner, providing lots of twinkle with Rangers' "Stickles", (a glitter glue), textured snow, flocking from Martha Stewart, mica flakes, and German glass glitter. I even gave up a few of my vintage buttons to provide a little extra special embellishment.

These are all on eBay this week ~ the link to my auctions can be found in the column to your right.

Thanks for visiting!

'Til next time,

Mary

The Letter Everyone is Talking About...

2009-11-10T08:16:00.000-08:00

The following letter read on Glenn Beck's show, is rapidly circulating around the country. Americans everywhere identify with this 53-year-old woman. She has given us a voice. Once you read this, you will want to forward it to all of your friends...

GLENN BECK: I got a letter from a woman in Arizona . She writes an open letter to our nation's leadership:

"I am a home grown American citizen, 53, registered Democrat all my life. Before the last presidential election I registered as a Republican because I no longer felt the Democratic Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. Now I no longer feel the Republican Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. The fact is I no longer feel any political party or representative in Washington represents my views or works to pursue the issues important to me. Instead, we are burdened with Congressional Dukes and Duchesses who think they know better than the citizens they are supposed to represent.

There must be someone. Please tell me who you are. Please stand up and tell me that you are there and that you're willing to fight for our Constitution as it was written. Please stand up now. You might ask yourself what my views and issues are that I would feel so horribly disenfranchised by both major political parties. What kind of nut-job am I? Well, these briefly are the views and issues for which I seek representation:

One, illegal immigration. I want you to stop coddling illegal immigrants and secure our borders. Close the underground tunnels. Stop the violence and the trafficking in drugs and people. No amnesty, not again. Been there, done that, no resolution. P.S., I'm not a racist. This is not to be confused with legal immigration.

Two, the STIMULUS bill. I want it repealed and I want no further funding supplied to it. We told you No, but you did it anyway. I want the remaining unfunded 95% repealed. Freeze, repeal.

Three: Czars. I want the circumvention of our constitutional checks and balances stopped immediately. Fire the czars. No more czars. Government officials answer to the process, not to the president. Stop trampling on our Constitution, and honor it.

Four, cap and trade. The debate on global warming is not over. There are many conflicting opinions and it is too soon for this radical legislation. Quit throwing our nation into politically-correct quicksand.

Five, universal healthcare. I will not be rushed into another expensive decision that will burden me, my children, and grandchildren. Don't you dare try to pass this in the middle of the night without even reading it. Slow down! Fix only what is broken -- we have the best health care system in the world -- and test any new program in one or two states first.

Six, growing government control. I want states rights and sovereignty fully restored. I want less government in my life, not more. More is not better! Shrink it down. Mind your own business. You have enough to take care of with your real [Constitutional] obligations. Why don't you start there.

Seven, ACORN. I do not want ACORN and its affiliates in charge of our 2010 census. I want them investigated. I also do not want mandatory escrow fees contributed to them every time on every real estate deal that closes -- how did they pull that one off? Stop the funding to ACORN and its affiliates pending impartial audits and investigations. I do not trust them with taking the census with our taxpayer money. I don't trust them with any of our taxpayer money. Face up to the allegations against them and get it resolved before taxpayers get any more involved with them. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, hello. Stop protecting your political buddies. You work for us, the people. Investigate.

Eight, redistribution of wealth. No, no, no. I work for my money. It is mine. I have always worked for people with more money than I have because they gave me jobs -- and that is the only redistribution of wealth that I will support. I never got a job from a poor person! Why do you want me to hate my employers? And what do you have against shareholders making a profit?

Nine, charitable contributions. Although I never got a job from a poor person, I have helped many in need. Charity belongs in our local communities, where we know our needs best and can use our local talent and our local resources. Butt out, please. We want to do it ourselves.

Ten, corporate bailouts. Knock it off. Every company must sink or swim like the rest of us. If there are hard times ahead, we'll be better off just getting into it and letting the strong survive. Quick and painful. (Have you ever ripped off a Band-Aid?) We will pull together. Great things happen in America under great hardship. Give us the chance to innovate. We cannot disappoint you more than you have disappointed us.

Eleven, transparency and accountability. How about it? No, really, how about it? Let's have it. Let's say we give the buzzwords a rest and have some straight honest talk. Please stop trying to manipulate and appease me with clever wording. I am not the idiot you obviously take me for. Stop sneaking around and meeting in back rooms making deals with your friends. It will only be a prelude to your criminal investigation. Stop hiding things from me.

Twelve, unprecedented quick spending. Stop it now. Take a breath. Listen to the people. Slow down and get some input from nonpoliticians and experts on the subject. Stop making everything an emergency. Stop speed-reading our bills into law. I am not an activist. I am not a community organizer. Nor am I a terrorist, a militant or a violent person. I am a parent and a grandparent. I work. I'm busy. I am busy, and I am tired. I thought we elected competent people to take care of the business of government so that we could work, raise our families, pay our bills, have a little recreation, complain about taxes, endure our hardships, pursue our personal goals, cut our lawn, wash our cars on the weekends and be responsible contributing members of society and teach our children to be the same all while living in
the home of the free and land of the brave.

I entrusted you with upholding the Constitution. I believed in the checks and balances to keep from getting far off course. What happened? You are very far off course. Do you really think I find humor in the hiring of a speed reader to unintelligently ramble all through a bill that you signed into law without knowing what it contained? I do not. It is a mockery of the responsibility I have entrusted to you. It is a slap in the face. I am not laughing at your arrogance. Why is it that I feel as if you would not trust me to make a single decision about my own life and how I would live it but you should expect that I should trust you with the debt that you have laid on all of us and our children. We did not want the TARP bill. We said no. We would repeal it if we could. I am sure that we still cannot. There is needless urgency and recklessness in all of your recent spending of our tax dollars.

From my perspective, it seems that all of you have gone insane. I also know that I am far from alone in these feelings. Do you honestly feel that your current pursuits have merit to patriotic Americans? We want it to stop. We want to put the brakes on everything that is being rushed by us and forced upon us. We want our voice back. You have forced us to put our lives on hold to straighten out the mess that you are making. We will have to give up our vacations, our time spent with our children, any relaxation time we may have had and money we cannot afford to spend on bringing our concerns to Washington . Our president often knows all the right buzzwords like unsustainable. Well, no kidding. How many tens of thousands of dollars did the focus group cost to come up with that word? We don't want your overpriced words. Stop treating us like we're morons.

We want all of you to stop focusing on your reelection and do the job we want done, not the job you want done or the job your party wants done. You work for us and at this rate I guarantee you not for long because we are coming. We will be heard and we will be represented.. You think we're so busy with our lives that we will never come for you? We are the formerly silent majority, all of us who quietly work, pay taxes, obey the law, vote, save money, keep our noses to the grindstone... and we are now looking at you. You have awakened us, the patriotic freedom spirit so strong and so powerful that it had been sleeping too long. You have pushed us too far. Our numbers are great. They may surprise you. For every one of us who will be there, there will be hundreds more that could not come. Unlike you, we have their trust. We will represent them honestly, rest assured. They will be at the polls on voting day to usher you out of office.

We have cancelled vacations. We will use our last few dollars saved. We will find the representation among us and a grassroots campaign will flourish. We didn't ask for this fight. But the gloves are coming off. We do not come in violence, but we are angry. You will represent us or you will be replaced with someone who will. There are candidates among us who will rise like a Phoenix from the ashes that you have made of our constitution.

Democrat, Republican, independent, libertarian. Understand this. We don't care. Political parties are meaningless to us Patriotic Americans are willing to do right by us and our Constitution, and that is all that matters to us now. We are going to fire all of you who abuse power and seek more. It is not your power. It is ours and we want it back. We entrusted you with it and you abused it. You are dishonorable. You are dishonest. As Americans we are ashamed of you. You have brought shame to us. If you are not representing the wants and needs of your constituency loudly and consistently, in spite of the objections of your party, you will be fired. Did you hear? We no longer care about your political parties. You need to be loyal to us, not to them.. Because we will get you fired and they will not save you.

If you do or can represent me, my issues, my views, please stand up. Make your identity known. You need to make some noise about it. Speak up. I need to know who you are. If you do not speak up, you will be herded out with the rest of the sheep and we will replace the whole damn congress if need be one by one. We are coming. Are we coming for you? Who do you represent? What do you represent? Listen. Because we are coming. We the people are coming."

Now I don't know about you, but that pretty much sums it up for me, and I totally concur. She only left out one thing ~ Git your nose out of our religion, and quit subsidizing and enabling abortion, which is against the religious beliefs of many of us.

'Til next time,

Mary

Honeydo's and Sweat Equity

2009-11-07T17:43:00.000-08:00

I'm so lucky to have a "handy" man! We've only been in our house for 2 1/2 years, but hubby has tackled so many home improvement projects in that short amount of time. Last weekend it was digging up a modest garden plot measuring 50 x 30 feet. Although he had use of a mini excavator, it was a whole days' worth of work!

Today's project was one he'd been wanting to tackle for awhile now ~ a sidewalk from the driveway to the front porch. He called on me for assistance for the layout, and we tried several different designs before agreeing on how it should line up with the front door, the inside and outside radius, and the width. Once decided, he started digging with a pick and shovel, getting nowhere fast. He called in reinforcements (a couple of guys from his concrete crew) and they knocked it out in a couple of hours. The forms now have to be set to get ready for concrete, which we hope to pour next weekend.

Yup, I'm a very lucky girl!

'Til next time,

Mary

2009-11-02T10:27:00.000-08:00

Wonderful news! Our Kindred Sisters Gathering Post group has welcomed another two new members, Cindi Conrad from "The Pixie's Thimble", and Susan Babich of "Cozy Little Quilts." We are thrilled to have you both with us!

With Christmas fast approaching, all the Kindred Sister elves are busily toiling away in their workshops, to bring you the most unique handcrafted Christmas items for your primitive holiday decorating. The graphics for our web site have been switched out to a more seasonal Winter Wonderland, and the theme of the items being offered beginning November 1st is "A Kindred Christmas." For the first week of November, we have focused on providing you with a unique variety of Ornaments. But do check back routinely ~ we change our inventory out often to keep your shopping experience fresh and exciting! Here is just a sneak peek of what is available now:

To visit today, just click on the link in the column to your right.

Thanks for visiting The Sisters!

'Til next time,

Mary

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-30T06:47:00.000-07:00

BOO to you!

2009-10-20T11:36:00.000-07:00

(Click image on to enlarge)
Are you getting ready for Halloween? Found some good deals on candy for the kiddies? Costumes rounded up and ready to go? I told hubby I'd like a pumpkin, but I saw them at the local grocery store last week for $15.00, and I wasn't about to pay that! He was looking at one of my magazines and came up with a great idea to light up a pumpkin for the front porch. So while he was at the grocery store this weekend he picked up a pumpkin for $3 and some change (they must have had the wrong pricing signs up earlier). Now he's all excited about his special project! LOL! Love the cooler, crisp air we are enjoying in the evenings now. In a little more than a week they say it's the optimum time for "leaf peeping" (or "leaf peeking" as hubby likes to call it), in the South Carolina upstate.

Today I was playing with glitter. Black glitter to be exact. I created the "Boo" banner pictured above. I'm not real happy with the glue I used, although "they" say it's the best for adhering glitter. But it was fun to create something for the season to dress up our mantel for the next couple of weeks. I think hubby's inner child is going to like it! : )

Want to make one of your own? Visit The Graphics Fairy to download the graphics here:

http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/2009/09/halloween-project-and-printable-boo.html

'Til next time,

Mary

NEW Artists at the KSGP Shoppe!

2009-10-16T05:17:00.000-07:00

Me and my other "Kindred Sisters" are pleased to announce the addition of three new vendor artists to the KSGP Shoppe!

Won't you join us in extending a big warm welcome to Annie of blur.baby - Glitter Your World (a/k/a Allegheny Annie's), Sam Johnson of Gollywobbles, and Susie Dele. We are thrilled and honored to have you with us!

Annie and Sam have their Shoppe open now ~ here's a preview for you (click on the images to enlarge) ...

...and Susie? Coming Soon! You will not want to miss, among other things, the amazing creations she dreams up using new and recycled wools, executed with impeccable sewing skills and lovely details.

With mid-month rolling around, our artists are changing up their inventory for our themed "A Thankful Gathering" array of offerings. We may have some stragglers, so be sure to visit often before November 1st! Beginning November 1st, the Shoppe will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland of new items for your holiday decorating pleasure, so don't forget to Bookmark us.

To visit NOW, just click on the KSGP Shoppe Button at the very top right hand column of this page.

If you are an artist interested in selling your hand made items on the Kindred Sisters Gathering Post Web Site, please visit the link below for further details:

'Til next time,

~*Mary*~

If you haven't had a chance to visit...

2009-10-09T05:42:00.001-07:00

Please stop on by http://kindredsisterssellingblog.blogspot.com/

Whether you're looking for some last minute finishing decor touches to your primitive Halloween or Fall displays, OR if you are a seller, we have information available now on how to join the Kindred Sisters Gathering Post Shoppe!

Here's just a small sample of some of the wonderful handmade creations our artists have available now!

From Aunt Reen's Soap Closet

But not only do we have primitive "Halloween" or "Fall" items. Check out the great variety of unique handmade primitive creations currently for sale at the Kindred Sisters Gathering Shoppe!

'Til next time,

Mary

Garden Volunteers

2009-10-07T09:04:00.001-07:00

(Click on photos to enlarge)
This spring I got a late start in the garden, and then I ended up not really planting all that I had wanted to. Much less than the year before. Fortunately some garden volunteers visited, providing some lovely late season blooms for our enjoyment.

I'm referring to these pink and white Cosmos! It seemed like it was going to take forever for them to bloom ~ and, I'd hoped, before our first frost. We were finally rewarded! There was an even taller one, almost reaching the eaves of the house, but the last round of heavy rainstorms that passed through South Carolina snapped the stalk off. I should have tied it off higher up the plant.

There were a few Zinnia volunteers as well, but they were nowhere near as prolific as these Cosmos. Wonder if they'll return next year?

'Til next time,

Mary

KSGP October Give Away!

2009-09-29T17:06:00.000-07:00

(Click on image to enlarge)
My primitives group, Kindred Sisters Gathering Post (KSGP) has just announced their October Give Away!

This month's Give Away is being offered by Kelly of Mystical Entities ~ A set of wonderfully whimsical and primitive witch bowl fillers, a sweet treat for you this Halloween!

Just sign up to receive the KSGP Mailing List (you will find the blog link in the column to your right under "Favorite Blog Snippets"), and you will be entered into our drawing. If you are already on our mailing list, consider yourself already entered. If you would like an additional entry to WIN, just post the above photo on your blog sidebar, link it back to the KSGP Blog, leave us a comment that you have done so, and we will enter your name a second time. The lucky winner will be chosen on October 15th. You'll receive your primitive witch bowl fillers in plenty of time to add to your Halloween celebration decor!

Til next time,

Mary

More Favorite Fall things...

2009-09-24T13:01:00.001-07:00

(click on image to enlarge)
No, not the mums. For some reason, mums don't do too well here in the south. After you've enjoyed them for a lovely seasonal display, you can plant them in the ground. However, the following summer they grow really leggy. I guess cutting them back at an optimum predetermined date might get you a good show the following season, but I've never been able to figure that out.

No, it's the olde blue wooden ice cream bucket I chose to put these in for the front porch. It's a "Maid of Honor" old, hand crank job for making homemade ice cream. I haven't been able to determine the era this is from, although I spotted a few on eBay recently. Love that blue color!

Stay tuned, I have a few more favorites I'd like to show you!

My Favorite Fall Things!

2009-09-21T15:33:00.001-07:00

(Click on Photo to Enlarge)
Good Monday! Hello all. I have been seriously remiss in attending to my blog of late. The days rush by and I find myself wondering what the heck I have been doing with my time. One project I've accomplished was getting the Fall-O-Ween decorations down from the attic and placing them about.

This little dolly is one of my favorites. She's about 3 years old. I found her on eBay long before I even knew the artist, JoAnn from Leafy Hollow Primitives. Later, I ran into Jo-Jo (as I nicknamed her) when I was a member of the eBay group American Folk Art & Primitives Mercantile. The quality of JoAnn's work is impeccable, and I was delighted when I received this doll to find she appeared even more awesome in person.

Oh, I have more favorites. Maybe I'll post some more pictures of my Fall decor in the next few weeks if you'd like.

Mary

The future hope of America

2009-09-08T17:08:00.000-07:00

When I was a young woman, married and hopeful of having a child of my own, I found out that I had problems, though not fully diagnosed at the time, which resulted in my being barren. I can remember growing up, back when women were not expected to attend college, dreaming about having a family of my own. That, unfortunately, was not in God's plan for me. And although I am content with finding the love of my life, albeit 20 years my junior, and deciding that we would not pursue having a family when we married (I was 43 and he was 23 at the time), there are days I feel I have missed something quite special in my life.

When I was 22, married for the first time and attempting to conceive a child, every month that passed without having conceived was so emotionally sad for me. My sister who was 2 years younger, and to whom I was exceptionally close, finally was pregnant with child. She felt so bad for me that when her first child was born, (my god-daughter Sarah), she literally "gave" her to me. I fed her, burped her, bathed her, rocked her, and bought her a birthday present every month. God, I loved that baby. My sister's selfless act, borne of her great love for me and my situation, remains in my heart forever.

Anyway, that special child ~ Sarah ~ now has two children of her own. The children pictured above. The first child, Lillie, was born so premature they didn't think she would even make it. Sarah had gone into a seizure and the child had to be taken. It's nothing short of a miracle how far Sarah and Lillie have come in the past two years. The wee one is Sarah's new baby, Adeline. Let us all do whatever we have to, to safeguard all our children in the days ahead so that they can realize their dreams as the future hope of America.

'Til next time,

Mary

Puppy Love

2009-09-07T20:02:00.001-07:00

Our friends came over this weekend for B-B-Que. They finally broke down and bought their daughter a puppy for her birthday about a month ago. The puppy was scared to death of our doggies at first. I'm sure they looked as large as Labradors to this teeny tiny pup! Her name is Jeannie, and she is so lovable!

Hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day weekend with friends and family. Adding my heartfelt thanks to all the military who sacrifice for us!

Til next time,

Mary

On eBay Now!

2009-08-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

(Preview no longer available)

Stay tuned! I'm working on LOTS of pumpkins ~ Just in time for the wonderful Fall season just around the corner!

'Til next time,

Mary

Gwinnett Center Scrapbook Expo

2009-08-08T07:58:00.000-07:00

Several years ago I had the luxury of attending the Gwinnett Center Scrapbook Expo in Duluth, GA (Greater Atlanta area) with my sisters and sister-in-law. We signed up for classes and shopped til we dropped! It was an entire weekend event that we enjoyed immensely. My sister and sister-in-law, who both live in the Atlanta area, have continued to attend the event. At this year's Expo, held July 10th and 11th, one of the class teachers had to cancel and a surprise replacement took over the class. As a longtime admirer of this talented artist, my sister was absolutely thrilled to meet her and have her photo taken with her. I'm talking about none other than MELISSA FRANCES!

If you've never heard of Melissa Frances (hey, don't laugh, some people live under a rock or are from another planet ~ LOL!), you can check out her website www.melissafrances.com, or visit her blog at melissafrances.typepad.com. She has a line of incredible scrapbooking products!

Chatting it up during the photo op, Melissa proudly shared that she is a breast cancer survivor. Meeting her in person, my sister learned that not only is she a sweet, remarkably creative and talented lady, but one with amazing courage and strength as well. You go girl!

Credit for the freebie digital scrapbook Quick Page goes to Lynn Griffin, a participant of blogtrainblog.blogspot.com. I added my own element to it for journalling, and the button element is from dustybear.com. Thanks Lynn and Lara!

'Til next time,

Mary

The newest addition to the family...

2009-07-24T17:06:00.000-07:00

Adeline Ellen! I know everyone thinks their baby is the most beautiful, but she is so very pretty! The new Mom is going home from the hospital today. Little sister Lillianne is thrilled!

Our Ten Year Wedding Anniversary

2009-07-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

Our 10 year wedding anniversary is coming up at the end of this month! It is unbelievable where the time went. I can remember when we announced our engagement, members of my family thought I had gone stark raving mad. You see, hubby is 20 years my junior. Am I a "cougar"? Well, at the time, they didn't have that word, and pairings of 40 something men and 20 something women were not at all uncommon. But vice versa? Not so much. LOL! But we sure have "made it."

As newlyweds, my sweetie would ask what I would want for our 10 year anniversary. Visions of a diamond tennis bracelet or a diamond "forever" necklace danced in my head. Nowadays, I'm just glad to still have a roof over my head. I love my sweetie more than I could have ever imagined, although on our wedding day, saying the vows through sobs and tears of happiness, I was never more emotional.

We were living in Charleston, SC at the time. One day not long after we had become engaged, while tooling around The Battery, a street artist drew this caricature of us. I've kept this for 11 years, meaning to scan it and hang it in our home. Well today I did scan and printed it to do just that! Isn't it a hoot!!?

'Til next time,

Mary

KSGP "FALL-O-WEEN" Shoppe Update!

2009-07-15T07:22:00.000-07:00

My booth at the KSGP Shoppe has been updated as of today with new items! Won't you stop in for a peek at my ghoulish ghostly creations! I think Fall and Halloween is my favorite time of the year to decorate mainly because it's my Mother's favorite and I have such fond memories of her dressing up as a witch at Halloween and trying to scare all the little kids!... (and laugh about it like the dickens). She's always been such a tease!

To check out "Liddy Nin Root" and my other new items in the KSGP Shoppe, click on the link below:

(Click here to view at KSGP Online Shoppe!)

And don't forget to check out my KSGP Sister's booths as well! We're always stocked with marvelous one-of-a-kind creations, all at very reasonable prices.

How's everyone enjoying their summer? It's been muggy, hot and humid here as usual in the South. There are days I do miss the crisp, fresh early morning and evening air of Upstate New York. But then again, I never miss the snow!

'Til next time,

Mary

Oh how I wish...

2009-07-10T06:48:00.001-07:00

...I could afford to take this on-line workshop from this fascinating artist!

Hopefully K.C. will be around next year when the Boggs household is flush again. Above is a piece previewed from her workshop ~ Isn't it FABulous! If you're already taking the class ~ hope you're having a ball! And for those of you who live nearby K.C. Willis in Colorado, you'll be happy to know she is now offering in-studio retreats! If you want to learn more, just click on the workshop badge below.

Visit KC Willis Studio Retreats
'Til next time,

Mary

Now Blooming in South Carolina!

2009-07-09T07:50:00.000-07:00

A Simple 4th of July

2009-07-07T07:26:00.001-07:00

(Click on image to enlarge)
We spent a simple 4th of July with friends and their daughter, cooking on the BarB. We had fresh tomatoes from our garden ~ Yum! And our neighbor with the stand of corn just over the back fence shared some of his crop. Too bad it was after we'd eaten! Our friends left a tad early, missing the fireworks set off by our next door neighbor. We clapped and oohed and awed like little kids!

If you're wondering where I got my digital scrapbooking graphics, check out http://blogtrainblog.blogspot.com/. Every other month they do a themed blog train of free digital scrapbooking graphics, (personal use only). Checking out each of their blogs along the way, there are some wonderful designers out there!

Til next time,

Mary

"Seashore" Vintage sea life images ATC's/ACEO's on eBay

2009-07-05T13:25:00.000-07:00

(Click here to view on eBay)
Hey! Okay, I've finished up my paper playing with a series of vintage sea life ATC's. My inspiration for these came while cleaning out some Yankee Candle jars, in which I wanted to store beach mementos. We've collected sand, sea shells, drift wood, and stones from places we've visited as a couple over the past 10 years. Yeah, I've been accused of being overly sentimental!

Anyway, I finally got to the point of taking photos to list the ATC's on eBay and wanted to show an example of how cute these would look in a "beach" memories jar, using my Yankee Candle jar(s) that I had embellished and filled. You can click on the image above to get a larger view and see the Yankee Candle Jar of my "Beach Memories.")

So, I'm taking photos out on the front porch, which has a tiled floor. I guess I was in such a hurry to get the photo shoot done and get on with the eBay listings...I ended up breaking two of the glass jars before all was said and done. Cleaning up tiny shards of glass everywhere...having to throw away my lovely fine, white sand. Boy was I ever mad at myself! In retrospect, I think only the left (or is it right?) side of my brain was working because I kept picking the jars up by the top stopper, not wanting to get my fingerprints on the jar for the photo shoot. What a dummy!

Next, I must move on to "Harvest" creations for the July 15th themed update of Kindred Sisters Gathering Post Online Shoppe. Stay tuned for previews!

Till next time,

Mary

NEW Artist Trading Cards on eBay this week

2009-07-01T16:41:00.000-07:00

(Click on images to enlarge)
With the heat and humidity in our neck of the woods, it has taken about a week for my ATC's to dry and cure properly! Here are just a few that are on eBay this week (the rest are coming and have a "beach" theme!)

Just click on the "Sew Dear To Me" link below to see the details!

SEW DEAR TO ME
Thanks for visiting!

'Til next time,

Mary

My Sisters' Punch Needle Embroidery on eBay this week!

2009-06-26T09:03:00.001-07:00

My two sisters love it when I feature their punch needle embroidery creations! One of them is computer challenged, and the other doesn't have time to maintain a blog since she works full time. My baby sister always says "oh, if this one doesn't sell, I will give it to you for your birthday." But they always end up selling! Hey sis, if you pop in here ~ my birthday's coming up the end of July! ...and I'd really like an eyeglass case like the one you sold last week.

Here's what my Atlanta sis has for you this week, (you can see them in more detail here by clicking on the link below):

KINDRED SPIRITS MERCANTILE

And here's what my baby sister up in Virginia has on eBay this week, (just click on the link below to see all the details):

MAGPIE1217

I think my favorite one this week is "Bless the Flowers and the Weeds" : -)

'Til next time,

Mary

Calling All Fabriholics!

2009-06-10T12:39:00.000-07:00

(Click on to enlarge)
All you ladies who are crazy for fabrics, check out my eBay listings this week! I've started to go through my huge quilting fabric stash, starting with the Moda Kansas Troubles lines of fabric that I've collected including "Prairie Moon", "Stitches on the Oregon Trail", "Pressed Memories", and "Quilt Connection." There are still 2 sets to list, including "Once Upon a Prairie," a really collectible line of prints by Julie Ingleman Designs for Moda dating back to 2001. A lot of these fabric lines are out of print and hard to find. I'm offering them at low, low starting bids!

These Kansas Troubles prints are all very "prairie" and "farmhouse" looking ~ great for primitive creations like prairie dolls and farmhouse ditty bags.

Just click on the "Sew Dear To Me" link below to take a peek!

Sew Dear To Me

'Til next time,

Mary

New Stuff on eBay this week

2009-06-08T15:32:00.000-07:00

I've listed this new Americana pinkeep or cupboard hanger I made ~ stuffed with a combination of sawdust and lavender!

Also, I finished up my ATC cards ~ they were a lot of fun to make!

You can see these all in more detail here:

Sew Dear To Me

Til next time,

Mary

Cowgirl ATC ~ On eBay Now

2009-06-04T18:29:00.000-07:00

My creative outlet seems to be playing with glue and papers again of late. This cowgirl themed ATC is on eBay this week, with some new ones to come later in the week.

Hope to get back to working with fabrics again over the weekend. What are you working on?

'Til next time,

Mary

2009-06-03T16:49:00.000-07:00

These have come up again this year, and I still don't know what they are. We're in South Carolina, the upstate, about one hour south of Ashville, North Carolina. The previous owner planted them, and I'm so curious about what they are.

Anybody?

'Til next time,

Mary

My Sissy's Latest Punch Needle Pieces

2009-06-02T06:21:00.000-07:00

My Virginia sissy has new punch needle pieces up on eBay this week ~ including several Americana themed ones. The "Old Glory" piece was designed by her. Although a simple design, I thought it turned out really well. I'm always pushing her to come up with a one of a kind, unique design since she has the talent to draw.

And I love this blue bird sewing pouch...

Anyone have a black Lab?...

Who doesn't love sheep ~ especially when you can adjust your punch needle tool to provide this great texture!

You can see all these lovelies in further detail at her eBay listings here:

MAGPIE1217

Til next time,

Mary

KSGP Shoppe Updated!

2009-06-01T05:50:00.001-07:00

Just click on the "Sew Dear To Me" KSGP Shoppe button in the column to your right to view my new listings! I rotated my May 15th listings with entirely new items to keep what's being offered new and timely for the decorating seasons ~ there several Americana listings this time around!

I love taking out the Americana when Memorial Day rolls around because you can keep it out from then till the end of Summer, when it's time to switch things out for Fall and Halloween. I just wish I could find a scarecrow pattern that I love. I haven't seen one that strikes my fancy! : -] Maybe my friend Kim (where are ya Kim?) can come up with one!

BEACHY!

2009-05-27T11:25:00.000-07:00

(click on image to enlarge)
I'm in the process of putting together my "beach collection" ~ sand and shells hubby and I have collected in our travels. For this one I used a Tequila bottle, glued beach glass on top of the stopper, and embellished it with some vintage sea shell graphics, raffia, and a round metal-rimmed grungy tag noting the location. This was fun to do! I like how simple looking it came out, keeping the focus on what's in the bottle.

'Til next time,

Mary

Happy Memorial Day!

2009-05-24T16:42:00.001-07:00

To all the servicemen and women who so greatly sacrifice for us, my heartfelt thanks and appreciation!

I don't know about you, but in our neck of the woods, it just won't stop raining. We did have a deficit, but c'mon, we're flush now! LOL! Hubby and I were going to go up to Lake Jocassee (the wilderness lake!), with the boat, but the weather hasn't been cooperating. The lake is surrounded by mountains, so when a storm blows over, it can get downright scary on that lake. And more rain is forecast for the next week. Poor hubby, he spent the last 2 days spiffing his boat up!

Hope you are all enjoying the long weekend with your loved ones.

'Til next time,

Mary

New! FABRIC Hang Tags on eBay Now

2009-05-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

To go to the eBay listings, click on the "On eBay Now" link in the column to your right.

KSGP Shoppe Grand Opening Today!

2009-05-15T09:12:00.001-07:00

Well, today's the day! We're all so excited about Kindred Sisters Gathering Post's new venture ~ an on-line shoppe! We're LIVE now. Just go to the image link in the column to your right, click on it to arrive at the main page, then click on the banner to enter the site. Our Xoch of Xochibear's Primitives has already sold one of her always unique dolls! What to go Xochie!

Please be sure to sign up to be added to our mailing list and earn a chance to win the give-a-way being advertised on our home page! The giveaway has been generously donated by Debbie of Barefoot Primitives, (see below).

We'll be behind the scenes to get any kinks that might come up worked out for the site ~ the shipping fees can be one such bugger ~ at least for me anyway. I like to keep those shipping costs down. If you have any questions about that, everyone's email address is at the bottom of their booth page. I'm sure all the gals would be glad to work with you to offer different shipping options or the most economical way to ship if you would drop them a line with your zip code.

Til next time,

Mary

EXCITING NEWS!

2009-05-14T07:10:00.000-07:00

The Kindred Sisters Gathering Post is opening a new on-line web site beginning tomorrow, May 15th! JUST CLICK ON THE LINK ABOVE to see what The Sisters have for you! From the chatter I've heard, all the girls have been busy as bees creating one-of-a-kind primitive treasures.

It was my pleasure to design the graphics for the new web site, and Sara of Graphic Pretties put it all together!

Who's participating in the new web site you might ask? Well here's the list of those talented artisans whose names you may recognize:

Doreen from Aunt Reen's Soap Closet
Debbie of Barefoot Primitives
Ann ~ Crowing About Primitives
Cindi from Gracie Lou Originals
Bev ~ Heartland Creations
Angie of Hickory Nut Hollow Primitives
Kelly from Mystical Entities
Colleen & Donna of Prim Paper Thyme
Sue ~ Rabbit Hollow Primitives
Kathy from Red Barn Primitive
Sara of Sweet Magnolia's Farm
Maureen ~ Sweet Meadows Farm
Shirley from Skellyton Art
Kimberly ~ The Artful Attic
Patty of Toad Hollow Primitives
Kimmie ~ Whispering Prims
Xoch ~ Xochibear's Primitives
and me, Mary of Sew Dear To Me

What a roster, huh?!!! If you're familiar with these primitive artists, you know we're going to have quite a variety of unique, one-of-a-kind handcrafted items for your pleasure! We are all really excited about this new venture and looking forward to seeing old friends and making many new ones. The web site has links to all our gals' blogs, eBay listings, and/or other web sites on which their wonderful wares are being sold. If you have a favorite seller, you'll be able to follow and visit their sites to see what they're up to!

'Til next time,

Mary

What's Blooming in South Carolina Right Now?

2009-05-07T08:34:00.000-07:00

May can be heavenly in South Carolina ~ if you get the "perfect" Spring season. One where it doesn't warm up too soon, then get hit by a frost, followed by the fast forward to hot-hot-hot Summer! This year we couldn't ask for prettier weather, although we've been getting pounded by thunderstorms and tornado warnings. The only interior room in our house is a hallway, so if a tornado comes across our neck of the woods, we better throw a mattress over us and the 3 dogs and pray!

So...here's what's blooming now at our house...

This is our very first peony bloom with more to come I hope. This one sprung up in the bed at the front of the house. We have several more in the back border bed that have not yet bloomed but are close!

[You can click on the photo images for a larger view]

Don't forget your MOTHERS! Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 10th. Hubby and I are working on a red cardinal whirligig for my Mom. It's in the final painting stages today and might not get to Mom exactly on time. She's used to me being late. I'll send her a photo and let her know it's on the way! When it's done, I'll post it here. We had bought a yellow bird whirligig when we lived in Suffolk, VA, several years ago. It had been sitting in the garage until I convinced DH to put it up in the back border garden a couple of weeks ago. As he cheerfully obliged, he started thinking "oh, I could make a bunch of those and sell them on eBay and make some money." Well, after working on the one that is our Mother's Day gift, he quickly realized there's not much profit margin to be had! LOL!

'Til next time,

Mary

Taking down a 60 foot Pine Tree ~ or "Cowboy Tree Removal"

2009-05-03T16:17:00.000-07:00

On Friday DH was determined that he was going to cut down that unsightly pine tree at the corner of our property. Every time he'd come home, from the top of the hill down the road to our house, he'd see this ugly tree and it would irk him. For the past 3 months I have been calling Duke Power, requesting that they take the tree down since they were the ones who had limbed the thing to death due to its close proximity to their power lines. On Thursday, another phone call resulted in their telling me that they weren't going to take it down, that it was still "green." Our next door neighbor told us that Jimmy, the previous owner had been arguing with them for 10 years to come take it down. So DH rigged up his body harness and went to work!

So here's how it went...Me with the camera in one hand and the phone in the other, ready to call "911", so scared for DH while he was up that tree ~ my whole body was numb. Clicking on the photos will give you a bird's eye view of the whole operation!

What's Blooming in South Carolina Right Now?

2009-04-28T15:48:00.000-07:00

With blogging friends from all parts of the country, I thought I would do a monthly post on what's currently blooming in South Carolina. Click on the photos for a larger view! So here's a little peek at what's brightening up the Boggs' world right now...

We have a really nice large stand of Iris that has been blooming for a couple of weeks now and will be finishing up soon. I've been pinching the dead side shoots off on a regular basis to keep them fresh looking.

The roses are gracing us with their first bloom, and although they have black spot, mites, thrips, and other nasty pests we will have to work hard at getting under control, they are beautiful and extremely fragrant!

These are wild roses the previous owner planted around the trees along the fence.

Columbine has always been one of my favorite flowers, and I was delighted to see this one pop up in the garden, planted by the previous owners.

The oakleaf hydrangea appears to be getting ready to bloom in the next few weeks, along with peonies, and hopefully a couple of our other rose bushes.

If you're a gardener, have fun getting dirty! 'Til next time,

Mary

Favorite Antique Buttons

2009-04-21T10:58:00.001-07:00

Recently I decided I should photograph my antique button collection so that I could share it with other button lovers. Here's a look at some of my favorite buttons ~ shell or mother of pearl. There are many different examples of how this material was used in button making. Some are combined with metal (cut steel), are carved, or have unique shapes. Aren't there some beauties here?!!!

Clicking on the photo above will give you a much larger version to view all the fabulous detail!

'Til next time,

Mary

How to Display Your Button Collection

2009-04-18T07:13:00.000-07:00

Moonglow...china stencil...lacy glass...victorian...paperweight...diminutives...

Over the years, on many button hunts with my equally fascinated and obsessed baby sister, I've collected some wonderful antique buttons. Each new discovery of these little works of art led to joining the NC Button Society, and buying button collecting books to learn more. At a NC Button Society show, we got to see rare buttons we could only dream about owning.

My best idea, I think, of how to display antique buttons is shown below. My living room is blue and yellow, and I had this vintage frame forever that I knew I wanted to display some of my buttons in. I gathered blue and yellow buttons for my project over quite some time. Then I hunted down a really cheap vintage Chinese Checkers game to use as a template for layout of the buttons. After marking out the pattern, I mounted all the buttons as recommended (with plastic coated telephone wire), then had the piece professionally framed with mats and non-glare glass.

Over the years, while browsing antique stores with hubby, he was always on the lookout for one of those rare, not combed through, jars of antique buttons. I think he enjoyed the thrill of the hunt as much as my sister and I. He really took an interest in being able to identify the harder-to find types of vintage buttons. It's really funny to see him walk by this framed example and rattle off the names of each kind of button ~ like a test I've given him, looking at me to see if he's right and smiling. One advantage? ~ He's bought me some pretty awesome antique buttons for Christmas over the years!

If you have a unique way of displaying your button collection, please do share!

'Til next time,

Mary

Primitive Vintage Button Doll on eBay Now!

2009-04-09T08:15:00.000-07:00

Here's another doll from my primitive collection that I'm having to part with. Anyone who's a button lover will appreciate the uniqueness of this little lady! She's VERY well executed with her round head and stitched on eyelids...Beautiful felted on wool hair. I wish I would have put a reserve on her, but it's early in the bidding process. I hope she goes to a button lover!

'Til next time,

Mary

Happy Easter!

2009-04-08T16:21:00.000-07:00

Wishing you all a Happy and Blessed Easter!

The darling bunny at the center of the wreath on our front door was a gift from a wonderful friend in my eBay Group, American Folkart & Primitives Mercantile, Sooz of Poplar Street Prims. She's an awesome primitive artist whom I'm sure you may remember. Unfortunately, she has become discouraged with selling on eBay, like so many of us. When the economy improves, I'm sure she'll be back!

To see a larger picture of just how adorable this bunny is, click on the image. Because it's been so cold here in South Carolina, I HAD to add a tiny blue wool scarf around her neck to keep her warm! LOL!

I know many of you may be traveling to visit friends and family over Easter. Do have a safe journey and enjoy your loved ones!

'Til next time,

Mary

Free "Buy Handmade" Banner

2009-03-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

I was on the computer yesterday looking for scrabble tile Alpha graphics. When I couldn't find any with terms of use that I could actually understand, I decided to scan my own from my 1953 vintage scrabble game. These are going to be a lot of fun to use in digital scrapbooking and other graphic projects!

So far, I have a free "Buy Handmade" banner for you. It's in jpg format, so just click on the image to bring it up in the larger screen, click on and save to your computer. I'm going to add it to my eBay auction listings!

'Til next time,

Mary

Yard Work

2009-03-27T08:59:00.001-07:00

Earlier this week hubby and I spent a whole day doing yard work. Although he's had a couple nibbles and promises of being emailed 2 job offers, nothing solid has hit yet. So he's been home with me for the past 4 weeks. Now some of you women reading this are probably raising your eyebrows and thinking "OMG", I couldn't have my husband under my feet for that long, he'd drive me crazy! But I was actually telling 'love of my life' last night that I wish we were independently wealthy so that we could spend all our time together. Really!

Anyway, we were both so sore and tired at the end of the day sitting on the back deck surveying our hard work! He turns to me and says "Doesn't even look like we did anything does it?!" Ain't that the truth! Living in the South, we've got that rock hard red clay for soil. Doesn't even qualify as dirt as far as I'm concerned! Whatever we've dug out, I've had hubby dump in a low spot along the back property line. What prompted this marathon work day, cutting dead trees, and rounding up downed tree limbs, leaves and pesky "picky balls" from the gum trees? Well our neighbor who owns the property behind us is finally putting up a fence. I knew if we waited it out we wouldn't have to fork out the money for fencing! Praise the Lord too ~ the timing couldn't be better with unemployment in South Carolina only $320 per week. We have wanted a fence up for so long! Our dogs love to wander back there and visit with the neighbors and their dogs, and screaming at them "STAY IN YOUR YARD" just isn't working.

I hope to post some "after" pictures later this summer when things are blooming and we've got our vegetable garden in, but here's a look at our 'blank canvas' we're working with...

I want to move some peonies here, but hubby and I are in gridlock over putting tomato plants and other vegetables here or the peonies. I prefer the peonies and maybe some more roses!

It has rained here for the past 4 days in a row, and more rain is predicted over the weekend, but our next chore is to get the back deck and deck furniture pressure washed so that we can enjoy our evening cocktails and supper out there!

Til next time, hope you are enjoying your Spring, including the yard work!

Mary

Back when I had red hair...OR "Siblings"

2009-03-18T14:59:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago I decided to scan an older panoramic photo taken of me and my brothers and sisters. It was a rare occasion when we were all together at one time. Rare, because like most families, we all live in different parts of the country. We all came together that year to visit my parents in Atlanta for Easter. I keep the photo in a frame above my computer on the shelf, and every time I look at it, the silly expressions on us in that photo makes me smile.

Anyway, I scanned it and emailed it to my siblings with a note like "Look at us in 2004!" Responses came back from several of my brothers and sisters over the next couple of days, one telling me my math was way off, that the year was 1997. Holy cow, how time flies! LOL! One of my brothers responded "how 'bout that 'stache"? (He'd shaved it off years ago). The other brother had to torment my baby sister and comment on how, although two of the sisters had lost a lot of weight, "the baby" had since put a lot on, and I looked the same. Which prompted a response back from "the baby" that she actually had lost weight since then and maybe he'd found it and was hiding it somewhere. And although my hair is no longer red, I think I'm the one that had found the lost weight and it wasn't hiding anywhere! Ahhh, sibling rivalry, huh? The subject matter of my email, "Back When I Had Red Hair", innocently forwarding a photo I assumed no one else had, suddenly had taken on a life of its own! I talked to my Dad on the phone today ~ I had also copied him on the email, and he was receiving the responses from his children, was laughing and accusing me of "stirring things up."

I am so thankful to have such a close family. Although we tease each other a little meanly sometimes, we would walk through fire for each other. My sisters are my best friends. When I hear stories of how some families have a falling out and don't speak to each other for years, it really saddens me. Life's too short! I can attest to that with my memory failure of how many years have passed since me and my siblings were together...seems like yesterday.

Peg's "the baby" and there are 10 years between us (I'm the oldest, along with my twin Lari). Joe's the next youngest, then there's one year between Lari & I and Patty, and two years between us to Claire. Yes! My poor mother had her hands full when we were babies!

'Til next time,

Mary

Frou Frou

2009-03-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

The phrase "frou ~ frou" has been in my head for about a week now. I think it best describes many things I absolutely adore! Webster defines it as "A rustling sound, as of silk fabric; Frilly; heavily ornamental; fancy; overly elaborate, particularly as regards clothing." In the craft room this week, frou frou took over and possessed me...well, maybe not overly elaborate, but more than just a touch! LOL! I'm planning on listing these, and hopefully some more handcrafted Easter goodies this Sunday on eBay.

Little patchwork Easter bunny (from my own hand drawn pattern)...

And these cute wooden, painted, distressed, and embellished Easter candy containers

Til next time,

Mary

Obsessed with Vintage Pug Dog Images!

2009-03-11T08:06:00.000-07:00

I can't explain "why" ~ but of late I've been obsessed with vintage pug dog images! These little doggies are so adorable. This week I've created a few handmade items with vintage images of this particular breed. Here's a peek preview, but they they are listed on eBay now, along with some vintage Easter postcard pillow tucks, and vintage chenille Easter eggs embellished with pink, blue and green German glass glitter. Just go to the column to your right, find "On eBay Now", and you will be redirected to my listings.

Thanks for popping in!

'Til next time,

Mary

Unemployment

2009-03-03T16:45:00.000-08:00

Well, it finally happened. DH has joined the ever increasing ranks of the unemployed. We knew there was a strong likelihood of it, his company, like so many other these days, are struggling to stay afloat. However, we had hoped that this economic crisis we are all in would start to turn around. We had hoped that we could just hang in there...

Actually, hubby, although worried about the future, was a bit relieved when he received the news. The whole uncertainty of whether or not he was going to have a job as things got worse and worse was putting him under a tremendous amount of stress. His blood pressure was elevated, and he's had trouble sleeping.

I am tending to believe, like my brother does, that it's going to get a whole lot worse before it gets better. I'm sure anyone reading this has family members, neighbors, or acquaintances who have recently joined the ranks of the unemployed. My sister has been unemployed for over a year, and actually had to go back to school to pursue a career change, (she was in the banking industry and was laid off during a reorganization). Praise the Lord she was offered a job in her new field this past week!

All we can do is put our trust in the Lord and believe that everything is going to work out for the best. My heart goes out to so many others who are finding themselves in this position.

'Til next time,

Mary

Death

2009-02-27T10:38:00.000-08:00

Such a somber topic for today, but ~ part of life. My 80 something year old parents think about it every day ~ it's a real part of life for them as they prepare themselves to meet the Maker. Us "young-uns" don't think about it much, unless it personally touches our lives. This week it has touched mine twice. First, we have a couple who are dear friends. She finally, after watching his long battle, lost her father this past week. He had been sick for a couple of years, steadily declining. To make matters worse, the family had to struggle with the heart-wrenching decision of taking him off of life support. Our dear friends also struggled with how to tell their young daughter about her grandfather's death, worrying about how she would deal with it. Then a friend in one of my groups reported the death of a military family member serving in Iraq. He was very young and those left behind included a new bride.

When my Dad's sister died last year, he traveled far to bid her farewell. He told me, even though her death was sudden and unexpected (she hadn't been ill), that the funeral services were comforting, their being handled in a positive, celebratory manner.

So in honor of loved ones passing, I came here to my blog to post some uplifting music about when we our are loved ones are called to be with God. I couldn't find the Wynonna version of "I Can Only Imagine" to add to my Playlist, but I found the video on You Tube. Don't forget to turn off the Playlist before you view the video.

I hope it soothes your soul as it does mine.

Mary

New Punch Needle Listings on eBay by my sisters!

2009-02-23T07:18:00.001-08:00

My two sisters are on a roll! Virginia Sis has several new punch needle embroidery pieces listed ~ Here's a preview of just a few!

You can check out all her listings here:

MAGPIE1217

And my Atlanta sister, trying to hold down a part time job AND an externship for medical billing, has found time to create and list a couple really wonderful Spring/Easter punch needle pieces this week...

You can take a closer peek at all the little details here:

KINDRED SPIRITS MERCANTILE

Owning numerous punch needle creations graciously gifted to me by both of my sisters, I can assure you that they do impeccable, gorgeous work! I am so lucky to have such talented, generous sisters.

'Til next time,

Mary