Homegrown Hospitality

Post Thanksgiving Post

Holy Moly...It's December 1st tomorrow!!!!

Hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving...we all did here and a few random shots from my mother in laws house to demonstrate what a very regular ol' relaxed, easy going family we are... 

we help each other..

we serve each other..

some of us even throw rolls at each other..

we eat turkey ...and rolls...and pickles...and olives(with pits!)...and pie...does anyone besides me think that there is an awful lotta eating going on????      

we even tried to attempt putting together a "big five" 1500 piece puzzle that we got in South Africa... man, I have two things to say..

1. 1. dang, do leopards have alot of spots
2. 2. WHO IN THE HECK'S IDEA WAS THIS??? (mine)

after about 1 hour, I made the EXECUTIVE DECISION to put it away!!!!!!!!!

so there ya have it...another long relaxing food filled day with family....but oh no...the fun did not stop there...

Friday morning, the Ol' Valentine & I packed up and headed west..or maybe a little east...to go camping for a few days with my mom & dad and friends...that are more our family..then our friends! Another regular ol' family camping trip...just like the ones we took when we were young..except times have a' changed and dear o' dad ain't so much a tent camper anymore...This was the first trip out in the big ol' brand new Leprechaun RV...and with a name like Leprechaun written across the entire front of the motor home..shoot...you are bound to be heading for a rainbow and a pot o' gold...

or maybe not.

come back tomorrow for my graphic play by play of how "moo & p-you" doesn't just rhyme with "ew!"

I am thankful...

for "HIM". for life. for you. for them. for us. for her. for him. for this. for that place. for love. for forgiveness. for family. for moments. for light. for dark. for warmth. for history. for veterans. for friends. for relationships. for failure. for memories. for long distance. for emotions. for a clear sky. for a south African sunset. for wishes. for dreams. for defeat. for cozy warm sock. for flipflops. for early mornings. for reminders. for many many things...

I am grateful to all of my blog friends who continually read,comment, email & support this little Homegrown way of Life that I lead, and I appreciate all of our thoughts..always!

I hope that each and every one of you have a Happy Thanksgiving..Whatever your plans are...big, grand, lavish, comfy cozy....enjoy them. Capture them, absorb them!

I am off to the kitchen to get the sweet potatoes in the oven..but I leave you with a nice new Happy Thanksgiving Doodle ..we will be off for a few days with family & friends!

bigs warm hugs to you..

OHHH.....I forgot...to show you this.....more Homegrown Holiday Ornaments in the works.... 

Happy One Month Till Christmas!!! **edited**

Here we are...Nov. 25th...don't freak out but the Valentine put up the house lights and the reindeer this morning!  and...the tree..well, the box is down from the attic...so...we might just pop it up like an umbrella...

I know, that sounds dreadful...but, I LOVE this time o' the year, the sounds, the sights...and the meaning...and the Christmas Tree, the excitement that the kids get (this was Ben last year!) but it is sooooo dang dry & warm here, so it just is not super safe to have a real tree up with lights for a month...unless you put it up 5 days before Christmas...which is fine for some, but personally, I like mine up for a while (obviously!)

I am anxious to get out the ornaments though, to look at them, ew and ahh over them...we don't have any fancy smancy ornaments & our tree does not look like a tree from Rogers's Gardens...but just about each ornament has something special about it.  I  did look into getting some new ones this year, and there are some dang cute one's out there...but with the ridiculous amount of felt I currently own...a tighter budget than previous years...anything new that will e hitting the tree this year..will be homemade~

I have seen some awfully cute ones at Target, made out of felt...but I have committed myself to not spending a dime on anything Christmas-ish (okay, except for the metal letters that I bought at the $1.00 bin about 3 months ago...but that does not count, I don't think)  anyways, How about you?  are you making any??? do you have any fun sights to visit?  Well, I have one for you to go take a look at...

Red Shoes

Lara & I were "skyping" this morning (early here..later in SA) and she sent me this link...all I can say is...

be still my holiday heart...

and see that wonderful "HOME" pillow...it has totally inspired me RIGHT NOW so...I am heading out to the ol' shead-teau ...to create something"homegrown" ...for our tree...I will let you see how it turns out...for now...go on over and check this lovely place out...

http://redshoesllc.typepad.com/

I am almost certain, that if you cracked me open like an egg...this is what you would see...and I think that I need to go here...to Ann Arbor...are there any of my readers that live there?? Let me know...

Okay..be back later with an ornament..or two!

I am back...now, here is where I simply complicate myself...while of course I do not want to copy exactly what I saw, I do not love it the way I love the look of the pillow in the picture...so..I will be probably doing it over, but I like this one too...just not too sure what the heck I am going to do with it.  For now...I will share it with you...and then hopefully tomorrow I will figure out the next step.

so here is what I did...

cut a piece of red felt approx. 6 x 5ish ( I did not measure, just cut it)

then I cut a piece of black & white Gingham slightly smaller, about 3/4" smaller.

   

Then I cut a piece of green about a 1/4" smaller.

 

the I cut letters.  Now I ironed on some iron-on stuff (honestly can not remember what it is called at this moment) so that it made it an iron on...that did not make any sense to anyone but me.  I suggest that you use some chipboard letters to trace backwards.  I just freehanded mine and they are a little "off" but it is trailer park living  round these parts, so I am good with the look.  Then I had to cut them out.  Not bad...for the insides, I suggest a very sharp craftingblade.  then I cut out a small square, a roof and or course...a heart. 

    

then I just stacked them all together, iron then together then added a little Trailer Park crooked stitch..and viola (wahhh-lahh)

Creative Chaos

well hello and happy three days before Thanksgiving!

Can you believe that one month from tonight is Christmas Eve..yes, look at the calendar my friends, today is November 24th!  I have been telling you since right around 4th of July that it would be here before we knew it...and here we are!

I had a amazingly creative few days...I got all of the Holiday Joy Kits shipped out, the blog filled up with downloads, printouts, photos and fun...and I must say that I am having a very fun time doing this NAKK (not a kit kit) via blog...If you do not know what I am talking about, well a few months ago I put up this kit, only sold a very limited amount and the kit,that is not a kit, includes its very blog and password for the friends that purchased the kit, that is..not a kit. The best way to explain this class is to call it a Trailer park Class....an on line class...without really having that whole "on line" thing going on..I am confusing myself with this.

anyways...I have had good response and am in the midst of planning a Valentine's NAKK with its own blog and password BUT...these things that I do, they are kinda pre-order, so if you are interested in a Valentines kit, please send me an email to homegrownhospitality@cox.net with Valentine's NAKK in the subject line...

I also worked on the Polka Dot Whimsy Kit...did you know that I am an official "DOT"??? yep...and lookie what I did...in PINK, for heavens sake!!! I had already starting workin on this Maya Road Cupcake book and then had to stop to go get Ben from school.  As I was sitting in the car waiting, I read an article in Real Simple Magazine about a baker/woman who has learned many a life lesson through baking and one of her stories/examples was about "one tiny cupcake not saving the world, but making it a sweeter place for someone" inspired me to come home and create the cover! 

I also finished my Daily December (inspired by Ali E.) book that we are doing over at the CreativeSouls blog.  Lara & I invite you to join us as we simply document each day in December.  You do not even have to have a book ready...Just start by grabbing a "composition" style book, and journal your thoughts, things you notice along the way, through the day...or snap a photo at the same time each day and make some notes about it...It really is just something interesting, fun and inspiring that we can all do together...no matter where in the world we are!

now...have you noticed from the paragraphs above that I am running three blogs at once??? I suppose that is a little much but it is amazing how things work when I am organized..and, I have pre-loaded the Holiday Joy...Lara & I do the CreativeSouls together...so really it is not really three...even though it is!

and I almost forgot (oh, shame!) I went to Prima on Saturday and took a Masters Class from my pal  Donna  

Prima built this really cool classroom right in the Prima building...Hellloooooo??????????????

can you imagine being a an entire warehouse FULL of product..and I was once again reminded from myself that it is good for me to take classes..because I really am Simply Complicated.  Good thing no one was sitting too close to me, I would have really irritated them..I kinda irritated myself..

Donna taught us some cool techniques with the Prima Paintables and a whole bunch of Tim Holtz inks, etc...so I started out with these colors 

then I decided that I did not LOVE the blue colors, so I sprayed over them..." Hot Cinnamon"and did not really LOVE them either... so what could have been this really awesome looking page...

went full circle back to my love for creams, whites & a touch of denim...

and you know what...I love it...and I learned all of these cool techniques that I can teach you!!

When I got home.. I added a photo and the finishing quote is "in happily ever afters"

okay, I made many other creative paperish-felt-ish things, but I will save all that for another post..this one is getting to long...

Just remember that if you are interested in the Valentines NAKK, send me an email...

oh..................

winners......I bet you wanna know about the winners of the books.....well....first thank you for all of your wonderful quotes, verse's, story's...they are all wonderful and I seriously wish I could send one book of each to everyone...but unfortunately, this is not Oprah, The View or Ellen (they give alot good junk out!!!) so...

here are the winners....

Marie gets "The Shack"

and

Yvette will get the "Purpose of Christmas!"

Congrats to both of you girls and thank you again to everyone for all of your wonderful comments, messages of joy and purpose, ideas of what you can do, what you will do & and want to do this Holiday Season!

see you tomorrow!

Book Winners & Creative Stuff..

Keep sending in your comments and come back here at about 5:00 pm for the winners of the books and some creative inspiration!

I wish..

I have told you about the days of the week that I love...and now I must tell you that I LOVE LOVE LOVE this time of the year....the time prior to the ...We here in So. California don't have too much of a "winter" season change....the days do get shorter, it gets dark really early and there are some trees that change colors, but for the most part..the weather stays pretty much the same....

but

there is just something in the air....and I absorb it completely. I LOVE this season..just like in the spring..I love the spring..and in the summer...you get the point. I am an equal opportunity season lover.

In the Shead-teau (the neighbor called it a hut yesterday...my word!) the radio is set to a station on the radio that plays continuous Holiday music from now until Dec. 25...in the home, we have a digital tv channel that plays "Sounds of the Seasons"..and usually, I pour some apple/cranberry juice, water, cloves, cinnamon & pumpkin spice into a pan, add some water, boil them simmer it for the yummy holiday smell..(until last week, when I totally BURNED my best and only small pot!!!!!)

don't choke...but I also love going to the grocery store during this time of the year...I probably make people gag at my holiday cheery-ness...because I know that not everybody feels the same way...and for that, I not only wish they could, but most of all down deep, I wish I knew how to help people feel this..even for just a little bit.

I might have an idea, though...by suggesting that the entire world (are you listening world?) read these two books:

The Shack

and The Purpose of Christmas

  

It is impossible to change the world...but I can make an attempt to make a difference in a couple of hearts, so..I am going to give one of each of these books away on Monday evening...not only for the sake of needing to be reminded of things in each of these books but because it just may change the way you think, act & speak...it may enlighten you...lift your spirits..or touch your soul..

so..leave your comments, let me know what you wish you could do, what you LOVE to do, or what you are doing this holiday season to make a change...not only for others, but for you, too!

p.s on your comments, let me know which book you are interested in so that we can make two piles of names to pick from...Jack will pick from one..Ben from the other.

See you tomorrow with LOTS of Creative Inspiration...

Pink...the color of the day...

you know me...and my relationship with Pink...it is not a real strong relationship, in fact, at one point, I totally gave up...through in the towel...said "farewell", "audi-o's", "ah-ree-vah-der-chee" to the color pink...I had tried over and over, time in and time out working with the color pink..when it comes to papercrafting, and just have NEVER been happy...with pink....until MM asked me to do a little special assignment...

now..of course, I can not show you..or even tell you about that project, but what I can tell you, that I worked with PINK...and I kinda liked it...and at that moment..the vicious cycle of me boycotting pink ended.

whew.

so today, what I can tell you...is about two other events that are coming up...that have to do with the color....

pink.

First one is the Holiday Hoopla at the Pink Pineapple in Vista, CA.                           Me and a bunch of papercrafting guru's will be there...ALL DAY LONG...teaching...laughing..inspiring...creating...eating...singing...dancing...(well, maybe!) anyways...it is going to be a grand day...and I want YOU to come with me..or meet me there!!!

First thing you need to do is go on over to the Pink Pineapple Site and sign up...and then, let me know if you need a ride, because if I am driving down there, I might-as-well take a car load...in fact..that will be fun...special treats for each seat...al in pink!  I can seat 7, plus me, but we need room for our "junk" and the trillion Cookies I need to bake...but you get the idea..., so let me know if you want to go...You BUY...I'll FLY...

and speaking of flying...this next event, I can not drive to because it is on the other side of the country, aka the east coast...to which I have NEVER been....so here it is 

now..there are more details to this....so..you can contact my new friend and event planner Missy at moesterheld@hotmail.com and also click on the side bar (when I get it up there) for the event info.

That's all for now folks...I am going to finish my Daily December Book..email out Holiday Joy Passwords...make more "Comfort & Joy" kits..finish my Prima Roadshow classes...unload the dishwasher..take a shower...fold the laundry...you know....

Have a super duper day...and watch for more Comfort & Joy Kits...all proceeds are going to help crate a better holiday for some needy families this holiday season!

God Bless.

ohhhh....one more little thing...look at these South African Cuties that were created while I was sleepin...If you wanna know how to get one...well..you gotta go over here...

We can CREATE together.....Mark your Calendars...

first...THANK YOU for listening, well, reading, my commentary yesterday....it was for all of us, including myself.  Sometimes, reminders of situations are needed and I use this blog to

"Remind you of the things that you already know...you just forgot to remember..." and that includes me, too!

I am not preaching when I make my statements/commentary's because as Deena will attest to, I am not a confrontational person.  I like to call myself an equal opportunity person, but I do feel that sometimes when I am made aware of things, or reminded of tings, it is my job to at least share the info...sometimes, it helps us to stop and listen...to hear things with a different tone....

I am rambling, and what I am trying to say is...it makes my heart so very emotional to see, that in the state we are all in, the five mini NAKK kits sold so quickly...                                                        like I said..it is not much to some, but to some, it will be much more than we would ever know...so thank you again.

Thank you all for your interest in kits...IF I can get more done, I will be sure to post them...so please check back often...

and the little 1" Homegrown Buttons YES...I do have more...& they are all  little different..so I will list those today.  The thing about these little buttons, is that one late night, around a dining room table in South Africa, those sweet little buttons were created with my doodles..and Lara's heart (& button machine).  Sometimes the little things are not only the best...but dang cute!!  All proceeds will also go to the "Comfort & Joy" Fund (that's what I have named it)....

alrighty...and I have been talking about the events coming up...but I do not want to overwhelm you with a bunch of information all in one day...

so

today, I want to tell you about "We Can Create...Together"

Imagine this, if you will...a cozy & warm place...hot cocoa, hot cider and yummy finger foods...laughter, friends...holiday music..old friends...and loads of new friends......and a really incredible place to do it all...

okay...now...the perfect surroundings are set for you..

but to do what??

well...maybe you need to address your Christmas Cards (..or even make them)                            maybe, you have a ton of scrapbooking or projects to complete..or just catch up on..                                                                                                                                         maybe, you have been looking for a place to have your women's group holiday party              maybe, you want a place to wrap your gifts..                                                                           maybe you have some knitting or crocheting to finish up..                                                           maybe you need a place to meet up with some old friends...as your annual holiday get-together       or                                                                                                                                            maybe you don't have anything to do and you wanna just come hang out and enjoy the moments 

whatever "you want to do"or "don't want to do"...I want to invite you to join me and my friends at the Refinery at Saddleback Church on December 5, 2008 from 6:30pm-11:00pm.

NOW...this is not about Religion...but all about Relationships...A very comfy place to "just be" with other women coming together...                                                                                                      to                                                                                                                   to enjoy one another...                                                                                                                   to take time with friends during a very busy time of the year...to drink ot cocoa, wear your cozy clothes (i suggested flannel jammies!)...and again...just be!

This is going to be a wonderful time and I hope that you can come.

AND...there are going to be classes to take, should you be so inclined!!!  As soon as all of the information is linked on-line, you all will be the first to know...and in the meantime, if you want to drop me an email at Homegrownhospitality@cox.net with "We Can Create" in the subject line...I will forward the info to you!

have a super day!

times..they are tough..

Ut oh...a feel a commentary coming on...

Things are tough..really tough..tougher for some than others. The economy is bad..we all know that, and I have to believe that a majority of the population is struggling...at least the population of people I know...and the state budget and the cut backs...and the unemployment rate...oh, and then add in at least 700 families who have lost their homes to the recent fires....or the children at our very own little school right in the middle of the "golden gates of Orange County" that are suffering due to the lack of responsibility of their parents...

no wonder I grind my teeth at night...I will share with you that things are tough right here in my little home, BUT I thank GOD everyday..for each day, regardless of how bad it is, or was.. or will be...because it is also good..it is just a little harder to see right now.

One question that I often wonder about...is how in the whole wide world people cope with times like these.. without faith...

I know...they don't. 

Really, I do not think it is possible to deal with things like this, without faith...

andthose who don't, I must say, 

perspire a stench of bitterness....and that is just no good for anyone.

We all struggle, suffer and loose sleep over things, but what good is it to worry?  the worry is not going to change anything..we all know that. 

pray..focus..breathe...

We all need to be grateful for the things we have, happy for where we are, what we have and secure in our faith that everything is going to be okay...because it will...maybe not as quick as we would hope, but eventually...it will....

In my trailer park style, I put it this way...we need to just all be handheld egg beaters, just spinning and spinning, beating and beating to just tread water..

I was reminded of a fabulous saying this past weekend at church....a total "Duh!" moment..

 

now, like I mentioned, times, they are a' tough around here as well, but after an eye opening situation I just learned about yesterday regarding several families in our school, I took the remnants of the Holiday Joykits (that are completed and shipping tomorrow PTL!) and I added this that & the other and made FIVE (5)little mini NAKK ("Not a Kit..Kit).  They are $12.00 each and contain NO INSTRUCTIONS..just things that you can add to your things to create something for you...for for someone else...

   

The thing about these kits, are that all proceeds will go to purchasing grocery cards for three of the families..I know it is not much, but it is something....and every little bit helps...So if you can give, wonderful, if you cant..please pray...for these and the many many struggling families and children...

They all need our help..thoughts & prayers.

see you tomorrow....

What rhymes with Snippet?

Tippet..(as in Brian from CK)

Crickets...(sorta, but not really)

Flippit (like when a pancake needs to be turned)

Clip-it (the embellishment organizer?)

Dipit (what McDonald's does to their ice cream cone and then it looks like Jimmy Neutrons hair)

zipit (what I tell my kids when there are going to say something not nice....zip it!)

nipit (as in "the bud")

okay, I am tired....you think of some...

but really, do you know what a Snippet really is??? well, it is the name of the new book by one of my best pals Lain...

Do you know my friend Lain?...if you don't, you should...and if you do..isn't she the best??? I am anxious for the day that Lara & Lain can meet....add me in...oh for the love of Pete....what a trio I am sure we would be!  add in a little Suezi & Deena, add a prima Donna or two..and a few of my non-scrappy pals... a handful of the other creative geniuses I know...man we could make a creative scene...

hmm...CHA is coming up....and I did mention to Lain just the other day that we should have a Snippets Jammie Party....hmmmm.....

So..you wanna know more about what a snippet is & where you can get the book?  Well, you can read this...

need to go here ...or here...or heck..go here...and then go give Lanie a big blog hug and high five...