"For unto us a child is born, for unto us a Son is given. And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6-7Heart felt wishes to all my blogging friends and family! Please take a moment to enjoy this Ode To Joy!
"Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee" God of Glory, Lord of love; Hearts unfold like flow'rs before thee, Op'ning to the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; Drive the dark of doubt away; Giver of immortal gladness, Fill us with the light of day!
All Thy works with joy surround Thee, Earth and heav'n reflect Thy rays, Stars and angels sing around Thee, Center of unbroken praise. Field and forest, vale and mountain. Flow'ry meadow, flashing sea, Singing bird and flowing fountain Call us to rejoice in Thee.
Thou are giving and forgiving, Ever blessing, ever blest, Wellspring of the joy of living, Ocean depth of happy rest! Thou our Father, Christ our Brother, All who live in love are Thine; Teach us how to love each other, Lift us to the joy divine.
Mortals, join the happy chorus, Which the morning stars began; Father love is reigning o'er us, Brother love binds man to man. Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife, Joyful music leads us Sunward In the triumph song of life. Henry J. Van Dyke 1907
Have a wonderful Christmas celebration! Blessings, Carolynn xoxo
In the coming week I will be linking with several of my favorite blogs. Many of them host weekly parties. I'd love for you to stop by my sidebar to linkup with them and say hi!
We spent the day amongst the flowers as a group of new friends, talking, laughing and making. We became better acquainted and pledged to do it again. I hope that we do. That evening I went home, felt lucky to have new friends and put Fleetwood Mac on the record player. The perfume of the flowers still fills my home, nearly a week later, making me inhale deeply and smile each time I enter the room. Sunday past, Anna kindly invited us into her home where we sat in (what felt like) the early Spring sunshine and commented on how welcoming her home was; filled with the scent of delicious food cooking in the oven and her son's artwork adorning the walls. Anna is a warm and wonderful soul who I am so glad to have met since leaving London, making this town a little more friendly each day. Meanwhile Charlotte showed us how to work with flowers (in this case all British grown, from The Great British Florist) to produce some always pretty and undeniably feminine flower crowns. Charlotte is a natural teacher, I could listen to her for days while she creates and talks... funny, clever and talented. Michelle dutifully (and without complaint) took all our photos while we tried to pose and seem professional, although it mainly ended in awkward smiles and embarrassed expressions. Ok, that was just me, but still... The photos above of Anna (top right), Charlotte (top left) and myself are all taken by Michelle. I really think she is an incredible photographer. She did not lose her patience once, even when I was clearly unbearable in front of the camera. Michelle is one of those classically beautiful and charming women that I am so happy to call a friend (and she carried off a stack of flower crowns like no other as evidenced in the photo of her above, taken by Anna). (All other photos are mine, taken with my iPhone.) I truly loved meeting everyone else for the first time too. Jo, Natalie, Elena , Hannah & Katie; what a great bunch of ladies to spend a day with!
He's gone. The most beautiful, wonderful, happiest, most loving cat in the whole entire world, is gone.
"No longer with us." That's the phrase Julie, his owner used. She called me at work today to let me know. "I've got some bad news," she said. I immediately stiffened. "Are you ready?" "I don't know," I responded, holding tight to the phone. She went on to tell me anyway in a voice resigned with sorrow. "Mugsy's no longer with us," she said.
I knew when she said it was bad news it had to be one of the cats. Mugsy or Bruno, his brother, but I suspected it would be Bruno. With his more adventurous habits, we had more than once commented that he was in danger of being hit by a car as he crossed the road.
"You're joking," I said. She was not. She proceeded to relate the story. February 11, one day after her birthday, a woman came to the door crying and asking if they owned a gray cat because she had just hit one. It was Mugsy.
Julie said that he had looked perfect, completely unmangled, as if nothing had happened to him. They laid his still-warm body down on a grassy knoll and prayed over him for a long time, but he didn't revive.
Mugsy. "The joy of the farm, the most wonderful cat in the world," Julie called him, and it was true.
She hadn't wanted to tell me on Sunday when she saw me in church (I was in Canada the day that it happened). I had asked after Mugsy and she'd said, "He's fine, as ever," with a nervous laugh. And I'd asked how Bruno was. "With his habit of crossing the road, I keep being afraid I'll hear bad news about him," I remarked. I now wonder how she kept a straight face.
I can hardly believe that he's gone. I can hardly believe that when I go back to the farm (and I am afraid to now), I won't be able to call, "Here, kitty, kitty," and see his smiling gray face bounding toward me as he runs full tilt to throw himself at me, in the rapturous way he had that made you feel like the most special person in the world. I won't feel the gentle pressure of his wet nose and soft cheeks as he "kisses" me cat-style by rubbing his face against mine. I won't feel his sturdy squirming body cuddled in my arms, or hear his thunderous purr, or feel his ever-active claws pricking my skin as he kneads my arm. I won't feel the softness of his long fine gray fur, or watch as he jumps on his brother, tackles him, and bites his neck. I won't be able to see him crazily whirling and jumping after dragonflies or leaves, the former of which he rarely if ever caught. I won't hear his "miaow" from somewhere in the rafters as he wends his way through the tangle of the barn roof, or the scrabbling and thud as he falls off something. I won't hear his frantic and rapid paw-scratching on the glass door as he stretches himself up and works away in a desperate bid to be let in the house. I won't be able to watch the funny way he jumps off my lap and runs to investigate the sudden water stream released by the bathroom pipe outlet. I won't see his intense and love-filled green eyes staring into mine. He was always smiling, always happy, always totally in the moment, always the clown, always loving. The most wonderful cat in the world is no longer with us.
Julie said they kept him for a few days while they waited for warm weather to bury his body. She didn't want to burn him. She hasn't yet found a good stone to mark his grave.
Why is it always the best ones that go? And why did it have to be by car? Mugsy always (I thought) stuck close to the house. He was terrified of cars. If one started up while he was in the vicinity, he would run. If you were holding him and a car went by on the road, he'd tense to flee. If it was in the driveway, you'd have a very tough job holding him as he scrambled desperately to escape. Bruno, his gentle brother, was the one who crossed the road. If either of them got hit, we thought it would be Bruno. In fact (ironically now) I always consoled myself that at least if we lost one, it would be Bruno (not that I didn't love him but I had a fiercer affection for Mugsy).
In the end it doesn't matter. Mugsy's gone, I hope he did not suffer and never knew what hit him. He will never adorn the farm anymore as its liveliest and lovingest denizen. Its smiling sunny fields and (to him) endless possibilities for amusement and play will be emptier and sadder now.
And I have lost a dear and wonderful friend.
I do hope cats get to heaven. Because if they do, the first one I want to see there is Mugsy.
Hi to all my dear family and friends, Today I have three special people that I want to THANK. Cindy from "OLD TIME FARMHOUSE" BLOG surprised me by choosing my name to win her vintage apron Giveaway. I love aprons...and, especially, gingham ones!
Paula from "SUGAR SWEET AND PINK" BLOG created and lovingly stitched such sweet gifts for me. I'd like to share a few of them with you. I love each one! Mark...my hubby Thank you, Honey, for the cute as pie polka dot tea pot and the matching polka dot plates. You know just what I like. You are such a sweetheart
Polka Dots... Whiskers on Kittens... My favorite color...Red These are a few of my favorite things!
Paula, My darling adopted daughter created this adorable kitty cat. She designed the pattern and the hand stitched touches. Paula added the crowning touch...the tiny blue and white creamer and saucer. I adore it, Paula!
You guessed it... A few more of my favorite things! Gifts from my hubby...
More RED... and More pretty Polka Dots!
"My Little RED shoe Pincushion" It sits proudly in my sewing room.
"Raggedy Ann" Do you see the light blue gingham apron draped over the chair back? Can you guess WHO gave it to me?
Heart Shaped Pockets... Oh...How cute, Cindy! I love your darling giveaway!
Cindy sent me this sweet vintage apron. I don't have the heart or wear it and get it dirty... I think it will hang proudly in my kitchen.
My RED vintage kitchen chair with country tole painting. I found this at a Craft Faire in Tennessee. It has been used as a high chair for little visitors and has sat in my kitchen for many years.
Sweet Paula gave me this beautiful vintage linen table cloth. I love the fine stitching and RED crocheted edging. Thank you, dear.
Gifts from my sweet Paula Play Pals... Patti, Penny & Kitty
"When you wish upon a star Makes no difference who you are Anything your heart desires Will come to you.
If your heart is in your dream No request is too extreme When you wish upon a star As dreamers do.
Fate is kind She brings to those to love The sweet fulfillment of Their secret longing.
Like a bolt out of the blue Fate steps in and sees you through Your dreams come true."
(Disney Theme Song)
Special thanks to: Paula at www.sugarsweetandpink.blogspot.com and Cindy at www.oldtimefarmouse.blogspot.com
Each week I love joining in my favorite blog parties. I'm linking with: Boogie Board Cottage www.boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com Mockingbird Hill Cottage www.mockingbirdhillcottage.com Sunny Simple Life www.sunnysimplelife.blogspot.com The Dedicate House www.thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com The Little Red House www.dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com Etsy Cottage Style www.etsycottagestyle.blogspot.com Cozy Little House www.cozylittlehouse.com Knick Of Time www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com Lavender Cottage Dreams www.lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com Have A Daily Cup of Mrs Olson www.jannolson.blogspot.com My Rose Chintz www.sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com Common Ground www.debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop www.deborahjeansdandelionhouse.blogspot.com I Gotta Create www.igottacreate.blogspot.com Rooted In Thyme www.rootedinthyme.blogspot.com The Charm of Home www.thecharmofhome.blogspot.com Meet and Greet Blog Hop by Laurie www.createdbylaurie.blogspot.com Show-Licious Saturday's www.sew-licious.blogspot.com
Hello, My dear family & friends, Valentine's Day is past but for me it lingers in my heart and throughout the entire month of Love... I love February.
"The man or woman you really love will never grow old. Through the wrinkles of time, Through the bowed frame of years, You will always see the dear face and feel the warm heart union of your eternal love. " A. Montepert
Sweets for the Sweet!
True Love Mark & Carolynn
"Us" Our 12th Wedding Anniversary 1998 Mark and I have been happily married for 27 years. We met in San Diego in 1985... and it really was love at first sight!
"Grow Old With Me The Best is Yet to Be."
My Sweetheart "Then"
My Sweetheart "Now"
Is your mouth watering, yet?
"His and Hers"
Whenever we visit San Diego we always make a trip to See's. This year as Valentine's Day was approaching we indulged just a bit.
Two Hearts Beating As One...
I'm so glad you stopped by... I know that most likely several of you are on Post Valentine's Day diets... BUT I think you'd agree... We all need a little sweetness in our day!
Blessings to you! Carolynn xoxo
"Now these three remain: Faith, Hope, & Love But the greatest of these is Love." 1 Corinthians 13:13
Each week I love joining in my favorite blog parties. I'm linking with: Boogie Board Cottage www.boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com Mockingbird Hill Cottage www.mockingbirdhillcottage.com Sunny Simple Life www.sunnysimplelife.blogspot.com The Dedicate House www.thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com The Little Red House www.dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com Etsy Cottage Style www.etsycottagestyle.blogspot.com Cozy Little House www.cozylittlehouse.com Knick Of Time www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com Lavender Cottage Dreams www.lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com Have A Daily Cup of Mrs Olson www.jannolson.blogspot.com My Rose Chintz www.sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com Common Ground www.debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop www.deborahjeansdandelionhouse.blogspot.com I Gotta Create www.igottacreate.blogspot.com Rooted In Thyme www.rootedinthyme.blogspot.com The Charm of Home www.thecharmofhome.blogspot.com Meet and Greet Blog Hop by Laurie www.createdbylaurie.blogspot.com Show-Licious Saturday's www.sew-licious.blogspot.com
So, I wanted to stop by to thank you all for your encouragement after my last post about opening up a bit more over here. Who knew you'd all love a bit more of the personal stuff? Well, you did, obviously. Anyway, as a thank you, here's a list of things I really want. I know, I'm too good to you. Jokes aside, thanks for allowing me to not feel like a massive idiot for the offer of being a bit more sharey (yes, it's now a word) and for reading my blog. It means a lot to me. Oh, and if any of you are feeling extra generous, I would like one of each of the above please and thank you kindly. Ok, have a great weekend, friends and see you back here next week? Date, done. 1. Shirt - Zara2. Scarf - Imogene + Willie3. Earrings - Erin Wasson4. Publication - The Gentlewoman5. Art - Ethan Cook6. Tea Bowl - Tabuchi Taro7. Jeans - COS8. Lingerie - Roseanna 9. Necklace - Maslo Jewelry
My Red Welsh Cupboard all dressed up for Valentine's Day
How I love red and white! I made this Valentines miniature quilt in 1995. I enjoy bringing it out each February.
My sweet sister, Sherry, gave me this darling tea set many years ago. Isn't it adorable?
Brrrr...It's cold outside!
Happy little Play Pals straight from the heart of my darling adopted daughter, Paula Thank you, dear. I love them!
Happy Heart Day!
Thank you for visiting me, my dearest friends and family. I hope and pray that each one of you have a wonderful Valentine's Day!
Blessings and Fond Affection, Carolynn xoxo "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.Love never fails." I Corinthians 13:4-8
I'm linking with all my favorite blogs and parties. I have listed them all on my sidebar. I hope you will stop by each one and say hello. I'm sure they would love to meet you!
I am so excited to be participating in Sandy's Easter-Spring SWAP at www.521lakestreet-sandy.blogspot.com The last day to sign up is February 18 Hurry...You don't want to miss this fun swap!
Welcome to the little world of "Chandler Kimo Timothy"... (Kimo is the Hawaiian name for Tim) It's a tiny bit of paradise...
My dear friend, Rikki, painted all the murals... I love them all!
Sweet dreams, little one...
"Monkeying Around" A gift from Grandma Pam
A playmat for baby to enjoy...Made by Grammy Carolynn
I love this print! I just went bananas when I found this adorable fabric!
Going Ape...Gone Bananas...Monkeying Around and all for my precious little grandson Chandler Kimo Timothy
I love you sweet little man!
Chandler's Crib "Monkey Bars"
Four little monkeys sitting on a bed...
"Peek-A-Boo!"
"The Lord bless you and keep you...Chandler Kimo Timothy; The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26
I'm so glad you stopped by, my dearest blogging friends! Have a wonderful week!
Blessings, Carolynn xoxo
I'm linking to my favorite blog parties and giveaways this coming week. I invite you to visit my sidebar and link up with each one. I know they would love having you as their guest. .
I dedicate this video to my dear friend, Jann..."Have A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson" in memory of her Father...Joseph Thomas Chorniak1912-1954 Yes, Jann...One day you will be reunited with your Dad who is waiting patiently in heaven to meet his baby girl. Please stop over to Jann's blog and see the beautiful tribute she paid her beloved Father. www.jannolson.blogspot.com Lovingly, Carolynn xoxo
ps. The handsome round faced young man who is singing wrote this. He lost his Father at a young age.
So, this has always been a strictly design based blog. I've never been very personal on here. I find that difficult. I'm shy, private by nature, my sense of humour is bone dry, and well, I'm British. However, I want that to change (not the British part, naturally). Don't worry, I'm not suddenly going to get all over sharey on you (sharey?) but towards the end of last year and now this year, things have started to change with me and while it's a long and complicated tale which I will save for another time, I felt the time was right to try and make a change. When I started this blog (I had a previous one back in '08) it was to aid my new business and to get a sense of what the community was all about - was this something I wanted to pursue? Could I keep it going etc. Since then, blogging has become more than a way to keep my business going. I won't lie and say it has no place within my business because the truth of the matter is that it is my main source of work and for that I am always truly grateful. However, the more I get to know people through blogging the more I love it for that very reason - getting to know like minded people. The world has changed in the past decade. Ten years ago when I was in my early 20s I would never have guessed that I would be into chatting to be people on the Internet... God forbid! But now with blogs & Twitter etc it's totally normal and I like that. I've met so many great people through blogging, that I feel my world both socially and professionally has changed irrevocably for the better. I've met lots of people in person and formed real friendships. Then there's those people who are too far away geographically to meet, but who I still have real tangible friendships with and who I genuinely know will be in my life for a long, long time. But the fact remains that I feel as though I need to redress the balance on my own blog to reflect how it has changed as a platform for me and my work. And, how I have changed as a person. One thing it has given me which I will forever be grateful for (and which I continue to struggle with on a daily basis) is increased confidence (which is going to be the subject of another blog post soon - it's all too much for one post). The thing is, I could go on about this subject for hours. Literally. But to cut a long story short, I intend to make my blog more of a place to come and chat alongside all the design stuff (that's not going anywhere!) and I hope you'll join me, still. I really do love having you visit here and it means so much to me to know you're out there. (See, I'm doing it! But, while it's still a bit against my nature, please bear with me!). After all, your support has made it possible for me to discover a career I never thought I'd be able to achieve... going it alone and freelancing and sustaining myself. The past two years have been unbelievable (both with highs and lows) and a lot of that is because I started this blog. So, onwards, friends... thanks again and as always, I'd love to know your thoughts. (I know, how utterly un-British of me! *waves Union Jack, makes a cup of tea, sings God Save The Queen and complains about the weather* Aaaand, relax).
Blessings and Thanks from the bottom of my heart...for all your prayers!
Our little grandson made his long overdue debut. Mommy and Baby are doing well after a difficult labor and delivery.
Precious moments with my grandson in the NICU "Chandler Kimo Timothy" 9 lbs. 11 ounces (Yes...that funny old lady is me!)
PRICELESS! Daddy and Chandler while Mommy was in surgery.
FINALLY TOGETHER... My sweet son, Tim...My darling DIL, Kelita and Baby Chandler When Chandler was born he was not breathing and he had ingested a large amount of meconium. He was intubated and spent time in the NICU. Meanwhile, Mommy Kelita was rushed to emergency surgery. After many hours apart Daddy, Mommy and baby were united. God was faithful and we felt His presence even in the darkest moments.
Eight Days Old Mommy and Baby
Kissable Little Feet
"For you formed my inward parts, You knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; My soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:13-14 I can't begin to thank you enough for all your prayers, friendship, encouragement and loving words! Blessings from the bottom of my heart!
Grammy Carolynn xoxo
Upon returning home I succumbed to the flu. I am working on trying to get well and look forward to posting when my strength returns. Many of you might not know that I have Multiple Sclerosis. It takes me a bit longer to return to full steam. Hugs to each one of you! I have missed you! xoxo
I'm linking to my favorite blog parties and giveaways this coming week. I invite you to visit my sidebar and link up with each one. I know they would love having you as their guest...
