It's Raining in Texas

We don't watch much sports on TV at our house and never have; however, with the Tigers playing in the last series, trying to win five out of seven games, the remote gets stuck on the baseball game. It's Sunday evening and the Tigers are playing against Texas--not in our favor, last time I checked.

How is it that there are so many "fair-weather fans"? I have to admit: I'm one of them. In spite of the fact that my husband actually works at Joe Louis Arena, and enjoyed being on the high school varsity football team, we still don't watch much sports, as I said--fair-weather fans!

Time lapse: The Tigers are still playing but it has started to rain and the field has been covered. I'll bet lots of fans are disappointed right now. It puts a real damper on things! The stands are half full of die-hard fans wearing rain ponchos, sitting under umbrellas, holding up banners, etc.

With the score now at 3 - 2, Texas leading, we're still hoping that soon the Tigers will be vying for the pennant.We have much hope!

Back to the game. Oops, still nothing. You'll just have to turn on your own telly later to find out the rest of the story...

Pleasant dreams of going out to the ballgame, hot dogs, beer, pop, cheers, pompoms, big "D's" on peoples shirts...

Good night my fair weather friends.

Kandeeland's Blog

Oh, my gosh! I found this blog in the middle of the night when I was sick and couldn't stop coughing, so I went in the other room and got on the computer to keep my husband from waking up (whew!)

Kandee Johnson is a character. I found her while I was looking up Cinderella's necklace so that I could make one for my little granddaughter for her Halloween costume. Somehow, on one of the sites, I found a video from Kandee on how to apply Cinderella make-up. She seemed a little strange at first, but, then, I got sucked in. She's so much fun that she really makes me laugh!

Here is a link to one of her blogs: kandeeland

Have fun if you decide to go there, and check out her other blogs while you're there. It's so funny that, even though I'm old enough to be her mother or grandmother (?), her blog just cracks me up. She reminds me of my niece. My daughter and my niece are the same age. They're so much fun!

Have a restful sleep, even though I'm not--taking Robitussin with codeine to stop the cough and to cough up at the same time, which doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but you eventually stop coughing and quiet down, so I guess it works!

Pleasant dreams of candy, cupcakes, travel, looking pretty, pink layer cake, and, oh, that's another blog post--the cupcake charms I've found on Etsy. Good night and good morning...

New Kandee Fan

Halloween is approaching, but not too soon, I hope!

Hi to all! I've been really busy making little creations for my two shops: My Dream Garden (for women, and, some for girls, too) and Three Tiny Tucks (for little girls to teens)--both on Etsy. In each photo you'll see a link to the correct shop. So much fun! 

I have also placed headbands in elevate Salon and Spa in Trenton, MI. Something is a much bigger hit when people can actually, physically, see and touch it. I'm sure all of my fellow Etsy artists can relate to that!

Have a great week! Pleasant dreams of crisp air coming--apples, cider, donuts, Halloween, football games, homecoming...but not too soon, please! I'm still enjoying butterflies, hummingbird moths, hummingbirds, flowers, green grass...

http://www.threetinytucks.etsy.com

http://www.threetinytucks.etsy.com

http://www.mydreamgarden.etsy.com

http://www.threetinytucks.etsy.com

http://www.mydreamgarden.etsy.com (Man in the Moon raku pendant at http://www.etsy.com/shop/wondrousstrange)

 

http://www.mydreamgarden.etsy.com

http://www.mydreamgarden.etsy.com

http://www.mydreamgarden.etsy.com

Living in the present while still looking forward to the future...only the near future!

Therese

Summer's Photos

Two of my beach babies in Frankfort, MI

Bonfire on Lake Michigan, Frankfort, MI

A gorgeous sky over the Frankfort, MI, lighthouse

Beauty comes in many forms and sunsets are one of the best, along with ladybugs in a child's hands! These are some of our vacation photos. I hope they bring to mind some good memories of summer for each of you!

Fellow camper fishing on Bass Lake, MI, at sunset

Couldn't get enough of the sunset on Bass Lake

Here's the sun winding down after a day of pure shine

Campground at water's edge on Bass Lake

Campground bonfire on Bass Lake in Elk Rapids

 

Streets of Elk Rapids, MI, looking at Lake Michigan

As always, a breathtaking sunset over East Bay near Traverse City, MI

Late sunset photo of Elk Rapids Marina, Elk Rapids, MI

 

 

 

The Smell of Summer

Summer's scents are wafting in the air from beaches full of sea fragments, ocean breezes, picnic delights, decks and docks holding heat from the sun, suntan lotion...

Another of my items has been included in a lovely treasury called Time Caught the Ocean. I love the things that remind me of a day on the beach. On Lake Erie there are so many zebra mussel shells--six inches deep on some beaches. However, if you're a kayaker, you can find beach glass on your adventures.

Summer has a scent of its own that permeates your mind with visions. It's funny how the senses all work together to form impressions on our minds. How delightful!

Pleasant dreams of gentle waves, beach jetsam, snails making trails in the sand, curtains blowing softly...

The Magic of Summertime (Slows Me Down)

Oh, how wonderful: Summer is here! And with it comes a slowing down in creativity. Who wants to be indoors when the warmth of the sun feels so good--as much as I love designing and making things.

Working steadily through the Spring, I still have many ideas swirling in my head, but I can't seem to get the show on the road. A disciplined artist schedules a time for productivity to breathe life into whatever designs formulate in the brain at around ten at night and continuing on into all hours of the night. Daytime must be set for things such as correspondence, packaging, mailing, etc.

Now my life, in the summertime, well, let's say it's another story. I try to be productive with my art; inspiration is always there, but my mind wanders to other outdoor fun, and I'm interrupted.

When summertime is here I want to watch thunderstorms; sit in my yard and take in the wildlife or have a tall, cool drink on the deck; go for a bike ride; work in the garden; go to outdoor concerts and on and on. Outdoor activities take up a lot of time but are welcome when you have only three months of warm weather, as we have in Michigan. This is the time of year that finds it difficult to keep any discipline.

Well, I'm sure you can relate to all this. Working on the computer is less appealing during the summer months. Business slows down. Productivity slows down. Everything seems to stand still.

I'm going to indulge myself; stop worrying about everything and enjoy the two months and a week of remaining summer. If I allow myself a little brain vacation, to have a little fun and leisure time, I'm sure my creative side will take over soon enough.

Pleasant dreams of fireflies, fireworks, cookouts, Margueritas, summer storms, swimming, gardening, just sitting and taking it all in...

Summertime Fun Time Girl

A Pleasant Surprise from Three Tiny Tucks

My new shop, Three Tiny Tucks, found one of its headbands listed in a treasury called "Buzz Buzz". Click on the treasury name.

I'm happy!

Good-bye Elsie

Well, it's time to say good-bye to one of my favorite bloggers, Elsie. Sometimes I feel like the writers of the blogs I read are truly my friends. And, sometimes they are. With this in mind I tell you that, when a friend stops blogging, it's as though a nearby friend has moved away. The only difference is that you might not be able to reach them and might not ever see them or hear from them again.

It's a sad, sad evening for me,

knowing that Namaste will no longer be.

Pleasant dreams, E...

Therese

ANNOUNCEMENT--My New Shop on Etsy

Hello, everyone! I'm announcing the GRAND OPENING of my new Etsy shop: THREE TINY TUCKS. Actually the grand opening was June 1st. I'm so excited and wish I had more time to list the those things that are ready to be listed. Soon....... 

Wish me luck and thanks for stopping by!

You're all terrific!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Therese

New Treasuries - Wonderful Artists!

A couple of new treasuries I've been chosen to be in:

Olives in the Vinyard

and

How does your garden grow?

Click and you'll be able to see all the lovely treasures.

Mothers Day Moments

Thirteen adults and three little ones gathered at our house for a Mothers Day cookout. It was uneventful until our five-year-old grandson had a little mishap. Our little cutie ran out of the family room, full-force, right into a screen door, pushing it off its track and into the air and causing it to topple over him. It was so hard not to laugh out loud, but we couldn't contain the laughter once we saw that he was OK. It was hilarious watching as the door jumped over him like they were playing leap frog. It took me back to the scene in the Wizard of Oz when the door on the tornado shelter flew off its hinges and up into the spinning wind.

After the party and everyone had gone home, I opened my Mother's Day cards and read them. If I wasn't so tired from two days of cleaning the house and yard and making strawberry shortcake, and everything else that goes along with hosting a cookout, I would have cried tears of joy while I was reading. My daughter told me to read the card after she left. I assumed it was full of emotion, so I agreed. And that it was. My son's card said so much about feelings.

You know: Some days you feel as though you must have done something wrong in bringing them up. But, then, you receive a thoughtfully written card and, somehow, everything you've felt before, falls into place. And now you understand.

I'll enjoy my rest tonight. Pleasant dreams of strawberry shortcake, hot dogs on the grill, cold iced tea and beer, good friends and family, fresh air, a crescent moon in a navy blue sky, good-bye hugs and kisses...

Nighty, night!

I'm Just Plain "Tuckered Out"

And that's not too funny since my last name is "Tucker". I feel so tired, but, mostly, I just don't feel motivated these days. While I realize Easter is upon us, I don't think it's sufficient excuse for spinning my wheels rather than finishing one simple project. After all, there are tons and tons of supplies on hand.

Here I am in the middle of completing two neck accent pieces and having several hair accessories to deliver to my niece's salon. I'm spinning my wheels, wondering if I'll feel any differently after Easter has passed. But I doubt it.

How is it for you? Do you sit down in the middle of a field of daisies and not pick one? Do you sift sand on a beach full of shells and not pick one up? Do you look through dozens of cookie recipes but never decide on which one to bake? Do you run past the string of stores and never stop because you can't decide where you'd like to shop? OH, get real!

I'm going to bed before I purchase another item on Etsy. I should be creating, not buying. I just purchased some supplies but can't seem to get into a project with the supplies I already have available. What's a person to do? What's that saying by Mary Englebreit..."SNAP OUT OF IT!"

Tuckered-out Therese

Finally...I get to sit down

Well, what do you know? I can finally sit now that tax time is nearing its end. As the world's ultimate procrastinator I just finished mine late last night. It was the first time I had entered my business and I felt it a little trying. Did you know that the deadline was extended to the 18th this year? Neither did I until I was surfing around and accidentally happened across it. That was when I decided I needed a little more time to rest before tackling those returns, again. Done!

Today is another day, but, unfortunately I'm so tired, I feel limp. Too many days of not enough sleep and stressing over those taxes. Many hours have been spent today photographing a headband that shows little appreciation for all the love I've poured into it. It has nothing to do but linger in a crowd of other colorful headbands. Life should be so easy for us humans.

My granddaughter hanging out with me is such a joy, but it is also "taxing" (can't get my mind off that word) on my nerves. I love her dearly; however, I have things to get done around here and still need to give her the attention she deserves.

Well, after all this and numerous other activities this past week, I'm finally going to sit down with my love, my husband, and simply watch TV. Veg out. Be a couch potato. As boring as it seems, that's all I require of anyone this evening...good ole' television with nothing else pressing me in.

Pleasant dreams of relaxation, lying flat out on the couch, doing nothing, feeling free, no worries...until tomorrow. Ugh! Nighty, night...

Sit Down Sally

Compelling Blogging Stories

We often get so busy we don't have time to read--or blog for that matter. I just joined a wonderful blog where a woman told a hair-raising about her 24-yr-old son. I don't need to grab a book. I was actually reading a story that, had it been much longer, would have left me emotionally drained. Maybe it's my mood today. Maybe I'm feeling more sensitive than usual. I don't think so. It's just that some people need to reach out and touch someone--as the saying goes--or just need to be heard. Suffice it to say, there are some very special people out there with some very real hurts--and that could easily be most of us. That blogger hasn't posted since December 2010, and I'm a little on edge, wondering what's happened since.

My suggestion is that you choose a blog to follow and check in every once in awhile. Listen to someone else's story. You might feel a kinship with the writer as well as feel the need to start your own blog in order to relieve yourself of some of the stress in your own life. Please share it with someone.

Pleasant dreams of safe days and nights for our children, of finding online friends we can relate to, of today's trials bringing tomorrow's peace...

Happy that I'm a Blogger