First Snowfall

No, I didn't get a picture... we all know what the snow looks like! Actually, it would snow and melt, then snow and melt. Some has accumulated by now, so it is nice that the leaves in the yard are covered. The weather says it is to be in the 60's by the weekend, so that is good news. I have a bunch of signs I want to paint, so sunny and 60 sounds just about right.

BUT... before it snowed, I got a picture of these snowman pillows.. I listed one on Etsy tonight. Hmm, it would be nice if there was a nice little clickable link right about here... have to learn how to do that someday.

Carol

Yesterday, my cousin Carol passed away. She is the beautiful woman in the picture with our uncle Jimmy. Yes, he's 80 something and he's Uncle Jimmy. Carol was diagnosed with a brain tumor a few weeks ago after a horrible headache sent her to the emergency room. Surgery took place last week, the tumor had take residence in her brain, they got what they could, and started radiation and possibly chemotherapy. She was in rehab, when Tuesday night, they found her unconscious, her brain was swelling. She remained in a coma until passing away yesterday afternoon.

It doesn't seem quite real, she was a vibrant, caring individual, who has seen more heartbreak than one could bear. Losing her first husband after 5 years of marriage, leaving 2 boys, age 2 and 4. Losing a son at 21 to a motorcycle accident. The death of her second husband 2 years ago to cancer. Now we say goodbye to her on Saturday. I wanted to ask today - what did she do to deserve this, when it hits me, this IS her reward, she is receiving her crowns of glory.

We love you, Carol!

Going back in time...

Since I wasn't the most faithful blogger, I want to re-count some of the important events in my life... on Feb. 9, 2008 our 4th grandchild was born, Henry James B and we fell in love all over again with a tiny bundle. He and his mom (our daughter) and dad live in MD, so it's a bit of a drive to get to see him. We got to see him when he was days old. He's growing so quickly, 8 months old now, and I miss seeing all the wonderful things that babies do. Long distance grandparenting isn't all that fun. Save for special surprises, like my birthday this year! Thanks guys!!!! It was a delightful surprise! Sneaky, too!

ALF Pictures

AUTUMN LEAF FESTIVAL 2008

My set-up

Large old window painted with fall scene.

The show was a good one, despite the rain during set up. It didn't seem to discourage the die-hards. Everyone else came late morning after the rain had cleared, the day turned into a beautiful one.

AUTUMN LEAF FESTIVAL

We're packing up for Autumn Leaf Festival tomorrow. The festival itself is on Friday, 8-5 in downtown Clarion, PA, Autumn Leaf Capital of the world, so they say.

Approximately 300 vendors line the Main Street, and our booth is in front of the Courthouse, #56.

The next pictures you will see posted will be of the booth, probably. I wanted to photograph the items as I was making them, but time is always short as I get ready for ALF.

I have tons of things for sale, fall decor, and signs and snowmen.

Seeya on Friday!

Let Go

LET GO! author unknown

LET GO of that nagging feeling that something could go wrong. For whatever may happen,you can always choose a way to move forward.

LET GO of your resentment and anger over things that are beyond your control. Do the very best with where you are,with what you have,and that will be more than enough.

LET GO of the pain you carry from things that happened long ago.Allow yourself to experience the glorious freedom of forgiveness.

LET GO of the needs that you don't really need,that keep your life so anxious and complicated. Find real fulfillment not in getting, but in being.

LET GO of the regrets,the disappointments and distress. Choose to follow the very best of the possibilities that beckon you forward.

LET GO of all the excuses ou have for not living fully. Give beauty and meaning to the life and the world that you're in right now.

Thanks, Jen!

Oh, I am a pathetic blogger. I have plenty going on, but no time to write about it. Going to take a stab at it.

Going on this week:

• My oldest daughter's 31st birthday, which I didn't sufficiently celebrate with her, as she and her husband live 5 hours away. Since, however, she is due to deliver our 4th grandchild within the next couple of weeks, I will have a chance to celebrate her birthday and her dear son's at the same time. It's very "circle of life" - ish. I'm very excited about this baby boy.
• My son and his wife have bought a house, I believe 2 weeks ago. They have been feverishly, scraping, sanding, tearing down and re-building and painting. The results will be a beautiful century-old Victorian home. The grandchildren will fill it's halls with laughter.
• Our youngest daughter brought home all a's on her report card once again this year. Wow, she is impressing us, and we're proud of her for "doing her part".
• Mom is going home this weekend, on a reprieve from the nursing home, can't go see her since we're going to be helping our son do the house. Brothers are once again spending the time and energy to get her home, so glad since I don't have it!
• Still dealing with some lousy sinus junk, it's been a long time now.
• My sister made the best wedding soup and pizza bread this weekend for our "family meeting". Yum, made the over an hour drive SO worth it!
• I have the most wonderful husband in the world.