Book Review

I got my 4th book to review through Library Thing!

If you love to read you should sign up to be a reviewer. I have their button on the side of my page so go ahead, click it and see what all is happening in the book world. Even if you don't want to sign up to receive FREE books, it is a good source for keeping track of your books and see what others say about books you are interested in and if you want discuss them.

Cocaine's Son

by David Itzkoff

Planned release date Feb. 2011

This review is coming from a daughter of an alcoholic, who also blamed him for the anxiety disorder and abandonment issues she has. I could relate with much of what David was trying to say here in his book "Cocaines's Son".

As a young person, I found it very painful that my father chose bars and buddies over attending dance recitals and school functions. The dread of wondering if the funny, easy going Dad or the angry, foul mouthed drunk Dad was going to come home each night. And on some nights I lay awake waiting to see if he would make it home safely if at all.

David's Dad is a hard man to like and live with high or sober. The beginning of the book starts out from a child's perspective, where as most kids, we want our parents to be our heroes. David's Dad falls sorely short. David has to endure many let downs and embarrassing moments by his father. Growing into a healthy, let alone loving, respectful relationship is more than likely not going to happen but nonetheless they try.

David does not have a lot of harrowing tales for us to wade through and his book does not leave you with dark depressed feelings. As you move through the book you mostly feel the disappointment and desire for a better relationship for them or for David to just give up already!

I am very pleased with which he chose to close out his memoir. It is very emotional and heart warming.

After going through a very difficult emotional time myself, at one time I felt that I'd rather be dead. Then realizing my children were not enough to keep me here was a startling revelation that helped me reconcile my feelings toward my father. I was able to understand the emotional pain he lived with and I was then able to forgive. Unfortunately, he had already died but I found peace and a different perspective in how to view my childhood.

This book is not a heavy downer. If you have experienced disappointments from a parent and not reconciled, you may benefit from this book.

Gratitude

I received this as my daily devotional and thought it was well worth passing along.

After a long pregnancy that generated more questions than

congratulations; that nearly led to a marriage ending before it started; that included a painful and arduous journey; that culminated in her son being born in conditions fit for animals but not for humans, how did Mary respond? Luke tells us that she "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" (2:19).

In Bethlehem, among the animals, she found joy. She could have complained that God was doing nothing good for her, but instead she declared the "great things" God had done (Luke 1:49).

This is central to the Christmas story - and the joys and challenges of our modern holiday - remind us that gratitude changes everything. Whether there are gifts stacked to the ceiling with your name on them or your aren't sure anyone is going to give you anything, stop and give thanks to God, the Giver of all good and perfect gifts.

You'll receive a special blessing in your spirit and discover you have everything you need.

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

My girls and Cooper this morning.

How NOT to test your dogs shock collar

So, Today I was planning on doing some over due cleaning.

Cooper had other ideas.

As I kept on doing my work, Cooper kept on whining. His whine is more like a whistle through his nose.

It's a dogs equivalent to your child saying Mom, mom, mom, mommy, hey mom, mom.

It can become really annoying. Like this morning.

Now, last night it snowed, the temperatures dropped and going outside wasn't high on my list, at least not until after I got my work done since a long walk in the cold makes me sleepy.

I kept working and he kept... whistling.

(sigh)

Who wants to clean house anyway

so, I called my walking friend and she was ready for the trek to the quarry.

The quarry in summer

Today it did not look like this.

Anyway, back to the walk prep. I had to put layers and layers on, find my headband to cover my ears and put on my cool orange boots that are great in water. We had lots of rain yesterday before the snow started so I knew we would have to walk through a lot of water.

During all of this, Cooper's excitement escalated! He knows my walking clothes. He proceeds to jump and bark and get all excited.

I hate this and just want to hurry up and get on the road so he will stop.

I have to explain here that we use the "Pet Safe" electronic pet containment system, which is a very nice system by the way. But early on, the actual shock freaked Cooper out to where he wouldn't leave the porch, so I turned off the shock part because just hearing the tone sent him running back with in the boundary. Well, over the past year he has figured out that the shock wasn't coming and has been wandering the neighborhood stealing other dogs bones. (Another story for another blog). I had to change the settings last week to put on the shock. I didn't want him getting hit by a car or going to dogie jail for theft.

I wanted to get the point across so I didn't start with whimpey 1 or 2

I went up to the next to last level #5!

I don't believe in wasting time teaching a lesson.

Well, in my hurry to stop the excitement my dog was experiencing I forgot to take off his shock collar....Woopsie!

As I began to back out of the driveway Cooper began to yelp very loudly and persistently. Over and over and over.

OMG!! I forgot the collar, I had on thick gloves so I couldn't get it undone.

He kept yelping, I started to panic.

I drove forward back into the boundary but it wouldn't stop!

Finally I got it off and out of the car, because even though it wasn't on his neck anymore the sound was freaking him out.

I got back in the car and he was trembling. I felt so bad. Did I traumatize my poor baby? Was he going to have a stroke?

Nah. After we pulled out on the road he began his excited whistle, whine of excitement about going to the quarry, which he loves.

Please don't turn me in to the dogie police. I love my dog and hate that this happened but I have to tell you I was laughing quite a lot as I retold the story to my husband when we got home and now I am sure the shock part is working.

Don't worry, we had a nice long relaxing nap on the couch when we got home.

He is a very pampered dog.

Simple, quiet Christmas

I'm really glad I read a post today. She shared how she has had difficult Christmas's and this year was another one. I have not really had a season like we are having right now and I really don't want to decorate for Christmas this year. I don't want to participate in the partying. We foreclosed on our house of 15 years and will have to be moving out. I am closing my photography business after 24 years and looking for a new job. My brother-in-law is dying of cancer and we just lost a friend of many years suddenly this past week. I do not have a bad attitude. I am grateful and hopeful but I just want to celebrate the fact that Christ was born and because of that I have hope. Gifts, decorating and parties just don't fit in this year. She helped me feel better that some years it is ok for it to be different, quiet.

I think we will just have a simple Christmas remembering what we are most grateful for which right now for me is the fact that our family has become stronger and closer through this and the 4 of us will be together. I am thankful my husband is still here after the scare we had last year,(Our friend was not so lucky, he leaves 3 children, 2 grown but his youngest is just a senior this year.) I am thankful that my girls are awesome young women I am so proud of and that we have a faith in a big God and that He has something good in store for us just around the corner!

Blessed

I have so much to be thankful for but right now I am thankful that I have learned what is truly necessary in life. I am truly blessed and hope all of you have a blessed Thanksgiving with friends and family.

Library Thing Book Review

I was able to snag another book from Library Thing! I am loving this site. This is the 3rd book I have received and it was one I would not have normally picked but the message has stuck with me and I feel it is worth a look.

I was plesantly surprised by this book. It drew me in right from the start. The author dangles information in pieces to keep you reading. It was not predictable as many of the inspirational books tend to be.

The subject matter many seem difficult but is presented in a way that helps you see that these things are survivable.

I did have trouble with one character through out the book. Sherriff Huff’s character is likeable enough and at some points I wondered if he was going to be crooked because of the whineing he kept doing. One inner dialoge about his desire to be with his grandkids would have been enough for the reader to get the point he did not want to remain sheriff. I found him tireing.

The author did a good job with the sadness and pain of all the characters and how we all find someone to blame for our difficulties.

The message of forgiveness and acceptance is strong and the end is inspiring. The message of the love of God is presented well without being preachy.

Many people who have not suffered may not believe some of the situations that happen but pain and hurt lead us to behave in ways we would not normally react. Even as Christians.

By putting many people who are scared, hurt and lost together, a mob mentality is likely to happen.

All in all I would reccommend this book, espically if you are going through tough times and want to be encouraged.

Isn't nature cool? Have you ever seen a prettier "S"?

Oh by the way My first name is Sherri.

So I have not been able to update because I have been very busy making items for 2 Holiday Craft shows being held this weekend. Todays was fantastic! I finally found people who love my vintage look!!!! I am really looking forward to tomorrows.

The second reason is because my attitude has been a bit eradic lately.Is that a word? I can't find the correct spelling here and am to tired to look it up. Sorry. Anyway, my husband has not heard about any of the jobs he has applied for. The good news is they are still posted so not filled yet. Hopefully they are planning on actually hiring the 1st of the year. So anyway that leaves us at the end of the foreclosure journey. The bank bought back our house this past Thursday. We are unsure of how long they will give us to leave so we are beginning the packing and throwing away stuff. I have made the decision to close my portrait studio after 26 years. I have a real peace and freedom in this since I have actually spoken it out loud to my client this past week. The last month has been very hard and I just couldn't talk about any of it but now I am really doing well and looking forward to what God has in store for my husband and myself.

Do you think it could just be shock? LOL

On a really brighter side. My youngest, the one in the homecoming photos, got accepted to Johnson and Wales for culinary arts this fall. She also received a very generous scholarship from them for academic achievement for all 4 years. We had not applied for any help yet. God is SO GOOD! She is excited and knows God is supplying all her needs and He will ours to.

I can't wait to tell you what he has done for us when it happens. For now I am living in excited anticipation.

P.S. Thanks for hanging in there with me. I will try not to be so silent as the time passes and we wait.

Busyness

I feel like my blog is this truck.

When life gets crazy for me, that is when I neglect my journaling most.

I have missed recording many very life changing moments because I am just to over come to write.

Life gets to busy and we get to distracted and then before you know it we have left something precious to us behind.

I'm going to try to do better ;)

My husband had an interview yesterday!

I'm afraid to hope but I am going to anyway.

I'll keep you posted!

Hope you are taking time to enjoy the Fall colors while they last!

Homecoming Dance tonight

The Tickets
The Shoes

The Lips

The Hair

The Dress

The Date

Friends!

My youngest daughters last Homecoming.

Thankful and Blessed

It's been a year this past week since my husband had his open heart surgery. He is doing good. Diabetes is not better so I assume the heart is not improving but he is still here and has had some work but still hasn’t been able to find a job. My business is holding it’s own but I can’t support us. We are still in our house (that is really crazy) but I am thankful.
It has definitely been a long year. One filled with hopes, then disappointment, fear, and anxious moments but God is always there to remind us:
He has everything under control.
His ways are not our ways
He is ALWAYS faithful
He will never leave us
He is our provider
He is our comforter

Several months ago when I was in one of my desperate moods He reminded me that
He Loves ME
He is never in a hurry
His timing is perfect
I need to trust Him and let go

This has been a year of growth for our family. We are strong and I am thankful. He has provided for all my daughters needs and they are growing into faithful women I am so proud of.

As for my marriage.
We will be married 29 years this March.
Our vows have truly been tested in the last several years and I know the true meaning behind the commitment we made all those years ago.
To love each other for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.
Has it been easy?
Hah! No but it is rewarding to know you can count on each other and know that we have each other no matter what we are facing. It feels good to look back and see how we have honored that committment we made so many years ago when we were young and hopeful.
Looking back through the times when we weren't so happy with each other or just to distracted with life we neglected each other. I am so thankful we remembered our commitment to each other and God and stuck it out.
It's rewarding to look back and see (as my Mom used to say) it all comes out in the wash!
Sometimes life gets real tough but we have a big God who loves us and has our back. I'm still trusting that He has a wonderful plan for the rest of our lives and "This too shall pass".

Remember:
to love those around you even when they are not being lovable
stick with it.
you are not in control and you are nothing without God.
We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength!

Have a wonderful week!

I Hit The Mother Load!

Warning!!! Lots of images of vintage linens, jewelry and odds and ends for crafting.

Do not look if you are prone to jealousy,

hate vintage stuff,

or

can't stand to know that these items will be repurposed.

Otherwise ENJOY!

Aren't these quilts beautiful? I may keep the pink one intact in my living room for awhile.
Look at this edging! It gives me goose bumps!
I can not wait to start something with this great quilt.

This stash is going to be fun to work with.

I always drool over the booths with gobs of vintage lace.

Now I have my very own stash!

Found two vendors that I could wheel and deal with for most of all the lace and linens!

LOVE!

Jewelry to repurpose.

I have lots more too. I was just so tired and hungry I wanted to get these shots done before dark so I could share with you today. I missed a bag.

LOVE~LOVE~LOVE

Can you just see the projects going around in my head? I think it's going to explode!

Now for a few items to fix up for Christmas.

Aren't these ornaments great! I may just sell them on my Etsy store.

Check out this group of very cool paper items!

Dracula! very Art Deco cover

See this ledger? It is from 1884!

A list of people who owed and paid him and different towns in Ohio listed.

The hand writing is very cool.

And this little treasure is an autograph book from 1881!

It is full of wonderful sayings. I will be scanning and using these in so many ways.

This has got to be one of my favorite purchases!

My heart is racing just typing this looking at the book.

You will see some of these individual pages in the future, Oh My, the gorgeous hand writing.

Well I hope this wasn't to much eye candy at one time but I had to share what I got with you right away.

Have a great week!

If the comment box is way at the bottom again, and you know how I can fix this let me know. It happens everytime I upload lots of images.

Aren't These The Cutest Pumpkins?

I just Love these if I say so myself!
I was blog hopping last night an came up on this tutorial and had to give it a try.
http://hummadeedledee.blogspot.com/2008/09/pumpkin-inspiration-tutorial.html
Had some old sweaters in the basement waiting for me to loose weight. They have been waiting a lllooonnnggg time so I decided to give them a new life!

I also had 1 ball of twine so I made the 1st two then ran to the dollar store and all they had was butchers string but I think it looks cute too.

I have several more sweaters in fall colors so I will be working on those this week and adding to my /etsy store.

I have a craft show this Tuesday at one of our local colleges. I have been making things for the students for their dorms.

School colors are green and yellow. How about this banner and swag?


My Mom was a professional seamstress and had a lot of buttons. I really don't do anything with all of them so I decided to make hair clips the girls might like.

I have also been using up my scrapbook papers making small things the students can put on a bulletin board in their dorms or use as book marks.

A series of cards I'm adding to Esty of Savannah, GA and Tybe Island





And then another venture is fabric assemblage. I'm new at this so I'm just going with the flow here. The 1st one isn't done yet.

Used my images to iron on vintage cotton nightgown fabric I have and used other odds and ends I have laying around.




Repurpose, Reuse, Recycle

I Love it!


I never thought I'd say I liked the sewing machine but my daughters machine is easy to use and has lots of fun stitches. For now, I'll keep playing while the creative juices are flowing!