Cindy's Place

Homemade Ornaments

2010-12-03T10:25:00.000-05:00

Dontcha just love homemade gifts? A few years ago my girls and I made these felt ornaments from some craft directions we found in a magazine. They made great teacher's gifts and we enjoyed spending time together making them.

There are lots of craft instructions on the web for making felt Christmas ornaments and even if you don't sew, they're relatively easy to put together and given as a gift, the recipient is sure to remember who it came from!

Is anyone still out there?

2010-10-22T17:51:00.000-04:00

I cannot believe another year has passed since I created this blog. What I cannot believe more is the neglect I've given this blog during the past 12 months. Yet, something won't let me let it go. So, here's to another birthday for "Cindy's Place" and I hope to get back to you soon with some fresh tid bits from my world.

Summer Is Winding Down

2010-08-12T17:15:00.001-04:00

I've spent much of my summer working on genealogy and staying with my Mom at her home on the river. During one of my visits, we ventured to another town and found the coolest used book store. After speaking with the owner, he agreed to offer my bookmarks for sale in his shop. We spent many nights sitting at her kitchen table, putting beads together and braiding thread. We visited again a few days later and delivered them to him.

Here are a few of them. The bookseller agreed that these would make great additions to books given as gifts, stocking stuffers and even just a "happy day" gift for a student. If you're interested in getting some, please contact me at the email address on the right.

A Project is Good for the Soul

2010-02-25T10:07:00.004-05:00

I published this post on my Genealogy blog but thought it was fitting for Cindy's Place so I could share it with my crafting friends. So I'm not a scrapbooker... not in the cutsie die-cut adding scrapbooking way. But, I really wanted to make a book for my Mom about her family so I sat down with everything I knew that was interesting and pulled out all the documents I had, photos, stories and such and I got to work.

I was not planning on making a book of everything I knew about her whole family, but rather her Father and his immediate family, so I started with his parents.

The first page was an introduction and their marriage certificate, that's where the story began. I then gave information about their travel to the US, how the family was seperated for a few years and how one of her uncles was left in England.
After a page for each of her grandparents, I then created as many pages as needed for each of their sons, obviously her father I had a lot of information for and he ended up with 6 pages.

I created the book for my Mom back in 2008 and have just completed one for her brother (shhh, don't tell - it's a surprise) and will send it to him soon. I just wanted to share a few of the pages here.

In Memory of Dad

2010-01-10T16:45:00.001-05:00

I want to thank all of you who have reached out to me during the last few months with uplifting messages of strength during this difficult time.

My Dad, Donald F. Keener, ended his fight on December 21, 2009.

May he rest in peace.

I love you Dad

Away For a While

2009-12-11T08:21:00.002-05:00

You've probably noticed that I've not written a post in quite some time. I received very bad news about my father the week prior to halloween... he's terminally ill and doesn't have much longer to live. My parents live about 4 hours from all of us (being my sibs and I). This is a very bad situation and we decided that it made sense to relocate him to a nursing care center closer to us. This process took almost a full week and my life has been a whirlwind ever since.

Please excuse my absense while I spend this time with my Dad and the rest of the family and support my Mom through it all. I never really thought about how this would impact me when the time came. My Dad has always been someone I looked up to, someone with strength and a very big heart. Someone who worked hard for his family and gave us values and honesty and all the things we needed - even if we didn't realize it. I'm not ready to say goodbye and it's more difficult than I ever could of imagined. I will spend every available moment with him, it's the least I can do after all he's done for me.

I wish everyone well this Holiday Season.

Thanks for reading.

One year! Where has time gone!

2009-10-22T08:00:00.001-04:00

One year ago today I became a 'blogger'. While my focus changed from arts to genealogy and I now have two blogs, I am so glad that I did this!

When I started this blog I was filled with fear of the unknown. I had just begun doing some art and really wanted a place to share. During the past year I have met so many wonderful friends doing this and I appreciate everyone who stops by to read my ramblings. Thanks for making it a great year!!!

Outta the Mouths of Babes

2009-10-21T12:13:00.003-04:00

Just a quick short tale that I had to share this morning -

We're on the road - making yet another trip to the high school... on a windy little road, full of trees and large corn fields on either side.

Up ahead I see something in the middle of the road..... is that a small deer? a dog? a large cat?

As we get closer I can see it's face - it's a raccoon... poor thing

From the back seat I hear a voice - "Mommy, why is that raccoon sleeping in the middle of the road?"

hmmmm.. what to say? "I guess he's tired honey" this is where mommy quickly changes the subject.

Fast forward to 4:00pm - same road, same kid in the car.

"How come that raccoon is sleeping there all day?"

Running R A G G E D

2009-10-14T21:06:00.002-04:00

So the battery died in the camera, I cannot get the other pics of the tie dye experiment up tonight but let me share my week with you... I know, I know it's only Wednesday!!!!!

Ahhhh Spirit week at the local high school. Who knew it could be so much work for me.. the "hands off" mom? They are running me ragged with this crap and I'm losing my mind!!!!! :-)

I need to be at the school at 8:00 on Monday, oh and I'll need you to pick me up when I call (this ended up being 9:00pm!)

gotta go to Walmart - we need more supplies for hall decorating

Mom did you make my hair appointment?

Mom, Where's the special bra for my dress?

back to walmart - more supplies - this time it's the tie dye, tee shirts, shirts and leggings for a powder puff football game.. shirts for decorating with special green paint so sister and friend can wear to watch the game... seriously??

Mom, gotta go here, gotta go there, need this, need that,

Mom, when can i get new glasses?

Mom, where are my jeans? Not those! the skinny leg ones... no the dark skinny leg ones...

Mom, whens the next time you're going to the store?

Mom, someone stepped on my new glasses? rrrrrrrrgh

Mom, did you do laundry today?
(please realize, with seven people in the house how could I not? It would take over very quickly - but easily 15 loads a week is just overwhelming!)

Mom, why didn't you do laundry today?

Mom, pick me up at 4:00 today and this other person needs a ride also

Mom, what's for dinner? "bleh" (don't you love when that's the response you get?)

Me - please make your bed and at least put the CLEAN clothes away on the floor!

Mom, where are the cookies?

Mom, didn't you go to the store today?
why didn't you get ... donuts, icecream, soda, cookies, waffles, syrup.....

Mom, I need a check for this.. oh, and one for that...

Mom, you're driving to volleyball practice today - 5:15

Mom, where are my shoes?

Mom, can you drive me to school (this means loading up two tots at 7:30am) NO!

Mom, can my friend come over? can they have dinner here? can they spend the night? can I spend the night at her house? it's a school night - NO!

Me (again - two days later) - please, please put the clothes away in your room!

and my absolute favorite....

"UGggggg, there's NO food in this house!" rolling of the eyes, slamming of the pantry door,
gee, I wonder where it all went???

Tie Dye... uggggh

2009-10-12T10:43:00.005-04:00

So the kids have spirit week at school, and today's supposed to be a day off... meaning a day "on" for Mom. But the flurry of activity has got me just wore out and my frustration is building!!!!!

Tomorrow is 'Decade Day'...

"We want to wear tie dye shirts!"
"Fine"

off to the store, t-shirts and tie dye kit purchased.... two hours later......

"Did you read the directions?"
"Yes Mom"
"Dinner is almost on the table, please get your shirts dyed and wrapped" (they have to sit for 6-8 hours)

"We got this Mom" typical teenagers - moms don't know ANYTHING!

This morning I had to drop them at school, the halls must be decorated ya know. Two feverish toddlers in tow I made the drive, and returned home to unwrap the shirts and do the next step..... but somehow I don't think they're done correctly...

are you sure you read the directions??????? isn't the color supposed to be put down INTO the crevices of the rolled up shirt???

make a quick phone call....

"Where are the rest of the shirts? You guys didn't color these right - they're terrible.... they look like a shirt you WORE while tie dye is being done!"

"Are you kidding me Mom? We need those for tomorrow!"
"Why didn't you follow the directions?"

so, off to the garage I go, with another youngster - "We must tie dye two more shirts!" Mom is always "the fixer" in our house...

p.s. you should always wear gloves..... it's going to be days before my nails don't appear to have black crammed under them... yuck!

I'll be back later with the new shirts... hopefully they'll be "good enough" :-)

Welcome Fall

2009-10-08T12:10:00.006-04:00

I took a little trip to a near-by town last weekend and took a few photos along the way. The town was still holding their summer street fair which they hold on the first weekend of every month, but there were some strange characters hanging around town who whispered of a different time of year....

some were "cute"

others not so much....

The sky was really blue with those big clouds around and the air was a bit breezy and brisk with the promise of fall... I just LOVE this time of year!

An Award! Who makes you smile?

2009-09-30T08:59:00.006-04:00

I received this award from my beautiful wonderful friend June who I've met through blogging, art and genealogy. June is such a sweet lady for thinking of me! You are a wonderful person! June has several art blogs which you can visit here, here and here. They're very much worth a visit!

As always, there are rules for this award; you must list 5 things about yourself and pass along to 5 other bloggers who have made you smile.

First, my five things:

1: 1st and most importantly I am "mommy" to my 5 children.

2: I am married to an wonderful husband
3: I love crafting and I love genealogy even more. Two very time consuming hobbies that I don't seem to have enough time to dedicate to.
4: My favorite time of year is now, when the weather is turning cooler
5: I am somewhat of a packrat but trying to get organized

Now, to pass this along to other bloggers who make me smile:

The Kathryn Wheel - lovely works of art and a great lady to go along with it

a day in the life of a crazed mom - so many things to cover with your kids - she sure has a wonderful and fun way of sharing her experiences

Please don't eat sushi! - a grown man sharing HUNDREDS of hysterical letters from his mother - this is a must read and always makes me smile!

Ilka's Attic - beautiful photography and a mixed media artist

Long time no see..

2009-08-07T16:10:00.004-04:00

My children have been out of school for a little over 10 weeks, and it certainly shows on my blog. I hope to get back to crafting and blogging very soon, right after all the school supplies are purchased, clothing is bought, athletic try-outs, practices and the actual first day of school. Summer will be coming to a close and for me this brings mixed emotions. On one hand I've got them all here everyday, fighting, screaming, making plans and dirtying up the house. On the other hand they're somewhat helpful - and I use this term lightly - in keeping up with the younger of the bunch and slightly helpful when it comes to the housework. Some days are fun, with laughter, hanging out together and working together - others.... I could just scream!

So, if you've visited my blog looking for some artsy tidbit or words of wisdom, I'm very sorry to disappoint, but please don't give up on me yet!

Blog Candy Alert!

2009-05-28T15:39:00.003-04:00

I know I know, I've not posted ANYTHING for quite some time but I had to pass this along..

Kristen over at Kristen's Kards and Klay is giving away some great blog candy - pictured here - swing on over to her blog and check it out!

A bit of Blog Love

2009-05-08T10:52:00.003-04:00

One of my wonderful Genealogy Blog friends, Gini over at Ginisology has awarded Cindy's Place with the One Lovely Blog Award. I am touched that she thought of me.

This award has made its rounds for sometime and I am at a loss for 7 other bloggers to award it to, so I will proudly post it here.

Here's the other

2009-04-29T14:40:00.004-04:00

This is the other card I made for the Military History swap. I wanted to do something about WWII and since my Grandfather was a gunner in one of these planes I wanted to highlight the flying fortress and the day of his first mission (background news).

Thanks for stopping by!

Where has the time gone?

2009-04-24T13:53:00.003-04:00

It's unbelievable that it's almost May already! I see that I've had a bit of traffic lately, and I'm not sure why folks are stopping by, but seeing that I've not posted in more than a month they probably won't be back :-)

My art is still a suffering casualty of my other obsession and it shows because my "other" blog is getting many more updates - although I've been in a bit of a slump with that lately as well but getting some leads!

I wanted to share today this card that I made I made some time ago for a Military History swap in my Yahoo ATC group (ATC_Connection). Hopefully with summer right around the corner, and coming faster all the time, the running can stop and I will again be able to enjoy making some cards with my wonderful friends.

Susan is giving it away - You GOTTA get this book!!!

2009-03-11T09:48:00.005-04:00

My artistic side has suffered lately because I've been so wrapped up in the genealogy work that I'm doing. But, I need to let you know about this book.... AND SUSAN IS GIVING ONE AWAY!!!!

This book is for me one of those creative escapes that I can return to again and again. When my creativity is suffering, I can visit it's pages and I feel like I could stay up all night making such offerings that she's got here. It's a great collection from some fantastic mixed media artists and she's done a wonderful job taking you on a personal tour of their work. You just gotta check this book out!

If you'd like to enter Susan's giveaway, visit her post here and follow her instructions. If you don't win, all is not lost! You can get your own copy at Amazon here. Visit the Amazon link and take a look at a few of the beautiful pages in this book - you don't want to miss it!

Ahhhhh... Fat Tuesday!

2009-02-24T18:57:00.002-05:00

And a couple more....

2009-02-18T11:49:00.004-05:00

I'm still using up those peeled paper backgrounds that I made last month. Only two left! The backgrounds were fun to make, easy and had endless possibilities!

Time for a cuppa tea?

2009-02-17T11:26:00.002-05:00

Having a cuppa tea with my friends June & Tabby.... have a great day ladies!

The glue was just calling me!

2009-02-16T23:35:00.009-05:00

Took a break from reading up on all the ancestors out there and made a few cards in the last couple days. It was pretty slow going (yes, again) but once I pulled the images out and printed some of them, the cards came together fairly quickly.. as always, some are better than others, but here they are anyway!

Thanks to June for the image on the left (post of Jan 14). Get some freebie images for your art at her blog, June's Art Freebies. She posts so many great images.

More ATCs coming tomorrow.

A little more creativity peeking through

2009-01-31T15:51:00.004-05:00

Feeling just a bit better about these two cards than the previous two. Little Miss Creativity is peeking through a bit more. One of the backgrounds is the peeled paper technique, the other is one that a friend sent me with a trade.

Ahhh, 2 cre8 something.... ANYTHING!

2009-01-29T23:07:00.006-05:00

Most of my friends know that my creative side left me a while back. Although I don't think it left altogether - just took a leave of absense for a bit. I'm not one of those 'artsy' people who can just whip something up anytime anywhere out of nothing. But rather a dabbler who needs clear instructions and then, once I get going can actually make somthing.

A long time ago I realized that this isn't something that comes easy to me - I love looking at other's work, especially the mixed media artists who are out there, and I buy books and scour the web for items of interest to use in my art. I've even got a room full of 'stuff' to use. But, I think that I'm a bit too left brained (is that the right side? :-) detail oriented, tend to want organization, cannot visualize something without actually seeing it... those things that us less creative types suffer with! Along with that, I've been working a lot on the genealogy lately and with that comes long hours scouring records, looking up stuff, entering data, re-reading information and documents.. all stuff that probably sounds pretty boring to you "born creative" types.

At any rate, my dear friend Tabby turned me on to a blog recently, called 2cre8art. This isn't just another challenge site, but more like a "do this... and oh by the way, here's how". What a wonderful idea! For those of us who struggle when we get away from our glue sticks for any period of time, this is just the site for me. So, their first monthly "do this" was a peeled paper technique. From the moment I sat down and started ripping the paper pages, I felt better. After I glued all those bits down I felt recharged then I cut out my ATCs and caput... nothing!!!! Usually a cool background will trigger something in me that gets me rolling through all the "bits and bobs" as June calls them. Nope, not this time.

But, I think I know the problem.. I cleaned up the place! Nothing is out, in front of me inspiring me to make something. Screaming "glue me to something!". So, while I've been busily cleaning up the place, thinking that a clear area will help me - not so! So to all you messy ladies out there who confessed to having the sloppiest room in the house - YOU GO GIRL!!! I know you're making beautiful things and you know you love your mess! How can one use what they have when it's all put away in those tidy little boxes? From now on, I'll pick up what I have to, try not to add to the piles and leave some things out on my table to scream at me!

Back to my 2cre8art cards.. they're not lovely, but they're a start. I don't think I made the deadline for the blog but that's okay, at least I made something... ANYTHING!!!

More Awards????

2009-01-29T08:20:00.010-05:00

My dear sweet friend June at June's Arty Retreat has yet again bestowed awards to me - this time there's two of them. It's actually no surprise to me that June received them, she gives away free images everyday at her Art Freebies site.

The first is the Treasured Friends Award, to be passed along to other "Treasured Friends" in the blogging community.

For Treasured Friends that I've met through blogging:
Tabby at Crooked Heart Art
Greta at Greta's Genealogy Blog
Judy at Genealogy Traces
Susan at Ilka's Attic

The second is the This Blog has a Heart award, also to be passed along to other bloggers who "have heart".

For Blogs that "Have Heart" - to me personally, this means bloggers who go above and beyond to share their insight, knowledge and wisdom or other pieces of themselves with the rest of us.
Karen at The Graphics Fairy
Myrt at Dear Myrtle's Genealogy Blog
Miriam at AnceStories: The Stories of My Ancestors
Lisa at Small-leaved Shamrock

I currently belong to two different blogging communities, both of which have a wonderful group of caring, sweet people. Thanks to everyone for welcoming me, befriending me and sharing of your time and talent!

Kreativ Award update - (see also previous post below)

2009-01-23T13:11:00.004-05:00

This award looks like it's really making it's way around so I apologize if any of my "Nominees" have already received it....

Susan Tuttle - her site Ilkas Attic - Susan is so supportive of artists and she has some beautiful photography on her site.

Tabby - her site Crooked Heart Art - Tabby is a wonderful friend and has inspired me to try new things.

Kris - her site Nostalgic Collage - One of the best places to get some inspiration!

Jasia - Creative Gene - Jasia is great at inspiring us to write about our family history with an occasional digital scrapbooking page - a bit off the beaten path from "artsy" but very creative I love this blogger!

Award

2009-01-22T10:45:00.003-05:00

To my good friend June - Thank you SO much!

June recently mentioned me for this award at her blog Art Freebies (you really must check out this blog!). She said...

"I would like to pass this award on to the following wonderful people who are first and most importantly ...CARING bloggers who take time to comment on others work. Also they have fabulous blogs with excellent artwork. Thanks to these few lovely blogging friends. I know there are many more i woud like to pass it on to and some i have passed on other awards but today is my special tribute to these ladies...."

Well, I'm not sure about the "excellent artwork" thing :-) but I certainly do love surfing around to others blogs and looking at their wonderful work - see more of June's art at her Arty Retreat blog. She makes amazing & beautiful stuff.

So, I'm to pass this along to 6 other caring and creative bloggers, which I will do shortly.

Thanks again June!

Chance of FLURRIES???

2009-01-19T14:54:00.008-05:00

I don't mind the snow... actually I really enjoy seeing the white stuff coming down in my yard. This winter, we've not had any just yet and so today it continued... the call for "flurries" by our weather man. Flurries? you mean inches in just a couple hours? When did they change the terminology?

I'm not complaining but it would be nice to actually know that it's coming!

Feeling The Need To Create....

2009-01-09T11:45:00.005-05:00

A cleaner space that is! It's no wonder that I've not been making anything lately - just look at this mess!!! There are piles everywhere - I couldn't find a clean corner in this room unless I brought in a bulldozer. So, I've decided to get this mess cleaned up. While I'll never have the oh so beautiful "studio" look to my room that other artists have, I'm just a "dabbler" and it is my space and right now, it's intolerable! I keep complaining about it to all my blogger friends and mentioned posting pics of the room - June recommended that I go ahead and do it, air my "dirty little secret" rumor has it that I'm not the only one out here in this boat.. could that possibly be true?

So, here's the before shots of my room, please don't laugh or leave any meanie head comments - we've all got our quirks right? Mine just happens to be that I sometimes work better amid chaos, but it does reach a point that I just can't wait any longer and I need to clean it up. It also doesn't help that I'm a pack rat (first step, admit you have a problem :-)

Keep in mind, against the opposite wall there is another table and more stuff - it's a whole room full! Sure, I'd love to have one of those room makeovers - but they might make me throw stuff away!!!! Right now there are piles on the table, piles on the floor, and I'm even beginning to stack and shove things on the shelves around all my little organizational "tools" - not good! I've also got quite a bit of genealogy paperwork sitting about for various lines that I'm tracing right now and while I DO currently know what's in each of these piles, I'm going to take my own advice, posted here and do my best to get it organized in some manner while I'm still working on it... could be several days or weeks before you hear from me again!

"I'm going in!"

Where did I put that Craft Room? & Go get some Freebie Images from June

2009-01-07T14:18:00.004-05:00

The holidays have wrecked my home so I'm still busily putting away and cleaning up and such. When I find my craft room and get the table cleared I hope to get back in here and use some of these beautiful images that June is giving away on her Art Freebies blog. You really must scoot on over there and check it out! The images are beautiful and she's even got backgrounds. You'll have a lot of catching up to do as she puts several images in each post.

Here's a link to June's Freebies site and while you're there, you should check out June's other blogs!

Enjoy!!!

A Toast to all my Blogger Friends

2008-12-31T23:51:00.001-05:00

May you have a happy, healthy, prosperous 2009, and may your creativity never run dry

Happy New Year Everyone!

One Lovely Blog Award

2008-12-23T16:38:00.010-05:00

I am so touched to receive the One Lovely Blog award for this blog. Many thanks to June, who is a special lady who makes lovely things and you can see her art at June's Arty Retreat, or at June's Crafty Tips - a site that I just LOVE for tips and tricks and trying new things! Thank you so much again June!

I will pass this on to 7 other blogs that in turn deserve this award for their hard work, beautiful art and the generosity of sharing themselves and their work in blogland. My nominees are:

The Kathryn Wheel
Paper Mischief
Magpie's Nest
Vintage Wil
Patties Art
Bits and Pieces
Rosie's ATC Exchange and other Arty Stuff

Because I'm "new around here" some of these bloggers will have never heard of me, but I visit their sites often and love looking at their work.

The rules are:
1. Add the logo to your blog.
2. Link to the person from whom you received this award.
3. Nominate 7 or more blogs.
4. Leave a message on their blog, letting them know they are “One Lovely Blog”!

Thanks again June! Look forward to sharing our art in 2009!

Just a bit of homespun

2008-12-22T00:47:00.002-05:00

So I'm not one who sews often but I saw this ornament in a magazine a couple years ago and wanted to do some "relax" time on the couch - perfect opportunity to try something a bit different. It's two pieces of felt, cut into star shape (obviously) then a snowflake looking pattern on the front and blanket stitching around the sides. Two of these will go to friends this holiday.. one has already reached it's destination and I'm not sure the other will make it before the 25th but she'll know that my heart is in it :-)
Merry Christmas everyone!!!

An adopted doll!

2008-12-11T13:40:00.004-05:00

Oh I'm so excited to post this doll! My friend Benjji who has recently taken up the art of creating Dotee dolls sent it to me. Although it's a bit larger than the average Dotee, it's a beauty, along with the others she's recently made. I'll post a photo of them all together - with her permission of course. Benjji - Thanks so much for letting your dolls visit my home and allowing me to adopt this one, I just love her!

If you're interested in making Dotee dolls, you should visit Dot's blog - she made the original "Dotee". I also understand that there is a template or pattern for making "Dotee like" dolls here. If you really like what you see, stop on over to YahooGroups and see the new group started recently by my friend Vicki from ATC_Connection. It's called Dotee_World - link here This is a members only group for trading ideas and swapping what else??? Dotee Dolls!!!

Goofy Yes, but fun at the time....

2008-12-06T22:59:00.006-05:00

On a previous post I mentioned a 29 days of Giveaways going on at Art By Christi - lovies you must check it out! Anyway, one of the recent questions for our comments was "What is the most odd item within your reach right now". As I mentioned in my comment on her blog, my table is completely covered right now with mostly research papers and such BUT, if I looked around..... well, I found this. Yes, they're pin cushions that were made quite a few years ago, with the thought that we would sell them at a dinky little store near my mother's home. They were, at the time, the little whimsicle thing that someone who lives near the water (the area we were in) and loves to sew would just love to receive in their Christmas stocking..

Now I look at these things and think about the ton of fun we had making these, sitting at her kitchen table stiching away, making different creatures bodies and legs, and the 1.5 hour trip to the store and back to get the material. The shells we readily found in her front yard and the netting we also had on hand. We actually did sell some of them (and some at various yard sales and such we've had since) but as you can see, not everyone who sews enjoys a bit of whimsy in their world - we've got about a dozen left. There were green turtles also, but all of those sold.

I just wanted to share this strange but memory filled find with you.

Not Much Creation Lately

2008-12-06T18:39:00.005-05:00

Ah the holidays! Busy days filled with shopping, cooking, decorating, oh and the usual housework that happens all year long... no time for creating right now! Not that my mind isn't swimming with ideas and overflowing with desire to come to my room and create something. But, alas this is all I've got to show for the last week, the blur of Christmas lights and ornaments and decorations that only come out for a month or so every year... I hope everyone is busily making their home merry & bright!!

Cindy

"29 Days of Giveaways"

2008-12-03T12:17:00.002-05:00

In the true spirit of the season Art By Chrysti is having a 29 days of Giveaways at her blog. It's a wonderful read so please don't just skip to the comments. We can all gain something by looking at the world through the eyes of a child - all goodness and hope and love in one little being.

Click on the "29 Days of Giveaways" link above to visit her site.

Have a great day!

Mom's "Good" Dishes

2008-11-28T21:31:00.014-05:00

Every Mom has a set right? I am the proud owner of my Mom's old "good" dishes. Dishes that she worked very hard to get so many years ago. Now, every year at Thanksgiving and Christmas, we use these old "good" dishes at my home. Mom gave them to me when she got new "good" dishes. The kids often ask the question - "where did they come from?" and comment on how pretty they are. I am very proud to tell them that they were painstakingly collected, piece by piece, week after week, at the local grocery till the set was complete - making sure not to miss an item, plates, cups, saucers, dessert plates, platters... you get the idea. These dishes mean a lot to me - they somehow signify the will of a woman who maybe couldn't get a new full "SET" of dishes but could certainly afford a few bucks a week to collect them. But can you imagine the time it took? THAT means something. But, these dishes mostly remind me of family holidays, all of us kids around the table and years later coming back with our own families, gathering around the same table and using the same "good dishes". Now, my kids will remember the story and recall holidays around the table using them and watching out for the plate that has a chip on the bottom, being careful not to use the cup that has the crack and the question that's asked every year... "What happened to the gravy boat?"

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving Day.
Cindy

Finally - Babe Number 4

2008-11-25T22:51:00.003-05:00

I think I lost my muse for doing cards for about a week, but tonight I finally created Butterfly Babe #4. Again, using one of Tabby's fab backgrounds that she so generously donated to my stash (as if I don't have enough :-)

Ahhh space, precious space!

2008-11-24T22:27:00.006-05:00

Much like my craft room, this blog was just stressing me out :-) All that clutter squeezed down the middle of the screen - why is that??? I needed more space! why on earth could I not use the two margins? I had no idea of course! But, I knew there had to be something better out there! And there was! A standard blogger layout 'minima stretch' and a pretty background paper from The Cutest Blog on the Block. Whew! If any of you came by during the reconstruction this evening, please pardon me - there was one point that nothing could be read on the blog. What a process it was - and this will have to be it (for a while anyway :-)

What Happened?

2008-11-24T21:22:00.002-05:00

Okay, I know you're supposed to back up your template stuff before messing around with it... yes, I forgot and now my blog is just yucky!!! It was seeming a bit cluttered to me and everything around me is cluttered so my blog needed to have a bit more spacious look. So, I'm off to install another template, but I have no idea what I'm doing so go ahead, post your comments about all the mess! I will get it cleaned up!! :-)

Who were they...... really?

2008-11-23T08:43:00.010-05:00

Everytime I do a bit of research on the family, I'm compelled to know about what their lives must've been like. What kind of people were they? Was their life difficult? Did they work hard to have very little or were they successful in what they did? These are the bits that are difficult to find out without having the information passed down to you from someone who actually knows. You can't find this info in general records on the family. I posted previously about this family, the Kidwells, who lived in Fairfax County Virginia. Apparently farmers (according to census and land records) but who were they? What kind of people were they? Sadly, I may never know.....

These are the questions you need to ask of the living RIGHT NOW! Time is very short when it comes to your genealogy. Bits of memories and family stories are lost everyday when someone passes away. I may never know what Silas & Bertie Kidwell were like as I didn't ask these questions when I had the opportunity. You see, it's not just about the who and where and when - these are just names, places and dates. All very intersting and helpful to build your family history data, but no where near the full story.

I'm going to start a new series of posts about this family and how I attempted to find out more about them. I still don't feel that I know enough, but a few nuggets of info that I came to know along the way are what I've got to share with my children and their children. In the meantime, you should contact all the eldest members of your family, talk to them about their parents and grandparents, get copies of any documents and photos. Get info from them while you still can and ask more about the people and their lives, homes and jobs, not just the who, where and when.

Have a great day! Cindy

More Butterfly Babies

2008-11-19T21:37:00.007-05:00

Another in my series of this Butterfly Babe. This time I used one of Tabby's pre-made background papers, added some vellum, a stamp, some text and some torn textured paper and a few embellishments. Thanks Tabby!!!

Quest to know more - Post #3

2008-11-19T08:13:00.012-05:00

This is a news clipping from March 11, 1944 from a local paper in Adams MA where my Grandparents lived at the time my Grandfather entered the military. This clipping states that Grandma has received word that Granddad is in England. All of this sort of "news" was published in the local paper.

Another info packed post today on my search for my Grandfather's military service. Last week I promised to talk about military papers - all boring and such if you're not into this kind of thing but what a treasure to find for a genealologist!! However, if you don't look at every detail you could miss something AND all those details can also raise more questions. Of course, I have the subscriptions to the major records available on line at Ancestry and there is such a mass of info there it's sometimes overwhelming. But, nothing can compare to having the actual original documents in your hands. All tattered from time and folded and torn. At any rate, having Granddad's Seperation Report, his enlistment information and even his medal award documents wasn't enough. According to the docs he was discharged for wounds he rec'd on July 29th - a mission he volunteered to take due to a shortage of a gunner in another crew. How was he wounded? Where was he at the time? What plane was he on? All these things I wrote about in my previous posts - But, most importantly - where were these medals he received? No one in the family knew. Grandma couldn't recall what ever happened to them - probably lost in the many moves the family made after the war. Off I went to the 94th Bomb Group website again to see what info was available on medals - turns out I was referred to the National Archives website. To my surprise, the website stated that you could order replacement medals - Huzza!!! So, after many many many forms and paperwork and phone calls and months of waiting ..... they finally told me (in Sept of this year) that he had been out of the service too long - more than 60 years. Somthing they could have told me in the beginning, for I had provided them with his discharge date on the VERY first document completed, way back in February of this year!! This simply was not fair!! I set out to see if I could purchase replicas of the medals for they told me that "the military has more than met it's obligation in issuing replacement medals" this simply did not apply to my family!! It's not my fault that they fail to keep track of this stuff!

I heard along the way that your local state representatives of Congress could help in dealings with the Federal Gov't (after all that is their job) and election time was upon us so I decided to give it a shot - do you know that they responded to me IMMEDIATELY and began to look into the problem. Last week I received a copy of a letter from the National Personnel Records Center (the folks who issue the medals), sent to the Congresswoman's office and would you believe the order for the medals has already been placed? No long paperwork burden, no "form letters" just a nice letter stating that the medals have been ordered and the copy of the form was included. Unbelievable!!!! Today's Nov 19th and I don't have word of their receipt at the Congresswoman's office just yet but needless to say, I'm anxiously awaiting word from them every day.

Butterfly Babes

2008-11-16T22:01:00.016-05:00

I've always wanted to make a "Series" of cards, but never had enough inspiration - making multiples of the same card was about it for me. I wanted to make a set of cards with different backgrounds & embellishments, but the same basic image. My inspiration came in the mail this week - my friend Tabby sent me a bunch of pre-made background ATCs with a trade that we did (she's such a sweetheart!). Turns out that they were just what I needed for some inspiration to make a few cards. Although I didn't use her backgrounds (just yet :) they're all here in front of me, inspiring me to work with Gesso and get some

texture in my cards. So, here's the first two in a series of Butterfly Babes that I'm making. The scan of the second one didn't come out well but it's pink textured background with gold and black stamps and burgundy torn paper came out pretty nice - you're going to have to trust me on this one :-) Not sure where the series will end yet.. stay tuned!!

Kristen's giving it away!!

2008-11-14T15:11:00.007-05:00

While you're hopping around the blogs today, head over the the retro cafe' art gallery and see what Kristen has put up for candy this week! http://krishubick.blogspot.com/

Button Fairy ATC

2008-11-12T13:22:00.005-05:00

I played around with some buttons the last couple days and made my first Button Fairy ATC - granted I've never seen one up close and personal, but I think she came out pretty good. It's quite fun to make these so if you've got some buttons stacked around in bins and tins, time to get them out and make some!

You know you want to!!! :-)

Quest to know more - Post #2

2008-11-12T10:03:00.006-05:00

This is a photo of my Grandfather (second from left in the back row) and his regular flight crew - what a treasure to have received this from someone who actually flew with him!

As promised - here's more about my search for my Grandfather's military service information, continued from last Wednesday's post.

After reaching out and finding someone who flew with Granddad, and realizing that he wasn't with his regular crew on the day he was wounded I set out to determine just who he was flying with that day. Again, Chris knew much about this and let me know that I needed to find mission reports for the day. This would give us a clue about the damaged aircrafts and any lost during the mission... I must also note that Grandma told me that after he was wounded, Grandad was reported as "Missing In Action" and she receieved a telegram stating so. This was another clue - was it possible that his aircraft had to put down somewhere other than base and the crew originally thought to be missing? There are other documents (which apparently are MIA also) that detail the crew for each aircraft on any given mission, these reports which I believe are called Load Lists or Load Reports have been searched for by many - they're not available.

Knowing that I must have the mission reports for the day he was wounded, I went to the National Archives(http://archives.gov/) website and placed an order for them. I must say this was the easiest transaction I've had with those folks - much more on that later. At any rate, after a couple months the 36+ pages of information came to me in the mail. This stuff is not light reading by any means and if you're not up on your military terms of the time its very easy to get lost in all the jargon. At this time, I am in the process of making copies of some of the pages to send to Chris. He will research further and see if we can determine what plane he was on.

Next week I'll tell you about the military paperwork that I found in Grandma's papers, what it contained and all the questions that it brought about.

I'm hooked!!!

2008-11-10T12:21:00.010-05:00

These book thongs are really fun to make! I think I've got a new found love in creating these things! Here's a few that I made over the weekend.

Button Fairies, Book Thongs & Dotees?

2008-11-07T20:09:00.010-05:00

My mind has been inundated this week with images of some quirky little crafts that I think I would like to give a try. One of them came up in a discussion in my Yahoo ATC group and that's the Button Fairy - what on earth? These are fairies whose bodies are made of buttons.. do a google search and you're bound to find some.

Next was book thongs.. creative name huh? I had never seen these before and I finally sat down this evening, took apart a bracelet that was in the pile of jewelry from the flea market last weekend (post of November 1st) and made a book thong. After struggling to get ribbon through the tiny beads (how on earth do people do that?) I tried some linen cord. It ties off nicely, the beads go on easily and I like the look and feel of it. So, here 'tis, my first creation in book thongs. I never have been into beading or jewelry making but really enjoyed making this and think there will be many more (as long as I can keep finding the jewelry at the flea market!)

Dotee dolls? Never heard of them! I haven't done much research on these dolls, but do know that they were started by a woman named Dot, who I might add makes beautiful stuff - you should check out her blog in my list. I've not really ventured into the world of sewing, other than the quilting that I attempted to take up a few years ago. While I love this art, I typically can't find the time to sit and do it. However Dotee dolls are small and the real work is in the embellishing so I might try this sometime this winter and see what I can come up with. Dotees are traded, much like ATCs and the Yahoo group that I belong to is planning to do some swaps of these in the future. I hear that there are often swaps on swapbot of Dotees.

My quest to know more... Post #1

2008-11-05T16:16:00.011-05:00

I've been researching my family for years and only during the last 10 months or so have I ventured into the Military history. My Grandfather, William Bellew, was in the Army Airforce during WWII and was injured (lost his left eye) during a mission on July 29 1944. Already having his military documents in hand, I set out to find out what else there was to know - the rest of the story if you will. I came across a message board for his bomb group that put me in touch with a now dear friend in England, Chris, who lives near the base where Granddad was stationed. He is very knowledgeable in this area and, unbelievably, he managed to track down a living member of my Grandfather's regular crew! I was amazed and very nervous to call and speak to this man on the phone. He and his wife are just wonderful people and they were very glad to hear from me. He told me that Grandad volunteered to go up with another crew who was short a gunner on that day that he was wounded, and he was never seen again by his regular crew - they were never even told what became of him. He was glad to know that Granddad lived, returned home, had more children and lots of grandchildren.

Connections come in strange ways sometimes. It certainly pays to venture into other areas of the internet, such as message boards, rather than sticking to the records sites. You never know, a post might put you in touch with someone who actually knew your relative and you might make some really great friendships along the way! I called this post #1 because there's much more of this story to share... next week.

Flea Market Saturday! Two weeks in a row!

2008-11-01T20:53:00.009-04:00

I hit the flea market again this weekend. The weather here was in the 70s so we just had to take the opportunity to go again. The flea market only runs on weekends till the end of November, then starts again in March. Now's the time to get the deals! Today we were in search of "old junk jewelry". I told the girls - if you see a glass case, keep walking... if it's just piled in a box or boxes, stop and look. We had a great time collecting odd bits of jewelry to use on a new craft that we wanted to try. Rather than buying only new beads, we wanted to try to get an older look to the beads - what better than old junk costume jewelry? Our plan is to use some of them for book thongs, some for mixed media art and some to alter some boxes. I just love the beads on the two choker style neclaces - they're not straight but we'll find a good use for them because they're so beautiful!

We also found this beautiful angel pin for great-grandma - the bead in the center prevented a very clear scan but the details can be see in the bottom of the body - just beautiful - she's gonna love it!! We also found a new teapot for her collection, since the last two I bought I couldn't hold till her birthday and ended up giving them to her as "Happy Day" gifts - a much loved tradition in our family. Grandma will be 91 this month!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

2008-10-31T17:18:00.003-04:00

Off to trick or treat and then many hours of Ghost Hunters Live!!!!!

Have a great evening!

Stayed up too late last night..

2008-10-30T11:46:00.013-04:00

Last evening I was working on some cards (and watching Ghost Hunters) and stayed up much too late! Here's my latest addition to my ATCs - she was worth it!

This is me before coffee this morning :-)

Today my daughter's preschool class visited the local pumpkin patch for corn maze, hay rides - the usual fall visit to a farm stuff. Oh yeah, and the pumpkins!!!

It was a MIGHTY cold morning here, at 9:30, when we arrived at the farm the temp was about 42 degrees. Needless to say, we soon lost feeling in our toes and fingers and couldn't wait to come home.

The Challenge

2008-10-28T21:36:00.012-04:00

My ATC group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ATC_CONNECTION/) recently had a "Lucky 7 Challenge" where 7 people sign up, they received the exact same supplies for 4 cards. What a challenge it was. My first card wasn't so difficult, add a few pink flowers and glue down, done.

Card number 2 wasn't so easy. The supplies consisted of the beautiful background paper, a green plastic 'dome' thingy and the ladybug. I did the best I could. The scanner didn't like it much because the green thing was like 1/4" tall so that area is the only one that came through really clear.

For card #3, (again, not the best scan because of the embellishments) we were given the background, the lady, the butterfly and the button. The card worked, but by this time my brain was hurtin', I had made a VERY LARGE mess, and I didn't even want to look at what card number 4 had in store for me... it just got worse!

For card #4 we were given the background, the two charms and, would you believe, one of those plastic things that hold your bread rolls package shut. Not the "twisty tie" but the flat plastic thingy... what on earth can I do with this???? Well, as you can see (or NOT see) I decided to cover it, it's beneath the "Wild Wild West" on the card. You can see it if you look beneath the paper - it gives my 'sign' a bit of depth :-) The rules said we had to use all the items, not that you had to be able to actually see them! Hope that flies with JJ!!

The air is mighty brisk....

2008-10-27T19:00:00.008-04:00

Today was a chilli and corn muffin day for sure! I wandered through Christmas-ville at my local WalMart today - just looking but couldn't pass up on some really cool tissue paper they have out this year and a couple of tins (for teacher's gifts). The cool air felt like snow and still does this evening. Oh yes, time for cold days a warm fire and baking cookies.. LOTS and LOTS of cookies!!

Yes, I know it's not even Halloween yet, but it's not my favorite "holiday". I can't wait for the colder days and then I feel the need to cook like crazy and make dozens and dozens of cookies (between 5 loads of laundry per day of course - housework must come first ya know). It is Christmas yet???

WOOLY BEARS!!!!!
Are these critters really an indication of the winter to come? Not sure but there sure are MANY of them here. The kids caught 80 this afternoon - yes, 80. This is about half of the pile - YUCK

Flea Market Finds

2008-10-26T15:21:00.004-04:00

We had a really beautiful sunset yesterday (after it rained ALL day)

Today I felt the need to get out of the house for a bit - other than grocery shopping that is :-) We have a very large local outdoor flea market every weekend, so that was today's outing. We first hit a smaller indoor flea market where we found some old books for 10 cents each, perfect price for something that you're just going to rip the pages out of and use for ephemera. After spending a whopping $1.91 there, we headed to the outdoor market. I've been looking for an older, cheap dictionary, again for ephemera and found one today for even a better price - FREE! Yay! We also found a book of vintage postcards that had some really neat images in it so I went deep in my pocket for that for 50 cents. Well, I spent a whole buck today on my fun. Now it's time for a cup of coffee and email.

My not-so "Artsy" blog

2008-10-25T12:28:00.005-04:00

While I still feel that I'm struggling with this whole blog thing, I must say that I'm loving posting something everyday.

I'm not as "artsy" as some of my other blogging friends but I love to dabble in all sorts of things that I see them doing. So to my "Artsy" friends that might venture over here at some point, don't laugh at my blog, just visit now and then and put up with me :-)))))

Today I want to post a photo of my Great Great Grandfather, Silas Kidwell. He has his truck all loaded with peaches for the local farmers market in Washington DC. I got this picture from my Great Uncle, Marshall Kidwell who I managed to track down while I was doing research on my Kidwell side of the family. Uncle Marshall has since passed away but I'll never forget him and the many bits of information that he shared with me that I never would have known had I not met with him.

Grandad Silas

Uncle Marshall

Another interesting note for today... I've been doing some research for one of my neighbors lately and while I've not found a connection yet, his family was from the same county as mine and so we're assuming at some point our tree branches will join together :-) I've already found a connection to his wife and my family (through an in-law) so it's only a matter of time!!!

Time for Halloween???

2008-10-24T14:16:00.005-04:00

So I've delayed getting out the Halloween decorations this year. Not totally on purpose but more out of just "I don't feel like doing it today". Finally, I dug those two bins out of the basement and put some stuff out. Not really in the mood for the decorating thing but the kids like it, so what the heck. I'm sure they'll all be here to help me put it away in a week also (not). Our local store is already setting up their Christmas area - it's not even Halloween yet! Seems to me they do this earlier and earlier every year. I have to visit Christmas-ville every time I go to the store in case I missed something the prior trip - I just LOVE Christmas decorations!!!

Altered art of the day

2008-10-23T20:01:00.009-04:00

My ATC friend Tabby posted some altered bamboo tiles on her blog today that I'm absolutely in love with, I immediately asked the good folks at skybluepink to add some tiles to my order which is due to ship early next week. Check out Tabby's tiles at her blog (crooked heart art) from my list. She does wonderful artwork, and is a FANTASTIC photographer - always breathtaking - everytime, AND she has a really cool sense of humor.

No more "woe is me"...

2008-10-22T15:36:00.011-04:00

Okay, I sounded like eyeore in those last two posts - such a whiner!!!
Blogger's Note: they were so bad that I removed them!

Much better mood today and I'm done with the whining. Although no one is reading this blog, it does my mind good to write so I'll do it. I started this blog without any expectations, and I eventually wanted to share some of my art, genealogy and family history scrapbook on here but the journaling aspect really attracted me - sometimes I need to vent!

So, I mananged to keep the kitchen clean today (yay!) AND I even cleaned out a cabinet! Only 20 more to go but that's okay - one done is better than none done. All other projects were untouched due to the 5 loads of laundry that needed to be done.

I finally finished my 12 Days of Christmas ATCs, they need backs and labels and then they'll be on their way to JJ. Here's the card representing the 5th day of Christmas and below are a couple others that I completed recently. I'm not exactly what I would call "comfortable" with my art at this point but feel that I'm growing in it and really enjoy it... sometimes you gotta dance like no one is watching :-)

On my genealogy side, I've been anxiously awaiting word from the National Archives about the day that my Grandfather was wounded in WWII. He was an aerial gunner with the 94th Bomb Group stationed in Bury St. Edmund England.

My buddy Chris, who I've been communicating with since February about military history of the 94th Bomb Group (USAF) has fallen off my radar screen. I believe he's moving and he lives in England so I can't track him down right now.. Chris, if you're out there, I've got the documents from the Archives and I need some assistance please!!!!