Window Shopping on ETSY - Oklahoma Style!

While Window shopping on Etsy I came across many wonderful Oklahoma Shops. Check'em out!

Everyone knows that Oklahomans are some of the friendliest people you'll ever want to meet.

Born To Fly Tags: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12812956
Wedding Cross: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22906368
Nest Egg Pillow: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5553612
Gardener Bracelet: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16788954
Rose Earrings: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24379798
Schoolgirl Glasses: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27606298
Daisy Hairpin: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27694371
Hemp Coasters: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11892677
Forbidden Fruit: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8993154
Blank Journal: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18581819
Glitz Ring: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27969432

Getting Ready for Destiny's Baby Shower

I'm getting a headstart on Destiny's Shower decorations. I finished her Diaper Cake this morning. Destiny wasn't suppose to see it until the shower, but she saw it anyway. She liked it and is planning to repurpose most of the elements of the cake. Of course the diapers will be used! The ribbon will be made into head bands and hair bows and the name plaque will be hung on the baby's bedroom door. I really enjoyed making this cake!

Saturday, July 17th

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I have been doing some more Etsy Window Shopping. It’s about that time again. Time to be thinking of Christmas and Birthdays. Being that I have 6 kids, 3 grandkids (4 by the time Christmas rolls around), and 3 Son-in-Laws, I have to start shopping early so that my holidays are as stress-free as possible. In the meantime there are nine birthdays between now and then!
Now let’s see which of the items above are still available after payday.

Check out all of these wonderful creations! There’s no better gift than a one-of-a-kind handcrafted work of art! If you are looking for Vintage, Antiques and Ephemera stop by my shop at http://www.inhisword.etsy.com/

Plein vent ..Art postcard
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27904859
BAMBOO HANDLE BAG
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27903238
Boardwalk
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22588460
aloe and sea clay handcrafted soap
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26825639
large wood boat
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27908671
Seashell Dream Vase
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27830939
Antiqued Seashell Pearl
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21810380
Shell Printers Tray
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27858667
Sea Horse Gift Tags
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27859159
Princess Tutu with Seashells
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27871308
Sea Glass sterling silver cluster necklace
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27885721
SEASHELL CROSS
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27509042

Treasure Hunting on ETSY

I have been busy trying to get all my treasures listed on Etsy. It has been a big task! Although I am rushed to get over 200 items listed on InHisWord.Etsy, I still seem to find time to window shop around Etsy Town. Here are some of the wonderful things I found while searching 'Tangerine'.

Featured here are:

Vintage Orange Crush Travel Bag - http://www.mariesvintage.etsy.com/

Tangerine Orange Lounge Dress - http://www.leasvintage.etsy.com/

Vintage Tangerine Vegan Pumps - http://www.gottabvintage.etsy.com/

Vintage Postage Stamps - http://www.verdestudio.etsy.com/

Ultra Bright Vintage Bowl Set - http://www.retrovertigo.etsy.com/

Vintage Orange and Silver Necklace - http://www.bionicunicorn.etsy.com/

Handmade Retro Pillow Cases - http://www.mariescosycushion.etsy.com/

Gerine clock no.3 - http://www.dustfurniture.etsy.com/

Visit these shops. You just might find something you can't live without!

New Discoveries

My last few 'Treasure Hunting' trips yielded a few wonderful finds. The items pictured here I have already listed on my Etsy Site ~ InHisWord ~ and a few I still need to decide if I'm going to part with. Oh Joy! I'll be taking another 'Treasure Hunting' trip this coming Wednesday. I am on a quest to find vintage things I can repurpose. Wish me luck!

My End of the Rainbow is Golden

In January, while listening to his morning radio program, my husband, Bob, heard about a contest where the winner will receive $5000 in landscaping! He bugged me EVERYDAY to take photos of our front yard, write a story about why we should be chosen! I wasn't going to do it, but I gave in and did as he asked ~ I took the photos of our naked front yard and wrote a letter about how our home was burned to the ground a couple of years ago. We rebuilt our home, but the landscaping had to be put off due to unexpected medical expenses. I emailed the photos and a humorous story to the radio station with only two hours to spare till the deadline. A week later we were told that we were one of four finalist and our photos would be displayed at the landscaping exhibit at the fairgrounds for public voting. Well, WE WON!

I had a visit this morning with the landscaping company that will be putting in our new landscaping! I got to see the drawings of the landscaping plans. WOW! I can't wait.

It seems a little ironic that he would come now ~ now that the rain has created a mud-mote around me house. The wooded areas of the property are beautiful, but the area around the house is a mess! So the landscaper and I walked around in the mud going over all the plans. All I can say is BEAUTIFUL! Now, I'm going to have to come up with ways of decorating the front porch. I think I'll go with a couple of white rockers, a side table, hanging flowers, and a large wreath for my big red door.

Washing Away

Wow! I may live on a hill, but at this rate, I'll be living in a valley by next week! Looking out the window, I see my land washing down the hill to my neighbors. It's like its escaping to newer pastures. "Hey, come back!" The rain is relentless. Oh well, at least the pond is full and if the rain stops soon, it will be the perfect level. I may feel like my land is shrinking, but my fish must feel like they have moved to the lake.

Since the rain has kept me indoors, I have had the chance to creat more things for my shops. Creating helps me not think about my 'empty nest' approaching. Kane graduates in two weeks and he leaves for Texas in August. He's the last of the six. The only saving grace is that as my kids start leaving to live their own lives, new grandchildren are being welcomed into the fold.

I thought I would enjoy the empty nest; getting to spend quiet, quality time with my husband, but it will be a totally different way of life. No sporting events to shuttle kids off to; no band contests, or jazz concerts to attend. No teenagers gathering at the house.

At least I have one daughter, son-in-law, and grandbaby-to-be living across the road. The rest live close-by. Kane will be the only one going far, far away. Destination unknown. He'll be going to AIM (Adventures in Missions) and will be going somewhere in the world for a two year mission assignment. He want to be a Christian Counselor someday. We're proud of him, but a little nervous about him being far from home.

Watching the rain carry the earth from my driveway, into my neighbors pasture, I realize that nothing stays the same. Our live constantly change, in one way or another. My life has been like my landscape ~ everchanging. Seasons, floods, tornados, fires have all taken their toll, but in the end there always seems to be a freshness; a renewal; that takes us one step up.

April Showers... Bring Mud and green trees

THURSDAY, April 30Th:
The rain was fierce yesterday. There are a lot of advantages to living in the country, but there is one big disadvantage ~ MUD! The road I live on, the driveway, the long walk to the pond, the wooded acreage are all mushy and soaked! Our trees went from nearly naked trees with tiny buds, to a full blown canopy of green in one week. Looking out the window, the sight is beautiful, but that morning walk to the mail box is a muddy mess. Oh well, I guess you can't have the May Flowers without the April showers.

Kane and his New Kilt

TUESDAY, April 28th:
Kane got his Kilt today! He was so excited about it. It was a much better quality than I had expected. My mother found it at a shop in Scotland. Our intentions were to get him is family plaid, kilt and outfit in a quality he could use and wash often, but this is a really nice weighted kilt.

We’re kinda hoping he gets sent to Scotland for his mission work. It seems to be one of the safer places for him to go ( a mother worries), and he could look up the history of the family name - Campbell of Argyle.

But as he says, ‘Let’s leave my mission placement up to God.’

I have uploaded two photos of the 'silly goof'. He'll probably get mad if he knows I put them online, but that's a mother's privilege. LOL

Every Dime Counts

MONDAY, April 20Th:
My daughter and I went shopping today and I found lots of treasures. I also found several items on Etsy that I just had to have!! The New grandbaby is due in early November. That means there is only 185 days of shopping left. LET THE SPOILING BEGIN!
As for my two Granddaughters (Ashley 4 and Maddy 6m) I was busy Easter shopping. Yes, I said Easter shopping. My husband and I live in the country, so we're usually the grandparents that come last on the holiday schedule. At first I was not happy about that, but now I think its a frugal option. Since we usually celebrate holidays with them a week after the holiday, I get to take advantage of the clearance sales. I was able to get the girls lots of Easter goodies for 75% Off!!! Yippee. Every Dime Counts!

Saturday, April 4th

Saturday, April 4Th:

Another busy Saturday! My son Kane is in the High School Musical ~ GREASE ~ and tonight is their final preformance. He, being the gracious soul that he is, has offered up our home for the cast party ~ only giving ME two days notice!!!

{I sigh a breath of frustration!}

I keep hoping for a quiet, slow, boring Saturday, but to no avail. I want to create new things; to immerse myself in creativity, with no interruptions, but there is always something more pressing on the weekends. I'm sure I'll find a little time Sunday afternoon. Check back on Monday to see any new listings of what I might have been able to accomplish. Wish me luck and inspiration! Have a blissful weekend!

PHOTO: here is a photo of 4 of my six kids and one of my three grandkids. Left to Right ~ Son, john; granddaughter, Ashley; Daughter, Destiny; Daughter, Michelle (mother of Ashley); Son, Kane. Side note: Destiny is now pregnant after years of trying!!

Trying New things

I've been busy trying new things. Organizing is one of them. In an effort to make more room, I have been putting together little Inspiration kits. It has been a lot of fun! Not only is it making more room in my studio, it is also inspiring me to try new creative projects. I'll be showing you some of my new creations later next week. In the meantime, take a look at my New Kits.

Overwhelming Joy!!

Wow! I was woke by a knock on my bedroom door at 6 this morning. My daughter (who lives across the street) asked me to step into the hall. There was a slight sound of panic in her voice. I jumped out of bed and ran into the hall to see what was wrong.

She looked so scared as she handed me a white plastic stick. IT HAD TWO BLUE LINES on it. "What does that mean?" she asked in tears.

"You're pregnant!" I answered jumping up and down, hugging her.

"Are you sure? Should I take another test just in case?" she asked crying.

"You can if you want," I answered, "But the answer will still be the same."

My daughter, Destiny has been trying to get pregnant for many years now. Her husband and her were starting to consider adoption. Fertility treatments were one thing, they said they would not consider, so they have been on their own. They have read, searched the web and did a lot of praying.

Well, it has all paid off. We are so happy and look forward to this fall bringing a new member to our family. Crap~ That doesn't give me much time to prepare.

My stress level just rose several degrees. I have a son going off to missions training (in August) and then to some other country to do mission work. Another son, going into the Air Force (August), a daughter getting married in October, another daughter is now pregnant. At least all is quiet with the other two daughters, son-in-law and three other grandchildren. Let's hope it stays that way, because I don't know how much more good news and happy events I can stand this year!!

Staying Busy

Today I have slowly started getting back in the swing of things. Now that my studio is clean, I find it hard to be creative, because I don't want to mess it up again!! Today I put together a set of tags. I think I'll do several more sets this evening and/or tomorrow.

I am also trying to clean out my husband's art studio ~ Boy is that place stuffed with all kinds of goodies. He has also given me permission to liquidate some of it. YIPPEEE! I should be able to list a dozen or more old, vintage items, as well as some art supplies. Be sure to check out my Etsy site, as I will be listing new items throughout spring break. http://www.justalittlebit.etsy.com/.

Unimaginable Grief ~ No words

My plans for the day have been dashed! My mother called with bad news.
My lifelong friend ~ 39 years of friendship to be exact ~ lost her son to a car wreck. I want to go to her, but she lives in Arizona and I am now in Oklahoma. I have picked up the phone several times, but I have not been able to dial her number.
What words can I say? What comfort can I offer? I have never known such a grief. The lost of a child, whether he’s a minute old, 12 years old, 25 years old, or 40, it must be the worst imaginable pain for a parent of any age. Being a mother of 6, that is a feeling I don’t even want to imagine!!
Her son, a beautiful person. He had a big heart and a kind spirit. And very very close to his mother. I have to go now. I have a prayer to offer up and a very difficult phone call to make.

Good intentions ~ but severly side-tracked!

Well, my plans of cleaning out my studio have flown out the window. Actually, out the window. I started out this morning by opening the window of my studio. I spent a few minutes looking out the second story window ~ enjoying the fresh air and serene morning view.

I dealt with a momentary pain of guilt for missing church this morning, then started working on the impossible task of cleaning my studio. It is never an easy task for me. I am a manic artist! When I am in a creative mood, I frantically grab and toss as the process possesses me. Especially now that my creative drive are few and far between. In July it will be two years of daily pain and illness (complications, and adhesions following a hysterectomy). I have had to schedule into my busy life, three surgeries, six hospitalizations, a son who is a senior in high school preparing for collage, a new granddaughter, a daughter getting married, a son getting engaged, another daughter moving in across the street and countless other events demanding my attention. That's the life of a mother of six and a grandmother of three! At least my husband and I make a great team.

Of course, all these things are part of life, but they certainly challenge that creative passion that drives me. In the last few weeks, I have been feeling better ~ or at least I have been convincing myself that I feel better ~ and I have started to feel that passion creeping back into my soul. Yippee!!

The only problem is, ALL my passions are finding their way back! There is not enough time in the day, or enough days in the week, for me to do all the things I WANT to do. Life is getting in the way of my fun!

I have a passion for writing and a passion for art and a passion for crafting. But of course these passions take a backseat to my passion for God, and Family! I'm just going to have to find a way.

TALKING ABOUT SIDE-TRACKED !!! I was starting to blog about how I didn't get around to cleaning my studio. Well, that's soooo true. My studio is still a mess and the day is drifting away quickly. At this point all I want to do is make sure I at least get the work table cleaned off.

UPDATE: My Studio is CLEAN. Actually Clean. I don't know how I accomplished it, but I did. I guess taking the time to blog about my failure to complete the task of cleaning, motivated me to getting it done. Now I can start my Monday morning off with a creative BANG!!

A Day of Cleaning ~

Today I will be cleaning out my studio. This last week has been nearly impossible to maintain any inspiration! My studio is a total MESS. So it's time to re-group and re-organize. Wish me luck!!
http://justalittlebit.etsy.com/