Sunflowers and Apples Gnome

I haven’t been able to get into my craft room for a couple of weeks now because of Hurricane Sally and the aftermath of cleaning up. But, I have a few things that I got done right before she decided to make her appearance and I thought I’d share them this week.

With their little pointed hats, hidden eyes, and whimsical beards or braids, they are charming and mischievous at the same time. But no where are they as popular as in the stamping world right now.  Almost every company has at least one set of some sort of gnome. And I love (and want!) them all. 

Gnomes are a big thing right now. Use to be that you saw them only at Christmas but not any more. Now you see them everywhere. There is a commercial on tv with a little ‘travel’ gnome as it’s spokesperson. Sports teams have decked them out in the team colors for fans everywhere to show their allegiance. And you might see a little garden gnome hiding in someone’s yard every once in a while.  

I stumbled upon this cute little Autumn Gnome digital from KLM Designs by accident but as soon as I saw him, I knew I had to have him! That sunflower and those apples spoke to me. I colored him up and cut him out and adhered him to some golden yellow card stock that I had lightly stamped some sunflowers on.  The mat is some fall plaid paper that I’ve had for several years. Normally, I would go with a kraft card base but when I tried it, it sort of dulled the colors so I decided to go with a red card base to keep the colors brighter. 

He’ll be going out later this week to cheer up someone’s mailbox just because. 

Hurricane Sally

A week ago tonight, we were glued to the television watching the updates on a slowly approaching storm named Hurricane Sally. She had been slowly wandering our way for a few days and was finally getting ready to come ashore.  We were listening to the wind howling and the rain pelting everything as hard as it could. It was all so loud.  Every once in a while, the house would shake when a particularly strong gust of wind would hit it. The trees outside were bending and bowing with the wind, shedding leaves and limbs as they did. The small branches with acorns attached sounded like popcorn on my roof as they flew through the air and landed, sliding down or blowing away to cover the ground. As the eye of Sally came closer and closer to land, we lost power and the wind became stronger.  A loud thud sounded and as we looked out of the window with the flashlight, we could see the large branch from one of our oaks laying on the deck. It was swaying back and forth ready to become a projectile into our door at any moment. The wind sounded like very, very, loud, angry waves breaking onshore. Another big thud that we not only heard but felt as the house took the impact. Another look out the window and there was my favorite oak resting across the corner of my deck. Thankfully, it missed the house! 

Sally was about to make landfall about ten miles or so west of us. That wind…oh, my goodness, I’ve never heard wind like that. Finally, after hours of howling, it started to die down and eventually stopped. The silence was deafening at first.  

Neighbors started coming out to check on the damage and each other. The sound of the wind was quickly replaced with the sound of chainsaws and generators. No one worked clearing and cleaning alone. We all pitched together and helped each other clean up the mess Sally left behind. Food and water, gas and tools,  time and manpower…it was all shared freely and without any expectation of something in return. 

We had no power, internet, or even decent cell service at first.  Texting worked best in those first few days. At least we could communicate with family to let them know we were okay. Those utility trucks showing up on Friday was the most beautiful sight in the world. Those guys worked hard, long hours to get our power back on. It was five days after the storm when the lights came back on to stay and we were so happy. 

I have to say that I have never been a part of a natural disaster. It is so humbling.  And heart wrenching. I’ve been told that at times like this the best and worst of people surface. We’ve seen nothing but the best.  People have been kind, and generous, and giving. We’ve had some gawkers and although it is irritating, I understand it.  But for the most part, we’ve seen mostly helpful, kind people. One group brought us bottles of water and the makings for PB and J. Another group stopped and helped cut up some of the trees. Yet another dropped off a cooler full of drinks, fruit, and ice. Even today, a week later, a lady from a relief agency rang my doorbell and handed me dinner. 

A week later, the water has receded, leaving a mess behind. The power is back on, the boil water order has been lifted, the yard is cleaned up, the tree is gone, and life is slowly returning to somewhat normal.  The debris is piled high along the side of every road. The trees and limbs are bad enough, but it’s heartbreaking to see whole households sitting there. These are people’s memories, their possessions that filled their houses and made it their home. It goes on for miles.  And yet, people are thankful. And hopeful. This is just stuff. They will rebuild, make new memories, and life will go on.  

Sally may have knocked us all down for a while, but she didn’t knock us out.  What she did was bring us all together. Neighbors helped neighbors, strangers helped strangers, and people from all over have come to lend a helping hand. And none of on either side of the equation has asked or cared about what color our skin is, which religion we are, political party we belong to, or football team we cheer for.  All that mattered is that we are fellow human beings and needed help. This is how is should be every day, all day long. 

“…Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Matthew 22:29 

I Remember…

FDNY Memorial Wall, New York City, 2013

Today the news, radio and tv, and my social media is full of images from 9/11/2001 with the phrases “Never Forget” or “We’ll Never Forget”. It is hard to believe that it’s been nineteen years since that day. Anyone that is over about 23 or 24 years of age remembers it very well. It changed our lives and the world we live in forever. Like everyone else, I know exactly where I was and what I was doing when that first plane hit the World Trade Center. I remember the horror of those images in real time and the feeling of wanting to gather my family close and keep them there. I remember the uncertainty of that day and the next several as we all wondered who, why, and where they would hit next. I remember the stories of incredible bravery and heroism that trickled through the relentless news coverage that day and over the next several days, weeks, months, and even years. I remember the love for each other and this country that swelled and poured out of our hearts, minds, and actions. I remember first responders running toward the chaos not caring about their safety, but only concerned with trying to save the people trapped and injured. I remember doctors and nurses racing to the closest hospital to them and treating the injured for hours and days without a break. I remember seeing people running for safety, their entire bodies covered in the dust and detritus of the falling towers. And when one fell, two, three, four would stop and help them up. Strangers helping strangers. I remember the tears that fell and the grief and anger that gripped us, a nation together. I remember hugging my children a little longer and harder that night as I put them to bed. I remember the pride of country and fellow man as we came together in crisis and stood as one.  Like most Americans, I will never forget that day and the time afterward. We were a nation that was horrified, grieving, scared, and uncertain; yet we were united. And no one cared what religion, race, or political affiliation anyone else was. It didn’t matter. We were Americans, period. Americans bound together by an unimaginable tragedy. 

As horrific and life changing as that day was, it brought out the best in us. I miss the country we were immediately afterward. I miss the love for each other and the selflessness and generosity and humanity that we all exhibited for each other. I miss the unity.  That day changed us for a while but it didn’t last. Here we are, nineteen years later, and there is more hate, vitriol, and divisiveness than there has ever been. We’ve let evil perpetuate and invade our society without bounds. It breaks my heart to see where we are today. We are better than that. We proved it nineteen years ago. And, we’ve proven it many times since when we’ve had other disasters. Why does it take a crisis or disaster to bring us together? Why can’t we all be kind and generous and loving like we were in those days just after 9/11, all the time? Where is the empathy for our fellow man that was so prevalent then? I know those questions are mostly rhetorical and I don’t expect an answer. Just a few thoughts to think on today, the day we mark the anniversary of that day that changed us all. 

Opening Day of Dove Season

Saturday was opening day of dove season in Alabama. For our family, it’s a tradition that we look forward to almost as much as football season or even Christmas.  It’s a tradition that started a lot of years ago when my brother-in-law invited a few friends and family members over for an opening day shoot.  It was very casual and laid back and everyone had a good time. We didn’t attend those first few years because we lived too far away to come for the weekend.  We had to reserve our trips for holidays and summer when we could stay longer. 

My father-in-law loved the dove hunt. He loved having the family together and sharing something he enjoyed with his sons and grandchildren. He passed away in 2010 and now we dedicate the hunt to his memory every year.  I think KB managed to get back a couple of times and hunt but our whole family didn’t start attending until 2012. That was the year that we moved to PA and were close enough to go for the weekend.  All or most of of us have been able to go every year since. 

We all converge at my brother-in-law’s house early and have lunch. Then we head over to the dove field and spread out  along the edges and wait for the doves to fly in.  That’s where I was as I was typing this. I didn’t get back to good internet until today to post it.  This was my view most of the day.

Over the years the hunt became bigger as all of the kids grew up and invited friends. The last several years it’s become more family than friends but we still have a couple of close family friends that come.  This year we have two little ones that really made the day even more fun than usual.

Unfortunately, this year my kids weren’t able to be there due to work and a sick fur baby but things happen in life…that’s just how it is. We really hated that they weren’t there but we all had a good time anyway and almost everyone got their limit.  The first year I attended, I took my camera because I would rather shoot pictures of people shooting doves than shoot the doves themselves. Every year since, it’s sort of been my thing. We’re already looking forward to next year!

“The memories we make with our family is everything.” – Candace Cameron Bure.

Maps and Stamps

It’s been a little while since I posted anything from the paper crafting corner of my craft room. I’ve been busy with other things but I have managed to get a few cards made. This one turned out much cuter than I was expecting.

I love maps…the paper ones. You know, the ones you get at welcome centers and gas stations that never fold up right after you’ve opened them. We’ve traveled a lot and I have quite an extensive collection from all over the country. I’ve also picked up a few at thrift stores for a quarter.

Anyway, I knew I wanted to use a map with this stamp so I pulled out the rest of the map I used for the sign on my travel wall again. It was a US map so I still had plenty of it to use. I cut a portion of it as the background and glued it to the base that I had cut from kraft card stock.

I had stamped and colored the image and sentiment and cut them out so they were ready to go on the background. I used foam tape for the car to give it a little lift.

Do you know someone that is making a new start? Maybe that’s been through a rough time and is coming out of it stronger and better? Or maybe graduating from school and embarking on the next phase of life? This stamp is awesome for these kind of situations!

August Recap

I have a cousin that posts a monthly recap on Facebook on the first of every month. I love reading it and catching up with her and her family. The idea of it is very appealing to me because we forget; we forget about the little things that happen in our daily lives as the days rush by. Before we know it, a month, a year, a decade has passed and those things that made life so sweet or hard have been lost to time. I’ve decided to start doing this for a the rest of the year and see how it goes.

August was hot, as usual, and this year two different hurricanes in the Gulf brought a lot of rain to us. Marco and Laura both looked like they would threaten the Alabama Gulf Coast but we were fortunate that they both went much further west. Unfortunately, the area around the Texas/Louisiana line received a double whammy as both of them made landfall there.

Covid numbers continued to climb for a good part of the month but finally took a downward trend toward the end of the month. Schools started statewide; some virtual, some in person, some homeschool, and some a combination. Tuscaloosa shut bars down again after students returned and social distancing wasn’t taking place.

We exercised our right to vote in the local elections. Both political parties held their conventions virtually and were televised but we didn’t watch any of either of them. It was a given who the candidates were going to be and neither of them had anything new to say.

Church is still online but we’re going to start back in person in a few weeks. I’m ready. I’ve missed worshipping with others. We’re preparing for life groups to start up as well.

August was a good crafty month…I was the Growing In Unity Girl for one week early in the month and had so much fun making things to feature! Then, I went to a scrapbook retreat at Grand Oak the last weekend of the month and really enjoyed seeing some old friends and making some new ones. My Christmas cards were the focus for me and I made a lot of headway toward getting them finished.

We got together with friends a couple of times for lunch or dinner and really enjoyed being able to do so. Our neighbors decided that we were having football regardless of what the powers the be say. They’re rewatching the 2015 season and having a watch party every weekend. We went to the first one but missed the last two.

Overall, it was a pretty good month. Nothing major going on with us which is a good thing. As we move into September and the last season of the year, I hope it stays that way.

Football is right around the corner…

It’s no secret that we’re all big Alabama football fans at our house. We’ve followed the Crimson Tide pretty much all of our lives and instilled a love of the sport (and team) in our kids. So much so that both of them attended school at the University of Alabama.  This made KB very happy and proud as he is an alum himself. 

Alabama football has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in the Bear Bryant era, suffered through the ups and downs of the long, mediocre years, and held my breath for a year or so after Nick Saban arrived in Tuscaloosa.  It’s safe to say that he has rebuilt the program to the standard that Alabama fans were accustomed to for so many years. The anticipation of the start of the season begins as soon as the last game is played in January.  I try to keep myself from getting too excited and looking forward to it until August. That’s when things really amp up with preseason polls, practices and scrimmages start, and all of the pundits begin to predict all the winners and losers. 

About six or so years ago, I started putting the schedule on a blackboard that I had hanging in my kitchen. It’s become a tradition to do it every year in mid-August, about two weeks before the first game. This year, with things being as they are, I debated on hanging it up but decided that the tradition should not be broken just because the season is scheduled to start later.  So, last weekend, I got it done and hung it on the laundry room door. It looks a little different this year with an all SEC schedule and it’s not fancy but I like it! Now, I’m just praying that the season actually gets to happen! 

O Christmas Tree…and the Red, White, and Blue

When I went to my first scrapbook retreat seven years ago, one of the things I loved about the place was this huge Christmas tree that she had in the living room.  We were there the weekend before Thanksgiving but she didn’t already have her tree up for Christmas. She had it decorated for autumn/Thanksgiving! It was so beautiful and she told me that she kept it up all year and decorated it for the different seasons/holidays. I’ve wanted a year round tree ever since. I’ve never been able to do it because I don’t have a good place for one. But earlier this year, I decided that I could have one…a small one. I don’t have to have a full size tree to be able to have a holiday tree all year. 

It’s not an easy thing to find a Christmas tree in the spring but I did. I found one at a local thrift store and was so excited! It’s even pre-lit. I got it up right before Memorial Day and decorated it with a patriotic theme. It’s been up all summer with red, white, and blue garland and ornaments, and American flags. Summer is bracketed by Memorial Day and Labor Day with the 4^th of July right in the middle, so the patriotic theme is perfect for summer. 

I’ve loved having it up; it’s been a bright spot during these last several months that we’ve been staying home more. It brightens up the house and makes me smile every day.  

Christmas lights instantly make me feel eight years old again.

Family Treasures and Peach Cobbler

I’ve been wanting some gumbo for several days. Today, when we woke up to a rainy, gray, dreary day, I decided it was a good day to make gumbo but I needed to go to the grocery store to pick up a few things first.

As soon as I walked in, I saw this big ole display of Chilton County peaches. Chilton County, Alabama is known for their peaches and having grown up in Alabama, I am quite familiar with them. I grew up eating them and although I’ve had some wonderful peaches all over the world, there’s just none like the ones from Chilton County in my mind. Anyway, when I smelled them, I had this overwhelming craving for peach cobbler. So, of course, six of them found their way home with me.

I have this old, somewhat beat up pan that belonged to my great-grandmother. It was her cobbler pan. Now, I was so blessed to know three of my eight great-grandparents and this great-grandmother is one of them. She lived with my grandparents and I have such wonderful memories of her. She had this jar of buttons that she would let me play with, stacking and matching, and counting them endlessly. I’d pick one out and she could tell me exactly where it came from. What dress, skirt, shirt, or jacket it had been on. That always amazed me. She would let me lie down on the sofa next to her and put my head in her lap and she would count my ribs. It tickled and I would giggle and squirm and she would get tickled at me. Such sweet memories!

Although I don’t use that pan very often, I decided to use it today. Not too long ago, I came across a few recipes from my grandmother that I had forgotten about and one of them was her peach cobbler recipe. I pulled it out and got busy. I peeled those peaches, and put them in that pan and made the crumbly topping. Then, I sprinkled it on top of those peaches and put it in the oven. Y’all…..that is the best cobbler I’ve ever made. Even KB was impressed. He had his with vanilla ice cream on it and he hummed when he took that first bite.

I love that I have these family treasures; the pan and the recipe, and the wonderful memories that they bring to mind. There’s something about using a decades old pan and recipe that brings comfort and hope, and just makes you feel good, knowing that you’re carrying on a tradition that ties you to the generations that went before. One day, I’ll pass that pan down to my son or daughter. I have a feeling that pan has a lot more cobblers to be made in it!

Nanny’s Peach Cobbler

6 ripe peaches, peeled and sliced

1 stick of cold butter 

1 cup self-rising flour

1 cup sugar

Put one TBSP of melted butter in the pan. Layer the sliced peaches in the pan. Mix the rest of the stick of butter with the flour and sugar. Crumble it all together. I use my hands to mix it, smushing the butter into the flour and sugar until it’s sort of mealy. Then sprinkle it all on top of the peaches. Do not stir. Bake in a 350 degree oven until done, about 45 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream if desired. 

Food is the ingredient that binds us together.

Calendar Catch Up…July and August

Today I’m going to finish getting my calendars caught up! But first, I want to announce the winners from my Growing In Unity Week. They are Nikki Kittrell and Amy Williams. Congratulations!! They are the lucky winners of a grab bag of 25 Unity stamps for commenting on my posts last week.

Now, for the calendars…July was done by one of my dearest friends and just happens to be the one that organizes the calendar swap. It is a fabulous celebration of the holiday that July is known for…the 4th of July! Don’t you love that skyline and those fireworks?!

For August, it’s a simple topper with a quote that really spoke to me. “Set sail in the direction of your dreams”. I’m working chasing some dreams this year and I just love that quote! It was very timely for me. A friend in Boston made this one and one of the things that is so amazing to me about it? She underwent a heart transplant two years ago and has faced a lot of challenges and issues due to it in the time since. Yet, she managed to participate in the exchange last year and did an marvelous job!

Although each month is unique and the styles and techniques are different, I love every one of the pages. They make me smile and think of the person that made them every time I see them.

Time moves slowly but passes quickly.