Mindful Presence

Up North Fun-Becoming an Outsdoors Woman

2012-02-07T18:37:00.005-06:00

Thought I would share some kodak moments regarding our fun in the North Woods. Patsy and Stacy joined in the fun--she's posted her pictures to her blog. Between the three of us....I think we covered ice fishing, fish cleaning, walking stick making, snowshoeing, skijoring, dog sledding, rifle markswomanship and cross country. Whew! Exciting program that I encourage all women to try. Programs in a state near you...
http://www4.uwsp.edu/cnr/bow/

2010-04-05T12:01:00.003-05:00

The dust is flying...along with the sheetrock!

Current Job--Demolition

2010-04-03T10:46:00.004-05:00

Plan for the unexpected and life will always be easy--does that include adding demolition to your resume? Basement remodel under way.

Sorting through boxes and bags of STUFF was the first task at hand, as all the accumulated things from the boys had to be removed and restored elsewhere.

New tools of my trade became apparent--the great gloves were essential along with the pry bars.

Holiday Musings

2009-12-21T12:22:00.002-06:00

Great Christmas---Family; Snow; Cozy Inside!

Halloweenie Flowering Cactus?

2009-10-30T09:55:00.002-05:00

Blooming in October--that's wonderful. Love the bright colors of Fall--who couldn't love the change of seasons.

Cinderella in Fall

2009-10-09T09:30:00.002-05:00

A green Cinderella Pumpkin--now how fun is that? Cattails from Sauk County are fitting to my new neighborhood--which I would sometimes describe as earthy.

Restful Good Nights

2009-09-21T13:05:00.003-05:00

Gettin' her done! With a few more personal touches to add--this should be ready for a good night's sleep.

Room-by-Room-by-Room

2009-09-18T16:08:00.003-05:00

Some final shots, with painting and decorating done! Whew--that was fun.

Behr is a Bear

2009-08-18T17:27:00.003-05:00

Love the fumes--only kidding. Actually I do love the smell of paint. How easy it is to change your world--one day a faint green--another day Taupe.

Thoughtful Quote

2009-08-13T08:41:00.002-05:00

"When the world seems to be falling apart, hang on to your own ideals and find kindred spirits. That's a rule of life." I love the 'find kindred spirits' part of this quote... even if the world is not falling apart.

Everyone Needs A Place to Come Home To

2009-08-04T18:42:00.005-05:00

Well, after the unpacking, it will be a place to come home to. My new favorite hang-out--only 2 miles away--HomeDepot--now that's location, location, location. Working on painting the kitchen a Hersey's Milk Chocolate Brown--hoping to offset the cabinets and cream counter & floor. My sis's famous words--do it, it's only a can of paint. The quilt frame awaits needle & thread.

All in the span of 45 days

2009-07-16T20:41:00.005-05:00

It's possible to own a bit of mother earth in 45 days! Looking forward to home ownership within the next 12+ hours. Location, Locaton, Location. Hope I got the right one. There's lots I want to do, but the basics are solid. The neighborhood is fantastic. Fonzi and I are thrilled!

Cosmopolitan Dog

2009-05-03T11:15:00.003-05:00

Fonzi

I want to be a dog in my next life. Pet sitting just might turn me into a dog lover. Who couldn't love this little guy-Fonzi. Sheltie or Shetland Sheepdog, who's actually 9 years old. Since his hair has been cut, he's been mistaken for a Collie puppy everywhere I go with him. Dogs are truly social magnets--I've talked to more people in my neighborhood since sitting for Fonzi this past week than the 8 months I've lived here. We've been to 3 dog parks in Madison. I have a favorite, but I doubt that Fonzi does--it's total freedom for him.

How did Pioneer women do it all?

2009-03-16T20:01:00.002-05:00

With all the modern day quilting gizmos, quilting is fun--but would we have done it back in 1800's with only a needle, thread and scissors? Here's my 1930's quilt strung on frame --with a little splash of red for the backing. Hope I can perfect my stitches.

Stitch by Stitch

2009-03-08T20:50:00.003-05:00

Getting ready for The Quilt Frame...need to hurry and finish up this little project. Doesn't it remind you of Cosmopolitan ice cream.

Feng Shui

2009-03-02T18:48:00.003-06:00

Can't seem to leave furniture arrangements in one place more than 2 months. Did a quick bedroom switch up moving the bed 180 degrees---well actually I just switched the headboard and footboard, since the bugger was so heavy. Tadda. The old painters' ladder in the corner makes for a great quilt hanger-love it.

2009-01-22T20:30:00.002-06:00

A New Project---refinishing time. Can you imagine your shoes being made on this. One end is leather where the butt sits and I guess the Cobbler does his thing at the other end. Let's hope I can give it a great shoe polish waxin.

Lots of Hobby Mania

2009-01-04T13:05:00.005-06:00

After salting the sidewalk and taking a quick spill on the ice.... twice...my Guardian Angel defininitely wanted me to stay home today! Who can dispute 'signs' like that. Frozen peas on my elbow as I type. Lots of hobbywork to keep me busy today. From winter scene embroidery to an international quilt magazine to brouse and a knitting project of a quick scarf.

A holiday get together

2008-12-29T20:30:00.003-06:00

Winter Greets.

Believe in Something

2008-12-24T11:00:00.001-06:00

Fluffy White

2008-12-19T07:51:00.002-06:00

No matter how old you are, you still enjoy a Snow Day. It's the unexpected.

Waiting

2008-12-17T20:31:00.007-06:00

Remember as a kid, it was always The Big Wait till Santa arrived. The anticipation and the excitement of the unknown gifts, the Christmas Tree lights. As an adult, this year, I'm marveled by the lit Christmas Tree and grateful....just grateful for life.

Memories

2008-12-14T19:47:00.004-06:00

2008-12-12T19:49:00.001-06:00

She's a beauty. Hope to the world!

2008-12-11T21:54:00.003-06:00

Oh the beauty of the simple things.

Ever Green

2008-11-30T12:01:00.003-06:00

For 35 years I bought into the Artificial Way-A FAKE TREE. I can't really remember why I continued on that path for 35 years-what was I thinking? 2008 is a real Balsam Fir and does it smell wonderful. Got it myself today, carried it in and here it proudly stands at 8' tall. Just room enough for The Angel. I'm grateful.

Plain walls

2008-11-26T19:28:00.002-06:00

There is nothing pretty about a plain wall. I wanted to frame quilt art, but didn't have the heart to cut into a 'cutter' quilt. Instead I found some already cut into pieces on ebay.... and took a hand at framing. Thoughts? A unique table where the flip up leaves are tucked into the table. Also works well because the width is only 12" wide. Now, all I need to find is a primitive Coffee Table.

2008-11-17T21:03:00.002-06:00

Wreath of Cheer! This was a recycled wreath..so I think it falls within the 'Going Green' category--reuse. Get the snow shovel out, it has begun.

2008-10-30T20:34:00.002-05:00

A great find at an antique store - I bought it as a cutter, but cannot cut into this beauty. Trying to think outside the box to arrange a wall cutout. Using antique tool boxes to hang small quilt projects from the handles.

2008-10-30T20:21:00.003-05:00

Temporarily not mindful of my presence. Sharing a painting project--a 1971 graduation gift that's gone mod. A table has followed and a chair will soon too. Who can't love Fall. Some recent shots at Durward's Glen.

Home Sweet Home

2008-09-16T17:13:00.004-05:00

Moving is such a human insterest story - you get to relive so much of your life. And, you see your worldly possessions packed in the inside of a 24' truck. Well the story has been written and I'm happy. A bit of rearranging and decorating yet to come, but here is...

Yesterday's Prized Possessions

2008-08-06T19:51:00.003-05:00

Finding unusual 'yesterday's furniture' has quickly become a fever with me. I'm intrigued this 'Tobacco Stand" can become an end table. Although I don't care for smoking, this table struck me as conversational. A tad of refinishing will have it looking great.

Fence Posts in your Life

2008-08-03T11:21:00.002-05:00

Ever truly look at fence posts --how they strongly determine where the lines attach to. You can always go back to the cornerstone and find your way again if you're lost. I love fence posts -- next time you're driving in the country, pause a while and study them for their beauty.

Vivid Memories

2008-07-30T19:33:00.002-05:00

After a long awaited event, like a vacation, it sometimes seems like it too quickly becomes a vivid memory. Which it should be. But the time passes oh so quickly as it's happening. Such was the case at a recent quilt retreat. The fun, laughter, relaxing spirits in the room were much needed by everyone. The fast paced lives we lead justify taking more and more time for one's self. I can certainly say with gratitude, I'm glad for the sisterhood.

2008-07-21T19:41:00.004-05:00

Sometimes you just gotta dance like no body's watching!

Anticipation of Retreat

2008-07-18T18:27:00.003-05:00

In anticipation of an upcoming retreat--my totes are packed and ready to roll. I have high hopes for accomplishing much--maybe more in spirit.

A Project Has Been Finished

2008-07-14T21:26:00.002-05:00

This (finally) completed quilt is done. Not my proudest piece of work, but done. Not realizing that I chose the wrong navy fabric-it was more broadcloth than quilting cotton - I had already cut and sewn the thing together. So, pretending the pioneer spirit took hold, I finished it and will use it. Cricket, my cat has taken a likin to it, since it's been folded and sitting in the sewing room for a bit too long. Cat hair off-it's getting it's first wash to 'pucker' it up. Here's the thing - stitches are way way too distant; somewhat even in their long length, but not a Blue Ribbon Beauty. From a distance, not bad.

County Fair

2008-07-13T19:03:00.008-05:00

A trip to the County Fair certainly brought back vivid childhood memories of 45 years ago. Can this really be the building we exhibited the Blue Ribbon Muffins?