Checking In

Hi blog friends. I just wanted to explain myself. I have never abandoned my blog for this long. I have also been negligent visiting your blogs. I dropped my camera in the sand on the beach trip and I am afraid to get my pictures off it until I take it to a camera doc. So, no beach pics. But we did have a wonderful time. Just take my word for it, it was beautiful, and we can't wait to go back.
The next thing that has kept me away is that I am going through a divorce. I am dealing with a lot, not the least of which is that my ex-husband won't get his stuff out of my house. So I have not really felt like blogging. Don't get me wrong, I am extremely happy. I have had to put up with a lot over the years - I did it for the kids - but things happened that I could not put up with. Enough said.
I will be back to blogging soon enough. Stay tuned!
Julie

Gone to the Beach

We are going to Mexico Beach for a week. When this post shows up I should already be there. It is not crowded, and is family-friendly. We have a house right on the beach, by a turtle sanctuary - which we think is pretty cool. When I come back I will have pictures from our actual trip. Hope you enjoy your week!
Julie

Giveaway!!

Marion at Villa Kunterbunt is having a giveaway. You don't want to miss it so hop on over.

Pincushion Attempt

I decided to try making May Britt's pincushion. When done right it is so cute. Of course, I did it wrong! Her tutorial is here. As you can see, mine looks like a mini-hassock. It is still cute, and my kids like to toss it around the room like a ball.
I have been meaning to do it again. Now that I have made one, I know what my error was, and I can make one the right way.
I have been working in my yard most mornings since school is out. I have done a lot, but have so much still to do. I spend the rest of the day recovering from the heat, but at least I have a feeling of accomplishment. Inside, I have been working on replacing my heavy, dusty drapes with light, easy-to-clean curtains. It feels so much better to have all these dusty drapes out of the house. I will never, ever have drapes again. Ugh...
Julie

Giveaway from Deb at Works in Progress

Look at these fantastic vintage buttons.


Deb is having a giveaway. She found many treasures in her Aunty Jean's sewing box, and is giving away these beautiful buttons! So pop on over to her blog today and enter her giveaway!
Julie

Monastery of the Holy Spirit

On my way home from the retreat, I stopped at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, Georgia. It is a peaceful place. The Trappist Monks are very welcoming, and have a shop where they sell bread, fudge, rosaries, and other things that they make here. They also have a bonsai greenhouse. I have been there with my brother a few times to visit with Brother Paul, who is a bonsai expert. I don't know if he is still there. It was Sunday, and the commercial enterprises were closed. I would like to return one day when I can wander around again.
Julie

Happy Memorial Day

I want to remember those who have served and are currently serving in our military. Be thankful for them, they have made great sacrifices so that we can live as we do.