The Brick Street Bungalow

Soon Y. Warren Workshop - Day 2

2012-01-28T20:14:00.001-06:00

Day 2 is over! There were more layers and more layers...

And then, the beginnings of detail... and more layers...

This is where we will start tomorrow... and get to the finish. I am exhausted and this Internet connection is h.o.r.r.i.b.l.e!! So, I am about to pile in bed and soothe myself with...

... a few rows of knitting before I crash. I am on row 73 of this Mystery Knit-A-Long and need to be finished with row 150 (gets longer each row) by Monday... not sure I'll make this deadline. Anyway, I hope everyone is having a great weekend and I'll be catching up soon.

blessings ~ tanna

Soon Y. Warren Workshop - No. 2 (Day One)

2012-01-28T08:01:00.002-06:00

In November of 2010, my friend Patrice talked me into attending a watercolor workshop by Soon Y. Warren (here and here). I had never done a watercolor and the first day I wanted to be beamed up, Scotty!! I was stressed beyond belief because I had absolutely no clue what I was doing.

Well, we are back for round two (round three for Patrice) of Soon's classes. Her work is amazing and she is a wonderful teacher. She takes you step-by-step through her process... now, mind you ours do NOT look like hers; but you learn a process.

Yesterday, we enjoyed our first of a three day class.

Soon demonstrating one of the many layers...

And layers...

And, the very first photo was our last step of the day... that's where we will be starting from this morning!!

Stacey (Your Private Collection Art Gallery, Granbury, TX), Soon Y. Warren and my friend, Patrice. It's off to class I go!!

The real lesson here is one in humility!! ;)

blessings ~ tanna

Kitchen Makeover - $30 Backsplash

2012-01-24T20:37:00.000-06:00

This is Part 2 of the 70s Weekender Makeover, posted in November (here). I wasn't going to do this post yet... because I still haven't replaced all the lighting and plugs! I'll have to do another post to show what a big difference lighting can make.

This is the before.

Another AFTER. Please note, there are no decorating skills. LOL! Just function. We replaced the flooring throughout with engineered hardwoods. Those and the granite were the 'big bang' elements. You can find discounted prices, when they have only one slab of a particular section of granite (and you can fit your pieces from it as we were able to do).

Now, for the $30 backsplash.

After looking at tons of different tile possibilities (I was hankering for glass subway or marble), I realized that any of the patterns took away from the granite.

I fell back to a very cost effective solution I have used in my Old Girls. You can buy this beadboard for $11.88 at Lowe's. I needed two packages, some screen mold, $6.08, and some liquid nails.

You can see all the tile considerations... LOL.

I have a friend next door with a table saw, which makes cutting these pieces a snap.

You could use a jigsaw for all the cuts. Remember to measure twice, cut once!! And, be careful.

Once the pieces are all cut, use a caulk gun and the liquid nails to secure them to the wall. Use finishing nails to place the screen mold (not pictured here), caulk the seams and paint. There you go. A beadboard backsplash for (in this case) $30.

Joining Kim:

Happy Projects and blessings to all!

tanna

Lady Lovelace Finished!!

2012-01-18T16:22:00.000-06:00

Finished and worn for the first time! Love it!!

Pattern: Lady Lovelace designed by Teva Durham (row 19 needs YO on each side of center stitch deleted to work out right on row 21). Available free here. Both a sweater and matching shawl.

Yarn: Ushya by Mirasol 98% Merino Wool 2% Polyamide (Mirasol dedicates a portion of every sale to the funding of a school in the remote area of Munari, the region of Puno, Peru).

Needles: US size 11 and US size 6

I can't begin to tell you how much I love this yarn! It is so soft and so light and so easy to work with... surprisingly so, for such a bulky yarn.

I ended up liking the odd mix on the last six rows of the shawl... even after I located more of the Ushya, I decided to stick with my odd mix. There is a slight issue of curling on the edge, especially if you have been bending your arm up a lot. Not anything that makes me like it less, but noted. I think the bodice would make a great vest, too. Cool, easy pattern (Now, don't let my mistakes on the first day lead you to think this isn't so. My tendency is that, if it is easy, I don't pay as much attention as I should).

I should have gotten photos of just the sweater, but it's not as easy without my photographer here (hint, hint, Amanda!). Fun. Quick. Two thumbs up!!

Hope you are all having a wonderful, productive and peaceful week!

Blessings ~ tanna

Blocked and Ready to Seam

2012-01-14T08:25:00.004-06:00

This little project has not been without its more frustrating moments. First, there was the need to start over... Then, everything went along so smoothly. Sleeves done and blocked... Check.

Bodice done and blocked... Check.

All looking pretty exciting! Started on the shawl that matches... going great. Got down to the last six rows and ran out of yarn!!! I'm on the search. Drats!! And, Double DRATS! In the meantime, I have found a variegated, blendable color that I am going to finish up the shawl with until HOPEFULLY I can come up with one more skein. {{grumble, grumble, grumble}}

In the meantime, I signed up to do this mystery knit-a-long with beading by Laura Nelkin. You get one clue every few days and then are surprised to learn what you are knitting. Let me just say that this isn't going so well... just opening the beads to take this little photo, I lost probably a half a dozen on the floor... too small for me to see!! Yikes. Now, I have to string 217 of these on the yarn.

And, did I mention that my swatch (test sample) does NOT look promising... my beads are NOT lining up like the pattern example. Oh, my... a frustrating series of issues... LOL! 2012 is going to have to shift directions soon. I'm hoping I am getting my bad run of things over with early and out of the way for smooth sailing!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! blessings ~ tanna

What Gives??? UPDATED

2012-01-13T07:00:00.000-06:00

When I try to comment a blank white page comes up! Hope this is remedied soon!! Anyway, I'm still reading and enjoying! blessings ~ tanna

A FEW HOURS LATER: Okay, I've discovered that I am having problems ONLY with the blogs that have their comments on the same page: as in not a pop-up box or new page (which is easier folks, you don't have to scroll back through the whole post and comments). Don't know if that helps or if any others of you are having that same issue. I'm sure they are working on it. Have a great day. t.

Knitting Review 2011

2012-01-10T00:48:00.005-06:00

Knitting 2011 started out with a little Kimono for a sweet little girl. Had kind of a slow start, with only three projects before June brought us The Littlest Man.

Vogue Wide-Brimmed Hat went to dear daughter.

Cozy shawl went to a prayer shawl ministry (actually crocheted).

Then, there was the Coming Home Gown for The Littlest Man in June.

And, probably the most fun project I have ever done, a Lion Mane (crochet) and Loincloth (knit). Littlest Man's mother and I had way too much fun with this one! Just realized I did leave out a "goat hat" that I don't have a photo of that I did while teaching Amanda to knit.

This was quick and easy and oh, so fun to wear this summer! It travelled to Italy and felt right at home there with all the wonderful romance.

Another of my favorite shawls, the Ginkgo.

A Sursa Shawl (with modifications... now, belongs to another friend) in Noro.

Entrelac hat #1... a fun knit-a-long project.

Baby sweater for a sweet ex-tenants new baby. (Don't know why blogger turned it, but I'm not going back to try to change it!!)

Entrelac #2 for a dear friend's birthday.

Pumpkin hats galore!!

Great fitting, easy little Weekend Cardi.

I have such a hard time choosing a favorite among my shawls... but, this one rivals them all. Wear it A LOT!

This was an ambitious project... came out well... but, I don't LOVE it. Kaw Valley Wrap. Hoping summer months make me enjoy it more.

This was Elfin Hat number 2, so that Littlest Man would have one to match Little Man's from last year.

Three stockings were made... one with serious flaws in its snowflake. Still have two more to make to fill my order. ;) A little behind for Christmas.

Made my dear, dear friend Kathy a Sirdar Waistcoat just like mine.

And, the last project... Whew!... is this scarf. 2011 started out slow on the knitting projects, but averaged out to two projects a month. I'm okay with that. Here's to 2012!

If you made it this far, thank you for indulging my record of the year in yarn!! Have a great day!

blessings ~ tanna

ps - Dotsie at Podso (who always has wonderful mosaics) introduced me to Picnik and I did have a little fun playing with that this afternoon! Hmmmm... I can see experiments brewing!

Just One of the Reasons...

2012-01-05T11:20:00.003-06:00

Last week, I discovered this exquisite little bird with a hand written note... perched on a shelf with two of my other favorite little birds... just waiting... for me to find after the Little Men and Co. visit. Thoughtfulness is just one of the many reasons it is so easy to love my daughter, Amanda. Expression of love for one another is one more.

It is a precious gift to let someone know that they are loved. I am ever humbled and ever grateful for more love than I could ever deserve. I hope today you might seek that opportunity to let someone know how precious they are to you. Thank you, Amanda. I love you dearly... to the moon and back... bigger than the sky.

Well, my knitting is not off to a good start this year!! I was so excited to begin a new project yesterday! Clicking along... enjoying the feel of this wonderfully soft merino wool... Liking the way things were shaping up.... or so I thought!

This is how the little lace peak should look... then, there is this:

All I can tell you is that they unravel much faster than they knit up!! LOL!

I'll be starting OVER this evening. Bummer. Oh, well, it goes fast with this big gauge! Wish me better luck on round two!

Blessings ~ tanna

PS to my knitting buddies... I don't have a way to e-mail some of you back, but YES, I plan on being there for coffee, at least for an hour (I have a prior commitment at noon). Yea!!

Last Two Knitting Projects of 2011

2012-01-03T06:43:00.002-06:00

Finished this little ~~piece of therapy~~ shawl last Thursday evening. So, Friday morning found me ready to play with one of my Christmas presents from my Beloved!

Comes all packaged up in this cute little carrying case... a group of puzzle-like pieces to block your finished knitting projects. Blocking is to knitting as prepping is to painting... as far as outcome goes (though on the opposite ends of the processes).

I love seeing how the lace patterns open up once you have wet your project and 'staked it out' on the block. I do think I am going to need another package though... I can see I might need a bigger space!

Even came with its own little tin of t-pins. Love it!

This one was the last one for 2011. I'll be doing a knitting review of the whole year in the next couple of days.

This was the next to last project, just barely finished in time to get wrapped for Kathy's birthday present. I made her one just like my own Sirdar Waistcoat, made about this time last year. I'm on the hunt for the next project!!

You can find the blocking pads here along with a tutorial about blocking.
Shawl pattern is: 198 Yards of Heaven by Christy Verity, a free download on Ravelry. (I did an extra 21 row repeat of the body to increase the size)
Yarn: Lustra by Berroco-- 50% Peruvian Wool 50% Tencel (1.5 skeins)

blessings ~ tanna

Pajama Day

2011-12-28T13:58:00.004-06:00

The porch is deserted... the streets are empty of loved ones' cars...

Toys and toiletries are gathered to store. Pack-and-play folded and removed. Books put away.

My Little Men are in their second day of travel -- heading home. I'll confess to still being in my pajamas... sad, but doing better today. We had such a wonderful month of sharing good times.... so many little hugs: "Hold me, Noni." Books read. Songs sang. Snacks eaten. Chocolate "mulk" shared and drank. Naps taken. Hills climbed. Cars (Lightening McQueen) washed and raced. Converstations enjoyed. All still warm my heart.

And laughs and grins from Littlest Man... and his falling asleep in my arms.

You'd think that in the third year of this it would get easier. It doesn't.

So for today, I will comfort myself with the soothing, simple, repetative task of moving my knitting needles along... I will remember the good, great, grand, glorious times we shared... and I will give thanks for those precious moments... thanks... and thanks... and thanks...

blessings ~ tanna

Christmas 2011 - the Porch Pictures

2011-12-25T20:40:00.002-06:00

We are hoping each of you had a very merry CHRISTmas today!! One of our "traditions" is the Porch Picture. Have you ever tried to get a small herd photographed? Ha! We had a few new peeps and we were missing Troy from this year's capture; as always, we were happy to have our regulars.

2010 here.

2009 here.

All in all, it was a grand day around here!! And, I wouldn't trade a moment of it.

There was a little silliness... and lots of love.

I hope to have time to catch up on my blog reading tomorrow!! Blessings to all and to all a good night ~ Merry Christmas!

Restoration Hardware Inspiration a.k.a. Noni's Copycat Tent

2011-12-13T08:38:00.003-06:00

Have you ever caught sight of something that just excited your creative fires? Well, the cover of the Restoration Hardware Baby and Child catalogue was a spark for this Noni! I just loved this tent!

... which prompted a trip to Home Depot early on a Saturday morning while Pop Pop was off hunting and the Little Men were with some of their other folks.

Drop cloths and shoe mould (we use the things we know) became the materials for magic (at least in my own eyes. lol.) A plan was developed...

I haven't sewn much in a long time... so it took me most of the day between searching for the supplies, coming up with a plan and then whipping it out. (And, yes... I have stuff strewn all over the kitchen, which was a little messy to start with... but, hey... I was on a mission.)

I was probably more excited with the outcome than the boys will ever be playing in it! LOL! Creating does something good for the soul... creating with love for someone, well that brings a whole other level of joy... Joy, I tell you.

We took it to The Weekender and set it up; so, it was ready when they got home from their other visits...

Little Man was just a blurrrrr... as he climbed in his new hideout.

Quick as a cat, he simultaneously reached to close his flap and put that little thumb in his mouth. Priceless!!

Yes, that is a dog bed instead of the expensive things in the RH catalogue. Now... I just need some stencils and some white lights....

Hoping each of you find some inspiration in your day! Check here at Kim's for some sparks:

Blessings ~ tanna

AThankful Heart, a Must Read and a Giveaway You Won't Want to Miss

2011-12-09T08:00:00.008-06:00

While many of you are long past the beautiful colors of fall, we are in the midst of some glorious sights! Nanny, this gingko is for you. ;)

After our brutal summer with a record breaking number of days well over 100 degrees... and a drought that killed so many, many of our trees, then gave fuel for multitudes of fires... the survivors are putting on their best show!! It makes my heart sing songs of deep, deep appreciation... for all things that shine in the face of adversity.

This crepe myrtle provides beauty summer and fall out my wavy kitchen window. There is almost always a little bird show going on in there, too.

I am going to soak up all this beauty my soul can stand... soon it will be gone. I'll be enjoying each moment I am given with a grateful heart.

There are two things I have seen I really, really want to share:

First, a blog post my daughter shared with me:

Lil' Light O' Mine

I say AMEN!! If you have children or grandchildren or are just wanting a great perspective on what this season is all about, take a look!

Second, (I almost hate to share because it will decrease my odds of winning, but...) Tricia at Saving Room for Dessert is having this amazing giveaway of homemade Christmas Goodies!! Oh, my!! Today is the last day to enter... so, you may want to hustle on over.

blessings ~ tanna

Under The Big Top 3-Ring Holiday

2011-12-08T08:53:00.001-06:00

Things have been fast and furious and full of fun! Yesterday, we took the boys to our public library for a big time "Under The Big Top." I love libraries... I am thankful that due to my daughter's taking him frequently, my Little Man loves them, too.

Let me tell you the folks at the Tyler Public Library had outdone themselves with fun things for the little ones this time. And, though the Littlest Man was not quite old enough to join in the activities, he was an excellent spectator for the sports!

There were all kinds of games and after each station, the child received a sticker. You KNOW how they love their stickers!

Note Blue Speed between those tiny feet participating in the holiday fun, too!

Little Man really enjoyed himself and so did the other children. My hat's off to the staff and volunteers of our local library. They did an outstanding job.

This gentleman was the BEST story teller!! He held his young audience spellbound. Little Man was lurking behind the tree! ;)

This was the favorite of the activities... since our Little Man LOVES to play in water!!

It is amazing how tirelessly he could dip them out, put them back and do it all again! LOL!

Hoping each of you are enjoying the season. blessings ~ tanna

Knitting Errors, Wide Eyes and Canton Fun

2011-12-03T07:57:00.001-06:00

This Noni is obviously past being able to focus! LOL! I worked to get this second stocking done last weekend and as I was finishing the toe... I noticed, "Houston, we have a problem!" Oh, no! The Snowflake had gone bad in the last half. Doggonit!

But, for now... there is just no time to start over.

This is what it should have looked like...

But, the errors are just going to have to hang for this year... It will still hold some goodies! Now, to find those stocking holders so it can move to the mantle and wait for Santa to fill it.

The Littlest Man was wide-eyed with excitement yesterday morning as we hit the Canton Trades Days for a wonderful good time!!

After all, Santa was there early, too! (Little Man still wanted no part of him!)

I was very excited about this little shop! LOVED the banner and the owner was super nice; he is also a blogger at the Junk Exchange! These are the only photos I made the whole day! I have to confess that time holding and keeping up with grandsons takes huge precedence over photo taking.

We stayed from 8:30 in the morning until almost 5 in the afternoon. Ate lots of goodies; enjoyed good visits with our friends Barbara and Troy; and, Amanda made a pretty substantial little haul. It was a delightful day!! Delightful! The smells, sights, and sounds of Canton are a real treat.

I came home with only one little treasure (no photo)... Obviously, having grandsons along must slow the purchasing process as well as the photo process. hee hee. Their Pop Pop would like to send them along everytime!

Blessings ~ tanna

Joy to the World - Salt Dough Ornaments Phase 1

2011-12-02T06:55:00.002-06:00

There has been a ton of fun happening around these parts! Salt Dough Ornaments Phase 1 has been completed. The joy of whisking is being demonstrated here.

Serious concentration on the finer art of dipping your cutter in the flour before using. Serious concentration, I tell you.

Please note that "Blue Speed" a.k.a. Lightening McQueen is present and assists in EVERY activity. He also slid down the big car slide (so I guess, technically, Little Man didn't go entirely on his own).

These little hands are so precious to me... next to some slightly larger little hands that have been precious to me much longer.

Yep, Blue Speed was the final inspector of the ornament forming process. Stay tuned to see Phase 2. ;) But, for today, it is off to Canton Trades Days! Woo hoo!

blessings ~ tanna

Tidings of Comfort and Joy...

2011-11-30T23:57:00.002-06:00

As this season rolls in at full speed, I just wanted to take a moment to send tidings of comfort and joy to all who may pass this way.

This season celebrates the gift of our Lord Jesus Christ... our Hope and our Salvation... our King of Kings... our Lesson on Love and Loving...

May your hearts be filled with that Love. Blessings ~ tanna

2011-11-28T20:48:00.007-06:00

Sunday, it was "our turn" again with the grands!! And, we all bundled up to head to the Christmas Tree Farm. Brrrr... it was windy and cold! And, cold and windy! Windy and cold!!

But, the trees were circled and examined and considered... in spite of the cold...

Little Andrew checked them out from ground level...

Pop Pop and Alex... well, they were more interested in other activities...

Finally, a tree was chosen!

After that, it was on to the 'fun stuff!' Yes, our tiny Little Man would slide down this giant slide all by himself!! He's two years old, people! LOL!

Then, get himself out and run back to the entrance saying, "Again! Again!" It was pretty amazing. He wasn't ready to go when we finally had to drag him away. LOL!

Yep. We enjoyed Our Turn!! And, there will be lots more fun to be had! blessings to all ~ tanna

Vintage and Co.

2011-11-26T20:16:00.002-06:00

One last ~~turkey~~ swan song for Thanksgiving... I am giving a big thanks to Jodi of Vintage and Co. for this wonderful vintage turkey planter AND....

This fun, whimsical gobbler! It was such a pleasure to meet Jodi when she dropped these little turkeys off Tuesday afternoon. I was the lucky winner of one of her giveaways and I just LOVE these two turkey treasures!!

Jodi has three wonderful sales a year; and, if you are anywhere near enough, you should try to make the next one! You won't regret it. Jodi, thank you again!! Just love 'em!! Hope we get to visit again soon.

We are about to shift from enjoying fall into the Christmas mode. Seasons shift so quickly. I sure have appreciated our splashes of color... Gifts from Above. Thank You, Father.

blessings ~ tanna

70s Weekender Makeover - An Odd Thanksgiving Edition

2011-11-24T18:40:00.000-06:00

The sight of our Little Men arriving for a holiday stay was my "5-4-3-2-1- put your tools down!" signal to stop my remodel project! What is done is done... what isn't, will have to wait until after the holidays.

I will share some of the project with you today as I give THANKS that this little family arrived safely.

Sorry this is such a bad photo...

We bought our 70s-model weekender this past summer for a near song. It was stuck in the seventies and even though it had had some updates by the previous owner... they were not updates that brought it up to speed.

The first thing that had to go was the header between these two built-ins. It just held the whole thing down in my opinion. I wanted it opened up, brightened up and cleaned up!

I had crown moulding added to the top of the shelves and around the room. My favorite elements in a room tend to be the crown moulding and the hardwoods. The carpet had to go, too. The floors were put in by people Lumbar Liquidators sent. Would NOT use them again. We chose an engineered hardwood in a Tobacco Road stain. I wanted some variation and movement in the color. Evan and I both immediately liked this wood.

I do love the stain and the look of the floor. But, if I had it to do over, I would stick with the floor guy I use with my Old Girls. I just had to want something a little more 'exotic' this time.

Now, this is not a post about decorating!! LOL! This stuff all was hurriedly thrown in place to get ready for the Little Men. I was still doing a backspash earlier this week.

And, admittedly... I am not a good decorator like my friend, Kim at Savvy Southern Style or so many of my other blog friends... I am more of a 'bones of the place' kind of decorator (just like I was an orthopaedic nurse... not a plastic sugrery nurse... So, please don't judge me by my decorating! LOL!)

This is during the process... you can immediately see the difference pulling out that header from one built-in to the other makes! The 'popcorn' acoustic ceiling was removed. I use very little texture (the Old Girls never have much... so, I've come to appreciate their smoother, simpler appearance). Sheetrock replaced the old paneling and you can see the crown added to the built-ins.

Still need to find an area rug and do my small bit toward decorating, but all of that will come. I have no idea why they placed the two ceiling fans where they did. My best solution was to add two more to balance it out and give lots of light. Plus, in the nicer weather the windows will be open and fans will be running!

Painting the cabinets and using a light neutral color, Wool Skein (knitting attachment, you know) by Sherwin Williams, for the walls really helped lighten up the place, too.

Yes, the drapes still need to be pressed -- again, not a decorator post. LOL!

My favorite change was opening up this space above the fireplace. I am used to seing the changes made by the paint, the hardwoods, the lighting... but, my Old Girls have never needed 'opening up.' LOL! So, this relatively Young Girl has had a freshening and I look forward to enjoying the new cleaner, brighter, lighter version. I'll share more on the kitchen soon.

I clung fiercely to the 'Norman Rockwell Family' dream for years... Scrapped and fought and worked and tried to create it every year in every way I could. Truth is, we don't have it (at least not in all ways... or in all the times). But, what we do have is good. Very good.

We shared an EARLY morning breakfast with our Little Men before they headed off to other family commitments for the day. Then we headed home... where I did my Thanksgiving phone calls, turned on my electric blanket and piled into bed for a long four hour nap. Rest was a real treat.

Evan and I shared a frozen pizza; he is watching football and I am about to catch up on my blog reading. My heart is full and I am so very thankful for all the many blessings we enjoy.

Would I still like Norman Rockwell? You know I would. But today, I think I am finally okay not having that 'dream'. Acceptance is a good thing (I know if I keep saying that to myself, one day it will really, really, really sink in).

;)

Today, I have offered and will continue to offer a special thanks to God for my blog friends. You all enrich my life in ways I could never have imagined (a special thanks to Dotsie, for the flea reminder). Thank you, too.

I am linking this to Kim's Wow Us Wednesdays (late). She is such an amazing blog person and blog friend (always makes me feel like such a slacker by how much she gets done AND blogs!). Thank you, Kim.

blessings to all ~

tanna

Gettin' Ready!

2011-11-13T14:59:00.001-06:00

Whew! This Noni has been as busy as can be! I knitted this little Tree-Cuttin'-Boggin' for the Littlest Man Friday while waiting on repairmen... while sitting with Zack as he grabbed a bite of lunch passing through town... and at the end of the day.

Had to have one to match his brother, Little Man. This photo is from last year. His Momma says his still fits, so we're ready to go! The pattern is from Susan B. Anderson's Itty-Bitty Hats book. The yarn is Rialto Aran 100% Merino Superwash Wool. Love the way it feels!

In the wee hours early hours, this Noni was doing some assembling... While I am not a big fan of assembling, my heart was joyful while putting this train table together, in preparation for Christmas with Little Man. In my heart's ear, I could hear all the many times, without solicitation, Alex would say, "Thanks, Noni." ... for just any little thing I would do for him. Getting his 'muhlk' (milk) or helping him get his cars... or cutting up his food...

Out of the blue, this precious little voice... "Thanks, Noni." While the credit for this goes solidly to my daughter and son-in-law, his saying it goes a long way to endearing this precious Little Man to me (as if he could be more dear).

Note: I did not leave the knife on the train table!! ;)

Not bad for a grandmother assembler. LOL!

Blogger disabled my access yesterday. Out of the blue. Thank you for those of you who wrote to tell me about it. But, I was well aware... as I could not access any of my information (blog or e-mail) or comment.

I fully believe that it was a move to get my telephone number (since until I gave them my number, they would not give me a way back to my google products, in spite of sending them another e-mail address, as directed in their information). I'm not at all happy about that possibility. I may be disabled again for saying this! Has this happened to any of you?

Hope you are all checking things off your list... Christmas is just around the corner! ;)
blessings ~ tanna

Kaw Valley Wrap

2011-11-09T19:46:00.001-06:00

The best thing about my travel times (from here to the Preservation Conference, on to visit the Little Men and then home again) was the opportunity it gave me to knit!

I was able to finish my Kaw Valley Wrap by Blue Sky Alpacas.

The yarn is Blue Sky Alpaca Silk - 50% alpaca/ 50% silk, 7 hanks (hardly used any of the last skein).

Worked on size 7 needles.

It is very light and airy...

Drapey and soft...

Simple and complex...

Even loved the shadows it made....

Maybe when Amanda visits, we can actually get a photo of it on a person. ;)

Kim, I'm joining up since it is the first thing I have added on a Wednesday in awhile!! LOL!

Lunch with Bonnie... and a LONG photo shoot... ;)

2011-11-07T21:11:00.002-06:00

One of the fun things I did on my recent journey was to meet Bonnie, from A Writer's Kitchen, for lunch. It was such a pleasure to meet her in person. We have been visiting through our blogs for a long while and getting to meet her was every bit as delightful as I had imagined it might be! Thank you, Bonnie for taking the time to have lunch with us!

As for the rest of this post.... You may want to just exit now! LOL! This is a series (long) of photos made with my Little Loves. Take a close look at Amanda's right hand... she received a remote for her birthday... Enough said. LOL! But, I want to save each and every one. You can move through quickly and have a motion picture show or ESCAPE NOW! ;)

And, here's our Clicker!! Hee hee!! She gets a little carried away with the photo thing! LOL! Love you, Amanda!!

If you made it this far, here's wishing you a wonderful week!!

blessings ~ tanna

Midnight Shores, Deep Breaths and a Little Cleaning

2011-11-04T20:31:00.001-05:00

On the trip to my Mom's for her birthday, I was able to do much of the work on this shawl and finished it up after getting back home. I love the smokey blues and the variation of sandy browns. Reminded me of a midnight shore... deep waters and shifting sands...

The pattern is Shaelyn by Leila Raabe (available for download on Ravelry.) Loved it! I did extra repeats of the pattern because I prefer extra large shawls... the better to wrap myself all snuggle-y!

The yarn is Silk Blend by Manos del Uruguay (which means the hands of Uruguay), "a non-profit organization which assembles over 400 artisans in cooperatives scattered throughout the countryside of Uruguay. The aim of the organization is to bring economic and social opportunities to rural women." I like that. The artisan who made my yarn is Nilka Avila. I appreciate that.

It has been an extremely busy week. For the last two days, I have reminded myself to take deep breaths... to calm down... it will all get done... it will all work out...

And, it will.

Just had to share this cute shot Amanda took a couple of weeks ago... of some very special cleaning. Little Man thought Littlest Man needed a little Swifting. LOL!

I have a couple more weeks of craziness before things settle down (hopefully back to a normal busy!!). Wishing everyone a wonderful fall weekend! blessings ~ tanna

Booooo! Happy Halloween to All!

2011-10-31T10:10:00.001-05:00

Now, just to prepare you... you will be seeing these shirts again. Our own little version of the Griswold family LOVES to wear our Halloween gear. During my visit to see the Little Men, we washed and wore these at least every other day!

Things are back in full swing at The Bungalow. Maddox Air Conditioning is working away on a correction of faulty ducting done by a previous owner on one of the Old Girls. Flooring people are laying new hardwoods on a not so old re-model.

I am taking a moment to wish you all a very Happy Halloween. May your days be filled with smiles and laughter...

May you find time to savor the beauty and joy of fall...

And, have a spooktacular good holiday!!

As you can see, holding still for these 'scary' cemetery photos was a challenge! LOL!

Little Man had miles to run and too much to see to be slowed down for photos!

Now, is that just too sweet or what? No bias here, of course.

Littlest Man had enjoyed our outing as much as he could... Sweet, sweet sleeping angel.

Now that I have whisked out a Happy Halloween wish to all, I am about to tackle this desk. Yes, it is a 'big mess' as Little Man would say!! Being gone for twelve days can leave you with some big messes to tend when you get home!

blessings to all ~
tanna

Back at The Bungalow

2011-10-30T21:12:00.001-05:00

I have enjoyed a whirlwind of fun over the past dozen days and have finally landed back at the Bungalow. There was a wonderful treat waiting for me from Tricia at Saving Room for Dessert.

I LOVE this beautiful bowl. Made of bamboo with wonderful natural shades, it will be enjoyed for years to come. Thank you so much, Tricia!

If you haven't checked out her recipes, you are missing out! She is making 52 pies this year!! I have vicariously enjoyed dessert with her this summer while I have been trying to lose a few pounds! ;)

Amanda, I enjoyed my Coke Zero while I was downloading a ton of photos! Thank you. You know your Momma does so enjoy a good coozie! LOL!

I'll be posting many more adventures from the past week, but I'm leaving you with these two photos...

Notice Little Man's focus of attention.

There was a rooster in the barn at The Pumpkin Patch. Mr. Rooster crowed and strutted across the other end. Little Man was not so sure about the "Big Chicken." As a matter of fact it was, "Big Chicken, NO." He kept an eye on him the whole ten minutes we were there.

The Pumpkin Patch Adventure had been greatly anticipated. Sadly, it was so bitterly cold and WINDY that we only lasted long enough to grab a few photos and then pack it in for the day. Poor Little Man was shivering in spite of being bundled up; and, the cold wind would take the Littlest Man's breath away. Brrrrr.... Besides, that Big Chicken was on the move! LOL!

I had a great trip, but I am glad to be home. Little Man comes by his love of "home" very naturally... runs from one generation to the next... to the next.

I'll be catching up this week!! Blessings to all... tanna

City Hall - Buffalo 2

2011-10-21T21:00:00.013-05:00

Just a quick little photo dump. It has been days of running from one session to the next and squeezing in a few tours along the way. Instead of lunch, we ran over to the Buffalo City Hall for a tour at noon.

This building was started in 1929 and finished in 1931. It is the second largest City Hall in the U. S..

This is the sky light above the City Council meeting room. Reminded me the Senate meeting room in D.C..

It is an amazing example of Art Deco architecture.

These are the original seats. They are very narrow and have wire holders on the bottom of them to hold men's fedora hats. Beautiful woodwork.

Plus, you can see for more or less 15 miles from the observation deck at the top.

Even with all of its beautiful historic treasures, the most wonderful asset of this city is the graciousness and friendliness of every resident we have had the pleasure to meet. Very warm and welcoming and interested in the preservation conference in their town. Proud of their city... and rightfully so.

I have to get some sleep!! I'm sorry I haven't had time to visit, but you know I'll be around again soon! Have a great weekend! blessings ~ tanna

Buffalo, NY

2011-10-19T21:00:00.001-05:00

As soon as we checked in, I whipped out my camera to get a shot of the view out our window!

Yep, we've made it to Buffalo!! There are swarms of people here for the National Trust for Historic Preservation Conference... and, to my delight, lots of young people, too!

This is City Hall. It is gorgeous.

I don't have near enough lens to get the detail of the stone work on the City Hall building, but maybe when we tour I will be able to get some closer views. It is amazing.

This building is left of City Hall. A very different style. Beautiful with the flag flying against it.

Cassie, the Executive Director of Historic Tyler, Inc. was getting some closer shots of this impressive entry and light.

Look at those owls... keeping out the pigeons. ;)

Loved the buffaloes on the same building.

Oh, and you know this Old Girl caught my eye... Sale or Lease... reduced... {sigh}... So many Old Girls... So little time and resources!! ;)

That's it for now. We've been up since 3am this time (Eastern) and it has been a very long day. I am excited to get to our first meetings tomorrow!! blessings ~ tanna

So FAR Behind!!

2011-10-14T19:48:00.001-05:00

People!! I am so far behind with my blogging! I have so many things to share and so little time! LOL! First, I want to thank Sandie, Chatty Crone for this wonderful prize that came in the mail!! A beautiful card and a wonderful smiley face necklace to make me smile every time I see it! Thank you, Sandie!!

Second, Susan of Days at Buttermilk Cottage is raising Breast Cancer Awareness with this cute little Pinky Lamb! Check it out! And, she is joining with Vicki, of 2 Bags Full in a wonderful giveaway!

This the bag that Vicki is offering in her giveaway! Might want to check that out!!

And, lastly sweet Kelly, of The Essence of Home was kind enough to pass me The Versatile Blogger award. I am not usually an award kind of gal, but I do so appreciate Kelly's kindness and consideration. She is a new blogger, sister to my OLD blog friend, Kim of Savvy Southern Style. If you haven't visited her blog, please go by and welcome her to our world.

In addition to mentioning this to you, I am supposed to select 15 other blogs to pass it on to... I want to pass it to whoever is willing to accept it and to share seven things about yourself with us!! I love all my blog buddies and I see each of you as very versatile and inspiring women. Grab that award!!

Seven things about me you probably don't know:

I love spinach pizza from Cici's Pizza (yes, I know!!! but, humor me... I do!)
I hate the work of rehabbing an old building! (But, I love the outcome!)
I'm attending the National Trust for Historic Preservation Conference next week in Buffalo, NY. (first time to attend... very excited!)
I hate olives!! (The only food I just cannot stand. Go figure!)
The only dream/goal (that only involved mainly myself) that I gave up on was going to medical school.
I always wanted to be able to sing like Stevie Nicks (couldn't carry a tune if someone put it in a bucket for me).
I keep thinking of things I love that you might not know... but, at one time or another I have mentioned most all the things I love in this blog! This is harder than you would think. Ummm... I dropped out of typing class in the 10th grade because I couldn't do it perfectly.

So, there you go! Hope some others of you will share a few things about yourselves! Come on!

Have a great evening! blessings ~ tanna

Mad Dash Birthday Celebration!

2011-10-11T09:35:00.002-05:00

We celebrated my Mom's 75th birthday this weekend! It was a mad dash to West Texas, as I was painting right up until 30 minutes before we headed out the door. It is a long way for a dash, but it was worth it to celebrate with Mom and see my family.

This is the gang. Our Birthday Girl is front and center! My brother, Jeff, to the far left is the 'middle child'. Then me, the oldest. Then my baby brother Greg, the youngest of the boys. My brother Malcolm, who is next in the age line-up after me. And, my baby sister Melanie, who is exactly eight years younger than me; we share the same birthday. Hmmmm.... I never felt like the 'short one.'

We enjoyed lots of fun and great food thanks to Melanie, who outdid herself! and, Jeff who made some wonderful pulled pork!

... not to mention the feast Mom had prepared for our arrival Friday night... shrimp etouffee, ham and a squash dish that was out of this world! As always when at Mom's, I ate way too much! And I loved every bite.

We were able to enjoy a beautiful storm and some much, much needed rain!

Then raced back to start the rat race again!!! And, my time is up! Got to get back at it.

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

blessings ~ tanna

Lovin' My Men (and Little Momma)

2011-10-04T14:25:00.000-05:00

Life has been running at a frenzied pace around here!! I had worked all weekend scrubbing, sanding, patching and painting on my current remodel project. I came dragging home Sunday night to find a prize from my Little Men.

Now, they (and their Little Momma) sure know how to lift their Noni's spirits when she is dog-tired and frustrated with some projects gone south (not in a good way).

Put a big smile right on my face! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, my Little Men and Little Momma! I love this pumpkin AND its beautiful wrapping!! But, most of all the thoughtfulness that went into every part of it. My heart is full.

Now, I cannot talk sweet about my Little Men without mentioning my Beloved Man. He sent this beautiful bouquet on Saturday. It arrived when I was about to pull my hair out... over situations that had gone arwy (if you have ever started a remodel, you know how this is!).

It kept me going. I'd smile as I would pass it by... heading on to the next step in the process. I have wonderful Men in my life, folks; and, I do adore them! I'm a lucky woman... a blessed woman.

And, I am grateful.

I so wish I had had a tripod.

As I closed the door at the end of my work weekend, the last rays of sunlight glowed off this bouquet. It was amazing. Of course, this is blurred... but, it makes me smile just to remember the glow... and how everything had faded to black... except the beauty. This project will do that, too. Thank You, God... for this blessed reminder. Thank You. Most of all, I am blessed by You.

Now, I'm about to head back to Sherwin-Williams and hit the paint brush again! Been trying to tend to my bookkeeping, tax information (yes, it's that time of year for us AND we are still Examining By Mail from 2008!!!), some Historic Tyler business and the routine stuff... Time to get back to the remodel!

Hope you are all enjoying your week! You are my bright spots during break times! LOL!

blessings to all ~ tanna

Hints of Fall

2011-09-29T08:45:00.002-05:00

While most of my blog friends have been busy decorating for fall, I just haven't felt it. We are predicted to set another record high today and our poor trees have been brown for such a long time... not fall-kind of brown, stressed-and-dying-kind of brown. It really makes me sad.

But, there is rumor of a cool front blowing in tomorrow. No promise of rain, but coolness. And, I think that my ~~compulsion~~ impulse to lay down my soft blue alpaca project last night for this beautiful fallish, winterish color is the first hint that I may be beginning to feel like fall is on the way.

I am so excited with the way this has started out!! I am simply lovin' it! Hopefully, I will be posting a finished object soon. ;) It has been crazy busy with a new remodel in the works and the usual business of life.

My friend, Patrice, framed another of my watercolors for me. I'm getting in the mood for more painting, too. The remodel project will have space for a studio to paint. Motivation to speed along. ;)

I did get another little Entrelac Hat made last weekend for one of my friends. Susan, of Days at Buttermilk Cottage, has made some really beautiful ones, too. Check them out if you get a chance.

Hope you all have a wonderful day! Bring on the Fall! blessings ~ Tanna

Happy Birthday, Amanda.

2011-09-27T19:04:00.004-05:00

Thirty-five years ago today at 7:04 P.M., my life changed for the better.

My daughter, this Little Man's Momma, was born.

Everything changed.

There is simply no way to explain that kind of love... and it grows with each one.

It is just something you have to experience for yourself...

I am so grateful for her... and grateful that she finally knows how very much she is loved...

Happy Birthday, Daughter of Mine. I am so proud of you... and, I love you more than I could possibly ever find words to express. XOXOXOXO Always and forever, Mom

Blessings to all~
tanna

Rolling with the Flow and Addiction Issues

2011-09-22T09:00:00.001-05:00

Our local yarn store is shifting directions back to a focus on weaving, the owner's true love. She will still carry some of my favorite yarns, so I will not be completely without supply. But, I am addicted to the color, texture, feel, smell, and possibilities of yarn. This has thrown me into a tailspin.

Which explains this giant trash bag full of yarn. A full blown panic attack about whether I can get my drug of choice! Now, this bag is full of angst... what will I do with this... how much will I need... too much... not enough... oh, but what about the ones I had to leave behind! Panic, I tell you!

I keep waiting for myself to calm from this news. I haven't yet. I'm trying to roll with the flow. But, change is not always (read seldom) easy for me. I have loved gathering there with my friends over the past two years. Change can be for the good and I know this will be fine... I'm just not there today.

In the meantime, I have started to work on ~~this beast~~ this beauty! LOL! I am excited to see it progress. Knitting time has been sparse lately (along with blogging time).

I have finished Phase I and look forward to showing you the finished project (still have Phase II and Phase III to go!

Learned a new trick of the Kitchner Stitch... an invisible (well almost) between these two panels. Have I mentioned I love ~~driving myself crazy~~ challenging myself with learning new things?

I also had one of my paintings framed to stir that addiction... just in case I need a diversion from not having my knitting spot. ;) Hope you are all having a wonderful week!!

blessings ~
tanna

Power Point Presentation from the Little Men.

2011-09-15T09:28:00.005-05:00

Do you want to see what can make this Noni's heart beat nigh-on right out of her chest? I had a text early yesterday from my daughter that the Little Men had sent me an e-mail. I was away from home, had lots going on, but was excited to back to the house and see the e-mail from my Little Men. It always means I get some good pictures of them!

But, this time I had a power point presentation! They had outdone themselves! If I could have figured out how to get it on here, believe me I would have. As, I read it I got too excited, then tried to caution myself not to read anything into it. I had to call her just to see if it could be true (you might know, at first I thought it meant home for good).

I LOVE THIS!

little men's big adventure

ramblings of a road trip

Roo (Littlest Man): “I see you’re bound for Texas.”

Alex (Little Man): “Sure am. In fact, I’m headed straight for Noni’s. I figure if we leave now, we’ll make it there for Christmas. Are you looking for a lift?”

Roo: “You better believe I am! Can you help a brother out?”

Alex: “Sure thing! Let’s get you loaded up. Good thing you’re small. The coupe doesn’t have that much space, you know.”

Roo: “Yes, it looks a little like Luigi. We’ll probably be past ready for the big open spaces of Texas after all this! At least that’s my assumption. I’ve never actually seen it, you know.”

Alex: “Just you wait! You’re in for the time of your life. Let’s go! Noni’s waiting!”

OH, YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH NONI IS WAITING!!! Now, there will be Christmas. =) Here is one of the powerpoint pages. I have no idea how I mangaged to get one and had NO LUCK trying to get the second one.

Amanda, you really know how to make your old Mom's day. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart! YES!! My Little Men are coming for Christmas!!

I also want to make a special thanks to all who took the time to muddle through my last, long-winded post and gave such thoughtful responses. I appreciate you so much. I loved hearing about how blogging fit into your lives. I'm so glad it does.

Hope each of you receive a gift of good news today...
blessings ~ tanna

Pond-ering

2011-09-12T11:30:00.000-05:00

One of my newer young blog friends, Jennifer of JRU Studios made a post about Blog Reading Habits last week. I found it very interesting and have continued to pond-er (ha!) my own habits, while becoming more curious about other's. Jennifer is a wonderful and artistic soul. Please treat yourself to a visit.

It is no secret that I started blogging as a way for my daughter and I to keep up with each other's lives after she moved away. That remains one of my primary motivators. But, blogging has grown to mean more to me than I could have imagined.

My choice of blog reading is very eclectic. I enjoy a variety of types that range from far left to far right, from country to city, young to old, decadence to simplicity... my own interests and some I'm not at all interested in ever doing. LOL! I like photography and knitting and art. I love creating a home and all that means (though I am not a decorating person, I do like to watch others do it. ;) ). I love food for the soul and food for the body. Family is important to me; which can look many different ways, but you know it when you see it.

I asked myself what the common denominator was... and it goes back to a recurring theme throughout my life: the fascination with the human spirit and those who desire to live their best and fullest life. There are as many venues for that as there are blogs.

My dearest favorites are blogs (and the comments between the two of us) that have become a long conversation between friends... A place where I have come to know and appreciate this person as a part of my life. I stay engaged and continue commenting with people who respond and seem interested in developing that kind of connection. Though not always the case, I will most times disengage if that does not seem true.

My reading habits vary with my schedule. Most often, I read with my first cup of coffee. I will read anytime I have a moment to take a break and sometimes at the end of the day. Some days, none of that happens. I prefer blog posts that aren't too long (Ooops!) or too frequent. It becomes harder to keep up with everyone.

I enjoy commenting. That has deep roots in my marathon running days. I LOVED the encouragement I received from spectators on the sideline; that encouragement could lift me and give me new wind.

And, I discovered when I would finish my marathon and could go back to encourage and cheer for others, that I LOVED CHEERING OTHERS EVEN MORE!! After I stopped running marathons, if I was anywhere near one, I would go to cheer. To see a tired and almost spent soul's eyes light and their step get a little stronger as you offer them encouragement, well you should give it a try sometime. The gift will be yours to receive. I will tell you I have shed many tears of joy as I cheered runners along the sidelines. Oh, the beauty of the human spirit overcoming!! Simply breathtaking. Food for my soul.

A side note on that: The really fast runners never really seem to notice the encouragement offered to them. It is the mid-packers to back-of-the-packers who need that encouragement most. I keep that in mind, too.

My peeps are little different that Jennifer's. I would love to hear from you on this topic.

What makes you choose a blog to read?
What are you reading habits?
What makes you leave a comment?
Do you read without commenting (guess that one may be hard to get an answer for!)
What does blogging mean to you?

Have a wonderful day.
blessings ~ tanna

Heads Bowed Remembering in Silence

2011-09-11T07:33:00.000-05:00

A Thank You and a Must Read

2011-09-08T15:30:00.014-05:00

I had the delight of finding a package in my mail from Ana, of A Petite Cottage. She had written the sweetest note! And, I could hardly wait to open each wrapped treasure.

First, there was this beautiful rose with a pearl center. It is a pin that I will wear with great joy!

Then, there was the most delicate bracelet of intricately worked ecru. Oh, my. The button set everything off in a perfectly feminine and beautiful way... much like Ana is herself. If you haven't met her yet, she is a sweetheart and you will be pleased you visited.

Next, I have recently read one of my all time favorite posts. Debbie, of No Spring Chicken, is a wonderful writer. She is real and down to earth. She loves the Lord and her life with her family. Her poem today about a full-of-memory, heirloom spinning wheel just blew me away (so did the spinning wheel!). But, the post I love most is: Soul Food. If you do any handwork, you will love it, too.

Thank you to Ana, for the beautiful note and gifts! And, thank you to Debbie for letting me share this with you! Hope you all have a wonderful day.

blessings ~ tanna

My Pumpkins!

2011-09-06T19:45:00.003-05:00

These are my Little ~~Men~~ Pumpkins. The Littlest Pumpkin looks like he is not too thrilled about this postition. The Little Pumpkin (according to his Momma who shot these precious photos) was, "All done." Meaning that he was through trying to hold up his brother while his Momma tried tirelessly to get a shot with them both looking her way (so Noni could see them in their pumpkin hats). LOL.

That's better! Upright and smiling! I think the Littlest Man may be catching up with the Little Man sooner rather than later. He is growing like a weed!

Little Man is always so very busy. He is his Noni's hard worker. (note that "Speed," Lightening McQueen, is never far away)

He examines his food this way, too. Inspecting every bite.

I deeply appreciate my daughter's getting these great photos for me-- in spite of the deluge of rain they have been ~~enduring~~ enjoying. I know she had to work for these! Thank you, Amanda.

This pumpkin hat is so fun and easy! If you are interested, the pattern, yarn and modifications are listed here, on Shush, I'm Counting.

Now, is that a precious smile, or what?? Three months old last Friday!

I hope you will keep East Texas in your prayers tonight and in the days to come. Fires are all around. Lives and homes have been lost. The firemen are exhausted. We need rain.

blessings to all ~ tanna

Entrelac Hat, New Place To Yak and One of My Favorite Things in Rome

2011-09-04T15:30:00.004-05:00

Made this Lady's Entrelac Hat last week. I absolutely love watching the Noro Aya yarn (Colorway #9) work into the different colored blocks in this pattern! No, you do not have to change yarns; it just works up this way.

It becomes addictive as the rows near the crown as it moves faster and faster with the decreases!

This side has different color blocks than the ones in the first photo. Too much fun!

My friends at Rose Path Weaving have invited me to share on their blog, Shush I'm Counting! So, I hope you knitterly (I know that's not a word, but I like it) folks and anyone who might be thinking of knitting will join me over there as I do a guest post or two... or three... I hope you'll stop by and say hi!

I have to share one more favorite from Italy. ALL throughout Rome there were water fountains; fountains fed by the Roman Aqueducts. I LOVED them! You could have fresh, cold water wherever you were. Oh, how I would have loved these during marathon-training-days (no water bottle to carry!). Evan and I availed ourselves frequently! The secret is that you cover the bottom where the water is constantly flowing out and it pops up through a hole to create a water fountain. How ingenious is that???

blessings ~ tanna

A Rare and Beautiful Love...

2011-09-02T14:20:00.004-05:00

I had a fun post all ready for today. A cute little project all finished and photographed and ready to share. Even some fun new blogger friends to link up with. But, my heart is heavy and I am sad.

We just came from a memorial service for a man I had, really, only just begun to know. Let me start from the beginning.

I met a woman almost two years ago, who I would work with closely as I chaired the Historic Tyler on Tour project. She and I shared coffee together several times and continued to do so long after the project was over. I came to know of her family, her interests, a few heartaches, and her love of life. I also gleaned from our coffee shop conversations a deep love for her husband. I came to consider her a friend.

What will be two weeks ago tomorrow, we shared dinner with her and her husband, along with two other couples. It was a splendid evening full of laughter and conversation and incredible food. The two of them had worked all day making cannelloni from scratch; it was sublime. At the close of the evening, we toasted our hostess and host, appreciating their fine hospitality and generous spirits.  As wonderful as the evening had been (and, let there be no doubt, it was a fine evening) the dinner and hospitality were not what I had appreciated most.

The grandest thing about that evening was the pleasure of witnessing such a fine and special love between and a woman and a man: my friend and her husband.   I could so clearly see the deep love... and respect... and delight they had in one another; it just glowed around them. It seemed I could have almost touched it had I tried. There was a tenderness between them that absolutely filled the air... and my heart. After we got back home, I remember sharing with Evan how much I had enjoyed seeing this and getting to know the husband a little bit, first hand.

Six nights later, he died in his sleep. A perfect way to go. One I hope for myself. But, the sorrow and sadness and loss that my friend must feel... I cannot imagine.   One of the things that makes me saddest is that I had intended all week to write them a note about how much we had enjoyed the evening... and how much I was blessed by seeing such a love. I didn't get it done.

The service was beautiful. Bagpipes. Amazing Grace. How Great Thou Art. Wonderful slides of family memories.  And, the reading, a poem by W. H. Auden, which struck the chord of deepest sorrow:

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone.
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling in the sky the message He is Dead,
Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.

He was my North, my South, and my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last forever, I was wrong.

The stars are not wanted now; put out every one,
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun.
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood;
For nothing now can ever come to any good.

To me these words rang true as my friend's soul crying out... they could easily have been voiced from her heart.

I am so deeply sorry for her loss.

(thank you, Tesae for helping me with the author of this poem)

Firenze... or Florence, Italy

2011-08-30T10:35:00.003-05:00

Just for Little Man

This one is for our Little Man. He loves Luigi from Cars, the movie, for those of you who are not 'in' on the current crazes of the youngest generation. Pop Pop made tons of photos of the tiny cars in Italy, not only for Little Man, but because he was most amused by them himself. ;) Some of them made the Smart Car look like a luxury sedan. They were soooo tiny. I'm just sayin'. They and the mopeds moved in swarms, with not so many rules of the road-- at least not that we could discern.

La Loggia

By the afternoon most of these photos were made, we were saturated with art, museums, crowds and looking up. Everything was so big! And, so tall! Our necks were not all that pleased. We did discuss the merits of having stretchers to push us older-necks around so we could view the ceilings and exspanses without pain. LOL! Just a discussion! Even after all that whining, don't miss the Galleria degli Uffizi or the Galleria dell' Accedemia. I just don't have the words.

Replica of Michelangelo's David (original located in the Galleria dell' Academia, no photos. A must see.)

As we walked and walked away from town, my better half who is always dismayed with my desire to hike in what seems to him like endless directions asks, "Where are we going?" This is a common discussion between us on vacations. I rather emphatically replied, "It doesn't matter! We are moving away from crowds; it is beautiful; I am happy; aren't you happy? It doesn't matter! But, I did see something to do with Michelangelo on the map." He acquiesces. We hike on. More on that later.

Duomo-- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Flore

I am so glad we had had it with the crowds. This is the view (zoomed!) from Piazzale Michelangiolo (Tuscan spelling of Michelangelo). Oh, my goodness! This ended up being one of my favorite things in Fierenze. The Piazzale with this amazing panoramic view is dedicated to Michelangelo. La Loggia (photo earlier) was originally planned to be a museum to house all of Michelangelo's great works located in Florence. That did not happen and now it is a beautiful restaurant where we enjoyed a Bellini, or was it two... and the view, did I mention it was amazing?. Ahhhh... perfect recovery for touring overload.

Bridges of Florence

The biggest bridge you can see in this photo is Ponte Vecchio and is the home of some serious upscale shopping (not my thing). We crossed it on our way to the Piazzale Michelangiolo. It is the "old bridge."

This view is just to the left of the previous one. I love these walls and the trees and the beautiful structures on the hillsides. I'm not sure if they are homes or not, but I imagined them so.

Part of the stairs to Piazzale Michelangiolo

Designed this way to accommodate horses!

It was along about here that my beloved questioned (as in, tried halt our moving further away) me as to where we were going. This is only a glimpse of the climb. It was quite a cardio workout! Evan will admit that he was excited to note, as we came down, that there were much younger people on their way up breathing a bit hard, too. ;)

One day...

I'll leave you with one more Italian street scene. I hope, that a few more years down the road, Evan and I will be still be enjoying each other's company and wandering along... in just this way.

If you go to Florence, do not leave without feasting at Acqua al 2 (Due). Amazing. Our daughter had told us their meal there had been their trip favorite a few years ago. She did not mislead us. I second that opinion. I learned that they have one restaurant on each coast here, in San Francisco and D. C.. I do not know if those are as good, but I'm going to give them a try as soon as I have an opportunity.

Sorry this is so long. My last purging of memories of Italy! ;)

Blessings ~ tanna

Linking with Sandi's Traveling Tuesdays at the Whistlestop Cafe.

And, Kim's Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style.

Sweater Vest for Baby Girl and Colors in the Queue

2011-08-28T08:10:00.000-05:00

I've been working on a few baby gifts lately. This one is for the brand new daughter of one of my ex-tenants. It started out to be a sweater that will be featured on a Knit-A-Long at Rose Path (Okay, it bears some resemblance to that green one!).

It did morph as I went along. I told my daughter this morning that my knitting was starting to take after my cooking... the recipe is only a starting place.

I had fun changing it up to add a touch of lacework and easy to-put-on sleeves (because I have had some experience trying to coerce tiny arms into a long sleeve)! This way it will fit over a long sleeved t-shirt and will fit easily over a diaper. Plus, it could grow to a shrug/vest.

The yarn is: Berroco's Comfort DK sport weight in color 2733. I have used the Berroco Comfort yarn for Alex's (and my) first baby sweater and a Lacey Tank Dress for his friend, Lila. It is very soft... and washable. ;)

These beauties are waiting in my queue. One day they will be an entrelac hat.

Can you tell I'm really lovin' this color blue?

Our friends, Mike and Patrice gave us this favorite little bird dish. LOVE it! Gotta run. They are due for dinner in about 20 minutes! Hope everyone is battened down and safe! Wishing a good weekend to all.

Blessings ~ tanna

Hitting the Spot in the Heat...

2011-08-25T13:07:00.000-05:00

We are still scorching in Texas. Finally got a bit of rain yesterday... a spit, but still more than we have had in a long, long time. I am grateful for every drop.

Anyway, I made this salad from Mary's One Perfect Bite last night for dinner. It hit the spot (and worked for low carb). I wasn't able to find the dill heads that Mary used and substituted regular fresh dill instead. It was very good! Served it up on a spicy bed of baby arugula.

I have to confess to adding a drizzling of balsamic vinegar... the Italians have hooked me! We had it with pizza, on sandwiches, on salads and a balsamic reduction on steak; it was all GOOD. A little dab of Modena balsamic vinegar and a drizzle of a good extra virgin olive oil... oh, my!! I may be eating it on dessert next. ;) Just sayin'.

Have a wonderful day! (link on Mary's name goes to her recipe)

Blessings ~ tanna

Roma...

2011-08-23T08:46:00.003-05:00

I cannot believe a week has slipped by so quickly. Seems I've been chasing my tail and barely staying ahead over the past week. I'm in a holding pattern right now, until the rest of the world is doing business this morning... so, I'm squeezing in a blog post. ;)

I LOVED the Pantheon. It sings to my math loving soul. Originally built in 27 B.C., it was rebuilt in A. D. 120. Are you doing the math here? This beauty is over 2000 years old. Perfect math. The Pantheon dome was the model for so many of the great domes, including Michelangelo's in St. Peter's and our very own in Washington, D. C..

It was originally a pagan temple (the hole in the dome for burning sacrifices) and is now a Catholic church. It is open to visitors every day with free admission. What a treasure.

This was in a residential courtyard. Roma breathes art.

My daughter made sure that I would try to see the Ponte (bridge) Sant'Angelo. She knows so well my affinity for angels. It was built by Hadrian (same emperor who oversaw the rebuilding of the Pantheon) with Bernini-designed angels and was the only bridge during the Middle Ages that connected the Vatican with downtown Roma.

Each one is exquisite.

Ancient Rome's artistic, engineering and architectural skills are unmatched.

This was our home away from home during our visit to Rome, the Westin Excelsior. We couldn't have asked for a more gracious place to stay.

Had to include a rememberance of a wonderful late lunch at Harry's Bar on Via Veneto. Mmmm...

And, once again... just the simple street scenes delighted my eye and my spirit.

Hope your weeks are going smooth and productive!! Now, back to the grind!

Wow with Kim:

Hopping with Sandi of the Whistle Stop Cafe.

Blessings ~ tanna

From The Little Men

2011-08-16T21:18:00.001-05:00

Oh, how I enjoy receiving these e-mails!! =D

Dear Noni,

Momma had a photoshoot with us boys this weekend. I (Andrew) am just learning how to smile for the camera. But mostly I still give her lots of funny faces. And I (Alex) am just too busy to slow down for the camera, so Momma's gotta keep up with me. We asked her to send you a couple from us. We sure do love you and miss you. Hope you have a great week!

XOXO,
The Little Men

I love getting mail from the Little Men!! Thank you, Momma (daughter, dearest). Just made my day! XOXOXOXO

Hope each of you receive some little bright spot in your day! blessings ~ tanna

So, There Was This Dress...

2011-08-14T17:42:00.005-05:00

So, there was this dress...

Well, let me tell you about this creation first. The pattern is a Gingko Shoulderette Shawl. I learned about it at Rose Path after Diane made the smaller version( posted on Shush, I'm Counting here).

You can find the pattern at Fragrant Heart Blog, here. It is a free download. Gotta love that!

I used Noro's Shirakaba in colorway #3. It is a 42% silk, 40% cotton, and 18% wool blend. Works up as light as air! Great drape.

I particularly love the way this yarn and this pattern work up together -- to give a contemporary geometric design along with a touch of traditional in the lacework.

If you are ready to give lace a try, I think this would be a wonderful one to jump in on. The body is a simple stockinette stitch and then the lace pattern is repeated in small segments; so, it is easy to see if you have made a mistake before you have invested a ton of work and THEN have to backtrack.

Unlike other lacework I have done, there is no break on the purl side. The pattern continues, still I found it quite manageable. Back to the story...

So, there was this dress... All of my friends hovering around the mid-century mark know the one. Yeah, it is the one that the mind, of the mature woman you have become, reels-in the heart, of the young woman you once were, with the "that is not age appropriate" line.

This dress has been hanging in my closet for three years. Yep. It was on a sale rack. It was NOT age appropriate. It was full length... soft billowy gathers of finest, sweet cotton batiste. Sleeveless. Not appropriate. Still my heart so loved the romance... the softness... the colors. My older self finally gave in to my heart; it was on sale.

So, then reality set in. It would have to be hemmed. I would really need some kind of cover-up. I attempted my first lace shawl. Didn't work. Just didn't look like I wanted... like I dreamed. The dress hung in the closet ~~some more~~ another year and a half.

Then, there was the Gingko in Noro blue... Perfection!! Ample coverage... and a romantic feel all its own. And, there was Italy coming up. When would there ever be a more romantic place to enjoy my own romance with this dress? It took me three hours to hem it. Five and a half days of crazy knitting to finish the shawl... Worth every minute.

This isn't a great photo, but it is proof that a matron can cloak her girl's heart and have a most romantic evening with her handsome beloved. Mission accomplished! ;) AND, I am envisioning it with jeans and a tee shirt this fall.

These are a couple of views we enjoyed walking home from dinner in Florence...

Or Firenze, as they say over there...

Ladies, don't give up on your heartsongs. Young ladies, enjoy your young arms and all the appropriateness of your age!! ;)

blessings ~ tanna

Come join us over at Kim's!

One Guess...

2011-08-11T22:18:00.002-05:00

I've been missing-in-action and I'll bet this photo gives you all the hint you'll need to guess where I've been. Yes, it is The Coliseum. In Rome. In Italy.

Did you know that over 1 MILLION gladiators (prisoners of war who were forced to fight each other for entertainment) died in this enormous stadium? Not to mention the Christians, the prisoners and the animals that were also slaughtered for the amusement of blood-thirsty crowds. There was actually an elaborate system to drain the blood from underneath the flooring! Ingenious actually, but... Yuk!

Yeah, let's change the subject.

Just outside the Coliseum, you can see this contrastingly peaceful scene. Rome's beauty is beyond adequate description... at least by my meager skills. Grace, symmetry, order, and timelessness exist in any direction you gaze.

The level of artistry, skill, craftsmanship, and perfection... all achieved with manual tools, is nothing short of miraculous in my books.

Can you see the rays of sunshine? They mesmerized me as they flowed into the domes of St. Peter's.

Touring the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's was my favorite part of the trip. I had always wanted to see the Sistine Chapel... and, it did not disappoint. I was a little sad you were not allowed to take photos, but definitely respectful of their wishes.

On that subject, I also have to admit that one of the most disdainful, infuriating and embarrassing things of this trip was seeing an American woman taking photos in the Academia Gallery (not allowed) and then hearing her gloat to her friends that that was the third time she had been "caught" by the docents. I deplore that kind of behavior. People who think the rules don't apply to them, that some how they are special, I find extremely disrespectful and I have no respect for them. Pardon my rant, but it still gets my blood boiling to think about that woman. And, I hate that she is an American. Hate it! If I could have disowned her and thrown her out for the rest of us who believe in being respectful of other people and other countries, I would have. Oh, I would have... still would.

Okay, I'm getting off that subject, too.

Back to the beauty... Ladies out there who may quilt, let me tell you that the floors to the Sistine Chapel had every beautiful pattern imaginable... hand cut and made of tiny pieces of stone and marble intricately laid! I could have just studied the floor for hours! And, Michelangelo's frescoes on the ceiling and front wall.... oh, my... oh, my. I suppose it was just as well that I couldn't take photos in there... I can never really capture the full effect.

Well, I have to hit the sack. It has been a really long day trying to play catch up following a really long day of traveling home.

I look forward to having some time tomorrow to visit. It was fun to go... but, I do love being back home!

Blessings ~ tanna

On Learning to Knit...

2011-07-29T18:12:00.001-05:00

I've had so many comments and e-mails about learning to knit; here's the deal.

I learned to knit from my Dad. My Mom doesn't knit and, as far as I know, has never had any interest in learning. Dad was the youngest of eight children and his older sisters taught him. He taught me. I did a few very simple pieces as a child. A stocking cap, a pair of slippers, nothing too special. Soon, I lost interest.

In my mid-twenties, I picked it up again, for a few slightly more complex pieces. I really had no patience with trying to figure out what to do if things went wrong... as in: when I made a mistake. And, doing the finishing work was just no fun to me... Very soon, I stopped knitting again.

Thirty years later with news of a grandchild on the way, I went to the local Wal Mart and bought the little packet "I Taught Myself to Knit." Then, I ended up in Hobby Lobby buying a book with baby patterns (plus some reference instructions in it) and enough yarn to create what would become the MAMMOTH baby blanket, in the colors of sock monkeys (Little Man's nursery theme).

It might have been all over again, after I finished that blanket... had I not run into Laura at rug hooking, who was knitting this most exquisite wool! Stuff like I had only imagined!! She told me about Rose Path Weaving in Lindale. I trotted right up there with my same little pattern book to find myself yarn for... this time, a sweater for Little Man...

Well, the rest is history. I've been addicted to the colors, the textures, the fibres, the patterns, the sheer beauty... ever since.

I'm not afraid of making mistakes anymore. Life has taught me that I have what it takes to trace them back and, most times, the ability to make it right. There are a few things along the way you just have to frog (give up and tear it out) and start over. As long as you have breath, you can start over.

All photos are taken at Rose Path Weaving in Lindale. Regina, center right, is the owner. This is a wonderful group of ladies.

If you are 'book learner' like myself, there are tons of books available. And, online www.LionBrand.com along with many, many others have wonderful video tutorials on anything you need to know. But, probably the very best place in the world to learn is at your Local Yarn Store (referred to among knitters as: LYS). I would imagine that all of them have classes.

There are always people showing up to knit in the yarn stores. Just go sit at the table with them, never would anyone who knits not be willing to share her knowledge. (Okay, they say you should never say never, but I'm going out on a limb here anyway. I believe all knitters are willing to pass it on.)

Strangely, I consider knitting a woman's art, passed from generation to generation, though I was taught by a man. There is something amazingly timeless about the way women, who sit around the knitting table, share each others' lives. Today, I listened to one of the most touching stories I have ever heard. A story of how, one stitch at a time, K. had knit her life back together after losing her husband to cancer... one year ago last week.

Knitting's therapeutic value cannot be overstated. It is a salve for my soul.. and others as well.

Knitting can be as simple as swaying to the music with your high school sweetheart... or as intense and precise as the tango with a stranger.

Your choice: Simple and repetitive or intense and focused.

Either way, it is a beautiful dance.

Thank you, to those of you who asked, for giving me reason to ramble on about one of my joys/therapies. I hope just one of you is inspired to pick up the needles.

If you do, please remember, knitting is like anything else... you don't start out with a PhD. ;) Be gentle with yourself.

blessings ~ tanna

Knitting Noro and Other Plans...

2011-07-25T14:10:00.001-05:00

The frenzy of shawl knitting continues. I made three trips to Rose Path last week for yarns to satisfy my itch for shawl production. This is a Noro Silk Garden yarn #325, worked in a double strand for the color variation, with a Manos del Uruguay silk/merino blend for the edging/ruffle in color #3043.

The pattern is a modified version of Noro's Sursa shawl. I was a little disappointed my alterations on the ruffle in that, the gauge was so small, the ruffle was not as gathered as I would have preferred. It would have looked better worked with a double strand, like the body of the shawl. I don't dislike it enough to take it out and do again.

This is my second version of the Sursa and, if I enjoy it half as much as I have the first (which I can say for sure I still like the colorways best), it will be a good investment of time (two afternoons) and yarn.

This is the beginnings of another shawl in Noro Shirakaba color #3. Shirakaba is a silk 42%, cotton 40% and 18% lambs wool combination. It is working up as light as air! More to be revealed.

Why the shawl frenzy? Well...

It's HOT! Too hot to play outside. ;)
I'm trying to lose a few pounds, knitting keeps me busy in a gentle way that soothes me.
We are taking a trip soon... to places that require your shoulders be covered.
When its this hot and I go into an air conditioned building, I NEED them!
I love them.

So, the above project makes shawl number three in the past few weeks. And, I've been to the yarn store three times (purchases each time) over the past week. Then... we go to Dallas Saturday to visit with Evan's family. There is a sale going on at the Woolie Ewe. Evan's sister needed a project for an upcoming trip. His mom was looking for a pattern for an afghan. I tell them I am full up on yarn and projects, but I'm happy to tag along (I never turn down a chance to see skeins of beauty). You can see where this is going...

Yep, I have more yarn and maybe the most ambitious project I've attempted to date. I'll know more about that as I get into it. I am sooooo enchanted by this pattern and yarn. It just blew me away! The pattern is Kaw Valley Wrap and the yarn is Blue Sky Alpaca silk. My senses were on overload. I do hope I haven't bitten off more than I can chew. Best case scenario: one day you will see a beautiful wrap in place of these balls of yarn! Wish me luck!

Hope you are all staying cool and finding joy in each day.

Blessings ~ Tanna

Simple Summer Knit, Survivor Succulent and Another Stocking...

2011-07-19T12:45:00.002-05:00

A couple of nights ago, I finished this very simple summery shawl. It is made of a rayon boucle by Fiesta in the colorway Safari. I love the coppery colors and misty blue.

It is a simple garter stitch with increases on every row until you run out of yarn (with enough to bind off). Just cast on 40 and take off! Knitting every row is mindless (and cheap) therapy. LOL. I used a size 15 circular needle.

I really like the drapiness (is that a word?) of this and the versatility. It can be worn as a shawl or a scarf. And, it is cool.

We passed 21 days of temperatures over 100 yesterday and the forecast looks like we will be making it at least 28 days. This little rescue succulent from last year is hanging in there along with the rest of us!

I have started another Christmas in July stocking. Anybody think I am trying to hypnotize myself into believing it it cooler than it is? You might be right!

Stay cool. If you are outside in this heat, be sure to drink plenty of fluids!

blessings ~ tanna

Finished Snowflake Stocking and Cool Thoughts...

2011-07-15T09:33:00.003-05:00

I finished the Ann Norling Snowflake Stocking by Maurya McBride Wednesday night. Amanda, it is 6 1/2 x 19 inches and a nice soft, squishy 100% wool knit.

I was pleasantly surprised when I went to block it that the whole house did not end up smelling like a herd of wet sheep (for non-knitters, when you finish a project, you wet it and then shape it to dry in a process called blocking)! I have to admit, that the first time I wet a wool project and it reeked of sheep, I was most disturbed. LOL!

This yarn is a Nature Spun worsted weight. Ash is the colorway and it says it is permanently moth proofed! Maybe the moth proofing process takes some of the sheepy smell out!! Anyway, I like whatever made it smell less sheepy when wet.

I picked up more supplies (another skein of Ash plus a Pomegranite and Limestone) for another one or two yesterday. =) A quick and fun knit.

The temperatures continue to be brutal. We are on a very long string of days where the temps are above 100 degrees; June broke our records. Fortunately, we were blessed with a bit of rain last night... though that led to a power outage until 2:30 in the morning. I do love having electricity!

We made it a whole week without having to call our speed-dial buddies, Maddox Air Conditioning, for one of The Old Girls. But, our luck ran out yesterday. I should own stock in capacitors. LOL! I am ready for this heat to break just a little.

So, I'm thinking cool thoughts and sending out wishes for a cool, beautiful weekend to all.

I'm adding this to Sneak Peek Fridays at the other side of me.

at Ann's On Sutton Place

and Friday Favorites At Whistle Stop Cafe.
Blessings ~ tanna

My Little Love, My Little Man

2011-07-14T08:03:00.005-05:00

E-mails with photos attached of my Little Man ALWAYS make my day. Thank you, dear daughter. Our Little Man turned two years old last week. In some ways it hardly seems like two years could have passed... In other ways it has been a long time, with them so far away...

He sports a big boy haircut these days.... but still likes that thumb.

And, there is simply no better sound in the world than his laugh... Makes everything right in the world... for just that precious moment...

He has his Noni's heart of hearts...

I love that he is still enjoying his Retro Rocket (his Momma had to push, pull, help him when he first received it his First Christmas). Now, he can launch that baby himself! And, man oh, man, can he launch it! Noni's Little Man is growing up so fast.

I love you, Little Man. To the moon and back. Bigger than the sky.

Thank you, Amanda.

Christmas in July

2011-07-11T08:47:00.000-05:00

Along the lines of trying to "think cool," I've started a Christmas Stocking with the ladies at Rose Path, our LYS (local yarn store). They are having a knit-a-long and I couldn't resist. Check out their blog at Shush! I'm Counting.

I went with a non-traditional color... and am really enjoying it so far.

As a matter of fact, it seems I'm stuck on this color scheme right now. I started this Weekend Retreat Cardi while at Amanda's and finished it very shortly after returning home.

This is a free pattern on LionBrand.com and the yarn is their recycled cotton. I LOVE the feel and the fit of this pattern and yarn. Perfect. The color is Seashells and the pattern is Weekend Retreat Cardi #81016AD.

This was a super easy, super fast, super satisfying knit! I would highly recommend it. It is fighting its way to King of the Mountain for Favorite Thing Ever Knitted. LOL!

Think cool my friends! blessings ~ tanna

Heat Waves, Squirrel Shades and Birthday Wishes...

2011-07-08T09:11:00.002-05:00

It has been triple digiting for awhile now. This was actually at 106 when I got in the car at the grocery store. Cooled down to a breezy 104 after I had been driving a few minutes. I love summer, but this is too much... even for me.

This little guy is flattened out in the shade hoping to cool off a bit.

I've been chasing the air conditioner repair guys around for the past couple of weeks. We are only 18 days into summer and I have written checks for over $8K in repairs and replacement of one unit (that's one of the downsides of collecting properties... instead of having one A/C to maintain, we have 21).

Did you mention A/C? Where do you think I could find some?

Today my most precious Little Man is two years old. I am so missing him. Skype is just a sad second to being able to scoop him up and squeeze him close!

Your Noni loves you bigger than the sky-- to the moon and back! Happy Birthday, Little Man!! XOXOXOXOXO

Blessings and wishes for cool breezes to all ~ Tanna

Restoring Vintage Apartment Buildings

2011-07-06T16:44:00.001-05:00

If you live in an historic neighborhood, you know the buildings I'm talking about. The big old rental properties... that the investors just let run down. They, the investors, seem to take and take and never give back. They used to be one of my pet peeves, being a homeowner in an historic neighborhood myself. And, because I believe with all my heart if you are going to gripe about something, you should be willing to do something about the problem. Thus began my collection of The Old Girls. Now, I am "they."

Some of you may remember that before I left to go greet my new grandson, I was working on a unit in one of our favorite Old Girls, a very large fourplex built in the early 30s. This was the last unit that had been continuously occupied by the tenant who was living there when we bought the place (June of 2006). He moved out late this spring and these are the "afters."

This is a tired and sad "before" view of the same living room.

Leo Bolom's company does a magnificent job of refinishing the original hardwood floors and repairing any defects (two large pieces of plywood were discovered in each of the two bedrooms; bet you won't be able to tell where the repairs were done when you see the bedroom). This is the way the floors were meant to look!! Love 'em!!

A view from the dining room back to the living room. I have an original chandelier from one of the other units and it is currently being rewired. I will soon return it to this spot.

From the living room back into the dining room. Aren't these Old Girls elegant?

Same view dining room: before.

Bedroom: after. Can you spot the defect in the hardwood? I'm bettin' not.

Bedroom: before.

Bathroom: after. Hours and hours spent with single-edged razor scraping up the linoleum adhesive. I love the old tiles. Love 'em.

Bathroom: before. You can't even see how disgusting the tub and cabinet was in the photo. The tub was refinished. Not something I usually do, but it had already been done once and was in terrible shape. New sink. New toilet. Beadboard. Better. Still within reason cost-wise.

And, that's all for today. I am happy to know that we have moved one step closer to restoring another Old Girl to her original beauty and elegance.

I am linking to Kim at Savvy Southern Style's Wow Us Wednesday gathering.

Blessings to all ~ Tanna

One Nation Under God

2011-07-03T22:40:00.000-05:00

I pledge allegiance to the flag...

Of the United States of America

And to the Republic, for which it stands...

One Nation...

Under God...

Indivisible...

With Liberty and Justice...

For All.

I hope wherever you are and however you have spent your weekend, that you have remembered how fortunate we are to enjoy the freedoms we do... and that none of them were without a price.

May God Bless and Keep the United States of America!! Happy Birthday!!

Visitors and Celebration!

2011-06-27T16:56:00.002-05:00

I am celebrating being all caught up with my Quick Books after being gone so long!! Woo hoo! I am celebrating surviving the Pond Tour last Saturday after being gone so long (hubby's idea). We had a steady stream of nice visitors. AND, I am celebrating catching up on most of the chores that had not done themselves in my absence! Yea!

Can you spot the two visitors I had this morning?

Mr. Lizard was showing out right beneath our favorite, The Red Dragonfly.

These beauties come back every year and we enjoy them so much! They dive in and out of the water, especially out of the Zeus fountain, like it is a Six Flags ride. Entertains us for hours... LOL. Yep, we are simple that way.

This close-up is one I captured in the same week of last year. Are they not amazing? I've been hearing Earl (or his kin), but no sightings this year. That might have been a once-in-a-lifetime sight/shot!

And, I have to share this photo (stolen from Hubby, made/sent by Little Men's Momma) of two of my favorite men in the whole world. Love you two!!

I'm feeling some breathing room now! Hope you are all celebrating something that is checked off your list today!!

Blessings ~ tanna

In The Jungle...

2011-06-21T17:27:00.001-05:00

In the jungle... the mighty jungle...

The lion sleeps tonight... (with the help of a paci)... Can't you just hear the music now?

One of the funnest things Amanda and I did during my stay was to find this pattern by Amanda Dean for The Fuzzy Lion Hat. You can find her shop here.

Then Noni could not have her Littlest Man being immodest, so I whipped him up a loincloth to match. It was quite humorous to see us measuring him and me trying to calculate how to make this little item of coverage. We enjoyed lots of giggles over this... though Pop Pop thought it was just wrong (until he saw how cute it was for himself!).

Amanda even did her own very first knitting project while I was there and it came out so very cute. We did both think the pattern we used (I made a teaching one) came out looking more like a goat than a rabbit. hee hee... or maybe I should say, "baa baa." We are still on the lookout for her a pattern she will enjoy and be excited by the outcome. I know it's out there!

She did a beautiful job, especially for a very first knitting experience! And, we enjoyed some laughter along with a little frustration at times! LOL! That is one cute little Billy Goat, isn't it? Ahhh... the good times...

Blessings ~ tanna

Home Again. Home Again. Jiggity Jig.

2011-06-20T14:00:00.000-05:00

We swooped across the south with the car thermometer reading 104. Delicate mimosa blossoms bordered much of the roadway home. And, finally, the dry, brown, heat stressed look of Texas... Even with the heat and the drought, I was glad to roll into our home state. [As a Texan, I do have to confess there is something oddly satisfying about being able to pass through six states in a day's drive. We couldn't do that if we were heading west from our house; we'd still be trying to get out of our own state.]

I had been gone for 27 days and really just wanted to make this last day's drive, unpack and relax. But, the only thing worse than coming home to your air conditioner not working when it is 104 is walking in the door and it is still working like a horse... and the drain is clogged... and the switch-off in the pan is not working...

Soggy sheetrock crashed down on the table, chairs and floor. The finish on the table may not recover (Kim, where are you??). And, the hardwood floor has been soaking with soggy sheetrock, too. Not sure how long it has been this way, but the splatters from where it fell are dried. There was a steady drip still falling onto the table and the sheetrock on the floor. If you have a drain in an attic unit POUR BLEACH THROUGH IT TODAY!! Save yourself from this mess!

I'm glad we got home today.

I did find it interesting that the original wallpaper is the same color as I have it painted. Pretty cool. Guess we'll be having some sheetrocking and painting around the Bungalow as soon as everything dries out good.

Anyway, the journey is over.

Miles traveled:             2233.8 mi.
Gas:                                $384.67
Hotels en route:               $190.76

Being the recipient of this look:

And, here for this moment:

PRICELESS!!!

Go check those drains now! Blessings ~ tanna

Our Newest Angel

2011-06-14T16:56:00.001-05:00

Meet Andrew. He is as good as anyone could ever hope for a baby to be. He eats. He looks around. Makes some really cute faces. Pees and poops. Sleeps. Then, does it all again... and again. Rarely cries. Loves to be snuggly warm. Sweet as an angel. We are blessed indeed.

He is modeling one of his Noni's latest projects and a cuteness that won't quit.

We are still trying to come up for a name for his lion friend. Ariel is one of the possibilities. Amanda did photos of Andrew's big brother every month with Sammy, the Sock Monkey, and Andrew will have this guy for his monthly photo-buddy.

His Momma, Amanda, is already busy with the shutter clicking. Andrew was 9 days old in these photos. She did a great job. There will be more to come on the lion theme...

Love those little bitty hands and I love the cuffs on this gown. ;) Pattern and yarn used are listed here.

This whole photo shooting business is awfully tiring... a Littlest Man needs a nap after all that.

It is busy around here. We are trying to have all the fun we can while our time together lasts...

Blessings to all... Tanna

Screaming with Frustration!!

2011-06-12T15:07:00.000-05:00

I have been having SERIOUS issues with trying to read blogs, comment on blogs... even SEE my own blog!! This afternoon, I was soooo excited! I had a short run where I was able to see my some of my favorite blogs and even leave comments! I was working my way down the line and all of a sudden: "Internet Explorer is unable to display this web page." When I click the "diagnose problem" button it works awhile and then says, " blahblahblah.blogspot is online but is not responding at this time." PLEASE!!! I am so frustrated with this!!!! SOOOO FRUSTRATED! I have wondered if it is due to my computer automatically updating to Internet Explorer 9 a few weeks ago (about the time these problems began). Or if there is a problem with my computer itself. Or if it is just blogger.com. As soon as I am home in Texas, this laptop is going to the shop!! I have no idea right now if this post will even work.
Amanda, my daughter, says I should try another browser. I just haven't been willing to try a different one.... yet...

I know y'all were not interesting in hearing a rant this Sunday afternoon.... but I'm screaming, even though it may be silently (the boys are napping! LOL!)... I'm happy I was able to visit with some of y'all... Will keep trying on the rest! Blessings to all... Tanna

The Little Man Meets The Littlest Man

2011-06-03T20:06:00.003-05:00

Our Little Man was so gentle with the Littlest Man today. While it could be a bit hard for the Little Man to share all of the attention he enjoys and has come to consider his due, I have no doubt these two will be fast friends as well as brothers. I cannot wait to watch them play together. Well, I can wait... in fact I wouldn't want to wish a moment to pass too soon... it all goes too quickly as it is.

Photos by Little and Littlest Men's Momma
Now, is that cute or what? ;) I'll be enjoying as many moments as I can.

Okay, people, I am having issues with getting to comment and even to see some blogs!! Not happy. If you are one of my regular haunts and you haven't heard from me by today, it is not because I am not trying!! Of course, you may not be able to visit here either! I guess we are all so spoiled to being able to hop all across the country and enjoy our friends that we don't take kindly to being hampered in our visits! I'll be hoping these issues are resolved soon!

Good weekend wishes for all! blessings ~ tanna

He's Here!

2011-06-02T05:38:00.000-05:00

Andrew has made his arrival!! Mom and Baby Boy are doing well.

We walked and walked yesterday... then it was time to head to the hospital!

I stayed behind with this little angel and we played and played while Momma was working to bring Andrew into this world.

It has been a busy week... Two day drive... Lots of playing, reading, eating and watching Nemo... Finishing this knitting project (just in time!)... Now, I am waiting for the Little Man to wake so that we can go meet his baby brother. Blessings to all! Hope to be checking in on all of you soon!

HAPPY MAIL and Single Edge Razors

2011-05-22T08:38:00.000-05:00

This was a most wonderful piece of "happy mail" that came Friday afternoon! It was so pretty... even the envelope! And, the note... JUST MADE MY DAY!! Wanda, of Brush Strokes from the Heart, is one of the sweetest people in blogland: if you haven't met her, you need to stop by for a visit.

Not only was it pretty on the outside, it was FULL of precious little treasures!!

...including a notecard by Wanda herself!! She is an amazing artist!! I don't think I will ever be able to use this notecard, I love it so much!

And, have you ever seen such a cute tea bag holder??? Wanda, thank you from the bottom of my heart! I will think of you every time I use this and I can't wait to try the tea and plant my flowers!! That was some real HAPPY MAIL!

I haven't had much time to catch up on blogging lately! I have been with my friend the single edged razor for MANY hours these past couple of weeks... cleaning windows (9hrs), removing old linoleum adhesive from a vintage tile floor (8hrs). And, painting (NOT watercolor) and cleaning.

Eighteen of these babies! I'm glad to be done with this chore. I am still working frantically getting ready to head off to meet my new grandson who is due in only a few weeks! Keeping my nose to the grindstone... blessings ~ tanna

Thank you again, Wanda!

12:26 AM and I'm still up... (from a 4:45 AM riser)

2011-05-19T00:36:00.001-05:00

It is way too late for me to still be awake and unable to sleep. This does not suit my circadian rhythm.

This one is nearing the "time" and there is so much to do to get ready to go. Being awake right now is definitely NOT productive toward getting those things done... but, I can't shut it down. Ever have nights like those?

Hot Off the Watercolor Board!

2011-05-14T19:48:00.002-05:00

Just "finished" this a little earlier today. It is my first "portrait" watercolor. I would never have been tempted... except, you know... my love of the Little Man... well, it takes me to deep waters...

Now, as I examine the painting post-photographing, I see things I would like to change. I'm not sure you ever stop seeing those things, if you are like me... Slightly obsessive... slightly perfectionistic... Thank goodness, I have mellowed with age or I would never have been able to tolerate the imperfections of learning to watercolor... It challenges me, even now... way down the line from my most driven days.

However, at one point today (I've worked on this one several days over a period of time), I finally hit an excited moment... with the fabric... and the shadows... a moment that it felt like I might be "getting it." Good news, for me, is that it only takes a moment of joy and excitement to incite me to continue my pursuit! Pursuit of wonder... of joy... of satisfaction...

That is my hope for you this day... that some moment feels right... that some moment is the breadcrumb in the trail to put you on the right path... that some moment gives you joy...

... that some moment gives you hope.

To see the photo that inspired this painting click here. It was taken Little Man's Momma.

blessings ~ tanna

p.s. I have gotten a lot done while blogger has been down this week... hmmmm... what does that tell you?

Clementines for Little Man

2011-05-11T06:23:00.003-05:00

I took a day to paint yesterday and this one is still on the board, but I think I'm calling it done. My Little Man loves clementines. So, this one is made with him in mind... like he's ever not. ;)

Please excuse the makeshift matt. My friend, Patrice, and I have discovered that the semblance of a matt gives you a better perspective on your painting (as in, we think it makes anything look better to have a matt... even if it is a makeshift one. LOL).

Last week when I saw this sweet arrangement, I was struck by what a good model this rose would have been for a painting I did back in February. Makes me want to go back and add a little more red to the outer petals!

It was like seeing this rose come to life!

I hope to find more time to paint soon. I have an Old Girl apartment to work on today though. Hope you all have a day filled with sunshine and joy!

I'm linking this with Kim's (who is going to get to be a grandmother again!! Lucky girl!) Wow Us Wednesday party at Savvy Southern Style.

Preservation Month Photo Contest, Ax Men and More Flowers...

2011-05-09T16:03:00.004-05:00

Early Saturday morning, I took a few shots for the Preservation Month photo contest in our local paper. There are usually five photos of portions of historic properties; the person who correctly identifies the properties wins a prize.

Most of the time, I can immediately identify the homes or buildings. This year, I won't be playing along since I took the photos we will be using.

Taking those photos was the single redeeming activity I did this whole weekend! Evan and I, embarassingly, got hooked on an Ax Men marathon on the History Channel yesterday afternoon! Oh. my. goodness. I still cannot believe that we watched 9 hours of that silly show! I don't know how you get hooked into stuff like that! It is like watching a train wreck... you just can't stop yourself!

The only break we had was to visit with Audra, Brian, Gracie and Maverick when they stopped by and, for a short while, when we Skyped with Little Man and his Momma. It was a very good rest though... Of course, I may have bed sores from sitting on the couch so long! Ouch! So sad to have to admit!!

We watched right up until the season finale ended at 9 P.M.! Don't ever start! LOL! Idid learn that they dredge up logs 100-150 years old that had been ax-cut and were in the bottom of the rivers or swamps until these guys pulled them up. Some were heart pine trees that are extinct and others even more valuable. The builders or furniture makers use them for high end projects. One father-son logger team was paid $22,000 for 23 logs! What can I say, I was hooked!

Sorry, I know y'all are sick of flower photos... but, my Beloved sent these, too... and, he has asked me five times, "Have you made pictures yet?" LOL! Gotta love it! I hope each of you had a more productive weekend... or enjoyed it just as much as we did. Blessings ~ Tanna

Hellllloooooo....

2011-05-06T12:12:00.000-05:00

I've been under the weather for a little while. Being trapped for four hours on a plane next to a hacking, nose-blowing sneezer was not a good thing! Drats! Yesterday, this beautiful arrangement arrived from my son, Zachary, for Mother's Day. It is stunning!

Then, the cute little arrangement on the left arrived from the sweet mother of a tenant. And, today beautiful sunflowers from Little Man and his Momma! I do love the French Peas Flower Shop! Rays of sunshine all around!

And, just a few minutes ago... this arrangement came with a 'hope you're feeling better' wish from my beloved, who is out of town. It officially looks and smells like a florist in here! That's gotta make a person feel better AND enjoy Mother's Day. Thank you to all! And, I am hoping to get around to catch up on my blog reading now!

Blessings ~ Tanna

Striped Cardigan, Cocoa O'Hare and Precious E-Mail

2011-04-19T14:03:00.003-05:00

I hope you will indulge me again; I received another sweet Easter e-mail from Little Man (with the help of his Momma, my baby):

Dear Noni,

Momma pulled out the sweater you made for me last Easter. It's now a perfect fit! She told me that she wanted to take some pictures, and I insisted that we bring Cocoa O'Hare along, too. Hope you enjoy.

Can't wait to see you!

Love,

Little Man

The sweater is the Striped Cardigan in Sirdar's baby bamboo knits (323 Code B). As evident, it was a little big last year. I used the bamboo yarn recommended in the book. It is incredibly soft. I love that he is getting two years wear out of it. ;) And, I cannot wait to get some of those sweet little sugars (though I hear he has gotten quite stingy with those).

The bunny is a pattern by Susan B. Anderson from her Itty Bitty Toys book. It is done in a Brown Sheep cotton/wool blend.

If you want to see it from beginnings... to ready... to on Little Man, just click on the links. Oh, my goodness, I can't believe how much he has grown and changed since last Easter. Time is slipping away.

I am linking this to Kim's Wow Us Wednesdays!!

My heart is humbled as I remember the cause for this holiday celebration.

He is risen...

blessings ~ tanna

First Bloom

2011-04-16T16:52:00.000-05:00

First waterlily bloom of 2011

I was going to try to post this yesterday, but the week continued to throw its curve balls. An early morning call from the floor guys (refinishing the original hardwoods in a unit of one of The Old Girls) had me adjusting to a budget and schedule change. Seems there are always surprises when you renovate.

This particular surprise was a hole in each of the bedroom floors the size of a full sheet of plywood... well, not a hole exactly, since the plywood was there... but the hardwood had been "replaced" with plywood, subsequent to some repair in the past, and covered with carpet. This required the adjustment for cost of repairing the holes (large project) and staining the floors as well as sanding and coating with polyurethane. Cha-ching. I could have opted to just cover them up again with carpet, but my goal is to get them back to their original glory. So, we are another week behind on finishing... and over the initial budget. Life in the lovin'-The-Old-Girls stlye.

At any rate, we had our first waterlily bloom this week!! And, the Fish Boys are growing and enjoying the warmer weather.

I, myself, enjoyed some sunshine and a Coke Zero earlier today right in this spot. I was celebrating finishing a report for the Historic Tyler on Tour committee! yea! Still have one more report before passing on all my duties to the next in line.

Hope you are having a swimmingly fine weekend!!

blessings ~ tanna

Noni's Easter Angel

2011-04-12T17:56:00.000-05:00

Little Man sent his Noni an e-mail today... and, it couldn't have arrived at a more appreciated time. We have been keeping a busy pace around here and it is starting to wear me down.

I can't tell you how much finding these photos of our precious Little Man and this sweet, sweet e-mail lifted my spirits! (Thank you so much, Little Man's Momma.)

Dear Noni,

I am counting down the days until I get to see you and Pop Pop next week. I can't wait to dye Easter eggs and hunt them. You will help me, won't you?

Be on the lookout in your mailbox for my Easter bunny footprint art. Momma sent it out today. Until that arrives, here are a few pictures just for you.

I love you to the moon and back and can't wait to see you!!!

Lots of hugs and kisses,
Little Man

Noni can't wait either!! XOXOXOXOXO

Trick for Stripping Old Hardware and THANK YOUS!!

2011-04-06T16:21:00.001-05:00

Ever had a beautiful piece of old hardware covered over with layers and layers of paint? Don't despair! There is an incredibly easy way to strip the old paint off back down to the original finish. I'm in the middle of restoring another unit in one of The Old Girls, so this trick is very fresh on my mind and I'm happy to share it with you!

Take your crock-pot (This one is vintage 1974. If you are using the one you use to cook, you might want to line it with one of the cooking liners you can get by the foil and plastic bag section). Place your old hardware inside, squirt in a generous squeeze of your favorite dishwashing liquid. Add water (trying not to suds up too much) until crock-pot is full and hardware is covered. Turn it on low for 24 hours. Let it cool down and scrub the hardware with an old toothbrush and/or one of those green scrubby things. You will be amazed at how easily the layers of paint and grime wash off. It is a WOW. If you discover a finish that isn't great, it is ready for a nice crisp coat of spraypaint and it looks as good as new. These, I LOVE!

Replace them on your freshly painted doors and enjoy (this in NOT a freshly painted door, but one painted over three years ago next door to the one I am working on now)!

I had two really great events this week in the blog world!! This wonderful diet/cookbook came in the mail from JoAnn at Moogy and Pap from her giveaway! Yea! Thank you so very much, JoAnn. I really, really need to get on some kind of diet!

Next, Melissa at Melissa's Heart and Home featured my blog on hers! Incredibly nice!! Thank you so very much also, Melissa!! If you get a chance, stop by and say hello to these wonderful ladies.

And, lastly, I want to leave you with one more WOW for this Wednesday at Kim's Savvy Southern Style! This is one of my friend's backyard. It is one of the anchor houses of the Azalea Trail. If that's not a WOW, I don't know what is!

blessings ~ tanna

Clearing Up Any Misconceptions...

2011-04-03T15:59:00.001-05:00

All of your kind and generous comments lead me to know that some of you are giving me artistic credit where none is due. Most of my paintings are based on projected views of photos that I have traced the outline onto watercolor paper to then paint. I am not an artist. One day, I may decide to learn to draw. But for now, I am content to be in my second childhood with a new box of crayons in the form of watercolors. A couple of the flower paintings I drew... nothing too complicated. I am amazed at the wonderful, gracious, kind treatment from my blog friends. I cherish each and every wonderful comment. I just don't want to take credit where credit is not due. I hope you will still join me in the adventures of this granny learning to "color" with watercolor.

Thank you again and again.

Blessings ~ Tanna

Saturday Play Day!!

2011-04-02T18:51:00.000-05:00

I have things I needed to be doing, but declared it a holiday! Evan was off to a gun school for the day and I was gathering my painting stuff by 6:45 this morning! A whole day to paint!! This is the sunflower I started a few weeks ago... I'm finally calling it finished.

Of course, I am having to take another shot at it... So, this is Version Two in process... I am just fascintated by the properties of watercolor; it is almost like it participates in the painting. Lovin' it.

If you note the technique book on the right, you can guess what I'm up to next!

Yep, that's right. Insanity to attempt people... but, I just can't help myself. I have already missed the shape of his cheek! Doggonit! But, it will be good practice and let me judge whether there is any possibility of this or no...
Hopefully, I will have more to share on this (if it doesn't get shredded!).

And, lest Baby Boy be forgotten, I worked a little on his nightgown yesterday. I should probably stick to knitting! LOL!

Hope everyone is getting a chance to pursue something they love this weekend!

Blessings ~
Tanna

Almost Recovered...

2011-03-31T06:49:00.000-05:00

People! I have been exhausted! The Historic Tyler on Tour was a wonderful success. The party Friday night could not have been more perfect; the weekend was busy and we enjoyed a steady flow of visitors; and, it has taken the whole first half of the week to tie up the loose ends and do the numbers.

As it stands, we enjoyed the most successful Tour to date. My friend, Barbara, sent me this beautiful flower arrangement Friday at the start of the weekend. It cheered me and reminded me of her constant support every time I left the house and returned. Big smiles and warm fuzzies.

It was great fun, lots of work and a wonderful success. I'm glad its over. ;)

Now, back to blogging! LOL!