Hooked: A Crochet Love

This fascination started with an old afghan I couldn't resist in Canton at the Trades Days, grew with this beautiful gift from the LM & Co., and blossomed with this Mixed Stitch Stripey Blanket Crochet-a-Long by Julie Harrison.

My friend, Laura, loved it, too, and, the next thing I knew we had whipped each other into a frenzy to begin!  We each walked out with a bag FULL of happy colors... then, I took mine back the next day and traded them in for these... they are more quiet, more somber, probably more me.  I want the bright, shiny, happy... but, I am more serious... less sparkly.  Maybe one day...

I am very much enjoying the crochet... learning new stitches... changing colors... my knitting needles have been abandoned (only for the moment).  The one thing I really hope to learn before this project is through is how and where to START and END each row.  Keeping a straight edge is a constant battle for me.  I will persevere. 

Things have been hectic around here... The Old Girls DO NOT like extremes of temperature... which means I DO NOT like extremes of temperature!  ;)  I am sure enjoying this warm front and the calm that is following it!!  Hope each of you are all safe and warm.

"The sharing of joy, whether physical, emotional, psychic or intellectual, forms a basis for understanding much of what is not shared between them, and lessens the threat of their difference."
~ Audre Lord

It is good to have peeps to share your joy.  Roo asked me while they were here last month, "What's that (peeps), Noni?"  He was insatiably curious about every new phrase; he talks endlessly now.  I told him peeps were your people... the ones you could count on, the ones you celebrate with and cry with... and most of all, love... the ones who share your life. 

blessings ~ tanna

The Vintage Birthday Vision.

My dear Daughter-in-Love had a Vintage Vision for our Little Lady's 1st birthday.  Our century old Arts and Crafts bungalow made an easy backdrop to bring her vision to life.  She had found lots of ideas on Pinterest and executed them so well.  Zack helped make and then hung the banners.  I'm sad that I don't have a photo of the beautiful burlap H-A-P-P-Y   B-I-R-T-H-D-A-Y banner hanging over the front door.  It looked great.

Months earlier Zack delighted me with a request to make Little Lady's "smash cake" (for those not 'in the know' about 1st birthday parties this day and age, a smash cake is the honoree's personal cake to do with as any one year old might -- Little Man's here and Roo's here, I did not make Roo's and I think he enjoyed his the most!!).

I was ecstatic when a photo Candice sent to me matched the vision I had in my own head. When I was explaining how I wanted it to look to my daughter, Amanda, she immediately sent a link to a GREAT tutorial on making rose icing at I Am Baker!!!  Now, mine is NOWHERE as good as hers, but you should take heart if you want to try... I loved the way it turned out (even though  I was too chicken to try to fill in the little gaps like the tutorial said). 

Fun.  Fun.  Fun!  I want to do more!  LOL!  But, not for awhile.

The kids loved the candy bar and filling their goody sacks.

Their little eyes just glowed with anticipation!

I was particularly fond of the photo banner Candice made with Instagram photos.  I may have begged to get to keep these... just sayin'...  ;)

In the week of preparation, I did manage to spray paint our tired porch furniture some fun colors!  I'd been wanting to do it for awhile, but somehow I just needed a deadline to get it done!  Then, I always wonder why I waited so long!  My biggest advice is that it takes MORE paint than you think.  So get plenty the first trip. 

Now, I have a happy-leftover of colors from the party!!

I'd planned to scatter rose petals down the table... None available.  Bummer.  We had the drop cloths that I'd used for drapes at one time.  Burlap was in the closet from prior celebrations and the disposable table runners were $2 a piece on clearance from Target.  The fun candlesticks were a Valentine's Day gift from my Beloved several years ago.  And, my Mason jars get LOTS of use; I never tire of them.  Only cost:  flowers (from Sam's) and $4 worth of runners.

I never got the chance to tell Zack that the green vase was one he had sent me once for Mother's Day... or that the quilt was one my grandmother passed to my mother... and then passed to me... and now used in celebration of a fifth generation's first birthday! 

My friend, Patrice, was so sweet to dry brush some pink acrylic on a window from a home they are restoring so I could use it here.  I sure appreciate her!!

Candice had a delightful Vintage Vision and we were so happy to help celebrate our Little Lady's 1st Birthday!! 

I tell you, you all need to try that cake!!  ;)  Just the bee's knees of fun!

"From my earliest youth, I have known that while one is obliged to plan with care the stages of one's journey, one is entitled to dream, and keep dreaming, of its destination.  A man may feel as old as his years, yet as young as his dreams." 
~ Shimon Peres

Linking to Kim's Wow Us Wednesdays.

blessings to all ~ tanna

Beach Time with The Little Men

Oh, the week was so SHORT!  I loved every. single. minute. of time with The Little Men & Co..  We enjoyed the Y-azy Y-iver (Lazy River) lots and lots and lots of times!!  Alex, who no longer wants to be referred to as Little Man because he is "big", jumped in and raced Roo and I around... passing us every time.

There were also lots of sand castles built... and torn down.  Roo enjoyed eating the sand off his squid's legs in spite of his Momma's and my admonishments NOT to eat it. 

There were miles of beach walks and shell seeking.

And, oh, the miles of "HAAS-soc BAWL" (soccer ball to the rest of you) with Little Roo.  That little-two-year-old-running-machine chased his ball TIRELESSLY up and down, back and forth, all around the beach... he took turns wearing the rest of us down.  His Noni LOVED her time trying to keep up!!  Zachary told me I finally had my Runner.  ;)  I believe I do. 

There were sugars and shells, waves and wonder, magic and merriment... all passing much too quickly... Now, to get settled back into life without the Little Men & Co....

{{sigh}}

"It's faith in something and enthusiasm for something that makes life worth living."
~ Oliver Wendell Holmes


I hope everyone has had a wonderful week... I'll be catching up as soon as I can.

blessings ~ tanna

Things That Made Me Smile...

I had one of those weeks!  You know, the one where if it can go wrong and make you crazy with frustration, it DOES!  But, there were things along the way that just made me smile...

Like this precious Little Free Library...  I snapped this photo early one morning... on the way to treat for fleas in one of my currently vacant Old Girls.  You do not want to start me on that story!!!

Isn't that one of the sweetest and most thoughtful ideas you've nearly ever seen? 

It sits in front of this cute little home in our neighborhood...  generously offering the magic world between the covers of a book to any child who would care to partake...

With beautiful, happy blossoms... shining joy to all that pass...

I just love that someone would do this.

Then, there was a text of amazing artwork from my Little Man.  I do want to point out the bright green touches on this monster.  If you remember, there was an issue with the Monster Hat Noni made for the Little Man, where the green trim had to be removed.  (and before)  I'm just sayin'.  ;)  I think my Little Man may be branching out from dark "byue". 

There were more special smiles for:

• An e-mail from my bonus-daughter sharing a beautiful crochet design.
• A telephone call from my daughter-in-love sharing a JOY!!
• FaceTime with my Little Men showing out their projects and skills to their Noni and Pop Pop.
• A phone call from my son excited that he had won a fishing tournament (Again.  That child was practically born hunting and fishing.)
• And, a new camera from my Beloved (a thoughtful and unexpected surprise).

So, amidst the grind and the frustrations... there were sweet, sweet moments of goodness. 

I am so thankful.

I hope your week brings smiles along with all the rest.

"Appreciation is yeast, lifting ordinary to extraordinary."
~ Mary-Ann Petro

blessings ~ tanna

For the love of color...

I'll admit it... I love color.

 Color is one of the main things that attracts me to beautiful yarns... and the creations they become.

Then, of course, there is the design element, too... Shape and form... 

The same things I love in watercolor.... or gardens... or home décor...  or food (plus taste, of course)...

And, we can't forget texture...

These are some luscious wools that were sitting in my stash.  The brightest green is Madelinetosh Light, leftover from my Sweet Dreams shawl; and, hands down, it feels the most wonderful sliding through my fingers, though I love them all.

 
I'm practicing Modified African Violet Pentagons with these little discs.  Crochet is NOT my usual territory but I'm giving it a try (yes, Vicki, I am).  They've gotten better as I've gone along.  However, I still have trouble trying to figure out where to start and how to count these stitches!  LOL!  Forever the Student.   Forever on the learning curve.

 I am convinced it is good to strain your brain and this is certainly filling that bill.

And...  it is helping to avoid The Unloved (knitting project that is sulking in its basket for lack of attention).  {sigh}

"It is the artist's job to create sunshine when there is none."
~ Romain Rolland

I hope you are out there creating your own sunshine... in whatever form you enjoy!! 

blessings ~ tanna

p.s. Let me know any thoughts on the color combos.

2013 Master Gardener's Tour

Two weekends ago, I went on the Master Gardener's Tour with my friends, Mike and Patrice.  These heads were some of my favorite things of the day.  To tell the truth, the yard they were in was amazing, opulent, and... a bit overwhelming for me.  It was huge and perfect.  I think I  like smaller... not quite so perfect.  But, it was VERY impressive and well done.

There were four of them lining steps to a second level of yard.

This was the dining area adjacent to the beautiful outdoor kitchen/den.

And, up the head-lined-stairs was another beautiful lounging spot.  Just incredible.

I love the herbs in the pots...

And, the welcome wagon at the back door.  I have tons more photos from this place, but we are moving on...

I loved the color... and the bird... and the less opulent beauty.

Out of all the gardens, this was my favorite and the side yard was the star for me!  LOVED it!

Sweet little gnome reading to the bunnies in the mushroom forest.  {sigh} and big smile. 

Yes, I was fixated on this spot...

And, it had an owl... actually, several owls.  You know I love those!

 

It's dining area was oh, so perfect.  Note the chandelier and the crown on top of the pergola.

 

 

And lovely duck topiaries stood on each side welcoming you to dine.  Beautiful garden and design.  Loved it.  That's it for the Garden Tour.  Hope you each have a wonderful weekend!!

"Each moment in time we have it all, even when we think we don't."  ~ Melody Beattie

blessings ~ tanna

Hill Country Wedding...

A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of attending Emily's (daughter to one of my dear friends, Laura) wedding.  She was a gorgeous bride!

Emily's dreams were realized in a beautiful Texas Hill Country setting... every detail was so exquisitely perfect.  I only have a few highlights to share, but you'll get the feel...  white on white... elegant and fitting...  holding true to Emily's dream of a cowboy wedding...  with style!

I peeked in to get a photo before the reception... Would you have ever imagined that the inside of a Barn could look so amazing?

 

And, the message of the ceremony was the best I have ever heard... the minister didn't gloss over how, after the honeymoon, things can be a real challenge.  His encouragement to put God first and to have a tender and compassionate heart toward one another was right on the mark.  Next to raising children, having a successful and fulfilling marriage is the hardest job you will ever have.  There is no happily-ever-after without some effort... okay, a lot of effort... on both sides... and, a lot of help from God.

 

Meet some of my knitting friends:  myself, Kim (wearing a Boo Knits shawl), Laura (lovely mother-of-the-bride) and Sherry.  I've spent some wonderful hours knitting and solving life's problems with these ladies.

My beloved is standing next to a giant agave in the pasture.  It was just HUGE and so beautiful!!

Just one of the many plantings on and around the Barn.

 

Everyday. single. day. I am happy and blessed to be married to my Beloved.  Witnessing a precious young couple begin their journey together sweetens my own sense of appreciation...  of where we've been... and where we are going...

 

And strengthens my resolve to make the most of this gift... the gift of my Beloved.  I am thankful.  The journey and the lessons continue.  

 

A special thanks to Emily and Robert and their parents for allowing us the honor of bearing witness to this holy union.  May their journey be filled with joy and blessed by His Love. 

 

2 Corinthians 12:9  But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 

 

blessings ~ tanna

 

PS thank you all for your most kind words after my last post... you embarrass me with your generosity, but I deeply appreciate your kindness.

 

You Call That Vacation?!

Okay... so it's been a couple of years since Noni and Pop Pop have had an "adult vacation".  Most of our time away is spent connecting with family... which we dearly love.  However, occasionally a couple needs to have some time away to relax and reconnect with each other.

That said, I'm not sure who is due the brunt of the blame... me, for having the idea to go to golf school for vacation... or Evan, for scheduling us in the three day boot-camp-of-a-golf-school we barely survived.  At any rate, it was pretty brutal... our instructor (in the middle, with another classmate on the left and Pop Pop on the right) worked us until E.V.E.R.Y. muscle, tendon and bone ACHED.  We had bandaids with Neosporin and/or tape on multiple fingers of each hand.  Advil was ingested four tablets three times a day.  Oh, my!! 

Sadly and very much to our intense, but extremely kind, instructor's dismay, I never achieved a correct impact position (apparently critical to hitting a great golf shot).  Evan had it for awhile... then lost it.  Crazy how that can happen... but, I saw it with my own two eyes.

 

We had originally intended to participate in the golf school... come away with a new and improved game... then, leisurely play our way home, stopping off on courses along the way...

Instead, we tucked tails and hauled our weary, beaten down selves straight home... to sit on the couch for a whole day... licking our wounds and our bruised egos... just trying to recover.  Now, we are back up and ready to attempt again... to achieve the ever-elusive perfect impact position.   Ever-elusive... meet the ever-hopefuls... LOL!

Rest and relaxation... well, no.  But, we did have a good time.  And, we laughed a lot.  Something I treasure about our relationship.  Plus, after such a grueling vacation, returning to our normal schedules seems restful and almost appealing!!

Glad to be back...

blessings ~ tanna

Monster Mail

Dear Noni,

I asked Mommy to take my picture with my monster creation. When she showed it to me, I asked her to send it to you. I love you and miss you! All my love and hugs.

To the moon and back – bigger than the sky!
Alex



I was so excited to receive this sweet e-mail from my Big Little Man.  He LOVES monsters.  And, I was very, very happy he wanted to share his beautiful little monster creation with his Noni... from miles and miles away.  Melts my heart.

Then, for just a moment, I was a bit wistful about the dark b-yue (that's blue), not light b-yue Monster Hat that had been lost before he even got his mouth sewn on at Christmas.  Oh, the struggles to create a hat that passed Big Little Man's approval!  He is very sure of the things he yikes (likes) and he doesn't yike.  Nothing wishy-washy about this Little Man.  Nothing. 

To tell the truth, the Monster Hat really didn't pass the test either.  He did not like the green trim; it's all about the b-yue.  And, while his mom and I did like the green, Roo was much more willing to sport it around than Little Man.  I'm just sayin'. 

Still, since we had worked so hard... his Momma diligently stitched the eyes and tooth and horns on as quickly as I could get them off the needles... it was a sad day when the Monster couldn't be found.  We had all given up on it as lost.



Same day as the Monster Mail:  Pop Pop comes in the house with a "guess what I found when I took the hay bales out of the back of my truck" shout and a wet, muddy, hay-smelling, hay-covered Monster Hat!



I'll have to admit, in that moment, I was glad Little Man had chosen an acrylic yarn!  LOL!  Now, the Monster Hat is clean and dry and will finally get his mouth this weekend then find its way to my monster lover (or his little brother). 

Maybe things aren't always as lost as we think... who knows when they might pop up again!

blessings ~ tanna