OK…we stacked ’em last post…..let’s paint them this time! These can be done on real pumpkins or the faux foam craft pumpkins. My philosophy? If you are going to put this amount of work into it…go with the faux.
Use chalkboard paint…comes in spray can…requires 2 coats…
SCENE: standing in line to check-out at H*me-G**ds, B’ham.
A young man was ringing up my purchases, and a young lady pushed her way through the waiting folks behind me (THE NERVE!) and told him she was there to pick up something. He called his MGR. who came to the front of the store…and she told him to call Steve…and I waited patiently. He called Steve, who came to the front of the store…as I waited patiently. Steve said, “Don’t call me to come to the front of the store…now, I just have to walk back to the back and find this and then bring it back to the front, and then load her car.” The young man said he was sorry, and he was only doing what the MGR said…while I waited patiently. Steve then proceeded to tell all 20 or so of us standing around the registers that she (MGR) does not know how things are run around there!
While I was patiently waiting to check out and waiting for Steve to get a grip…I turned and noticed a smartly dressed older lady. She, too has been watching all this transpire. After Steve made his last comment, she turned to me and said, “Well, if you ask me, ole Steve looks like it wouldn’t hurt him to take a few more trips back and forth …he’s got a belly on him, don’t he?” Well,(sucking my own belly in as best I could), I just smiled and nodded. I was afraid she would say that I should go run around the building a few times!
ANYWAY, I suppose she thought I looked like a good person to share her views on life and such…and so she did!
WHERE DO THESE FOLKS COME FROM? DO THE ‘STRANGE ONES’ JUST SIT AND WAIT UNTIL THEY GET THE MESSAGE THAT I AM DOING SOME SHOPPING AND THEN SEE WHO CAN FIND ME AND GIVE ME SUCH MAGNIFICENT BLOG FODDER? I PROMISE YOU THAT ALL THESE STORIES ARE TRUE!
LADY: “How you like these towels? I saw them laying back there and I thought they looked right nice.”
TONJA: “They are very pretty, they’ll look nice for a touch of Christmas in the bathroom.” (they were 2 hand towels, with machine embroidered holly across the front)
L: “Well, I reckon those are Christmas leaves, aren’t they?”
T: Yes, Mam. Looks like holly to me.”
L: “Well, I think I just may use them all the time, ’cause they match that wall paper in the hall bath so well. I think that flower is the same color.” !!!!
T: “Hmmm…if you like the way they match, I think I would just take them home and use them right away.”
L: “I have to wash them first. You don’t know where these things have been. You don’t even know where they come from. Probably overseas from some old dirty factory.You don’t know who’s been touching on these towels. Maybe even some rats been on them or something!”
T: “Well, I sure hope there haven’t been rats on them! This is a very clean store…I don’t think I would worry about that.”
L: “You don’t wash your stuff before you use it? You really don’t know who’s messed with your stuff before you get it home.”
T: “Yes, I always wash new things before I use them. I think that’s a good idea.
L: “You ever been shopping here before? Cause I haven’t…but I think I like it. They got lots of mess in here. I don’t think I like that Steve, though. “
T: “Well, maybe he has just had a hard day. “
L: “No ‘scuse to talk to this young man that way…him and his big belly and his loud mouth!”
EVERYBODY AROUND THE 3 REGISTERS WAS SNICKERING AND GETTING A BIG KICK OUT OF HER … SHE WENT ON
L: “Looks like you think Christmas is a comin’. Got some nice stuff there. ‘Cept those wire things…don’t like those too much.” (some little wire trees…very rustic)
T: Well, yes, I did a little Christmas shopping. I thought I’d get a few things out of the way early. And, I collect these mercury glass balls, and these are really pretty, don’t ya think?”
L: “Hmmmm…I reckon. Let me tell you what I do. Every year, I give the kids and the grands my name. “
T:” You give them your name? “
L: “Yes, I write it down for them. On the bottom of a check! And, it always fits!” (She began chuckling … quite pleased with herself for making a joke)
L: “Do you do all your shopping here?”
T: “No, Mam. But,I like to shop here when I am in B’ham. I don’t live here, and we do not have one of these stores where I live.”
L: “You live close by?”
T: “No mam. I live about 200 miles south of here.”
L: “And you come all this way to shop here?”
T: “Well, not exactly. I brought my son up for some eye surgery, and I thought I just do some shopping while I was here. “
L: “You driving home now? “
T: “Yes, right now. As soon as I get some gas. “
L:” Can you drive in the dark? Cause I can’t. You might have to though if you are going 200 miles. Be sure to turn your lights on. “
T: “I will, and I hope you enjoy your towels. And, don’t forget to wash them first.”
L: (She leaned over to me and whispered so only the 10 closest people could hear)…”RATS, ya know.”
The young man was finished with my things, and I paid him. Then I thanked him for wrapping my fragile items. He said that was what he was supposed to do. I said, “I know, but not everyone does. And I appreciate it.”
L: “Yeah, I bet ya Steve don’t do it that nice!”
And I heard her exclaim as I walked out the door, “Now, you wrap these up real nice, too…or I’ll go tell Steve you want him to come help you!” She was just a snickering.
And, with that, I departed the store. I was about ready to head toward Dothan.
Ian came over and visited me while I was shopping at the Summit. Now, I am not dumb enough to believe it was just to see me…he needed some pants and a sweater…oh, and a t-shirt to wear under it. From JCrew, nonetheless! Oh, these boys and their tricks! Is that a sneaky look, or what?
As for Adam, he was having quite a bit of pain after the surgery. They saw the Dr. and he tweaked something or the other…and wants to see him again in 3 weeks.
Suzanne also had an appointment to keep while she was there, so they took care of that also.
I met up with Suzanne and Adam, and we began to make our way back to Dothan. The hour was late, and I knew my desire to be home close to dark was not to happen. Sweet Suzanne, who can drive like nobody’s business, and who is an excellent, relaxed driver…kept in touch with me through phone. Now, she was perfectly capable of making it home, no sweat. But, her tired, aching, OLD mother-in-law was struggling. I was about 12 miles ahead of her when we started, but we met at McD in Montgomery, and from there, she watched and waited on me all the way home…another 100 miles. She would probably have made it home a lot faster and easier without having to look out for this old woman…BUT, she did…and I love her for it. Adam slept all the way home. And, I found an oldies station and sang my way home!
“Treasure the love you receive above all. It will remain long after gold and health have been lost.” Mandino
In the early 70’s, I think, Mom and Pop took a trip around the world. They were gone for several weeks and travelled with a group led by a pastor/friend. I do not know where all they went, but, some of the places were: Japan, Greece, Thailand, England, with a final stop in Hawaii. Somewhere along the way, Mom bought this beautiful mother-of-pearl piece. As I remember, when she got home she took it to the jewelers and had it set to wear as a pendant.
When Joy and I were going through some of her things, we ran across this. That was the first time I remember seeing it in many, many years. She must not have enjoyed wearing it, I don’t ever recall seeing it on her. And, she was such a tiny lady that I am surprised that she even purchased a piece so big. It is very much like something I would pick out for myself. But, nothing like she would have chosen for herself. She must have seen the beauty in it,though. Something must have caught her eye, and caused her to purchase it. But, what? Perhaps, it was one of those things that was just too beautiful to leave behind. Something that would have stayed in her mind if she had not made it her own.Perhaps, she, like myself, loved the way the light bounces around and through the layers. Maybe she, like myself, just liked the ‘feel’…the weight of it in her hand. I so wish I could ask her about it. One side of it has the faintest golden coloration along the top and bottom. The other side is all cream and grey and iridescence. You can make out an oval marking off to one side. It is obvious it has been formed naturally…layer upon layer. It is smooth all around and has beautiful coloration deep inside. It is weighty and lies perfectly in the palm of my hand. I brought it home and put it on a sterling chain that I already had. It is not as fine as the white gold setting it is in, but it will do for now. Every time I wear it, someone asks about it. It feels good against my skin, and I like the weight of it next to my heart. It is beautiful and I am happy just to have it near me. It is surely a piece that is worthy to be a family heirloom. And, so it shall. I will pass it on to Suzanne, and it will be for her to pass down when the time comes. But, until then, it will stay close to me.
I have never done research on stones and their ‘meanings’ …and I wonder who originally decided on such….or just who, other than God, himself, would be qualified. I certainly do not believe in the ‘power’ that some attach to stones such as crystals. This info came from Wikipedia, and I pass it along merely as an interesting theory.
The Meaning of Mother of Pearl: It signifies faith, charity, and innocence, enhances personal integrity, and helps to provide focus to ones attention. The pearl has been known as a “stone of sincerity”, bring truth to situations and loyalty to a “cause”. It has been used to inhibit boisterous behavior, and to provide a reflection of the self such that one may see the manner in which one appears to others.
This is a great protective stone. It signifies a mother’s love and protection of her child.
WHITE absorbs all the rays and is therefore cooling and restful.
Wear Mother of Pearl for Protection
Mother-of-Pearl helps to stimulate intuition, sensitivity, imagination, and adaptability. It helps with clarity in decision making. Mother of Pearl stirs and awakens the primordial memory of your origin in the infinite ocean of divine love. It stirs this memory in your thoughts, your feelings, and in every cell of your physical body….produces an overall calming effect as it gently stirs the life energy of your cells. Like waves lapping the shore, this stirring is steady, relaxing, and rhythmical.
Now, that is very interesting, indeed…but I put no stock at all in its validity.
HOWEVER…this particular stone does have an effect on me.
It causes me to stop and reflect a moment on the beauty in the natural world. It reminds me that the ‘Great Art of God’ is more beautiful than any that man can attempt to copy. It reminds me that the ‘things of God’ have their own distinctive beauty. It brings to mind the ocean and all the beauty and peace that I find in the rolling waves and soft, white sand. It suggests to me that perhaps my sense of the aesthetic was influenced by my Mother. It reminds me that an ‘eye for beauty’ was a trait my Mom encouraged in me. It reminds me of the wisdom and beauty and grace that was she. It causes my heart to be flooded with memories. It reminds me that I am blessed.
O, the pumpkin! That bright orange orb that shouts of fall…and county fairs, and festivals, and of pumpkin bread and pumpkin pie. Just seeing a grouping of them releases a feeling of home and family and warmth!
So, let’s look at some of the ways people use this mighty vegetable. Today, we’ll look at STACKING them! Enjoy!
This is not a natural occurrence around the Owens’ home, but today, I felt like Suzy Homemaker. All day.
First I loaded up the dishwasher, then washed them, then washed the ones that didn’t get clean in the dishwasher. UGG! That is so ANNOYING to me! And then I put all the wet glasses out on a towel to dry, because the dishwasher DOES NOT DRY THEM!!!
Then, I put up all the remaining decorations from the shower away, and set the table with my pretty acorn dishes.
I bought this great muffin tin last year at Williams-S*n*ma. Strange, I know. Mom was with me when I bought it and I remember her saying, “What are you buying THAT for…you will never use it!” HA! Look what I did, Mom!
Now, I know she would have been immensely prouder of me if I had made the banana bread from scratch, but that would be pushing it juuuuuust a little too far! Besides, this is the only kind of banana bread my family has ever had from me and I wouldn’t want to shock them too bad!
Then I put them in this great piece I got last week with Tina and Shirl. And, I actually felt quite proud! Don’t they look good?
Can you smell them? Yummy!
Why, yes! Yes, they were delicious!
Now, the directions said that you should take 2 of these and spread softened cream cheese on 1 and top with the other. Like a little acorn sandwich! Well, I was feeling all baking goddess like, but there has to be a limit! And, besides I was still in my cuddly sweats and I would have to change to go to the grocery store, and I just couldn’t push myself to do it. And, I haven’t seen many baking goddess types shopping at the W*nn-D*x*e!
And, then came a knock upon my door. And who should come in to sample my baking prowess but my sweet friend, Addison, Patty’s granddaughter. She thought I did really well, too!
And, then I remembered that Alex does not like banana nut muffins. His favs are blueberry. So, I quickly made him a batch while I was still in the kitchen. That was a couple of hours ago. He has just woken up and came into the studio and asked me if I could please make him something sweet to eat. And, right before his eyes, I produced a batch of blueberry muffins! The smile that crossed his face was worth more than all the cute pans in the world!
And that is just about all the steam I can muster up to work in the kitchen today. Hmmm. I have some chicken salad in the refrigerator….wonder if you could make little acorn sandwiches with that? Well, now…I think that sounds like a mighty fine supper. OK…so I’m ODing on domesticity…maybe I’ll just order a pizza!
I am a Christian woman who has survived many years on the planet. God has blessed me with a wonderful family: husband, 3 sons, a dear DIL, and a precious grandson. I also have dear friends to keep me inspired. I am an artist of sorts and am finding my way through the great blessing of retirement. I recently retired after 20 years as a music teacher. Life is good!
My Boys
"All your sons will be taught by the Lord; and great will be their peace." Isaiah 54:13
Read their stories... Adam Alex Ian
Hello, my name is Everly. I am a blogger living in New York. This is my blog, where I post about interior design and decoration. Never miss out on new stuff.
Hello, my name is Everly. I am a blogger living in New York. This is my blog, where I post about interior design and decoration. Never miss out on new stuff.