Chic Cottage Junk

My Son Andrew in South Africa Again

2011-03-01T09:51:00.006-05:00

March 1, 2011 - This is week five of Andrew's six week internship. He still doesn't have word yet about being hired. We are STILL hoping and praying that this results in his dream career! The first photo is Andrew in action. The second is his "hut" or living quarters. It is like a studio apartment inside minus a kitchen. The third photo is of the plains at the wildlife reserve.

The link directly below will take you to the Wildlife Film Academy website. Please select video number 3 (Andrew Juhl) for his short 5 minute film from when he went to The Film Academy two years ago.

http://www.wildlifefilmacademy.com/videos.php

Andrew's Wildlife Film Academy is also below as well as his morning commute last week:

http://vimeo.com/20369018

Antique Secretary Desk Re-Fab(ulous)!

2010-06-29T20:26:00.013-04:00

I know this is selfish because I haven't been on here in forever, but I wanted to post my latest project. I found an antique secretary's desk for $30 bucks at a garage sale. I refinished her in a creamy-dreamy white and now she's a beauty of a Re-Fab(ulous) Secretary Desk!

My Devotions are in the Wrong Place

2010-01-14T16:48:00.004-05:00

I started this blog about eight months ago with trepidation. I had just stumbled upon blogs a short time before starting and I thought they were a great place to share some junky ideas and projects. I had no idea where to start. I've posted some photos, shared a vacation, shared a few ideas, and shared the passing of my Wonderful Father-in-Law.

I've smiled from ear to ear when I read the sweet comments left by some of my "followers" or others in Blog-Land. Or, maybe you lifted me up during our family's loss in November. I mean, who doesn't like positive feedback or to be lifted up during a time of need?

My blog is "under construction" right now. I've tired of my "wallpaper" and my layout. I've tired of the fonts and the colors. I thought that by changing things around with a fresh new look I'd be more inspired to blog daily or at least more often.

But the truth is, I've devoted WAY too much TIME to Blog-Land. My Bible and daily devotions sit in the same place day-after-day while I spend my quiet time in the morning following my blog list that I turn to for inspiration. Where can one get BETTER inspiration than our Bible? I have totally prioritized my list of "to-do"s wrong. I am feeling a bit ashamed.

I have been CHOOSING to pick-up my laptop instead of my Bible. I mean, it is really a choice we make, isn't it? There's this women in my head that speaks rather LOUDLY to me when I reach for my laptop - she says: "Only you can make that choice - it's your Bible or your laptop". Most mornings I consiously CHOOSE to ignore both her and my Bible. My Bible sits there, loyal, faithful and quietly waiting for me. It hasn't given up on me - yet.

I have made the decision (with the help of the woman who speaks loudly in my head) to step away from Blog-Land for awhile. I might be back. I might not. I have more important priorities in my life that need my attention and I need to get back to my basics - My Bible. After all, for us believers, isn't that what Life is all about - leading a life a Faith, Hope and Love? They can all be found in my Bible, and that's where you can now find me each morning - with my Bible and a cup of tea, searching and yearning for the right inspiration for me.

Thanks for your friendship, inspiration and your kindness.

Sue

Under Construction!!

2010-01-07T07:56:00.003-05:00

This page is DEFINITELY under CoNsTrUcTiOn! Get-outta my way - I'm on a mission. I've got to make some changes and I'm starting here. I've got too many pans in the fire, so it may take me a little while, so PLEASE bare/bear (never sure on which spelling) with me. Hold on 'cause this might be a bumpy ride!

Sue

Salt of the Earth Pink Tree

2010-01-01T21:14:00.007-05:00

This tree is in my booth at the Calico Craft Mall. I had it there for Christmas, but planned on leaving it in my booth for Valentine's Day. I made up a dozen or so ornies by putting fake snow in salt shakers and then putting part of a scripture verse on them regarding the "Salt of the Earth". I've sold four or five and had some left so why not see if I can push them for other times of the year.

The owner of the booth asked to put in in the front window to go with her Pink and Red theme. Well, since I have a LOT of pink in my booth, she took about 10-12 of my items for her front of store/window display. What a compliment, but now I've got to get busy making and painting more pink stuff for my own booth! What a problem to have, eh?

Peace on Earth Good Will Toward Men

2009-12-20T14:06:00.004-05:00

I wanted to wish all of my virtual friends a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year too. Thank you, gals, for all of your ideas, inspiration, camaraderie, uplifting words and prayers. I couldn't imagine a year without all of you wonderful women and your very unique personalities and ideas.

Thank-you so much and God Bless you during this CHRISTmas season. Peace on Earth Good Will toward men.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them,

Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:8-14

Sue

I've Been Featured in the Front Window!

2009-12-13T08:32:00.023-05:00

I've made it to the front page of sorts! I've had three of my items displayed in the front window at the Calico Craft Mall that I have a tiny booth in. The JOY sign, the tree in a Red Barrel left/below the sign, and the large Lathe Star to the right and below are all mine. Woohoo!

This "JOY" window is something that I think I subconsciously overpriced so that I'll have to keep it!

My favorite Christmas "Cloche"! I found an adorable pink cardboard house (brand new but I really loved it), attached it to a vintage silver-plated tray, added some vintage bottle brushes that I bleached to a paler shade of green, glued lots of "snow" to the tray and then covered with a huge glass dome-type cloche that I found at GoodWill. Oh, yea, I wired vintage glass white beads in three different sizes together to form a snowman. I made three, sprayed with adhesive spray, rolled them in snow and glitter, and wala - I had a snowman family. It's rather difficult to see them, but they are in the lower left area beneath the trees. Hopefully this will sell as well, but if it doesn't, gosh, I just might have to keep it for myself! I was in the shop the other day and overheard two little boys with their mother. One said "Wow, that's a really big Snow Globe"! I hadn't looked at it like a snow globe before, but it sure does look like one.

These were fast sellers and I didn't make enough, of course. I found some antique lathe strips at the local flea market and assembled five together to form a star.

I even remembered to keep one for myself!

I made the mistake of taking pictures at the shop and the lighting was horrendous! This is my Shabby Chic Pink Christmas tree in an enamelware bucket. Honestly, there are many pink accents including pink miniature lights, a large pink bow, vintage pink glass ornaments, pink beaded garland, pink star, and pink-n-white pinwheel ornaments (new). I've also wired ice-looking picks to many of the branches for some extra shimmer.

My Father-in-Law Left a Wonderful Legacy

2009-11-24T22:21:00.003-05:00

As some of you know, my Father-in-Law has been very ill for the last four months. He lost his battle to many problems including complications after double bypass last month and passed away very peacefully on Sunday. He may have lost the battle - but he won the fight as we know he has finally met our Savior that he has modeled his own life after.

This is the type of man that left a wonderful legacy without even trying. Always kind and gentle, he ALWAYS put everyone before himself - especially his wife of 53 years and his three sons.

I'm not able to put down in words everything that I'd like to as the pain is too fresh, but I did want to pay tribute to Bert Randall, 80 years old, husband to Hazel and father to Danny, Terry, and Gary. May he enjoy his new life in Heaven and may he rest in peace.

Yankee Candle Wood Lid Tutorial - Recycle is Good

2009-11-21T15:52:00.013-05:00

I've been on a quest recently to find out something to do with candle jar lids without dumping them into my recycle bins. So, I managed to come up with one thing for the Yankee Soy Candle wood lids.

I discovered that the wood lids can be separated from the plastic seal and used for crafts. Just use care when cutting the plastic rim.

I tossed the plastic rim into recycle and used the wood disc as the base of a wood candle holder for more stability for a future project. Using E600, I glued the wood disc to the base of the candle holder and I'll use the metal circle for another project. I had just bought a wooden disc at Hobby Lobby for $.99 but with this quick project, I got three wood discs for free just by recycling!

My First Craft Mall Teeny Tiny Booth

2009-11-10T13:07:00.014-05:00

Newsflash:

In the midst of the rat race I'm running, I finally took the plunge and signed a six month lease for a very small space at a relatively new (but very busy) craft mall near me. The Calico Rabbit in Plainwell, MI has a great corner storefront in the middle of their quaint little town. Small

is good for just starting out I think, but I filled it as well as I could. The good news is that the owner invited me to bring in more goodies to overflow in the empty booth next to me. In fact, she said that I could bring in lots more junk and scatter them here and there in a couple more semi-empty booths. She'd rather have things in the spaces and then clear them when the spaces are rented. Sounds grand to me - extra space for me rent free!

Here's a few pictures of my space. The mini lights are pink, great to help highlight Chic Cottage Junk!

It's not very big but I loaded it up! The previous tenant had painted the pegboard brown and I thought it went just fine with the Shabby colors I use.

Life Has Gotten in the Way ...

2009-11-10T12:58:00.002-05:00

As many of you find, Life has a way of - well - of getting in the way. I have been away from home a lot staying with my Mother-in-Law a couple of hours away. After two months of health issues for my Father-in-Law and in-and-out of the hospital, he suffered a heart attack a month ago. After double bypass a month ago today, he has had many set-backs and complications.

Last Wednesday, while going through minor surgery for the insertion of a feeding tube into his stomach, they lost him after his heart and breathing stopped. After 10 minutes of full recessitation including chest compressions on a chest that three weeks earlier endured open heart surgery, the doctors were able to revive him. He has improved over the last week and the decision was made yesterday to transport him to an acute cardiac care rehabilitation facility. At this point he is still stable but is in for a long road of rehab. He is very weak and cannot even feed himself at this point.

I was gone for a week and it feels good to be back home ... for now.

Been Outta the Loop for awhile

2009-09-29T19:28:00.003-04:00

I've been AWOL again, but I've had lots going on and just haven't taken the time to blog. I had my first fall craft show a couple of weeks ago, hurt my back and neck, getting ready for another show Saturday, and Life in General, getting in the way!

I'm just checking in and I wanted to thank Janis Gurney (http://janisgurney.blogspot.com/) JunkDreams for mentioning me and one of my past projects on JunkMarketStyle.com! What a dear! Thank you so much for the mention - and the fact that it was included in the latest email from Junk Market Style! Janis - your Masher Bud Vases are beautiful - and an improvement on mine! Thanks again.

I need to get to bed with some good ole Ben Gay on my neck and shoulder. I've been fighting this "pain-in-the-neck" for a week and a half now and I'm really getting tired of it. It's been pretty painful and has really put me behind in production for my October shows. Dang it all!

Not a whole lot new here I suppose. Andrew's new job at the Vet Hospital is going well and he is really settling in well. First full time job WITH benefits and a good paying job until he gets picked up by National Geographic. Jeremy got a new cast last week and is still fuming that he won't be wake boarding any more this year!

Thanks for your patience while I try to get back to blogging. And thanks to the new followers - I really appreciate you stopping by!

Sue

Mom, I'm gonna be ok so don't freak ...

2009-09-03T21:37:00.004-04:00

Have you ever gotten that phone call from a child that starts out likes this ...

"Mom, I'm gonna be ok so don't freak". Yup, I got that one today. Jeremy, my oldest (three weeks shy of 28) called me from the emergency room this morning and started the conversation with the previous line. Of course, as a mother, I had to freak just because he told me not to. Actually, I didn't freak, but I knew it was going to be bad. He was wake boarding this morning when he "bit it" or "wiped out" or "biffed". Whatever you want to call it, it wasn't good.

While falling, he hit his forearm on his knee - and you guessed it - he broke his arm. Not a fracture - broke it all the way through. Not a clean break - a bad break. A jagged break. So, they put him out to set it and then put on a pretty white cast. That will hold him until next week when he will ultimately have surgery to put a shiny new plate in his arm. Not to freak, mind you, just the typical phone call a mother might get from a 28 year old who likes extreme sports!

I'm glad my younger son was driving the boat and was able to take him to emergency. Andrew took him home, detailed the boat and got it covered for the night when he took a bad fall on the dock. Andrew's belongings flew out of pockets and his cell phone landed - well, where else might it land? You guessed it - in the lake. (Jeremy put two iPhones in the lake too) Lakes and cell phones are not a good combination. So, Andrew had to go to work tonight filming a high school football game and will stand for several hours with undoubtedly a sore back side.

So, it's been a rough day around here ...

I'm Not Sure Who was More Scared ...

2009-08-31T20:59:00.005-04:00

So...I have this little friend...I call him Chic Munk...yeah, I know that they are called chipmunks, but I like Chic Munk, it just sounds cuter. And he is cute! He is DARLING cute! He sneaks into the garage when I'm painting my junk and then scurries out when I mover around the garage and accidently frighten him. He helps himself by sitting right in the middle of one of our bird feeders and stuffing his little CHIC Munk CHEEKS full of bird seed and sunflower seeds.

So last week I was taking one of my flower walks ... you know the walk ... where you WALK slowly among your flower beds and admire the calming beauty that flowers offer. I heard Chic Munk scurry up the down spout above my rain barrel. He likes to perch on the rain barrel and run up the spout when he sees me. It's just a cute GAME we play - just me and Chick.

Anyway, I ran to get my camera because I could see a photo opportunity unfolding. I was in the middle of my "photo shoot" when I decided to get really close when he ran into the spout again. I moved the decorative trellis thingy in front of the spout a little for a better view up the spout - the trellis bumped against the camera - which scared Chic - and then he scared me!!! I smacked my wrist on the trellis and instantly one of the veins inside my wrist burst open inside.

The pain and the fire inside my wrist almost took me to my knees. My husband was out of town with his parents (FIL in hospital) and I had to call him to ask if I was going to bleed inside to death - should I go to emergency. In the scope of what he was dealing with regarding his father, my blood filled wrist was probably not an emergency. But to me it was. I resorted to icing it several times that night and I'm fine now, just a little tender in the area.

You'll have to look closely to find Chic Munk, but he really is there!

Rainy Friday with a Previous Project ...

2009-08-28T08:10:00.003-04:00

Potato Masher Bud Vases ...

Flea Market Style Give-away!

2009-08-26T22:51:00.003-04:00

Be sure to check out the Flea-Market lined cart give-away at the Flea Market Style Bog today! The contest ends Sunday, so hurry over to the new blog and read about the brand new magazine coming out next spring.

Roadside Rescue ... Empty Sewing Machine Tables

2009-08-23T10:07:00.006-04:00

So, I was lying in bed the other night reading the recent JR posts on my laptop when my CELL PHONE rang. It was only about 8 pm, but sometimes I just feel like getting HORIZONTAL a little early and either read or watch tv. Anyway, back to the story, I ran to the phone (hoping that both adult sons were ok) and discovered that it was one of my DH's co-workers. Hmmm, what on earth could she be calling on MY cell phone for? She's an ANGEL - did you hear me? An ANGEL! She was driving a couple of miles from my house when she called - she just saw four bedside TABLES or end TABLES on the side of the road with a FREE sign on them. When she told me where they were I KNEW exactly what they were without seeing them. I had been to a BARN sale two weeks in a row at that house and they were selling dozens of old sewing machines and cabinets. I figured that these were SEWING MACHINE CABINETS (and I was right!) So, I pealed off my JAMMIES, threw on some clothes, and SNUCK out of the house with DH still sound asleep in bed. I hurried down to the house, JUMPED out of the car, and within about two minutes, I had three of those suckers CRAMMED into my car! I got back home, snuck back into the house, slipped back into JAMMIES and slid into bed. My DH hadn't even rolled over! I'll post an update when I get them converted to either pet beds, kitty-litter concealers, or end tables. I have to let the ideas ferment in my mind before I dive in.

More Garden Tour

2009-08-17T20:22:00.003-04:00

These are from my "Bird Santuary"...

Garden Tour

2009-08-16T19:07:00.005-04:00

I took some new pics of my yard the other day and I thought I'd put them here for SAFE keeping. I started with two flower beds in which I planted perennials that I got free on Freecycle, mostly from a local Master Gardner (Thank-you Barb P. from Dowagiac, MI). As you know, perennials like to REPRODUCE and with over-flow from the original two beds, I now have seven ADDITIONAL beds. I also have a very large area on a hill that all of my over-flows go to for sort of a MEADOW type bed. This is also where I pull from to start MORE beds! A girl can't have too many flower beds in my opinion!

2009-08-12T07:21:00.002-04:00

Vintage muffin pans don't always have to hold muffins. I painted this one a soft pink and then added mint green in every-other cup and around some of the edges of the pink cups and the outside edge. I sanded it as I would a wood piece to shabby it up a bit. The colors look good enough to eat!

Doesn't it look much better as a jewelry tin or trinket tin?

My First Window Greenhouse!

2009-08-06T21:00:00.003-04:00

We were so pleased with the outcome and plan to build a few more for my Garden Tour and Chic Cottage Junk sale in June of next year. Please check back periodically for updates on our Garden Tour and Sale!

2009-08-06T20:58:00.004-04:00

We used four very tall (5.5') windows for the sides and door and two smaller windows for the roof. We framed it in on the inside, added two handles on two sides for moving about the yard, and two iron shelf brackets at the peak of the roof for a little character and added support. Isn't this just the neatest greenhouse - we call it our phone booth and even added a pay phone for even more uniqueness. I plan to really start my plants in it next spring.

2009-08-06T20:58:00.002-04:00

Ok, so I've been AWOL for a couple of weeks while I've been busy around the yard completing a few projects. My latest and greatest is my first window greenhouse. I happened to acquire a few dozen windows recently and, at the urging of my junkin' buddy JunkerMidge, I attempted my first greenhouse with the help of my DH Gary.

Today's Junk Finds - Favorite Thrifty Hang Out

2009-07-22T18:11:00.005-04:00

I was so excited to take a little adventure today. I visited my local GW and my absolute FAVORITE thrift store and found some treasures - of course! At the thrift store, I found some great vintage silver plated items - A beauty of a tea pot ($2.50), sugar and creamer (.50/pair), serving tray ($1), and a casserole holder (.50) minus the glass casserole. I'll use the casserole holder for chimes and possibly the tea pot as well. Or, the tea pot may become part of a Christmas display (yes - I said CHRISTMAS not holiday - please don't call the politically correct police). Some old wooden coasters (.50) will get shabbied up a bit with paint, set of 4 brandy glasses ($1.50) will become cloches, some china pieces for mosaics that I'll start on soon, some other glass pieces (about .50 each), a grapevine type swag ($2.50 for about 16') will become little nests in cloches and wine glasses, among a few other things. I love the 2 pink sheers ($4.00) and I'll use them in my craft booth near my Shabby Chic junk at upcoming fall shows. Grand total for this haul was only $22.00! I LOVE it all.

Deer in the Garden

2009-07-18T21:44:00.002-04:00

This little cutie spends time frolicking in the river and then spends time frolicking in the flower gardens eating off the tops of my flowers! Yesterday I stood in my kitchen making a pie while one of her babies watched me without my knowing. When I looked up, we met eyes and when I went to get my camera, the baby was gone. I went out to move the sprinkler in one of my flower beds awhile later and we startled each other again. The little stinker was eating flower tops again!

Tricked-Out Silverplated Pink Compote

2009-07-16T20:42:00.004-04:00

This is an older project, but thought I'd post it anyway. I used an old silverplated compote, shabbied it up with a bit of pink paint, & distressed the edges for more Shabby Chic appeal. I then wove a length of mint green ribbon through the filigree openings, added an old pink glass broach & some glass prisms for some BLING.

Junk Haul from Last Week

2009-07-15T20:46:00.006-04:00

Here are a few of the things I got last week, including an old clock with hands but no movement pieces on the back, a wire wall basket, an old wooden perpetual calendar, a vintage wood 3-shelf deally backed by a mirror, lots of glass pieces for totems, an old candy tin with sewing notions and my favorite & a keeper - an old metal stool similar to what you might find in a laboratory. The seat was shiny chrome with a couple of rusty glass rings. I sprayed poly on the seat to preserve the rust - YES - to preserve the rust! There's plenty to keep me a little busy with this stuff!

FREE WINDOWS

2009-07-13T21:39:00.003-04:00

I cannot wait to start some painting projects with them. I took them all to my junk storage rental to let them dry off for a few days. I'll make some into chalkboard/corkboard message centers and also paint some Americana Flags on the single paned ones. Then I'll cart them off to some of the shops I sell in and save the rest for the fall Arts & Crafts shows that I'll be in. Woohoo!

FREE WINDOWS

2009-07-13T21:33:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I hit the jackpot on free old wood framed windows. I posted a "wanted" on Craiglist and had only one reply. A guy had remodeled his house and put new windows in. Long story short, I got 14 free windows for future projects. Six windows had 3 panes and six had single panes. It took two hours today, a hose, 4 buckets of Murphy's Oil Soap, Comet, a Magic Eraser and a scrub brush to get the filth off them.

Take the Time to Help Someone Get to Where They are Going...

2009-07-10T07:25:00.006-04:00

Yesterday morning I went out to get some paint at the hardware store. When I came out, an elderly lady (picture white hair, frail, maybe 85 years old) was just pulling into the spot next to me when I started backing out. She kind of waved me over to her car so I turned my engine off and walked over to her window. She asked me how to get to a road that was about 15 miles away. She actually had tears in her eyes when she told me that she was a little confused and wasn't sure how to get there. This frail, petite lady was dressed to the nines and looked like she was a very prim and proper little gal.

I asked her if she wanted to take the highway or the back-roads. Again, with tears in her eyes, she replied that she couldn't take the highway. (Now, this was not on my agenda, I had flowers to plant and pieces to paint). I told her that I would be driving south for a mile or so and where I turned right - she should turn left and stay on that road for about 15 miles and it would take her right to the road that she wanted to go to. I thought she was going to cry right there! Finally, I said, I'll drive to the very road that she wanted to go to and she could follow me. With big tears in her eyes, she couldn't thank me enough for taking the time to go out of my way to get her there. We traveled along, me leading, her following, until we got about a mile away from the road that she wanted to get to. She evidently started recognizing the streets and we were passing and found the road that would lead her to her destination, and turned off.

I'm sure you know the feeling that I got - she thought that I was doing her a favor, when instead, she was doing me a favor. Someday I may be wearing her shoes. a bit confused, and need someone else to take the time out of their busy day to help me get to where I'm going.

While I was out where I didn't have plans to be yesterday, I hit a few garage sales that netted me some pretty nifty things - so the trip was certainly meant to be!

JunkerMidge T-Shirt Giveaway!!

2009-07-07T21:00:00.004-04:00

My friend JunkerMidge is giving away a free I heart Junk T-Shirt so be sure to check out her cool blog for your chance to win!!

http://refunctionjunktion.blogspot.com/2009/07/my-first-giveaway-hope-it-fits-you-to.html

2009-07-02T21:41:00.002-04:00

Contents of $2 box! Lots of mugs and dishes and a couple of pieces of Spode Christmas Tree! Also a vintage Thermos with a red cup lid and a cork stopper that I've never seen before.

30 Hay Wagon Estate Sale Today!

2009-07-02T21:22:00.004-04:00

I ventured off the couch after being sick all week and at the urging of lots of my junking buddies at the Junk Revolution, I headed to an Estate sale where the load everything up on haywagons and park them all over the front yard, side yard and back yard. Their barn was also full of antique furniture and goodies.

This was most of my haul for the day.

Large picture frame $1

Small picture frame 50¢

White frame 50¢

Mesh wire book stand $1

Small square table $1

Wood doll bed $1

Tweed sewing machine case 50¢

Samsonite aqua train case with sewing notions $2

Box of Therm-o-ware + other junk $4

Box of junk $2 which contained 2 pieces of Spode Christmas Tree among other goodies

Turquoise rimmed enamelware double boiler $6

5 or 6 pieces of silverplate $2

Green vintage cash box $1

Vintage electric alarm clock 50¢

Box of hinges and knobs 25¢

2 vintage drawing compasses 50¢ each

3 burlap looking tabbed valances 25¢ each

Ceiling medallion 10¢

various other goodies about $2

2009-07-01T09:02:00.002-04:00

Well, this blogging stuff hasn't gone the way I had hope it would. It seems like one thing after another has kept me away. Right after our trip to Alaska, I had eye surgery that kept my vision fluctuating for a couple of weeks. Then, I've not been working on a single project since before we left for Alaska so there's nothing new in that category. Saturday night I came down with a bad case of the flu or food poisoning that has really kicked my butt. I've been in bed or on the couch since 3:00 am Sunday morning and I'm getting sick and tired of being sick and tired darn it!

I don't have any new projects so I'll try to post some garage sale finds from a couple of weeks ago...coming soon.

2009-06-17T21:28:00.002-04:00

Sorry I've been gone for awhile, but I had lasik eye surgery last week and haven't been on the computer much. My focus is in and out a bit at times so that's my excuse for being awol!

I'll be busy over the weekend out of town for Father's Day. I hope you all have Fathers to be grateful for whether here to celebrate with or waiting for you in Heaven. I have very fond memories of my childhood and I am so grateful to my Father (and Mother waiting for me in Heaven) for bringing up six Irish Catholic children so well. The greatest gift that they ever gave us was the Gift of Love.

Thank you and Happy Father's Day Dad and all of the other father's out there.

Mt. McKinley or Mt. Denali as the natives call it

2009-06-09T08:38:00.004-04:00

This is what everyone was there to see - The North Face of Mt. McKinley inside Denali National Park. Because it's so high at 20,320 feet, there's usually cloud cover & you might never get to see her like this. We were lucky & she was "out" on one of the 3 days that we were there. What looks like clouds/snow is actually McKinley. This picture can't come close to giving you a good idea of how big it is!

Glacier Bay

2009-06-09T08:27:00.004-04:00

Ok, I'm adding a few more pictures today - just a few at a time as to not be too overwhelming! This one was taken at the heart of Glacier Bay. You can see the beautiful aqua blue tones that the ice has taken on. Glacier Bay was absolutely gorgeous and we spent quite a few hours here. One of the favorite parts of the trip. We went out on our balcony at around 5:30 am, but DH was out there much earlier as he couldn't sleep. Sunrise was 4:12 am! Anyway, we stayed out on our balcony for about 11 hours that day. We went for breakfast and a quick lunch and didn't go to dinner until about 7:00 pm. It was just spectacular!

Bald Eagle

2009-06-08T20:06:00.006-04:00

The Top left photo shows a few eagles in a tree that seemed to be their favorite perch in the area. At times there were 8 or 9 eagles in the tree.

These two landed in the water at the same time for the same piece of fish & they did end up colliding!

Moose at Denali Nat'l Park

2009-06-08T20:03:00.003-04:00

Here's another one...a juvenile Moose at Denali National Park. He just stood by the side of the road while we sat on a bus taking pictures of him. He was just so darn cute!

This is what Vancouver looks like at 5:00 am on Monday, May 24, 2009

2009-06-08T05:33:00.002-04:00

This was taken early the morning we embarked on the ship. About 20 minutes after I took this, I threw my back out (lifting the toilet seat!) and was in severe pain. I couldn't believe that I had hurt my back. We hadn't even gotten on the ship yet! I had to take a muscle relaxer (they always travel with me) some Tylenol, and something for anxiety and went back to bed for an hour. I also had my sticky back things that act as a heating pad stuck to your body and of course put one of those on. I was doped up and drowsy, but the pain was finally manageable.

The Island Princess - Home for 8 days...

2009-06-08T05:31:00.001-04:00

Our mini-suite w/balcony...DH in mirror!

2009-06-08T05:28:00.000-04:00

We're Back....From our trip of a lifetime to Alaska!

2009-06-08T05:11:00.002-04:00

This is just a quickie for now... it's 5:12 am on Monday morning. Our jet lag to/from Alaska has our sleeping a bit confused and I've been awake for a couple of hours now. I figured I might as well post a few pictures (of the 1200+ we took) of our fantastic trip to Alaska. I'll continue this for awhile since there was so much to see and do...

Alaska Here We Come!

2009-05-24T07:36:00.001-04:00

This might be my last post for a couple of weeks as we leave shortly for Vancouver and then on our cruise to Alaska. We're on the ship for 7 nights and then in Alaska for 4 nights so we won't be back for a couple of weeks. So, I'll write lots when we get back, as well as post lots of pictures.

Keep on junkin!

Sue

A Little Road Trip on Thursday

2009-05-22T09:09:00.008-04:00

I went to visit my youngest son Andrew yesterday in Mid Michigan so I got to take a little road trip. He lives about an hour and 40 minutes from me via the express-ways, but I just love to take back roads to see him. So, that's what I did yesterday. I didn't have my camera with me or I would have lots of pictures of barns and farmhouses. That's one of the main reasons I love to take the back roads - that and the fact that I can drive slower and really enjoy the drive. The back roads to his house is usually about an hour longer but it suites me just fine.

We went to lunch at a nice Irish joint near the Capitol Building in Lansing because we were in the mood for some slow time to just visit before my trip to Alaska with my DH. It was great to spend the afternoon with Andrew because we still have catching up to do after his 5 week trip to South Africa for Wild Life Film Academy. Jeremy, my oldest, was hoping to meet us too, but scheduling conflicts (taking out his new wake board boat was a little more fun!) kept him busy. So, it was great to spend time with Andrew yesterday.

I woke this morning at 3:30 am and could not get back to sleep. So, I got up and watched tv...and to check the weather in Alaska for the 10-day forecast on my laptop. I'm praying that the weather-person will do some switching around because I don't like the rainy 50 degreeish weather they are forecasting right now! We have an excursion planned right now for May 27 that entails going out on a crab fishing boat (from the Deadliest Catch - first season) and rainy and 51 seems a bit chilly for such an event. Then, on June 3 we are planning to take a helicopter ride over glaciers near Mt. McKinley and then landing on one of the glaciers for a 15 minute walk. PLEASE, LORD, if you see fit, can you just re-arrange the weather forecast a bit for us? Thank you so much...

So, anyway, I was awake until 6:30 am, then went back to bed for a nap. I've decided that the funny feeling in my stomach (that Tums wouldn't help) could be anxiety. Could I be anxious for this vacation-of-a-lifetime?!?!?! Are you kidding? Of course I'm anxious, but I don't want a tummy ache. : ) I'll have plenty to keep me busy today getting things done before we fly on Sunday. I'd better get off the couch and get moving on my to-do list for today which includes mowing the lawn. So, 'nuff for now!

I just received a Major Award!

2009-05-20T08:00:00.002-04:00

My junkin friend Midge Having fun with Junk (and Life in general) gave me a Major Award (for you Christmas Story followers!) I can't say that I've received any awards since I was a flight attendant 13 years ago so I accept this one graciously. Midge received her award from her friend Kathy from the blog --Sylvia's Vintage Daughter. I hope that I do Midge well and promised to continue being Kreative while growing my blog here.

The receiver of this award must do 4 things:

1.) List 7 things that you love

2.) Link back to the blog that awarded this to you

3.) Choose 7 blogs to pass the award on to

4.) Comment at each of those blogs to let them know you've given them an award

And now, for the seven things I love ...

1.) First and foremost, I love God and the life He has provided for me.

2.) My family is a close second - my DH Gary and my two sons who have made me proud. Jeremy, my oldest, is an Air Traffic Controller at Detroit Metro Airport. Andrew is my aspiring Film Student and just completed a course at Willdlife Film Academy in South Africa.

3.) My parents and 5 siblings and all of my very large Irish Catholic family!

4.) Crisp Autumn sweatshirt days and exciting green-filled spring days. Also, all of the other wonderful days that God has given us.

5.) Nature - all of it. My DH calls me a tree-hugger but I haven't prevented any trees from being cut down anywhere. I am just one of those gals that loves being outdoors in any season. I've hiked in 18 inches of snow. I've camped in a tent with 4 feet of snow and windchills -27. I've tented in the woods for several days by myself in my younger days. I just LOVE nature.

6.) House-wife - I am very blessed and thankful that I am a HOUSE-WIFE. After being divorced for 19 years and raising 2 boys (with equal help from their father and step-mother) I remarried, relocated, lost my job due to downsizing, and I now love being a house-wife. Can you see that I've used the word house-wife several times...

7.) Creativity. Because I've been blessed to have some free time, I LOVE to go junkin! I try to put a creative spin on things I buy and make them much more appealing then their previous life. My girlfriend calls me and asks if I'd like to go "treasure hunting" with her. I love the term, but I call her and ask her if she wants to go "junkin"! Creativity and Junkin go hand in hand!

And now to pass the award on to 7 other blogs. The 7 blogs I'm passing this award on to are:

1.) G.I.Junker

2.) Margo's Junkin' Journal

3.) A day in the life of a hillbilly

4.) magpie cottage

5.) Beyond The Picket Fence

6.) It's an Evolution

7.) Junk-Fest

Getting Giddy for our Cruise!

2009-05-17T18:47:00.004-04:00

Well, what a nice finish to the weekend. Weather is beautiful, sunny and about 55 degrees. I'm getting giddy for our cruise a week from today. I just finished putting all of our travel documents together and re-reading our itinerary. We will have lots to do while we are gone, but hope that when we are at sea we get plenty of rest and relaxation. We are taking a few books and magazines and of course, our i-pods to listen to some good Christian Contemporary music.

That's all for today, I just wanted to check in...

Sue

2009-05-14T08:40:00.012-04:00

Hello & welcome to my blog page. I've decided to join the 21 Century and try my hand at blogging. I'm not really sure what I'll do with this blog, but I thought it might be a good place to record my Junking stuff, talk trash, and just have a little fun while journaling. I know, it takes about three weeks of repetition to turn something into a habit, so I hope that I can make this blogging stuff a habit and not just an unfinished project. I have PLENTY of unfinished projects in my basement thank you very much!

Today is Friday and a very welcome one at that. Last Saturday was my first Outdoor Spring Arts & Craft Show and I'm still recuperating from almost 5 solid weeks of painting and redesigning lots of junk preparing for the show. I rose early each morning for the last three weeks and stayed up WAY past my bedtime trying to get things done. It was fun and well worth it for sure. I sold double what I have sold at fall and winter shows so I'm quite pleased. I just spent the week cleaning out the garage and taking items to two different resale shops. Now I get to redirect my attention to final preparations for our two-week cruise to Alaska.

We leave for Vancouver on Sunday, May 24 and then Monday, May 25 we embark on our two week vacation that includes a 7 night cruise. We stop in the ports of Ketichan, Juneau, and Skagway. Then we hit land in Whittier, board a train, and travel to Denali National Park for three nights. Our last night is in Anchorage before we fly back to Michigan. My husband and I are really looking forward to two weeks away from reality. We are celebrating our anniversary while onboard which makes this trip even more special to us.

I'll be sure to post pictures when we get back home. Alaska has been on the top of my list of "to-do" before I'm too old to enjoy it so it is really exciting to finally see this dream become reality.

Anyway, hopefully I'll stick to this blog and have some neat memories later down the road. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your visit.