"C" Christmas

Yes I know, I should be blogging on "D", but I've taken a short break for minor surgery and a bought with a winter cold.
Christmas Season is a blessed time for all of us as we remember and celebrate the birth of Christ.

Many years ago a candy maker wanted to make a candy that would symbolize the true meaning of Christmas JESUS.
The hard candy was shaped like a "J" to represent that Jesus is our rock of all ages. The candy was made of white to stand for the pureness of JESUS. the red represents the blood that Jesus shed to save us from out sins.
The next time you see a candy cane hanging from the hooked end take a minute to turn it over to remember the real meaning of Christmas. JESUS

Let is remember that Christ is the Reason for the Season and greet others with "Merry Christmas".

"D" Disaster Relief

This blog will deviate from writing and crafts, however many of the stories that I heard and my experiences should be recorded. I deployed with Texas Baptist Men, Disaster Relief to Manchaca, Texas, south of Austin, to assist in clean up and recovery after flash flooding destroyed or damaged over 2,000 homes.

.

I served as part of the feeding team. I've never experienced disaster relief cooking in a commercial style church kitchen. What a pleasure to be inside and not under a tent from 4:30 .A.M. until 7:30 P.M with short breaks. During the three weeks that TBM were deployed we served 1,740 meals to the volunteers who cleaned homes.

This is one of the many homes where the family took refuge in the attic and had to be cut out. Water flowed over the window sills. Many family left the area and had not yet returned to clear damaged furniture from their homes. Our clean out crews cut out sheet rock, pulled insulation, removed furnishings and sprayed for mold. One hundred twelve projects were completed.

Another Baptist group at a different location completed 37 clean up jobs and served 39,000 meals to the volunteers and to the public.

We work together for the Lord.

Miles of roadsides were piled with evidence of flash flooding. Onion Creek had risen 41 feet in a matter of hours. I talked to a homeless man who lived with his wife and son in a tent that was washed away. They survived by tying themselves 30 feet up in a tree. Another told of cars being washed down the street in rising water and when they banked against a home the cars were swept over the roof.  Many homes have been condemned for demolition.

We were blessed by this sign and by the gratitude and thanks given by home owners. Each family was given a Bible and were included in prayer for recovery.

I returned home on Saturday. Yesterday I learned of the tornadoes that devastated the Midwest. I'm preparing for another call out to do what ever I can to help others.

Upps, another "C"

Christmas and Conventions.
Last week I was able to hold a book signing at a local Christmas bazar. Over 30 venders of crafts, antiques, and collectibles were able to show and sell their wear.

 The bazar was held in the ware house of a large local import store in conjunction with a traditional First Thursday antiques street fair.
Writers and crafters. Now is the time to put on your salesperson's hat and get those products out there.

I set up my booth with not only my books but with my daughter's six titles. We venders would have liked to have seen more traffic, but most of us sold well. This was the first time this particular store has hosted a crafts fair. I enjoyed meeting other interested crafters and writers.

 

My only complaint was that the live band was too close and too loud!

 

Yesterday I attended the Bayou Writer's Guild writer's conference in Lake Charles, La. This panel of our seven excellent speakers concluded the day with a question and answer session. We were given much advice and encouragement from all. Third from the right is DiAnn Mills a Christian writer of over 60 published books. She and the others shared their expertise.

 

I was fortunate to be able to pitch a manuscript to two agents and an editor. All three were encouraging. One invited me to send the completed manuscript for further evaluation.
Pray that they will accept it for publication!

 

Writers brought their books to sell in the book room. These three writer friends are taking their turn manning the store. My books are to the right.

 

I know I've digressed from the original intent of blogging "Dare to Dabble", but that's life. Tomorrow I deploy with Disaster Relief to assist in clean up and recovery in some of the 200 homes that were flooded south of Austin. I'm sure the next blog - when ever I can get to it - will be about Disaster Relief.

"D" Dangers of Dabbling

One of the dangers of Dabbling is not being able to keep up with the schedule you set for yourself. I'm guilty. Last Saturday I was in Dallas at a Texas Baptist Men's Open House that included Disaster Relief information. I returned late and the following week I couldn't squeeze in Blog time.

 Yesterday, I joined three other authors with Bayou Writers from Lake Charles, LA at the Louisiana Book Festal to sign and sell our books. To reach Baton Rouge, LA. I had to get up at 4:00 AM and hit the road. What we don't do for our passions.




 We met many authors and visited booksellers form LA and beyond. One of the authors is also a professor at an LA college. She assigned her students a field trip to the fair and instructed them to visit her at our booth and sign up as proof that they were there.  What an excellent way to get young people to experience culture.

 

Crafters were displaying their wares with gusto and such a variety that I spent much time away from our booth to explore and look for ideas. Oh, no, I'm in danger of trying something new!

I wasn't tempted to adopt a dog, but the young man seems quite taken with this lovable black and white fellow. Notice the dog's "Adopt Me" vest. There were also kittens looking for forever homes. I see story ideas.......

Now, what's this? A camel in front of the state capitol? What a story could be developed here.

 

Challenge: Why don't you dare to dabble by visiting a large farmer's market, trade days, or common market to look for story ideas or to investigate what crafts are trend setters or fads.

"C" Crafts"

          I'm pleased to have a wonderful relationship with the librarians at our local library. Not only are they helpful when I ask crazy questions or try to find weird material, but they encouraged me to share my latest book, "Dare to Dabble" with library patrons.

 



         Crafters brought samples of their work to show and share. We agreed that creative people are involved in many different areas of interest and love the challenge of trying out new ideas, techniques and materials.

 

         Creativity isn't a hobby. It's a lifestyle, a passion. Creative people aren't happy unless they are doing something. We want to learn something about everything.

 

         Creating handcrafts, the making of useful and decorative objects, is a way of  providing for our own needs by our own hands and provides satisfaction and joy in the doing.

 

 

         These ladies are looking over some of the crafts items that were shared at the library. Crochet, stitchery, jewelry making, hand made greeting cards and book binding were some of the projects enjoyed by all.

         Here is an impressive variety of novelty greeting cards. Scrapbooking has made a comeback from the photo albums filled with black pages and photos inserted into black corner stickers.

 

 

       This jeweler is showing an ivory necklace. She is standing behind my book display fronted by my quilted skirt. To her right is a display of some of the many crafts books found in the library.

        Crafting provides a sense of accomplishment. In addition, research is showing that the onset of dementia and Alzheimer's is delayed by keeping the brain active by new learning.

        Be proud you are a creative thinker, a crafter or writer, even if you don't finish everything you start. You're attracted to a project that challenges you and are finished when you've reached that
 "ah ha" moment.

Challenge: Try your hand at a craft you have not made before of combine two or more of your favorite crafts into something original.
Writers, photograph and take notes as you create a project with the goal of writing a "how-to" article.

Websites: artsandcrafts. about.com      festivalnet.com     craftmasternews.com

"C" Children

Children, yours or children belonging to others, and perhaps grandchildren of all ages (both stinkers and adorable) have been a part of your life. Your own child hood memories are open for stories.

 Kids are such excellent topics for stories. Capture embarrassing, silly, memorable moments as they hap  happen. Be a reporter interview the kids. These little divas are enjoying a diva-spa birthday party. Look closely at the different expressions and personalities. Don't you wish you knew what they were thinking?

 

Two of my grandsons flank my oldest daughter. How they've changed and grown up. When writing about children, don't limit yourself to youngsters.

Review old photos for a nudge to start a list of family adventures.

 
 
As a retired teacher, I have years of interaction with children of all ages for stories. I like to photograph children. These two darlings are my grand daughters. When you photograph unrelated children, be sure to ask parents permission and if you think you might publish the photo you will need a model's release signed by the parent.

Crafters be very aware of the trends and favorites of children. So many new TV shows have spun off toys, clothing and related items that I have to ask the kids what's "hot" today.

Challenge: How are children influencing the market? Do you like or dislike what you see for children? What is the appeal?
Writers use one of the above photos for a story starter.
Crafters design a toy or logo (for a t-shirt) from a children's story book. Design a child's quilt.

Websites: globalissues.org/article/237/children-as-consumers

Next Saturday I'm hosting a book signing for "Dare to Dabble" at the local library. We are encouraging crafters to show and share examples of their crafts as we discuss creativity.

"B" Birthday

I interrupt my Dabbling Blog for a Special Announcement!!

October 2, 2013 was my mother's 95th Birthday.

Saturday, October 5, we celebrated with 45+ relatives from the far corners of Texas and Louisiana crammed into her home for lunch.

After the meet and greet we were joined by friends at West End Baptist Church for the main celebration with cake and lots of visiting.

As hostess and server I was not able to take many pictures. Here my mom's youngest sister is crowning her with a tiara.

I wish to thank all of you for flowers, cards and your friendship. And for making this a wonderful, memorable day for Mother.

"B" Books

 BOOKS. No matter whether  paperback or traditional hardcover or e-readers, books and reading are experiencing a revival. I love the feel of smooth papers, the smell of ink and the heft of a physical book. My own library has taken over shelves in several rooms in my house and overflows into the bathroom and on the floor by my bed. And this is after I've culled and donated non-keepers.

You may prefer e-readers for the ease of carrying thousands of free titles. I delight dropping into the library to peruse the new titles. I may be attracted to a catchy title, drawn to the author or enchanted by the cover design. Who else has enjoyed this book? Who slipped it into her/his book bag, stayed up late to discover the villain or cried over the lost love?
 I don't feel connected to other readers of e-readers.

My reading partner of 14 years insists on adding his two cents worth. He's saying that it's time for me to give him some attention.

 

 Books stir memories of reading with a flashlight under the covers, sitting on Mom's lap or in a tree with a favorite book.

 

Periodically I buy used books for reference from thrift stores or library sales. So many gently "loved-up" tomes are being abandoned that I've become interested in creative uses for discarded books.

I used book binding techniques to repurpose covers for journals. The two on the left are covered with pressed leaves. One is covered with a map. and the other is bound with handmade paper that includes bits of marigolds. some of the photos, illustrations and text from the original books, I used in scrapbooking. How do you dispose of used books?

 

This travel journal was created by covering a three ring binder with a collage of fabric and then embellishing it with beadwork. The Internet has many sites for repurposing books into birdhouses, tote bags, planters, shelves, lamp bases and much more.

 

Challenge: Interview the owners of a mom-and-pop book store or a resale book shop. What are you predictions for large chain book stores with e-readers be coming so popular?

 

Crafters, use an old book or parts of a book in your craft or text as a theme.

 

Websites: craftingsquidoo.com      1800recycling.com    recycleabook.com  

 

Beaders commented that workspace and storage were a problem and that a magnifying system and good lighting were essential. They also related on the fun of taking apart old junk jewelry to  remake into contemporary pieces.

"B" Beading

Beads and Beading
 Decorative hollowed-out objects have been strung together for at least 5,000 years. Most cultures have used beads made from shell, wood or soft stone for adornment, as good luck talismans, or for religious purposes.

The necklace on the right was created by stringing small turquoise, coral and silver beads on soft silver wire. I crocheted the wire picking up a bead between each stitch. Three crocheted stands were then plaited together. The other necklace used the same technique with jet stones and silver beads.

The availability of a vast variety of beads and beading books for jewelery making abound in crafts stores. You will be tempted to create complex designs. Why not recycle old jewelry by restringing it?



 

 Applique beading is tedious and requires good eyesight, patience and a magnifying glass. The flower design and the solid white background of this Native Alaskan dance dress was created with seed beads each sewn individually on the yoke of the elk skin dress.

 

Another form of beading uses a loom and is familiar as beaded belts and hat bands seen in Southwest native bead work.

 

Would you have the patience to attempt applique beading?

 



I embellished this loon wall hanging with seed and bugle beads to enhance the cut out silhouette design. It took a blue ribbon in the Alaskan State Fair.

You can enhance many crafts projects with beading, create distinctive jewelry, and even create your own beads. 

Challenge: Make beads from rolled paper. Cut paper into long tapering triangles. Roll the strip, starting at the wide end of the triangle, around a toothpick. Apply a thin layer of glue to the remaining paper and continue to roll the strip of paper into a cylinder. Remove the toothpick. String the beads.
You could cut large beads from seeds, nuts or twig. Drill holes for stringing.

Writers. Does your character have a favorite necklace, ring, or bracelet? Why?

Websites: beadage.net.       freepatterns.com             auntiesbeads.com

Comments on baskets included many who collect unusual baskets and use them in their homes.
No one reported seeing my mystery basket.

"B" for basket crafts

Anthropologist disagree whether basket making or pottery developed first. Clay is easier to form into a container than weaving fibers, but ancient fired pottery shards  have been found with the imprint of woven fibers. Which did man create first?  How long ago, in history, was baby Moses hidden from Pharaoh in a water proof basket?   

 

Since we are all familiar with woven Easter baskets, I'll introduce you to birch bark baskets. While in Alaska my friend and I studied native crafts and tried our hand. We collected birch bark that had naturally peeled from the trees, soaked it in water and trimmed the sheet of bark into a usable size. The bark was rolled into a cylinder and held with clothes pins while a bottom of bark was cut to fit. Using an awl, holes were punched into the sides and base. A twig, caning, or jute was added to stabilize the edge while we stitched the bottom and sides together. Traditionally, caribou sinew or spruce roots are used. We didn't have roots or sinew, so we used raffia.

I painted the eagle and loon.



Here is a real challenge. I found this basket made from woven vines and covered with matted fibers in a thrift store. No one knew its history. The horns appear to be cow or buffalo. The strip of fur is not rabbit. The hair is coarse and short like goat. This basket would not hold water but the weave is tight enough to hold tiny items. It is about 18 inches in diameter and 12 inches in height. Why do you think it was created? What is it's use?

Challenge: Use pine needles, or other long plant material (or a sheet of rolled newspaper) Wrap the material with raffia (or yarn). Coil the wrapped fiber into a snake and stitch the coils together to form a flat mat. to make sides on your basket, place the coils on top of the previous row as you progress.

Write a short story that would include the basket pictured.

Websites: Wikipedia.org/wiki/basket_weaving
siziscrafts.com/how-to-make-a-basket
tipjunkie.com/holidaycrafts/easter-basket-'templates/

Comment from K on Art. She said that the art museum in her town had a free night once a week, so she and friends took advantage. The ladies took notes on painting, etc. and compared their thoughts over coffee. Each had discovered ideas to use in crafts.

email comments to grandmas_onthego@yahoo.com
 

Another "A". ART

 Art is human creative skills that develop in civilizations after the basic need of food, clothing and shelter have been met. Primitive cultures have body art, art on clothing and walls, and jewelry. Infants today are introduced to color, shapes and textures, and are rapidly exposed to public art in the form of posters on the walls in the mall, TV and of course picture books. Do you stop to look at the art work around you?

Drawing a basic form of art used for sketching ideas as well as completed expression. Above is a colored pencil drawing by Doug Lindstrand that I discovered in a small café along the Tok Highway in Alaska. I see expression of the old prospector's character and even the dog's. What do you see?

This oil painting of the interior of an old barn is one that I painted many years ago on site. Realistic paintings as well as abstracts intrigue us. The question arises, "Do you like it? Why or why not?"

Sculpture is three-dimensional art. I have never done very much sculpture. This guy is from my teaching days. I was so blessed to teach art in schools where I had access to a large variety of materials. What other materials could you use beside clay to create sculpture?

Drawing, painting and sculpture are certainly not the only examples of fine art. Many artists express themselves in mixed media using two or many more materials. Crafters may embellish their creations with painted designs or develop a craft form as fine art.

Challenge: Try your hand with an art medium that is unfamiliar to you.
Visit an art museum or studio or children's art festival looking for an "Ah ha, that's what I like" moment. Why do you like it? Be specific.

Response from architecture can be summed up by paraphrasing several commenters who said they discovered "Mc Mansions" that didn't appear to be occupied although the yards had been tended. You wondered who had lived there and why these beautiful homes were vacant.

Websites:  I will list websites as we explore drawing, painting and sculpture in more depth.

A is for Architecture

Thanks for all the comments on "Animals" as inspiration for writing and crafts. My favorite story is from a lady who was walking through the narrow city streets of Iran when a camel pulled off her head scarf and mouthed her blond hair. Did it think her hair was hay? Camel slobber. Yuck!

Everyone has a shelter to call home, whether an apartment, mobile home, bungalow or mansion. Spooky old houses, tumbled down barns, and ancient construction attract us.  Let's look at a few distinctive homes. How would you like to live here?

Sod roofed cabins are updated homes based on the "soddies", underground cave-like dwellings used by pioneers on the prairies. This cabin sports a sod roof that provides insulation in the Alaskan climate. Upscale pent houses often have roof gardens, and "Green" architects are designing environmentally friendly homes with plantable roofs. How would you like to pick the veggies for dinner from your roof?

 

 

I like to explore older neighborhoods in small towns. Well-kept historical homes with guided tours fascinate me, but I prefer my imagination. How many generations have lived here? Is it still occupied? What secretes could the walls tell? Are there reports of ghosts? Do you wonder how people in other countries developed the style of their homes?



 

 

This is one of my favorite buildings. The Gothic castle was built as First Baptist Church of Beaumont, Texas, in 1903.When the church relocated in 1923, Captain Tyrrell bought the building and donated it to the city to be used as a library. As a teen, I rode the city bus to spend hours in the stacks in the rainbow-colored light filtered through the enormous stained glass windows. In 1974 the building was converted to the Tyrrell Historical Library. Renovations and restoration have preserved fond memories of hiding in the dark corners of the children's section and sneaking up the stairs into the bell tower. Yes, there are ghost stories. I'm using the library as a secondary setting a new novel.

 

Challenge: Writers, photograph a house that fascinates you. Create characters to occupy the home, letting the mood and ambiance of the building impact your character(s) in the plot. All story characters have to live somewhere, have a place to work and favorite restaurants. It's up to you to make those places real for your reader.

Challenge: Crafters, design a bird house, playhouse, or outdoor playground around an architectural theme.

 

Websites: architecture.about.com     greatbuildings.com    archeturaldesigns.com 

 

Next time we will explore the vast field of Fine Art.

 

Dabbling from A to Z

Email response to "Right-brained Dabbler" has confirmed that there are a lot of us who want to know something about everything. Writers commented that they were surprised at how many interests they had beside writing. Craftsmen noted that they could now see ways to combine interests into a new creation.

Using my list of interests we're going to explore Dabble topics beginning with A for Animals.

 

Your interest may be in domestic pets or in wild animals. Or both. Animals are excellent topics for stand-alone stories (especially for children), or as inclusions in fiction. I photographed this moose, "praying for spring", through a window. Female moose protecting a calf or two are one of the most dangerous animals in the wild. The ungainly, roman-nosed ugly moose is a favorite for craftsmen to characterize.



Another wild animal that is best studied from a distance, the black bear, has influenced writers to create Yogi the Bear, Smokie the Bear and that cute mama and baby bear for Charmin tissue.
We are all familiar with the Teddy Bear and all of his adorable offspring.

 

I suggested that you list what you did NOT like. Snakes top my do not like list. I forced myself to touch this one and was surprised that its scales are dry and slick. I have to admit that the pattern and colors are lovely. If I were to write about a snake in a story, it would be from the view point of dislike.

 

Challenge: Tiny Prince George has a nursery with an African wild animal theme. Do you think the theme will become a trend(long term) or a fad (quickly fading)? 



Craftsmen: Design a toy or clothing with an African animal theme.

Writers: Write a children's story that you might submit to Kate and William as a gift for George.

 

Websites: rainforestanimals.net           news-nationalgeographic.com

 

Next time we will discuss architecture.

 

To order Dare to Dabble email grandmas_onthego @yahoo.com

 

 



Right-brained Dabbler

I was probably ADHD before that diagnosis became popular. I drove my parents and teachers nuts as I flitted from one interest, idea and project to another. Right-brained people enjoy challenges, are creative and are constantly wanting to try something different.

Writers, you've heard the adage "write what you know". How do you know what you know? Neither you nor I can afford a team of researchers so by identifying your interests, talents and abilities you will be able to write with authority.

Crafters, you will learn a lot about yourself and how you can put your creativity to work for you.

I'm going to share activities to get you started. You may use electronic gadgets, smart phone, digital camera, electronic notepad, etc. but since writers/craftsmen are visual learners transfer electronic notes to paper.

Using a roll of calculator tape begin to list everything that interests you, every activity you've been engaged in or would like to explore. This may get unexpectedly long....... Hang it up proudly.

Don't have calculator tape? On a sheet of lined paper, draw a vertical line down the center to create two columns. At the top of the first column write "Interests". At the top of the second column write "Talent/Ability" (something you could teach). List, list, list. Don't try to analyze your topics, just write. Later use colored markers or pencils to color code related topics. These are your specialties.

Sticky Notes are a valuable tool for jogging your experiences from memory. Carry a notepad and pen as you do chores, at your job, in the car. Jot dot down your interests with a star to indicate a special ability. Use a spiral notebook to organize your notes into topics that express you.

 

These activities will empower you. You are creative. You have an active brain. What if you don't finish what you start?  But you have finished when you've gotten what you wanted out of the activity; there doesn't have to be an end product. Give yourself permission to put a project aside and try something else. 

 

 As a writer, don't guess. Write what you know. I recently read a well know author who talked about a male cat that was white with brown and gray spots. WRONG. Three colored cats are calicos and are 99.9% female.

 

Craftsmen do you now see how you could combine two or more of your interests into something unique? Think of combining patchwork quilting with beadwork and three dimensional flowers.

 

Challenge: Make a list of what you don't like, what you wouldn't like to try and why.

                  Make a bucket list of things you'd like to do before you die, and research the reality of actually doing at least one of these.

 

Next time we will begin exploring my interests from A to Z.

 

Websites: dailywritingtips.com          artsandcrafts.about.com

 

Dare to Dabble is available at grandmas_onthego@yahoo.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dare to Dabble. Are you a Dabbler?

          I'm not just a writer, I'm a Jill of all trades and master of few. I'm a Dabbler and proud of it. God gave me a gift of creativity; I like to plan and create, but when I see the end I'm through, finished, the challenge is gone. Then I'm ready to do something else. Slap my hands? I don't think so. I was 60+ before I realized that Dabbling is okay for me and you.

Do you have a story to tell and don't know where to start?
Do you approach creative writing or crafts projects with enthusiasm and then lose interest?
Are you curious about everything and wonder how to fit it all in?
Do you wonder how to keep your passion for writing/creating burning?
Do you need methods to unblock writer's Block?

If your answer is yes to any of the above, you are a Dabbler!!   I'm presenting free information for you from my new book.

 



 



Webster states that to "dabble" means to play, especially with the hands, to work at anything in a superficial manner. It also means to experiment, or tryout. I try my hand at a number of crafts projects as well as writing. I don't waste too much time or dawdle. I'm constantly learning. What I learn enhances my writing and is a lot of fun.

 

Without getting technical, here is the plan for future blogs on Dabbling.

 

1. I will present a Dabbling theme, like quilting or basket making, or writing memoirs and give a brief personal story.

 

2. Websites for the Dabble theme will be listed for additional information.

 

2.I'll present a challenge to try this craft (or idea) and prompts to include it in your writing.

 

3. Finally, I'm asking for a short comment (100 words or less) on your experience with this topic (tips, innovative twist or techniques) One or more of these will be posted on the next blog.

 

Join the fun next time as we explore brain activities to assess what you know and have a passion for.  

 

For a copy of "Dare to Dabble" email be at grandmas_onthego@yahoo.com ($10 US)

Dabbling Pays Off

While in Alaska last summer, my friends, Lynne and Dale, helped me introduce Nick and Monique to foraging. We searched the roadsides for stalks of fuchsia fireweed blossoms, the woods for blueberries, and for high bush cranberries.
Lynne and I photographed our excursions and the process of making jelly in her 32 foot motor home.

 When I returned home with several cases of jams and jellys, I was happy to share our labors with friends, neighbors and family.
Last fall, I wrote an article and submitted it to the Escapees Magazine. It was accepted! Escapees RV Club is a loosely organized, national organization of folks who travel or live full-time in their recreational vehicle and includes articles submitted by members.
"Blossoms and Berries" describes utilizing the fruit of the land as a wonderful way to savor the memories of RV travel.

 The three page article gives recipes for fireweed jelly, blueberry jelly, cranberry jelly and a bonus recipe for blackberry cobbler using blackberries we found along the Oregon coast.

The bottom picture is of me cooking jelly in the RV.

I sent a second article to Escapees Magazine that was also printed. This story is about the Signpost Forest in Watson Lake, Yukon. During the construction of the Alaskan Highway (the AlCan), a homesick soldier erected a wooden sign indicating his hometown. In the Fall of 2012 there were over 74,000 signs. This light pole that is plastered with Escapees stickers stands out in the forest.

I encourage travelers to add their own sign to the forest and Escapees members to write their membership number and date on a sticker and add it to the light pole.

The day I received the magazine, I also received a lovely check for my writing.  Dabbling in a variety of interests pays!

Time to Catch up

February has flown. Not much time to write with taxes to prepare for the CPA, speaking for a parenting class at the Pregnancy Resource Center East (PRCE), planting a spring garden and then moving flats inside and covering seedlings for a couple of late frosts.

Last week my cousin, Diane, her son, Toby, and her mom, my Aunt Elsie, spent the week with us. We visited all the thrift stores and resale shops, ate, gossiped, and ate some more.

Now back to writing.

 Last Saturday, I held a book signing in conjunction with the PRCE Crafts Fair in Baytown. A new writer friend, Frances Collins, joined me at the last minute. Frances is the author of "Seashell Prisoners"; the true story of how she had to kidnap her granddaughter to protect her from an abusive man. To learn more about her book see www.seashellprisoners.com/Seashell Prisoner Facebook/blog.

My daugher, Colleen Wait, the author of nine inspirational fiction books sent me copies. They sold well, as did Frances's books and mine. More than 50 venders offered their crafts and specialties.

 Happy the clown entertained us with her antics.

Elvis and one of his fans greeted us with songs. Brings back memories and makes me feel my age!

I will be signing my books and presenting Colleen's books again this year at Art in the Park in Orange, March 16.  Linda Leonard, a writer from Lake Charles will be joining me. We'll be back in booth 27.
Stop by for a free copy of "Adopting Darrell".

Happy Valentines

 A couple of weeks ago, my daughter, Cora, emailed to ask if I knew how to sew. How quickly our kids forget! I'd tried to teach all my girls to sew when they were younger and still at home.

She asked me to teach her how to make shirts. I'm thinking, collars, buttons, oh my. But no, thank goodness, what she had in mind was applique on T shirts for her girls .

We had two sewing "classes" after a trip to the fabric store. Before I left her, the girls and my machine at her house I tried to teach her how to thread the machine. How old fashioned I am! Cora popped out her phone and videoed the lesson! Later when the bobbin got knotted, she knew what to do.

 This is my 6 year-old granddaughter, Gianna, proudly modeling her valentine shirt. Proudly made by her mother, with a little assistance from Grandma.

 Baby sister, Genay, was not a cooperative model, but at least she blessed us with a smile.

 Cora has already started designing Easter shirts. This one is waiting for the zigzag stitching.

An the next generation of sewers is getting a lesson. My grandmother, Nana, was an excellent seamstress making embroidered gowns. My mom taught me to sew and now we pass it on.

Happy Valentines to all.