Merry Monday, 11.11.2013

First of all, Happy Veteran's Day to all of our veterans. We have a very somber, poignant assembly at our school every year and it really does help remind us all of the sacrifices that others have made for us, so that we all may enjoy freedom on so many levels. And no matter your political point of view, I think that is one thing everyone can agree on.
As a mother, I never thought I would have to worry about my kids being part of the armed forces. I just didn't. It was never thrown out there as an option because, in my mind, it wasn't an option. But, a couple of years ago, my son, Jamey Schuster (yes, that is his real name!), graduated from college, then made the decision to train as part of the Army National Guard. At first I was shocked and asked him to reconsider. But that was pure selfishness on my part. I was worried about him, but I was also worried for myself- that I would have to endure days, weeks and months of missing him and worry for his safety and that my worst fear may come true- that we would lose him if he was ever deployed to a "less than desirable" location. I was not a happy momma, I have to be honest. But, what I didn't know was how great the discipline would be for him, how much direction and focus it would give him and how much pride it would instill in him. I still worry, don't get me wrong. But now, pride is overshadowing the worry. I am a happy momma again. And a very proud one!
So, again, Happy Veteran's Day and a huge "Thank You" to all of them.

So proud of our Army boy, Jamey Schuster.

I'll be taking a short break from the blog again. Just for a few weeks so I can focus on some works-in-progess, finish them, and get my Etsy shop up and running again. It has me listed as being "on vacation" for quite a while now, so I think it's time to focus on that! I'll leave you with some works that have been inspiring me lately.

Works by Tracy Potts found here and here.

Works by Kirstine Higgins found here

And works by Karola Pezarro found here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merry Monday-11.4.2013

A few things making me merry on this Monday....

Having time to work on my stitched painting, which is coming right along. It's a really long quote, so it seems to be taking forever, but it will get there.

My nine year wedding anniversary tomorrow. M. and I have definitely had our share of trials and tribulations, especially over the last two years. We've teetered on the edge several times, trying to decide if staying together is really the best things for everyone involved. Well, we decided that it is. We work very hard on our marriage and hopefully the hard work will pay off and we will one day be able to celebrate a twenty, thirty, maybe even a fifty year anniversary. Well, 50 may be pushing it a bit. M. would be 102 and I would be 88!  But, hey, you never know, right?!

Memories of Peanut's second Halloween. He couldn't decide if he was a witch, a cowboy or hipster in blue sunglasses. So he was all three!

These collages I purchased from a former student. Her work is very thoughtful, thought provoking and well crafted. You can find more of her work here. I am a very proud teacher :)

The view from my front porch. I will definitely miss my front porch when we move (if the short sale is ever approved!). This beautiful view sitting on top of this hill is one of the best things about living here. But, the convenience, close proximity to my kids and parents and simplifying and downsizing are definitely advantages to moving. So I'm REALLY looking forward to it.

 Have a great week, I'm back to my stitching :)  Juli