My family has encouraged me to stay at home as much as possible. That's not to much out of character for me in this stage of my life. But I've always been able to go out to the library, store, or lunch with my friends when I wanted to until now. However, yesterday I decided to venture out and see what was going on in my community. I wasn't going to mingle with people or go shopping, I just wanted to take a drive and look around. It was no surprise to see fewer (much fewer people) out but the empty parking lots and shopping centers felt weird. The Biltmore area with it's large buildings and housing lofts was just eery. And Old Scottsdale, which is usually crawling with people was bare. Restaurants were open for carry out only, but even then it was just a car or two. That didn't seem as eery. In fact it was peaceful. It brought back how life was when I was younger. Stores were closed on Sundays, families spent more time together, people weren't rushing around or having a phone to their ear, with an ipad waiting to be turned on. It was a slower, more relaxed life. Well I'm safely back in my home and I hope all of you are too. Remember to wash your hands and have limited contact with anyone.

Do you have a favorite Christmas tree ornament?

I know many of you have your Christmas Trees up and decorated before Thanksgiving, but if you're like me and wait until closer to Christmas here are a few tips on decorating the perfect tree.

Step One:  Hang Christmas Tree Lights.

Step Two:  Add Christmas Tree garland.

Step Three:  Hang Christmas Tree ornaments.

That raises a question on how many ornaments do you put on a Christmas Tree. According to Better Homes & Garden you need approximately 70 ornaments for a 7 ft tree.  If you go really big and have a 8 ft tree you need 80 ornaments, 9 ft tree you need 90 ornaments and if you go all out and have a 10 ft (whew) tree you need 120 to 160 ornaments and a large step ladder.  And don't forget the tree topper, that will add additional height to your tree.  

As I've aged and my children now have their own Christmas traditions I don't put up a tree.  I can now enjoy their decorations without pulling all those boxes out of the closet.  However, this year I did pull my boxes of ornaments out, just to see what all I had.  What I found was several vintage Hallmark Card and Avon ornaments that were my favorite for so many years.  I decided instead of keeping them boxed up in a closet where no one was enjoying them I would put them up for sale on #Etsy.com.  Several have already gone to good loving homes and that makes me happy.  

If you need more ornaments to fill that 7 or 8 or even 10 ft tree check out my #vintage #ornaments at 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/stormrowstudio?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&section_id=25032448 

  This is just a sample of what you find on the above website.  

HAPPY TREE TRIMMING!!

 

#jigsawpuzzlelovers

Recently I had a small medical issue that resulted in limited lifting and walking restrictions for a duration of several months.  Preparing for this I put the house in order, stocked the freezer and refrigerator with lots of good food.  Then I began to address all this spare, possibly boring time I was about to have.  Not one to watch a lot of TV I decided to load up on books and knitting projects.  While at the book store my shopping companion and I noticed a shelf of puzzles.  She thought this might be a good way to keep me busy for a while.  Not wanting one of the 1,000 to 2,000 piece puzzles, I agreed upon a 550 piece puzzle that looked very colorful and fun. 

                                                                                                                                                                     

Now I haven't worked a puzzle since my grandchildren were small and most of those were of the wooden type.  But years ago when our family worked puzzles during the long winter months, I do remember that you should put the edge of the puzzle together first, after turning all the pieces face up on the working surface.  Which I proceeded to do.

Day one and two:

 Once that is done you are free to work as you wish.

Day three:

 I have to tell you that there were several surprises in this puzzle.  I began to find pieces that I didn't have a clue to where they were to go.  Finally looking closely at the box top I saw items I hadn't noticed to begin with. I didn't see the butterfly at the top or the tape measure above the gold thread. I was also surprised by the colors in the fork at the bottom. I guess that's why it's called a puzzle.  Right?

All in all I loved working with the colors and articles that were represented in this piece.  It's all things that I deal with in my art work, love of clocks and unusual objects.  These were things I really didn't notice when I bought the puzzle.  I was mainly looking at the different shades of yellow.  

It was bitter sweet when I placed that final piece in the puzzle.  I almost wished it was larger so I could work a few more days on it.  

Day five and the finished puzzle:

 I have to admit I left the finished piece on my dining room table for another week.  I just didn't have the heart to tear it apart and put it back in the box yet.  Finally I decided enough was enough so Gretta, my helper, and I disassembled it.  Hopefully it will be passed on to someone who will enjoy it as much as I did.

 Now that I've worked this one, there will be more puzzles in my future and who knows I may venture to the 1,000 to 2,000 piece puzzles.  But that remains to be seen. 

Storm Row Studio - featured artisan

I have some exciting and fun news.  stormrowstudio/etsy owner #RhondaMcCormack is featuring me as a guest artisan in her #Etsy store.  She has chosen my knitted washcloths and knitted purse pouches as the featured items, which are two of my favorite products.  


To be included with the amazing art that Rhonda has in her store is an honor.  She uses up and recycled new and vintage papers and fabrics in her artwork.  Her most common technique involves many steps and by layering tissue, pattern, art paper with fabric, embroidery thread, acrylic paint and glaze, patterns and textures develop organically.  Much of her material has been passed down from her grandmother. 


It took us almost a complete day to stage, photograph and complete the posting of my products.  It was a lot of work and I found out it's not a simple process to get everything as perfect as possible.  But in the end I think it turned out great.  Of course, we had to have our tea and cookie breaks which gave us much needed energy.  All in all it was a productive and fun day. 


If you are interested in seeing any of what Rhonda or I have on Etsy, you can log onto etsy.com/shop/stormrowstudio.
You can also follow her on patreon.com/stormrow or stormrowstudio blog where she is featuring her latest writings. 

LITTLE HATS, BIG HEARTS

As several of you know February is National Heart Awareness month. And yes I know that February is almost over, but the month has gotten away from me and I really want to acknowledge the #AmericanHeartAssociation for all that they do to educate families about congenital heart defects when their new born babies are affected. 


This year I found out about a program called #LittleHatsBigHearts.  The AHA provide red premie and newborn hats to hospitals that request hats throughout the state.  And the need is overwhelming.  It's a volunteer program for anyone who wants to #knit or #crochet these hats.

     When I began I just thought I would knit a few hats and send them on their way.  But in doing so I learned that these hats go through a process before being sent to the hospitals.  The hats are sent to the AHA staff who properly wash, package and pair them with educational materials for the new parents.  Each family receives a letter from the AHA that highlights resources for healthy living. 


After finding out the process it made me feel even better that I had decided to make this small contribution.  As they need hats all year long, not just in February, this will be something that I add to my other knitting projects.  As long as my stiff hands hold up I'll be knitting for AHA, #PracticalArt and family members.


www.heart.org/littlehatsbighearts
www.practical-art.com

What to give.......

It’s Monday morning and I’m sitting in front of my computer reading my email while drinking a second cup of tea.  I just read Cheryl Richardson’s blog about a kind jester that was made in honor of her Dad that passed away a few weeks ago.

As I just lost my Mother a few weeks ago, she is often on my mind as well.  Over the weekend I had been trying to figure out what I could get for my Mom’s wonderful caregiver that would have meaning and show her how much I appreciated what she did for our family.  Mom loved Christmas and loved to make cookies, cinnamon rolls, candies and treats for neighbors and friends this time of year.  That gave me the idea of doing the same for her caregiver.   Wondering if that would be appropriate, I remembered the late days I would be at the assisted living home and watching as the girls put the other residents to bed and complete their daily chores.  They would then go into the living area to relax for a while with snacks and visit among themselves.  Knowing they didn’t have time to make special holiday treats for themselves, I hope this small jester will bring her joy and remind her of Mom.

I’d like to pass this thought on to you.  If you feel like doing something special for someone in honor of a parent or loved one, I know it would mean a lot to them.

Now I have to get busy and start baking. 

The Dash

This beautiful poem is so fitting of my Mother.  When asked if she was happy with how she spent her dash, she said "I did what I wanted to do.  I took care of my family and tried to be a good person.  That's it."

Yes, that was it.  And that was enough. 

May Garland Passwater rest in peace for all time. 

June 18, 1918---October 7, 2016 

Quote taken from eulogy written by Rhonda McCormack 



Trust

While cleaning out our Mothers house this last year, my daughter pointed out this newspaper clipping that had been on our Mom's refrigerator for close to 30 years.  It's discolored and wrinkled but still in very good shape.  We wondered if she read it each day and reflected on the meaning of the saying or had she just gotten so use to it being there she didn't really notice it anymore. 

Apparently at one time it meant enough to her to cut it out of the paper and post it on the refrigerator.  Right?  She's always been a worrier, just like the rest of the women in our family.  We worry about things that haven't even happened yet. But trust.  I've never doubted her trust.  So, I'm guessing this was something she wanted to work on and by putting this large reminder where she could see it several times a day helped her reach her goal.  

Posting sayings or goals around our home and work place is a very common practice now.  However, 30 years ago I really don't recall it being that normal. So, for her to realize that it would help her, says a lot about her forward thinking and recognizing that she needed some guidance in this area of her life.  

For some reason neither my daughter nor myself could toss this in the trash.  I am now the holder of the saying and I will post it on my bulletin board to help me in this area of my life as well.

        

Thanks Mom!

HAPPY BOOK LOVERS DAY!



Disrupt aging

If someone had told me eighteen months ago that in one years' time I would feel and look so much older than I really am, I would have told them they were crazy.


But it can happen.


When you spend day after day and month after  month in hospitals, physical therapy facilities and then finally an assisted living group home, you start to feel, think and act like your loved one.  Your thoughts are on treatment, medication, diets, unclear thoughts and what they could possibly mean.  You watch every sign like it's going to give you a clue of what is going on inside the body and mind.  No one can answer the dozens of questions that are running through your own mind. The standard answer is "she's doing well for her age".


Soon your energy is gone just like hers.  Your legs and knees hurt just like hers.  You don't want to eat just like her.  Your thoughts get confused, not knowing if your decisions are the right ones.  She feels the same way. Soon she won't get out of bed or even move her body while in bed. There are some days you feel the same way. Your skin gets dry, you sleep more, you take more Tylenol for your knees, you lose track of your friends because you are taking care of two households now.  You don't have the energy for the many activities you loved to do before. When you talk about, see and interact with illness every day some of it is going to rub off on you.


Now, that I'm fully aware of how this has affected me, I'm taking a stand. I'm going to disrupt this advanced aging and get back some of my lost youth. I'm going to start by stop questioning everything and give more room to breathing.


Side Note: Care Givers are special people. Without them our loved ones would be lost. My loved one has an angel for a care giver and I don't know what we would do without her. Thank you E.
 

April 22 - Earth Day

The earth has given us so many natural gifts.

Take time to protect them.

Where would we be without these gifts, like

sunshine, fresh air, and clean water?  

March 4, 1915

My Father would have been 100 years old today.  He was the best man he knew how to be.  As a boy he had to drop out of high school to help the family with their farm and when he wanted to fight for his country in WWII, was rejected from the Army because of flat feet.  But he went on to become a machinist making parts for the military, a photographer, a cabinet maker, a restaurant owner and a owner of a camera store.  He was a 32nd degree Mason and a guard for the Shiners.  

His journey's lead him down many different paths gathering knowledge as he went.  If he didn't know how to do something, he would learn how to do it.  

He was also a devoted family man.  He was patient, kind, understanding and fun.  Did we disagree on some issues?  Yes.  Was he strict? Yes.  Did he love us?  Yes.

He also loved motorcycles, camping, cars and airplanes.  Before my parents were married he had an Indian motorcycle and a new car.  The motorcycle soon vanished after they were married, but the new cars never did.  I remember several times being asked if I wanted to go for a ride on a Sunday afternoon with him and 9 times out of 10 we would come home with a new car.  Not sure Mom ever got used to that.

Then there was the times my Dad would be waiting for me at the bus stop.  We would head to Burbank Airport and take off in one of his friends small private planes.  I think he had a secret desire to learn how to fly but that never came to be.  Mom never knew about these trips until I was an adult.

He had disappointments in life like we all do, but he didn't dwell on them.  He loved his life and lived it to the fullest.  He would help anyone who asked for it and was surrounded by many good friends.

He left this world quietly, giving his wife of 51 years a smile and a goodbye kiss.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD! I THINK OF YOU EVERY DAY!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

WISHING YOU A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS
            NEW YEAR !




A beautiful year begins with a beautiful mindset. 

Happy Holidays from Arizona

May your Holiday Season sparkle with

Moments of Love,

Laughter and Goodwill

And may the year ahead be full

of Contentment and Joy!

These five 14ft high horse gargoyles are not only
a work of art, but serve as a flood control system.
They are located at the North side of Indian Bend
Rd and Scottsdale's greenbelt.  During extreme
rain and flash flooding, water pours from their
mouths and goes into flow berms to prevent
flooding.

"Believe in the Magic of the Season"

Gift Idea!

The house is decorated for Christmas.

The Stockings are hung.

But there's one more gift you need for your child, grandchild, niece or nephew.

Here's a suggestion from Bernard Manning, comedian and nightclub owner from

Manchester, England.

" I once bought my kids a set of batteries for Christmas with a note

on it saying, toys not included"

 

Hmmm, Ya think that might work?

When is a tree not a tree....?

 
When my daughter comes for a visit and sees a moose in the tree.  
 

 
This tree is across from my patio and I have looked at it every day since moving into this condo.  I often thought of taking a picture of the strange shape of its trunk. But not until my daughter noticed that the shape resembled a moose did I really take notice and grab my camera.  Now when I sit on the patio and have my morning cup of tea, instead of a tree, I see a moose.  

What do you see? 

Before her visit was over we took a road trip and stopped at one of Sedona's landmarks since the 1970's.  Tlaquepaque.  It's a quaint village of art galleries, shops and restaurants. Large Sycamores and Cottonwoods shade its visitors from the hot Arizona sun, with lovely

 

walkways that lead you through four different courtyards surrounded by iron railings, hand painted tile work and niches with unique architecture and specialty shops far removed from the commercial stores of other areas.

Later we were discussing what Tlaquepaque meant.  Not sure myself, I did some research and discovered that first of all this was a dream of one man, Abe Miller, who employed Mexican artisans and builders to construct the arches, fountains, plazas and shady verandas that are now this tranquil village.  It was named for a picturesque suburb of Mexico's Queen City, Guadalajara formerly known as San Pedro Tlaquepaque.  With further research I found two meanings for the name.  In English Tlaquepaque means "The best of everything".  I also found that it derives from the Aztec language, which means, "place above clay land", and that leads us back to the town in Mexico. 

This is an original picture from Guadalajara, Mexico

        

I'd say that Abe did a pretty good job of replicating the look and feel of the original Tlaquepaque. 

       

Farewell Small Yellow Songbird.......

 

 

 

 

 

 

You will be missed.  Your informative and amusing blog has given me great insight into my own body, mind and life itself.  Your shared resources have fueled my desire to keep active and healthy in my aging years.

 

I understand the need to set the yellow songbird free.  New beginnings are sometimes more healing than holding onto what is comfortable and safe.

 

Thank you for being brave enough to share your healing process and experiences with us.  Being able to express your private feelings and thoughts gave many the courage to express similar feelings and fears.  Your encouragement and support was always appreciated.

 

I wish the small yellow songbird much success in her flight and look forward to your new blog sometime in the near future.  In the meantime I will catch up with you at r m mccormack writes.  

 

 

 

 

From One Great Grandmother

The last of my summer projects is finished and ready to be shipped.

A few months ago my oldest grand daughter called to tell me that after three boys she was expecting a little girl.  I was so excited that I wanted to run out and start buying all kinds of little girl things.  But she wanted me to knit some headbands for the baby's first pictures.

 Oh my, I thought, I had never knitted any baby things before.  But not to be discouraged, I went to the library and got almost every baby pattern book they had.  After going through these books, I wanted to make everything I saw.  But, hey, knitting for a baby that's not here yet is a little unrealistic.  So, I cooled my enthusiasm and decided on three things.  I started with the headbands, making them in different sizes, hoping one of them will fit her little head.  A layette hat came next and I fell in love with it. I want to make more of these.  

 My last choice was a baby blanket, that is so soft and warm, I can just see this little bundle of joy wrapped up in it.  

 After mailing off all my treasures, along with some darling little girl clothes I found during the summer, my sister sent me some Bunny Tail yarn, with a pattern for a baby quilt.  I couldn't resist.  I had never seen bunny tail yarn before.  So. That was my last project and it is now ready to be sent.

It was so much fun doing this for my new great grand daughter.  My only regret is that I won't be there when she is born.  But, I have been promised a bunch of pictures.  

The greatest gifts come in small packages. Treasure them.

Summer Reading

During the hot summer I have been doing a lot of reading.  Two of my favorite reads are, "The Movement of Stars" by Amy Brill and "Somewhere between Luck and Trust" by Emilie Richards.

You may remember Amy Brill as a producer and writer for PBS and MTV.  And Emilie Richards is a well known author of many novels. 

The Movement of Stars 

At first I wasn't sure I was going to like this book, as I'm not really into astrology.  But this book grabs you and pulls you into the life of the first professional woman astronomer in America and the founding professor of astronomy at Vassar College.  Her name is Maria Mitchell, born in 1818 to a large Quaker family and who discovered a comet in 1847.  The author discovered her on a day trip to Nantucket and became inspired on how a teenage girl would enjoy spending her nights on the roof of her house with a telescope studying the stars.  

After spending 15 years researching and thinking about the amazing young woman, she decided to write a novel using Mitchell's work, accomplishments and details of her life as a character in a novel of her own.  Although most of the story is that of Miss Mitchell's, who becomes Hannah Price in the novel, the author embellishes many of the dates and events of her character.

This story tells of the constraints of women's freedom and education in the 1800's.  These women not only had to fight the constraints of what was proper for young girls and women of the time.  They also had to battle the Quaker religion which frowned on women being anything but a wife and mother.  The journey this young girl took to overcome these obstacles is worth reading.  It is a novel about, love, patience, truth, knowledge and perseverance.  Plus, after reading about Nantucket Island off the eastern coast of Massachusetts, I would love to explore the island for myself.

Somewhere Between Luck and Trust 

This is also a novel about a young girl and an older woman who have obstacles to overcome.  The story begins with a young girl being released from prison for a crime she did not commit.  She has been taken in by a group of women who have a cabin high in the southern mountains between two towns, Luck and Trust.  These women include a lawyer, high school principal, minister, B&B owner and a homemaker.  The cabin was left to them by a dear friend and her only request was that they used it to help people.

When the young girl admits to the ladies that she has a learning problem, the high school principal agrees to work with her.  As time goes on, it comes out that the principal has an issue of her own, that she has tried to overcome for years.  Both women are now at a place where a bond is beginning to form.  Two different women, with two different problems are bridging the gap between generations and education.  This is a story of explorations of social issues and educational downfalls, which should never occur in modern society.  

I highly recommend these books and think they would be great for a Book Club discussion. 

 

We're on the back side of Spring.

Awhile back I went to the Desert Botanical Garden to see a special exhibition of Dale Chihuly's stunning display of art. Chihuly was introduced to glass while studying at the University of Washington.  His vibrant works of art are truly amazing.  Some of his exhibits blended into the desert landscape and looked almost real.  

   The desert is quite beautiful in the Spring.  Most think that the Southwest is just a hot, harsh, arid region with colorless cacti and succulents.  But in late fall, early spring, the desert is a sea of yellow, red and blue wild flowers and the cacti bloom with beautiful flowers.  

When you add Chihuly's blown glass artwork to the natural beauty of the landscape everything comes alive.

 

Many desert plants attract a variety of butterflys.  Who they themselves come from a plain and dull cocoon and emerge into one of natures most beautiful wonders.  As do the cacti flowers.  

With the coming of summer the colors are fading and Chihuly's exhibit is gone.  But there is always next Spring to look forward to.