WE ARE BLESSED WITH A LITTLE RAIN

What a wonderful sight to wake up to...an overcast day and a little rain.  Who would have thought that I would love to see an overcast day.  That statement has never been true until now.  I can count on one hand the number of days we have had a little rain since summer began.  We are in a real drought and I can't say as I remember a dryer summer since I moved to Michigan in 1974.

Anywho, I purchased a new snowman (I collect them, you know) from a fellow artisan and friend and want to share him with you.  Now some of you may be familiar with Jody's work from SWEET BEAR CREEK WHIMS and some of you may not.  If not, you are in for a very special treat!

Mr. Freezy is a special, one of a kind little guy with a personality all his own.  Jody has amazing artistic talent with a brush as well as sculpting ability.  She is a perfectionist in every sense of the word.  The little ginger is a work of art in his own right.  His little face is hand painted and his body is coated with a light dusting of cinnamon spice making him the perfect BFF to Mr. Freezy.  Even the little buttons are handmade, heart shaped gingerbread cookies.  What a guy!!!!  He will be going to that "I can't put you away till Christmas" spot so I can enjoy looking at hi  m.  ha!  Everyone needs a year-round Christmas corner in their house don't they...heehee!

Along with Mr. Freezy, I was pleasantly surprised to find several bars of Jody's special soap in scents that smell good enough to eat.  I am currently using the Mango scent and it is divine.  I love it!!! AND she also knows how I enjoy my morning cup of coffee and sent me this new mug.  It is a rich, deep red with a sweet chicken pattern to it. (These were my sweet birthday prezzies.)

   

So, grab yourself a cup of coffee in your favorite mug and hop on over to Jody's blog and see what cool things she has to offer.  She has a great website, an etsy shop, is a member of the PFATT  Marketplace and also offers her patterns on Patternmart and The Prim Pattern all of which are linked to her blog making it easy for you to navigate and check out her work.  To visit her blog just click HERE.

I am currently working on some new fall mouser goodes and hope to have them added to my etsy in just a few days.  I will keep you posted.  Thanks for stopping by.

OH GOOD....THE RAIN IS COMING DOWN AGAIN!  WOO HOO!!!

hugs!
Carol

TODAY IS A DAY FOR SHARING AND THANK YOUS!!!

My very good friend, Mary of MARMMIES MAMMYS AND MORE recently sent me a box of cute tissue paper that we ordered at bulk rate and split.  I was certainly tickled when the box of tissue arrived and really surprised when I opened it and here is what I found:

Lots of sweet goodies for our new pup, Peanut.  Yummy Trail Mix (which she loves and thinks she has to have every time we come in from outside) a new squeak toy and a new dainty girly collar.  Mary's daughter owns a doggie day care and makes and sells the collars.  How's that for spoiling the pup long distance  (((giggle))).  Peanut thanks you with a wag of her tail :-)

AND, THAT'S NOT ALL.........YOU JUST HAVE TO MEET MIZZ BERDIE...

This doll is just amazing.  Mary's pride in her workmanship is very apparent  and she has a keen eye for the tiniest of details.  Each time I look at her I notice something else that I missed the first time.  And what Mammy would be complete without a basket full of warm buttermilk biscuits and a bottle of fresh buttermilk.

Trust me when I say the buscuits and buttermilk look good enough to eat.  ha!  What an inviting treat resting in her lap.  Although I don't know the measurements of this wonderful doll, she is quite large and sits comfortably in my antique cane bottom chair.  If you get the chance to see Mary's dolls or to purchase one, you will not be disappointed.  Thank you, sweet Mary, for this wonderful gift.  Mary and I will get the chance to meet in just a few short weeks.  I am really looking forward to getting to know her and her fiance, Mark, a lot better.  We have a really fun trip planned in Amish country.  Mary also sent me two huge bags of raw flax.  Unfortunately, my camera batteries are low and I couldn't get a good pic of them.  Sorry!  If you would like to visit Mary's blog you can do so by clicking HERE.

Also, last week I received a package from my good friend, Joyce of THE BEAR'S BLOG (who, by the way is hosting Camp Good Bear.)  The package was marked DO NOT OPEN UNTIL JULY 24TH.  OM Gosh!!!  Every morning I would get up and see the package and think, hmmmmm......should I wait or should I open....will this be the day that I give in to the temptation?  Well, I did wait until the 24th and here are pics of the wonderful goodies that Joyce made for me....

An adorable Halloween table runner complete with cat, bat and pumpkin done in some awesome Fall print fabrics.  Joyce's quilting and applique on this piece is beautiful and I love it.  Can't wait for Fall so I can display it on my table.  And here is a pic of what else was in the box....

Just the sweetest little reindeer made from fleece and wool felt complete with little stick antlers.  And in the back you can see a cute wooden Christmas tree.  Now who wouldn't be delighted to receive this adorable Christmas gathering.  I certainly can't wait for the holidays and a little cooler weather.  ha!  Thank you so much for thinking of me on my special day.  Joyce has some adorable handmade cookie cutter critters and bears as well as a Shabby Chic Shop you will certainly be needing to check out.  Just click HERE to be taken to her blog and while you are there you can check out the Camp Good Bear Photo Album.

Thank you to everyone for the cards, e-cards and birthday wishes.  You have certainly made my day, awe heck, my week a wonderful one.

HUGS!

Carol

A LETTER FROM CAMP GOOD BEAR

DEAR MOM AND DAD:

HOW ARE YOU?  HAROLD AND I ARE FINE.  WE MISS YOU.  HAROLD MISSES YOU THE MOST.  THE BEARSELORS SAID WE HAD TO WRITE A LETTER TO YOU AND SEND PICTURES TODAY BEFORE WE COULD JOIN IN THE FUN CAMP STUFF.  THEY SAID TO WRITE A COUPLE OF LINES BUT I HAVE ALREADY WRITTEN MORE THAN THAT.  I AM WRITING FOR HAROLD TOO SINCE HE CAN'T SPELL YET.  HE SAID TO SEND YOU A PICTURE OF JUST HIM CAUSE HE KNOWS THAT PEANUT IS REALLY MISSING HIM.  YOU CAN PUT IT IN HER DOG BED SO SHE DOESN'T CRY WHILE HE IS GONE.

AND WE ARE GOING FISHIN WITH OUR NEW FRIEND, WILBUR FROM AUSTRALIA.  HE IS GOING TO SHOW US HOW TO CATCH THE BIG ONES.  IF WE CATCH ANY FISH, WE WILL SAVE THEM TILL YOU COME ON BEARENTS DAY.  OH, OH, I ALMOST FORGOT.  WE FOUND A HUGE OLD STUMP TO PLAY ON.  YOU KNOW HOW HAROLD LIKES THE OLD STUMPS.

PRUDENCE IS HERE TOO, MOM.  SHE LIKES TAKING CARE OF HAROLD.  SHE ACTS LIKE SHE IS HIS MOM  ((((GIGGLE)))).

WELL, I SPECT THE BEARSELORS WILL WANT US TO WRITE A LETTER AGAIN NEXT WEEK.  GOSH...HAVEN'T THEY EVE.R HEARD OF CELL PHONES?

BIGGEST, STICKIEST, HONEY HUGS!
DANIEL AND HAROLD

P.S. PRUDENCE'S MOM IS PUTTING TOGETHER A CAMP GOOD BEAR PHOTO ALBUM.  IF YOU AND DAD WANT TO SEE MORE PICTURES YOU CAN GO HERE.

WOO HOO!!! WE HAVE A "CHRISTMAS IN JULY' WINNER!!!!

Before I announce the winner of the latest "Christmas In July" giveaway I want to send out a special THANK YOU to all of my friends for the beautiful birthday cards, goodies and emails I have received over the past couple of weeks.  I appreciate each and every one of you and thank you for remembering me on my special day.

OK...now for the giveaway.  I had 66 wonderful gals sign up for this giveaway but with the extra entries that could be earned that brought the total count to 118.  Mr. Wonderful was kind enough to pick the winning number for me today which was 62.  That entry belongs to KAREN of MY COLONIAL HOME.  Congratulations, Karen!!!!  I will get your package out to you once I receive your mailing information.  Thank you to everyone who took the time to stop by and enter.  I wish I had something for each and every one of you.

hugs~!
Carol

I AM LETTING MY INNER CHILD OUT OF THE BOX.....

Most of you probably don't know that I love bears and have been collecting them for years.  With that said, I have decided to join the fun with Joyce and Prudence of THE BEAR'S BLOG and send my two most favorite bears to summer camp.  Yep!!  That's Right!!    With that said, I would like to introduce you to Harold and Daniel.

I hope you will stop back by and join in the fun as these two attend their first summer camp with their BFF, Prudence.  ((giggle))   LET YOUR INNER BEAR (I MEAN CHILD) SHINE.

HUGS!!

~~MY "CHRISTMAS IN JULY" SWAP WITH THERESA OF DULANEY WOODS TREASURES~~

I joined in a "Christmas in July" themed swap that was hosted by sweet Wendy of RAVENWOOD WHIMZIES and was paired up with Theresa from DULANEY WOODS TREASURES.  First of all, if you have not had the pleasure to meet Theresa, I have to tell you that she is such a talented artist and just the sweetest person.  I know you are just going to love her!  Anywho.....her box of goodies arrived and it was so festive and wrapped so pretty that I hated to spoil it.  Everything was wrapped in Christmas tissue with colored raffia bows, balls and candy canes.

    

The first package I opened had the cutest prim Santa doll in it.  Look at the little doll attached to his jacket.  Isn't that adorable!  And he smells wonderful of coffee and cinnamon.  The detail that she put into this holiday piece is amazing and I just love him.

Next I found these awesome Santa and Snowman ornies.  They will be a cherished part of my tree decorations this winter.  I love the flannel that she chose for Santa and the tiniest little candycances that he his holding. And did you notice the little flag that the snowman is holding?  I am telling ya, I am a nut for detail and Theresa's work is full of wonderful detail.  She also sent me one of her  beautiful handmade cards with a sweet message inside. 

  

And that's not all....no, no, no.  There were three cross stitched ornies that are just amazing!!!!    Each one has a different reindeer and Christmas saying.  They are backed with a Christmasy type fabric and stained to prim perfection.  The hangers are attached with rusty safety pins and bells making them perfect little works of art.  Now I am not a cross stitch type person.  I do not have the patience for it but I LOVE it and these ornies will become a cherished heirloom for sure.

And last, in this box of pure pleasure, I found this wonderful Soy Candle in "Winter Spice."  The scent reminds me of bayberry and pine and is so inviting.  It will be hard to save it for the holiday, that's for sure.

So, if I have made you curious and you would like to see more of Theresa's work, I hope you will stop by her etsy.  You can go there by clicking HERE.

Thank you,  sweet Theresa, for all the detail and hard work you put into each of these pieces.  I will certainly enjoy them!

HUGS!!!   

THANK YOU, TRICIA OF HILLCREST HOME

WOO HOO!!!  The postman just left a box at the door today!!!  I was tickled to see that the box was from Tricia of Hillcrest Home.  I was blessed to have won her most recent giveaway.  OH MY GOSH...this box was so much fun to unpack.  You just would not believe all the wonderful handmade goodes that she packed inside.  Here are some pics of what I found:

A beautiful burgundy kitchen towel with "Live Simply" embroidered on the front.  And a note:  This towel was stitched by Linda over to Parkers Paradise.  Her work is simply awesome!

I LOVE, LOVE pinkeeps and she included two of the cutest... both handmande and prim perfect!

An Americana magnetic notepad that immediately found its way to the front of my frig.  I love having a notepad handy all the time for leaving love notes to Mr. Wonderful (heehee) or just keeping the grocery list updated. And is that all, you ask?.......No....there is more....

This darling Americana flag framed picture that is prim perfect!  I am an avid collector of Americana and this picture will stay out all summer on the farm.  And still more.....

This is just the cutest house shaped container for potpourri and is filled with rosehips and orange slices that smell awesome.  It has found the perfect home on a peg on my drysink.  And now, last but not least:

A battery operated wax candle in a prim wooden holder AND Mr. Mouser in his little shoe sporting his Uncle Sammy hat and amercian flag.  Now you all know by now that I have a soft spot for the little mousers and this one is no exception.  He is truly adorable.

Thank you my sweet friend for you generous giveaway.  It has been such a pleasure to get to know you. Tricia has a wonderful store just full of handmade primitive goodes.   So grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable and check out all that she has to offer.  You can be taken to Tricia's store "HILLCREST HOME PRIMS COUNTRY STORE' by clicking HERE.

hugs and smiles,
Carol 

HERE ON THE FARM, THINGS HAVE CHANGED...WE HAVE A NEW ADDITION TO OUR FAMILY

Meet our newest member...a 7 week old,  3.5 lb. black Cocker Spaniel named Peanut.  A name picked out by one of her biggest fans, my 17 year old grandson, Adam.  She is so dark it is almost impossible to get a good picture of her little face.  Ah....there is nothing that quite compares to the softness of a little pup.

I had completely forgotten what it was like to have a baby in the house.  Waking at 5:30 in the morning to go outside.  Peanut wasted no time reminding me of that.  ha!  She has been with us for almost a week now and is full of high energy and tons of affection.  The grandchildren adore her and she is full of lovin for them.  I am certain this will prove to be a very interesting journey for all of us.

 

Enjoy the rest of your day and thanks for stopping by!

hugs,
Carol

A NEW FIND, SOME GARDEN PICS AND A GIVEAWAY!!

Good morning sweet friends.  I think it is about time to shake things up a bit at the old farm and have a "Christmas in July" giveaway for all my beloved followers.  But before I give you all the juicy details, I wanted to share a couple of pics with you.  We were at Mr. Wonderful's parents farm and found this cute Roadmaster Trike buried under a pile of stuff.  Of course, I could not pass it up and felt a strong need to rescue it from a pile going to the dump.  No, no, no....not going anywhere but home with me.  We figure this little trike is from the late 50's/early 60's and ridden by Mr. Wonderful's younger siblings.  It is in GREAT shape only missing the rubber foot pedals.

We have been under an extreme heat wave and drought for our area since the middle of May.  The daily ritual includes numerous trips outside to water everything.  Here are a couple of pics of some of my flowers that are continuing to flourish despite the heat.  The first pic is my moon flower plant and one of my personal favorites and then the second is some of the wave petunias on our back porch.

 

Ok...now on to the fun stuff.  Since my birthday is this month, what better way to celebrate than a "Christmas in July" giveaway.  Here are the goodies that are included:

A 16 inch black Santa made from a TFC Folkart pattern.  His suit is red wool, the trim on his suit is antique white felted wool and his beard is  raw sheep's wool that has been needle felted to his cute little face.

Also included are 6 vintage style candy canes made using a pattern from The Wooden Nail.  This is one of my favorite patterns as I think these candy canes look  like a true vintage find.  And last, three of my own six inch gingerbread men finished with my own spice mixture giving them a just- baked look and a wonderful scent.

Here are the rules:  You must be a follower of my blog and leave me a comment on this post only.  As always, new followers are very welcome to join in.  That's it; very simple.  If you would like to earn additional entries then read on....

For an additional entry, add my giveaway to your blog sidebar and link back to this post.  For two additional entries, do an actual blog post with a link back to this giveaway.  Please let me know how many you do in your comment.

Please MAKE SURE to leave me your contact information if you do not have a blog or if this information is not available on your blog.

The giveaway will end on July 23rd and we will draw the winner on my birthday, July 24th.

Have a GREAT week and stay cool.

hugs,
Carol