HERE'S THE GANG!

SEBASTIAN'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

Yesterday, we celebrated my grandson's 3rd birthday. It was so nice to have all the grandchildren under one roof, but it sure was hard to take a picture of all them together. They are all 3 and under and do not take kindly to posing for a picture. This is the best one I could get...I think I snapped my camera 23 times and this was the only picture were they weren't either moving or pinching each other!

SEWING NEEDFULS CLOSE AT HAND

TRANQUILITY OF A SEWING ROOM

After three of my five children moved out, I had the good fortune of being able to turn one of the spare bedrooms into my sewing room. Now, my house isn't a mansion by any means, nor is it fancy, newly renovated or remodeled...just a plain 1950's ranch style home...but it is comfortable, warm, and it welcomes me home every night after a long day's work. After dinner, I like to unwind and retreat into my "room". After the business of a hectic day, it is wonderful to be able to sit and relax. Like most of us who love to create, it is so comforting to be able to surround ourselves with items that we hold dear to our hearts.

My antique bears are constant companions. They stand guarding my room when I am away. Next to them is my 6-drawer thread holder. I have amassed quite a collection of thread over the past few years...I'll probably not live long enough to use them all! Above the bears, hanging on the wall, is a game board made by my late father-in-law. He made it back in the 50's when he and my mother-in-law would have game night with friends. I believe the game was "Aggravation" or "Sorry". It's not the most beautiful or creative board, but it is very special.

On the opposite wall, I have items that are within easy reach...candlesticks for making pincushions, reproduction and antique pincushions, jars full of buttons, pins, and rubber stamps. If you look closely, you can see two pairs of antique children's shoes. Front and center, is a little statue of a nurse bear. My daughter bought this for me when she was only 6 years old, when I graduated from nursing school. So many treasures, so many memories..comfort food! I hope you all have a room or a corner where you can create and spend some quiet time...

CHANGES

This weekend I am embarking on a new adventure....I am changing my living room decor from "primitive/colonial" to "contemporary rustic"....how is that for a new decorating phrase! After 25 years of country, I am going more modern, but keeping a small amount of rustic charm....meaning, I purchased a nice, cushy dark brown leather couch, with two comfortable sea blue contemporary chairs and glass-top end tables and a glass-top coffee table...yep...you read it...glass! How is that for turning on a dime?? I am keeping two of my primitive pieces...a dark walnut sawbuck table in my dining room and a dark pine dry sink that I had purchased three years ago in Ohio. I believe I will be able to mix the old with the new and somehow it will all work. In my older age...I am seeking to be more comfortable that to be in a particular style.

We purchased a 42 inch TV for the living room last year and that seems to have started it all. In 37 years of marriage, I have never had a TV in the living room, but I have discovered that it is pretty cool! I can watch Dancing With The Stars in the comfort of my living room with a fire going, food on my lap, and in the company of family! In one of the corners of my living room, I am going to create a stitching/reading area..complete with table , a comfy chair, and good lighting.

Sometimes, change is good..I know, I needed a change and what better place to start than in your own nest!