In selecting my word PLAY for 2012 I knew it would be open for lots of interpretations.  I really had no clear definition of what play would mean to me.  So in that vein, these are my tools that allowed me to play the last few days.  Yes,  the humble rake in both small metal and large plastic versions.  Mr. C and I live on 10 acres of mountainous terrain with tons of trees and all they drop. Fortunately we only landscaped and detail maintain 2 acres.  As we age this becomes a huge amount of work for us.  Therefore I decided to make a chore into play.  I tackle only one small area and see how long it takes me to complete.  Am I only fooling myself?
 Here is a pile of lovely Fall leaves.  These are mostly Oak, Maple, Redbuds and Crepe Myrtles.  No, I do not want to jump into this pile and play.  I am not much for getting dirty. 
Here are two of our large trash containers that I filled with raked debris.  I had to leave room for the compactor bags of real trash. 
This is down the side of our steep driveway...16% grade!  Mr. C raked 18 piles of pine needles and twigs and debris.  Somehow he doesn't think of this as play.
And here is a container of more leaves and rose clippings that I managed to accumulate.  You can see I have not done any of the detail pick up which requires me to crawl around on my hands and knees.  Our winter weather is very warm so far but the ground is wet and cold and I am still getting over my being sick so I do not want to risk getting damp.
The huge trees really make a mess when the wind blows.  There are cedar droppings and limbs everywhere and they really make it a challenge to rake.  Here is another pile I can't fit into my overly full wheelbarrow.  I also can't lift the wheelbarrow so Mr. C will be helping me.
After all my play I got to do, this is the reward...a clean lawn ready for winter snow.  It really does feel good to get this done.  Of course this is only a drop in the bucket for all the area we need to do. 
From reading your blogs it would seem that 2012 is off to a really creative start. 
I am so grateful for all of your comments and I really must admit that I look forward to them.  Do you enjoy comments left on your blogs?
Blissful and Creative 2012 to each of you...

 As I bid farewell to 2011 I am reminded of all that transpired this past year.  All in all it was a pretty good year for me.  I am grateful for my husband who supports me in all my endeavors even when I don't follow through like I thought I would do.  I am grateful for my daughter and granddaughters who always keep me on my toes as a mother and grandmother...a lifelong challenge I wouldn't trade.  I am thankful for discovering this blogging medium that I embrace and the wonderful friends I have made and for all they share so generously of their talents and handmade treasures.  Life is good and I am blessed.  Even the trials of this past year have been weathered.  Getting sick on vacation and for the holidays is not fun but I will get well.  Saying goodbye to my beloved Sasha BooBoo kitty after 18 years was the hardest and worst experience and I still miss her every moment, however I know she is in a better place and not suffering.
So in my reflecting over this past year and preparing for the new year to come in a few short hours I was thinking of how I will grow and experience all that is possible.  In 2010 I chose to have a word that helped me be a better person..."FOCUS". I still use that as a learning tool and it has definitely made me aware of so much more each day.  In 2011 I chose the word..."NOW".  As in don't put off til later...do it now.  I can honestly say that this has really been extremely helpful to me this year.  Such a little word but so powerful!
Now as I enter into 2012 I wanted to select a word that would once again mean more to me and help me be that much better everyday.  Hmmm...
 Calm is one of the words I pondered.  I could really benefit from learning to remain calm in situations I cannot change.  Somehow this little word just wasn't what I was really looking for to guide me through an entire year. 
 Magic is a favorite word of mine.  I believe in all things (including Santa and such) and feel that if one has a touch of magic in their lives then they live with a sparkle of happiness over and above the normal.  After all I am a Disneyland child.
And then my word appeared...PLAY.  I am always so responsible and cautious and afraid of everything and mothering everyone to take care of them.  I need to give myself permission to PLAY.  When I looked in my dictionary...yes I still have a print dictionary that I refer to many times...my new word has quite the coverage in the pages of words.  Well!  I like this word and feel it will serve me well through 2012.   
Do you still have a printed actual dictionary in your home?  I was thrilled for my 13th birthday when I received my gift and opened it to find a real Webster's dictionary.  I would read it for hours on end at night when I should have been sleeping.  You see my mother would play Scrabble with me and my sisters and of course she would always win...we were only 8-13 years old after all.  So you can see why I was so happy to get my own dictionary and study it to learn words I could PLAY on that Scrabble board. 
Hmmm...FOCUS - NOW - PLAY.  Sounds like a reward after two years of learning to improve myself.  Hello 2012 and all that you offer for me to experience and learn and achieve.
On a global note...I wish for world peace...why can't people just get along and be happy!  Oops...sounds like my Disneyland fairy tale world I love.
Healthy and Happy and Blissful and Creative New Year to each and everyone...

December is certainly dashing along...thankfully not in the snow.  This month has been very disconnected for me as Mr. C has been out of town helping a friend.  The last two weeks I was with him and staying in strange hotels, on the road and eating all the wrong foods in restaurants.  The very first week his computer battery charger died and that was bad as he needed it for the daytime and I was going to use it for the evenings to stay in touch with my blogging friends.  I am here to contest to the fact that Murphy's law has not been repealed!
Fortunately while sitting in my hotel room day after day after day I was able to prepare my Christmas cards and get them mailed.  Luckily I had begun in August and made my little gifties I was mailing.  The top photo is of some fabric I purchased and knew exactly what I would make with it.  Postcards.  I did add some red glitter bling before mailing them. 
This is one way that I like to send a gift.  Attached to a card and then wrapped in tissue for mailing.  I can show these now because I know the recipient received them and really likes the pink hearts. 
 I made a couple more Origami bags out of this fun girly fabric that jumped into my cart one day at the store. 
 I lined one with this fun zebra fabric.
The other one with the cheetah fabric.  Both turned out pretty with the red ribbon and button accents.  Filled with some little items and some moolah my granddaughters each liked them.  They are young adults but still girly after all.
I was feeling very disconnected while gone because I never seemed to accomplish anything...especially creative.  Even shopping can fill a void for only so long.  And believe me the shopping where I was...well let me just be polite and say it lacked a lot! 
No settling in by the fire for me.  Mr. C has come down with a bug and he is trying to share it with me.  There were tons of people sick everywhere we went and I really tried to stay on top of the sleep and pre-meds. 
I am doing my best to stay current with each of you and the beautiful things you are making and decorating your homes with.  I have lots of mail to get through and I feel so fortunate because I can see some really interesting envelopes addressed to me. 
Thank you to each and every one for your patience with me this December.  I can positively say that January 2012 will be a very good beginning to a wonderful new year. 
Jingle Bell Hugs to each and every fabulous friend in blogland...

 Some people are true angels here on earth.  After my beloved Sasha BooBoo kitty had to go to heaven the loviest lady got busy and made me some wonderful gifts that I shall treasure forever.  These gifts came all the way from AUSTRALIA from Judy of Fabrications blog. 
This adorable wall hanging is a kitty angel.  This is bringing me Joy Joy Joy. 
 Judy even backed it with kitty fabric.  And do you see the wire hanger shaped like a kitty head.  So very clever.
 Included is a wonderful fabric tray.  I can honestly say I am so making these for some upcoming gifts.
Do you see the cat card, cat charms, angel and heart buttons, bookmark, cat note pad, tiny cupcake tote and beautiful beaded flower?  Miss Judy was so very generous.  I am truly touched. 
 And included are some articles, patterns and a scone recipe.  Plus a birthday card. 
Judy is such a dear and she really helped me deal with my huge loss and sadness.  Thank you my dear friend.  You are a blessing indeed. 
Thank you to all my commenting followers.  You did a great job sharing your stories of shopping...or NOT!  I do enjoy each of your comments and always look forward to reading them. 
Nothing creative from me as I am spending my time handwriting my Christmas cards and hand addressing each and every one of them.  In this day of technology I just really enjoy the time and effort I spend on each holiday card I mail.  Do you still hand address your cards or letters?
Jingle Bell Joys...

 Do you recognize this handsome fellow?  He is Taggart of Glencoe.  Corgi of Cuteness!  You can follow his antics Tuesdays with Tag.  I was very happy to retrieve my mail one day last week and find Tag had sent me his photo.  Now I can smile each and every time I see that adorable face.  Actually Tag didn't send me the package...his loving mum sent it to me.  Now I know you all follow this gifted lady...Donna of Brynwood Needleworks.  I am so happy to call her my friend here in Blogland. 
This lovely ATC is what Donna created and sent to me.  Thank you dear friend.  Donna makes the most elegant and graceful stitched things.  Her signature logo is acorns so every detail in this ATC has acorns.  The fabric she quilted so beautifully, the focal bubble with the acorn lad, ruched seam binding ending with a lovely silver acorn charm and the sentiment to Count Your Blessings.  This is such a beautiful work of art and I cherish it.  So much kindness and love all in the size of a playing card is truly amazing. I am so very grateful and I am counting my blessings to share Donna as my friend. 
Here in America we are full of or Thanksgiving feast yet I shall continue to be thankful for all that I am able to enjoy...family, friends and so much more.  
Are you a "Black Friday" shopper?  Do you wait in long lines for a special deal?  Are you a marathon shopper with a list of places and items?  Not me.  I prefer to shop when it is less crowded.  I also do my shopping and creating all year long for the gifts I give.  I like to put lots of thought and time into what I give and therefore enjoy it anytime of the year as I see and put together ideas for the people on my lists.  Yes, I do have those last minute things I must get but I still don't like crowds so I prefer to shop anytime (other than) to avoid "Black Friday".  "Shop til you drop" is not for me...
Lots of boutiques this weekend...I may try to attend some of my favorites. 
Stay warm and safe as you rush quickly into this busy hectic time of year...

This is the time of year that so many of us here in the US have much to be thankful for. 
We celebrate Thanksgiving with copious amounts of turkey, gravy, rolls, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberry relishes, pumpkin pie, apple pie, pecan pie and lots of whipped topping...just to name a few dishes. 
We spend time with family and friends around large tables and in front of televisions watching the Macy's Day Parade and yards of football.  Sometimes a nap is in order...too much food I'm sure.
This is a great time to reflect on all that we are thankful for.  My list is long and I am truly grateful for so much.  I will keep my thoughts to myself at this time and know that I am sincerely fortunate for so many things and people in my life. 
A very Happy Thanksgiving to all my US blogging friends...

 Mr. C and I have just returned from a road trip.  I was without computer access the entire trip and I missed my blogging friends very much.  Here are some photos of the trip highlights.  We actually never went into Las Vegas as the conference was in Summerlin at the Red Rock Resort which was very nice.  LOG 31 stands for Lotus Owners Group and this is the 31st annual gathering.  This is the closest West Coast venue and that is why we attended.  Mr. C can now check this off his list.  :o)  The top photo is of his beloved Lotus.  I think it is the prettiest Lotus ever built.  Mr. C loves it for the technical supercar that it is.  He is an engineer and extremely hands on!  He has made improvements to this car that no one can believe he did so amazingly well and efficiently.
 Here we are all packed and ready for the +/-600 mile drive to LV.  As you can see I have tons of room.  My family and friends tease me that I have to wear lots of layers in order to have any change of clothes for the trip.  There really was plenty of room this time in the trunk for some clothes.  As for shoes I pack them carefully in the tiny side windows next to the engine which is right behind our heads. 
 I got a tickle out of this little sign one of the cars had displayed.  Cars and owners came from all over the United States and some people came from Europe but without their cars.  Lotus is British afterall.
An overview photo.  There were approximately 200 cars in attendance and that is a lot!  All colors and models and years.  It really was awesome to see so many in one place. 
 Mr. C looking very dapper and ready for the awards banquet. 
 This was the dessert and it was not only clever but very delicious.  My photo is blurry but the cheesecake on shortbread cookie with the glazed fruit complete with real gold on the tip of the strawberry was quite yummy.  I wanted to save the clever little white chocolate welcome sign but knew it wouldn't make the trip home so I ate it!
 This is us and another Lotus on our way home.  We stopped near Mammoth in the high country and the view was gorgeous.  The weather was crisp as we were over 8000 ft elevation here.  The Fall colors along Highway 395 were gorgeous.  We met this couple and ran in tandem to and from the conference.  Very charming husband and wife that I feel certain we will see again and again as we truly enjoyed their company.  For me that was the best part of this trip...meeting some wonderful people and exchanging contact info so we can stay in touch.  We really did have fun and lots of great stories and laughter were shared.
An overnight stay in Bridgeport before completing the trip home.  We always stay and eat at the Bridgeport Inn as it is charming and historic.  As you can see the car is covered in ice and this was later in the morning about 9 AM.  Brrrrrr...  I had flip flops on and told Mr. C that if he found any toes please gather them so they could be reattached.  LOL  It was COLD!!!  Thank goodness the car has a great heater and warmed us up.  On to Reno and them home.  It is always so good to get home after being gone.
Now for completing my household and pet chores, errands, grocery shopping, bill paying and what nots. I am looking forward to catching up on emails and blogging.  I hated missing so many days being offline.  Addicted?  Yes and proud of it.  Where else can you be part of such a wonderful community of caring and cleverly talented people? 
I do hear my studio calling me however it will have to wait...if I go in there I may never come out and take care of my responsibilities...hmmm...
Our Fall weather is just right and the colors are spectacular.  It is time for Mr. C and I to take our annual tour around town and just enjoy it all.  Maybe in the next few days.

 This feminine gorgeous bottle complete with pink glittered roses and stopper.  Swoon...
 This adorable little birdhouse ornament handpainted by Celestina Marie herself both back and front. 
More swooning...
 Now my photos are out of order however this was an unexpected item she included.  A small very heavy handpainted paperweight book.  The tole painted roses are exquisite.

Farewell July as we end another wonderful Summer month of perfect weather and lots of outdoor activities. Time spent with family and friends enjoying good conversation, fun and food.

Table placecard and combined coaster. Very simple to do. Use fun paper coasters and stack with a dab of glue between. Add a paper flower with the wire looped through the doily holes. I added a chipboard tag with ribbon looped through the doily holes. These were so simple to do and really added to the tablescape. I was thinking of a garden theme without being fussy.
My entire goal was simple and casual for this luncheon.
It was all about the friendship and sharing of time together.

Keeping in the garden theme I made a batch of fabric and lace flower pins. I knew the color choices of several but not all so I made a range to select from.