Saturday, January 3, 2015

A New Year here at Plum Cottage

Good morning Folks ~ I hope your holidays were happy ones and hope 2015 is a good year for all of you.

I found the rock below, in our driveway, right before Christmas.  The coloring caught my eye. When I picked it up I saw sparkles and to me it was a gift of love from God and Mark. We always picked up interesting rocks when we saw them.

12-24-rock-gift

12-24-rock-gift2

12-24-rock-gift3

Christmas Eve morning.

12-24-sunrise

These goodies below were from my neighbors, who Mark used to do a lot of work for. I had half the shrimp Christmas Eve, the other half New Years Eve. I cut the smoked ham in half, put half in the freezer, other half in the crockpot with a topping of brown sugar and sherry Christmas day. Yummy!

12-24-from-ml-b

 

I had my usual two cups of coffee Christmas morning, and while I opened my gifts I sipped on a little eggnog with a tad of sherry in it from a small ruby ware glass that had been my great grandmothers. The eggnog little tradition was started by my BIL Pepe, and his wife Fern, when we all gathered at DH’s family home for Christmas years ago. I enjoy it.

After I opened my nice gifts…

12-25-gifts

I got the urge to take down Christmas and that’s what I started doing after breakfast, and was done by 12:30. I was just so ready for the new year.  I got it back into the attic Sat. morning before I left for work. Smile I’ve never taken decos down that early.

New Year’s Eve was pretty quiet compared to other years, for that I was thankful. New Year’s Day I went to my dear friend’s house and had a lovely lunch and visit, then came home and took a nap.

Last night my brother-in-law and his dear wife took me out to eat at a funky little restaurant we had heard about but not tried. We had beer battered haddock which was delicious, fries and coleslaw. For desert, 7-Up cake. Yummy!

I had emailed my BIL the day before showing him tools I planned to get this year.  I asked his opinion about one of them, and when they showed up last night, he handed me a gift-wrapped box and he said this will answer one of your questions.  I exclaimed with delight when I saw what it was.  He said the one I had looked at used too small of nails for what I wanted to do. He said now we can both use our nail guns when he comes in a couple of weeks for us to put up more faux bead board paneling in the bedroom.  I am EXCITED! My sis-in-law just shook her head and smiled.  She thinks I’m nuts, but I ‘love’ tools.  I got that love of tools from being with my DH and working with him on projects for 43 years.  (We didn’t have one of these, didn’t need one. But I thought this would help make things a bit easier for me now that he’s not here.)  Yippee, now I have one. A great gift for 2015 and projects in mind. I’ve never used one before, but have seen women use them on you-tube videos and thought to myself, heck I can do that if it’s not too heavy.

01-03-brad-nailer

***

I had read a dear blogging friend’s post on New Year’s Eve morning about Cardinals, and received a blessing the next morning, New Years Day. I didn’t ‘see’ one, but as I was walking around looking at flowers, one burst into song and just kept singing. I felt it was another gift to me this holiday season and I thanked God for it. DH and I always enjoyed their song. I didn’t hear any singing yesterday morning, so that makes it even more special to me.

I looked up a Cardinal’s song and came up with this little interesting you-tube video you all might enjoy.

‘Birding By Ear’

While taking a blogging break, I worked on some more needlework.  I took and an antique lace medallion and started beading it onto a piece of felt. I’ve done more since these photos so am almost done with the beading, not quite sure what I’m going to do with the piece yet.

Back side

12-24-bead-emb-ant-lace

Front

12-24-antique-lace-medallion-beaded

Close-up

12-24-close-up

I am really excited about this new year, even though there is a huge possibility that I am going to lose my job of 17 years, as my boss and friends next door are selling the building and retiring.

I do believe the ‘widow’s fog’ I’ve been in for the last two years, has lifted quite a bit and I am ready to do projects. I plan to fill my little Etsy shop with some of my creations, after this hiatus I’ve been on.

I wish all of you a wonderful 2015. May we all be open to new opportunities, lessons to learn, joy and beauty and growth in all areas of our lives.

FlowerLady

39 comments:

gld said...

Lorraine, that is truly a work of art!

I am so happy to hear how the fog has lifted and you are looking forward to a productive New Year!

I love tools too! I have never used a power nailer or stapler but if I had a project going, wouldn't hesitate. I use power saws, chain saws, drills, drivers, etc. The best thing I have bought so far is the Bosch drill/driver set. I am keeping it on the back porch so it is handy!

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Love reading of your projects
and a special rock always gets my attention and I put in a special place. Have several that were in my mother's garden and some my son has found on this property when visiting. Do a lot of things you do and a lot I do not do:) but we still have much in common. New Years eve and day
alone with Callie and liked it.
So much busyness in years past that I truly love this time of
a much simpler life.
Best to you in 2015...

Deb J. in Utah said...

That is sure a cool rock. I love your needle work. Glad to hear you are feeling optimistic looking toward the new year! Can't wait to see the projects you will undertake. Happy 2015 to you! Have a good one and stay happy!

Algodão Tão Doce said...


Fiquei feliz em conhecer o seu blog, já fiquei por aqui!!!Achei maravilhoso!!!
Visite-me:http://algodaotaodoce.blogspot.com.br/
Siga-me e pegue o meu selinho!!!

Obrigada.

Beijos Marie.

Mrs. E said...

Happy New Year! I am just starting to develop a love of tools myself--though I haven't made a purchase yet. I have some projects in mind around our house. I love your bead work! Beautiful!

Jean Campbell said...

A rock with fossils and sparkles, what a find!

Thank you for linking the video. There's a little warble that cardinals add, it must be the female that sounds like water burbling that he didn't catch that I love to hear. We have cardinals in the shrubbery out front.

I had a dear friend who enjoyed Christmas the way you showed, with presents wrapped and partially rewrapped and left under the tree for a day, then begone with everything.

Your needlework as usual is simply exquisite. Best wishes in the new year.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Happy New Year. May God guide you down the path that is best for you.

Nancy J said...

New Year Blessings, as we each start over again. Your beading, a rock that is perfect, with embedded shell patterns, friends and BIL bringing gifts, Lovely new power tool, the best. I'm sure if the shop closes, another door will open for you. Here we plod along, new medication is making Hugh's days easier, not perfect, but a lot better, and sleep at nights is a wonderful restorer. So I , too, start 2015 with hope in my heart. Hugs, jean.

Debbie Harris said...

Lorraine, your hands have graced that piece just beautifully. Amazing in deed! How lovely to be able to do that sort of work.
Your rock is beautiful, even looks like a bit of fossil in it. Such a beautiful gift from God. I know you will treasure it for many years.
And what a heart touching story of the birds singing, just for you.
God is good and gracious to us when we least expect it.
I think it is delightful how you love tools. You are going to have a great time with that nail gun. :-)

May this year bring you much peace and joy.
Blessings, Debbie

Rebecca said...

I thought I saw a FACE on that rock in the one photo......And YES to new opportunities, lessons, joy, beauty and growth ♥

Happy New Year!

L. D. said...

Your stitchery piece is so marvelous. You have put a lot of work in that and your skills are wonderful. The third rock has fossil imprints in it. They are neat.

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

You sound ready to go for 2015. Unsettling about the job situation, but maybe there is something new and exciting waiting for you. Great gifts and what a pretty pieces with the stitching and beads. Love the rock by the way.

Julie said...

You are amazing! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Rose ~ from Oz said...

First I'm sorry to hear about the job Lorraine.
And, on a happier note, what a busy but wonderful post you've shared. Love the rock, the craft and the TOOLS!
With all my heart here's wishing for you a clearer 2015.
And thank you dear lady for your lovely good wishes to me.
R
x

RockWhisperer said...

Lorraine, I can always count on you to provide something that will be interesting little side trips for me, days after reading your post! I found the Birding By Ear site and will be visiting that a lot. I do love Cornell Labs, didn't know they had this series though.

We have a lot of cardinals and I am familiar with their song. There is also a sound they make when they have babies learning how to fly. I believe the male makes it, and it is just a simple "Chip...Chip...Chip". They get them out of the nest and onto nearby branches and I think he is encouraging the babies to leap off the branch.

And I don't know if I've told you this before or not, but I've thought it many times, and that is that I just love how you see the significance of things that you are led to find as gifts from God or from someone who has passed. I have that same belief. It's uncanny, sometimes will be just the thing I need to jerk me out of a bad mood, sometimes just little gifts from God to let me know He's with me. So comforting and truly a blessing.

I look at lost jobs as a sign that you are done with that phase of your life. It's like the pushing of a birdling out of the nest. If you keep yourself open to opportunities, walk through every door that opens to you, you will be better off than you were before. I've had this happen to me, seen it happen to others so many times.

May you have a wonderful 2015. Hugs, Ilene

KathyB. said...

Fossils on a rock ~ long,very long gone remembrances of life made permanent in a rock found by you. When you think about it that is pretty amazing.

Your needlework is so beautiful.

I know God will provide if your job disappears , and reading this post tells me you trust him in all things, and your joy in life does not depend on circumstance , but in Him and knowing your future is in His hands.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Good Morning Lorraine, Sounds like you had a nice Christmas --and are READY for 2015... The ham and shrimp gift was terrific and so was the fancy tool. Your BIL is a wonderful man --and I know how much you appreciate his help.

Hope you don't lose your job ---and I hope and pray that 2015 is a great year for you--and for me. God Bless.

Hugs,
Betsy

Gary said...

Dear Lorraine,
I would just like to echo that last sentence of yours. God bless you.

Darcie said...

I am glad you were surrounded by so many gifts, of different shapes, sizes, and meanings. I hope this New Year holds many more gifts for you my friend!

Sallysmom said...

I am praying for you that if the job you have goes away that God will open a new door for you.

M.K. said...

Happy New Year! That felted medallion is so incredibly beautiful! YOu do great work. I'm sorry about the possible job loss, hope you are not worried. Will you be able to manage, or will you need to find a new job? May God provide for all you need.

Mama Mess said...

Happy New Year to you Dear FlowerLady! We also love finding new and beautiful rocks, and I'm thankful you found that one! Your medallion is just gorgeous.

Val said...

Happy new year, Lorraine--and I hope it is. ♥ You're off to a good start--How sweet of your neighbors to give you all the edibles! That's so kind. I'm sure they remember Mark fondly, all year long.

I like Ilene's comment that lost jobs are a sign that you're done with a phase of your life. May 2015 be a bright one for you, whatever turns it takes. ♥

Unknown said...

Hello Lorraine - I haven't talked with you in a while - I wish you a Happy and Healthy Blessful New Year - and p.s. would you send me your email address, I have had to go onto a new computer program and lost all my emails. Thanks / hugs x0 x0 ~ Dodi

Annie said...

That's great news that you're feeling like doing projects again. I'm looking forward to the new year too, and all the peace I am feeling. I'm going to learn about tools too. Men surely can't have the monopoly on all the fun. I bought an electric sander the other day to start sanding an old church pew I got from my mum.

Lona said...

We have this tool thing in common then Lorriane.I have tools that help me when I like to create some junk into gold. LOL! I just got a dremmel set last summer so I could sand and do intricate cutting. I love it. I have a staple gun but your nailer look like more fun to me.:)
I am glad you enjoyed your Christmas and you got some great gifts and yummy also.
This girl slept right through New Years. LOL!
The new piece you are working on is so beautiful. I love the beading. You are so talents girl! Take care and God Bless you in this new year.

Maryann said...

I love how you see little things as gifts from the Lord. (like the rock, which was beautiful by the way) My husband and I have done many do it yourself projects over the years, it is fun for us, so I can understand your excitement over the
nailer. Bless you in this new year

Leslie Kimel said...

I'm so glad you're going to fill your Etsy shop! Hooray! That's great news. And that beaded lace medallion is just too pretty!

Jane Westwell said...

What beautiful beaded lace; perhaps you could mount it in a deep frame and put it on the wall? It's definitely a work of art! Love the sparkling rock, with little touches of fossils. It's definitely a gift and these little gifts give us so much strength, don't they?

If you lose your job, I'm sure something else will come along for you, Lorraine; as one door closes God often opens another one we hadn't even thought of xx

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Rainey, love the work of your hands and heart; beautiful! So very glad the widow's fog...extremely apt description, by the way, is lifting. Mine seems to be lifting but it's been three plus years for me. all in God's timing... May God continue to keep you in the palm of His righteous right hand and bless you now and forever more. You are so very loved...

Homemaker's Heart said...

Hello! I wanted to see what you were up to and low and behold I not only get to see a beautiful rock with very interesting impressions on it, but an amazing creation done by you. You are so talented and truly an inspiration for me.

Wishing you a year filled with blessings,
Dee

sweetbay said...

I am so glad to hear you are feeling better!

Your needlework looks wonderful.

Love and best wishes for the new year.

jerilanders said...

Lorainne, wishing you the best in this year to come. I too love tools and have my own set.Equal enthusiasm for needleworking tools and carpentry tools, that's us! Your newest creation is quite beautiful as we have come to expect!

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

A wonderful hope-filled post, moving on to new things with a spring in your step. Your beading looks amazing!

Pam's English Garden said...

Your embroidery is stunning, Lorraine. You are so talented. Best wishes for 2014 -- hope your job situation works out OK. P. x

Tatyana@MySecretGarden said...

Your post is inspiring, Lorraine! I mean your readiness for new things and projects, your ability to be thankful for the little things and your optimism... Thank you!

Yesteryear Embroideries said...

Beautiful rock. I love to collect rocks as well!Looks like you had a wonderful Christmas! Love your nailer! I have heard the same things about cardinals and I always love to see them show up! I hope that the possibility of losing your job will not be a hardship for you. I hope you fill your shop with your beautiful stitchery!

GRACE PETERSON said...

don't you just love these little gifts God provides for us? A songbird, a shimmery rock, the warm sunshine, the smell of a rose... We should never take them for granted. Thank you for that reminder. I'm so glad you're in project-mode again. I hope you don't lose your job but if you do, another door will open. Keep us posted.

Terra said...

It sounds like your spirits are up for this new year. The rock was a heaven sent gift for you, and I like how happy you were to receive a tool as a gift. You are becoming quite the handy lady. The eggnog with sherry in the special glass sounds like a great tradition.