Have you ever noticed.....

Have you ever noticed that life is a little less colorful without props?  I was looking through pictures I've taken over the past several months and I noticed many of the photos I love have something to do with the fun props included in the photos.

While driving the boys to school one day I passed this little red sports car on the curb next to trash cans.  Apparently someone had used up all the joy in this little red sports car and now it had become trash.  My mind instantly went to The Flamingo Family.  There could be so much more joy in the cars future if it could play with the Flamingo Family.   Sooooo....I quickly dumped the kids at school and flipped down the seats in my car and hoisted this hot little car into my not so hot little car.  I have to admit I felt a bit embarrassed.....not while curb shopping...nope....it happened when I knocked on the Flamingo Families door and offered them this hot little number. What would I have done if they said, "no thank you"....THANKFULLY the man accepted this little red trash to treasure gem.  I look forward to the day I pass their house and see this hot little number sporting a few flamingos.

Here are a few more photos that crack me up....

 Mr. McSteamy received this chef coat and hat from his lovely Megan for Christmas.  I just need to embroider Chef Ree-Chard on the jacket (his real life name is Richard).

Zach's goggles....look closely....they were steamed up all but the centers....too funny.

Aaron found this scarf under a table while dining out.  He came up from under the table with the biggest smile...wrapped it around his neck...and made a evil squeal and said, "The Spoils of War."  I almost wet my pants laughing.

Last week I made the huge mistake of asking Mr. McSteamy to pick up some groceries from the market.  He came home with all sorts of wild azz food...little pies, Klondike bars, whip cream (not real whip cream but the plastic whiz in a can) and of course there was a sprinkling of real food in the bags somewhere.  After dinner dishes were done I had come into the living room and I heard someone in the kitchen....didn't we just have dinner....who is back in there eating (truthfully....I was thinking....who is in there making another mess)  Just as I entered the kitchen....what did I see?  Zach with is prop....a Klondike bar with  whip cream eyes and a smile....he was in greedy heaven...and I was instantly filled with joy.

Props....the things that make us smile and remember.  

While typing this it occurred to me to check the origin of the word prop....here is a definition:

something that is said to publicly thank and give special attention to someone for doing something : credit or recognition

Learn something new every day....clueless here...I thought it meant the stuff in the background.  Nope!  Apparently Props is just a shortened abbreviation for Theatrical Properties....the portable objects on a stage or set.  

If you are getting board reading this post....then ya better be getting back to that to do list.  For the rest of you...thanks for taking time out of your day to spend a few minutes with me while I entertain myself and share the things that I notice and observe about what makes life more joyful.

Treasures...yes...those are not two medicine bottles with fancy fabric stuck to the tops....those are absolute treasures.  They used to sit next to Mary Jane's sewing machine on a rotating tray.  That is her handwriting on the bottles....one is for safety pins and the other is for discarded needles and pins.  It is the small things in life that tickle my core....today I am so grateful for all these little things....the Props that make me smile when I stop to notice them.

Where are your Props today?   I'd love to hear a story or two (or as many as you care to share :)

Heart Smiles,

Kelly

 

Progress

My PA quilt top is finished....almost!  Yes, I used Mary Jane's beautiful Bernina 820 to finish this top...thank you for all the encouragement and support! 

This pattern is the absolute best for scrappy quilt making because it really doesn't matter what fabric you use as long as the center blocks are lighter.  Christmas mixed with Halloween and add some Easter...who cares....the only thing that shows is the light and dark patterns.

I want to add a thin inner border and a little wider border on the outside.  Wouldn't you know that not a single piece of fabric that I own looks good for the outside border....is that crazy or what?  You know I'm not going out to buy fabric.....I'm going to hit up some local friends and if need be, long distance friends after that.  I've already been through Waldo's stash and that is where I got the lighter inner border.

More progress on the organization front as well.  I've been looking for a shelf to put behind my machine to hold some of my fun sewing items.  The problem is the wall is cement and I don't want to have to put holes into the wall.  Hanging shelving from the ceiling is certainly an option and I was ready to pull the trigger on that project.....then I walked into a consignment store and found the neatest narrow shelf:

It came with 6 shelves total and some were sagging in the middle (don't even think about the my sagging middle) so I have some books on those shelves to straighten them out.  Sure wish it were that easy to straighten myself out...LOL  The shelf was $15 and I was thrilled because buying the materials for hanging shelves would have been much more.

Quick Flamingo Update:

A friendly soccer game with the opposing team wearing shirts.  Too funny.

Naturally their parents would be cheering them on from the sidelines.

That is all from here....hope all is well with you and yours!

Smiles,
Kelly

Flamingos Playing Again and A Giveaway Announcement

Yep, I caught them in the act....

They have been playing volleyball and apparently enjoying themselves too!

The Flamingos in the neighbors yard came first....then the Toledo Zoo must have been jealous because they have added flamingos to the Zoo...giggles.

I had the metal taken out of my ankle on Monday so I've been recuperating here on the sofa.  Not much fun really but I'm thrilled to have the metal out and hopefully the pain in my ankle will stop for good.

A fun giveaway is going on over at Splitting Stitches blog.  Joanne has made some very fun placemats.  Hope over and leave a comment for your chance to win some of these fun placemats:

That's all from here for now....hope all is going exceptionally well for you and yours!

Smiles,

Kelly

Chicken A La King Anyone?

As most of you know, I've been dragging my lip (actually my entire self) around on the ground for weeks and I'm doing my very best to "keep my chin up."  MJ is in full swing with her chemo and for all the exhaustion and yucky side effects, that stuff better be working....or so I pray it is doing its job.

I received a package in the mail the other day and I could not help but laughing my bum off.....I absolutely LOVE this wall hanging and will treasure it for all the days of my life:

You know it hangs over the commode in the master bedroom.....this keeps the lip up because I can't laugh while dragging my lip on the ground!!!  Thank you dearest friend....I love you BIG....but you knew that before the gift.

Another girlfriend sent me this book a few months ago:

A Promise in Pieces by Emily T. Wierenga

I've been unable to sleep so I reached for this book on my nightstand.  A Promise in Pieces grabbed me from the beginning....I like people and this is a story about some of the best and most loving, kind and loyal people.  It is a story of passion, gratitude and triumph so you know it grabbed me and didn't let go.  When I turned the last page I was very sad....the same sort of sadness I feel when I've put the last stitch in the binding of a quilt.....sad that I'm parting with a friend and I know I'll miss them.

Paying it Forward.....I'm giving this exact copy away....just leave a comment below if you'd like to win the book and I'll let the random number generator do the rest of the work.  I'm willing to pay shipping to all US States....but if you live outside the US and want to pay shipping....you're more than welcome to leave a comment too :)

Who likes a "short story?"  I like all the details....as long as they are not boring....so if any of this bores you....just click on the X in your upper right hand corner :)

 Flamingos on Summer Vacation

World Cup Flamingo Style

A short trip to Maumee Bay State Park last weekend.

Upon returning home from Maumee Bay State Park....I looked up our street to see the Waldo MoBile coming down the street.

I guess you could call it a "Drive By Waldoing"....LOL

New family members direct from Grow A Frog....I'd like to introduce you to Abbott and Costello :)  Abbott for Zach's Christmas and Costello for his birthday.  I want a bumper sticker that reads "Let me tell you about my GrandFrogs."  They were tadpoles when they arrived and now....look how handsome those strapping young hoppers are....I love them.

Mr. McSteamy has a good friend at work who is retiring at the end of the month.  What did he get him as a gift?  Something to do with Golf perhaps?  Woodworking maybe?  Just some good coffee?  Nope!  Not my husband....this is what he bought for his retiring friend:

I laughed so hard when I opened the box. Can you imagine....I just couldn't figure out why there were two pair.  I didn't inquire....I just let it go.  Then a few days later we were out for an evening walk and McSteamy says, "I have to come clean about something."  Imagine my heart rate....it goes up....my mind begins to scan....has anything been strange recently....oh no....what is he going to say....

Then I say...OK...what is it?  This is his reply, "I actually bought the other pair of slippers for you but I was afraid you would not like them."  What a relief....my greatest fear was that he would say something like....I've been wearing your clothes....a pair of Bunny Slippers....I can live with that...ROFL.  Ya can't help buy smile while looking down at your feet with a giant pair of bunny slippers on....its true!

That's all from here....leave a comment if you'd like the opportunity to read, A Promise in Pieces.

Lip Dragging and Smiles,

Kelly

Arctic FREEZE

 

 The Flamingo Family is now up to their ears in snow!

This is not the first floor, nope....it is a pix from the second floor of our home.

 The drifting snow on our roof...amazing isn't it?

 I had an appointment yesterday and this was the inside of the building....yes...frost on the inside of the building...impressive :)

The snow and freeze has slowed everything down, which I absolutely love :)  The slower life goes the happier I am!!!  I was able to make these several days ago.  Not been able to make anything else because this is the 4th day of no-school for my co-workers.  YIKES....I'm up to my ears in pokemon cards, games, pine wood derby cars and oh yeah....that's right...laundry...double YIKES.

I've heard some say they think this is all due to global warming.....I'm thinking Wal Mart drove down the price of Arctic Freeze and some hoarder let it all go at once.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it :)

I hope everyone who is affected by this Arctic Blast is slowing down and taking time to enjoy the beauty of the white snow and life at a manageable pace.

Smiles,
Kelly

Are You Hopping?

This is for all of you who were wondering where the music was on THIS post.

Now that I've got that straightened out....I have no idea where that video went after I embedded it.

Moving forward now:
Have you been hopping around checking out all the Machine Embroidery samples completed for the SewCalGal Fall Machine Embroidery Blog Hop?  If your answer is not a resounding YES, then I might suggest you get to hopping because there will be a winner chosen from each blog.  

Mr. McSteamy brought up my embroidery machine and I was finally able to complete my project.  Here it is:

 I made the Owl Scissor Keep using Floriani Stabilizer and Floriani Embroidery Thread.  I also used National Nonwoven Wool Felt and I think it came out pretty cute.  Next I'd like to make the Ice Cream Cone Scissor Keep. 

Look how nicely my Dovo Embroidery Scissors fit into my Owl Scissor Keep.  Doesn't that Owl look very smart?  LOL  If you are just joining the hop then you'll want to know that the designer is Zandra Shaw from Embroider Shoppe.  In order to qualify to win a design of your choice you must leave a comment on THE OTHER POST - not here. 

When I was looking for coordinating fabrics to go on the back of the Owl Scissor Keep I noticed I don't have many really fun and bright dots or stripes.....sooooo when I found the Michael Miller Happy Tones Fat Quarter Bundle I wanted to jump for joy!  But I didn't because I was not about to take any risks with my broken ankle.  In place of jumping for joy....I added them to IHAN®.  Check out these fun fabrics:

If these fabrics don't make you smile....then I suggest that you get a "rainbow enema" and call me in the morning...giggles.  You are looking at 30 reasons to smile right here in this one box. 

Since breaking my ankle I have received several flower arrangements from family and friends.  I'm not saying I'm not deeply appreciative....I truly am.  At the same time...can I still say this Happy Tones Fat Quarter Bundle would have lasted longer and continued to bring joy for years to come.  If there is someone in your life that you would like to bring some joy and happiness to....think about sending them a Happy Tones Fat Quarter Bundle and I'd be happy to write the personalized note and ship it for you :)  I even put them on sale....and the holidays are right around the corner :)

I know the Flamingo lovers are wanting their updates. 

 

The Flamingo Family celebrated Halloween in style this year.

They are also enjoying the Fall leaves.

Time to get to HOPPING....here is a reminder to leave a comment on each of these gal's blogs for your chance to win your choice of designs from the Embroider Shoppe.  Best of  luck to all of you!

Monday, Nov 4th

SewCalGal 

Tuesday, November 5th

I Have A Notion

Wednesday, November 6th

Patsy Thompson Designs 

Thursday, November 7th

Beaquilter

Friday, November 8th

Stormy Days

SewCalGal 

Smiles,

Kelly

Bet ya didn't know....

 

Along with cooler weather here in Ohio, we also have Flamingo Football Season!

 

Yes...it is true....those are Flamingo Fans watching the Flamingo Football Game.

My crochet is coming along...sort of.  I keep practicing.  Last night I tried 3 different tutorials on the WWW and I could not get any of them to work for me.  Guess I must really need a true lesson so I can make more progress.

 

For those of you who may not follow Judi and Clint's blog, Green Fairy Quilts, they are leaving for Romania soon.   Please, please, please stop by their blog to wish them safe travels.  Unfortunately I've not had the opportunity to meet Judi or Clint face to face, but they are a young couple I greatly admire for so many different reasons.  Hop over and give them a visit.

Smiles,

Kelly

Trimming Threads and Ripping Seams Who Wants To Do It?

Let me be the first to say that I hate mindless detail work even when it is necessary.  Trimming those little threads and ripping out seams can cut my creative energy short and has on many of occasions.

Yesterday I was finishing up some pillow cases (a birthday gift to a girlfriend who's birthday was Jan 24th...yikes), the sausage style pattern...you  know the one.  If not, you can find it here.   Apparently I didn't line up the fabric evenly and I needed to tear out the threads.  My favorite seam rip is the Famore "grim ripper"...LOL but I didn't want to take the time to pick at the edge of the threads to start the ripping.  Thankfully Aaron, my oldest "co-worker" was home from school and he assisted me in the following video.

 In the photo above, you can see I made the "sausage" and later noticed I had not caught all the fabric layers.  That's when I took out the Quick Ripper and went to work.  You can see the video below.  Keep in mind, my videographer is not well paid and he was only armed with an I-Phone...LOL.


I was so impressed with the speed of the Quick Ripper that it has become a "must have" for mindless threads and ripping.

When I went to roll and press my seams I noticed all those annoying little threads.  I know I have a ton of scissors and really nice ones too....but the speed at which I trimmed those little threads was amazing.  I held the Quick Ripper parallel to the fabric and raced along the edge and it took every single little thread off.  And those thread tails too!!

 I made three sets of pillow cases in the last week....

This "wild" set of pillow cases went to Jean because she left all her Westminster fabrics with me and I had to make sure I made excellent use of some of it :)  I'm not sure it is even possible to sleep on such electric pillowcases.

This set of pillow cases were sent to my girlfriend who's birthday was last January....better late than never ay!

I made this set because it coordinates with "Momma's Quilt" and I wanted to use up the left over fabric.  I bet you can't see any little dangling threads on any of these pillow case sets thanks to my new favorite tool, the Quick Ripper.

The Quick Ripper uses a single AA battery that is included.  Everyone who knows me knows that I don't like to spend money or acquire tools that I don't think are worth the money or that I won't use frequently.  The Quick Ripper is high on my list because of the value and speed. 

You may have noticed I used a sewing bird to hold the end of my "sausage" so I could use both hands to rip the seams.  You could also lower your needle and presser foot into one end and use your sewing machine to hold the end. 

Flamingo Update:

The flamingos are doing well....and apparently all well behaved as they return to school.

Smiles,
Kelly