Dance Dance Dance Little Ballerina

I think we all have a dancer inside of us. We may however, dance to different tunes.

When my youngest daughter went off to college, one of the things I gave her to take with her was a CD with the song "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack. The song spoke of life's ups and downs -- the journey of life -- telling her children that she hopes they find a way to dance through it all.

I "dance" a lot these days. Life is good .... perhaps its because I've had so many ups and downs. The road was NEVER easy, but I'm proud of what I've accomplished and learned through it all. Life's triumphs and struggles have given me strength, knowledge, and yes ... even wisdom. I love the fact that all those experiences have provided and opportunity to help others who are currently struggling with similar challenging situations!

Life is an incredible journey ..... don't forget to dance dance dance!

Honestly! Honey

A new baby in the house of McDonald's

I have many "adopted" daughter and sons out there. Just seems to be who I am, a mom..... my daughter tells me often, these days, "you were born to be a Mom". (Sweet music to my ears).

Anyway, at one time I was a McDonald. We lived in Aurora, Colorado close to my husbands older brother's family. It was a wonderful time and I loved Colorado! We were as sisters, Cathy and I, and we crafted together, supported each other as women, and our children spent a lot of time together. Eventually, we took jobs that allowed us to work different schedules; we were each other's sitter. (she had 4 & I had 2 -- 4 were not of school age). Through divorce, time, life, and geography, we lost touch over the years ...... but I'd hear little tidbits everyone once in a while ..... but now they're out on facebook ..... Love facebook! Reconnecting .... I moved A LOT in my life, left many behind that I loved! Rambling ..... sorry.

Anyway, made this set for Katie and her new baby girl ....

Biblettes -- are fabulous! I developed these and they are our favorite ... just tuck up under baby's chin when feeding and catch dribbles before they get down in all those neck crevises! We called it milk neck ... it stinks and is a hard area to get clean ... so my solution was less bulk, convenient size, cute, and add a strip of chenille for quick clean up and absorption! Less bulky than a standard size diaper cloth, with the same uses. Multiples are a must!

AND

Every baby needs a hat or bonnet! They look fabulous & it helps protect their little eyes, ears, and faces ....
LOVE IT LOVE IT! Hope she likes a little wild!

Honestly!

Honey

Life is a Circus!

I watched Michael Jackson's memorial service late yesterday afternoon. Well, most of it anyway! I should have recorded the following show just in case they ran over! Which they did! I posted on my facebook page a quick little something to honor him and his life, because I was always a fan. My daughter said she couldn't believe I posted what I did ... I said .... I grew up with the Jackson 5 & The Osmonds!!! You see in those days the color barriers were still pretty strong still. I loved their songs but I purchased The Osmond Brothers albums and Donny's albums... I can't honestly remember purchasing a Jackson 5 album! However, I do own several of Michael Jackson albums. (For you younger generation -- Backstreet Boys & Nsync) BUT the King of Pop emerged. Michael Jackson was a great artist and performer, but also a great humanitarian and believer.... he did more than his fair share to help change the world. He was always in the center ring, always on display, yet seemed to view the world as a child does.... with passion and a huge heart!

A couple things hit me during the service. (Check out Yahoo's memorial page too)

1. I was offended by Berry Gordy's little quip .... something about Michael making wrong decisions .... Really? and don't we all? I just felt that on some level it was a personal attack. He redeemed himself quickly, but it did not fully take away the bad taste he had already left in my mouth.

2. The US government representative from Texas emphasized that in our country one is innocent until proven guilty. Would it have been the same speech if this was for OJ? Or is everyone in the US that cynical and judgemental? These are interesting times.

3. If you missed Jennifer Hudson's rendition of MJ's song ... you must find it and listen! She blew that thing right out of the park!

I know what it is to lose a brother. I have watched my parents mourn his death, some 20 years ago now, everytime we are together as a family. I think about what it would have been like if had been allowed to stay here with us, to know my children his nieces and nephews, his brother and sisters. Where his journey would have taken him in life. He was also a very spiritual and influential person in his life and works. He was also persecuted within certain circles. But in his search, he found wonder and possibility.

..... see and live life as a child watching the circus. Enjoy each moment, feel and celebrate the wonder, and look forward to what is to come, if you take a stumble and fall get back up .... because the show must go on. All we really have is right now, right this minute, today.

In honor of living life to its fullness every moment we have, here's my circus quilt.

Honestly!

Honey

OK, here we go!

I've been thinking about this for awhile. I have been resistant to keeping up with the technological times! I left my job just in time .... I would have had to learn how to text message for Pete's sake! I know you all swear by it, instant access to internet, GPS ... but I had enough time attached to a phone!

I'm hoping to keep you entertained if you are in need of a quick smile.
I'm hoping to be truthful .... because there's just too much of the other stuff out there!

I'm going to share my projects and creations because I need affirmation!

So here's my first pic. We had an informal photography session at the baby pool in the backyard! LOVE LOVE LOVE this hat!
Dot side has fabric tie, flip the hat to the co-ordinating side and tie it under her chin.

Dot side is easy off and on

Co-ordinating side can be secured under the chin

The brim can be folded back

Larger brim gives better protection of eyes and upper body

Have a great 4th!