We Have A WINNER!!

The Winner of the Bringing Home the Tree Ornament is:  (Drum Roll Please!!)

                      Valerie of Yorkies Primitives

Congratulations Valerie....I'm happy he will be on your tree this year..

Little Dresses for Africa

I have been blessed in so many ways.  I always feel as though I need to give back. Recently my dear friend Jacky decided the same thing.  She read of an organization here in Connecticut that was very involved in trying to clothe little girls in Africa.  The organization asks for donations of pillow cases so that simple dresses can be made from them and sent to Africa.

"Little Dresses for Africa is a non-profit 501c3 organization, which provides relief to the children of Africa.  Simple dresses are made out of pillow cases, and distributed through the orphanages, churches and school in Africa to plant in the hearts of little girls that they are worthy!"  So reads the first paragraph of their blog:  http://littledressesforaftrica.org/blog/

If you take a moment you can learn about this wonderful organization and about all the ways you might help.  Can you just imagine the face of a tiny girl who is given her very first dress.  I can and that's why I feel so strongly about this mission of hope and love.  It is one small step but it fills my heart with joy.

The pattern for the little dresses can be found here:

 www.nancysnotions.com/text/pdf/LittleDressesforAfrica_pattern.pdf

Tree Shopper Mouse Give Away

Bringing Home the Tree

As many of you know I lost my older brother last week.  He owned a tree service and I wanted to have a give away to say farewell.

My Tree Chopper (Bringing Home the Tree) is the most popular male mouse I have ever created.  He wins out each and every year. I think he reminds family's of that time of year when they go in search of that perfect tree to trim.

I am giving him away to someone who leaves a comment below. .  If you would like to have him for your tree this year simply leave a comment and an email address where I can reach you.  Of course I'd love to have you follow me but certainly not just to win this mouse.  I write this blog simply to share something with each of you...not necessarily always a tutorial or pattern, sometimes I post just to share my happiness or sorrow.  Take a look at some of my previous postings and if you have enjoyed then definitely sign up to follow me. This blog, however,  might not be your cup of tea.

I will select a winner on April 15th.

Good luck.

Simple Sunday

It's not sunny here today.  It is not warm.  I should be complaining about the lack of both...but I am not. I am happy with the day just as it is.

A good friend asked me to breakfast.  I mean how many days has it been since you had a pancake stuffed with whip cream, peaches,and strawberries?  It had been a very long time for me.  I guess that's why it tasted so yummy.  The conversation and decaf were excellent as well.

Next came a visit from my granddaughter Phoebe who wanted to show me her new toy.  It was probably the last toy I would have selected for her.  It was a toy SHE selected all by herself.  If  Phoebe had an alternate name it would be "all by myself".  She has been the most independent of all of my grandchildren since the day she was born.  As soon as she could walk she completely dressed herself...I mean you should have seen some of the "unique" combinations of clothing Phoebe came up with.  Well you are probably wondering just what the toy was that Phoebe selected.  It was a doll's head with platinum blond hair and four tubes of coloring with which to "paint" her hair...including one to put sparkles in as well. My first thought was to say "Yuck".  But I didn't I just thought it while I happily helped Phoebe cut all those awful wires and tape that held the "head" securely in the packaging. I smiled. I complimented her choice and I simply shared her joy. I surrendered my "judgement" and what joy I was able to feel.

Try this strategy out sometime.....I wish you the same joy I felt.

                           I'll be back tomorrow with a fun post...I promise you.