Girl Cave--let's show the guys how it's done!

There are so many HGTV programs featuring the all-desirable "man cave"; you know, the place where the guys hang out and watch football, eat pizza and whatever it is that they actually do.....It's only right that we have our own "girl cave", don't you think?? I'm thankful for a place to create.....and we all have some creative ability, we just need to let it come to the surface sometimes!

Happy creating!

Living in a Creative Space: Organized chaos?

So much goes on in our creative spaces and I've finally worked through some of my organizational woes---and resourcefully so, I might add----actually it was borne of necessity to conserve $$$, so I decided to use foam board for my fabric organizers. Pretty nifty and it keeps the fabric much more neat than all those little stacks!

Then there are buttons. Sneaky little things that always seem to hide in the back or bottom of drawers or bins....I've contained a lot of mine by using small jars.........it's a great fix!

Happy Organizing!!!!

Creative Space Jewelry.....

Jewelry designing is one of my favorite things----and I incorporate my love for words, letters and scripture into my sterling silver pieces [ www.AriseShineJewelry.com ]. I enjoy making beaded jewelry, too. I finally figured out that it only takes a few beads to make things and I didn't have to buy a whole barrel full of one color / kind. Oh well, live and learn, right? A few beads really do go a long way!
And, my jewelry "station" holds gift boxes, cards, jewelry supplies, and more ---- which keeps things organized [it hasn't always been such!] and I might add that the bottom part of this "station" is the dresser that I had as a child. I love repurposing things! More to come....

Sewing Station

The whirring of a sewing machine is one of the most productive sounds I know....where else can you take a piece of cloth, cut it out and whip it up into something wearable?? Only in your creative space!

:)

Creative space fun!

I'm thinking of writing a book on how to have fun hoarding fabric....there's something about the beautiful designs of fabric designers. I appreciate their efforts & without them, we'd be sporting around in burlap bags :) or something completely utilitarian!

I think that it's one of the most fun things to shop for fabric whether it's only for a 1/2 yard piece or a stash of 10 or 12 different pieces. You really never can have too many color choices!

How about getting busy with that sewing machine?

More Creative Space Pictures!

Here are more areas of my work space---beads, paper, stamps, sewing, ModPodge [tm], paint and anything else I can think of space....

Georgia Peach!

Yep, we're Georgia peaches, alright! It's peach season here in Georgia! This is our second annual trip to Musella, Georgia's very own Dickey Farms and I might add that this wonderful facility is owned by the most genuine and kind people that you could ever hope to meet. Just a couple of weeks ago when we made our pilgrimage down I-75 just 25 or so miles off the beaten path, I was looking forward to the homemade peach ice cream and all things "peach" that they would have at their beautiful platformed outdoor market/store. Well, don't take my word for it.....here it is over to your right....... and then, the peach ice cream! Yum!! Courtney & Dad are sampling the Saturday morning batch of ice cream and it's just delicious. One ice cream cone later, you'll feel just as relaxed and peaceful as we did while trying out the rocking chairs. I made a few friends with the workers who were processing the beautiful fruit and it was great to hear about their work and how much they enjoy it there. If you're anywhere near Dickey Farms, check them out at http://www.gapeaches.com/ . You won't be disappointed and maybe you'll decide to make it a family tradition, too. Later that evening, I made a homemade peach cobbler with Paula Deen's recipe at www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/peach-cobbler-recipe/index.html . It's the simple pleasures in life that make lasting memories......like eating peach ice cream at Dickey Farms. Happy Summer,

Summertime......and a lesson in motivation!

This is the first year that we have tried to grow a "container" garden. The entire garden consists of 3 Better Boy tomato plants, 4 banana pepper plants, 4 squash, 6 cucumber plants and 1 round watermelon plant. So far, we have beautiful green tomatos and squash blooms with only a few squash and cucumbers that own the entire deck with their sprawling tendrils and vines. My husband is definitely into the tomato plants and thinks that fried green tomatos might be tasty right now since they aren't turning red any time soon. Instant gratification, anyone?

I was first inspired by some talented women at work as they were discussing their wonderful gardens. Hmmm.....I thought it would be great to have my very own tomato or squash or something!!! [even if it was just to be extra sure that there weren't chemicals or other harmful things used during the growth process :) ] Just listening to their description of the plants and all of the preparation in planting their garden made me want to rush out and find an acre or two to start my new life as a farmer! It just goes to show you that the power of suggestion is definitely motivating. It's kind of like life, isn't it? Sometimes we might go through those phases of boredom, indecisiveness or one of those other debilitating emotions that try to keep us from accomplishing even the most smallest goal. It's important to be aware that we can climb those mountains with just a little extra perseverance and pressing forward. Yes, even when we don't "feel" like it.

Motivation is only a thought away.....only a dream away......and only one action away. The thought of a plant and beautiful fruit at harvest time motivated me; envisioning the end product moved me to action; a plan for growing a small container garden allowed me to put it all together and make it a reality. Now, it's just a matter of time [and patience] before that first red, ripe delicious tomato is ready to be the star of the show in a BLT sandwich or chicken salad sandwich.

What's your dream? Sometimes the smallest dream or accomplishment can spur us on to greater things----and when you've forgotten how to dream, these little things help remind us how much we can do when we decide to take the steps that carry our vision from a dream to reality. You can do it!

And, always remember: Philipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengthenth me."