Good Reading

We were so lucky to spend some time at Zion National Park during our Spring Break.  I just love our travel trailer.  It's such a relaxing way to travel.  I had time to do some reading while we were there.  Here are the two books I enjoyed.

 Georgia Bottoms was a very easy read, kind of a beach read type book. The plot is a little far fetched but it's entertaining. Mark Childress also wrote Crazy in Alabama, a really fun book to read.  Heart of the Matter was excellent although the plot line is sadder.  But I did love the book and this author.  It's so ironic, when we got home, my daughter had the paperback copies of the author's first two books to read, Something Borrowed and Something Blue.  She will let me have them when she finishes them.   I'm looking forward to reading those.


Right now I'm listening to this while I sew and work in my craft room.

I'm about a third of the way through it and like it so far.  I "read" the first two in the series and I really liked those too.

April Craft Night and Happy Easter!

Well, this is the only picture I saved from our craft night at my house.  It was simple and back to basics.  We frosted carrot cake cupcakes with cream cheese icing and added sprinkles and other decorations.  Then they were carefully nestled in a pretty basket.  I made sugar cookies with Easter colored M & M's for the other basket.  The bag holds our fun Easter and baby cards we made.  For some reason, the picture is gone.  I already gave away all the cards!  They really were cute.

I just wanted to say Happy Easter to you.  We'll be at church at 6:00 am. and then having Easter brunch here for 14.  It will be a lovely day.  I'm making homemade cinnamon rolls among other things.

April UFO

Well, I am keeping my promise and finishing at least one UFO a month.  I may get to the end of this 3 year list by December.  That would be sweet!

This quilt was started a couple of years ago in my fabulous sewing group.  It was a project one month.  We all bought our background fabrics and traded scraps -- one of my favorite ways of making a scrap quilt!  I surveyed my quilt collection and decided most of the quilts had beige or white backgrounds.  So I got out of my box for this one.

I think the black background is stunning!  This is an idea to be used again, for sure.

Below is a close up of the quilt.

And here is my label and a glimpse of the funky black and white print backing.

Now it's time to figure out which UFO gets finished in May!

Card Class!

I treated myself to a monthly card class at a local scrapbook store.  It seems it's been a couple of years since I took a scrapbook/card class.  I sure had fun and learned some new techniques and about a lot of fun new products.  We made two of each of these cards.

Isn't this chick the cutest?  I sure think so.  It says Happy Easter too.

 These were fun to make.  I need to make some more for my stash.  Sure need to buy some new cartridges for my Cricut too!  I think there is not much better than a handmade card.

April Book Club

We have book club today and this is our light hearted, easy read for today's discussion.

You can't see the title very well, it's When You are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris.  I just love him and his humor, although this wasn't his funniest in my humble opinion.  But it's still a winner.

New Home Fabrics

We have been in the midst of changing the look of our home from a bright vintage/cottage look to a more neutral, sophisticated palate.  It's been a work in progress for 2 1/2 years now and I'm really getting things done now!  I will order new furniture for our living room this week -- and it will soon be a sitting room/library.  I can't wait!  Here are some of the new fabrics I'm using in the dining room and the sitting room will complement these since they are in the same big room.  Here are my reupholstered dining room chairs and two new host and hostess chairs.

I really tried to stay away from a floral but this is just too luscious!  I just love these chairs.  I'll use some of this fabric to make some small pillows for the 4 big chairs in the sitting room and maybe some valances.  Don't you just love the new floors, too?

Happy Birthday Presents

This post is definitely after my birthday.  I wanted to post a picture of a very special gift, from my very special friend, Loretta.  I just love it, especially the easel frame it's in.  It's on my fireplace stoop right now so everyone can see it while they're watching TV!  The saying is very moving and it helps keep me centered most days.  Especially during this time of Lent.

 Loretta also included this book in my birthday package.  She is reading it and said her daughter, Jennifer, read it in her book club.  I can't wait to get it started, maybe the week of Spring Break will bring me some time to read.  It should be a marvelous time for us in Zion National Park.

Thank you, Loretta, for such special gifts!  I know you're reading this and it makes me happy.