Here's a low-cost, almost no-cost art for your wall that is really cute. Use old maps or free maps from rest stops for this project. Birds! Cut a bird shape from the map and glue it to a piece of plain background paper. With dark watercolor paint draw in some details like feathers, beaks, eyes, and feet. Let dry and frame! My … [Read more...]
How to Raise Successful Kids: What Works Now?
I recently saw a quote: Don't try make your kids have more than you; try to make them better than you. Good advice. Yet our grown children need to have enough money to live on and to raise their families. So we try to teach them about money and about treating others with respect. We live in changing times, so it's a challenge to guide them toward … [Read more...]
Giving Hugs in Winter
I can't watch the tv coverage of the tragedy in Newton, Connecticut. Being a former teacher, a parent and grandparent, it's just too difficult. I feel like the icy hand of fear has reached in to grip my heart.I keep thinking of winter. Winter is a shared experience, especially when there is a heavy snow. This feels like we got about 3 feet of snow … [Read more...]
How Not to Grow Old: Keep Playing!
I'm spending some time with my 91-year-old Mom while she recuperates from an illness. Besides having some quality time with her, I'm learning all sorts of things. Mom has been a quilter ever since she retired. She's made over 500 quilt tops for her church and enjoys creating some very innovative designs. She used to dye white fabric all sorts … [Read more...]
Tattoo Your Shoes, Easy Tutorial
Mama's got some new shoes. Actually they are my old sandals that I love to wear around the house. They are just too comfortable to throw out. I have newer sandals that look great, but they are nowhere near as comfy as my old ones. You'll see in the photo just how shabby my old sandals were. Some of the original camel color had worn off and … [Read more...]
Holiday Word Cloud to Make
Make this "word cloud" I found on Pinterest to express your most treasured feelings about a particular holiday. Choose words that mean Christmas (insert holiday of your choice here) to you. Celebrate your family values and focus with inspiring words. Use a Bible quote or a religious phrase. You can use general words like Joy, Peace, Hope, … [Read more...]
Mr. Rogers Visits a Crayon Factory
With all that's happening in the world right now something soothing sounds good. Here's a nice little video of Mr. Rogers visiting a crayon factory. Maybe you saw it as a kid or a parent; I remember it well. People used to make fun of Fred Rogers for having such a calm voice and saying some simple things. But I think he was wonderful. He gave … [Read more...]