Life Changes

I've been a bit distracted lately and haven't posted anything new in a while. I have been dealing with the new curves that life has thrown at our family. My husband lost his job. Not only is that a substantial loss of income, but we no longer have health insurance either. I don't want to get into a debate about insurance, but if you have no job and need to purchase private insurance, you are screwed. It is EXPENSIVE. Weighing the pros and cons,...do I want insurance or do I want a house to live in? Well, you get the picture, so enough of that.

I have been doing pretty much the same as I have always done, just more of it. Who needs sleep? I am still writing craft and home decor content for Demand Studios, Associated Content and a few other sites. I am also adding weekly submissions to higher paying venues. Those are mainly "wait and see" pieces. I have an essay coming out in the new Patchwork Path book "Christmas Stocking" this month. I also just reopened my Etsy store. I have been pretty lax about it in the past, but I realize now it is an added income that is largely passive. I make the things anyway, so posting them and ultimately shipping them doesn't take that much time.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/dustyspirit

If you visit, thank you and come back often as I will be adding more things.

I still sell my crafts at a local brick and mortar store and even though I said I didn't have time for craft shows anymore, I am scheduled to do one in two weeks. I also seem to have an odd assortment of special orders going on for customers at any given time.

Staycation...well sort of

These last couple of years working online have opened my eyes to many different countries and cultures. Differences that I never really thought about before. Case in point, I have a crafting blog I love. Well several, actually. But this one in particular, the blogger lives in Australia. I guess I knew this, but never really thought about it, but it is winter there right now. I know there are many on PNN who live in other countries, so this probably doesn't seem as facinating to you...unless, of course, you are freezing and can't understand my agonizing over an excessive heat advisory. Anyway, I'm just saying...it's a little like traveling/visiting friends without leaving the couch. lol

For those of you interested in a two minute staycation to Kansas, allow me to give you a written tour of my home. It is hot. Oh yeah, I already said that. Well anyway, it has been hot for about a week with no storms. We had them before this heatwave. I am wishing for rain right now, but am worried if it does they will be severe. At any rate, there isn't any in the forecast for the next few days. The wind has been blowing, but it usually settles to a brisk or pleasant breeze in the evening.

The 'amber waves of grain' that you hear about, well those are the wheat fields that surround my home. They are beautiful. This week the combines have been out harvesting the wheat and the cut rows they leave behind them are every bit as beautiful as the standing wheat. I also love the fields after the hay and straw have been baled.

Have you ever seen a field full of sunflowers? It is an awesome sight.

Our town has a population of about 15,000 people. Every September we have the annual Walnut Valley Festival. It is a national bluegrass festival that doubles our town in size and attracts people around the nation and internationally. Lots of pickin' and fiddlin' going on. This will be the 39th year. We also have a newer festival called the Winfield Country Roundup in July. It has only been around for a few years and attracts big name country music acts. Unfortunately it has had many years where it was plagued with rain and flooding.

I would love to hear about your hometown. Care to share?

Make Primitive Stamped Ribbon

Wrap up your Mother's Day gifts in handmade stamped ribbon! This is a quick last-minute project using what you already have.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2893520/make_primitive_stamped_ribbon.html?cat=24

Happy Mother's Day!

Cover a Hat Box with Old Book Pages

Upcycled yard sale treasure!

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2921474/cover_a_hat_box_with_old_book_pages.html?cat=6

Hmmm, some interesting humor for a crafter and writer

I love to browse etsy.com for inspiration and stumbled across this store. lol, it's for real! While it didn't necessarily inspire me, it made me think that I am way too serious.

gary's fine jewelry and stuff

http://www.etsy.com/shop/8088Design

After reading his store announcement at the top of the page, click on items for sale and read his "descriptions".

Warning-Disturbing and Intrusive Website

This website was recently brought to my attention.

spokeo.com

It harvests and collects information all over the web and makes things, you thought were posted privately, public to anyone.

Personal photos from your email, facebook (even if they are marked private), flicker

phone numbers, cell phone numbers and unlisted numbers

Some people have even found info on their children under 18. Illegal!

Credit report

Income

and more...

What they do not know, they make up. Many of the things about me and others are not accurate.

You can remove yourself by going to the 10 Help FAQ link and follow the instructions. Keep in mind, that only removes your public profile. If someone wants to pay, they can still see it.

The worst part is that if you 'join' for a fee, you can see even more detailed information about people - evidently photos, and more. I don't know what all is on there b/c I'm not giving them a dime but it makes me ill to think that this stuff is being made available to - well - who knows who??? without our knowledge.

I got this from complaintsboard.com

****If you've got a credit fraud claim against them, or if they're posting pics of your kids, or if you're being harassed or stalked or blackmailed by people viewing your results, call the local police in Pasadena, where Spokeo Inc. is based: http://ww2.cityofpasadena.net/police/contactUs.asp (You might note that the chief of police's home phone number and address are available on Spokeo. As are his wife's or daughter's. And the mayor's.)

You should also report any internet harassment to the local office of the FBI: http://www.fbi.gov/contact/fo/fo.htm

Even if you're not being harassed, stalked, blackmailed, or bullied (yet), you can still file a complaint with the California Office of Privacy Protection: http://www.privacy.ca.gov/contact_us.htm

And with the FTC: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/

And, if you've got photos showing up on the site, e-mail abuse@dyndns.com to complain about the copyright infringement. (dyndns.com is the ISP, so they should want to investigate claims that somebody using their network is infringing your copyrights.)

Also contact Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/help/contact.php?show_form=privacy_settings... to let them know that Spokeo has been harvesting personal data from Facebook, in blatant violation of Facebook's policies.

You can also click the little "Block / Report Person" link on the CEO's own personal facebook page, and ask facebook to ban him from the site for selling your info on the internet for profit. That's over here: http://www.facebook.com/man4prez

You can do the same thing on Friendster, at http://profiles.friendster.com/thedoodinthedood, by scrolling all the way down to the bottom of the page and clicking the "Report" link (which has an option to report people for using your photos or harassing you).

And you can click the "Report Abuse" link at the bottom of his myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/139118283
****

Worms and Moths, Oh My!!! Ewww!!!

I don't think we are in Kansas anymore, Toto!

Hi everyone. I have been writing and crafting up a storm, but was recently derailed by an infestation of little icky white worms that turn into little moths.

We noticed these little buggers a few months ago. After a little investigation, we found a brand new canister of oatmeal in the pantry that was full of webs and worms. The canister was sealed, but they had chewed through the glue on the seal. They were crawling out of the canister. We threw it away and didn't give it another thought. We believe that is where they originated and were probably in the oatmeal when we bought it.

Last week I was drinking my favorite addiction (coffee). When I finished the cup, I noticed something black in the cup. Looking at it more closely I discovered it was a coffee soaked worm. Ewww!!! It must have fallen out of the cupboard above the coffee pot. I checked the cupboard and found more. Checked packages and found more. These gross little critters had chewed through sealed bags.

I have been working like a mad woman for days to try and eradicate these horrible bugs. I researched them and found out the moths lay eggs in cracks and crevices, wrapping them in a web. Throwing the oatmeal out only got rid of the original nest. The moths had made more all over the place.

I have tossed opened food, as well as brand new food that showed signs of nests of infestation. Scrubbed the hell out of the cupboards and sprayed indoor/outdoor insecticide in every crack and corner. I have finished the food cupboards, but I think I should probably clean out the cupboards with dishes in them too, since they are all in close proximity.

Now that I have totally creeped y'all out, how have you been? Have any of you had this problem? After researching them, I realize I probably haven't seen the last of them, but I feel more educated on what to look for.

A Spring Cleaning and a Spring Decorating Project

Make a License Plate Dustpan for Spring Cleaning

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2744105/make_a_license_plate_dustpan_for_spring.html?cat=30

DIY Pots and Roses Shabby Chic Candle Holders

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2739125/diy_pots_and_roses_shabby_chic_candle.html?cat=30

At Home With Laurie Ann-Reviewed By Cyndee Kromminga

Title: At Home With Laurie Ann: A Decorator's Guide: Turn the Place You Live Into a Home You Love

Author: Laurie Ann McMillin Ray

Publisher:Laurie Ann Publishing, Inc.

ISBN: 978-0-9840748-0-8

Publication Date: February 2010

When I received my review copy of At Home With Laurie Ann: A Decorator's Guide: Turn the Place You Live Into a Home You Love by Laurie Ann McMillin Ray, I was immediately intrigued. The top of the press release said "A Budget-Friendly Dream Home." That was enough for me to abandon my projects in process. I immediately snuggled up in a favorite tattered chair to enjoy some pleasure reading.

The introduction drew me in with Laurie Ann's background and her belief that everyone deserves to make a house a home. I felt like the author was talking to "me," not just "the reader." Her concept of finding a style is specific, without being pretentious. She gives ideas on finding your own personal style without telling you what your style should be. The approach is simple--decorate with things you like, make your style reflect in your home. By the end of the first few pages, I was ready to learn and Laurie Ann was ready to teach me.

At Home With Laurie Ann did not disappoint me. Finally, here is a book that teaches the everyday homeowner how to decorate their homes. It is not filled with dos and don'ts, or rules that will guarantee failure. Instead, Laurie Ann empowers me, the homeowner, with information and ideas, while she's cheering me on. There are lessons to be learned, mulled over and put into action on every page. You will have "ah ha" moments and your head will be bobbing with understanding.

Laurie Ann keeps in mind the homeowner who lives on the beach, in the mountains or even an apartment in the city, by teaching how not to fear color, patterns and textures. She has included a whole chapter of translated options, assuring successful choices.

Once you have savored Laurie Ann's lessons, she puts a ribbon around it all by including an entire section on holidays, events and seasonal decorating--indoors and out.

Laurie Ann McMillin Ray has been involved in the Southern California interior design community since the 1980s when she began decorating model homes for her father, well-known builder Corky McMillin. Ever since, she has developed a solid reputation as both an interior designer and the owner of several decorating stores. She is a self-taught, innovative go-getter who is known for her eclectic style

Craft Projects to Combat Cabin Fever

These are some new craft projects I have been working on. Hope you enjoy them.

Japanese Knot Favor Bag

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2701461/how_to_sew_a_japanese_knot_favor_bag.html?cat=24

I was hoping to make a pdf of the pattern, but the site doesn't accommodate them. The 2nd page has a pic of the pattern and I have given instructions within the article on how to draw it. This little bag is so cute and super fast. I will definitely be selling these.

Mixed Media Brooch

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2701795/craft_a_mixed_media_brooch_using_recyclables.html?cat=24

This one uses a flattened bottle cap, bingo number and other odds and ends.

Garden Planter Box

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2689463/build_a_planter_box_for_your_garden.html?cat=30

My husband helped a lot with this one. The picture didn't come out as well as I would have liked. It was taken right before a storm and was very dark. I am not sure why the flash didn't fix it. I may try to fix it later.

Printable Freebie Downloads

You have got to check out this site. She has an amazing assortment of printable freebies. Be sure to set aside lots of time, you're going to need it. It's addicting!

Just Something I Made

Enjoy!

Where the Heart Was-Book Review

Where The Heart Was-Reviewed by Cyndee Kromminga of Bookpleasures.com

Title: Where the Heart Was

Author: Glenn Boyer

Publisher: Legendary Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-887747-40-0

Publication Date: November 2009

What did you learn in your high school history classes? Was it dry and uninteresting? Did it make your eyes glaze over and cause your head to nod? Where the Heart Was, by author Glenn Boyer leads you effortlessly through American history from the Revolution to the Great Depression, on a personal and fascinating path. Mr. Boyer relates the tale of Bennie Todd, a young boy during the Depression, with storytelling reminisces and poetic memories. Through Bennie's eyes, a tale of his dreams, family and heritage unfolds. I felt like I had opened an antique steamer trunk and discovered the journals and diaries of Bennie's ancestors.

Our first introduction to Bennie and his family is in Chicago. The family is living in a cold-water flat during the agony of the Depression. The failing economy had forced them to move to Chicago from the family farm, but the change of location did not improve their financial situation and daily life was a constant struggle. Mr. Boyer showed us how defeated the human spirit could become when hope for a future seemed dismal. They longed for the farm land they left behind.

Bennie spent a lot of his youth devouring the knowledge from any book he could get his hands on and spending time with his imaginary friends, Buck Doaks and Pro Bono Publico. When Uncle Newt showed up in their lives, he became an encyclopedia of knowledge on the family's history and was more than happy to share amazing information. Thanks to Uncle Newt, life improved for the Todd family when they returned to the farm country they loved so much. The family's self esteem blossomed and they were all able to stand a little taller.

Through visions, dreams and the tales of Bennie's ancestors we are bathed in a kaleidescope of Revolutionary, Civil War and Great Depression history, from the intensely personal to the outright famous. Bennie's American pioneer family and Indian heritage crossed paths and created the fascinating history of true patriots.

This partially autobiographical novel provides a realism to historical dates and famous Americans. Abraham Lincoln, Sitting Bull and Franklin D. Roosevelt are just a few of the historical characters that are blended into this masterful tomb of history. Glenn Boyer is a master storyteller at weaving the fabric of America's history and mesmerizing the reader.

Elmer The Christmas Elf-Book Review

Reviewed by Cyndee Kromminga of Bookpleasures.com

Title: Elmer the Christmas Elf

Author: Marilyn E. Randall

Publisher: Lulu Publishing

ISBN-10: 0557153336

ISBN-13: 978-0557153336

Publication Date: November 10, 2009

Christmastime is a time of many traditions and special memories. Marilyn Randall's new book "Elmer the Christmas Elf" brought back many comfortable snapshots of my youth and those of my children's, when my family would snuggle up to read favorite Christmas stories. "Elmer the Christmas Elf" is a magical story of a special elf who worked all year in Santa's workshop.

Elmer worked diligently everyday making toys for all the boys and girls of the world for Christmas. Every child must have a toy and he lovingly worked to make sure that happened. No child would ever be left out. One year, when that most wonderful time of the year rolled around, something happened that distressed Elmer. Without giving away the story, I can tell you, that because of Elmer, wishes, prayers, Santa and an angel, a remarkable Christmas miracle was pulled off. This Christmas book will be one to share with your family and will make your own holiday moments new and special. It will touch the hearts of young and old, and seamlessly blend with other favorite Christmas tales.

Marilyn E. Randall is not only the author, but she is also the illustrator of this enchanting book. The scenes and characters on each page are colorfully brought to life by her talented hand and mind. The traditional red and green colors of Christmas were enhanced by a variety of non-traditional bright hues. This beautiful book will look charming placed among your decorations, ready for your next cuddle and Christmas story time.

Ms. Randall has a brilliant knack for bringing cherished and whimsical characters to life with her beautiful poetic stories. The rhythm and cadence of her tales provide a musical joy that will have your children memorizing and repeating the lines of this precious story for years to come. Her books are what memories are made of and are a gift to receive as well as share.

Build a Bench Using an Old Window

The pastor of our church replaced the windows in his sun room and rather than toss the drafty old ones, he called me. He knows I can't throw anything away. I look at everything and see potential. I sent my son to pick them up and was stunned to see his pickup piled high when he returned. Hmmm, those who live in glass houses...? Well, I certainly had enough windows to build a glass house, but I decided to start small with my husband's assistance. We decided on a window bench.

I hope you are inspired!

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2503713/build_a_rustic_bench_by_recycling_an.html?cat=30

Would you vote for me?

Dear PNN Friends,

Can I beg for your help?

I entered an essay contest with atyourlibrary.org and I would love it if you would vote for me. Of course, if you don't like the essay you don't have to, but I may never speak to you again. Just kidding...maybe. lol

Seriously, it has a great payout, but it is decided mainly on a popular vote. That's why I'm begging my friends. I have always hated these types of contests, but I did it anyway.

Here's the link

http://www.atyourlibrary.org/all-text-essays

I think you may have to become a member to vote, but they haven't spammed me yet and it's short and sweet.

Thanks

Dusty (Cyndee Kromminga)

For Faithful Friends-Book Review

Reviewed by Cyndee Kromminga of Bookpleasures.com

Title: For Faithful Friends

Author: Marilyn E. Randall

Publisher: Lulu Publishing

ISBN-10: 0557100410

ISBN-13: 978-0557100415

Publication Date: October 17, 2009

Marilyn E. Randall's children's book, "For Faithful Friends", relates a lovely story of friendship and God's love. The beautifully created turtle and compassionate mouse portray the colorful vision of the story's faithful friends. I was immediately mesmerized the moment I saw Ms. Randall's beautiful illustrations-even before I read one word of the story. She is not just the author of this poetic children's story, but also the very talented illustration artist.

Marilyn Randall's soothing rhythmic poetry has the perfect lilt for this appealing Christian story of faith and friendship. She combines the unlikely friendship of these small creatures of nature and creates a believable message of faith, trust and friendship.

"For Faithful Friends" is about a scared and lonely little turtle, who is too afraid to move from his spot under an old berry bush and a sympathetic and insightful little field mouse. The mouse takes care of the turtle, bringing him food and offering him companionship. He encourages Turtle to come out of his shell and leave the protection of the bush. He tries to convince Turtle to live his life instead of hiding in fear and counsels him to take that first step. The Turtle listens politely, but is sure something bad will happen to him if he ventures out of his protected home and he constantly worries about Mouse and the other small creatures. With a feeling of doom, he is sure something will hurt them if they don't watch out.

Mouse shares a secret with turtle. Trust and faith. Trusting friends and having a strong faith in God. Friends and God will always be there when things get scary and they will still be there for enjoying life when it is good.

"For Faithful Friends" will be a treasure to share with young children or grandchildren and will enhance any school or home library. Make this story a warm and fuzzy bedtime ritual and in no time your children will be filling in the blanks between your pauses. Use the story as a circle time lesson for early education classes at the beginning of the school year, when coming out of a protective shell may seem difficult.

Reindeer Coke Bottle

Use your collections to craft decorations for the upcoming holidays. This Reindeer Coke Bottle will look adorable on your mantle, or make several for inexpensive and quick gifts for family, friends and children's teachers.

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68699328.tip.html

Recycled Windows and Leftover Wallpaper

My most recent trash to treasure endeavor has been making hanging art with old windows. This project also makes use of my growing stash of wallpaper borders. I have accumulated many rolls of beautiful, quirky and whimsical wallpaper borders for pennies, because I (ahem) could see the potential. At least that is what I tell my husband. Hey, there are worst addictions (wink).

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2220103/craft_your_own_art_with_recycled_windows.html?cat=24

Travel Writing

Travel Writing-- Reviewed by Cyndee Kromminga of Bookpleasures.com

Travel Writing, by Peter Ferry, is written as if it is a peek into the author's personal life journal. It had me wondering what was fiction and what was real throughout the entire story. The main character is a high school English teacher/travel writer named Peter Ferry. Yes, that is the name of the book's author, so from the very first page you are wondering about fact or fiction.

Driving home after working late one night, Peter sees a beautiful woman driving erratically. He follows her as she weaves in and out of traffic lanes, thinking she is drunk. He is drawn into a personal debate with himself on what he should do, but before he can act on an idea, she crashes her car and dies instantly. Now, am I (the reader) sure this happened? No...yes, well, maybe. As he teaches his students about writing and storytelling, Mr. Ferry tells them about the accident. He repeatedly interjects into his tale, that this is what would have happened, if it really did happen, but it didn't. Normally his students show disinterest in his class, but the unfolding story seems to wake up their imaginations.

The novel becomes entangled with 'did it happen or didn't it?', as the author, Ferry and the teacher/travel writer, Ferry take us down a winding path and back again. He takes us to places he traveled to in the past and present, introduces us to people he meets along the way, all the while fueled by his obsession to discover what happened to Lisa Kim, the woman who died. As he learns more about her life and death, his personal life with his long time girlfriend and their mutual friends, begins to fall apart. They can't understand his need to find out what happened to a woman he had never met.

With his life in disarray, he relates a personal journey of reflection through new travels and old, and seeks the aide of a therapist to help him work through his personal crisis, guilt and obsession.

He becomes something of an amateur detective in his pursuit of answers to Lisa Kim's death, and just when you think you have the whole thing figured out, you are reminded that it might not have happened at all. Or did it? After all, it is a fictional novel. Or is it?

Title: Travel Writing

Author: Peter Ferry

Publisher: Mariner Books

ISBN: 978-0-15-101436-1

Publication Date: July 9, 2009

Spinning Forward

Spinning Forward -- Reviewed by Cyndee Kromminga of Bookpleasures.com

This story gripped me from the very first page. So many novels for women, are about young women overcoming tragedy and obstacles in their lives. There are few I have found as compelling as Terri Dulong's new novel, Spinning Forward. She gave me what I wanted...a woman over fifty, making it on her own for the first time in her life and without a man. She was vulnerable, yet gutsy and you couldn't help but say "You go, girlfriend!"

Sydney Webster's husband of 28 years, died in a car crash. He had been a successful physician and she did not need to work and hadn't since they got married. She was 52, living in the upscale Boston area. Their marriage wasn't exactly passionate or romantic, but it was secure. Two weeks following the funeral, Sydney was served with eviction papers. She had a month to vacate the property. Seems Stephen had a gambling problem that she wasn't aware of. Monica, Sydney's grown daughter initially gave her a hard time about the mess that she was in after Stephen's death. Monica couldn't understand how her mother could not have known what was happening with their finances.

Her best friend from long ago college years took in Sydney and her dog, Lilly. Ali lived in small town Cedar Key, Florida and ran a bed and breakfast. While staying at the bed and breakfast, Sydney was enjoying her hobby of knitting and spinning her dog's fur. A patron of the bed and breakfast saw her spinning the fur and talked Sydney into spinning her dog's fur. A deal was made and when the woman went back home, she mailed the fur to Sydney. More people heard about this unusual hobby and Sydney's new livelihood was born. After much soul searching, Sydney took the plunge and opened a store on the main street of Cedar Key and named it Spinning Forward. She sold yarn and ran a mail order business for spinning animal fur into yarn. It had it's ups and downs, but Sydney was determined to make it on her own.

Things were beginning to come together for Sydney, but she still felt something was missing. Sydney had been adopted as a baby and with the encouragement of her friend ,Ali and her grown daughter, Monica, she decided to search for her birth mother. She filled out information on an adoption website, but received no helpful leads. Meanwhile, in Cedar Key, where she had never lived, people were constantly saying she looked familiar and asked if they had met. It was downright strange. 

Sydney also met a man in Cedar Key, who was an artist. They didn't hit it off at first. Noah had wanted the shop that she opened her store in, but she beat him to it. They did begin dating, though. It was not smooth sailing. Sydney was finding herself for the first time in her life and she was not going to let any man make her decisions for her, especially after the betrayal of her husband. When Sydney began dating Noah, Monica was less than pleased, until she realized her mother could survive and make her own decisions.

Spinning Forward was a story of finding one's feminine self, releasing fear and taking in understanding. Finding ones authentic self. I loved it. The last few pages of the book have several discussion questions making it a great jumping off point for a fun book club discussion with girlfriends.

Title: Spinning Forward

Author:Terri DuLong

ISBN-10: 0-758-23204-7

ISBN-13: 978-0-7582-3204-5

Kensington Trade Paperback

Publication Date: November 2009

The Christmas Clock

The Christmas Clock -- Reviewed by Cyndee Kromminga of Bookpleasures.com

I have never been faced with a life threatening disease, but novelist, Kat Martin's new book, The Christmas Clock, made me wonder what decisions I would make or if I could be as selfless as Sylvia Winter's. When Sylvia's life was turned upside down with a terrible diagnosis, she felt she was doing the right thing by breaking it off with her fiancé and moving away. What she didn't realize, is the hurt she left behind would reshape the lives of those she loved the most in a negative way.

Sylvia left her fiancé a week before their wedding, saying she didn't love him. Joe Dixon was confused, hurt and angry, and found solace in a bottle. Shortly after Sylvia's departure, Joe was involved in a barroom brawl that accidentally left the other man dead. Joe went to prison for three years. He was getting his life together and becoming quite successful, when Sylvia returned to town eight years later.

Joe befriends eight year old, Teddy, a boy who has nobody in the world but his grandmother. He has no father and his mother is dead. Teddy's grandmother is quickly deteriorating from Alzheimer's. Walking with his grandmother, Teddy notices her longing for a Christmas clock in the window of a local antique store. Joe hires the little boy to help clean up around the garage he has part ownership in, so that Teddy can buy his grandmother that special clock for Christmas. When Teddy's grandmother can no longer care for him, things get complicated. The bond between Joe and Teddy, the failing health of Teddy's grandmother, Sylvia's return and the complications created by her departure years earlier, make this a heartwarming read for the holiday season.

The Christmas Clock is filled with people who grew apart and came together again. Sylvia's landlady and husband live a mentally separate existence. Ms. Martin shows us the goodness and vulnerability of friends, family and even strangers. They say you can never go home again, but Ms. Martin shows us you can.

The short prologue at the beginning of the book is narrated by a young man, 14 years after the actual story. The epilogue at the end of the book is narrated by the same young man, who gives thanks for the miracle of the Christmas season that fulfilled joy, celebration and prayers.

If your are longing for a heartwarming holiday story for the upcoming season, you will not be disappointed with The Christmas Clock, by Kat Martin. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I can envision myself curled up in a favorite chair, on a snowy day, reading it again. Complete your Christmas shopping by purchasing The Christmas Clock for everyone on your list.

Title: The Christmas Clock

Author: Kat Martin

ISBN: 978-1-59315-547-6

Publisher: Vanguard Press

Publication Date: October 2009

Inspiration for Life's Accumulations

Every once and a while, inspiration drops into your lap and you just have to go for it. That's what happened to me. Friends just came to visit and they brought me some crafting goodies for ideas.

I was most intrigued by a simple potholder, made by the Amish. I turned and twisted it this way and that and whipped one up in a matter of minutes. The whole thing was made of six equal sized squares and a square of batting. After ironing and pinning, it required no more than one seam around the whole thing and it was done.

Now, for someone that accummulates from auctions, yard sales and other people's castoffs, I had the perfect fabric stash and finally the perfect answer in how to use it. A couple of years ago I had purchased a box of quilt squares at an auction. They were all about 8 inches square, but the colors and the prints definitely did not go together. This potholder was the answer to finally putting them to good use.

I spent a few hours matching and ironing the squares that I wanted for each potholder and am now in the process of cutting the batting and pinning them together. I do most projects "assembly line" style, so when I complete one of something, the others aren't far behind.

I love the simplicity of this potholder, which is something the Amish are known for.

I will have the instructions up soon, but if you want to try your hand at making one before that, here is the basic construction idea. One quilt square right side down, a square of batting on top and another quilt square, right side up, to complete a sandwich. Fold four quilt squares in half with the wrong sides together and iron. Weave them together (like the picture) and lay them on top of the batting sandwich. Pin everything together. Sew around all four sides and flip the weaving to the opposite side as if you are turning it inside out. This will hide the seam. Poke out your corners and iron.

I will definitely be tossing all my old stained and burnt potholders. Enjoy.

Shooting An Albatross-Book Review

Shooting An Albatross Reviewed By Cyndee Kromminga Of Bookpleasures.com

Steven Lundin's new book Shooting An Albatross has a little bit of everything. There is mystery, golf, romance, history and murder. I had slight trepidations with the golf theme of the book, as I do not play, but I am a sucker for historical novels. I surprised myself at how much I learned about the game and the intriguing story had me quickly turning pages.

Shooting An Albatross begins with a distinguished gentleman visiting an elderly man. There was a little bit of confusion as to why this gentleman would want to visit someone he inwardly would like to kill. After the the first initial pages, I quickly became drawn into a tale that spanned decades.

The one year in history the PGA did not play was in 1943, during World War II. The 170th Field Artillery Battalion of the United States Army commandeered the El Rancho Golf Course in Los Angeles, California. An army General and naval Admiral, competitively challenged each other to a game of golf--the only problem was, they were both terrible. They decided on a foursome and each leader handpicked their own golf partner. Private Evan Wilkins was the General's choice for the army and he was immediately relieved of all army training duties and was to spend all day, everyday, golfing until the day of the game.

The details of the story are told by the elderly Major Floyd Ackerly, Private Wilkins' commanding officer. Ackerly hated Wilkins because he had no real authority over the young private. His jealously and frustration lead to his seething anger in believing everything Evan had was his, including the affections of Amanda, the daughter of a Hollywood film mogul, who lived in a mansion on the edge of the golf course.

The Army won the exciting golf game, with a final hole that gives the book it's name. Afterward, they were immediately sent overseas to join the war. Ackerly's hatred for Evan continued to fester and you will not be able to set this book down until you have reached the final page. As I read the story, I wondered how Ackerly could relate some of the details, since he wasn't privy to some of the information. I finally realized toward the end of the tale, how these details were shared.

Shooting An Albatross is not just a golfing story, it is a suspenseful and exciting tale that is woven into the history of our country.

Title: Shooting An Albatross
Author: Steven R. Lundin

ISBN-10: 1439228000
ISBN-13: 1439228005

Publisher: BookSurge Publishing

Boardinghouse Stew-Book Review

Boardinghouse Stew -- Reviewed by Cyndee Kromminga of Bookpleasures.com

The title of award-winning playwright, E. E. Smith's new book, Boardinghouse Stew, may have you thinking it is some sort of cookbook. But as the author relates, it is part of a phrase describing the uncertainty of World War II -- "as unpredictable as boardinghouse stew".

Through the eyes of, Eileen (the author), I was taken on a journey in the summer of 1943 when she was 11 years old. Eileen took a job as a cook and housekeeper at a boardinghouse (the proprietor preferred the term "guesthouse") and became part of a family with all those that lived there.

I learned more about this time in our country's history by reading Boardinghouse Stew, than I did from any of my high school history classes. Rationing books, blackout curtains, air raid drills and victory gardens were terms I had vague knowledge of, and through the storytelling of Ms. Smith, I had a deeper understanding and a sad realization of hideous "relocation centers" our country created to imprison Japanese/American families. They might as well have called them concentration camps, because that is what they were.

This autobiographical book paints the reader a picture of the six occupants of the boardinghouse, Mrs. Mumson, the lady of the house and Eileen. Each member of the household had his or her own dreams and secrets that Eileen could hear through the swinging doors to the kitchen, hung on "rusty hinges that never seemed to close". There were three women and three men living an outwardly proper and respectable existence in Mrs. Mumson's boardinghouse, whom she liked to refer to as her "girls" and her "boys". There they were. Iris, the ambitious air raid warden. Margaret the "voice with a smile" telephone operator. Pasty, the bombshell stenographer. Charismatic Teddy, who always seemed to know someone who owed him a favor. Doc, the intern who was clumsily smitten with Patsy. Howard, the self-important cannery supervisor. As eclectic a mix of characters as you'd ever want to come across. Ms. Smith's Boardinghouse Stew wove a tale of how these very different people worked together to help each other through many ups and downs, as they became a family.

Ms. Smith included many photos throughout the book, which further painted a picture of this historical time in our country's past. I giggled at the concoctions Eileen prepared for meals and the reactions of the guests. Eileen stretched the rationing stamps of the whole household by utilizing the wartime recipes and suggestions of the newpaper's, "Miss Kitchen" column. Just imagine a scrumptious looking homemade cherry ice cream that was actually made with beets.

Title: Boardinghouse Stew

Author: E. E. Smith

ISBN:0979859913

Publisher: Hannover House

Publication Date: August 25, 2009

Welcome to PNN!

Hi,

My passion is crafting with vintage textiles, salvaged wood, miscellaneous memorabelia and trash. I am an avid flea market, garage sale, thrift store and auction shopper. I get a thrill everytime I open an old box, trunk or suitcase of long ago treasures and I believe these dusty spirits are talking to me. An old quilt may become a totebag or a linen calender may be transformed into a purse. I have even adopted the families in acquired black and white photo albums as my own.

I love to write, read, learn and craft (using a variety of skills). I enjoy sharing my ideas, experiences and projects with others. If only there were more hours in a day! You can see many of my projects on Associated Content, ehow, and Helium.

Tell me about a favorite item you would like transformed. I may have a few ideas for you.

Cyndee

AssociatedContent

ehow

helium

Life Happens

Life happens! I've been MIA on PNN the last few months, because deadlines and commitments have had to come first. I added more sites to my list of writing commitments. I am writing for the early educational channel on Bright Hub and more recently, I was accepted by Book Pleasures to write book reviews. Also, Thrifty Fun purchased a craft article, I have been submitting articles to Bukisa and Unsent Letters made me an offer on my letter for their upcoming book. Adding these sites to my workload is a little intense, but I think I can fit them into the rhythm of the others.

Life happens! We've all heard that, maybe even said that a few times. What does it mean? Well, for me it means that no matter how organized and scheduled I am, outside forces will pop up, causing me to reorganize, reschedule, add more items to the calendar and rework projects and ideas I thought were ready to go. This summer, life happened. I had one child graduate from high school and another graduate from middle school. This means I have one that will be starting high school and hopefully, the other will be on his way to college. Last-minute wishes and cold feet have my high school graduate scrambling to change colleges and reestablish funding at the 11th hour.

So, with trying to keep up with the weekly duties of life (family, writing, designing and friends), this summer is coming to a close. I'm ready to reorganize and reschedule my life. Yes, I know, it will not be etched in stone, but there is a huge advantage to working from home...especially when the family is away and busy with their lives during the day.

I'm glad to be back and ready to visit with you all. Keep watching for new and creative ideas.

Vintage Hankies

Many of us can't imagine blowing and wiping our noses with the same square piece of fabric all day long. But that is what our grandparents and even many of our parents did. Back then, our older generation lived in a world where there was no Kleenex boxes or, if there were, they seemed like a wasteful inconvenience. They also drove cars with no seat belts, on roads with no speed limits, while changing a baby's diaper on their lap in the front seat.

Aw, progress. Today, hankies are mostly a decorative touch to a man's formal suit. Occasionally, one might be seen performing a chivalrous act of dusting a chair for a pretty lady in a movie.

Even though their functional purpose seems, thankfully, outdated, vintage hankies are quite sought after in the crafting world. Try your hand at creating Christmas angels, curtain valances or check out the instructions for my Grandma's Butterfly Hankie Quilt. It was a labor of love and has become an heirloom to my family with many stories in every stitch.