Paper Roses..........well, almost

A few weeks back, while doing some fabric shopping, I came across a kit for making different kinds of tissue paper flowers on clearance. I couldn't resist buying it and giving it a try. I'd made the pom-pom style flowers before, but had never seen the five petal balloon flowers at all - let alone made any. They were easy and fun. It was a good activity to do while watching a movie. Not quiet sure what I will do with my new bouquet, but it does brighten up the pre-spring dreariness.

Sweet Land

While I've been recuperating, I decided to surf netflix and found a lovely movie that I had never heard of. It's the sweet story set during the end of WWII in Minnesota. It's about a German girl who is a mail order bride. She speaks very little English and finds her soon-to-be husband is a quiet, somewhat cold man. Because of the war with Germany, she is met with suspicion and their marriage is put off until she becomes proficient in English. During this time, she lives with a neighbor, learns some homemaking skills, but feels very alone. She eventually asserts herself with her husband-to-be and they make a life together.

This is NOT a movie of action or adventure. It's a sweet slice of history and brings out the everyday beauty of hard work in the home and on the farm. The scenery is breathtaking. My personal favorite is the part when Brownie makes a pie - beautiful cinematography!! It's full of hardships, loneliness, unjust judgement, and working through difficulties - the things that are universal to us all. If you have a lazy afternoon and want a thoughtful movie, give it a try!

Down Time

I've been laid up for the last few days. Knowing that this was coming, I made big plans to allow myself to do those things that take place while sitting. You see, I am one of those people that have a hard time sitting still. I think I have a little too much of my dad in me. I feel somewhat useless unless I'm actively busy. So, I had planned a guilt free list of things that I could do while laid up - hand work, planning fun get-togethers, and some reading.

The last few days have not been what I had thought. A few complicatioons have set me back a little, but I'm looking forward to some time doing the things that I usually don't take time to do. Being busy isn't always best and sitting, once in awhile, can be the rejuvenation that is needed.

Land Girls

There are very few t.v. shows that I truly enjoy. Most are just guilty pleasures that I watch to relax and have a good laugh. The other night when there was nothing good on and I was determined to find an excuse to just sit, I resorted to searching through netflix. Usually this endeavor doesn't prove fruitful, but this time I was pleasantly surprised.

I found a lovely t.v. series produced by the BBC called Land Girls. It's set in England during WWII and follows a handful of young ladies who have signed up to help the wartime effort by working on a farm to support the troops.

The story lines are sincere and sweet while keeping true to the hardships of the day. Another reason I adore it is for the historical aspect - in telling the story and in fashion. All I can say is.....I LOVE the vintage attire!! The fabrics are gorgeous. Even their work clothes are inspiring! Wishing I could dress like that to work on our farm. I guess I could, but I wonder what the neighbors would think.......

For the love of laundry

Sometimes it feels like trying to eat an elephant.........

the chore of doing laundry.

Six kids mixed with five basketball leagues, social gatherings, and the everyday school attire = mountains of laundry and a life sentence of stain removal and wash separately. One thing that I've found to brighten my dismal plight is a pretty vintage piece of pottery. It's much better than that ugly orange Tide box...........

It reminds me of my Grandma Reeder. I believe she had something similar in her house. It really seems to make a difference. Silly, but true - a little bit of pretty goes a long way!

Vintage Patterns

While at my local thrift store, I was lucky enough to find some vintage patterns. It's been awhile since I've sewn any kind of apparel, so they sparked my interest. I also love the tailored look of these dresses! Hopefully I can make these work.

Also, you can find new reproduction patterns from the 40's through the 70's. This is fun since finding the right size and a style you like at the thrift store can be difficult.

Now I just need to find some quiet time to focus - keeping the unpicking at a minimum!!

Mini Roses

As Valentine's Day approaches, it's common to see the grocery store floral department stock up on mini roses. I LOVE these dainty little plants. Why is it that anything in miniature is adorable?

I end up purchasing one every year, regardless that their life span, in my care, seems less than what it should be. They're lucky to make it to the day of love!

I usually buy the color of rose that we had at our wedding, but this year I couldn't resist buying this pink and red one. I love the two colors together. It's so bright and cheery compared to the dreariness going on outside. Plus, compared to it's long stem cousin, this one is much cheaper and still reminds me of love - how could I not purchase one? Now all I need is some chocolate!!