What to do next????

Hi all,

Hi everyone.  How are you all doing?  I hope the answer to this question is 'good'.  Well, we're on the downward slope of the first day of this week.  I do hope you all had a wonderful day today.  I remember how busy Mondays used to be when I was still working a full time job.  But, the good part was that it always went very quickly.

If you haven't guessed what today's topic means, here's the answer.  I can't decide what project to start next:  a new novel, a piece on heart disease, an art piece, or a new hand sewing piece.  Well, actually, I've already started a new hand sewing project.  It will be a runner for my dining room table and it will be totally done by hand.  But, that won't stop me from starting a writing project.

It was very nice outside today and tomorrow's to be nice also.  It's to be in the low sixties but then on Wednesday, through next Monday, it's to be only in the fifties with a chance of rain five out of the seven days.  I was so surprised last evening when I went to bed, to see we had at least an inch of snow on the ground.  Of course, by lunch time today, it had all melted.  Hurrah!

Well, the two handmade wall hangings that I made for my two Stepdaughters, are on their way to California.  I hope they like them.  They were made with all vintage handkerchiefs from their grandmother.  I don't get to see them, and their families, very often, but I care about them very much.
I'm glad I could do this project for them.

I truly don't know how my life would be without my creative abilities.  They bring so much satisfaction and purpose to my life.  I don't have any aspirations to be a famous writer, artist or anything else.  I just love doing creative things and I want to do the very best I can, with the blessings God has bestowed upon me. I simply can not just sit around the house feeling sorry for myself.  Yes, my life is very sedentary since I became chronically ill eight years ago, but I refuse to let that get me down.  I truly don't feel I have anything to feel bad about.  I'm still alive and able to enjoy each day God gives me.  I feel so blessed!

If you are chronically ill, I know it changes your entire life, but please don't just sit around feeling sorry for yourself and your lot in life.  God does have other plans for you, but if you don't open your heart and your mind, you won't find out what those plans are.  It's true, you're normal life doesn't exist anymore, but there must be something you can do to give back for the gift of life.  Please think seriously on this. 

Well, I hope your week will go well for you.  If you have to go to work every day, just be thankful that you have a job.  Stay strong and be safe always.
Susan

Hi, friends!

How's everyone doing today?  Here in York, it's a rainy, ugly day.  It's supposed to be that way through the weekend.  Oh well, that's better than snow, don't you think so?

I'm in the process of trying to figure out just what my next creative project will be.  I'd like to start another writing project, but I'm not sure if I want to start another novel or do a non-fictional piece.  I'll have to think some more on that.

In the meantime, I finished two wall hangings that I was working on for my two step-daughters.  They are completely done by hand, using vintage hankerchiefs from their grandmother, who was my husband's mom.  I love doing hand-sewn pieces, especially during the winter months.  Here's a picture of both of them.

 

I'm sorry, the photographs don't do justice to the hangings.  I suppose it took me about four hours each to create these.  I hope they like them and will treasure them always.

I think I may enter a writing contest again on WOW, which stands for Women On Writing.  It only costs $10. to enter and I have until May 31st. to complete the piece.  Have you ever heard of this web site before and if you have, have you ever entered any of their contests?  (www.Wow.womenonwriting.com)

I also am a member of www.Fanstory.com.   I have quite a few of my stories listed on this site.  Basically when you join this site, you read and rate other people's stories or poems.  I don't know how good I am at rating other folks work, but I do know when I like something and why I like it or not.  I appreciate all the coments I get in reference to my work, also. 

I also spend time on www.facebook.com , as well as all the time I spend here on my blog, http://susanlappmellottauthorartist.blogspot.com.  Some times I wander where the time goes in a day.  Of course, I still have my laundry, cleaning and cooking to take care of during the week. 

I wander how other creative folks out there manage their time, especially if they also hold down full time jobs.  There's no way I could do all that, not at this time in my life.  Being chronically ill means I get tired very quickly.  Mornings aren't bad for me, but seeing that I don't get out of bed until about 8:30 am.  Until I am ready to start whatever I'm going to tackle that morning, I only have approximately two hours left until lunch time. 

I do spend some times during the course of the afternoons, either writing or doing hand sewing.  Sometimes I will go up to my craft room for forty-five minutes or so after lunch, but I get lower back pain very fast in the afternoons. 

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining.  I have completely accepted my life exactly as it is right now.  And if my health starts to get worse, I'll accept that also.  I'm at peace with myself, my health, my abilities and my God.  I'm happy and content with the life God has blessed me with now.

I hope the rest of your weekend is restful.  Stay safe and God bless you.
Susan

What day is it?????

Hi everyone,

I'm sure all of you know the answer to that question.  Of course, it's "Hump Day."  Even though it doesn't matter one way or the other to me, I know that for all of you who are working full time jobs, Hump Day is a welcome sight.  You are now on the downward side of the week.

So, what have you all been up to lately?  I've started working on a new hand-sewn project.  My husbands Mother passed away two years ago and he brought some vintage handkerchiefs home with him the last time he visited his Father.  So, my project is to create two wall hangings or table toppers
out of them.  First I washed, dried, and ironed all of them.  Then I picked out the ones that would be suitable for this project.  I then cut them in four pieces, using only the corners.  I tried to use a two color theme for each, but I didn't have many colored ones to chose from. 

I am going to make one for each of my husband's daughters.  I thought maybe they'd appreciate having them, since the hankiesbelonged to their Grandma.  I now have all the hankies hand sewn onto the felt backing piece.  Next I need to sew some beads on here and there.  After that, I will hand sew the backing piece of felt onto the fronts, overlapping the back to make a border on all four sides. 

This isn't a new hand-made project for me.  Some years ago, when I had my own craft business, I made at least eight of these.  I gave one to each of my daughters for Christmas and kept one for myself.  The rest I sold.  I made a nice profit on them, although it took me hours upon hours to complete them.  Mine hangs in my living room.  The ones I am making now are not quite as large as the earlier ones.

Here's a picture of mine:

It makes me feel good to be doing something constructive while I am sitting watching television in the evenings, especially during the cold winter months.  Of course, I work on either writing projects or some other creative projects all year round. 

My newest book, "Generation to Generation:  Passing it Onward" is now available on Amazon.com.  It's about Ethical Wills.  If you've never heard of them, this book will explain exactly what they are and how long they've been around.  Actually they've existed for centuries now.  I will also give you some various ideas on how to create one for yourself.  I made one for each member of my immediate family in 2012.  It was very important to me to have something like this to pass on to my loved ones.  I will have a few soft cover copies for sale.  If you'd like to purchase one, let me know.  Otherwise you can purchase or borrow one by going to www.amazon.com and entering my full name in the search block.  All fifteen of my books will come up for your viewing.  Of course, you can only purchase them for electronic reading on amazon.  Also, did you know that you can read books on most any electronic device.  You will need to download the app on amazon before purchasing or borrowing it.

I haven't decided what my next writing project will be as of yet.  I suppose I'll take some time to think on it.  I'd be lost if I couldn't write or do something creative. 

Although I'm ill, I thank God every day that I still have the ability to do what I love most:  being creative.  I was reading an article in the paper about a local man who has an eye disease, which has rendered one eye totally blind and the other partially blind.  He is only in his forties, but he hasn't let this disease get him down.  He and his wife have started their own business.  He says that he couldn't just sit around every day and collect disability.  How great is that?  You don't hear that often these days.  I'm sure he's a God loving man, too.

I do hope that each and every one of you will use your talents wisely.  God gave your talents to you because He knew you'd do great things with them.  Please don't waste your talents, no matter what they are.  Make the time to do what you love doing, the thing that makes you feel good about yourself.  Don't feel that you're too old to start something new, because you're never to old to do what you love.  If I can do it at my age and with my illness, then so can you.  Good luck!
Susan

Happy Saturday!

Hi all,

I hope that today and tomorrow are two fun filled days for each of you.  I also hope that you make at least a little time just for yourself.  Alone time is so very important to each of us.

Well, I've finally got my newest book, "Generation to Generation:  Passing it Forward," on Amazon.com.  This book contains information on Ethical Wills; what they are and how to create one for yourself.  I first heard about an ethical will back in 2012.  It took me some time to research exactly what they were and then I started writing my own ethical will.  I made a personal copy for each member of my immediate family.  Then I presented their copies to each of them on Christmas Eve.  I'm sure it didn't mean a whole lot to my grandsons at this time, but hopefully some day in the future, they will cherish them.  At least that's what my hope is for them.

So, right at the present time, I'm not working on any writing projects.  I am going to print a few copies of this book to sell to a few of my close friends who'd like to have a physical copy.  I also want to retain a copy for myself. 

I suppose that my next project will be a writing project, but I'm not sure what direction I want to go as of yet.  I do have to get back to finishing my hand-made greeting cards.  I only have about a dozen or so to complete yet.  They consist of 'get well', 'thinking of you', and 'sympathy' cards.  It's a shame how many sympathy cards I send in a years time.  I guess that's to be expected as one gets older.  Most all of your siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends are your age or older.  Dying is a fact of life as one reaches their mid sixties and onward.

How's the weather where you are today?  Here, the temperature is in the upper 50's to low 60's.  The sun is shinning brightly and there's very little wind.  Just about all the snow is gone now.  Of course by Wednesday of next week, we are to have another snow storm coming our way.   Ugh!  I'm not ready for hot weather as of yet, but I'm sure as heck ready to have the snow end for now. 

What have you been up to?  Anything exciting, challenging, creative or new?  Springtime is here and with it comes "new beginnings."  Not just with the sprouting of new flowers popping up from the ground, but soon the trees will start developing leaves on them and the grass will, once again, turn nice and green.  Of course, then comes the time to mow your grass and care for those flower beds.  But, I'm sure that for the first two or three months, most of us don't mind doing those chores.  It's only when the intense heat and humidity comes that we detest those two particular chores. 

It has been a long, cold, snowy winter, but I'm not sad to see that it will soon be gone for now.  I love the change of the weather.  I always have.  I can't imagine ever living any place where it's either warm or cold all year long.  I so look forward to the change of each season as they come and go.  Of course, I've always lived in South Central Pennsylvania, so that's all I know. 

Well, once again let me wish you all a good and pleasant weekend.  Remember that tomorrow is the Lord's Day.  Spend time with your families and do something just for yourself.  It's so important to your health.  Be safe and be happy.
Susan

Just thinking...

Hi all,

Happy Hump Day to all of you out there.  You're now on the downward side of the work week.  I'm sure that makes you all very happy. 

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately.  I suppose that when you get old and sickly that's what you do to pass the time some days.  Don't get me wrong, I'm usually pretty busy with my writing, handmade cards or hand sewing projects, so I don't really have tons of free time.  But, I suppose that writing my newest book, Generation to Generation:  Passing It Onward, has got me to thinking about both the past generations, the present generation and future generations. 

Of course when it comes to future generations, I absolutely have no idea how things will be for them.  But, mostly I've been thinking about my Parents and Grandparents, along with my immediate family.  I sometimes wander what my Grandparents would think of the world the way it is today.  Since I only ever knew two of my Grandparents, and since they died when I was fairly young, I really never got to know them very well.  I wander if they'd be proud of me.  I do hope so, because I've tried very hard to be a good, honest, faithful and kind person. 

My Parents raised me and my siblings to always be caring, loving, understanding, honest and respectful of others.  They sent us to Catholic Schools, where we learned more of those types of things.  I'm not even close to being a perfect person.  I have faults, just like everyone else does.  I've never been one to hold a grudge and I've always tried to forgive those who have done me any harm.

I'm sure that if my Grandparents could come back in this world for one day, they'd be greatly surprised.  I also know that they'd wander what exactly all these electronic gadgets are and why people have them attached to their ears constantly.  I have to say that my cell phone is not attached to my body in any way.  Most days it's not even turned on.  Of course, I'm usually home so I do have the house phone in case I need to make or receive a phone call. 

I will admit that I do spend my share of time on the computer, be it my PC, my laptop or my tablet.  I do not spend even six to eight hours a day on them, but perhaps some days more than others.  I think the electronic world is great, when they work, that is!  When they don't, they are a pain in the butt.  If I knew how to fix them, I'd be okay, but unfortunately, I don't. 

I hope to have my newest book uploaded onto amazon.com within the next few days.  I think you just may find some interesting facts in it about Ethical Wills.  I explain what they are and give you suggestions on how you, too, can create one of your own.  I'll let everyone know when it's available for purchase or to borrow.

Try to take some time to sit and ponder on what you think your Grandparents and Great Grandparents would think about today's world, if they could come back for one twenty-four hour period.  I'm curious to know what you think.  I don't believe any of them would be very pleased to live in today's world with all this violence, hatred, anger, etc.  I wish I knew how to change the way things are today, but I truly have no idea.  How about you?

Stay safe and God bless you.
Susan

I hope it was good.

Hi everyone,
How was your weekend?  I know it's not completely over just yet, but I do hope you've had a good weekend.  Mine was good.  Last evening my Red Hat group had a soup exchange.  We each made a large kettle of soup, what ever kind we wanted.  Before we met, we fixed six containers with 8-12 ounces in each.  Then  we took the balance of the kettle for everyone to share for dinner. 

Our husbands joined us for dinner.  Which was very nice.  We also had breads and crackers to go with the soup and three desserts to share.  It was a great success.  We do this once a year and everyone seems to enjoy tasting all the yummy soups.  Plus we get to take a sample of every ones home with us.  That's lunches for a few days.  How can you beat that?

What did you do over the weekend?  I hope it was something fun.  I know how quickly the weekends fly by, so I hope you made the best of it.

Well, hopefully within a few days I will be ready to publish my newest book, Generation to Generation: Passing It Onward.  I'll be sure to let you know when it's available to purchase or borrow on www.amazon.com.  Check out their 'borrowing' program.  You may simply want to start borrowing the books instead of purchasing them. 

You can access all my books and booklets by filling my name in the search block and clicking go.  All my novels will open up for you.  I write both fiction and non-fiction.  Did you know that you can read books on any electronic device with reading capability.  You may have to download the app before doing so.

I truly don't know what I'd do if I wasn't able to write, create my handmade greeting cards, or create things by hand sewing.  My life changed entirely after becoming ill back in 2006.  I'm not complaining though.  I'm content just the way things are now.  I'm just so thankful that I'm still alive.

What makes you happy and content?  If you don't have an answer to that question, then I would suggest that you do some serious thinking about it.  It's so important that we all have something that makes us feel fulfilled and good about ourselves.  It could be anything, but doing something that you love and are good at, makes life much better. 

I hope this week is a good one for you.  Try to make the most out of working at your job.  Stay focused, happy and smile at everyone.  You'd be so surprised how people react when others simply smile at them.  It will not only make your day better, it will also improve their day.
Susan

It will be finished soon!

Hi all,

How's everyone this fine evening?  We've had some very warm temperatures yesterday and today.  I understand tomorrow is to be warm, also.  But, on Thursday, it's to be only in the twenties with either rain and/or snow.  I can't wait!  (That's sarcasm, if you didn't know.)

Well, since I've gotten this infection, I did pretty much nothing.  I am feeling much better now.  Actually, yesterday was better, too.  So, today I took the time to do my first proofing on my new book.  Hopefully, I will get the second read-through done tomorrow.  I'm getting anxious to finish it. 

I also need to create the cover and back page.  Hopefully tomorrow I will get to those as well.  I did a mock up of a cover, but I'm not sure if I like it or not.  We'll see what tomorrow bring.

What have you been doing that's creative?  Please don't say that you're not creative, because we all have some creative abilities within us.  Those abilities don't have to be in art form or writing.  There are many forms of creativity.  What do you do for fun?  Do you bake or do you love to cook?  Do you sew or do you like redecorating your  home?  For you men, do you do woodworking, do you play a sport or do you, perhaps do leather work?  If you do any one of these things, and a whole lot more, you are creative. 

In the summer time, do you have a garden or flower beds where you enjoy spending time?  If you do, then that's being creative.  Having any hobby and learning to do it well, is being creative in the area.
I also think many of us use our creative abilities every day, just getting organized.  It takes creative ways to keep your families functioning every single day.

So, I'll ask you once again, what have you been doing that's creative?  I'm sure that now you have an answer to that question.  Develop your talents and do what you love doing, for that's your passion.  If you don't have anything that you're passionate about just now, please find something.

I need to get back to my handmade cards now that I'm feeling better.  I'm almost done with my holiday and birthday cards, but I still need to create "Thinking of You" and "Get Well Cards", as well as "Sympathy" cards. 

Tomorrow, as you well know, is Hump Day, which marks the middle of the work week.  So, take a deep breath because after tomorrow, you'll be on the downward run.  Make the most of every single day that you are given.  Please believe that we never know when our life will change permanently through illness or death.  Be safe and God bless you all.
Susan

It's no fun being sick!

Hi all,

How is everyone this beautiful Sunday?  I suppose that by my title, you figured out that I've been sick.  I have an infection in one of my teeth.  I have been on an antibiotic since Thursday noontime.  Today was the first day that I've felt half decent.  It is also the first day since Wednesday that I've had some what of an appetite.  I've lost three pounds in a the last four days.  That, my friends, is the only good thing about this infection.  Hopefully I'll be much better within a day or two.  At least, I hope so.  We never show enough gratitude to God for our good health, now do we?

How was your weekend?  I ask was, because we're on the downside of the weekend now.  I hope you had more fun than I did.  One good thing that occurred over the weekend, was that the weather was fairly nice, compared to what it's been here in Pennsylvania.    Although I heard on the news that towards the middle of this week, we're to have a snow/rain mixture once again.  I can't wait!  In case you didn't know, that's sarcasm on my part.

My new booklet, Generation to Generation - Passing it Onward, came to a bit of  a stand still since I've gotten sick.  Hopefully in the next day or two, I will be able to start proof-reading it.  At least that's my plan.  Of course, I've also neglected my handmade greeting cards.  I started four new ones at least a week ago, and haven't gotten back to them since.  That too, shall soon be corrected. 

Today was the first day since Tuesday that I've actually felt like doing some hand sewing.  I'm still creating gift card/money holders.  I am currently making them as a silhouette of Santa Claus with a toy sack on his back.  I think when I'm finished with the eight of them, I may change to some other type of hand embroidery.  It keeps my hands busy while I watch television. 

Well, whatever you did this weekend, I do hope you found some time to relax and enjoy your time off from work.  Tomorrow starts the work week once again, so stay safe and God bless you.
Susan

Some things are better left as memories!

Hi all,

How's everyone doing today?  I hope you're all doing well.  As for me and my loved ones, we're all doing fine.  I hope it stays that way.

Well, today is Shrove Tuesday or Fasnacht Day.  For those of you who don't know what a Fasnacht is, let me explain it to you.  A Fasnacht is a Pennsylvania Dutch tradition.  Shrove Tuesday became known as Fasnacht Day because on Shrove Tuesday everyone was using up all the lard and fats in the house in preparation for Ash Wednesday, which is tomorrow, Wednesday.  So, in order to use lard, women made a type of donut known in Pa. Dutch country as a Fasnacht. 

If you've never eaten one, you don't know what you're missing.  They look like a donut, but taste so much better.  Generally, they are covered in powered sugar or a sugary glaze.  All my life I've know about Fasnachts because my beloved Mother used to be up half the night making them.  Unfortunately, it takes hours to prepare and fry Fasnachts.  She worked at a local sewing factory and my Dad worked at The York Barbell Company.  It started with Mom sending a dozen or two into work with Dad and she'd take a couple of dozen to work with her.  That way, all their friends could get to taste one.  Before she knew it, people were giving her orders for dozens of them, both at her place of employment and at my Dads.

I was a child, so all I recall of Fasnacht Day was that I'd wake up early in the morning and the entire house would smell so good.  My Sister, Brother and I would hurry downstairs to grab a couple of those goodies while they were still warm.  Then we would take one along to school with us to eat at lunch time.  Needless to say, we were eating Fasnachts for a few days and they were so yummy.

Well, I'm not sure if I ever made them as an adult, mostly because while my Mom was still living, she continued making them, even after she retired.  So, we still had Fasnachts on Shrove Tuesday.  So, about a week ago, I decided I was going to try my hand with her recipe. 

The problem with this was that when my Mom wrote her recipes down, she'd note all the ingredients, but wouldn't elaborate on the directions, as she already knew how to make the recipe.  So, I was at a loss this morning when I started preparing them.  First of all, the recipe called for two yeast cakes.  They no longer sell yeast as cakes.  So, was I to use two, one or three?  Who knew???  I didn't.
I went with two.  Another thing, Mom didn't note that I needed to add water to the dough mixture.  Consequently, it didn't want to stick together.  (I used water in the dry yeast mix, which helped some.)  So, I eventually had no choice but to add water or else the dough would have never stuck together. 

All in all, they turned out fairly good.  Not like Mom's, but not too bad either.  I was very tired once I was completely done.  Being chronically ill did not help.  Remember how I said the house used to smell so good when I was I child, well all it smells like to me now is grease.  It's actually taking my appetite away.  So, what I've decided is this:  To cherish my memories of my Mom and her terrific Fasnachts from now on.  Sounds good to me!

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent.  I haven't given up anything for Lent, at least not as of yet.  Sometimes, giving doing something that's good for you is better than giving something up.  I have to think on this for a bit and then I'll decide what is best for me.  Have you made any decisions in that department yet? 

Tomorrow is also Hump Day. You all know what that means.  So, to all you full time workers, congratulations, after tomorrow, you're on the downward slope of the week.  I know how much that means to all of you.

I do wish all of you a great Ash Wednesday and Hump Day.  Stay safe and remember to take a few minutes for yourself.
Susan

Oh no, here it comes again!

Hi all,

How's everyone doing this fine Saturday?  I hope this finds you all doing well.  What are you all up to today?  I'm sure many of you are running children around, running errands, cleaning house and doing laundry.  I hope you'll stop all that this evening and just kick back, spending some quality time with your spouse and children.  But don't forget to make at least an hour just for yourself. 

Well, if you live in Pennsylvania, I'm sure you already know what I'm referring to in my title.  We're due to have another snow storm starting tomorrow night and all day Monday.  It's supposed to drop another 8-12 inches of snow on us.  Ugh!

I feel so bad for my husband and everyone else who has to shovel the snow.  This winter has been very hard on my husband.  He's not a young man anymore and he simply will not stop and rest until he is completely finished the shoveling. I'm sure he's not the only one who has this philosophy.

We finally got rid of all the snow out front, but there's still quite a bit out back.  Of course, this makes it bad, because that's where we park our cars.  Oh well, there's no use complaining because there's nothing I can do to change the weather.

I've started writing another book.  It's called, "Generation to Generation - Passing it Onward".  Basically, it's about Ethical Wills.  I wrote mine in 2011 because it was extremely important to me to have one in place before I pass away.  Or, simply am not able to write anymore.  I presented a formal copy to each member of my immediate family on Christmas Eve that year.  I'm so glad I was able to do that.

The book will explain all about ethical wills, where the idea came from, and many suggestions on how to write one for yourself.  It will be available for electronic reading (on any electronic device:  computer, Ipad, Ipod, Tablet, laptop, etc.) on Amazon.  I hope to have it finished and uploaded within two weeks or so.  I hope you'll purchase it and that it will encourage you do write an ethical will of your own.  I'll let everyone know when it's available. 

I will be starting another novel in my series at some point this year.  I just have a few other projects going at the present, so when I wrap them all up, I'll get started on a fiction novel.  I'll keep everyone posted on how I'm progressing with it, and when and where it will be available for purchase.

One of the projects I've been working on is creating gift card/money holders for these types of Christmas gifts.  I hate handing someone an envelope with money or a gift card inside.  It seems so impersonal to me.  Maybe they don't really care, but I do.  Here's a picture of some of the ones I've already completed.

The Santa Hats and the Santa's Workshop are big enough to hold a large candy bar or some other little treat.  I love sitting in front of the television and doing hand embroidery.  It just relaxes me.  Besides, any way I can get ahead for Christmas, the better.  I do as much a head of time as I can, that way when the Christmas Season actually arrives, I can sit back and enjoy it!  How good is that?

Well, have a good evening and a wonderful Sunday.  Don't forget to keep the Lord's day special.  Be safe and good health to you.
Susan