Rest! It's so good.

Good evening all,
My Christmas was very nice, to say the least.  It started on Christmas Eve with most of my family in attendance at our home for Christmas Eve dinner and then the gift exchange.  Of course, we ended the evening by singing some very old Christmas songs; like "I'm Gettin' Notting for Christmas," "Jingle Bell Rock" and "I Saw Mommy Kissin' Santa Claus."

I loved every minute of that evening, although I missed two of my Grandsons and three of their girlfriends. But one of them visited us on Saturday with his girlfriend.  No, it's not the same as it was when they were all little, but I try to make each Christmas Eve special.  It's the only holiday I host anymore and it's hard for me, but I just can't give it up yet.  I know I will, one of these years, but not yet, God willing!

I hope you all had a great Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, also.  On Christmas Day, it was just my husband and myself.  It's been like that for quite a few years now and I've grown to enjoy the peace and quiet.  Of course, this year my husband decided he needed to go to the Emergency Ward to see where the pain in his leg was coming from.  They ran some tests and told him they thought he pulled a muscle.  No surprise there!  He's getting up in age, but he thinks he can still do what he did twenty years ago.

I'm ready to get my home back into order now.  But, I suppose I'll wait a few more days before I start putting all my Christmas decorations away.

What are your plans for New Years Eve?  Ours are simply to stay at home.  I'll be in bad wayyyy before the New Year comes in.  I just can't stay up that late anymore, not since I became chronically ill, almost ten years ago, but I'm okay with that.

Well, I think I'm going to close for now because I'm a bit tired.  So, enjoy the rest of the Christmas Holidays and stay safe.  May God bless each of you and your loved ones.
Susan

Merry Christmas to everyone!

Hello all,

I wanted to make sure I take some time to wish each of you a very merry Christmas.  Remember the true reason we celebrate this holiday is to praise God for the birth of His Son, many years ago.  That tiny Babe who was born in a stable among the animals, came to save us all.

So, with a gracious heart (even though it's a bit weakened and damaged), I ask each and every one of you to make sure you add Jesus to your Christmas with your family.  Oh, I know we all do the exchange of gifts with the folks we love and that's a good thing, but giving them your constant love and approval is much more important.  Make sure they know that the gifts you purchased for them, are given to show them how much you love and accept them, just the way they are.

I'm writing this now, because come Christmas Eve, I really won't have any time to be on the computer.  You see my husband and I host Christmas Eve here in our home.  It's the only holiday that we host anymore, mostly because it's just too much work for me, but I'm not ready to give up Christmas Eve, yet.  I know in time, I will have to do just that, but not now.

It's a tradition in our family, that everyone goes to Grandma and Grandpa's on Christmas Eve and I am a very traditional lady.  I miss my Mom and Dad always, but so much more during this season then any other.  They will be with us though, in spirit.  I just know they will.

So, once again let me wish each and every one of you a blessed and holy Christmas and all good things for the up coming year.

PS:  Here's a photo of each of my parents, which I hang on our Christmas Tree.
Susan

Happy Tuesday!

Good evening to all,
Well, since today is December 15, that means that we only have ten more days until Christmas Day or nine more days until Christmas Eve.  That means you only have approximately nine days to be ready!  Or perhaps you are like me and are pretty much ready now.

I finished up my baking this morning and I'm glad of that.  I really don't make many actual cookies any more before I just can not stand in the kitchen that long.  But, I did make one patch of chocolate chip, walnut cookies today.  They are my husbands favorite and I also enjoy them.  Usually I make a pan or two of seven or eight layer cookies.  Those are much quicker for me and less tiring.

I will be hosting Christmas Eve for my family, as usual.  I made out my menu last week.  Most of what I will be serving I can't make ahead of time, but that's okay because some of the items will just go into the oven to cook.  I did make a large bowl of homemade applesauce and froze it.  My family has always loved my homemade applesauce, especially the kids.  I'm not planning on serving any cake or pie for dessert because I will have plenty of homemade cookies, homemade chocolate bark and of course, stuffed dates for dessert.

I finished up the last of my wrapping this afternoon, well all except for one gift that I still need to wrap.  I'm still working on my hand embroidery projects but I'm done with any having Christmas designs on them.  I have a few ideas for some embroidery projects for after the holidays.  I don't have a hand embroidered Christmas table runner for my dining room table.  So, I thought I might make myself one of those for the next Christmas season.  I can't tell you how relaxing it is for me when I sit and watch television while doing my embroidery work.

Here's one I did for autumn and one for Easter.  They are hand towels for my kitchen.

I do a lot of redwork, bluework and greenwork, but I also like doing multiple colors, although it's a bit of a pain changing needles all the time.

Well I hope the remainder of your Tuesday goes well for you and your family.  If you need to relax, do something creative and let yourself just get lost in it.  It will relax you...

Stay safe and may God bless each of you.

Susan

Is it winter or spring???

Hi all,

The weatherman says that it's to be up to 60 degrees on Saturday and Sunday, with tomorrow and Friday being in the upper 50's.  I'm not complaining, but I do hope it gets a bit colder before Christmas.  It just wouldn't seem like Christmas with warm temperatures!  My husband's happy because he's going golfing tomorrow with his boss.  So, he's a happy camper...

Well, only fifteen more days until Christmas Eve.  My girls and their families all come to our home to celebrate Christmas Eve.  It's been a family tradition for many years now.  When my Mom and Dad were living, we all gathered at their home on Christmas Eve.  I love carrying out old traditions but I know that each generation has their own traditions.  But, I do hope that my three daughters will continue with some of the old traditions which I still carry out from my Mom.

One of them is that she always prepared stuffed dates for Christmas Eve supper.  She stuffed them with peanut butter and then coated them with sugar.  I have been doing that ever since she died, nineteen years ago.  It may be something small, but my girls all expect those stuffed dates on the dinner table.  Another tradition is that my Mom always made the most delicious fruit cake for Christmas dessert.

I usually don't like fruit cake, but when I use my Mom's recipe, it's so good.  Everyone in my family loves it and it's the only fruit cake they will eat, also.  I plan on making a batch for this Christmas, as well.  I put the batter into cup cake holders.  That way I can put them into a large zip-lock baggie and put them into the freezer.  Then I just take out a few as I need them.

How about you?  What traditions does your family have for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?  I'm sure what ever traditions you have, they're appreciated by your family.

I'm still working on my hand embroidery work.  I just started an embroidered pillow front as a Christmas gift for my sister.  I hope she will like it.  Shhhhh, don't tell her....

Are you ready for Christmas yet?  I  am, except for a few last minute details.  Today I made up my Christmas Eve dinner menu.  You guessed it!  I'm a list person for sure.  I like to have all my ducks in a row when I plan anything, that way everything goes well for me.  How about you?

I hope you're still trying to put some creativity into your life.  I do everyday because it's important to me.

Have a great day tomorrow and be safe always.  God bless each of you and your families.
Susan

It's coming very fast....

Hi, everyone,
How's your evening going, or perhaps it's morning or afternoon where you are.  I can not believe that tomorrow is already the 5th of December.  Those Christmas holidays are coming very fast.  I'm progressing fairly well, mostly because I have to start early because I have very little energy for each day.

I've been planning on my Christmas Eve menu.  I need to prepare some of it a head of time to make things easier for me.  Being chronically ill does, indeed, change your life style, but I'm not complaining.  Christmas Eve is the only holiday that I host anymore.  I'm just not ready to give that up yet.  It has always been a tradition in my family started many years ago.  I have to say that I'm so happy that most of my immediate family always keeps that tradition.  I know that at some point, I won't be here any more and one of my daughters will have to take over the tradition.  My husband and I will probably have a full house because most of my young adult grandsons now have love interests.  Of course, they are invited to join us as well. This is another tradition which came from my dear Mother.

What are your plans for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?  I do hope you will be seeing family either one day or the other.  After all, Christmas is about family.  We celebrate Mary and Joseph welcoming their new born baby Jesus into their lives.  We all need to remember this statement:  "Jesus is the reason for the season."

I like to do some fun things with my family on Christmas Eve, such as taking small groups and singing silly songs.  Like the ladies and young women singing the song, "Santa Baby" and the males singing another silly song.  It makes me so happy that they all go along with these silly things.  But, I always do bring Jesus into our celebration, also.

I was just remembering yesterday, how when my six Grandsons were young, I sewed shepherd costumes for five and them and one angel costume.  They'd parade around the half block and get on our porch, where we had a nativity set up.  We'd all then sing some beautiful Christmas carols.  People would put their car windows down and slow up to listen.  Of course, when they started growing up, that came to an end.  But, I hope those memories will always stay with them, just like they have stayed with me.

Well, tomorrow is Saturday and I'm sure that most of you will be running around doing errands.  As for me, I am going to start addressing my Christmas cards.  I am sure I will not get all of them completed tomorrow, but at least I'll get a start on them.   Whatever you do, stay safe and may God be at your side.

Give thanks always, because everything we have comes from God.
Susan

Tomorrow is December 1st.

Hi everyone,
I hope each and every one of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day with your families and/or friends.  My husband and I had a great day with our family and friends.  The food was delicious and the company was warm and inviting.  I hope you experienced the same.

I just spent the last four days with my oldest daughter and six of our lady friends in Ocean City, Md.  We had a wonderful time.  I didn't get as much sleep as I usually do, but I'll play catch up this week.  We did some shopping for Christmas.  Well, me and one friend,  didn't do too much but the rest of them shopped until they dropped.  All I know is that the cars were overflowing with shopping bags coming home today.

We couldn't stay at the hotel where we usually do when traveling to OC, but the one we stayed in was very nice.  The rooms were a bit smaller, but we made do.  Everything was very clean and the view was spectacular.  We were on the seventh floor and had a marvelous side view of the ocean, beach and surrounding buildings.  We ate at our favorite restaurants and as usual, the food was delicious.  I enjoyed myself but I am glad to be home.  It's always nice to come home once again after being away for a few days

I'm planning on watching another new Christmas movie this evening.  I love this time of the year and being able to watch the Christmas movies just makes me feel happy inside.  How about you, do you enjoy the Christmas movies?  I surely hope so.

Well, I'm a bit tired this evening, so I'm going to make this short.  I hope you week goes well and I also hope you do something creative this week.  Be safe and may God bless each of you.
Susan

It's Turkey Day here ...

Hi everyone,

Well, today is Thanksgiving Day.  What are you most thankful for today and do you give thanks for all you have, every day?

I suppose many of your answers will be much like mine.  I'm thankful for my wonderful, loving family.  We will be spending Thanksgiving Supper with them, shortly.  Well, not all of them, but some of them.  I'm also very thankful for the gift of life, which God has given me.  In three months it will be ten years since I became chronically ill with Congestive Heart Failure and it will be 24 years since I've been pacemaker dependent to live.  So, as you can guess, that's why I'm so thankful for the gift of life.

My life changed after that diagnosis, but at least I was still alive.  So, that truly is my greatest blessing.  It's usually not until after one becomes very ill, that they realize just how important life truly is.  Yes, my life is very sedentary, but that's okay with me.  My goal is to live long enough to have a great, grandchild, and I don't think that will be for some time yet.  Basically, it's all in God's hands, just as my life has always been.

Whatever you're doing or where ever you're going today, please take a few minutes to thank God for the gift of life that He's bestowed upon you and your loved ones.  It only takes a few seconds to change your life completely!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.
Susan

It's the weekend again...

Good evening everyone,
How's things going in your part of the world?  It's pretty quiet here in South Central Pennsylvania and I pray it stays that way for a long time.  Well, the weekend is here once again.  What is on your calendar for the next two days?  Anything exciting?

Of course next week we will celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday.  We all have so very much to be thankful for, and yes, I mean all of us.  If you woke up in fairly good health this morning, you should be thankful; if you had a job to go to today, you should be thankful; if you have a family who loves you, enough food to fill your tummy and you can afford all the necessities, then you should be thankful.

I live every day of my life giving gratitude and acceptance to God for all the many blessings He's put in my life.  No, we aren't rich, not even close.  No, we don't live in a big fancy house or have servants who work for us.  No we do not drive new cars, not even close.  But, we are still living, we have enough food and clothing for our needs and we do have loving families.  What more would we need?  Nothing!

I give thanks every single day for all my blessings and I hope you will too.  If you do, you will find that your needs become less as every week passes.  What a wonderful way to live your life.

One of the thanks I give today is that my sister, Carol, has been here in PA for the last three or so weeks and I've gotten to spend quite a bit of time with her while she's visiting PA.  I miss not seeing her on a regular basis.  I taught her how to do hand embroidery and she's loving it.  She's hand made many of her Christmas gifts and that makes her feel good.  It makes me happy, too.  I will miss her when she leaves on Monday morning to return back to North Carolina.

Wow, can you believe that Christmas is almost here.  I've been working on Christmas gifts all year, so I'm not feeling rushed in any way.  In fact, I'm getting excited about decorating soon.  I love the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays very much.  I hope you do, too!

Have you hand made any of your Christmas gifts?  If not, why don't you try creating something hand made.  I promise you that it will make you feel good about yourself and your recipients will so enjoy the fact that you hand made their gift.  Try it, you'll see...

Whatever you're going to do this weekend, please stay safe and enjoy time with your families, too.
Susan

The week is almost over now...

Hi all,

How's everyone this evening?  I'm doing okay, so I can't complain now can I?  This month is just flying on by, don't you think so?  Two weeks from today is Thanksgiving Day, can you believe that?

I do love Thanksgiving, although I give thanks on a daily basis for all the many blessing I've been given all through my lifetime.  Since becoming chronically ill, I've learned what is important in my life and what truly isn't.  I used to worry about so many little things and now I simply don't.  What is important to me is my husband, my daughters, my sons-in-law or significant other, my grandchildren, my extended family and my friends.  I have a roof over my head, clothes to wear, food to eat, heat and cool air to make my home comfortable and I'm still alive.  What more could I need in my life?

Illness changes a person's life.  This I know is very true.  Sometimes it's for the better and sometimes it's for the worse.  That is entirely up to the individual and their state of mind.  No, I can't run around going on bus trips, train trips or the like.  I can't start my evening at 7:00 pm, because by then, I'm just too tired and I need to be home on the sofa in my pajamas.  I have very little energy anymore, but that's okay, too.  What I do give thanks for is that I am still alive.  I can still watch my grandsons grow into strong young men, see my daughters happy and be with my husband.  I still have the ability to use some of my creative abilities in a limited time period, which is okay with me.  So, you see I have so much to give thanks for every day.  I hope you feel this way, too.

I'm still working on my hand embroidered kitchen towels, which I'm using for Christmas gifts.  Of course, I will retain one or two for our kitchen.  I have to make about twenty more hand made Christmas cards yet, so I suppose I need to get on the stick and get them completed.  After the holidays are over, I need to start my all occasion cards for next year, as well as, my birthday cards for my family and other holiday cards.  I love creating my own cards.  I suppose all my crafting abilities are where I get my self-worth from.  I don't know if I'll start another novel next year or not.  Time will tell.

How about you?  What have you been up to lately?  I hope you are keeping your creative abilities alive because they may boost your self esteem, also.

Have a good weekend and enjoy your families.  We just never know when a member of our family will no longer be with us anymore.  Be safe and may God bless each of you.
Susan

These are two of the booklets I have on Amazon.com for electronic reading.  Check them out!

Happy Sunday.

Hi all,

Well today is Sunday and it's God's day.  That means we should all give praise and glory to Our Lord today.  Well not just today, but everyday.  But, especially on a Sunday.  What will you do today to keep the Lord's Day special?

I will be observing Mass at the noon hour, plus I will pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet today.  I try to pray the chaplet in song every day during the three o'clock hour.  Why during the three o'clock hour, you may ask.  Well, because that's around the time that Jesus died on the cross. 

Since discovering The Divine Mercy Chaplet and Saint Faustina's teaching from Jesus, I've changed many things in my life.  One of them being, that I sing the Chaplet daily, as often as I can, asking Jesus for His mercy.  Not only in my life and my husbands, but for my entire family, both immediate and extended.  I also ask Jesus for mercy for all our friends and for our neighborhoods. 

I have to say that my entire life has changed since I discovered St. Faustina's diary and what Jesus instructed her to do.  I love the chaplet because I can just feel Jesus' Divine Mercy filling me up with love, grace and much mercy.  I need that to continue on with my life. 

You may not realize it, but you need it also.  You can check the Divine Mercy Chaplet out daily, by looking to see if it is televised in your area.  I watch it on Xfinity (Comcast) on channel 15.  That's channel is EWTN (The Eternal Word Network) and I love it. 

I've become so much closer to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit during the past five or six years.  My entire life sits in God's hands and that frees me to have a light spirit.  I do what I can to 'give back' for all the many, many blessings God has bestowed upon me.  I give Him thanks for all the mercy He instills in my heart and soul. 

So, happy Sunday to all of you.  I will pray for you all during today's Chaplet of Divine Mercy.  Have a wonderful day and may God bless each of you.
Susan

Is it really November 2nd. already?

Hi all,

This year has gone so very fast.  I can't believe that it's already November 2nd.  Before you know it, it will be Thanksgiving, then Christmas, then we will welcome in 2016.  The months and years just pass so quickly now that I'm older.  I think perhaps that's because once we are over sixty years of age, we realize that we're on the down slant of life.  Also by then, many of us have one kind or another health problem.  We now realize that we move a bit slower, that we don't hear as well as we used to, that our memories aren't what they used to be, and so on and so on...

If you are over sixty, you know exactly what I'm talking about, and if you are not that old yet, believe me you will know what I mean when you do reach that age.  Time goes by now faster than at any other time of my file.  When I was in my thirties and forties, I thought that after we got older, time would just drag on by. Well, I was so wrong.  Even though I live a very sedentary life style, time still flies on by.  I appreciate the gift of live so much more now than when I was younger.  I give thanks each day that I wake up to live another day.

Now that my newest novel is published, I've been working on my handmade Christmas cards.  I've decided not to make quite as many as I have in the past.  I started four cards, in a new design, over the weekend.  I only had about an hour available to work on them this morning, and during that time, I was using  a medium called "Smooch" to fill in the color on the panel which goes onto the front of the card.  I'm still not finished as of yet.

My sister, Carol, is up here in PA visiting from North Carolina.  I'm always so happy to be able to spend time with her.  She's now seventy and the trip is getting harder and harder for her to make.  I'm so happy that she does though.  I miss her, but at least I've been able to spend some time with her when she comes up about twice a year.  It's nice that I can help her with her crafting a bit.  It gives her something to occupy her time as well as, help her with some Christmas gifts which don't cost a lot of money.

Last evening, Sunday, my husband and I had dinner with my sister and my brother and his wife.  It was very nice.  I don't see my brother, Greg, or his wife, Sue, very often either.  So, I was glad that the five of us could get together for a meal and conversation.

How's the Christmas shopping coming?   What?  You haven't even started on it yet... Okay, well it's time you got started.  The sooner you start, the sooner you get finished, and that means that then you can really enjoy the Christmas season without stress.  Don't you think that's a good idea, because I do!  Don't forget that the Christmas holiday season starts with Thanksgiving and ends on New Years Day.

I do hope you all have been doing something creative, whatever that may be.  Be thankful for all God has blessed you with and don't worry about what you don't have, because most of the time, those things really don't matter anyways.  Be safe and may God bless you.
Sue

It's going good!

Hi everyone,

I hope all of you are doing well today, because it's Hump Day!  Of course, for me that makes absolutely no difference what so ever, but I know it does matter to many of you.

My newest novel, "Prolonged Uncertainty" is selling very well.  I only have ten copies available for sale.  I just wanted to remind everyone that this novel is available at a discounted price for electronic reading until Oct. 31 only.  You can purchase it by going to www.amazon.com and entering my full name into the search block and clicking.  All of my novels, booklets, etc. will come up.

Well, it's Wednesday and, as usual, I'm watching Solid Gold Oldies on Comcast television.  I do love my oldies from the fifties and sixties.  Oh how I wish I was still able to get up and do those dances I grew up doing.  My illness just leaves me with very little energy, but I can still enjoy the music and for that, I am so grateful.

How many of you have started your Christmas shopping?  As I've shared with you all before, I've been making handmade Christmas gifts since January.  I love hand creating anything and everything at any time of the year.

I've been working on my handmade Christmas cards.  So far, I believe I have about eighteen finished.  Not too bad for it still being October.  As soon as I'm finished with my Christmas cards, I need to hand make some all occasion cards and get well cards. It seems I've about run out of these types of cards.  I won't start my other cards (family birthday, holidays/except Christmas, etc.) until after the holidays are completely over.

I have to tell you that if I did not have the ability to do what creative things I now do, I think I would become very depressed.  My husband asked me today when I'm going to start another novel.  I just laughed!  Perhaps next year some time.  What with all the trouble I had getting it changed into the format that the printer needed, I need a break from the stress.  Jennifer, the customer service person who went over and beyond what she had to do to help me, was my lifesaver.  I mailed her a small gift to say thank you this week.  I hope she likes it.

What have you all been up to lately?  Summer is over and fall is certainly passing quickly.  Nov. 1 is on Sunday.  Now that all the outdoor creative work is finished until next season, what type of creative work will you try?  I certainly hope you will do something with whatever amount of creative abilities you do possess.

I've already given away some of my embroidered hand towels as well as, some of my table runners or table covers.  If I can share my love for creating with another person, then I'm happy.  I have a few other projects in the making and some that I haven't even given much thought to, as of yet.

I hope the remainder of your week is good and that you all stay safe.
Susan

It's Way Back Wednesday!

Hi friends,

It's Way Back Wednesday, so I'm going way back with my music.  Of course, it doesn't have to be Wednesday for me to listen to those Oldies but Goodies.  I listen to them every day.  We have a Solid Gold Oldies television station available to us and I love tuning in to it when my husband has gone to play Bingo.  He doesn't seem to understand why I enjoy listening to this music.  I guess it's hard to explain to someone why I love this music.

It does take me way back, back to a much simpler time in my life.  A time, when as a teenager, my problems were minimal, to say the least.  Back in the sixties, the life of teens was so much more easier then it is today.  We didn't have any of the electronic devices that all teens and preteens, all carry with them.  We thought we were pretty 'smooth' if we had a pocket sized, portable radio.  I don't believe I actually had one of those until I was about twelve years old.  I thought I'd died and went to heaven.  I was so happy.

I suppose listening to the tunes of my childhood brings me great comfort now.  I realize that they were the most simplistic years of my entire life.  My problems at that time were doing my homework, helping with the house and yard work, and not much more.  Compared to my responsibilities as an adult, that was a drop in the bucket.

I have always loved Rock and Roll, Doo-Woop, and every other type of music that came out during the years 1956 through 1968.  I loved dancing and I learned every single new dance that came out during those years.  My Sister and I watched American Bandstand every day during the week.  We learned every step to every dance; we knew all the singers and groups that were popular during that time period.  We'd dance together all the time.  I can't tell you how many times one of us would dance with the refrigerator door as a partner, while the other one washed dishes.  We knew most of the kids on American Bandstand, and who was a couple or not.

I've never lost that love of music or dance.  I really can't dance much anymore because of my illness, but I still do a few steps now and then.  In fact, last weekend I was listening to some music when my husband came in the room.  I asked him to slow dance with me.  He was so surprised, to say the least.  The song wasn't rock and roll, rather an old song of Patsy Cline's.  It was kind of nice to just dance like that, without actually planning it.    I can't tell you how much I miss getting up and doing The Stroll, The Bristol Stomp, The Twist, The Jitterbug and so very many line dances from Country Music.

I taught line dancing and the two step for about three years.  My husband later helped me to teach.  I was into Country Western Music at that time.  I just love music and dancing of both types.

We went out and bought ourselves western boots and outfits.  We really got into everything western, that's for sure.  But, all good things do come to an end, eventually, for all of us.  For me, that happened over nine and a half years ago when I became a chronic Congestive Heart Patient.  I am thankful that I am still alive.  I believe that God still had plans for me back then, so He left me remain alive to do them.

My Mom and Dad listened to our music a lot also.  I guess they really didn't have too much of a choice in the matter.  That's all we listened to back then.  They were lovers of the big band sounds.  I like some of those also.  How about you?

I feel like that was a lifetime ago now.  I suppose I feel that way, because it was.  I loved becoming a Mother to my three daughters.  They are my greatest accomplishments throughout my entire life.  Here's a photo of them when they were teenagers.  Love the big hair that was so popular back then.

I hope your Wednesday is going well.  Don't forget today is Hump Day so you're now on the downside of the work week.  Be safe always and may God bless each one of you.
Susan

How's everyone doing tonight?

Hi all,
Well here we are with another weekend approaching.  What are your plans for this weekend?  Mine aren't too exciting.  I see the weatherman in South Central PA is calling for some chilly days and nights this weekend.  It's only to get into the mid 50's during the day, with it dipping into the low to mid 30's overnight.  I'm not quite ready for it to be that cold just yet, but I suppose there's not a thing I can do about it anyways.

I am so excited because my newest manuscript, "Prolonged Uncertainty" is now at the printers.  I'm so anxious to finally see it in print.  I will tell you that this week has been very hard on me.  I was trying to get it into the correct format so that DiggyPod could print it, and things weren't working out for me.  I must have spent four or five hours on the phone with the Customer Service Representative from DiggyPod.  I commend her for her patience and kindness toward me.  Her name is Jennifer and she was my human angel on Tuesday and Wednesday, that's for sure.  Together, we finally got the text and both covers converted so they can now print the novel.

I've worked with many customer service representatives over my adult lifetime and Jennifer definitely was the kindest person I've ever encountered.  She was my life saver, that's for sure.  I even told my husband that I wasn't going to write any more novels because I couldn't take all the stress when trying to get it printed.  Of course, I probably will continue writing, but I was very discouraged at that time.

Here's what the novel will look like.

On the cover is one of my Grandsons, Tucker, and another of my Grandsons, Tanner, was the photographer.  I'm so proud of all six of my Grandsons and I love them so very much.

I went grocery shopping this morning.  Well, my husband went with me, so that made it a bit easier on me.  I am so thankful when he is able to go with me.  Grocery shopping is about the most strenuous thing I do anymore.

I was watching the news at lunch time today and they were reporting on heart disease.  They said that if you have experienced heart failure, your life span is usually only about five years.  That shocked me.  I've never gone into cardiac arrest, but I have had chronic congestive heart failure for over nine and a half years now.  I give thanks to God every day for allowing me to continue living.  I beg for His Divine Mercy every single day.  I also live each day giving gratitude and acceptance to God for everything I do have.  There is basically nothing else I need.  I've been so blessed all through my life.

Well, whatever your plans are for the weekend, I hope you have a safe and good one.
Susan

Happy Sunday!

Hi everyone,

I do hope that your weekend was a good one, filled with some fun, some family time and some relaxation for you.  Mine was a good one, with plenty of rest and relaxation, time with friends and a little fun.  What more could I ask for from a weekend.

I'm still working on my hand embroidery work.  I'm embroidering some Christmas scenes on some and some other designs on others.  I just finished a fall scene on a towel, which I will be keeping for us.  I am going to hang it in our kitchen to welcome fall.

I really need to soon start on my handmade Christmas cards.  I am pretty sure I will be able to start them this week, now that my cleaning is complete for now.  I'm not sure if I'll be able to start tomorrow because I seem to have quite a bit of laundry to do tomorrow.  Wearing jeans, long pants and long sleeved shirts and sweats, sure does fill up the hamper quickly.  I like the change in the weather and temperatures, but not in the laundry basket.

Here's a photograph of my towel for fall.  Hope you like it.  Also, here's one for Easter.

I have completed so many towels and table centerpiece covers, that I'm not sure who all I'll give them to as a gift.  I will keep two or so of the Christmas towels for us to use.

Have you ever tried hand embroidery?  If not, you really should take some lessons and start on a project.  For me, it's so very relaxing to do while watching television.  I just love doing it and I'm sure after you learn how to embroider, you will also.  Just give it a try.

I hope you all have a great week, whether or not you will be at work or not.  Try to make the most of every day, because we never know what day will be our last.  Stay safe and God be with you, always.
Susan

Happy Tuesday evening!

Hi everyone,
How's your week going thus far?  Mine is going better than last week.  At least I haven't had any electronic issues, so far.  Everything is working with my new printer, although I'm still trying to get used to this new one.
When you get older, working with electronic devices gets harder.  Oh heck, a lot of changes get harder to accept.  I believe that's because as we age, we find it harder to make changes in our lives.  We get more set in our ways and change doesn't come easily.  Maybe I'm just making excuses for myself, but that's okay, I am an old person!

I haven't yet submitted my manuscript for publication because I still haven't figured out how to format it to their desired format.  I may end up just paying them the extra money to do it for me, but I'm not quite ready to do that.  I've kind of just set that project aside for a few days.  I've been working on cleaning my home.  I'm almost done so I may just finish up tomorrow.  Then it's done for a while, because I don't clean nearly as often as I used to do, when I was younger.  I used to worry about having a clean house, but not so much anymore.  It's just my husband and myself and we don't make all that much dirt.

I am anxious to get started on my hand-made Christmas cards, but once I get started, I like to get on going until I'm finished.  I have so many ideas swimming around in my head and I'd like to get started on them.  Have you ever tried making your own greeting cards?  If not, you should give it a try.  You just may enjoy yourself and discover that you do have some creative ability inside you.

Can you believe that today is already the sixth of October.  Time is just flying on by!  My Red Hat group is having a Halloween Party in a few weeks and I need to get started on coming up with some games for us to play.  I only need about three, but I hate to replay a game from the year before.  Any ideas?  I was thinking that perhaps we'd divide into groups and have one person as the model and the other 2 or 3 (in each group), dress the model in a fancy outfit.  Of course, they would only have crepe paper, ribbon, toilet paper, scotch tape and scissors to use.  What do you think?  Could they come up with an outfit?

My oldest daughter, Marlena, is daily posting how many days or weeks it is until Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and also Thanksgiving.  I love seeing those posts.  My very favorite time of year starts at Thanksgiving and ends with the New Year.  The Christmas Season fills me with so much warmth for everyone around me and that's a good thing.  Also, everyone else seems a bit nicer during that period of time.  I love having my family all together for both Thanksgiving and for Christmas Eve.  We don't all get together very often, as they all have their own families and schedules.  I'm just thankful that they're all healthy and have jobs.

Here's a photograph of a pillow I made for all three of my daughters and one for myself, a few years ago.  I put mine out every Christmas.  It just makes me smile.

I hope your week is going well and that you are healthy.  May God bless each of you.
Susan

It's been a rough week!

Hi all,

How is your week going?  Mine has been a tough one.  Since I got chronic congestive heart failure, nine and one half years ago, I get emotional very quickly, over anything.  This past Monday I was scheduled for a 4 to 6 hour test, regarding my heart problems.  I was very anxious about what the results would be.  I have to say that the worrying started two weeks prior to the test.  I tried not to worry, but it just seemed to keep popping up in my mind, no matter how many times I tried to ease my worries.

When they called on Tuesday, to give me the results, I took a breathe and waited.  The answer was that they didn't find anything new, which made me happy.  One thing off my list to worry about.  The other problem was that I was having trouble with my PC and didn't know how to fix it.  On top of that, my expensive printer wasn't working properly anymore and I couldn't fix that either.  So, I finally called "Doug", my tech guy, and he came over and fixed my PC.  As far as the printer, he said he would suggest that I purchase a new printer because it would probably cost me just as much to have mine repaired.  So, I purchased a new one and attempted to install it.

You guessed, I couldn't do it.  I tried many times and it just wasn't working and I still had to hook it up to my laptop as well.  It is a wireless printer.  So, in desperation, I called "Doug" once again and he came to my rescue.  He is such a good person who also suffers from a chronic illness.  He hooked the printer up to my PC and to my laptop.  Now I can print once again, as well as, scan and make copies.  Now I'm a happy lady once again.

That all took place over the period Monday through Thursday evening and I'm glad that it's all fixed.  My nerves have been very bad this week and that is certainly not good for my heart condition.  Hopefully now I can relax this weekend and give thanks that my problems are now solved.  At least for now they are and I hope for a long time.

I am sure many of you had a lot of worse problems then I did, but with a weak heart, it's a bit different for me.  I do hope that, like me, you've solved all your immediate problems.  Thank God I'm not still raising children because I have absolutely no patience anymore, not that I ever had much in the first place.

I hope you all have some fun things planned for your weekend.  I don't have anything planned, but that's a good thing for me.  I'm sure I will spend time on my hand embroidery and perhaps I'll get started on my handmade Christmas cards.  I looked over some things today, so I will know what I'm doing when I do start.  I think I'll only make about fifty of them this year.  I still have some left over from last year, so I'll use them up first.

Have you been doing anything creative?  I do hope so.  I found some other projects I'd like to get started on, but just haven't had the time or mostly the energy to start them.  I have to get my manuscript to the publisher and I'm having trouble changing the format for them.  Nothing new there, is it?  I'll keep working at it and if I can't do it, I'll see if anyone can help me.

Have a wonderful weekend and plan indoor activities, as it's to be a wet weekend here on the East Coast of the US.  Be safe always and God bless each of you.
Susan

I'm so happy!

Hi all,

My newest novel is now available on Amazon for electronic reading. 

It's a fiction novel about a twenty year old cold case, that involves the disappearance of an eight year old little girl who disappeared off Squirrel Island, while vacationing with her parents.

Three close lady friends visit Squirrel Island and make some discoveries which make them wander if their finding might help the police to finally find out what happened to Sabrina Nelson, twenty years ago.  The police detective who was in charge of the case is now retired, but he joins the Boothbay Police, as well as the three ladies and they do some exploration of their own.

You can purchase this novel for electronic reading by going to www.Amazon.com and entering my full name into the search block.  Note:  The cover of the book on Amazon is not the same as this one.  This is the one I am using for the actual published book.

Thanks so much.

Happy Day After Hump Day!

Hi all,
How's your week been going?  Mine has been a bit testy.  I am, in no way, very computer smart.  I know how to do what I usually do, but not much more then that.  Two days ago, my printer started acting up.  I've had the same problem once before and I got it working again, but not this time.  The cartridges that hold the colors and the black that's used for photographs will work, but not the black one for documents.  And, I will tell you that I use that one very often.  I took it apart and cleaned everything out, but it still won't work.  And, to make matters worse, now my PC isn't working either.  I decided to download Windows 10 this morning, but I was having trouble with the remote router.  My husband went to Staples to buy a new remote.  What they sold him is not what we had before.  So, later in the day I tried one of the old ones (remote routers) and it works, but I don't know what the password is for our internet router.  To say the least, I am frustrated.  I could probably get one of my Grandsons in and have them fix it for me.  They know so much more about electronics then I do.  Boy does that make me feel old.  Also, until I get on line on my PC, I can't contact the help line for my HP printer to see if they can help me.  Ugh!!!!!

At least my laptop is working, although it's slow for some reason.  I know I need to invest in a new laptop, as mine is quite old now.  I am running Windows Vista on it.  I love electronics when they work well, and when they don't, I get so frustrated.

I'm still working on my hand embroidery, which is very relaxing to me.  So, I guess you know what I will be doing this evening.  I need to calm down and relax.  All this stress isn't good for my heart condition either.

I got a few more of my Christmas gifts this week.  I've also made quite a few Christmas gifts since the first of the year.  I am so glad that I have these creative abilities to keep me busy.  It's also good for the pocketbook. 

Well, I was trying to download my newest novel to Amazon for electronic reading yesterday, but I was having trouble getting it from the current file to the one they need me to change it to.  So, I'll keep on trying.  That's what I was going to do today on my PC.  But you already know how that went. 

Can you believe that October 1st is just a week away.  I am glad to see that fall has arrived.  I was so happy to see those 80 degree temperatures leave us.  I enjoy the weather when it gets down into the upper 50's over night and then into the upper 60's and low 70's during the day.  Now that's my kind of weather!

Have a good Friday and I hope you all have wonderful weekends.  Be safe and may God bless each one of you, always.
Susan

Happy Sunday!

Hi all,

How was your weekend?  Here in PA, USA it's Sunday evening.  So, for us, the weekend is almost over.  Of course, you all know what that means:  Tomorrow is Monday and the start of another work week.  I'm sure that most of you are still working full time jobs, but for me, I became disabled over nine years ago.  No, I may not have to work, but believe me, back then, I would have rather worked than to have become disabled.  So, don't think that us folks who are on disability have it easy.  Being ill is not a fun thing to be.  If I could have had my health back once again, I would have gladly gone back to working a full time job.

I was just listening to the weather report for tomorrow and what a change for then.  We are to have some rain, with a high in the 60's to possibly 70.  Wahoo, no eighties in the next seven day forecast.  That's what I wanted to hear.  We still have our central air conditioner running and I'd truly love to be able to shut it down for the season.  Ten more days and it will be October and I wander what's with the temps. in the 80's!!!!!

We just came back from a very relaxing and peaceful vacation.  We went to OC, MD and stayed in an oceanfront condo on the boardwalk.  Since I am ill and can't go out and walk the boards anymore, this permits us to sit on our deck and still be on the boardwalk.  I love it when there are few folks down there.  It's so peaceful and quiet then.  Just sitting on the deck and seeing God's beautiful beach, ocean and sky, comforts me so very much.  I was perfectly satisfied just sitting out there and snapping photographs of the sky as it changed from hour to hour.  It truly amazes me, all the beauty that's right there before our eyes.  I'm sure that many of the people on the boards don't even look at the sky.  What a shame that is.  I wasn't sad to leave and return home because by Thursday, the bikers starting arriving in OC by leaps and bounds.  They are so noisy and I'm not just speaking about the motorcycles. 

I was glad to get back to my home.  Neither my husband or me really did much of anything today.  He did run to the grocery store to pick up some groceries, but I stayed home.  We were watching "Saddle Up Sunday" on the Inspiration channel most of the day and he told me that he should be doing something instead of just watching TV.  I told him that he's still on vacation so relaxing was okay.  He agreed.

What have you all been up to lately that is creative?  Now that I'm home, I need to get my manuscript to the printer.  I just need to recheck the layout once again and make any necessary changes then off it goes to be printed.  I can't wait to see it as an actual book.  I will then submit it to Amazon for electronic reading as well.  I'm anxious to hear what you all think about this one. 

I'm still working on my hand embroidery work and I soon have to start thinking about some layouts for my hand made Christmas cards.  I will make about eighty of them and I like to use many different designs.  I know that's a lot, but I love creating them.  You should try it some time!

I hope your weekend was an enjoyable one for you and your family.  Stay well and may God bless you always.
Susan

I just had to share this with all of you...

Hi all,

This is what we watched last evening, within a ten minute time frame only.

For ten minutes God bestowed this beautiful sky before us.  I have to wander how many people actually took the time to just look up and see it.  I'm so glad we were two of the few.  God has truly blessed us every single day of our lives and for this I give thanks always.

Just thought you may enjoy these.
Susan

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...

Happy Saturday everyone,

How's your weekend going thus far?  I hope all is well.  It's been raining, off and on all day.  Well, actually earlier this morning, the sun was shining but then the clouds took over the sky.

Where do you see beauty?  Is it in the face of a child; the face of a beautiful woman; a marvelous painting; a beautiful home; a fabulous car?  Well, I see beauty when I see the sky and the ocean.  Here's some photos I took which just amaze me.  How about you?

I hope you like the photos because this is where I see beauty.  It's God's beauty which He gives to us all.  We have the opportunity to see it every single day, but we seldom bother to look up and see God's beauty. 

I hope you will stop and take two minutes to look up at the beauty that God's gives us every day, even on a rainy or snowy day. 

Have a great weekend and stay safe.
Susan

How's everyone doing?

Hi all,

How's your Tuesday going thus far?  Mine has been quite normal, which is just how I like it.  I woke up feeling pretty good, as I had a good, solid night's sleep.  That's just what my body needs on a regular basis, but that doesn't always happen.  I am doing two loads of laundry, because it needs to be done, and since it won't do itself, it's up to me!

I am so thankful that I finished my bedspread, but I'm still working on hand embroidering designs onto hand towels for Christmas gifts.  I purchased a "Holiday Crafts" magazine the other day.  I've gone through it already and I must say there are a few crafts in there that I wouldn't mind tackling.  Some fo the suggestions are wonderful, but since I really don't do a whole lot in the crafting field anymore, I have no interest in them.  The ones I like involve hand made embroidery and the like.  How about you?  Do you hand make any of your Christmas gifts?  If your answer is not, then my next question would have to be:  Why not?  People love receiving hand made gifts, especially in this day and age, as many people don't do crafting any longer.  It's so satisfying to me, to see something I've created out of nothing.  Try it, you just may love doing hand crafting and that also includes home baking as well.

Fall as finally arrived, even though it doesn't feel like it outside.  But, I for one am happy to see the summer go away until next year.  No, I truly don't like the freezing cold weather, but I can stay indoors most of the time, so it doesn't really bother me.  I do love to see the first snow flakes of the season, as they calmly fall down from the clouds.  It always gives me a peaceful feeling as I watch those beautiful tiny snow flakes fall and cover the ground.  God does give us His beauty in so many ways.  Unfortunately, many of us don't look at it as beauty.  We have so much to give thanks to God for in our lives.  Unfortunately so many of us tend to look at only the negative things in our lives and not the positive and beautiful things that God has put directly in front of us.  If you want to change your life, try living every day with Gratitude and Acceptance to God.  When you finally can do this in earnest, your life will change.  No, you won't have anymore money and bad things still happen.  But, you will look at your life from a diffent perspective.  A very peaceful existence will take over your life and you will give thanks for every single little thing you now have.

I suppose that all of you who have school age children have already sent them back to school.  It's been so very long since I've had to prepare children for returning to school, that I am not sure I'd remember all I'd have to do.  For this, I give thanks always.  I hope your child or children have a good school year and stay out of trouble.  It's funny how trouble just seems to find some kids, now isn't it?

Well, I'm going to close for now.  I hope you all have a good week and a prosperous one at that.  May God be with you always and keep you and your family safe.
Susan

What makes you feel happy?

Hi all,

Most Wednesday evenings, my husband goes to the Senior Center to play Bingo, while I stay home.  I'm not a bingo lover, and I don't mind, at all, that he goes.  I am especially happy that he went this evening, because he's been working wayyyyy tooooo many hours this week, thus far.  I will admit that neither of us like that happenstance.  He needed to get out of his office and go and relax doing something that he loves to do. 

So, on those evenings, I get on my laptop, with my feet up on the sofa and turn on the Solid Gold Oldies on television.  I love listening to these old tunes from the fifties and sixties.  Those were the years I grew up in and music and dance was my greatest joy during that time period. 

Listening to these old songs takes me way back.  Back to a time in my life that was so carefree and a time when I had basically no real responsibilities.  (Not like it was when I became an adult, a wife and a Mother.)  I so wish I could still get up off this couch and dance along with the music.  I truly miss dancing so very much, especially to the music from my childhood. 

A bit earlier they played one of Bobby Darin's songs.  He was always one of my favorite singers back then.  But, not just my favorite, but also my Dad's.  Usually Mom and Dad liked to listen to the tunes from the Big Band Era, but they were subjected to American Bandstand on a regular basis.  That being the case, they knew the singers and groups from the 50's and 60's.  My Dad just loved to hear Bobby Darin sing his songs.  To this day, if his song, Mack the Knife is playing on one of my CD's, I can close my eyes and I still can see my Mom and Dad doing the jitterbug to that song.  Whenever that happens, the tears just come, even thought it fills me with joy. 

My Mom died 19 years ago and my Dad passed 16 years ago, but for me, it just seems like yesterday some times.  There were no better parents I could have ever asked for.  Oh they weren't perfect, but then none of us are, now are we.  As parents, we all learn by trial and error.  I believe that I am the strong woman that I am today, only because of my parents.  I always hoped that I would be able to be even half the great Mom that my Mom was to me and my siblings.  They were always there for me, always...  I miss them so much.

How about you?  Are your parents still living?  If so, tell them how very much you appreciate them and how much you look up to them.  Unfortunately, many of us don't tell them how we feel while they are still alive and then they pass away and it's too late.   Don't make that mistake.

I hope your Wednesday went well for you.  Mine was very productive in it's own way.  I hope the last two work days of the week go fast and that you have a great weekend.  Be safe and may God remain with you always.
Susan

PS:  Here's one of the kitchen towels I embroidered as Christmas gifts.

Finally, it's completed!

Hi all,

How's your day going?  My day is happy because I finally finished my summer bedspread.  It took me a few months, but I loved every minute working on it.  Here are some photos of the finished project.  Sorry the pics didn't turn out better.

There are a total of thirty squares on it.  I suppose that I will not use it now until next summer, since it's almost fall and I'll be needing the heavier quilt on the bed.  Don't you want to make one for yourself?  Come on, you can do it!  It just takes time and it will relax you!

Susan

Happy Tuesday!

Hi all,
How's everyone doing this fine Tuesday evening?  I understand that for the next few days it's supposed to be a bit cooler and not humid outside.  I for one, am looking forward to that.  How about you?  Do you love or hate the heat and humidity?  Not that it really matters, because there's not one single thing we can do about the weather.

I can't believe that it's almost the end of August 2015, can you?  Just six more days until September 1st.  One of my daughters has been posting, for months now, posts about Christmas.  I know that some people don't like them, but, to be truthful, I love them.  Thinking about the Christmas holidays makes me feel joyful.  Oh, it's not about the gift giving, although I do love to give gifts to my family, but it's more about the joy that most people feel at that time of year.  It's a celebration of Christ's birth and it's also a celebration of love and peace for all mankind.  At least that's what it should be!  I have to tell you all that I started creating Christmas gifts back in January.  In the past few months I've purchased a few gifts for my family, but I really don't buy gifts like I used to do.  They get a few small gifts and then a monetary gift.  My Grandsons would rather have either a gift card or a gift of cash anyways.  How about your Grand  kids?

I'm still working on my hand embroidery, which will be used as gifts for Christmas.  I'm on the down side of the bedspread that I'm making for myself.  Hopefully in the next few weeks, I will have finished it.  When that happens, I'll post a photograph of it for all of you to see.  Have you ever tried hand embroidery, or crocheting, or making a garment on a sewing machine?  If not, you don't know what you're missing.  It is so fulfilling when you create something either for yourself or for another person, that's hand made.  Try it, you may just love it and people do so appreciate hand made items.

I'm already starting to think about what my next project just may be.  With winter coming, I like to have something to work on during those long winter evenings and weekends.  Any suggestions?  Of course, I will soon have to start creating my handmade Christmas cards.  I generally make around 80 of them and that takes me some time.  I will create about four or so of each style.  I need to soon come up with some styles that I'd like to use.  Have you ever tried making your own Christmas cards?  If not, you should.  It's very rewarding!

Tomorrow is Hump Day.  So for all you working folks out there, you know what that means:  After tomorrow, you will be on the downward slope of the work week, and that's a good thing.

I hope the rest of your week will go well for you and that you all have a great weekend.  I suppose the pools will soon be closing for the season.  Most of the schools, in my area, have already started.  Be safe and stay healthy and well.
Susan

Are you at a stand-still?

Hi everyone,

How's your Wednesday evening going thus far?  I hope the answer from all of you is:  Good!  Mine is going pretty well.  I suppose you are wondering what I mean from my title!  Well, I suppose I could say that I am now at a stand-still with the publishing of my newest novel, "Prolonged Uncertainties."  I finished the second proof reading of the manuscript and I've completed the front and back covers.  So, now I need to review the text pages once more to make sure that the spacing is correctly done, from start to finish.  I can never figure out how they get all messed up on their own...

I am thinking that I may wait until the end of September or beginning of October to send it to the publishers.  I think I'm only going to have about twenty four copies printed this time.  Hopefully I will be able to sell the 24 copies to my family and loyal friends.  I will be putting it on KDP Amazon for electronic reading only.  I really don't want to be bothered with trying to sell the actual book on Amazon. 

I'm very excited about this novel, as I've stepped out of the box a bit with this one.  I hope my faithful readers will enjoy this change of venue from me.  I certainly enjoyed writing this one just as much, if not more, than all the others I've written.  In case you don't know, you can access any of my adult novels, children's novels, self help booklets, religious booklets and my poetry book by going to:  www.Amazon.com.  Once on their site, you can enter my full name into the search block and click to do the search.  All of my books and booklets will come up.  They are only for electronic reading though.  Did you know that you can read electronically on a laptop, PC, tablet, Iphone, Ipad, etc.  You don't need a Kindle or any other specific electronic reader.  You just need to download the Kindle app to get started.  Also, you can just borrow any of my books by signing up and using the Kindle Lending Library service that's available on Amazon.  Check it out.

I'm still doing my hand embroidery work.  I can't begin to tell you how very much I love doing these projects.  It's so comforting to me to sit and embroider.  I'm still working on my bedspread, but it's coming along very well.  I expect to complete it before too long.  Maybe in another month I will have it finished.  I'm excited to see it once it's completed.  I'll post a photo of it at that time, so you all can see how it turned out. 

Well, we're now on the short side of the work week, so all of you who still have jobs to go to five days a week, you can now breathe easy.  Just two more work days this week.  Don't think about next week, it will come soon enough!

Be safe and may God remain with each one of you.
Susan

Are you ready for the weekend?

Happy Thursday everyone,

One more work day for most of you and then you can start your weekend.  I know that's a happy thought for all of you, because that's how I thought when I was still working.  The trouble was that the weekends went entirely too fast, compared to the work week.  Oh well, there's not much we can do about that, now is there?

I watched the five o'clock news tonight and they are calling for the weather to get quite hot and humid starting on Sunday.  I suppose that's what they call the "Sultry days of August."  Whatever they want to call them, I'm not liking it one little bit.  I am so ready for summer to end and for us to have some cooler weather. A high temperature in the low 70's would be so nice about now.  Our new air conditioner needs a little rest period.   How about yours?

I have to tell you all, that I now have all thirty of my hand-embroidered squares attached to my bedspread.  I still have eight of them to blanket stitch yet, but I'm getting excited to finally finish it.  Although I have to say that I'm not in any big hurry to completeit.  I don't plan on using it until next summer anyways.

Have you ever tried hand-embroidering?  It's quite relaxing and it's such a good feeling to see a finished piece, whether it's a large project or a small one.  Don't knock it if you haven't ever tried it!
So, give it a try!
Here's one of my hand embroidered towels:

I can't believe that August is almost half over already.  Most of the local schools are getting ready to reopen for the 2015/2016 school year.  I'm sure the kiddos aren't too happy about this fact, but it's just the way things are.  Personally, I think it's good for kids to have a structured schedule, such as going to school each day.  Too much free time makes them lazy and only gets them into trouble.  That's just my opinion.

If you wanted to do something new, in the crafting line, what would it be?  I don't think I have any ambition to start anything new, partly because I've done so very many crafting projects over my lifetime.  I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed all of them.  I would like to get back to my art work, especially doing pencil art.  Maybe this fall I will give that a go once again.

I am finished proofreading my manuscript.  Now the next thing I need to do is to make a back cover for it.  I haven't really settled on what that will be yet.  I have to think about that for a few days.  I probably won't have it published until towards the end of September, although I may put it on Amazon KDP for electronic reading before then.  If I do, I'll let you all know when it's available.

I sincerely hope you all have a great weekend.  Be safe and may God bless you all.
Susan

Another Monday is about to bite the dust!

Good evening all,

Another Monday is about to bite the dust, which I'm sure many of you are happy about.  As for me, it doesn't really matter one way or the other.  Monday is my wash day and I have to say it's been my wash day for many, many years.  I certainly am a creature of habit.  I like routine in my life. I truly don't do well flying by the seat of my britches.  How about you?  I know it takes all kinds of people to make the world go round! 

Today's been a funny day, weather wise, here in South Central Pennsylvania.  The sun was shining for awhile, then it became cloudy, and then the sun was shining and then, once again, it was cloudy.  They are calling for some heavy storms to pass over us during the nighttime hours.  We need the rain, so I guess that's a good thing.  How's the weather been where you live? 

I have to admit that I'm ready for the temperatures to come down a bit.  I can hardly believe that today is the tenth of August already.  Speaking of the date today, it is my youngest daughter's birthday today.  She's now forty three years old, but I can still remember the day she was born.  It certainly doesn't seem like forty three years ago.  How, exactly, can I be so old???? 

What have you all been up to lately, anything creative?  I certainly hope so because I am always doing something creative.  I need to pin the last ten squares onto the bedspread I'm making.  Hopefully I'll get to that one day this week.  I am completely finished with the hand embroidered pillow I was making for my husband's great grandson.  It contains his name and birth information.  Now he needs to take it to the post office and mail it.

I'm also still working on embroidering kitchen towels to use as Christmas gifts.  I so enjoy embroidering while I watch television in the evenings.  It's so relaxing to me and I accomplish gifts for Christmas at the same time.  So, how good is that, not only relaxing, but also finishing gifts for the future. 

If you've never tried embroidery, perhaps you should.  Most of you working Moms need something to help you relax in the evening and this works, well, once you get the hang of it.  Try it, you'll see!
There is nothing quite as satisfying as creating your own gifts for Christmas. 

I've finished my second proof reading job on my newest novel.  My next step is to check out the covers, front and back, to make sure they are good.  I can't even remember, right at this moment, if I even made a back cover yet.  Oh well, if not, I'll just have another project to get started.  I'm not in any huge hurry to have it published, as long as it is before the end of the year.  Here's a photo of the front cover:

Have you ever tried a new craft?  If not, you really should, whether you're female or male.  It's quite an accomplishment creating something handmade.  Try it and lety me know how it makes you feel.

I do hope your week will go well and if not, the weekend will be here before you know it.  Stay safe and may God bless each of you.
Susan

What is your passion?

Hi all,

Think about your answer before you give one.  When I was younger, I thought that most peoples passion was what they did for a living.  You know, the young adult who goes to college to become a doctor or a nurse because that what they've always wanted to be;  or the young adult who go on to play professional baseball, basketball, football, golf, tennis, etc. because that's what they've always loved to do. 

I didn't find out the truth, until I was in my late 30's, early 40's.  I took a class on finding our passion and practicing it.  What I learned was that you don't have to make your living by doing your passion.  You just need to practice your passion in your free time. 

Do you know what your passion is?  I've always known what I was passionate about.  It was anything creative:  painting, sewing, drawing, embroidery, writing, anything in the creative line.  But, for a living I did bookkeeping/accounting.

When I was in grade and high school, my highest grades were always in mathematics, but I really didn't love it.  It certainly was not my passion.  I'm glad that I was good at math because it has helped me with all our financial resources.  So, I am grateful that God let me be good in math because it's very important in your financial life.

But, I am so grateful for my creative abilities.  They give me my self-worth and for that I am so thankful to God every day.  I'll never be a well known author, but that's okay with me.  I'm doing what God wants me to do and that's all that matters.

So, what are you passionate about?  Are you practicing it daily?  Do you earn a living performing it?  If not, don't worry because it's really not necessary to earn your living doing your passion.  Just do it as often as you find the time. 

As for me, I'm still working on my bed-covering with hand embroidered squares.  I'm also working on some hand embroidered Christmas gifts and I just finished a sampler, which I am making into a pillow for my husbands great grandson.  It will state his full name, date of birth, weight and length.  The embroidery part is all done, now I just need to complete the pillow.  Then my husband will mail it to them in California.

How's your week progressing thus far?  My week is going fine.  My sister, Carol, spent almost five hours with me yesterday, but she didn't come in today.  As of now, she is planning on returning to North Carolina on Thursday.  She's been up in PA for about five weeks now.  I will miss her when she goes back home. 

Well, I'm going to say good night to you all now.  Remember that tomorrow is "hump day," so after that, you'll be on the short end of the work week.  Be safe and give thanks to God for all His blessings.
Susan

Here's a photo of a pillow I make some years ago for myself and my daughters.