VERY, VERY, PRIMITIVE...

Bought this awesome Tree 2 years ago (I think).  

This is the first time we have used it.  

It's been challenging to decorate as I ADORE Primitive Stuff, but just do not have the knack to do it well.  

Anyways, after attempting decorating with other ornies, this is the final result ~ so far!

I am using rusty, hand made grungy ornaments my German candles that I bought 40 years ago. 

 Never used them cause they do not stand upright ... always having to straighten them out and this annoys me to NO end. 

But here they are, perfect for a crooked primitive look. Sandy & I are enjoying it more and more each day.  Papa Chuck has not much of a comment...guess he tolerates me.

We just got our new 

7 1/2' slim lighted tree.  

It will be done before this weekend is over. 

Our other (and so very beautiful) tree simply does not fit this house. 

Next house (if I live that long) will be a wonderful Log home with a huge fireplace.

Have you noticed ... I am a dreamer. 

NO MORE ~ DONE!

Thanks again for listening and watching,

Christmas Peace and Blessing to Everyone,

* * *

Papa Chuck, Barb and Auntie Sandy

Rusty too

WE HAVE ADOPTED...

After our Kody Bear went to Heaven on May 21st, 2014, we finally realized that there was an empty spot in our hearts right next to Kody's place that we could no longer ignore.  We needed another puppy love.

After searching several weeks, we found our new family member.

"Rusty Roo"

he is the beautiful color of rust and actually jumps around, leaps and hops almost like a kangaroo. 

A Labrador Retriever mix, so we have been told...31 lbs, 3 years old and the best behaved little guy.  He has already shown signs of being protective to his new forever home.

We could not be any happier.  Both Rusty & Chuck are the best of friends.  Sleeping in the same bed and being Chuck's shadow...not missing a trick.

It just does not get any better.

We three (myself, Papa Chuck and our Sandy) love this precious gift that was found as a stray and when the owner was contacted told the animal control to keep him.  So hard to believe.  

Their Loss and we are the WINNERS.

My prayers were answered.

* * *

1847 TURKEY

Anne Nichols Punch Needle Pattern.

Mounted it on a wooden Horn Book that I had made to fit the piece.  

Then sealed, painted, crackled and antiqued it to give the Ole worn look that I love.

Finished in time for Thanksgiving to enjoy with our family this year. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all...

* * *

'Be Thankful' Fraktur

Just finished my 

"Be Thankful" Fraktur for Thanksgiving.

Found an old frame with glass and stained it a darker walnut ... 

I used Celery Fine Parchment paper rather than the Antique color. 

It was stained for a subtle olde time look.  

The coloring was done with watercolour paints and I used the traditional dip pen for inking the design.
I included my interpretation of a 'Harvest Moon', some dried corn stalks  and of course a pumpkin for desert.  Finally embellished with a few 'coma strokes'.
A simple design...

What fun I had creating this...

Hope you like it...

Peace to all,

Barb

Whisk Broom and Hilda

Wow, I actually finished it in time for Halloween, Sandy's and my favorite time of year.  Happily, she was pleased with it too and this makes my day.

I was looking for an "easy peasy" project.  This cute 'Broom Hilda' by Brenda Gervais, whisk-Broom band filled the bill.

LUV it ... Papa was kind to relinquish his lovingly used broom for me and this sweet little cross-stitched design.

I decided to fringe the edges for my cute Hilda and then distressed the band as can be seen on the very tip/ends of the fringe...

* * *

Thanks for your visit,

Peace to all,

Barb

I LUV GOURDS

I have been collecting my fair share of gourds 

over the past few years.

Having seen some made into bird houses 

I decided to give it a whirl and 

this is what I came up with ...

 It is being displayed above our 
'Shores' name plaque 

on our small front porch and main entry.

Think I will be toying with more of these 
primitive & cute gourd garlands.
For now, I need a break and change of pace with my X-stitching.

Have FUN and enjoy the day.

Peace to all,

Barb

IT IS FRAMED ...

I finished it yesterday completely...

I will have to straighten out the 
side border alignment. 

 I was tired and just said "Later".

 Here is a closeup of the 

subtle 'tortoise' finish. 

Not too busy as this was my concern
so I kept the 

final coat on the dark side.

Most importantly ... I FINISHED.

Thank you for following me... 

 ENJOY the rest of the day as I will.

Going to Aquatic Fitness as soon as I sign off.

Peace to all,

Barb

I DID IT . . .

'Heloise Williams Sampler'

 * * *

It is finished ....
took me just 7 months and 11 days.
Told ya I was slow.

I even signed it.

 See???

Bottom right corner.

NOW ... I must paint the frame I ordered and I am leaning towards a tortoise finish. 

Maybe ... just maybe, I can show it tomorrow.

Right now I am enjoying a big happy sigh  that may last thru tomorrow.

           See ya soon,  

                       Enjoy the day cause I am.

                                 Thanks for visiting.

Peace and Blessings to ALL,

Barb

Early Fall Inspiration . . .

I recently visited 'Stone Gable Blog' and was inspired to attempt to create my version of Yvonne's "Early Fall" wreath displayed on her front door.  

 Here is my meager version.

I did not use the burlap bow as I have burlap ribbon ... just can't put my hands on it ever since our move last November.  Sooo, I opted to leave it out for now and bunched up on all the sunflowers instead ... until I find the burlap ribbon or just buy some more ... which I hate to do ... yes I can be a tight wad.

Hubs commented with a yes nod. 

Also, I preferred to use the pears instead of green apples.  My last name initial (S) was retrieved from another project NO longer in use and repainted Black Green. 

 I want to say thanks to Yvonne for another shared, beautiful inspiration.

Enjoy the rest of the day with 
Peace and Blessings to all... 

Barb
* * *

UPDATE, PROMISED 2 MONTHS AGO ....

I promised an update when the BORDER was allll done.

HERE IT IS ...

 The Vertical Center is that black piece of thread 

and the grey stuff is the beginning of the house roof.

I am heading for the finish line.

I ordered and received my unfinished frame from 
'Signed and Numbered' on Etsy.
I plan on giving the frame a faux grain finish.
Maybe a tortoise finish maybe something else ... ???
we will see what moves my spirit when the time comes.

* * *

Thanks  for visiting 
with Peace to ALL,
Barb

HAPPY 4th of JULY

Hope everyone has a Safe and Happy 4th Celebration.

We will be staying home, maybe a BBQ, relaxing and trying to keep cool.

~ * * * ~

KODY'S OLDE CROW

It was a month yesterday since our beloved family pet and furry son went to Heaven.  I had already started making 'Primitive Big Olde Crow Make Do' By Tammy Franck of Rock River Stitches. 

I just had to get it done.  Ya see, Kody had a crow friend(s).  They would chase each other back and forth in the backyard, Kody looking up and watching Crow. Crow would also fly about 20' above, following and looking down on Kody, back and forth.  It appeared as though they were playing 'Catch me if you can' with each other in their own sort of way.  I enjoyed watching their little game.  
I am calling my handsome Olde Crow
"Kody's Crow".

 * * *

Peace and Blessings to all, 
Barb

 

FATHER'S DAY 2014

Our Father's Day Celebration 
was Blessed.

Our youngest Daughter Pam, with our oldest Grandson Kyle 

and two of our Fury Grand-puppies Boo and Coco.

 Both of Kyle's Grandfathers

(Pam's Dad) Chuck Shores 
& 
(Jim's Dad) Dick Pearson

 Kyle and his Dad, Jim.

 Three Generations of Pearson's

Kyle, Dick and Jim

Hope Everyone is as Blessed as we are.  

Thanks for visiting,

&

***God Bless America***

Barb

'Kody Bear' is in Heaven...

Ohhh, how are hearts are aching...

We had to give 'Kody Bear' back to God on Wednesday, May 21st. 

* * *

***CHERISHED MEMORIES ***

Getting ready to take Dad for a walk... 
* * * 

Finally, we are walking... 
what you don't see is Dad is in his Golf Cart. 
I,' Kody Bear', am walking.
* * * 

Now I need a rest on my big rug with one of my un-stuffed toys.
* * * 

'Kody Bear' loved playing with Sis(Sandy) & our Grandson(Kyle) in the snow and even helped them build a snowman.
* * *

~ ~ ~

Dad, Mom and Sis will Love you 
'Kody Bear' ...forever. 

"God Bless you our furry son."
 

Now, Dad, Mom and Sis have to be really good so we can again be together in Heaven.
* * * 

God Bless us ALL.

Heloise Williams is back...

I thought I was going to do a small, for some immediate gratification ... So I started the sweet 'Gobble Thanksgiving Pillow/Tuck'  by 'Country Rustic Primitives'.  It is not difficult but I decided to stitch it on OSNABURG.  This soon became a challenge for me.  I am sure anyone else would have just whipped right through it. 
With all my improvising, better known as mistakes and errors, I am pleased as punch with it.  However, I doubt I will ever use osnaburg again...unless my vision improves and I know that will not happen any day soon.

I've shown it on the backing material and you can see it is taller than it is wide 

... not at all like Jenny's photo.

Still, I am a happy camper.

 ************

Now back to business and I am welcoming this with open arms.

Hellooo, Heloise Williams ... 

Here I am as of today's date and going for the finish...

Hope your weather is warming up as ours is in the upper 90's ... Yaaaa, finally some warmth (Heat).

Have a great weekend,

Peace too all,

Barb

A SNAIL'S PACE ...still

I am nearly half way finished.  

Hope to make it in time for the holidays.  

Will be wrapping up the 'Algerian Eyelet Alphabet'.  

Just 'X', 'Y' & 'Z' left plus the '&' symbol. 

The photo of the pattern does not have the 'Y' but,

 it is included on the pattern, sooo, I too will include it.

 The tan colored Algerian eyelet letters have been a challenge... too close to the linen color.  

I finally started to use one of my hoops and it does help. 

Will finish the lower half of the strawberry border next...

Thanks for visiting, wishing Peace & Blessings to all,

Barb

WE GOT SNOW & RAIN...

Here is our view from our patio ... 

This is the Cajon Pass blanketed with clouds and peeking above them are the 
Wrightwood Mountains & Snow Summit... 

BEAUTIFUL

The River Walk can be seen at the bottom of my picture and it borders the Mojave River that is usually dry on the surface but runs below the surface ... Yup, on the other side you can see water streaming down from the mountains of Lake Arrowhead.

Yaaaa, We got rain but still short of the average.  It's a start.

Enjoy the day!

Peace and Blessings to all,

Barb

ELOISE Update ... a snail's pace.

Here I am 33 days later... I stitch when I can and 
I must be in the mood for it. 

 Otherwise... mistakes galore.  

NOT to imply that this is perfect, 
cause I KNOW it's NOT.

The challenge has been rewarding for me...so far.

Guess that's cause I love the Heloise William's Sampler and knew years ago when I first saw her, and before I ever did any cross-stitching, 
that I wanted one just like it..

 A little closer look...

The alphabet is going faster than I thought 
sooo, until they are ALL done ...

I will bid you safe keeping with 
Peace & Blessings to all. 

Thanks for visiting and thanks for sharing your blogs as they are my inspirations.

Barb

Beginnings of My "Heloise Williams Sampler"

A belated...

Happy Thanksgiving,  Merry Christmas, &  Happy New Year.

It has been over 3 months since my last post.  Thanks to all you Bloggers out there cause I do check in on you often ... Your my inspiration when I'm down in the dumps.
We have been in the process of Packing, Moving(you all know it never rains in Southern California - only when you move), Thanks Giving, Christmas, New Years and finally attempting to get settled-in and organized.  Not sure the later will ever happen.  So many wonderful friends have offered to help, but we simply do not know where everything will go... soooo have had to graciously decline their kind and generous offers. We just get a wee bit accomplished each day and as the settling-in continues it is finally starting to feel more like home.  At times I feel like I am on a roll... until???? 
All of this has been too boring to actually post, if ya know what I mean.

Anyways, I picked up my X-stitching again and it feels so good to be able to relax and enjoy.   No matter how slow the progress it is still a step in the right direction.  I love this design.  It was the one that actually got me hooked four years ago and I am determined to get it finished sooner than later with NO planned deadline date.  
My pictures are rotten but here they are....

The Heloise Williams Sampler 

The Scarlet Letter

NOW here is what I have completed so far.  

NOT Much!

 I am working on the upper half with the alphabet section.  When I have completed this I will go on to the lower portion with the brick house and trees.  It'll be like doing two samplers as the actual size is somewhat overwhelming for me (15" x 20", using 25 count linen). 

  

Hope everyone out there is well and keeping warm.  We are in So Cal so have not had to deal with those horrendous freezing temps.  

 Peace and Blessings to all, 
Barb

"WORK #4 - Ohio Museum" is Framed

It's DONE...and I am 'Happy with it'.

Could not wait to get this from my framer.  He sewed the linen to the black suede board backing (very carefully).  I am very dissatisfied with the glass because of all the reflections ... but I felt the +'s outweighed the -'s.

Now I will have to wait to hang it up as we are in the process of packing for our move to our new home just before Thanksgiving. However, on the brighter side, we will be in for Christmas ~ I hope.  

Have a great day with Peace to all,
Barb

Prim dried Pineapple~Directions

I hope this helps those interested...
Compliments of "A Simpler Time - Blog"

 I will be making more...soon.

ENJOY!.

~ ~ ~

• Carefully cut out a round hole at the bottom of your pineapple.
• I used an ice-cream scoop and scraped out the pineapple innards'.
• Be very careful NOT to go too far into the outside skin, as this will weaken the shell.
• Now is the time to generously salt the entire inside of your pineapple. 
• Next, firmly stuff the inside with paper towels.
• Set your oven at the lowest heat possible.  
• Place pineapple on a baking plate in the oven.
• Checking periodically and after several hours when the skin/shell is dried, remove the paper towels.
• I then waded up some tin foil and replaced the paper towels to maintain its shape and not collapse in on itself.
• Place back into the oven.
• When you think it is thoroughly dried, remove from oven, let it stand on its own and allow too cool. 
• Remove foil or do as I did and leave the foil in for several more days or weeks.  This is your option. 
• It probably took about 16 hours for this process.  Depending on your oven, pineapple size and ???

~ ~ ~
Have FUN & ENJOY as I did.

* * *
God Bless America

SANTA for 2002 - A Prairie Schooler Pattern

 

 

 

I have been buzzy and as productive as I can be under the circumstances....

Doc says "Loose weight". 

My back, knee and foot problems are all connected. 

 So I am on a quest to do what the 'Ole Doc' says...twenty pounds for starters.

 I have to cook for skinny Papa and Auntie too. that means two types of menus???

Not in my book, Sooo, they will just have to eat what I eat...

We will see how long that lasts.

 

Anyways, I have dried 4 small pineapples and was surprised how easy and enjoyable it was. 
Might do a few more for the holidays.  Just got to find small pineapples.

 

 

Also...

Just finished a 'Prairie Schooler' yearly Santa for 2002.

 

My next X-stitch project will finally be the one that caught my interest in the first place...

The Scarlet Letter

the Heloise Williams Sampler

It is an original design by Marsha Parker using many traditional 18th and early 19th century motifs.  Including the multiple borders of strawberries.

I am still enamored with this design as I was the first time I saw it. 

No more procrastinating!

I am hoping for the best in more than one way.

 
Blessings and Peace to all
&
"God Bless America"

* * *

Mama's Fish House

Our Daughter Pam and Grandson Kyle on vacation

enjoying diner at Mama's Fish House in Hawaii,

while Daddy Jim takes their picture.

The last time they were at this restaurant, Kyle was

 in Mommy's tummy...now he is on her tummy.

In the meantime we, Papa & Grammy & Auntie Sandy are puppy sitting 
Coco & Boo our two Pomeranian, furry grand babies 
so our kids can enjoy their vaca, worry free.
They will be returning this weekend fully refreshed 
and eager to get back to work ... heehee, all good things must come to an end!


 Enjoy the day with Peace and Blessings...

GOD BLESS AMERICA

* * * 

THREE GENERATIONS ... Finally

After nearly 52 years of marriage, we now have a grandson,
 Kolton M. Shores, 
who will be carrying on the 'Shores' name.

That's Papa holding our 5 month old hunk, 

Kolton and our son Jeff looking on.

***

Yes, we have one more grandson, 

Kyle M. Pearson, now 7 years old.

Shown here with his paternal Grandfather Dick Pearson, 

a retired U.S.Air Force pilot (Thunderbirds) and father Jim.  This had to be taken six years ago.  

This Christmas (2013), we will update 

the Generational photos.

Can you tell I am a VERY PROUD GRANDMA?

Thanks friends for visiting,

Peace & Blessing to all and 

God Bless America,

Barb