I will be shutting down my Etsy site very soon. If you would like to look through and see if anything grabs your eye or meets your needs, please do it very soon. HandmadeHavenbyLinda on Etsy.
Wooden painted earrings – stud or post, dangle, clip-ons.
Wooden plaques
Wood-Burned Gifts
Small Wood-Burned Items – Bookmarks – key chains
Hand Painted Signs in Several Sizes
Painted Tote Bags
Note Card Packages and Stationery
Painted Journals – Large and Small
Handmade Greeting Cards
Christmas Items
Filed under HandmadeHavenByLinda on Etsy
Sorry to be so late in writing today. We were out selling stuff, and then our son was making backups of the data on our computers today, so I didn’t have access until this evening.
We sold a bunch of stuff today, sad, yet freeing. The things we were selling weren’t appropriate to be sold at auction, so we gathered up stuff, this morning and then again this afternoon, to sell ourselves. We didn’t get home until almost dinner time.
I also had a good friend come and play, “Freezer Dive,” today. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me that I can share some of what we have with people I care about. AND I got a couple of hugs.
Things are starting to come together now. I got a good start on figuring out what I’m going to take with me when we leave. The backpacks our son ordered for us arrived today. They are only really meant for the trip to Thailand. He says they sell really good ones that we’ll get when we get settled. We’ll wear these when we go on our walks, buying fresh food from the Farmer’s Market type stalls and things from the mall. They’re meant for us to use as carry-ons, with a change of clothes, overnight stuff, tablets, etc.
He also ordered one suitcase. We’re going to use it for my husband’s packing, and then figure out whether this is a good size or the 2nd one needs to be a bit larger.
Our big errand is to go to the bank tomorrow. Otherwise, I’m going to make decisions on tops – one to wear on the flights, another as a spare for the backpack, and the others to be my main clothes until further notice once we get there and settle.
I’m going to try everything on to be SURE all are good before they go in the ‘take’ group. Only summer stuff, except for the flight day. Our son says the airports, restaurants, waiting areas, and even the planes sometimes, are cold, though the airplanes may provide a blanket.
This is a big transition for me. I’m the one who buys two of everything – one to use and another as a backup so I don’t run out. This is a good exercise for me in learning to be more minimalist, and take only what I need. (I did admit, though, that I’m taking a small teddy bear to bring ‘home’ with me.) Our son smiled and said that was good. I also said my husband should take his little bitty pillow that he prefers, plus a couple of extra pillow cases, in his luggage, as that will help him sleep better and be a comfort to him.
Just a reminder – HandmadeHavenbyLinda, my Etsy site, will be shut down soon. If you would like anything, please make your decisions as soon as possible so we can be sure to get them mailed to you before we go.
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
Our weather is getting back to ‘normal winter’ for us now, and I’m really happy. We had to drip water last night, and will probably need to keep doing that, but we don’t have to drip it ALL DAY now. Our water bill will probably be breathtaking. :0( I hope you’re safe and warm wherever you are today.
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I will finish my “closet/bureau/guest-room-closet” clean-out project today. One thing just led to another as I made my way through my long-neglected closet. Monday we will take the bags of clothes to the Veteran’s Thrift Store when we make the trip to Ft. Smith for our teeth cleaning appointments.
I’m getting more ruthless as I go. I kept a lot of things for a long time because they were large enough to go over my girth. Now that I’m being more successful in losing my lard – albeit very slowly – I can look more to whether I actually LIKE something. This is a huge change, resulting in a really good-sized donation for other weight-challenged folks like me. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to find so many things that are TOO BIG! :0)
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This is my latest wood-burned piece. I used pastels for the colors. I like the long oval shape of the wood with the natural edges. I listed it on Etsy last night in my HandmadeHavenbyLinda shop. Next, I’m doing a bear with a heart for Valentine’s Day. :0)
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We are waiting for the hard drive for my new computer to be delivered. I have told my husband that I am not in a hurry on this. I want to be sure that all the hardware is compatible, that the Windows 11 operating system doesn’t have any big problems, that the software I use all the time is actually functioning on the new computer, and all my data has been transferred correctly before we make the official switch. He is more antsy than I am, but I’m concentrating on it being a fun project for him, rather than causing any stress.
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I wish you a stellar day today.
The cold front is coming in during the day today. UGH. We still have ice and snow on our driveway. It was 42 degrees when I woke up. Now it’s 37, so the front is starting to move through. After today, the temperatures won’t go above freezing until Thursday.
We’re going to celebrate our ‘last hurrah’ of being able to get down the driveway by going out before lunch, getting our mail and hitting the local grocery one more time, getting lunch at the deli and some other supplies. Once we come back up, we may be stuck up here for at least a week or more.
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I finished this last night. My art room is one of my ‘escapes’ when the world gets to be too much and I need to relax and play a bit. I close the door – so Monster Cat can’t get in – turn on some of my favorite music, and enjoy clearing my mind and concentrating on trying to make something. Even if what I make ends up in the trash, I come out more relaxed. I’m going to get this listed on HandmadeHavenbyLinda later today.
I’m lucky that I have so many things that bring me joy I don’t have time to enjoy them all most days. I just finished reading “The Villa,” an old book by Nora Roberts, but one I had missed. Now I’m deep into one of the “In Death” series books by Nora/J.D. Robb. I have collected them all. With each re-read, I pick up details I missed before, or stop and enjoy a phrase or two that are so well written that the mental picture she creates is stunning.
Listening to music on YouTube allows me to savor old favorites or find new people I think are wonderful. I put on the earphones at my computer in the office and am taken away from any cares I’ve been lugging around for a bit – while in the living room, my husband enjoys another truly awful movie with little plot or acting, but lots of action. :0)
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I hope that you have a fun and enjoyable day. Stay safe and warm!
I’m having a quiet Saturday morning so far. My husband is sleeping in after not being able to sleep well last night. I hope he feels rested when he comes down the stairs.
As I was dressing, we had a truly glorious sunrise. Usually, either I’m not up yet to enjoy one, or it has been cloudy or dark until later and I miss it. It was so bright it caught my eye from the window!
It has turned quite cloudy since I’ve been at my computer, and I just saw that we’re supposed to get rain starting around 9 this morning and ending around 6 this evening. Sigh. It’s a bit weird having spring at the end of December.
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This is the wood-burned and painted cockatoo I finished yesterday. I’m going to take pics and list it on my HandmadeHavenbyLinda today.
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Having the luxury of staying inside when it’s rainy is one I don’t take lightly. I hope that your weather is good – or if it isn’t, that you’re able to avoid being out IN it. Enjoy your Saturday!
Filed under HandmadeHavenByLinda on Etsy, Thoughts on a ________
I hope you’re doing well this morning. It’s cold and a bit windy here today, making it feel a lot colder than the 38 degrees F. that is showing on the thermometer, particularly after the much warmer temperatures we’ve gotten used to lately. 60s yesterday, 44 for a high today. A good wake-up call that winter is coming.
I’m going to add wood-burned and hand-painted bookmarks to Etsy starting next year. This is a sample of one I’ve made for the site –
This one will be an offering for a ‘custom bookmark,’ with a name on one side and initials on the other, with decorations around them on front and back. I’m working on 3 more other designs now, and having SUCH a good time!
I’m super glad we aren’t dealing with this. I can’t imagine this much snow, much less having to dig my way out. My heart goes out to the people who are in the middle of this.
I hope the weather where you are is good and that you’re able to make this a great day.
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
This art takes you into a whole different world. I just love it.
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Good morning! I hope you’re feeling sassy today. It’s 28 outside right now and we’re due for a 59 degree F. high for the day. We’re definitely turning the corner to the winter season now. I’m trying to get warm weather stuff OUT of my closet and cool weather things IN. It’s going slowly.
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I had a wonderful massage yesterday. I tried to see my friend Linda, who lives at the retirement place where I get my monthly massage, only to find out she was in the hospital with a blood clot! I contacted her daughter when I got home. The ER was its usual frustrating self, making them wait hours while Linda was in pain, finally doing some tests, giving her a blood thinner, and telling her to follow up with her family physician, which she’ll do today. Her daughter kept her from Friday, when this happened, until yesterday afternoon, when she took her back to the retirement place. The staff there is great, and will keep a close eye on her.
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LINDA’S CRAFTINESS – 2.5″ long dangle earrings with French ear wires and marshmallow cushion backs. These are very light weight. Use this LINK to see this pair and other dangle earrings. Stud/post and Clip-ons available, too. $10.00 a pair with Free Shipping at HandmadeHavenbyLinda on Etsy.
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My husband ordered a roll-around table for a MIG welder, plus another welding table that has a lot of flexibility for his other welding projects. Both have come recently. I’ve been helping him, being a good “go-fer,” “holder,” second pair of hands, reader of manuals, etc. He finished putting the MIG welder table together a couple of days ago, after we put in about a million screws, give or take a few. I went out to see it yesterday, in all its glory, ready for his next MIG project.
Yesterday we received the fancier welding table. It is HEAVY! We got the dolly from our shop in order to get it from the garage where the delivery guy left it out to the shop. It took both of us to get the box onto the dolly. We rolled it across the yard and out to the shop, having some real trouble getting the wheels to go up and over the ‘lip’ of the shop doorway. We just left it there yesterday because my husband’s legs are hurting from his efforts the other day. I have encouraged him to go slowly trying to put it together. and I’ll make myself available to help. He’s like a kid at Christmas. The two tables are a combination Birthday/Christmas present.
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I had fun in my art room part of yesterday afternoon and evening. Wrapping things up on a couple of orders, grinning like a nut while I work. :0)
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Have a wonderful Tuesday!
This is our dog, Amber. As I was working at the computer this morning, trying to wake up, she came up beside me, threw my arm up with her nose a couple of times and then, when she had gotten my attention, brought her ‘football’ over. Usually, she only wants to play ‘tug-o-war,’ wanting to rush back and forth, as if she wants to play ‘fetch,’ but not wanting to let me HAVE it to throw it for her.
Today she looked at me with the ball in her mouth and then said, “PAH!” and dropped the ball on the floor at my feet. We actually played ‘fetch’ for a couple of rounds before she again was more interested in showing it was HER ball. She smiled at me the whole time – grinning around the ball and her eyes lighting up. :0)
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LINDA’S CRAFTINESS – Hand-painted, one-of-a-kind, 5.5 x 7 spiral-bound journal with lined pages and some pockets for mementos, pictures, lists, reminders and more. $7.00 with Free Shipping. See this and others here on HandmadeHavenbyLinda on Etsy.
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Yesterday I had what I call a perfect day. My husband and I went to replenish grocery supplies and did a couple of other errands, and then we were in for the rest of the day.
I wrote my posts for the blog and then headed up to my art room to paint. I spent about 3 hours or so, having a wonderful time. I should be able to finish the painting today and start letting things dry. Then I’ll flatten them and should be able to mail them mid next week. So I spent the whole day grinning, doing what I love to do most. :0)
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Our weather continues to be a roller coaster as we near the winter. Today we have super warm weather, with highs in the low 70s and a blustery afternoon with some watches about wind gusts. Overnight into tomorrow, we have a cold front, bringing freezing temperatures in the morning and highs down to the 40s by the end of the week. Wearing layers just doesn’t seem to be enough…
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I’m HOPING that my exercising is the reason for my plateau on my efforts to lose the lard. (I’ve been told that muscles weigh more than lard and HOPE I’m building some.) I’ve been aiming for the same interim goal for a long time now. I’m just a ‘bit’ away from it, but it’s flirting with me, just out of reach.
I’ve been doing exercises with weights between blog posts, averaging 3 sessions in the morning and then doing a half hour of yoga stretches in the afternoon. I’m trying to walk as much as I can work in, weather permitting, daily. And so I sit on this precipice…. UGH.
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I have a happy day ahead, and I hope you do, too!
Filed under HandmadeHavenByLinda on Etsy, Thoughts on a ________
The artwork of Karin de Haas makes me smile from the inside out every time I come across another piece. Absolutely JOYFUL.
Our roller coaster weather continues. We’re having a warmer-than-normal weekend to be closely followed by colder-than-normal temperatures by the end of the week. A good reminder that winter isn’t far off. Fall and Spring are my favorite seasons, so I wish we could simple toggle back and forth between the two and skip the others.
My day yesterday was a happy one. I wrote my blog posts and then I got a notice I had an order from my Etsy shop! I danced around the room a bit and then went upstairs and got busy. This will take me a couple of days or so to create, so I’m in Heaven trying to do the best job I can. I LOVE IT!
Now is the time to order in plenty of time for the upcoming holidays. Lowest prices of the year.
Wood-burned key chain, initial or name can be added on the back at no extra charge. $7.00 with Free Shipping. See this and other designs at HandmadeHavenByLinda on Etsy.
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I’m trying a new low carb slow cooker chicken recipe tonight. I’ll put up a link to it tomorrow if it’s a keeper.
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I wish you a great Saturday and weekend.
Meet “Jasmine.” As you can see, she’s ready for a walk in the rain. I’m biased, but I think she’s one of the cutest dogs on the planet. Her family is my sister-in-law and brother-in-law. I’m not sure, but does that make ME her ‘aunt-in-law?”
I had a great time in my art room yesterday. My waking (and sleeping) hours are a-buzz with ideas rattling around. Right now my focus is in trying to create some wood-burned and painted wooden bookmarks. I’m going to list some on my Etsy site when I finish the first batch HandmadeHavenbyLinda . Quick reminder than everything on my site is on sale with the lowest prices of the year until the end of the year, plus, as always, Free Shipping. I hope you can find things for people on your holiday list. Here’s a sample –
1.25″ Purple, Turquoise and White hand-painted, one-of-a-kind 3D rounded disk earrings. French hooks and marshmallow cushion backs. Swingy, flirty, and fun, you’ll love wearing these. They are comfortable and light weight. $10.00.
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The jury is still out on this new social network. So far, I AM finding some wonderful photographers and some interesting people. I would like to find some artists, as well. I’m looking for wonderful things to share with you in the near future.
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We don’t have any outside errands we need to do today, so I can concentrate on writing to you (stopping to do exercise sessions with my weights between blog posts), spending time in my art room, doing my session of yoga stretches this afternoon, and spending time with my husband here, there and everywhere in-between. He completely melted me into a puddle yesterday by hugging me extra tightly and saying, “I’m so glad you’re with me.” Sigh. What can I tell you. He’s a keeper.
I’ll stop talking your ear off now and just wish you a happy, fulfilled day, with lots of fun thrown in.
Filed under HandmadeHavenByLinda on Etsy, Thoughts on a ________
Other than not “waking up rich,” I’m doing pretty well this morning.
THE DAY’S PROJECTS –
THING ONE – I’m going to move warm weather clothes and shoes OUT of my closet upstairs and move cold weather clothes and shoes IN. This is a bit more work than it sounds. Because I’m finally being moderately successful in losing my lard, I have several sizes of clothes. I’ll need to gather warm weather clothes that are now too large for me to wear to give to the Veterans Thrift Store the next time we go. I’ll need to try on old cold weather clothes to see what is wearable and what isn’t.
THING TWO – I cook in batches, trying to be sure there is enough for at least two meals for my husband and me, and more, if possible. This results in a lot of storage and labeling of lots of individual meals in the freezer for us. My collection of plastic containers is stained with tomato-y stains. I’ve done everything, including sand blasting (just kidding) to get the stains out, but to no avail. Some of the tops are splitting. I finally ordered two groups of containers – one round, one square with lids that MAY arrive today. If they do, I’ll do a reorganization of at least two large pull-out drawers in my kitchen. Having new, unstained containers may not seem like a big thing to YOU, but it’ll be a real gift to me. Out with the old – in with the new! :0)
EXERCISING AND LOSING THE LARD –
I’m definitely starting to feel stronger and looser with my exercises. I’m using weights to gain upper body strength. I stop between blog posts, between emails, etc., to do a set of exercises with the 3-pound weights, and then go back to what I was doing. The fact that I don’t have to designate a time to do these results in SEVERAL sessions each day with the weights – some with videos with music – so I can bop along with ladies doing other stuff – all of us keeping time with the beat.
In the afternoon I do a good half hour of old lady stretches with yoga. I’m able to stretch farther and hold the poses longer than before. I still can’t fold myself into a paper airplane, like real yoga people do, but it’s good for an old lady like me. It’s making me more flexible, eases any pain I have, and having a strong core will keep me able to do what I would like for as long as possible.
Finally, when Mother Nature is smiling on us, I walk out to our shop and then around the yard, usually with a pruner and gloves so I can snip things as I go. I’m still on baby steps on walking, since walking a bunch tends to make my hips hurt until I sit a second, but I’m improving. My ‘kind-of-smart’ watch keeps track of steps and reminds me it’s time to exercise or drink another glass of water. Did I tell you my eyeballs are floating by the end of the day?
NEW FIND – I found a new social media site two days ago. It’s called “Blue Sky.” So far, I’ve found some interesting people. I’m reading a lot, following the people who interest me, chatting with some. It’s fun. You might like it, too.
LINDA’S CRAFTINESS – Hand-wood-burned and painted one-of-a-kind wood slice Christmas ornament. I will personalize it for you with the year and a name on the back to create a cherished keepsake at no extra charge. $14.00 with Free Shipping. See this and other Christmas offerings on HandmadeHavenbyLinda on Etsy.
Have a wonderful Wednesday.
Lowest prices of the year on my Etsy Site, plus FREE SHIPPING on everything you purchase. This is my gift to you, trying to make up for the awful time so many of us have had trying to pay for everything due to inflation.
Sample –
3-3/4″ x 5-3/4″ x 3/8″ hand-painted mini or pocket notebook. The outside cover is linen type off-white with nice texture. The inside has 100 blank pages for your thoughts, dreams, lists, reminders, memories. $5.00 with Free Shipping – see this and other designs on HandmadeHavenbyLinda on Etsy.
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Mother Nature is ushering cooler temperatures tonight, more fall-with-hints-of-winter temperatures in the coming week. We have pretty much finished our get-ready-for-winter list around the house and yard, but I’ll check it again carefully as the weather cools off more and more.
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I have ideas rattling around in my head right now about wood-burned designs on earrings and the bookmark blanks I may receive Thursday. I was wood-burning in my sleep most of the night, though I don’t have anything to show for it but bloodshot eyes this morning. :0) I love it, though, when my brain and heart are fully engaged in new ideas.
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Enjoy your Tuesday.
I think this sculpture is great. I want to TOUCH him to feel the texture of his fur.
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LINDA’S CRAFTINESS – I’m offering several different hand-painted Christmas card designs. Each is 5×7 on watercolor paper with envelopes. The inside of this one says, “Happiness and love throughout the year.” There is lots of room for a message if you care to write. Please allow one week for my painting and a bit more for delivery. Last order date is December 10th. Package of SIX cards for $19.99 with free delivery. See 5 designs for cards and other Christmas things at HandmadeHavenByLinda on Etsy.
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ART ROOM –
I spent a bit of time in my art room yesterday, mainly trying to figure out where I am and what I want to do. These days that isn’t an easy thing to do because I just get started and then life gets in the way. I’m in the middle of a wood-burned sign right now and I have ideas for key chains and earrings. Yesterday I basically sat at my drafting table, listening to some nice music, relaxing. Hopefully, I can be more productive today.
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Yesterday I managed two sessions of exercises with weights while I was on the computer. (I do some things, then stop and exercise, then sit back down and continue.) I walked out to our shop a couple of times, enjoying our beautiful fall day, and managed a yoga session in the afternoon. I also counted cleaning (scrubbing the bathroom and then our stove) as exercise, so yesterday was a pretty good day.
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I’m hoping for a quiet, calm day today. I wish one for YOU, too, with some fun thrown in. :0)
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LINDA’S CRAFTINESS – 19 x 12 x 1/4 heavy straw mat for a one-of-a-kind, hand-painted “Southwest Turtle.” Ready to hang. $42.99 with Free Shipping. There are 3 others in this series. Contact me at lindawlewis1@gmail.com if you’re interested in more details about the collection.
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LAZY LOW-CARB FINDS – I’m really happy to have found 4 things to share with you!
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We’re having a quiet day so far today, and I’m hoping to make it up to my art room today. Enjoy your Wednesday.
We’re due for a perfect fall day here in Arkansas. It’s 49 right now, the high is supposed to be 69 this afternoon, and the sun is smiling. Just beautiful!
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LINDA’S CRAFTINESS- One-of-a-kind, hand-painted child’s apron. Size is 2-6 years. The apron is 19″ long and 12.5″ wide, not including neck loop or ties. Fun addition for the holidays, making kids feel festive as they help with the food. $14.99 with Free Shipping. Click on this link to see details on this and other aprons on HandmadeHavenbyLinda on Etsy.
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LEWIS MAILBOX DECORATIONS –
When we were going to drive our trash down yesterday, I suggested we change the mailbox decoration. I also had my gloves and hand pruners in the truck so I could cut down some baby mimosa ‘trees’ and some other tall weeds at the bottom of the driveway to neaten up a bit.
I’m trying to convince my husband that we should create a different method for storing the mailbox decorations in the shop. Right now each is on a hook suspended from a bar that runs overhead. This has worked well for years, but now it’s much harder for my husband to stand on a ladder and get the decorations down and back up again. So far, he won’t consider any changes, so I’m now trying to choose decorations that are smaller and lighter to make things easier for him.
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I’m frustrated because the days are whizzing past my head and I struggle to get in HALF of what I would like to do. Either the time is too short, we have other priorities, or my energy poops out at the wrong time.
I’m trying to find a balance between chores, exercising, and doing something fun each day. That rarely happens, but it IS an ongoing goal. So far, doing exercises with my 3-pound weights between things I’m doing on the computer is working out well. I do several sessions each morning in between blog posts, email, research, etc. My afternoon yoga session gets lost in the shuffle a lot, so I’m trying to get into the habit of doing that after lunch and a rest. Hit and miss so far.
I’m enjoying making some new things for us to eat. My husband isn’t picky – saying I always cook good things – unless I try to serve him many veggies we should be eating. Then we get into problems. We’re compromising in a lot of areas. Last night we had shrimp chef salad that was good. Tonight I’m trying a new recipe for a ground beef casserole that is low carb. I’m substituting broccoli for the green beans called for. Hopefully, this recipe will be a keeper. If it is, I’ll give you a link to it. :0)
No big plans for the day, unless another tree has fallen on us. Enjoy yours.
Filed under DIET!, exercise, HandmadeHavenByLinda on Etsy, Thoughts on a ________
This sculpture grabs my heart. Just exquisite.
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LINDA’S CRAFTINESS –
One of a kind handmade greeting/note card using real feathers. “Be a flamingo in a flock of pigeons.” Savannah Larsen. Blank inside. 5″ x 7″. “Birds of a Feather” Series by Linda Lewis. $3.50 with Free Shipping. Browse through unique cards and packages on HandmadeHavenbyLinda on Etsy using this LINK.
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I’m feeling a bit shell-shocked after receiving and paying our insurance bills this morning. All usually go up from year to year, but this aggregate of all the insurances I have to pay at once took my breath away. I’m grateful that we’re able to pay them, but WOW.
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I’m gathering ideas for making some earrings and key chains – some wood-burned, some wood-burned and painted, and some just painted. Ideas are starting to rattle around in my head. It’s fun. :0) We’re going to head to Walmart and our local grocery to replenish supplies today because we’re supposed to have another cold front and rain overnight-into-tomorrow, but I’m hoping to spend a good amount of time in my art room, playing.
Make this Friday a good one.
VIEW –
My sister-in-law said it was a shame I didn’t get any photos of the morning view out of our back yard, where I was talking about it looking like someone had spread rolls of cotton between the ridge lines. It’s almost impossible to take pics of this, but I tried. This is for you, Sweet ML.
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LINDA’S CRAFTINESS –
Hand-painted one-of-a-kind 8.5″x4″x24″ memory box. Thoughtful gift to ‘purple lovers,’ people who love to save things that might get lost if not lovingly stored. $15.00 with Free Shipping. See this and other memory boxes HERE on HandmadeHavenbyLinda on Etsy.
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ELECTION –
We’re feeling kind of bleery-eyed after staying up to watch the election returns. I was up a full hour earlier than usual this morning, needing to get up and join my husband, who was already downstairs. I’m hoping the people in our country can now calm down and try to solve our many problems together.
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WINTER PREP –
Not sure what plans are for the day yet. Since it’s November, we need to start getting to things on our prepare-for-the-winter list. One of those things is to get the snow tires on our truck. My husband and I have always done this ourselves. The tires are already mounted on wheels, so it’s a case of just changing the tires and airing them up.
As we’ve aged, though, it’s gotten more and more difficult. Last year I finally convinced my husband that we should get the tires and lug nuts into the back of the truck and that I would drive to the local tire place and ask THEM to change the tires for us.
It’s enough for US to get each set of tires in and out of the truck. I just called and they can do it for us tomorrow, so one of today’s chores is to get the tires and lug nuts into the back of the truck so I can take it tomorrow.
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Enjoy your Wednesday.
I’m still smiling after finding this, so I HAD to share.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS FOR THE YEAR-
Welcome to the end of Daylight Savings Time for the year. If you’re like me, the only clocks that were correct when you awoke this morning were on your computer, and maybe your phone.
I’ve been wandering around since I came downstairs, resetting clocks all over the house. I won’t get the one in our bedroom until later -until we go to bed tonight. The last ones that will be switched are in our vehicles. I’m going to let my husband change the one in the entertainment center and his watch so he’ll feel a part of things. It was interesting to me that my new smart watch was wrong this morning. I got out the manual, and it referred me to the app I now have on my phone. The minute I accessed that, my watch started buzzing on my wrist, syncing with the phone, and the time was corrected! Amazing.
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LINDA’S CRAFTINESS – “See the Good” is one of the wood-burned signs I’ve completed recently. It’s 6″ in diameter and very light weight. Good reminder for yourself or gift to someone you want to encourage. See this and my other wood-burned signs at this link to HandmadeHavenbyLinda on Etsy.
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This is actually a lot lighter than it is outside here right now. We’re due for thunderstorms all day today and tomorrow, with flood warnings and possibly severe weather until Tuesday morning. If the rain continues the way it is now, we might need a rowboat by tomorrow to put the trash out. As least nothing severe now.
I hope you’re safe, warm, and dry the next few days. Take care.
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
I love the colors of this, plus I can almost FEEL the scales!
LINDA’S CRAFTINESS –
I found a plain, but cute, denim purse. To me, it cried out for some daisies and 3-D gold accents. This is painted on the back, as well. Nice size – 10″x 6″, and can be carried as a shoulder purse, too. One of a kind. $24.99 – FREE SHIPPING. You can find this, and other painted purses, HERE – at HandmadeHavenbyLinda on Etsy.
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NEW FIND FOR MY HUSBAND – I’ve told you that he has Type II Diabetes, though he’ll deny that, calling it ‘a sugar problem.’ I’ve been looking for substitutes for the sugary things he likes, trying to help him cut out as much sugar as possible. Recently I found a muffin that he MAY switch to, rather than insisting on eating an apple fritter in the mornings. The fritter has 22g of sugar per fritter. That’s awful, but he’s hard-headed. I found Marketside No Added Sugar Blueberry Streusel Muffins. Each muffin has 2g. Yes! Just 2. A no-brainer. He said they were good! Hopefully, he will make this change. Fingers crossed.
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I hope that today is the start of a really nice month for us.
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
I’m also working on two custom Christmas cards and two wood-burned signs. I just love being able to spend time in my art room lately. My husband’s efforts lately have been working on a computer program, rather than death-defying projects, so I’m very, very grateful.
He slept in this morning. When I tried to make coffee, the pot didn’t do anything. I checked it over a couple of times, but it just wasn’t doing anything. I finally searched and found an old Mr. Coffee in the pantry and ran it, so we didn’t have to do without today. When he got up, he checked the coffee system and declared it dead, so I don’t feel stupid, just disappointed in the newer pot.
It’s a gorgeous day here today. I feel guilty because so many people have been devastated by Helene, flooded and without power and more, while all I have to grouse about is a non-working coffee pot. Donation seems such a small thing to do, but I’m doing what I can to help.
My husband got antsy last night and decided that we should do our grocery shopping and miss the Sunday crowds. It was about dinner time, so it was kind of an odd time to be going out to do errands. The weather was lovely, though, and we enjoyed taking Amber with us in the truck and opening the windows to the wonderful breeze.
We watched the Alabama vs Georgia football game last night. We gave up when Alabama was ahead 24-0. It turns out we gave up too soon. Georgia came to life, tied the game, and Alabama scored once more at the last minute to pull out a win. Sorry we missed a really good game.
I hope you have a nice Sunday.
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
I’ve been having a blast wood-burning and painting wood slices for Christmas ornaments.
They’re 3.25″ in diameter and .5″ thick. They have a red and white attached string for hanging on the tree.
On the back, they have places for personalization – one line for the year and a second for a first name to create a keepsake.
The wood-burning is done first. Then the several steps in painting. After one is ordered, I’ll personalize it and then protect it with several layers of polyurethane spray.
Each is a one-of-a-kind design. My parents gave my brother and me a Christmas ornament that was personalized each year, letting us add it to our tree. When we were grown, they presented us with a box of ‘OUR’ ornaments as a housewarming present, to decorate our tree and start a new tradition.
We are saving our son’s box, since he lives halfway across the world and travels light. When he joins us for the holiday, though, we decorate the tree together, reminiscing about Christmases past as we take out each of his decorations.
I hope that you are surrounded by those you love at Christmas this year. HandmadeHavenByLinda on Etsy
“Bloom” is what I finished yesterday and it’s listed on Etsy now. I did the wood-burning, then used alcohol ink and finally pastels to finish.
My good friend, Marsha, suggested that I do some practical items, such as pegs on signs, and I’ll think about that next.
Meanwhile, I’m heading back upstairs to do a bit more cleaning of the art room. If I live long enough, maybe some day the room will look halfway organized again!
Filed under HandmadeHavenByLinda on Etsy, Lewis Art
Isn’t this pet portrait amazing?
We dodged another bullet with the weather. Instead of rain and snow, we’re having a beautiful, chilly, sunny morning with a high of 64 expected this afternoon – AMAZING for February! HOORAAAAAY!
Amber woke us up this morning with her barking. Since she didn’t stop, I figured someone was out there, so leaped up, dressed as fast as I could, and left my husband sleeping. Nothing was happening that I could see, but the day was started. My husband came down shortly after that. He didn’t sleep well last night, so I’m hoping he can catch a nap or two during the day.
I’m doing some more work on my Etsy site, as well as scheming on new products to add. There is a website I’ve found called MadeUrban.com which has several good articles on listing handmade products online.
I hope you’re having a good morning and that you enjoy your day.
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
Just a quick note that today and tomorrow (Sat., Dec. 9th, and Sun., Dec. 10th) are the last days you can order my hand-painted Christmas cards this year. 6 cards (5×7) and envelopes to a package. $19.99 for the package with free shipping to the contiguous U.S.
Marina Blue Studio
Shout-out to Cathy, who is feeling stronger, resting better, and eating better following her radiation and chemo and is getting a chance to catch her breath while the docs decide what they think she should do next. I’m trying to send smiles, strength, and good weather her way so that she can soak them up.
Shout-out to Carla, who has built a race car with her son and is racing last night and tonight. Fingers crossed they do well.
We leave in about an hour to meet our friends (hopefully) for Lunch Bunch, to enjoy a good meal at The Pizza Barn, share news and laughs, and set ourselves up for a nice weekend.
I’m pleased to be able to report that our trash was picked up! This may not seem like an ‘event’ to YOU, but since they’ve missed us two weeks in a row and I had to call, wait on hold for 5 minutes or so, and arrange a work order for pickup, it seems like at least an old-fashioned ‘annoyance’ to me. The lady I talked to was nice, noticed that this was the 2nd time I had had to call, and said she would see if she could figure out what the problem was. Hope springs!
Last call for you to order either of these child-sized Halloween aprons in time for Halloween. One-of-a-kind, hand-painted child’s apron. Size is 2-6 years. The apron is 19″ long and 12.5″ wide, not including neck loop or ties. $19.99 with FREE SHIPPING to the contiguous U.S. HandmadeHavenbyLinda on Etsy
I hope that you are having a really nice morning and that your day will be calm and pleasant.
Good morning. It’s sunny at 44 degrees F. here this morning. Hard to believe. We will still probably have some warm weather before winter. The tradition around here is getting ready for winter and then having some really summer-like weather for another month or so. (An example is that one year I was still harvesting ripe tomatoes in January.) So we put the electric blanket on the bed and are still ready with shorts to wear. :0)
I’m hopeful that our trash will have been picked up when we go for groceries later today. Last week I had to call for a special work order for pick up when they bypassed us. Hopefully we’re on their list today, as we should be.
We don’t have any plans today, other than replenishing supplies. I’m not sure if I’ll try to get some yard work done, play in my art room, bake the biscuits I was going to make yesterday, or all three. It’s nice to be able to CHOOSE. (One of the only good things about being older than dirt.)
Fall, Halloween, and Christmas aprons are still available on my Etsy site. One-of-a-kind, hand-painted child’s apron. Size is 2-6 years. The apron is 19″ long and 12.5″ wide, not including neck loop or ties. Wash by hand and lay flat to dry. Can be ironed on the wrong side. $19.99 with FREE SHIPPING to the contiguous U.S. HandmadeHavenbyLinda on Etsy
I hope that your day is good.
5 News Viewer
I went out to see the partial eclipse yesterday, but only saw lots of clouds. I finally came in, disappointed. Later, I found some images on 5 News of what others saw, so I’m posting this to give you an idea.
Greenwood Arkansas Art Guild Show – October 14, 2023
Yesterday afternoon I spent some time at the show. I saw one good, long-time friend, visited with a couple of others I knew, and met a good number of new people. Lots of talent in one room, and I was pleased to be able to see what others have created.
Cat Yoga – Medium
I did my yoga stretching for the 2nd day. I didn’t do much better, but I’m determined to do the best I can. Yesterday both Amber (97 lb. yellow lab) and Abby, (? lb. stripy cat much like the one above) tried to HELP me with my practice, either by outright stomping on me or trying to nuzzle me. I think my laughter relaxed me almost as much as the stretches. :0)
Today I’m doing lots of laundry. Along with changing the sheets on our bed, I’m exchanging our velour blanket for our electric one, at my husband’s request, plus will change comforters – getting into cool to cold weather mode.
6″ x 4″ inspirational life saying sign – “Collect Beautiful Moments.” $13.99 with FREE SHIPPING to the contiguous U.S. HandmadeHavenByLinda on Etsy
It’s cloudy and 58 degrees here now. Good night for chili.
Enjoy your day!
Plaque – 9×11 oval solid wood hand-painted, one of a kind plaque – “Cherish” – $41.99 with FREE SHIPPING to the contiguous U.S. – HandmadeHavenByLinda on Etsy – This is the last day of the special sale on Etsy where you save $10 when you purchase $40 or over anywhere on the Etsy site. You can enjoy these savings over and over today. Great time to find special things for the holidays.
If you’re interested in custom, hand-painted Christmas cards, now is a good time to order. I have three designs –
Wreath Inside will say, “Happiness and love throughout the year!”
“O Christmas Tree 1” – Inside will say “Christmas 2023” and “May your heart be filled with joy.”
and
“O Christmas Tree 2” Inside will say “Christmas 2023” and “May your heart be filled with joy.”
These are packages of 6 hand-painted cards and envelopes. Each package of cards is $38.00 with FREE SHIPPING in the contiguous U.S.
Remember, throughout the day, you will receive $10 off for each order of $40 or more, as many times as you like – TODAY ONLY.
Filed under HandmadeHavenByLinda on Etsy
Medina County Veterans Service
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Women’s Health
Shout-out to Cathy, who is having a scan today that hopefully will point the way to feeling good again.
Women’s Health
Shout-out to Carla, who is trying, with her son, to get a car ready for a race this month!
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Today is the first day of the 3-day special sale at Etsy, where you get $10 off your purchase of $40 or more anywhere on Etsy. You can use the code provided as many times as you want today through Wednesday. Great opportunity to buy things for the holidays.
Notecard package – 5 different hand painted designs on note cards and envelopes – “Thumbelina” – $19.95 with FREE SHIPPING to the contiguous U.S. HandmadeHavenByLinda on Etsy
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Erika Kocsi Watercolors – @kocsi_erika on X
The Irish Times
I just LOVE this guy. He’s so ugly he’s beautiful. :0)
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Plaque – Heart-Shaped Solid Wood – “Love” – $41.99 – ready to hang – 10″ wide x 9″ tall. FREE SHIPPING to the contiguous U.S. HandmadeHavenbyLinda on Etsy – Etsy is having a special sale starting tomorrow, October 9th and running through Wednesday, October 11th, where you’ll save $10 when your purchase is $40 or more – automatically. And you can do this over and over for the 3 days. GREAT time to get things for the holidays. Sale is website-wide.
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pexels
I’m about to go do a session of slow, stretching, relaxing yoga to see if I can get my poor body to stop complaining. I’ll plan to do one session now, and another right before dinner. It would be fun if Amber wanted to practice with me, but if she notices I’m down on the floor, she usually wants to come snuffle me, and then try to SIT on me…
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I hope you’re having a great Sunday.
Ales Krivec – Unsplash
The view out our back door looks much like this today. 75 degrees with 91% humidity. UGH. The valley has ‘cotton’ threaded through the valleys. Surreal. The weather folks can’t decide if we’ll get rain or not. Their wise forecast is ‘Maybe.’ :0)
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The steroid shot and eye cream the vet gave Amber yesterday allowed her to calm down and sleep well. She ate with appetite and was her usual barky-take-the-world-by-storm self as I let her out this morning. She was 97 lbs at the vet’s office yesterday, and almost pulled my husband down while we were trying to get her into the office and then into a room to be seen.
We take her tomorrow morning 1st thing for the surgery to remove the knot from her leg and the fine needle aspiration of the lump in her neck. We’ll deal with the diagnosis when it comes in. The big thing RIGHT NOW is to remember to put her food bowl somewhere weird tonight after dinner so that my husband doesn’t feed her automatically in the morning before he’s fully awake. I’ll also try to get him to wear his sneakers, rather than his sandals, so that he has a bit of traction on dealing with Amber at the vet’s.
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I made a bit of progress yesterday on the glassware I’m trying to etch for my friends. Soon I’ll try to figure out more details. I’m doing the free-form etching now, and of course it looks very different from the cream-with-stencils part I’ve already done. I’m trying to decide if I want to leave the cream etching as it is or try to outline the designs with the engraving pen. Then there’s the question of whether to leave them as they are at that point or use some glass paint on them. So many decisions on a project I don’t know will ‘work…’
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Women’s Health
Shout-out to Cathy, who has finished her radiation and chemo! She sees her doc Wednesday, and meanwhile is resting and trying to eat well and regain strength. Sending lots of gentle, heartfelt hugs your way today, Girl!
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Champagne Flutes “Copper Flowers” One-of-a-kind, hand-painted pair – $41.99 with FREE SHIPPING to the contiguous U.S. HandmadeHavenByLinda on Etsy
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And in the “Awwww – Isn’t she cute” category –
I made the first biscuits of my life yesterday! I used a recipe I found on YouTube, threw caution and intimidation to the winds and tried it. The best part is that my husband said, “These are good. I want to eat a couple tomorrow with butter and jelly.” They LOOKED right. They were edible. I DID IT! I know it isn’t cute anymore that I’ve found something ELSE I’ve never done and might suck at, but I’m patting myself on the back this morning as I type this. Can you see me grinning?
BoredPanda.com
Happy Sunday!
creativeartworksblog 