Choices

This is a picture I recently completed titled "It is finished". This was Jesus' choice.

That's what life is all about - isn't it? Every day and nearly every minute we make them. Either consciously or unconsciously. So what determines our choices....Family, Friends, Upbringing, Environment, Life Stage, Education, .....and Faith. Do you believe in right vs. wrong, black vs. white (not indicating race) or are you more into the "gray" areas and believe in "live and let live". Do you exist by acting or reacting? That too is a choice. There are as many answers as there are questions.

We studied that God gives us that right to make these choices. But to understand that there are rewards, blessings, repercussions, and consequences to them also. That is NOT saying that God will always punish us for poor choices but He will allow us to realize and endure the results of them. But in His grace, as His children, we will never be alone - no matter what. He is always with us...good times and bad. He desires us to make right choices, as any parent does, because through them He can bless us as He wills. His ways are always right and always for our good. If we will open our minds and hearts to His still small voice He will light our paths and make the way clear. Seek Him in His Word and in prayer. He is waiting for you. It's your choice.

This Week's Featured Artist

If you like color and texture, softness and beauty, then visit my new friend and Etsy artist Judy, of JN Originals. She crochets, sews, felts, and recycles. I love how she mixes the old - in her embellishments, with the new - of her creations.

I met Judy through the Etsy street team Boomers and Beyond. We both joined Etsy around the same time and share the journey of learning the art of Etsy. It is turning out that the journey is the real blessing of it all because of all the new friends you make along the way!

This clutch, along with her others, would be a great accessory for any wardrobe. It makes my hands tingle just to just touch it.



These beautiful coasters are made of 100% wool as are many of Judy's items. They were crocheted and then felted, making for very good durability. I'm sure that your guests will be handling these for the pure textural experience as well as using them for drinks!

And when you couldn't stand to wait for the full indulgence any longer, wrap one of her scarfs around you neck and enjoy! These are made from multiple yarns and are 76" long so you will be plenty warm and cozy on those cold, blustery days.

Judy's words are: "Nothing happens unless first we dream," says Carl Sandburg. I would add that dreams are also realized when we ask "What if...?" and "Why not?" Those two questions form the basis of my handmade, one-of-a-kind creations. I love playing with color, texture and pattern--and the journey is just as important to me as the final product.

So Thank You Judy for letting me join you on your journey. I look forward to many more "miles"!

Have a great, blessed day everyone.

Etsy Boomers Blog Ring

Great Day to All!
I have a new page element at the bottom of this page that I'd like to invite you to take a look at. It's for a new blog ring that has been created. If you would like to see some very creative work by some awesome people - browse around. This is a very upbeat, kind, sharing group of ladies who have shops along with me on etsy. We are also members of a street team called Boomers and Beyond or bbest. Yes, that's right, we are all of the "boomer" age, 40 and up. Our craft varies from jewelry, artprints, soaps, quilts, felting, sewing of many things, candles, and more. A very important aspect of these items is that all things are handmade, created with time, talent, and love. You won't find any production line items here! And you definitely won't see yourself coming around the corner either. Very unique. So if this sounds like things you like...ENJOY!

Let it Snow!

Some think I'm crazy - but I love it! As a girl who grew up in Michigan I can remember HUGE snowfalls. Now in Kentucky we're lucky to get 2-4 inches. Let me correct that - "we" don't feel lucky, "I" feel lucky. Everyone else thinks I'm crazy. You should have seen my #1 grandson's face today as he played in the snow. Smiling & red cheeked, just like you would picture a 12 yr old's face. I loved it! #2 grandson didn't get to stay out long because #1 tried to bury him with snow and call him a mummy. They were supposed to go back to school today but around here they close school when it flurries. That isn't very much of an exaggeration either. Tomorrow is called off too.

But I did try to get some work done today - even with them home. I'm working on Valentine's day items. I have a couple of note cards and a necklaces in the works. I'll post them soon. In the mean time, if you would like to check out a great etsy site look at this! www.dontworrybehippie.etsy.com She has fantastic jewelry. I especially like the "Turning over a new leaf" necklace. Check it out!

What are Your Resolutions?

Here we are in the last hours of 2007, looking full in the face of 2008. Are you ready? Do you have any plans? Or are you mellow and just going to let happen what will happen. Now I know we can't control everything and sometimes it may seem that we can control very little. But I am a planner. I like to have an idea of where I'm going and what I'm going to do when I get there. That is one area where hubby and I differ. He likes to travel by the seat of his pants. Let's see what's there when we get there. Well I've seen some of those places and I don't really want to go there....again. So I plan ahead.

My New Year Resolutions are: 1)Focuse more on Christ - improve my time with Him in prayer and seeking Him in His Word and in His creation. 2)To be more loving with my family. Do you ever feel like you give so much out in the world that there is nothing left when you get home? I don't believe we should shortchange those we love. They are worth more than that, and deserve better than that.3) Then I'm going to really focus on Pattiwacks. More products and definitely more marketing. I am determined to really learn the ins and outs of etsy, blogging, and reaching more people in other areas. But along the way I don't want to forget the people I come across as I learn, or as they teach me. While I have the destination goal I don't want to overlook the journey.

So with those thoughts in mind I'm going to research blogger a little more - see how to link to others, upload pictures, and generally really make this site "mine".

I hope you have a great New Year whether you've made any resolutions or not. Enjoy!

New Year - New Beginnigs - New Opportunities

Welcome!
I'm a first time blogger and I'm so looking forward to getting acquainted with you. These things take time though and it can't all happen tonight.... so I wanted to let you know that we studied this in Sunday School this morning - New Year - New Beginnings - New Opportunities. But the absolute great thing is that with Jesus this is available each and every day. So I'll be back tomorrow. I want to tell you a little about me, my family, my etsy site, my goals..........and on, and on. I know slowly....slowly....slowly....... Goodnight