Growing Old

I don't like to wish time away as it's time we never get back, but I am looking forward to the upcoming weekend. I have no weekend plans and I like that! I like to spend my time at home and do what I love best - spend time with my children, work on new art projects, and get outdoors to do a bit of gardening and/or hiking.

About wishing time away . . . yah, there are days I do wish it away . . . for my own reasons. I won't go there now, though I used to wish the days and years away yearning for a future day to come. "That" day has yet to arrive.

On the other hand, I best not wish time away and will admit this: I don't like growing old! And, I know, many people will tell me I'm not old enough to be considered "old". But lately, with each passing year, I am really feeling older and I don't like it at all. I especially noticed this after Jacob was born . . I truly could tell the difference 6 years has made, as Abbie is 6 years older than he is. I was tired when she was a newborn due to lack of sleep, but with Jacob my goodness I have been sleep deprived more than ever! And my aching back . . my stressed out neck and shoulders - I carry my tension in my back which never goes away and is an increased problem as my job involves working mainly on the computer 8 hours/day.

And so, with the growing old blah, blah, blah, I figured I'd share some wonderful vintage photos of older aged women for your personal use.

If anyone uses vintage photos I've shared in their artwork, I'd LOVE to see what you've made. :)

And, I know I've not been good at getting around to fellow bloggers and saying hi, but I will try my best this week to visit as many of you as I can. Have a great day everyone!

Zoo Fun!

We had a family day yesterday - off to the zoo! The weather was perfect for getting outside and taking a stroll through the zoo. Jacob was smiles all day long :)

Fun at the Park

The weather has been beautiful the past couple of days. Yesterday after work I took Abbie and Jacob to the park and they sure had fun.

Today we spent a lot of time outside as well, playing with their outside toys, raking the yard, and we took a walk with the wagon and wheelbarrow collecting sandstone rocks for a rock garden.

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend! :)

Decorated Glass Jars

I decided to decorate more glass jars ~ they are great to fill with candy or other fun little things as a quick fun gift for friends. I'm hoping to make up a bunch of them and fill them with things and try seeing how they sell at a craft fair sometime. I simply embellished using cardstock, stickers, yarn, and paint (if needed) on the caps.

This week has been very busy between work and home. Tonight the kids and I are off to a school family fun night . . . folk dancing. Oh my word . . I'm not really enthused about it myself, but will be positive and know it's something Abbie's really been looking forward to, so will make the best of it.

Recipe for Happiness

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the Ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about what is going on in your life. Buy a lock if you have to.


3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'Mypurpose is to __________ today. I am thankful for______________'.


4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.


5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.


6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.


7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.


8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.


9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.


10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.


11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.


12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.


13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.


14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.


15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.


16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'


17. Forgive everyone for everything.


18. What other people think of you is none of your business.


19. GOD heals everything - but you have to ask Him.


20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.


21. Your job won't take care of you when you are in need. Your friends, following God’s directionswill. Stay in touch!!!


22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.


23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am Thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.


24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.


25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings. You'll be smiling before you know it.

More Sweet Vintage Children Images

I LOVE Altered Art!

Another rainy day . . . time for more altered art!

Two New Altered Vintage Bingo Cards

Here are a couple I made today, as it was a nice rainy day to be indoors working on such.

William Bouguereau Paintings

I LOVE the works of William Bouguereau! I studied art history for a bit in college (back in the day), but for whatever reason this artist was not one I recall being spoke of. What a shame.

I oftentimes wish I had continued with my art history and art major. Instead, because I was afraid of not finding employment in that field, I ventured off into the medical field a bit, though was still undecisive. I now work in a hospital as a Secretary. I do enjoy my job, but dream of the day I can spend day in and day out creating art. Someday my dream will come.

I wish everyone a wonderful weekend!

A Few Things

Here is a sample of a batch of prim/vintage style hang tags I made up recently (I made several), another altered vintage bingo card, and I framed a couple of my ATC's. I've been looking high and low for decent frames to fit ATC's appropriately, but am not having luck. What do you think of these? (I know the pictures with photo flash aren't the greatest ~ I should have taken outside to take the photos). Does anyone have a source for ATC sized frames ~ if so, please let me know where to look. Thanks! :)

Last night I tried to relax a bit and sat back to watch a movie, as I've been a bit emotional lately . . . but my goodness, the movie we watched was a real tear-jerker! I recommend watching it, but only when you're prepared to cry . . . it is Seven Pounds with Will Smith. So touching.

Have a great day everyone :)

Altered Vintage Bingo Cards

Here are a couple of vintage bingo cards I altered today. I don't like how the left eye is showing up in the photo of the little boy with his sheep here, but it looks better in person.