A Quiet New Year...

The new year has started off quiet and peaceful.  This is a wonderful thing!  Took some time to take care of the necessary things and took some time to enjoy the down time.  Hopefully this is a great start to a GREAT year!

I crocheted dish cloths. I love the easy rhythm and finish while I sit next to my husband,  in front of a fire and watch a movie. 

 

I've also been working on beanies for the homeless. Helping out has been on my mind a lot and I've put my thoughts into action with ziplock baggie essentials and now beanies to add.  It's been very cold around here and that's not typical of our climate so these will help a little more.

 

 

 

 

See how cold it has been? BRRR!  Our desert was hit with snow on New Years Eve and I was able to snap a pic of the beautiful sight on New Years Day.  Isn't she glorious!  This mountain will forever symbolize home to me. 

 

 



Happy Monday!

 



It's time..

It's time for a new year.  A new start.  This was one of those years in life where, although not all was bad, there was still a lot that was just. Not. Fun.  Such is life. 

So I am looking forward to this new year.  We've decided that a quiet New Years Eve would be best and that suits me just fine.  I will spend the next few days reflecting on what I am looking forward to in the next year. 

I don't have a list of resolutions.  My only plan is to just work on being a better me.  Feeling good on the inside and out and doing what is necessary to make those things happen.  From the easy decisions to the hard decisions, things will change...and for the better. 

I wish you all a very happy and safe New Year! 

Reflection...

It was raining and cold this morning as my husband and I made our way to work.  We saw a couple, carrying items, one of them plastic and we knew right away they were homeless.  It was dark and their heads were covered and I realized, they could very easily be anyone in my family and they are someone's family.  I was immediately brought to tears because I had been worried that my dogs were cold when they went outside.  My husband and I turned around to take them to a warm place and possibly get them some food and we could not find them.  My heart was broke.  Here I am worrying about my dogs and this young couple was homeless in the rain. 

I realize everyone has a choice to make.  Maybe they made a bad decision or maybe they just came on some hard times.  I DON'T KNOW...and I don't believe that's the point!  My heart hurt for them regardless.  I didn't plan on giving them cash, just in case their was substance abuse issues, but food? Yes.  Was I willing to take the chance of them not being appreciative? Yes.  Everyone has had moments in their lives where they felt they did wrong and the world turned their back...and it's very possible everyone did and had a right to.  Is it possible that someone, anyone,  could be that person to spark the hope back into their hearts?

My heart is heavy because we could not find them but I realize that may have been how it was supposed to be because an idea came to mind.  Tonight, I will put my ideas into motion.  I will build small Homeless kits to keep in my vehicle for when I come across those asking for help.  Maybe that's not what they will want, but you know what?  That's what MY HEART says is the right thing to do. 

Mama's sweet boys...

 

 

Are these two just adorable or what?  Please say hello to my guys...Boi and Blue.  They are English Bulldogs and boy are they ever spoiled rotten.  Boi loves his little brother, he really does!  But you know how annoying younger siblings can be!  These two are my love bugs and have "replaced" my adult children (so my children say....) who left me in an empty nest!  I still can't believe that I can say that.  BUT!  These guys sure have helped me transition into this new part of my life.  I was a young mom, so being in my 30's and re-learning life with my kids in college, graduating college and in the "REAL" world without mama, has been tough.  I didn't think it would be so hard but I didn't figure my emotions into the equation! 

 

Thankfully my handsome fellas are just so loveable and sweet! Oh...maybe just a little BULLDOG stubborn...but I'll take that over teenager shenanigans ANY day!  HA!

 

Happy Monday everyone!

 

 

 

 

 

I find myself...

...thinking about how my pictures will fit into a blog post.  All pictures... I guess that's a good thing because my brain is rolling along at a great pace and not focused on things that do not matter... but see, I take a lot of pictures and that's ALOT of thinking! 

It's also pretty exciting that I am on a bit of a roll these last few days here in blogland and I've had blog views and comments (YIPPPEEEEEE!) with advice and sweet words cheering me on!  Thank you each and every one!!!

 

I am currently waiting patiently for this Amaryllis to grow up! Im not sure what it is about the forced bulbs that make me so happy but every day I spend way too much time staring at it as if that will help the growth process... I can't wait to see the color. Im guessing its red but the information didn't say, so that adds to my excitement!  More pics to come! 

 

This is what is in my working crochet bag right now.  That means it goes everywhere with me. These colors will be perfect for more Christmas doilies and runners that match.  You know what's interesting?  I couldn't tell you how many times I have heard how shocked people are because they haven't seen anyone do "that" since "their Granny's were alive."  I've heard and read that crochet is a dying art.  Thank goodness my daughter loves the doilies, runners, granny blankets etc. that I have...because guess who's getting those in my will?  I certainly hope she learns how to crochet soon because I have a stash of yarn that will go to her too!  Does anyone else have a ridiculous stash of yarn?  I'm looking for ways to organize, so feel free to offer suggestions.  Building another 2,000 square foot room to my home just to store my yarn would be perfect!  Unfortunately, the hubs said it's not going to happen....  :-/

 

Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving was truly one of the most enjoyable Thanksgivings in a very long time.  Don't get me wrong.  I love my family and every time we are together it is wonderful. BUT~ This year, the food was awesome, the company and conversation was nice and it didn't feel rushed at all. 
 

Although hosting Thanksgiving is a lot work, I was really happy about how everyone enjoyed themselves.  The leftover turkey is always welcome in my home and that includes the carcass that provides the broth for one of the recipes in the next weeks Thanksgiving leftover dinners!

 

 

The turkey carcass went into the crockpot Thanksgiving evening and simmered all night to make the wonderful broth that went into the soup.  Using the whole turkey always makes me feel like I am not wasting a single bit of THANKSGIVING.  My niece sat and watched me shove the bones into my crockpot along with water and some salt and pepper and asked what in the world kind of crockpot recipe called for turkey bones.  Oh my dear girl!  THIS is what you make soup broth from!  Her shock at that fact was a complete shock to me.  I didn't realize that so many youngsters do not have a clue as to what a real home cooked meal from scratch is.

 

Anyway, I went about my day... the smells of the soup floated through my home, allowing me day two of peace and tranquility. When it was all done,  I looked at the bowl in front of me and I felt so very thankful because you know what?  This bowl of turkey soup ROCKED!

 

 

If you are looking for a recipe, I will point you in the direction of Pinterest.  I did not follow any specific recipe because I find that when I make my soups from scratch without a recipe, it comes out better for some reason.  But I tell you...broth from the bones makes an amazing difference!  (Steps on how to make broth can also be found on Pinterest!)  TOODLES AND NOODLES!  :-)

 

 

 

 

Blogging...

I have a confession to make.  My name is Butterfly and I lurk on your blogs. 

How is it that I've had my own blog for the past few years and just can't seem to BLOG...

When I lurk...LURK, LURK, LURK...that is a dark, sinister sounding word isn't it?  I like ADMIRE...WHEN I ADMIRE your blogs, I want to pop right over to my own blog and just jot down what's on my mind.  Your blogs are such an inspiration! 

So, I click the compose button...Type out my thoughts and then I re-read and DELETE... it's gone.

WHY?  I've been trying to figure that out.  I guess I am afraid of adding "blogging stress" to my overflowing life plate.  What is blogging stress?  I don't want to question myself....Am I blogging enough? Am I blogging too much?  Is someone going to get offended by this or that?  (How anyone can get offended by a crocheted doily, I really don't know, but I've seen it happen!) Do I check every 5-10-15-30 minutes?  Can anyone see where I live?  Is someone going to stalk me and come steal my doilies????? Sigh...  Am I the only over thinker out there? 

Well, I guess I wouldn't know unless I tried. 

 

December is here!! Time for all my Christmas decor to come out of hibernation!! I'm not one to stress about Christmas shopping.  I realize I have bought ZERO gifts for my loved ones but I am the type of person who believes that gifts are not the focus during the holiday season.  It will get done...or not...whatever...

 

Hello blogland!