Peace and Hope

My thoughts at the end of this year are going toward balance. Finding balance in my life, in all things. It may sound vague and lofty, but when applied to every detail, it is not a big blanket thought, but a series of small goals that I need and want to incorporate into all that is me.

In trying to focus on accomplishing what I feel is at the top of my priority list at any given time, I can easily lose balance with all other pieces of life that are important, though perhaps not as urgent. In the end, I put things off...seeming to be a procrastinator, when I am not. I just lose balance...for too long of a time to please myself.

So, when I am busy working eleven hour days, I will still make time to exercise my body.

When I am stressed, I will not accomplish more work for someone else every time, but will

find a quiet moment to breathe, focus, meditate, pray, read or write in my journal.

I signed up for Kelly Kilmer's "A Life Made By Hand" online journal prompt class yesterday.

I started riding my exercise bike again yesterday and lifting my weights-it felt great.

I run my puppy and smile at the simple things.

"You must learn to be still in the midst of activity, and to be vibrantly alive in repose".

~Indira Gandhi

I pray for peace....for you, your family, your loved ones in the armed forces.
And, if it's lofty, I hope & pray for peace for this world of ours.



Peace and love to you in 2010. ~K

Christmas Past

Circa 1963 ~ My Grandma D's house with my whole family.

That's me, looking quite serious, in the high chair, bottom right! How funny.

Oh, the cozy memories this brings back to me...
~Kathy

Christmas Wishes to You!

Merry Christmas my friends!

You fill my heart with joy. I wish you all peace, love and more joy than you can hold in your hearts! Have a beautiful Christmas Eve night!!

I promised to show you my sweet little gingerbread tree, so here it is!

Merry Christmas!

New Addition to Our Family!

First, I must apologize for my absence. I miss you all, I thank you, and I hope you forgive me for not stopping by as much lately. Sometimes I do pop in, but can't always leave a proper comment, but I think of you and I do miss you! I will be back soon...

Here is a little something...heh hum, someONE, I'd like to introduce to you, though.

Noel, "Ellie", the Christmas Dog. We thought we were saving her, but it turns out, that she's already helped a bunch of us.

She's a joy! (Toy Fox Terrior, 4 1/2 months old..) Happy Tuesday!

~Kathy

Comfort in the Cold

Last night, the snow glistened in the moonlight...just like the glitter we play with. It was incredible. When things get busy for you, my wish upon a falling snowflake is that you catch hold of a peaceful moment.




1 Winter Wonderland cocoa butter soap by DancingMooney
2 Snowflakes Sugar cookie Favors by CakeBoxCookies
3 Jack Frost...36 Tags-on-a-Ring by Paperpumpkin!
4 Wool Snowflake Ornaments by CherryLaneJane

Art and an Anniversary

I met you at Loket Castle.

I have since gotten lost in vibrant, color-rich textures...



...and gone off to faraway places.

Happy etsy-versary my Deer* firefly friend, EriKa.

You make the world a more beautiful place.

Happy Mail!

It's that time of the year when you check your address book, go to the post office for Christmas Stamps (and decide if you really want to lick those envelopes) but the cards! The cards! Oh the beautiful Christmas cards created by etsy artists. Here are some of my very favorite ones. Peace and joy to you. ~Kathy

Mr. Snowman by CrimsonPeachyArt.etsy

Blue Christmas calligraphy cards by elviestudio.etsy

Christmas Holiday Card Set by danitashop.etsy

the nicest present card set by zuppasartista.etsy

December is here...

...and so was the first snow when we woke up!

I didn't use a flash, so he's a bit bluish, but he was born today!

Mr. Buttons?

Happy December to you!

A Peaceful Day

Still feeling full, happy, a little sleepy, and enjoying this long 4-day weekend. Thought I would go for a power walk, but it's raining way too hard, so I did some journaling and then went to a craft show with my mother-in-law. I am now feeling like going through my papers, fabrics, and stamps, hoping to create something really fun. I am so thrilled to be able to have choices today! So many days in a row I have too much that I have to do, and not enough time to do what I want to do so badly. This is good. Isn't it nice to feel peaceful and content? I hope you feel this way, too....and that you have yummy leftovers!

Happy Thanksgiving!

May you have warmth, love, friendship, blessings and good food today, and much to be thankful for always.

In My Book Corner

Here's what I am settling in to read tonight: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. I love books (and paper, yes!) so this seemed perfect for me. I am relaxing my body and my mind in preparation for lots of Parent-Teacher Conferences before Thanksgiving.

Have you read it ? Tell me what you think!

What are you reading? And, what do you recommend? I love having a new pile to devour...when time allows! Have a great week everyone! Find time to do what you love to do best! ~Kathy♥

Easy Bake Oven...

I love all things gingerbread. I collect all things gingerbread. I eat gingerbread. I even have gingerbread tea and a gingerbread sweater and a homemade gingerbread quilt. I have a 4-foot Christmas Tree that is decorated with nothing but gingerbread, even the star at the top. (I promise to show you pictures after Thanksgiving!). So, I baked...

...with sweet papers & fabrics, of course!! ♥

I dislike cleaning the oven anyways. This was so much more fun!

With Frosting On Top

Good morning! First I really want to thank you all for reading and for your comments. It always makes me smile to know you visited, and it brightens my day when you leave a comment and say hello. Blog Land has been more wonderful than I could ever have imagined. Meeting you is a journey highlight. Thank you! ♥

And now I'd like to leave you with two morning frosted beauties to gaze upon, in the hopes that they make you smile...

and...

maybe a chuckle when you picture me in mismatched jammies, and old pink flannel bathrobe and boots, crouching in the crisp, frozen morning air with a camera! (Hopefully my neighbors were so enthralled with this morning's beauty that they didn't see me out there...yikes!)

Enjoy your day. I am sending you good thoughts, blessings, and a few moments of peace to just "be". ♥ Kathy

It's the Most Wonderful Time...

Aaah, the anticipation...

I started thinking about the holidays...and well...you know... I couldn't resist! I played elf. Why have it all last only a few days when it can truly last for a whole season?!


New! At PaperPumpkin!
{Mia and I are so excited to celebrate another happy season with you!} :D

A Bit of Vintage Style Inspiration...

...and memories of Grama's wooden spools.

I adore Baker's twine. Can't wait to use tons of it at Christmas time, wrapping pretty little packages and hanging sweet tags! ♥ New at PaperPumpkin!

Sing a Rainbow

I so love the sky. I could just gaze at the stars and the moon and the sunrises and sunsets forever....and then....
...another gift from up above! What a wonderful surprise this was! (If you look closely, you'll see the double rainbow!). Hope this makes you smile!

Happy Halloween Night!!

This one blew his top...! BOO!

October 31st

Have a wonderful, fun, and Spooky day!

Favorite Part of the Day

I so enjoy when I can stay home in the morning, instead of running off in the wee hours of darkness. Last Sunday morning, the leaves were golden and just glowing in the early sunlight. I smiled up at the brilliant blue sky, and admired nature's paintings. Then, I got my camera.

I am learning how to do new things with my camera and my computer, so I plan on doing more with these photos eventually. For now, though, I am enjoying my weekend morning just a bit longer.

"Handcrafters Column..."

Good morning, friends! I am super excited about the many goings-on's this weekend!

My daughter, Mia, and I are going today to check out two beautiful places that have outdoor weddings and receptions here in WNY. (We celebrated Kevin & Mia's engagement last night with Kevin's parents at a beautiful restaurant. Had a great time...ahh.)

And, PaperPumpkin has been featured by etsy's wonderful MaryMary for this weekend's Special Sales Gift Guide! Shop this weekend and mention "Weekend Deals" and receive 10% off your Entire Purchase! ♥ (Oct. 23-25th)

Also, my first interview! The lovely Robin from http://cinnamonandhoney.blogspot.com/

has featured PaperPumpkin this weekend on her Handcrafter's Column! Hope you check all of this out, enjoy, and even feel like leaving a comment to share! Wow! Quite a lot of excitement for little ole me!

Thank you, Robin, and thank you all! Have a fantastic weekend! ~K

Fabulous Fabric Pile

I thought I'd show you the piles I am playing in!
If you look carefully at the top, you will see that I do fold them when I've finished playing... sometimes.

Hope you have piles of fun too! Create!

Autumn's Inspiration...

I'm beginning to think that October is my favorite month. I feel so inspired by fall's colors and sounds and smells. The leaves are falling and crunching, and I am in the mood to create new little goodies!Instead of jumping in the leaves, this year I am playing in the piles of fabric!

Cold Nose, Warm Heart

Have I told you lately, how much I love Mia's Sadie Pup? Snuggles and nibbles.

The Sweetest Moments...

My lovely daughter, Michelle (Mia), is engaged! Yesterday, we went to get that perfect dress. Lovely, sweet moments in time...♥

Where The Wild Things...aren't

I feel the need to follow up on my movie trip....

In my opinion, I felt that this film was not appropriate for young children or sensitive people of any age.

I LOVE the book and consider it to be one of the most wonderful children's books of all times. The movie, however, was dark and violent. I have always gotten a warm and fuzzy feeling from the storybook and its illustrations, but this movie was so depressing and un-fuzzy, that I left it bewildered and extremely disappointed, even sorry that children would go see it and feel worse about it than I do. I loved the costumes of the wild things! I loved the little boy, Max! But, I love the book and NOT the movie. Too bad...