Coleens Reflections

Celebrating Heart .... word #41

2011-02-10T12:18:00.001-08:00

This picture was taken our birthday in Feb. 2009....the celebrating began with a kiss... then we blow out the candles and the party begins......

this is my guy a year later in 2010......life had changed so quickly...but, we still Celebrated all our Blessings!!!

So, this year our birthdays were still celebrated...just a bit differently....I have been playing around with art journaling and this is what has emerged....
at the Center...always....GOD

we are all on different parts of the path to the center, but we are never forgotten..we are loved more than we could ever understand...

so, we keep on looking ....

and searching for answers......

but, as longas we BELIEVE and have faith that With God All Things Are Possible...

we will find what we are longing for.......GRACE ~♥~

HEART HUGS,

Changing Heart...word #14 "Changing"

2011-02-05T13:47:00.000-08:00

I have been very interested in Art Journaling lately....and one night last week,as I sat here looking through old magazines and tearing out articles I want to revisit...I noticed a strip of paper that had curled itself into sort of a heart shape... A flicker in my soul slowly grew into a flame, and before I knew it...I was tearing paper strips into hearts and swirls and cut certain words out of the magazines spread out before me. I put the words on a tray and started moving them around a bit...kinda like the magnetic words you can buy and put on your fridge to make sentences..anyway, some sort of pattern was emerging as my fingers moved the words around. It became a very meditative process...and creative, too!

I love to create "intuitively"...that is with no real plan, just kinda sorta of one....and I love it when I see the synchronicity and I smile and laugh out loud.."Ofcourse"!!! This happened with the title of of this post...I chose Changing Heart as the title due to the first picture ...then, I went back to my list of 365 words for this year( in my journal) and noticed that the next word after "Remember" ( title of my last post) was..."Changing". I wrote "changing" in my journal on Jan. 14th...and just today decided to continue with the next word on the list that is why I wrote day 14..reference to the 14th day of the new yr)...in other words, I chose the title BEFORE I knew the next word on my list was "Changing"...interesting.

Heart Hugs,

Coleen

Remembering Heart ...word #13

2011-01-13T16:25:00.001-08:00

So, most mornings I wake up and wonder what my "word" for today will be.... Sometimes it comes quickly, and other times I will not know what it is til later in the day...

I am learning not to rush these things. Some of you know that I wrote down

"365 Heart Words "on New Years Eve...so, I am taking a word a day from my list

and allowing it to settle in my heart...

I was going to try and make a "heart a day"..but, I decided not to put so much pressure on myself...I do journal a word a day tho...

My list so far is 1.Accepting Heart 2.Healing Heart. 3.Being Heart 4. In-to-Me -Se (Intimacy) Heart 5.Awakening Heart 6. Soul Heart (newly awakened) 7.Forever Heart 8.Struggling Heart

9. Heart Answers 10. Questioning Heart 11. Learning Heart 12. Listening Heart and todays heart is

Remembering Heart ....and I am so thankful that I have been blessed with such wonderful memories...

HEART HUGS,

PS...my last name means "SUN" in German..thus the reference to "BEAM"...I love hidden messages........

Soul Heart...Newly Awakened

2011-01-07T17:21:00.000-08:00

This little faerie has been fluttering around in my heart for awhile..she yawned and stretched and slowly woke up....

She is a sweet lil thing..I put a hanger on her back...but, she would look great on the cover a journal, too...hmmmmm

I am glad I listened to her and let her out to play...I am Listening to that still small voice within me a bit more these days...

HEART HUGS,

Awakening Heart day 5

2011-01-05T17:49:00.001-08:00

Interesting how this word came to me......it's the name of the shampoo I use.."Root Awakening"...( no affiliation!) I thought, huh....yeah, something is taking root in my heart...its like spring, ya know when the first little tender shoots of seeds start sprouting..and pushing their way thru the earth to burst into the light...but, before that can happen, the roots have to grow strong and deep..its what nourishes the tender new beginnings...i know, this sounds crazy being January and it is rainy and freezing cold outside...but, this is an inside job anyway....

yep..... the roots are growing and my heart is waking up and thawing out....I have been numb and frozen for quite awhile now...

BTW, I know I spelled Awakening incorrectly on my picture above..I will be correcting that soon!!!...see......I am Waking Up!!!

Heart Hugs,

Intimacy..Or..IN-TO-ME-SEE....day 4

2011-01-04T20:13:00.000-08:00

Todays word..........Intimacy.........See into my Heart........In to Me See......... The words are from The Who: but imagine God..your higher power..or whomever you BELIEVE in is saying these words to you.........

See Me...Feel Me...Touch Me...Heal Me...See Me.....Feel Me....Touch Me...Heal Me....Listening to you, I get the music....Gazing at you, I get the heat....Following you, I climb the mountain....I get excitement at your feet....Right behind you, I see the millions.....On you, I see the glory....From you, I get opinion....From you, I get the story....Listening to you, I get the music....Gazing at you, I get the heat...Following you, I climb the mountain...I get excitement at your feet...Right behind you, I see the millions...On you, I see the glory....From you, I get opinion...From You..... I get the story........

HEART HUGS,

Heart Bee-ing Day 3

2011-01-03T14:01:00.000-08:00

Laying in bed this morning. I had the thought..I wonder what my "word" will be for today? I don't want to "force" it... "Let it Be"...I thought...hmmmm.."Be Still and know I Am God"....hmmm "Just Be"......"BE"......
so I got up and let Taj out to do his bizzness and my son was in the kitchen cooking breakfast and I noticed this...BEE!! how odd I thought to myself...I told my son that it will probably die anyway, as bees need to fly, and it was trapped between the window and the screen...Larry, (my son..) said that bees are usually hiberating now...and I said, yeah, I think the sun woke him up....now thats a thought..."wake up and fly!!!" Anyway, at first I was gonna spray it (ok, kill it!)..and then, after thinking about it for a moment, I decided to "Let it Be" ...

and sat down and enjoyed every bite of the yummy, coconut pancakes my son made...

Who am I meant to Be???......stay tuned..I am gonna find out!!!

HEART HUGS,

Healing Heart..day 2

2011-01-02T21:46:00.001-08:00

Above art by http://www.bonesigharts.com/ I love terris art!!

Today was a good day..I went to see Narnia with my grandaughters....one of the many lessons I heard and felt today was...."do not focus on what was taken away..rather, focus on what was given to you"......hmmm....maybe my word is "focus"???.....well, maybe, but, focusing on what has been given to me is very healing ......I am Truly Blessed......

HEART HUGS,

Heart Acceptance

2011-01-01T17:36:00.001-08:00

This is a word that I am embracing today...I bought the wonderful piece of art above from Bone Sigh Arts

The word "ACCEPT" holds alot of power when you think about it...when you accept the realities of what is happening when your life spins out of control...you can finally release the pain and move forward..oh, i will probably slide back once inwhile...but..I really feel that I am in the Acceptance part of my life....with alot of help from Family , Friends and my Faith.

I will be putting this on my etsy soon. Every time the bell rings...well, you know the rest!!

I pray that I only have to learn the lessons one time tho!!

HEART HUGS,

One Heart...Becoming Whole in 2011

2010-12-31T11:58:00.000-08:00

Can you see the heart in this shell? My SIL gave this to me..she found it on the beach like this..I will cherish it forever. The Heart was made by nature..not man-made. Which I now understand that the holes in our heart are part of the lessons we learn in this journey called LIFE. The year 2010 was a rough one to be sure....this was the year a HUGE Hole took up residence in my heart...As I look back on the year in my minds eye beginning with January......things were not good and only got worse as the pages flipped on the calendar... but, I am also finding things to be grateful for as well....so many friends have remained by my side and listened to my broken heart weep...I realize now how hard it was for them to hear my sorrow...so I remain truly thankful for the gift of friendship...I did not realize how many friends I really have...I met some new friends in a class I took..especially a fabulous lady named Carol...she has been a lifeline to me and has helped me more than she could ever know....some friends I have not even met in person...people have reached out to me thru my blog and on Facebook,too......and so many,many customers from the Portland area and Spokane and Pasco and across the US...have sent me cards, emails and even called me on the phone ....sending me so much LOVE....I am Truly Blessed and Humbled by the out pouring of Love and Concern....

I am working on this one..Brave Heart......I do have fears, but, I am overcoming them one by one...I am Truly Blessed!

My friends have taught me that having a Listening Heart is such a gift.....I pray I do the same in return for them....I have spent hours on the phone with a few of them..and just recently, my neighbor, Sandy, and I have been chatting more and even decided we would start walking together.... she has lived across the street from me for 30 yrs...and we are just now getting to know each other...I am Truly Blessed!!!

Having my friends listen to me has helped my heart become more and more peaceful.....

and hopefully, with a peaceful heart...I will get back to creating ..to me, creating my faeries and collages . wrist cuffs ...birdies and cottages....is so magical...I go off to LA-La Land...(as my kids say!!!)...but, it is very healing for me....

and what I am putting out into the Universe for 2011 is to have an Authentic Heart...because to me being authentic and true to yourself is having a heart of...

LOVE

So, as the last day of this year slips into a new one, I am praying for new adventures and DISCOVERY of who I AM.....and that the hole in my heart heals...

and right now, I am off to go shopping with my friend Debbie!!! I am truly blessed!!!!

HEART HUGS,

One Hand - finding my heart

2010-12-10T11:56:00.001-08:00

I went to the beach with my sis thinking it would be just a fun "sister time" and re-connecting. It was that and oh so much more...I found my heart... some insight into myself. We were walking along the oceans edge when I told her that I liked to look for "heart rocks" and no sooner were the words outta my mouth she says...you mean like this? and hands me the heart rock...and our adventure began....

We clammered over slippery rocks to gt a closer look at the starfish that was clinging to the side of Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach. Usually, my Lar would lead me over rocky or difficult areas we were walking on..holding my hand or saying "step here".."there is a flat rock over there"...or reaching his strong hand out out to help me over a rough area ..such a true "gentle man"....this time, I did it on my own..found my own steps among the rocks......oh, I did pray for Lar to guide me, I must admit that, but, I made it! I only slipped once and caught myself on a barnacle covered rock.. got a tiny cut...but, I did think, on my, don't do that again!! Those shells are razor sharp!

What if our religion was each other.....If our practice was our life......If prayer our words ...What if the temple was the Earth.......If forests were our place of worship...If ritual objects - the rivers, lakes, and ocean.......What if meditation was our relationship......If the teacher was life.......If wisdom was self-knowledge.....If love was the center of our being- Ganga White

I am doing the "Hang Loose" sign that Lar would do alot ...so I was thinking of him very strongly in this picture.....

The sky was ever so much more beautiful than I could ever capture in the above picture...I think God got out His paint brush to show me that life is a masterpiece and we put the brush strokes on our journey thru life..its up to us what colors we choose...and how we paint our lifes story... discovering more and more colors and adventures.

Me....I am kinda leaning towards Amber and Teal these days...oh, throw in some Magenta,too!!! Hard to choose just one!!

HEART HUGS,

Dancin in the Dark..but, headin for the Light!

2010-11-25T08:06:00.000-08:00

Yesterday would have been our 31st wedding anniversary. But, instead of moping around here feeling sad, 2 dear friends, Joan and Jody, suggested we go to the movies. At first I resisted...but, then I thought why not go celebrate! So, I did. Let me tell you, it was adventure for me. It is way out of my comfort zone to travel in places I am unffamiliar with...and the theater was is Sherwood....I rarely go to Sherwood! I thought I had missed my exit and was running late..and left this long rambling voice mail for Joan...(they had their seats by now) ..told them I may be too late for the show...I was gettin a bit angry at myself at this point....but, then, I see a sign for Sherwood and I got all happy again and (still on voice mail) I tell Joan that I will be there in a few minutes! I park my car and run into the theater to get my ticket and find them ( I was already 15 minutes late!)...well, the theater was pitch black!!! I could not see a thing!! So, here I am, peering into the inky darkness looking for my friends...I am all bundled up in a heavy winter coat and scarf..going up the stairs slowly with my hands outstretched in front of me..I thought I was gonna fall! I get to the top of the stairs and I think, "I am gonna have either just stand in the stairway and hope they can see me or go and call Joan again.." but, all of a sudden, I hear.."psst...psst..over hear Coleen"......I was so relieved and wanted to bust out laughing, but, I held it in and settled in to watch the movie...which was fabulous BTW...I highly recommend it!!! After the movie we walked over to Rose's for a bite to eat.....we finally had a chance to chat and giggle over what Jody claimed "Coleens Dance in the Dark"...they could see me as the stairs had lights on them ... Joan listened to my rambling voice mail and we giggled some more! Jody gifted me with a darling necklace that she created using an image of one of faeries...(I will post a picture of it in my next blog, so stay tuned.)

After this adventure my heart felt a bit lighter and I do feel as though I was Dancing in the Dark...but, I am headin for the Light now...thanks to a little help from my friends! I think may want to take some dance lessons....look out world..here I come!

I got this in my email from TUT: Thoughts become things... choose the good ones! ® ©

Do you remember learning to ride your first bike, coleen? How impossible it seemed at first? And how impossible it now is to imagine it was ever hard? Life within the illusions of time and space is like that, too.
First you checked it out from the sidelines, then you dreamed of your own, and the next thing we knew, off came the training wheels and I dutifully, dotingly, and reluctantly let you go while galloping breathless at your side, as you let rip one wicked, "HANDS OFF!!!!!!!"
And so I watch, beaming with pride over your first solo trips. Impressed beyond belief with your courage and determination. Stunned by your natural talent and ambition to grow. Humbled by your willingness to risk a fall. Comforted by knowing that you're exactly where you most wanted to be. And stretching even my own vast mind, as I ponder and contemplate just how far you will go.
Ride on, brave heart - The Universe

Heart Hugs, And Happy ThanksGiving,too!

One ThankFul Hand

2010-11-23T12:22:00.000-08:00

BRRRRR......its cold!!! My son and I were so excited to watch the snow falling last night and as we were peeking out the window, I had an idea.... So, I pulled on my shoes and jacket and went out into the twilight night and pressed my handprint into the snow that had collected on my car.....then I had the thought to draw a heart around it and write our names,too.....notice the other thing that is there?? looks kinda like an arrow, huh? I swear to you I did not draw it!!!!

Then I drew a heart on the windshield and put our intials inside..I snapped this picture today...I see another heart...can you?

I know LOVE and for that I am truly THANKFUL!!!

Heart Hugs,

One Hand........Connections

2010-11-19T13:17:00.000-08:00

I decided to take myself on an "Inner Child Walk" today...I got this idea after listening to this. She calls it Weekly Tea Break and the tape I listened to was "Inner Child Work" I started out taking Taj,my fat lil chihuahua, but, he pooped out on me, so i took him home and headed back out. I found myself walking towards the park where I used to take the kids when they were little. It was raining and the wind was blowing hard. I had to hold onto my umbrella with both hands! I started to feel a little like Mary Poppins! Made me smile at the thought! I heard wind chimes tinkling and some sounding like Gregorian Chimes....very soothingand healing sounds. So, I was thinking, hmmm...maybe my inner coleen was coming out to play...but, all of a sudden memories of me as a young mom and her/my kids running up ahead of me appeared in my minds eye..She/I was saying...."Stop at the crosswalk...look both ways before crossing the street....can we go now?" Ahh..life was so carefree and good. I shifted back into the NOW...starting thinking of my Lar......and saw this cup blowing towards me..out of the corner of my eye , I saw the word KINECT......I kept walking...then, I thought......Kinect? ohhhhhh Connect!! Ofcourse!!! So, I went back and snapped a picture of it...I had to hold it down with my shoe as the wind was blowin it around!

I started down the path leading to the park when I saw a picnic table..this is new I thought, and had the feeling I should go over it....when I saw what someone had inscribed into the table I was stunned......Terry....the lady that made the audio I listened to about the Inner Child Work is Terri....... wow!!! Connections.......they are there, all around us if you just open up to them.....

I went on down the path and the young mom again came into my memories.....how many times we had come down this path....and looking over at the hill where Lar and I took the kids sledding one snowy day....it was so much fun.....and oh, yeah, there is the tree that Doug fell out of and we had to call an ambulance....the tree is sooo big now!!

I walked on and happened to notice a bit of color on the path...I know it looks like an oil sheen in the picture, but, its really a tiny wisp of fabric......I thought..hmmm....a piece of a fairy dress......I think my inner child had really come out to play!!......connections.......

and then there is this.......double rainbow......a Promise of Connections......today and everyday...I am connecting with myself and who I am becoming......I am so thankful for all the support and connections I have made thru this blog and facebook and support groups I have attended. Family and friends and customers and collectors.....have stood by me..cheered me on and pulled me up when I am down and help me to keep movin forward. And I will.....I plan on going for many more "Inner Child Walks"......now, if I can only get Taj to go with me...

Heart Hugs,

One Hand...moving forward

2010-11-16T20:58:00.000-08:00

Anyone that knows me well, knows that I take alot of hand pictures....Lar and I started this way back when...taking pictures of our hands together....it was our "thing"...so, I will continue taking pictures of my hand....its kinda strange not having his along side of mine, but, I can feel him smiling as I move forward..interesting thing about grief is that you cannot grieve, if you did not love.....and I am so blessed that I know love..... I saw this leaf and thought the drops on it looked like tears.....a journey of tears....

I lived in fairy tale world.....where fairies sheltered themselves from the rain under mushrooms...and danced in the moonlight......

but, now, angels are watching over me and dry my tears with their wings.....

this is my youngest sons hand..he still wears his "Live Strong" yellow band..I am so proud of him....he made "Daddy's Pizza" for his birthday..he wanted to make it himself...and it was delicious!!

So, we are moving forward and celebrating.......I have so much to be grateful for!!

Heart Hugs,

Coleen

Faithful and Loyal to the end

2010-10-28T14:23:00.000-07:00

This is Lobo...she has been with our family for around 15 years. Today, she joined my Lar...I just know that he was calling to her as she crossed over..I can just hear him saying "Hobo, Hobo, Hobo...Hows my Lobo"....She would always great us at the door wagging her tail...that is until the last few years....she had what is called "doggie dementia"... she would act like she did not know where she was or what she was doing...mostly blind, could hardly stand up...you can see it in her face...I took this picture yesterday..... She was a good and faithful doggie........we all miss her so much already.

Heart Hugs,

Angel Friends

2010-10-08T09:01:00.000-07:00

I took these pictures in my backyard yesterday ... and I got to thinking about Angels......I know they are here guiding me and you....seen and unseen. I just had to have this lil saying when I saw it at the garden store....it speaks volumes to me

this a quote I recieved in my email this morning really touched my heart:

True friendship is at the core of any happy life. If our family is our root system, our friends are our fellow branches. We're all striving together, supporting one another, providing shade and comfort.~ Addie Johnson

I am blessed to say that my friendship branches are growing...some have been there a long while and some are just starting to sprout and grow...some broke off and some are growing back...

Thank you for hanging in there my Earth Angel Friends...

Heart Hugs,

Gifts from Her Heart

2010-10-03T13:55:00.000-07:00

I met a new friend in Blogland....Griselda. What a beautiful name! Her timing was perfect when she reached out to me...then, she sent me these wonder-filled gifts...she said they were "seeds of creativity"...a nudge to get me creating again...and believing in me. Just look at these fabulous faces she sculpts..they are beads!...

and all this gorgeous fabric....love the colors!!

wings.......ofcourse......she knew exactly what I needed...wings to lift my spirit

and these wee dolly dress are so dear......they may get altered,tho!!!

here is her card..blogger flipped it sideways..I tried to turn it... anyway, I hope you visit her blog and web site !

and last, but not least..this is one of the most beautiful Spirit Dolls I have laid my eyes on..my pictures do not do it justice..she made this with such love ...you can feel it...I will cherish this and your kindness forever Dear One!

HeartHugs,

Who do you know that has a Faithful Heart?

2010-09-27T15:14:00.001-07:00

My heart has been Faithfully waiting for me to get back to creating...My Lar said this is part of "who I AM"...and creating these wrist cuffs have truly been a very healing time for me as well...thinking about the heart message that will go inside every cuff encourages me to realize how very fortunate I am to really know how it felt and still feels to have been so loved for over 30 yrs.

these delightful one of a kind cuffs have a secret message for you or a loved one on the inside ..the message on this one is "Faithful Heart"....HandMade wearable art inspired by Romance, Victorian , and even a little SteamPunk!! It begins with a srumptious velvet base and adorned with old lace, vintage rhinestones, buttons and trims...Will arrive snuggled inside its own little treasure box, hand painted by me. This one and more can be found in my Etsy Shop.

HEART HUGS,

A Gift from my Love

2010-08-27T23:18:00.000-07:00

so, guess where I am? I am with my very dear friend Debbie.(notice the orbs??) ..we are at...

the Doobie Brothers Concert!

Lar had bought the tickets for us in April...he really wanted to go,but, it wasn't to be.

So, I asked Debbie to go and we had a grand time..the guy sitting next to her had too much to drink and smoke, so we giggled a bit about that! The sax player was awesome!

this dude reminded us of Willy Nelsons brother......he was good,too!

I was really torn about going, but, thought it was a gift from my Lar and i feel he would have wanted me to go...i swear i could see him there laughing and clapping his hands and havin a great time! I am glad i went and that Debbie was there for me too...she really is a good friend and has helped me thru so much these past few months. I am so blessed!

Heart Hugs,

Heart Hugs,

Symbols of Love

2010-08-27T12:34:00.000-07:00

So, I was taking pictures of the pergola that my Lar designed and built and on the first picture I was amazed to see... the orbs.....this is the only picture they appeared on. I feel the Love.

Heart Hugs,

Redefining Who I Am.....

2010-08-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

So many changes in my life these past few months...adjustments...not only in my physical home... but, the "home" inside me...my soul..I am getting to know the "new" me little by little...sometimes I freak myself out..sometimes I am overwhelmed..sometimes I am scared...sometimes I am brave...sometimes I smile....and cry tears of joy, like when my friends daughter gave my this wonderfil gift...hands (if you have read my blog) are a very important symbol in my life...I will cherish this little stone forever...

So, speaking of hands...this is what my hands have been doing lately...creating wrist cuffs...this one is on its way to its new home across the land....

and a posy pin to go with the cuff.....I dyed the laces and trims...

I created this one for my SIL ( who helped me more than she could ever possibly know)...

As I created it, an idea was being born ....on the inside of the cuff I wrote.."Soul Sister"and I used an old earring and buttons that I received from our MIL...Larry's Mom

I felt like "Wonder Woman" when I put this cuff on...see the wee wings?..Pow..Zam..Zoom!!

So, this is what my hand, well, my wrist really!...wears now..I mentioned an idea was being born....

Its a "Memory Cuff".....I created this using a cuff from Larry's shirt....kinda looks like a crown in this picture!

I handdyed the laces and dedicated to him on the front

on the back I journaled some thoughts and put a secret message to Larry under his name

So, this is a piece of the new me that is emerging....I wonder what will be revealed to me next...hmmmmm

Heart Hugs,

Zentangle Promise

2010-07-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of Zentangle???........I think its been around for awhile, but, I have not been "tuned in" ....well, I am slowly coming back to creating...and discovered the world of Zentangle! It is like taking doodling to another level....and it is very "Zen-like" as I felt like I went into a meditative state as I created it...I think this will be on the cover of my journal. Another "new" art form for me...I have journaled in bits and pieces, but, never as an art form.... This is my very first one.....I created it with My Lar in mind... and heart...

"Forever Together........I Promise"

Heart Hugs,

A New Beginning

2010-07-09T08:09:00.000-07:00

One.Two.Three.Four.Five.Six.Seven.Eight.....
Seconds
MinutesHours
Days
Weeks
Months
Years......
Standing still, traveling fast...
Always with us...
Remember me when I am gone away,Gone far away into the silent land;When you can no more hold me by the hand,Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.Remember me when no more day by dayYou tell me of our future that you plann'd:Only remember me; you understandIt will be late to counsel then or pray.Yet if you should forget me for a whileAnd afterwards remember, do not grieve:For if the darkness and corruption leaveA vestige of the thoughts that once I had,Better by far you should forget and smileThan that you should remember and be sad. Christina Rossetti

It has been one month. Our love still "Rocks"!

Heart Hugs,

My Art Story

2010-05-28T07:25:00.001-07:00

I was honored to be asked to share my art story here.

Heart Hugs,

I Am A Winner!!!

2010-05-26T16:54:00.000-07:00

Looky what I won from Lilla Thank You so much Lilla........I cannot wait to use this on someting reall, really special! Or maybe i will just drool on it for awhile! Tee-hee!!!
I am one blessed gal.....
Heart Hugs,

Looky whats New in my shoppes!

2010-05-23T15:04:00.001-07:00

My dear Larry and I have been discussing wether or not we will be able to continue to do retail shows or not...as some of you know, he is very ill now. He has always helped me with the 8 hour booth set ups and and take downs..plus he has been dubbed "The Light King" for the fabulous job he does on booth lighting...so, while we pray for him to be completely healed, I thought I would list some goodies...these are currently in my shoppe and I have also listed some more creations on my Etsy as well. Please take a peek when you get a chance. Below is a picture of Mama SweetFeet..she can be found in the "Fripperies" Shoppe. (plus a few other designs in my Etsy) You can click on the pictures for an even closer look! This is wee "Dawn"..she is waiting to fly to her new home in the "Faeries" shoppe...I also have a few faeries in my Etsy..

This is one of my "Prayer Flags" and can be found in the Fripperies Shoppe..I have other ones in my Etsy!

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their good thoughts, prayers and support. It is very much appreciated!

Heart Hugs,
Coleen

SoulMates Forever

2010-04-13T15:42:00.001-07:00

I hear people say that they are "looking for their Soul Mate"...what does that mean exactly? I know what it means to me, but, everyones perception of what "it" is is different...and it may not even mean the same thing to the two people involved...but, I know that Larry is my soulmate...I guess maybe that what it is really.."a soul knowing'...recognizing each others souls..
a "forever knowing"...now, I am not saying that I believe in re-incarnation...but, I think it has some merit to it..been "studying on it" as a friend of mines hubby says...when Lar and I first met.. over 30 yrs ago..I just knew deep in my heart that "he was the one"

I made this "cake" intuitively...I had no plan..it practically created itself...Larry asked me to marry him 3 weeks after we met...we married 3 months later and we celebrated 30 yrs this past November...we just "knew".....

Had to sneek this picture of my man vacuuming my booth at the last show in Pasco..part of our routine in setting up the booth..he gets out the vacuum and that is the last thing we do before going to the hotel to celebrate with a glass (or two) of wine... you can see the "cake" on the small table in the background

Oh, and my "SoulMate" also makes the best waffles ever!

back to the cake...this is Mr. And Mrs. Topper SweetFeets..

Mr. Topper has the word "beloved" from vintage text on his wing and the Mrs. has "Our Love" from an old book on hers...I have started to really like the steampunk look, and I am incorporating that feel into my new designs...kinda "spiritually romantic steampunk"...

I think this SweetFeets is gonna hatch something really wonder-filled, don't you???

A Miracle .....

This is my sign in my booth.....

This usually take us 8 hours to set up and 3 to take down..but, we were so blessed this time..our son, Kyle and 3 of his friends drove 4 hours to help us set up on Thursday...then, Our daughter, Coral and her hubby, Viet and our son, Larry jr drove up (another 4 hours) on Sunday to help us tear down...when we got home, Lar had to go to the ER..he had a collapsed lung and has since had surgery...yup, he is my soulmate....forever

pictures of the Pasco Show Booth...I was so happy to be surrounded by my friends..Ace Leather ( with their awesome purses and other leather goods..Kathy and Andrew are the best!!!)..they were right across from me..and my friend Eli Sanders was right next to me..we yelped with joy when we discovered this...So many people came by to give us hugs and encouragement...Kay of Antique Annies..Love her and her dollies make you smile..Cerrie of Crows Feat..her wood carvings are the best!...made some new friends,too..just cannot remember everyones name...but, They are all so very special to me!

This lil sweetie is holding a tiny, vintage doll shoe, and if you look closely, you will see a picture of my mom as a young lass inside..she is on her on Soul Journey now....miss her

Oh, I just wanted to add that Iam on facebook now...you can click on the badge(or the word facebook in this sentence) on the left hand side and 'friend' me, if you'd like!!!

Heart Hugs,

Listen...do you want to know a secret?

2010-03-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

I have been creating my faeries for over 10 years now, and they have been teaching me all along the way, only, I did not realize it...sometimes lessons just lay quietly in the garden of your heart until you are ready...

for them to sprout and grow.........

(sorry the above picture is sideways!)
A gnome mine!

sometimes, you just need to get real quiet and...

Listen within for the message that your soul is longing for ....

Sometimes, the messages come in the form of a dream.....

(look at her cute hat!)

Remember, the seeds you plant in your heart...

take root in your soul...so, plant good ones!

I love the act of searching for the perfect text I put on some of my faeries...I find it very meditative...one of many lessons.......

on my Soul Journey.....

Sometimes taking the first step is scary, but, the rewards are great in knowing that you can accomplish what you set out to do..... the path may wind around a bit and have some detours along the way......

But, it is all a part of the lesson.....

Just remember to ....

Shine your Light and Believe in Miracles!

I did not think we would be doing shows anymore...but, I need to listen to my faeries more often...a miracle happened today...my son, Kyle, and 3 of his friends are making the 4 hour drive to Pasco, Wa. to help me and Lar set up for the show. We will be at the Custers Art and Craft Show on March 26, -28th...if you are in the area, please pop by for a hug!

Heart Hugs,

Introducing..."Sweet Feets"

2010-03-10T16:00:00.000-08:00

I know I have been a MIA lately.....alot has been going on in the Sohn Home. Some of you know about my dear husband Larry and what he is going thru in his battle with cancer. We found out on my birthday (Feb. 9th) that the chemo was not working..and that the tumors had grown in both lungs. We were devastated as you can imagine. But, my hubby, my hero, my motorcycle man says, "Ok..what is the next step in my healing"... he is now doing clinical trials and is doing well. I ask for your continued prayers and good thoughts...Thank You!

Now on to "Sweet Feets"......
This creation has literally saved me.....I really thought I was gonna loose my mind and my creativity, but, somehow this wee birdie flew into my heart and demanded to be let loose! Check out those toes!.....These feet were made fore walkin....sorry, that song just popped into my head...anyway....

Notice the painted toes and ankle bracelet!!! Click on the pictures for a closer look!

lots of techniques in creating the wing....I have done many styles.....I use vintage text..hand painted vintage laces and trims...rhinestones.....

oops.....don't know why the above pic is sideways....this is the mama and her baby

this gal is goin to the chapel and she's gonna get married.....(another song...i am thinking in songs all of a sudden! jeesh!)

She is covered in glitter...and I used some of the yummy fabric ,covered with tiny seed beads, that I bought from Amusements recently....its really old and lovely!...hmmm.....should her name be "Lovey"...didn't the rich guy on Gillians Isle call his wife that?...can't remember his name. dang it!

love the vintage swirly pin on this one!...maybe her name should be "Swirly Sweet Feets"!

This is the other side of "Swirly"...tee-hee...I am makin this all up as i go.....

So, this gal has a piece of a flower from a vintage hat on her head..looks like a Plume...so, guess what her name is?

I have some on a block (I was thinking of calling the collection "Birds on the Block", but, some of them are free standing, so that didn't "fly") oh, I crack myself up! Anyway, the blocks are covered with vintage velvet and trims and original text from old books.....

more of that yummy fabric adorns the corner of this block...love the tail feathers on this one..."Shake a tail feather,yea, yea"....oh, sorry..where was I? Oh, I think her name is ...all together now..."Feather"!

So, I was thinking....I would like to start teaching classes.....I think this would be a great one, what do you think?

Heart Hugs,

Love is....

2010-02-16T09:32:00.000-08:00

Well, the One World One Heart...give away is over..and gifts are winging their way all over the world... but, i have been pondering my query of what Love is....

it is many things to many people..family...holding hands...chocolate!...never having to think of what to say...everything....everlasting.......

and Forever.......

Heart Hugs,

Love is...Comforting and is a winner!

2010-02-15T11:04:00.001-08:00

At first, I thought,hmmmmm...not everyone played by the "rules"...I guess I am a rule follower....so, I was not going to put anyones name in the pot to draw if the did not answer my "rule"...I asked that people who chose to comment on the One Heart giveaway to finish the sentence..."Love is...." not everyone did...makes me think they just zipped thru posting comments without reading....but, then I thought, at least they took the time to comment...so, I relented and put everyones name in....and I drew...Martha's!.. I just chuckled to myself when I saw her name..you see, I know Martha!!! She lives in Oregon, too.....now here is the interesting thing...I thought, well, let me see who would've won if i just drew from the names that answered Love is...and you guessed it...out came Martha's name again! Love is Comforting.....yes, it sure is!

Heart Hugs,

Heart Messages and faeries, oh my!

2010-02-07T08:12:00.001-08:00

Love is in the air....can you feel it??....The heart..the symbol of Love... you can find it here Forever........
Click on pictures for a closer look! update...I am taking part in the I Made It! Blog Party at Everything Etsy

A Love Journey.....now thats a trip I have been on for over 30 yrs!!!... now in my shoppe

I know love, therefore I am truly blessed.....

This is "Sew-Sew".......the soul mender..."Listen to your Heart" is her message you can find her here

And here is "Joy"......she writes down all her Love thoughts in her Journal ..now in my shoppe

And here is the Love of my Life..welding his Heart Lights....You'll be in my Heart, Now and Forever more! (Love that song!)

Heart Hugs,

Mossy Walk

2010-02-05T09:40:00.001-08:00

He said "Wanna go for a walk?" She said "Ok, let me grab the camera, I want to take some pictures of Moss!" He just shakes his head and smiles...he knows me so well. So I put on my tennis shoes...... and he grabs my hand.....and we are off on our adventure!

ok, I had to sneek another hand shot in...the picture below is our hands in cement..there is moss in the picture, tho! (we are missing Kyle...he was still a twinkle in our hearts)...Coral was about 2 yrs old when we did this (she is almost 28 now!) She did not like getting dirty! Dales handprint has moss growing in it - he was going thru a phase when he wanted to spell his name Dael...I cherish this lump of cement!

oh my...I love mossy rocks...it seems as tho we are under going a moss explosion here in Oregon. Not good on roofs, tho!!!

Mossy bricks.......I love how it is creeping along the grooves..

Oh, a treasure in the moss!!...hmmm........this would make a great hanger for a project I am working on!!

Buds about to burst open..it feels like spring...and new beginnings!

Heart Hugs,

Look whats new in my Shoppe!

2010-01-29T16:12:00.000-08:00

The Pink house is in the Cottages shoppe..and the blue one (featured in Sew Somerset magazine) is in my Esty shop . UPDATE...the blue cottage has been SOLD! Thank You!!

I love this saying!

notice the crooked stovepipe chimney?

every home has a heart!..its the key to everything!

and you are welcome here!

this sweetie is named "Fleur" and she whispers "Faith'...see her in the Faerie Shoppe!

Thanks for visiting!!!

Heart Hugs,

A blogger needs your help and prayers

2010-01-27T15:58:00.001-08:00

I just read about this on my friend, Deb Kennedy's, blog, Hummadeedledee. The magnitude of the sorrow the Gina must feel and is going thru is hard to comprehend. Please read on and help if you are moved to. Thank You,
Coleen

Many of you are familiar with Gina Drennon at Feather Your Nest either through her lovely online store & blog (http://www.shopfeatheryournest.com/) or maybe her store's many mentions in some of our favorite magazines & blogs. She has become a close friend of mine, and probably some of yours, and she needs our help.Last week her dear husband died tragically of a heart attack. He was 39 years old & appeared to be in perfect health. They were high school sweethearts, had been together over 20 years and married 16 and spoke of each other like they were newlyweds--true soulmates. They have two beautiful sons as well, I cannot remember their exact ages but I know are middle school & elementary school aged. Michael worked hard for his family so Gina could live her dream of being a shop owner. And their lives have been turned upside down.
She quickly decided that she has must close her store so she can focus on her family & find a job that will provide a steady salary & benefits that they've now lost, & move on with their new life as soon as possible. The problem with doing it now is her store is located in a tourist resort & it currently "off season" which will not begin to even pick up for several months and not fully until late spring/early summer and her store isn't even open in January regardless. Selling as much as possible online as quickly as possible, will certainly help her out.
We've all seen the mountains a group of bloggers can move when we band together. I'm kindly asking that each of you post something on your blog to encourage your readers to shop with her, and/or pass it on to others, tweet it, whatever. Gina does not know I am doing this, she is first very proud and would never ask for help, and dislikes any attention. But she is a generous soul and I have watched her donate goods and money to others in need more often than anyone. I feel helpless watching her struggle from afar & am trying to think of anything I can do to help.
Currently she is trying to get her store back online. She had a friend just delete all the files off the site after his death and when I e-mailed her earlier she was attempting to re-upload all the files and then post notices....hoping to finish within the next 24 hours. She will start out with all merchandise at 25% off site-wide.
http://www.shopfeatheryournest.com/
www.shopfeatheryournest.com/blog
twitter.com/featheryournest
facebook.com/featheryournest
Thank you,Jennifer Bradley

Heart Hugs,

Magic Carpet Ride Give-A-Way!

2010-01-25T11:20:00.000-08:00

Comments are now closed for this give away...I will be posting the winner soon~~~ Thank You to all that entered and for your sweet words!!
I had been planning to have a give away on my "Blogversary" which happens to be my birthday (Feb. 9th) and I was going to draw the winner on Larry's B-Day which happens to be Feb. 10th...but, my dear friend, Marcie, (she has a great give away, too!!!...go see!!!) told me about the OWOH (One World One Heart) event, I decided to jump on the magic carpet and go for a ride! Wheeeeeeeeee!!!

I just created this darling wee pin this past week...I wanted to have some hand sewing to work on while sitting in the living room with my Lar... as before the diagnosis, I was always working in my studio and only ventured out to cook dinner, eat, and then back to my studio! Things have changed!

I have her pictured here on top of an old book...she'd make a great journal cover......hmmmmmmm

Her body and wings are made out of an old cutter quilt..vintage trim adorns her head....the turquoise part of her body is hand painted canvas as is the "bar" that she hangs from...a vintage piece of lace dances down from the back.....a standard bar pin is sewed securely on the back of the bar (with the word "Cherish" on it)

Ok, now for the "rules"...to play..........you must leave a comment to be entered. To make it fun, complete this thought: Love is....

(its ok if people leave the same thought) but, remember, you must have a way for me to link back to you or send me your email should you be the winner! I will be choosing the winner on Feb. 15th. Please spread the word!

Heart Hugs,

Welded Hearts and Heart Hands

2010-01-22T09:05:00.001-08:00

I mentioned in my last post about Larry and I always holding hands...we take hand photos alot..it all started on a trip to Egypt when we put our hands under a hieroglyphic of hands...so, we started taking more pics of our hands when we go on trips or the mood just hits us...like the picture below of our hands making a heart...its like we are one heart.... hands also in prayer together....

who is that masked man?......looks like some heart welding going on here...we have a "thing" for hearts,too...in case you havn't guessed! I love this heart shape.......

but, most of all..I love the heart in this man...

My Lar....

Heart Hugs,

New Beginnings and Holding Hands

2010-01-14T08:35:00.000-08:00

Ahhh.....here is my lovely daughter being escorted down the isle to her new life...I love how her daddy is holding her hand..just like he had so many times before..like when he saw her for the first time and her fingers curled around his (and his heart!)....or walking her safely across a street or taking her to gymnastics class....or.....sigh! She has grown to be such a wonderful woman and we are so very proud of her!

and here I am..grasping onto Lar's finger.....we always hold hands when we walk,such a natural thing for us to do......I love his hands...so strong...

This is a new beginning for us too...A new way of life....we are so blessed to have the love we share that grows deeper every day!

Thank you all so much for all your prayers and good thoughts.....believe me, they are working!

Heart Hugs,

FAerie Angels ,Pins and Prayer Flags..Oh My!

2010-01-09T16:32:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to pop in and say I added items to the Faerie Shoppe and Fripperies Shoppe!

Heart Hugs,

Team for Larry

2010-01-08T08:02:00.000-08:00

T.E.A.M ....Together Expect A Miracle..........This came to me during a night time nap.......I have believed that we are all connected for a long time now.......and it occured to me that we are all a TEAM of some sort...in some way...for each other....it does take a TEAM to keep each other going thru our challenges and thru our good times, too......it took a TEAM to help us thru Corals wedding and now we have another TEAM helping us thru Larrys Journey......an angel delivered us 5 meals last night...and homemade pumpkin bread, too!!! Her name is Erin..her hubby, Brent, helped too! I was so touched by this kindness!
I created these items to put in my shoppe this weekend...the above picture is a pin to wear...and below is one of my prayer flags

Pink Halo......

Blue Halo

Teal Halo

I will be also taking orders on these...choose your own colors,affirmation... etc......I do not know if I will be doing shows again or not....but, i do know that creating helps me in so many ways...I have had so many people tell me that my Faerie/Angels helped them or a loved one thru a difficult time...now they are helping me. Thank You All so much for your prayers..it really means alot to both of us! What a TEAM!!

Heart Hugs,

Miracles are Expected

2010-01-01T10:57:00.000-08:00

I have a favor to ask of you.......from 7pm to 7:45 pm every night, my sweet man and I will be praying and visulizing his complete healing...so, if, possible, please add your prayers and good thoughts to ours...even for a minute or so during this time period...I believe in the power of prayer......"expect more than you ever thought possible"

Thank You! and Thank You God!

If we make our goal to live a life of compassion and unconditional love, then the world will indeed become a garden where all kinds of flowers can bloom and grow.
Dr. Elisabeth Kuebler-Ross

Heart Hugs,

Unexpected

2009-12-30T16:23:00.001-08:00

We must be willing to get rid of the life we planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. (Joseph Campbell )

well, guess it is time to share a bit more on what i alluded to on a previous post in August.....my darling motorcycle man was diagnosed with cancer on July 10....when he had surgery to remove a lump in his leg...sarcoma.....we were sure that he beat it as they got it all and his CT scans were clear...he had 3 months of radiation which was very rough...but, we were very hopeful that is was gone...the drs even used the "CURE" word.......I did my November shows with no worries....then around the beginning of Dec. Lar was not feeling well...his back hurt and he started coughing.....and also around this time the wedding was ramping up to full speed. we had the bridal shower/party on Dec. 5th...then launched into wedding frenzy.....all the while my sweet man still was not doing so great and finally went to the dr..he said pneumonia....but, just to be sure lets send the xray for a second opinion.......Dec. 17th we got the news the cancer had gone to both lungs.....dec. 18th..wedding rehearsal ..lar could not attend as he was having a PICC line inserted for the chemo..but, he did make it to the rehearsal dinner....I am in total shock by now as we all were...dec. 19th ..me and coral and her bridesmaids assemble flowers and get our nails and toes done.....how did i do it? autopilot i guess. dec. 20th is the wedding day and we had the morning Vietnamese wedding ceremony then off to get hair and makeup done then wedding ceremony downtown at The Crown Ballroom.......it is all so surreal to me......dec. 21 (morning after the wedding) chemo begins.......this is a new journey for my family.......I ask that you keep my sweet man in your prayers. he has always been my Knight In Shining Armor.....taking care of me and the kids....I have truly lived a fairy tale life....now it is my turn to take care of him. I know LOVE...therefore I am Truly Blessed.

Heart Hugs,

"V" is for Ricci's "Vision" and for Viet...Our Future son-in-law!

2009-12-13T15:13:00.000-08:00

My sweet daughter-in-law, Ricci, had a vision to transform our home into an Old Hollywood supper club for our daughter, Coral's, bridal shower/party. The theme for the wedding is "Old HollyWood Glam" and we wanted to carry it thru for the party. Ricci is the kind of gal that has decorating magic in her fingertips......we used alot of what I already had. Here she is around 11pm the night before the party putting up the "chandelier"...actually feathered disco ball Christmas ornies! We tuelled the ceiling and sprinkled in the dollar store rose petals.

My son and I created this sign that we had at the entrance....

We thought putting the old glam stars and rat pack pictures up would add to the fun...they even "autographed" them to Coral and Viet!

This is the top of the stairs leading from the front door. We hung a curtain up to give the feeling of entering a club. The frame at the top of the stairs has the movie title "From Here to Eternity" Starring Coral and Viet......battery operated candles light the way on the stairs....

Peeking in thru the archway.... notice the heart that my hubby made!

bar and window seating.... food table is to the right...it was loaded with goodies and heart shaped sandwiches. We twirled black chiffon around the dishes with a string of lights underneath...very festive! Can you see Corals wee doggie..Taj...?

this is the "Lounge" area where we held the shower part of the party..later on the guys arrived and we opened up the bar....this is usually our dining room! We flipped the rooms around.....

Bar area......long table with glasses.....serve yourself!

cozy seating for two in front of the fireplace.......love this shot....Ricci also takes very artistic photo's! We also had a few other "bistro" type tables set up around the room....

another view of the bar area....and tuelle

cutting the cake...good practice!

Viet is laughing cause I told him to put his hand on top of Corals cause that is the very last time he will have the "upper hand"...notice in the above picture that Corals hand is on top!

This was during the shower (pics are a lil out of order!) Coral is wearing the feather wrap that Ricci and I bought for her to wear at the wedding for outdoor pictures......

Me and my darling daughter.......sigh! We had the TV on in the background tuned into old 50 movies........we had the sound to the TV turned off as we had music from that era playing on the stereo...

The ladies!

The happy couple toasting to their future!

I recieved this in my email from my former minister...its on Visioning.......

I invite you to notice what it is you’re thinking about today. Where's your attention? Where's your focus? That's where your vision is.

You have a very powerful visioning capacity.

James Allen wrote a ground breaking book around the turn of the Twentieth Century entitled, "As A Man Thinketh." James Allen said, the vision that you glorify in your mind, either you revere or you fear. That's how you glorify something. You put a lot of energy on it. The vision that you glorify in your mind; the ideal that you enthrone in your heart, this you will build in your life. This you will become. Any thought that is either feared or revered gathers a whole lot of energy around it and becomes the life we build. So today, let's fill our mind and our vision with thoughts that we love, visions of possibility and the life we are meant to live.

I vision my daughter having a very bright future filled with Love! So it is!

Heart Hugs,

"U" is for Unusually Bizzy!"

2009-12-08T09:50:00.001-08:00

November was an Unusually bizzy month! But, my heart is so happy!!! The picture above is a steel heart that my sweet Motorcycle Man created for our 30th wedding anniversary. I will cherish it forever. He took a welding class and designed this as a surprise! He will also have some for sale soon,too! ( with my encouragement!) I will post more pics soon!

But, I am getting ahead of myself....the whirlwind began the first weekend in November when I did my first show in Portland at the Convention Center...this was the entrance to my booth.

I had it loaded with faeries and stockings and wee cottages, oh my!

this cutie is off to her new home.....

a vintage wedding couple in a collaged flower pot has many tales to tell.......

This faerie named "Soliel" proclaims "Magic Awaits You"...little did I know, that this was a message for me, too!

I was about to embark on a "Soul Journey"....... finding an inner strength I did not know I had. We all do, sometimes it just waits just at the right moment to appear...

My booth in Portland was pretty bare by the end of the show and i just had 10 days to create before my next show....and in those 10 days we had a birthday to celebrate..(our youngest child turned 19!)...and moved out...well, just down the street...but, still...we had an empty room....to fill!! yippeee......more room for my "stuff"... I also was helping my dear daughter with wedding preparations and dress fittings........so fun!...My feet hit the ground running every morning!.....

We took off for Spokane on the 18th...and as soon a we parked the trailer (after 7 hours of driving) we hit the vintage shops looking for "bling" for our daughters wedding...her theme is Old HollyWood Glam...we scored at a sweet shop named "Finders Keepers"...they were at Farm Chicks,too.....such nice ladies!

The picture below is the entrance to my booth in Spokane, Washington.....

This booth is a bigger one and took us 8 hours to set up.....

The customers came and shopped by the droves......

We were all very happy and very tired.

We got home on the 23rd and the next day was our 30th anniversary...then we had Thanksgiving.....its a blur.....then we started preparing for our daughters bridal shower...it took me a week to shop and shop and shop (I also found my dress to wear for the wedding! Yahooo!!) and decorate the house. I am so glad that my daughter-in-law was helping me..she is a real treasure and super talented. I will share pictures of the "event" soon...it was this past weekend.....

Now on the the next adventure!

What Magic Awaits Us?

Heart Hugs,

Look what my Muse gave me!

2009-10-22T12:27:00.001-07:00

A new Faerie/Angel! I painted her body and wings ... she is made of my new fav material, CANVAS! I added vintage text and painted some vintage lace, too.....click on my flickr badge for more pictures sorry for the glare...it reads..."Why do You believe in Miracles?"

"I say, because I have seen them"

vintage lace painted with various colors.......yum!

Here she is in all her glory....I was talking to Marcie, and told her the body was painted with a color called Halo blue...and Marcie says, "that should be her name!" And so it is!

"Halo" is really helping me to keep ahold of my faith and know that "With God, All things are Possible"

Heart Hugs,

T is for Thankful and my new fav color ...Teal

2009-09-23T13:20:00.000-07:00

I have sooooo much to be Thankful for....this past weekend was full of love and fun! First off, on Sunday we were at the faire and my booth was a Fairy Garden....Party!...This was my very first outdoor show ever!

I have to tell you that Martha did an outstanding job of putting this event on...Her booth was fabulous and very busy!!!I had the honor of being right next to her and her awesome "Elf" Patty....it turns out that Patty and I had met a few years before when I did the Greens Show in Salem! Patty is a dear,dear gal...so authentic and a kind soul! Some of my faeries have the privilege to live with her!

I got to meet so many new friends...Laurie, Molly Mo's, Sammy Girl, Adrienne and more whose names have slipped my mind! Also spoke with some of my collectors that I have not seen in awhile...one even told me that she submitted my name to Mary Englibrite (before her magazine folded.).how sweet was that!

This wee faerie , whom I named "Soliel" (after Cique de Soliel) greeted all that entered the party...she wants to join the circus!

This is what my booth looked like...it sure was nice that we could do a partial set up on Saturday as we had plans to go........

HERE!!!.........This is the Chinook Winds Casino in Lincoln City, Oregon...they had an antique car show going on!

I just had to take a picture of this car...for the color!..TEAL!!! Love it!!! The car is pretty awesome, too....so is the Motorcycle man peeking in the window! (wink, wink!)

And this car was just to appropriate for what we got to see and experience next!!!

The Beach Boys!!!! I boogied in my seat and clapped til my hands ached!

But, before all the fun,fun, fun ("Til my daddy took my beach board away!."..sorry, couldn't help myself..."Help me Rhonda...help,help me Rhonda!"...dang...their music is still in my head!!!!) now where was I? Oh yeah....before all the excitement of the Beach Boys, we sat on the deck of our hotel room, sipped some wine and looked at this awesome view...and watched a whale swim around and around...

Yuppers.......Life is good..........I have alot to be Thankful for!

Heart Hugs,

S is for ShowTime!!!! http://historicdeepwoodestate.org/

2009-09-18T17:57:00.001-07:00

OMGoodness!!! What was I thinking!!!.......I have never done an outdoor show before and I am a tad nervous about it!!! My MotorCycle man tackled it head on...this is an inside joke, but, i'll tell ya...he sliced his head open a little bit getting stuff out of the trailer...he's ok,tho...I had to make him sit down for a bit with a bag of ice on his head...i told him I might insist he wear his motorcycle helmet when we unload!

Anyway, the above picture is our "mockup"..i will hang stuff from the fencing and the display board..I will be sitting in the back at the gold cloth covered table...

this is one side..i am thinking of putting the cottages on here..make a wee faerie village!

this is a back table...i have since ironed the cloth!!!...i think faeries will be on this table

this cottage will not be there...it has sold and off to a new land...Maryland!!.......

this wee cottage will make an appearance tho..i love how colorful it is...i painted canvas to create this one...I am loving working with paint...and falling in love with colors that I never thought would interest me...go figure!...like turquoise!

This prayer flag says it all.......I will go forth and have a wonder-filled time!!! If you are in the area, hope you will stop by and say hi!!..oh, yeah, its in Salem, Oregon at the DeepWoods Estate...http://historicdeepwoodestate.org/

Heart Hugs,

R is for Radiant Reflection and a "Rock*

2009-09-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

*Radiant*..............such a beautiful word......used alot to describe a bride...we will have a Radiant Bride (our only daughter) going down the isle in December....I am sooooo excited!!!! This is one of a series of *Prayer Flags* that I have been making...I have discovered that in creating my art, that the act itself strengthens my soul...there is something very healing in the creating process...brings me alot of peace.

I love this quote "There are two ways of spreading Light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it" (E. Warton)

Can you see me?...(in the pic below)....click to make larger....I was on the phone with Marcie ...see the lil picture frame on the table (in the above pic)...that was a gift from her and I treasure it...its a Faerie Queen...she calls me "Queenie".... love her!

interesting, if I take a step or two in another direction, I get another "view" of what is reflected in the mirror.....just like life...we get to choose our "views"...it all depends what path we choose to take or even where we are on the path to begin with! you get a different view with each twist and turn along the journey of life. I heard this quote once that resonated with me...not sure if I am quoting it exactly, but, its something like this..."God is like a mirror...the mirror never changes but the Reflection does."...I like that....we all have our own personal beliefs and Relationship with our Creator and I honor that.....

How are you shining your Light?

I made this Prayer Flag with my "Motorcycle Man" (Larry) in mind.....he is my *Rock,* my Life, my Love.

God is Good...All the Time!!!!

Heart Hugs,

Q is for Queens and Quotes

2009-08-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

Ahhh.the four "Queens"......no, I did not get this hand dealt to me....would be great to have in a game of rummy....we do not really get to choose what is dealt to us, huh? Sometimes I think that would be a great thing...living in LA-LA LAnd where all is good everyday ... all day. But, I think that maybe we would not appreciate the "good" without the "bad"....
Look at the Queen in the upper left hand corner of this storybook........she looks so angry about something...did those wee froggies do something to tick her off? She appears to be very rich and beautiful, so whats the problem? Guess money doesn't bring you happiness, all the time huh? The real abundance in our life is health.

But, I try really hard to see the good...even when "bad" things are happening.... and rely on my faith to get me thru..."Where there is Hope There can be Faith. Where there is Faith Miracles can occur" I am praying for a miracle about something that I am not quite ready to share.

and "Treasure The Moment" ......

you can click on the pictures for a closer look!

I just saw this quote this morning...Do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of."- Benjamin Franklin. Good one huh?.....I have this on my coffee mug (Only I drink tea!)...."Worrying does not empty Tomorrow of its troubles..it empties today of its strength" I like that one, too.......I use quotes alot in my creations....I have since the early nineties, so I have quite a few favorites that I try to rely on when I am going thru a troubling or even a happy time. Remember, "Behind every storm cloud, the sun still shines"!

I put some cuffs in my Fripperies Shoppe...the one above has already sold! Thank You!!!

the style of cuff i pictured in the post will be in a Belle Amoire issue..not sure which one....and the other cuff style in the Fripperie Shoppe was in the current issue of Sew Somerset.

Heart Hugs,

P is for Pefectly Precious

2009-07-23T08:07:00.001-07:00

I had been thinking about a *P* word for some time now...it has been awhile since I posted and alot has gone on in my world since my last post and the next letter was *P* ( I have been doing the alphabet).....anyway, different *P* words would drift into my mind when I thought, gee, I really should post something....but, what word?...depending on my feelings these words would pop in..."pain" "promise" "passion" "please " "party!"...see it on the book? well, we did have a party recently under our pergola (another *P*) that my Motorcyle Man designed.....but, I didn't want to post about it..we got rained out..whine...whine..whine.....wine? Then, I thought....hmmmm....*Purple* is one of my fav colors...notice my Purpley hands?? I was painting that day...but, I also like *Pink*......uh, nah, didn't wanna *Post* about colors.......

Then yesterday, a new *P* word popped in (or out, haha!!)........*Precious*...well, his name is Dezi, but, he is oh so precious to me...all 6lbs 11 oz and 19 1/2" of him......our first grandson was welcomed to our world yesterday at 3:50 pm....and I was so honored to be there.

Do ya think they make motorcyle gear that tiny??? I proclaimed his Indian name to be "StrongHeart" as the Doc was concerned about his heart (but, he is *Perfect*) ...grandpa nicknamed him "Thumper"!

Heart Hugs,

O is for Open!!!!! My Shoppe is Open!!!!!

2009-06-26T12:52:00.000-07:00

Hooray!!! My shoppe is finally open! Just click on the Shoppe button above or directly enter the shoppe of your choice...Faeries..Cottages...or Fripperies.....(I also opened my Etsy,too! click on the Etsy button on my side bar or go to www.weefae.etsy.com)I have been working really hard to stock it with wonder-filled goodies! I will be adding whimsical creations quite frequently so, please check back often! For the month of July, I will be offering FREE shipping! At this time I am shipping to the US only.

You may make your purchases with the secure paypal button at the bottom of the last picture posted... Please email me at reflect@spiritone.com if you would like to phone in your order or purchase by check or money order. Custom orders are welcome!

Heart Hugs,

Wendy's StoryBook Cottage

2009-06-15T19:52:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share pictures of a custom order I recently shipped out to a very sweet lady that collects my faeries....her name is Wendy. she asked if I could put a baby deer or bunnie on the cottage....lucky me, I found a fawn on ebay...she looks so cute snuggled up against the side of the cottage on a bed of moss...I added some glitter dots on this wee fawn...don't the babies usually have white dots on them? The door is vintage pink velvet....and the doorknob is an old button.

This side shows a wee girl peeking out the window.....The roof is a moss green velvet with old metal trimming for the eves...

ahhhh...she has a message for us.......

Wendy requested the year of her birth be added to the cottage...I hand dyed the lace on the peek of the roof line......

I think Wendy's Cottage will look so sweet sitting among her faeries!

Heart Hugs,

Farm Chicks...Part 3...The Party!

2009-06-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

The Sweet Cindy, Queen of Tartes http://queenoftarte.blogspot.com/, invited my Motorcycle Man and I to the party of all parties at Chaps restaurant on Saturday evening. The event was put on by Cindy, The Barn House Boys http://barnhousebh.blogspot.com/ and Celeste , the owner of Chaps...she was also a vendor at farm Chicks. The decor in Chaps was a visual treat...I wish I had taken more pictures of the interior...but, trust me, it was just too darn sweet.Cones of peanuts nestled in bed springs.......charming!!!

Great use of a plant display.....I have a few of these and will surely "borrow" this idea...
The tent outside (oh yes, the party was inside and outside!) held round tables...with each table holding a food course...salad table...appetizer table...main course table....and the dessert table...yum!I got the pictures out of order, but, the treats on the pink planter display were dunked into this chocolate delight.....look at the designs left on the tablecloth! Chocolate art!This is an awesome welcome banner printed on burlap

The Barn House Boys...http://barnhousebh.blogspot.com/ I think we were all dubbed Barn People that night!!!Heres......Kim!!! http://mimicharmante.blogspot.com/ Just as cute as can be! I snapped this picture after she took a picture of the four of us...its on her blog.....We sat with Debi and Bob http://retreatdesign.blogspot.com/ http://decodivadebi.blogspot.com/and had some great laughs and shared business "stories"...they are two of the nicest people we met. so authentic and truly live from the inside out. Love them!
I snapped this picture as we were leaving at 9:30...I think the party was just getting started...but, we were two of the older folks there (but, young at heart!) and we needed to get our snooze time in before another big day of sellin...I'm sure the young Chickies (and Roosters) partied on til well after midnight...I was cuttin some serious zzzzzzz's by then!! Ahhhh...youth!

Again, I moved the pictures closer together, so the comment box is waaaaaaaaay down there...I do not know how to move it up...guess i will stop moving the pictures closer as it leaves such a big space.....I am still learning how to do this bloggy thing, so if anyone knows how to help me, please do!!!

Heart Hugs,

Farm Chicks...Part 2! The People!

2009-06-11T07:32:00.001-07:00

I really didn't feel like I got to go around and shop much at the show...we whizzed around a little bit before the show and I snapped pictures as I went along...I didn't get all the booth names, so, if any Chickies see your booth or products, please let me know and i will give you proper credit! Ok, on with the show...I begin with the "The Queen of Display"...Deb Kennedy of Retreat fame... Here is a cute shot of Deb...she is one of the nicest, sweetest, most authentic lady I met there...she really walks her talk! http://decodivadebi.blogspot.com/ and http://retreatdesign.blogspot.com/

this Baby Grand Piano Bar was the star of the show! Deb has around 40 hours of collaging in this piece! My pictures really do not do it justice...this belongs in a movie stars home!!!Deb's Hubby, Bob, gutted it and put the bar in...another 40 hours of hard work....all in all over 80 hours of love to create!!! where the keys once were, he put in a mirror that slides in and out like a table...hard to explain, but, it is fabulous!!! I'll let the rest of the pictures I took of this masterpiece do the talking....

The Picture below is "All That Glitter" booth....

Holly and Becky do a fantastic job of display and creating...their booth was jaw-dropping!!! I wish I gotten a picture of Becky in her crinoline...too dang cute! I do the Custers Art and craft Show with them, too! They do not have a blog...yet...hint, hint...get going on it gals!

The adorable Beth Quinn...her jewelery is awesome, I am kicking myself for not buying a piece! her site is http://www.bethquinndesigns.com/

This is sweet Isabel...her friends call her Izzy...I think I will name a faerie after her...she visited with me for a bit and I was amazed at her insightful spirit....I have a wrist cuff that says "Oh, we can iron out all the wrinkles" (I cut it out of childs book) and also a wee iron from a monopoly game...ofcourse I am thinking of wrinkles on my face...but, Izzy said she'd like to have the cuff to give to a friend that she was having squabbles with...to let her know that they could smooth things out.....she gave me chills.....I am kicking myself for not giving it to her...
This is me and LillySue...her and her sweet daughter, Holly, drove 7 hours to come to the show. I am so glad I met them! What a nice, nice lady!!! http://www.apeaceofbliss.blogspot.com/

I coulda used this shopping cart to fill up...isn't it cute!!!

This phone made me wanna call Marcie http://the-rustic-victorian.blogspot.com/ and tell her that I wish she was here!!!

The most yummy tea towels from Teresa Sheeley http://www.teresasheeley.com/ another thing I am kicking myself for not buying...what was I thinking???....oh, thats right, I wasn't!!

These fun gals were at Todays Country Store's booth...i think two of them are vendors from another booth...but, they all looked so darned cute, I had to get a pic of them .....

http://www.todayscountrystore.typepad.com/ they had some wonderfully scrumptious things!

This is my neighbor...across the isle from me...sweet Arlene...http://www.heartrockshome.com/she has a heart of gold...love her! Her journals and collages and totes (made outta flour sacks!) are awesome!

I do not know who's booth this came from, but, I love who the crinoline was displayed...bet it did not last very long!

The darling Lisa, from The Tickled Pink booth....http://athingforroses.blogspot.com/ her and her partner, Isabel have a tale to tell...go to her blog for the full story...it does have a happy ending! I bought some Bling from Lisa, some it for my daughters wedding party (she is having an old hollywood glam theme) and some of it will appear on my StoryBook Cottages!

Very clever, Lisa!!!

another shot of Lisa's booth...I *think*!!!

This is from Isabels booth...loved the little vignette she created here...her clock pillows sold so fast, that I didn't get a chance to snap a pic, but, I think she has some pictures on her blog

http://isabellang.blogspot.com/

Lovely frocks.....so many to choose from!

another fabulous booth..and , again, did not get the creators name.....dang!

I *think* this is Eileens booth....http://forgetmenotdreams.blogspot.com/ it was awesome!!! we go waaaaaaaay back to bazzar days when she was a promoter of the most awesome show called "Country Elegance" Her displays and products are wonder-filled!

Well, thats about all for now, stay tuned for part 3!!!

I dunno what I did, but, ya gotta scroll way down if you'd like to leave a comment.....

Heart Hugs,

Farm Chicks Show!...Part One

2009-06-09T09:08:00.000-07:00

Well, I am back from the show of shows!!!... And what a whirlwind it was! I will start off by showing you pictures of my booth...and will be posting more pictures in a few days of other booths and bloggers that stopped by my booth and some other really FUN Times I had!!!

the Alpha -Bits sold like hotcakes!!!

the picture below is the entrance to my booth...see the pink tablecovering in the back? that is my cash table....

I bought the wee pink chair (in the picture below) at an antique store that we went to the day before the show...great display piece...and lots of people wanted to buy it..uh...noooo way!!!

well, that all for now...more later...lots more!!!! I will also be posting pictures on my flickr, too... click on the side bar to my flickr site

Heart Hugs,

Farm Chicks Show!

2009-06-03T18:22:00.000-07:00

I am so excited!!!! This is my second year at this show...if you are in the area ... Spokane, Washington.... please stop by and say hi...I am in booth #121

Heart Hugs,

N is for Nuture and News!

2009-05-22T09:02:00.000-07:00

*N* is for *Nurture the Child Within* ... I love that affirmation.....just need to remember to give that little girl that is inside my heart *Nest* a hug once in awhile....

*Nestle*...what a great word...reminds me of being a snug as a bug in bed with big fluffy pillows

I put 1982 on this *Nesting Cottage* as that was the year my one and only daughter was born...

Now...on to the *NEWS!*.......

I was thrilled to pieces seeing my work in this magazine....sorry the pictures are sideways...I dunno what happened...I tried to turn them around, but, I guess blogger likes them this way!

this is a sneeky peek at a new cuff design...I was contacted by Belle Amoire to send in more designs...yahoo!

peek.......

sigh.....thats another good quote to wear on my wrist to remind me that "All is Good"

Also, did you happen to notice my *NEW* blog makeover???.......Karen...The Graphics Fairy....waved her magic wand and made all my dreams come true!!! I think she did a fantastic job ...I have a *NEW* shoppe that she also designed for me!!! I just love it! I will have *new* creations in the shop by the end of June, so, stay tuned!!!

Heart Hugs,

Coleen

M is for MagicalMiracleMoments and Marcie!

2009-05-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

Treasure the Moment....a good one to remember..... Most of us are just soooo busy with our lives that we forget that sometimes its the little things in life that can make our hearts sing......

and it is a Miracle when we are in tune with our soul....and see Magical Moments everywhere we look...

the moments turn into days which turn into years.....

So Many Magical Memories in the garden..planting...weeding...sniffing......Looking for Faeries!!!

The key to Miracles can be as simple as looking out your window and see........

a silly squirrel eatting out a bird feeder!!!......He made me smile.....

Heart Hugs,

Coleen

PS ....*M* is also for *Marcie* (The Rustic Victorian...see side bar)........Marcie has been a friend of mine for at least 8 years......We have shared Many Magical Moments!!!!!!! I am so blessed to call her my friend! A Miracle indeed!

L is for Love,Listen, Laugh, Loot and Lace!!!

2009-05-04T10:39:00.001-07:00

I had trouble deciding what *L* to write about...so many wonderful *L*' words..ofcourse LOVE had to be one! I think really Listening makes a person feel loved...who among us doesn't want to be heard?...and Listening to what your heart tells you is a habit I really want...so many times I do not listen and I am so sorry that I didn't...how many times I have said "I knew I shouldn't of said/did that..why didn't I listen to myself"?

hmmmmm...what's inside the door?

and ofcourse Laugh is a great *L* word....I just love a great belly laugh...my kids always say..."uh-oh...there she goes again"....I find the oddest things so funnie...its like me, myself and I are the only ones in on it!! and that makes me laugh even more!!!

a home filled with Love, Laughter and being Listened to .... what more could one want?

oh yeah.........the LOOT........it includes LACE........my weaknesss!!! my hubby and I went to Monticello this weekend...an antique mall.......oh my goodness.....so many wonder-filled things...we were there for 2 hours and if my sweetie wasn't with me..I'd of been there for 2 more!!!

I got to see many bloggers spaces, too........Tickled Pink - My Shabby Roses - Colby Cottage - All My Favorite Things - Vintage Trifles and Molly Mo's...(check my side bar for the link)...and many more......I even ran into Martha (Vintage Trifles) and her elf Patty ( who I know from the Greens Show...didn't realize she was the famous "elf"!!!)

and ofcourse my favorite *L* is my man........LARRY!!!

Heart Hugs,

Coleen

PS.........Marcie reminded me of another very important *L*....LIGHT!!!...and so it was!!!........she even nicknamed my man *King of Light* as he is the one that installs all the lighting for my booth at shows....

K is for Kindness for a wee babe named Bella

2009-04-28T17:18:00.000-07:00

I just read about this wee babe struggles on http://www.trailertrash01.blogspot.com/ please visit for the whole story...they are holding a raffle to help with medical bills...

I am donating my one of new products that I was teasing you with in the previous post...I call them "StoryBook Cottages"....this is the very first one I made...I have them in allot of different sizes....but, this is the smallest...around 4"...figured it was appropriate as Miss Bella is so very tiny.......

I am also donating the letter "B" for *Bella*.....

you can also visit http://www.junksistas.blogspot.com/ for more info...the raffle will start on May 1st...

Please open your hearts to this sweet wee one!

Heart Hugs,

Coleen

K is for Kindness or how I found Kindness in a piece of Driftwood....

2009-04-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

My Motorcycle Man and I went to the beautiful Oregon coast a few weekends ago...Newport Bay to be exact...we always go "antique" shopping on our getaways...so on one of our jaunts we stumbled upon this quaint shop full of hummingbird and chickadee nesters...they looked like little cottages...sweet! We chatted with the maker of these magical creations for a bit....you could tell he was very passionate about the birdies and their homes..he gave us alot of info on the homes and the process of how to care for the birds - where and how to hang the nester..etc. I told him a story of how my man and I rescued a momma robin that had "hung" herself from a piece of fishing wire that she had woven into her nest...we took her to the bird hospital and they fixed her up and released her in our yard where she had her nest..she did end up building another nest, too!!! Anyway, I swear I saw tears in his eyes as I relayed the story ( I confess..I sniffled a lil too) Anyway, we decided on which cottages were coming home with us...hard to choose..they all were wonder-filled!
This is the Hummingbird nester...I just hung it here for the photo...we will find the perfect spot for it soon
The picture above is the Chickadee cottage....notice how it looks like an owl...this acts as a deterrent to the larger birds that prey on Finches and Chickadees.Lichen moss was gathered around 4,000 feet up in the Cascade range. The parent birds gather the moss as nesting material for the wee ones.Wood for the houses was packed off The Three Sisters mountain range near Bend, Oregon.

After paying for our nesters, he told us he had a gift for us ...he said he was waiting for the right customer to give it to and he knew it was us....it was this gorgeous piece of driftwood!!! He told us that he hauled it for a mile!! Let me tell you..it is heavy and HUGE!...(Oh Looky...a wee fairy has landed on it!!)..So, that is how I see *Kindness* in a piece of driftwood....

I will always remember that magical day in Newport every time I look at this wonderful piece of Kindness!!! If you are ever in the area his shop is The BirdHouse Company 2926 Ferry Slip Road #112 Newport, Oregon ( I didn't realize his road was *Ferry* slip....I just got Godbumps!!.......kindred spirits for sure!!!

I am developing a new product....clues are sprinkled in this post...can you guess???

Heart Hugs,

Coleen

J is for Joy and Journey

2009-04-16T08:50:00.001-07:00

When I wrote this title...*J* is for *Joy* and *Journey*....the thought came to me....ahhhh Joy Journeys....where can that thought lead you to???? Take a Joy Journey...either in your backyard...your favorite garden ...the beach....in your imagination.....anyway you go on a joy journey will lead back to your soul...for these are the things that make you...well, YOU! Your joys may be the same as someone elses, but, your experience to them is unique to you and how you feel it.....am I rambling here???..I dunno... For instance...I get great Joy in creating .....either mixed media or these wee faeries....believe it or not, they have actually helped me thru some tough times.... creating sends me on quite a joy journey...

While creating this faerie, I was on the phone with Marcie (http://www.the-rustic-victorian.blogspot.com/)) and I was dyeing the laces ... I did not bother to put on gloves for the process and told her.."Oh wow!! I have purple hands!"!...Purple Hands equals Joy in my book!!! why? Because I am creating!!! who cares if I have to go around with purple hands for a few days....not me!!!!

Here 's an idea.......create a Joy Journal...kinda like a Gratitude Journal...only write down the things that really make your heart smile......... ummmm purple hands?

or...... bubbles on the beach!!!!.... do you see the hearts?? Heart bubbles...yippeeeee!!!!

I love the quote...."The Journey of a thousand miles begins with one step"

these steps remind me of the song..."Stairway to Heaven"...or The Wizard of OZ...The yellow brick road......

but, like Dorothy says......"There is no place like Home"......yuppers, after any journey I take, I do long for getting Home....snuggling up in my purple chair with my wee doggie in my lap....a cuppa tea (or a glass of wine!) and a great magazine.....hey...that is another journey I am off on..a dreamy one!

Heart Hugs,

Coleen

I is for Interrupting the Interruption for Alpha-Bits

2009-04-09T17:00:00.001-07:00

ok...I am interrupting the interruption to share this grouping of "ALPHA-BITS".....for more info, please read the Interruption post...tried to make this "Interesting" or "Inspirational"....*I* words....but, it wasn't to be.......tee-hee!

*R* is sold

*B* is sold

*R* Alpha-Bits "Remember we are spiritual beings having a human experiance".....is sold

*L* Alpha-Bits* is sold

*M* is sold

*N* Alpha-Bits is Sold

I is for Interruption

2009-04-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

I thought I would "interrupt" my regular posting to show you some of my newly created items for sale...I do not have an etsy or a "shop"...yet....so, I thought I would offer them here...hope that is ok!!!

As you can see, I do love the alphabet and I try to find affirmations to go along with the letter...

The fabric part of the sign measures approx. 5"x7"...when you add in the ribbon hanger and vintage lace they range from 11"to 13"in length...I love to use old buttons, laces, and trims...the letter is stamped on an old book page dating from 1918......

The price of these one of a kind creations is $15.00 plus $3.00 shipping.......USA only for now! Please email me if you'd like one !

I will now return you to my "regular" blog posts........stay tuned!!

Heart Hugs,

Coleen

H is for HeartHugs*

2009-03-31T10:34:00.001-07:00

I collect Hearts....kinda...sorta...some hearts have to be left where you found them - like this one.... and this heart rock found at the beach.....

this is my "collection" of hearts......

this wood heart we got at an art show....

and this concrete green one at another fair........

I love "heart" words, too.....

this is my favorite "heart" words......

heart kisses ........

lead to ........romance........sigh!!!

I used to sign off on my cards and emails..."Many Blessings"....but, I think its time for a change....

Heart Hugs,

Coleen

G is for Garden and Gratitude and Grow

2009-03-20T08:56:00.001-07:00

I used to have a beautiful flower garden when the kids were little...I loved going outside everyday to see what was popping up....that was before the faeries flew into my life....now, these are the kind of flowers I *Grow*...

a little known pink species.......Faerie Puffs........

they are watered by crystals........and if you are real lucky, a faerie will leave you a sweet love note...

this variety of Faerie Puffs is called "Sweet Cheeks"....inspired by the image that Dawn of The Feathered Nest so kindly shared.......

"The kiss of the sun for pardon,

The song of the birds for mirth

One is nearer to God's Heart in the garden

Than anywhere else on earth."

Dorothy Frances Gurney "Garden Thoughts"

here is another way of expressing my joy of gardens...my love of millinery flowers

oh look...a sparkley green butterfly landed on my garden sign....wonder if it a rare one?

and ofcourse all gardens can use a wee bit of magic!!!

This quote reminds me about *Gratitude*

"Life's not about waiting for the storms to pass...its about learning to dance in the rain" (V.Greene)

and this one, too....
If you fall in a muddle puddle, check your pockets for fish (unknown)

I am off to *Grow* some more flowers ............

F is for Flowers and Faeries

2009-03-11T08:59:00.000-07:00

Here I am at the first day of the show (Custer's Art and Craft Show in Spokane, Washington) holding my newest creation "Faerie Puffs".(Marcie, The Rustic Victorian, was the inspiration for the name from her post on Love Puffs!) We always go antique shopping before the show, and I found this sweetie...I knew she'd be perfect for holding my "Posy Brooch"...and I also found the wee basket she that holds more Posy's at another shop...

This is where all the faeries are having a party!

I created this sign to go over the party area...lots of people wanted to buy it....

this is one entrance into my booth..10x15 .......I love the fence!

this is the front entrance.....

this is my cash and wrap area...you can see some of the collages I created hanging behind my table. It was a great show...but, I am happy to be home...and itching to create some new things and lots more faeries!!!

F is also for Friends

2009-03-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

I just came back from a show in Spokane, Washington (Custers Art and Craft Show) and thought I'd share some photos of fellow venders that I see about twice a year...I call this guy "The Mad Hatter"...he does not look very happy, does he? This is the mascot in Becky and Holly's booth named "All That Glitter".

Isn't this mannequin just yummy?! The girls did a great job on this baby!...check out those flowers!

This is sweet Becky...Holly wasn't around when I snapped this..I'll catch her next time..maybe at Farm Chicks!!! They will be vendors, there , too...June 6th and 7th...Spokane, Washington...run to their booth ...they have the most delightful things!!!

This wonderful creation is by my friend, MaryLou Wayne (she did not want her picture taken)...she is the most fabulous doll artist!!! She sculpts in polymer clay and even offers classes. Her little people are so very precious...You can contact her at http://www.marylousantas.com I hope she gets a blog soon!!! The world needs to see her creations!

and this sweet lady is Kay Smart...she makes the sweetest Annies ever!! People don't even want her to wrap up her babies, they want to carry them! I see them go by my booth and I wave at them, and I swear they wave back at me!! You can contact her at antiqueannies@bresnan.net

ahhh....this adorable lady is Cerri Noto...she wears the most awesome outfits....I am always asking her to show me her stockings....aren't they fabulous!! She creates wonderful characters out of wood. They just make you smile...I wish I had gotten a closeup of one...next time I will!! Click on the picture for a closer look. You can contact her at crowsfeat@juno.com

and last but, not least is Kathy of Kathy's Victorian....oh my goodness...I fell in love with things.......check out this lamp!!!.....it sold right away...and I am kicking myself for not buying that sweet altered book that she created that is next to the lamp....I am telling, you, her stuff is magical....I was over at her booth drooling over everything...she makes fabulous fabric wall hangings...done in a collage way.....and the most yummiest trims ever....such a nice, nice, person....I am so glad I met her! You can contact her at kathysvictorian@hotmail.com

D is for Doorknobs and Doorways and Daughter

2009-02-27T08:21:00.000-08:00

Doorways and Doorknobs....ever think of them as a "spiritual" thing??? (I will get to the *Daughter* part in a minute)
well.....they really can be, if you just think about it......

you put your hand on the doorknob of your home everyday...and "how" you enter thru the door is up to you...with a smile on your face and in your heart...or.....well, you get to choose!

I'd love to have a Doorway to a secret garden......

or enter the land of the faeries.......

you just have to use the right key.....one year ago today, I used the key to enter the Doorway of Despair....and the Dark night of my Soul. Our only Daughter was diagnosed with melanoma on this day... I thought I would never smile or be happy again. She had surgery and one lymph node was removed...the Dr. was very optimistic that it had not spread (it did not!!) Flash forward to today.... she got the great news that her chances of re-occurrence was 5%!

so, right now as I type this...I am extremely Happy, Happy, Happy!!! doin the Happy Dance!!!!..I used the right key to enter this Doorway......the key of Faith.......

and now we are planning her wedding.....

this looks like a rainbow.......but it is a Doorway to promises kept!! Thank You God!!! (TYG!)

C is for ComfyCozy*

2009-02-15T08:46:00.000-08:00

I know...I used two words for *C*... but, I always use them together.

I get a real *comfy cozy* feeling when I see old ribbons and lace and vintage bridal netting.....

but, when I really want to get *comfy cozy*, I get my jammies on and look for a comfy cozy chair...this one is waaaaaaay too small...

oh looky.....there is a wee groom lookin for his bride in my secret garden...how'd he get in there? This chair is still too small...

hmmmmmmm...whats this?...I like the moss...it makes me feel comfy cozy, too.......

ohhhh...kissin faeries on a chair......well, now we are talkin!!!

only I like to do my kissin on this chair!...my Motorcyle Man snuggled with me on this chair while he fed me chocolate pie and watched movies.........well, maybe that is too much info...but, I sure like fallin asleep that way!!! This chair is just right!!!

B is for Blessings

2009-02-12T07:35:00.001-08:00

Ahhhhhhh....Blessings.....they come in many different forms,don't they?!! some you don't even realize at the time...

like a chance meeting turning into a beautiful friendship. I first met Marcie ... http://the-rustic-victorian.blogspot.com/...lets see, around 9 yrs ago - I am not sure on this, but, anyway, it was at a retail show I was doing in Portland, Oregon. She had stopped by the booth across from me and the vendor had just stepped away for a bit, so I told Marcie that the person would be right back....and we got to chatting, and the rest is history!! We are still chattering away...everyday!

Friendship is one of the Blessings in my life that I truly treasure...we may not actually see each other , but, I have a few "Phone Friends" that have been a life line to me ...like my friend Carol...I know I can call on her or Marcie anytime of the day or night if needed...and Joan, my cheerleader friend and cheery words, always there when I need her....and then there is Jody...such a gifted artist and has been a real mentor to me....http://www.jodyhoughton.com/ They have all surounded me with their Light of Love and Friendship and I am eternally grateful......and Blessed.

PS..the wee faeries name is.....*Blossom*

PPS.....Dawn ... http://the-feathered-nest.blogspot.com introduced me on her blog!!! I have a new "online" friend! I am truly Blessed! Thank You Dawn!

A is for Abundance

2009-02-10T22:45:00.001-08:00

Abundance.......kewl word, huh?....I love that it has the word "dance" in it.....cause when I have an abundance of...whatever....I do a happy dance....sometimes just on the inside, cause I don't want to embarrass my kids!

When you think about the word "abundance" , what image or emotion comes to mind? For me, its love.......love for my husband and our 5 kids( 4 boys 1 girl) and my 2 daughters-in-laws and soon -to-be son-in-law, our 3 granddaughters and a new grandson due in July!, my 2 dogs and my "grandfurbaby", my dear friends, for my health, my home, ...well, you get the picture.....

oh, yes, and ofcourse the faeries!!....I always have an abundance of them around before "show time" when they fly off to new homes...they bring me an abundance of joy as I create them...this wee one is named "Autumn", my favorite time of the year....

I guess what I am trying to say is that when you focus on what you DO have, instead of what you lack...and be Thankful for all - good things will come to you. My continual prayer that I say all day long is simply "Thank You God'...TYG! (I write that on each and every faerie that I create)

With a Grateful Heart,

Coleen

Coleens Reflections

Celebrating Heart .... word #41

Changing Heart...word #14 "Changing"

Remembering Heart ...word #13

Soul Heart...Newly Awakened

Awakening Heart day 5

Intimacy..Or..IN-TO-ME-SEE....day 4

Heart Bee-ing Day 3

Healing Heart..day 2

Heart Acceptance

One Heart...Becoming Whole in 2011

One Hand - finding my heart

Dancin in the Dark..but, headin for the Light!

One ThankFul Hand

One Hand........Connections

One Hand...moving forward

Faithful and Loyal to the end

Angel Friends

Gifts from Her Heart

Who do you know that has a Faithful Heart?

A Gift from my Love

Symbols of Love

Redefining Who I Am.....

Zentangle Promise

A New Beginning

My Art Story

I Am A Winner!!!

Looky whats New in my shoppes!

SoulMates Forever

Listen...do you want to know a secret?

Introducing..."Sweet Feets"

Love is....

Love is...Comforting and is a winner!

Heart Messages and faeries, oh my!

Mossy Walk

Look whats new in my Shoppe!

A blogger needs your help and prayers

Magic Carpet Ride Give-A-Way!

Welded Hearts and Heart Hands

New Beginnings and Holding Hands

FAerie Angels ,Pins and Prayer Flags..Oh My!

Team for Larry

Miracles are Expected

Unexpected

"V" is for Ricci's "Vision" and for Viet...Our Future son-in-law!

"U" is for Unusually Bizzy!"

Look what my Muse gave me!

*T* is for *Thankful* and my new fav color ...*Teal*

*S* is for *ShowTime*!!!! http://historicdeepwoodestate.org/

*R* is for *Radiant* *Reflection* and a "Rock*

*Q* is for *Queens* and *Quotes*

*P* is for *Pefectly Precious*

*O* is for *Open*!!!!! My Shoppe is *Open*!!!!!

Wendy's StoryBook Cottage

Farm Chicks...Part 3...The Party!

Farm Chicks...Part 2! The People!

Farm Chicks Show!...Part One

Farm Chicks Show!

*N* is for *Nuture* and *News!*

*M* is for *Magical**Miracle**Moments* and *Marcie!*

*L* is for Love,Listen, Laugh, Loot and Lace!!!

*K* is for Kindness for a wee babe named Bella

*K* is for *Kindness* or how I found Kindness in a piece of Driftwood....

*J* is for *Joy* and *Journey*

*I* is for *Interrupting the Interruption* for *Alpha-Bits*

*I* is for *Interruption*

*H* is for *Heart*Hugs*

*G* is for *Garden* and *Gratitude* and *Grow*

*F* is for *Flowers and Faeries*

*F* is also for *Friends*

*D* is for *Doorknobs* and *Doorways* and *Daughter*

*C* is for *Comfy*Cozy*

*B* is for *Blessings*

A is for Abundance

T is for Thankful and my new fav color ...Teal

S is for ShowTime!!!! http://historicdeepwoodestate.org/

R is for Radiant Reflection and a "Rock*

Q is for Queens and Quotes

P is for Pefectly Precious

O is for Open!!!!! My Shoppe is Open!!!!!

N is for Nuture and News!

M is for MagicalMiracleMoments and Marcie!

L is for Love,Listen, Laugh, Loot and Lace!!!

K is for Kindness for a wee babe named Bella

K is for Kindness or how I found Kindness in a piece of Driftwood....

J is for Joy and Journey

I is for Interrupting the Interruption for Alpha-Bits

I is for Interruption

H is for HeartHugs*

G is for Garden and Gratitude and Grow

F is for Flowers and Faeries

F is also for Friends

D is for Doorknobs and Doorways and Daughter

C is for ComfyCozy*

B is for Blessings