I have to work on learning how to take better close up photos of my minis- but this is a Tuscany bowl with grapes - 75 made for the upcoming NAME Virginia State Day Workshop- theme of "Wine Tasting in Virginia". I am also posting a photo of the project for the day. It is amazing what we can accomplish in just a matter of 7 hours. Wonderful Tote Favor bags are given to each workshop participant filled with miniatures which can be used in our project, I think my favors will be perfect.

A fascination with...

I love the orient... I have my eye on a oriental dollhouse - the price tag is a big one - we shall see what I decide. I already have a roombox but I found this photo somewhere and thought "I like this simple setting too"
I created a centerpiece for a NAME regional several years ago..a two sided piece on a turntable. Our theme was "Far Away Places" , I selected China and made 75 or so kimonos as tote bag favors. You can see one in my centerpiece. I loved the fabric and still have some left- maybe I should think of sculpting a lady and make a kimono shop.. so many projects - so little time.

May your springtime be....

My dream room...

I am sure I own this many books, if only I had the time in my life to read all the books I want to read...
of The Modern Library 100 Best Novels , there is in my opinion quite a difference between what "The Board" has selected and what "The Reader's List" has on its list.. either way- a few of top 100- I prefer not to read, I wonder why?

A place I have been to ... where I want to meet a friend for a visit

Friendship is perhaps one of the most beautiful relationships that two people can share. Friendship is about sharing each other’s opinions, dreams, fears, aspirations and hopes. Friendship is about engaging conversations, which go on and on as friends lose track of time. Friendship is about cherishing old memories of togetherness and creating new ones everyday. Although when you watch friends together, sharing time , a place, an event and having a great time it seems as if these people just belong together, friendship does require a sound mutual understanding with lots and lots of love and care for each other.

It's a southern thing...

Lexington, Kentucky... a place I am learning to love-
never enough hydrangea, white linen, items of silver, china, crystal and etiquette
it is truly a southern thing...
pimento cheese, horse farms, crabapple trees in bloom , elegant gracious southern living

Where is spring?

Where is the warmth of Kentucky's spring? Since, warmth and sunshine has disappeared once again, I searched for some spring inspiration and this is what I found..

I know - the snow just left us but...

I had to add this to my "to do list" for upcoming winter events.
Such a perfect winter setting for my perfect miniature world.

I think this idea would make perfect club swap items for christmas!

A friend's message

Today was just one of those days when I realize how much I do love being in my own little world, I remember what and who is important in my life and why I love and cherish my husband, my son and dear friends . I miss my friends who live so far away. I miss my army son. I would be lost without my husband's calming voice and that hand of his which has held mine so many times in the past 6 weeks.
I thank my friends, who call you during the week, email just to email a cherry message or like the wonderful email I received from my friend "Cathy". Even though our lives have taken us to different parts of the world, we still know what messages we need to send each other.

Then ,there were the moments today when you deal with the outside world- when you need information or help with a problem and that person could care less , you are just a voice, they are part of bureaucracy- they fail to do their job and create havoc in your life just because they do not care.

I cared about people for a long long time in my life- whether I knew them or not, I cared about them and I cared about my profession. So the story below came at such an appropriate time in my day and in my life.

Thanks, Cathy for being a dear friend and sending me this ...

The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full.. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "yes."

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.

The sand is everything else---the small stuff. "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.


"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups.. Take your other half out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the drains. Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."



One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled and said, "I'm glad you asked."

The coffee just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."