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."

Miniature Bonnets

I am part of a group that loves creating 1:12 dolls. some of the ladies are making easter bonnets, this is my favorite so far... I think it would make a lovely "Derby" hat!

A wonderful idea

I have been wandering through blogs today, from fashion to gardening to weddings ( I love the photos) to vintage
and well, this photo was the one I loved best .
To add to the picture I loved the idea! Then I though, oh tiny flags in ice cubes for the Fourth of July,mini plastic eggs for Easter, little ornaments for Christmas, best of all mini rubber duckies for a summer pool party!

A list maker

I think my life has changed as I totally have become a "list maker". When I found this picture online , I went what a great idea. As part of an ad campaign students from a School of Visual Art in New York were assigned places to place notepads.. this was perfect as I so often make my lists while dining out.

What a story! 2 ewes were to give birth day- Kirby goes into the barn- ( both expecting ewes are in the same pen) he sees a baby lamb- black and TINY TINY- ( 4 pounds) both ewes are cleaning up the baby as it has just been born.. Kirby opened the gate to the pen that is called the jug- where you take baby and mother to bond.. he places lamb in pen and mama #1 follows into the pen and immediately is cleaning up the baby and in a sheeps way talking to her baby, Mama #2 pays no attention.
2 1/2 hours later Mama #1 - in jug gives birth to another lamb a 10 pound boy... 20 minutes later another boy - 8 pounds is born to mama#1- then the story gets interesting- Kirby notices Mama #2 has shown signs of having given birth.. well, to make a long story short- MAMA #1 has stolen black baby girl as her own ( we now find out that mama sheep do that) and MAMA # 2- was abandoning her baby ( and we knew that happens sometimes) WHAT A DAY..
mama #1- can she supply enough milk for 3 ?????? We might be doing some supplemtal feeding and what will happen to MAMA#2 whose body thinks she had a baby but no baby is nursing

JUST A TYPICAL DAY in the meadow with the sheep... ( not much else got done today except all of us standing in amazement at this story.
but all are doing well

pictures are attached of the "triplets?" and the 9 day old, Molly and Danny - who are a scream!
I bet you all wished you lived with the Overmans

NIne Phrases Women Use

This ended up in my mailbox from a friend, not sure where she found it but I laughed out loud as I read it!

1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour.Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
(3) Nothing:This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.
(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!
(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)
(6) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
(7) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint.Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true,unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome'. That will bring on a 'whatever').
(8) Whatever: Is a woman's way of saying *&^%$ YOU!
(9) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times,but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?'For the woman's response refer to # 3.
* Send this to the men you know, to warn them about arguments they can avoid if they remember the terminology.
* Send this to all the women you know to give them a good laugh, cause they know it's true!!!

The twins

I could watch them for hours and hours.

delovely

The Urban Dictionary defines 'Delovely' as "the only word used to describe your feelings towards a person the exact moment you realize you are forever in love with them".

Remembering my friend

My Terri , I shall miss her forever.

Busy being creative

Mad Hatter pins to be made for friends in Virginia! I still have a bit of refining to do on him but I think he is quite a fun character.

The Ice Storm of the century!

8 days without power.. the night time sound of tree limbs crashing - the crackle of ice, layers and layers of ice to the point of where a blade of grass has a circumference of 3 inches, it rained freezing rain for 2 days straight-
luckily we have a fireplace, plenty of oil lamps, lots of food, ice chests to save the refrig/freezer food, lots and lots of firewood. many quilts that both of my grandmothers had made,
BUT ,we were not ready for the 24 inches of water that appeared in our newly finished basement family room. The local volunteer firemen came to the rescue, pumped the water out for a period of about 4 hours, left a generator until we were able to locate one in northern Indiana. Dear, dear friends found it for us, as everyone in a 3 state area had sold every generator. We drove half way- they drove half way and we were in business to prevent any more flooding.
Over 500,000 people- 120 counties here in Kentucky have been in the dark- that does not include many more on smaller electric companies throughout the state.
Here are a few pictures of what I saw- today the sun shines, the ice melted in the wonderful 46 degree weather that Sunday brought us, making the task of returning power a bit more difficult to the repair crews as more limbs took down lines as the ice melted and the broken limbs came crashing down . Everyone has pitched in to help each other out EXCEPT for my neighbors across the street- who were the ones who had power for some unknown reason never offered any one
a hot cup of coffee- a shower- a "can we help in anyway"- they stood in their front door and watched as the firetrucks arrived and helped save our basement. A young couple who someday will need a favor from someone close by- will any of us help?

Convention Centerpiece

The 2009 NAME national convention has the theme of "Family Reunion". At our final banquet each table has a miniature ( 1:12 scale) centerpiece built around that theme. Each centerpiece is built my a NAME member and donated . Every centerpiece is very sought after. You always feel so lucky if you are the person at your table who wins!
My centerpiece is titled "Welcome - The Circus Family Reunion". I am almost finished with my centerpiece - just a few things to finish up.

Hats.....

Why do ladies ( and I mean ladies in it's truest sense) no longer were hats?
Something about a hat means grace - style - an appreciation for beautiful things - don't we all look a second time at a women who wears a beautiful hat? or a simple hat ?
I have some of my grandmother's hats- some of my mother's hats - I love to wear a hat- last summer, I purchased the most simple black and tan summer woven hat, every time I wore it - someone truly stopped me and said, I love your hat!
A month ago , my husband with the help of our son, bought a "Humphrey" hat- it changed his whole demeanor - and I am amazed how his college basketball players have said " Coach, great hat!"
Now ,maybe that is what is wrong with the world- we all need to go hat shopping!

too much creativity ?

I have always had people, who really know me, say" You are so talented".
It can be a curse, really.. your brain never stops, you save everything, you sketch, you write a million notes in journals , you read and read, you multi task and you never ever feel settled.
If anyone other than my husband was allowed in my studio, they would look and say "Oh, my gosh!"
I honestly today think I have 12 projects going on and 16 in my brain..
if you look at the pictures I have posted it tells you, I am cursed.

SO today- you see where the curse has taken me- to getting ready for the Kentucky Derby!
Even though it is months away , one must have the correct hat. I think "The Oaks" ( the Thursday before the derby is the best). Now to find the dress /outfit to go with the hat.

Winter is Here - AmO Images: Capturing Life Beauty - AmO Images: Capturing Life Beauty

"'There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you....
In spring, summer and fall people sort of have an open season on each other;
only in the winter, in the country, can you have longer, quiet stretches when you can savor belonging to yourself. '

~ Ruth Stout

beautiful winter landscapes"

I'm looking for...

so I am on a search for a candelabra.. any color will do as long as is it kind of similar to this!

Clowning around..

I am working on a centerpiece for a national miniature convention to be held in Indianapolis this summer. The theme for the convention is " The Family Reunion".. (think outside of the box!) so mine is a reunion of circus performers. This clown will be part of the reunion attendees! He is still a work in progress- work on his face to get that clown look. I will add the Ringmaster and probably another clown.

Lily

The nursery is very busy with 3 little lambs born since Christmas Day...

I am an avid collector of children's books, I own over 3,000 Little Golden books. I love them because the illustrations are wonderful - especially those printed in the 1940 and 1950's. The books published at that time always had a wonderful message with values and morals amongst the colorful pictures. In some cases, I have two of the same little book and am going to take my duplicate book and create a miniature scene.

Alice in Wonderland is one of those children's books that no one I think has ever really figured out. Lots of hidden ideas.. I have been "searching the web" looking at illustrations by many artists for Alice and her story. It is amazing to see how people have interpreted this book- but these dolls in this picture to me is how I imagine the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit and Alice.

Meet Rose!

My heart melted when I held Rose, so very tiny , soft and as light as a feather.
She arrived with a twin sister, sadly we lost her but Rose is a fighter. She weighs just under 6 pounds, we know they arrived a few weeks to early.
I could hold her all day but her mommy- Abigail made it quite known that her baby belonged in the pen with her.

Proud Parent

2009 -

Happy New Year...
to say farewell to 2008 comes with mixed feelings for it was a year filled with joys, happiness, delight, amazement, sorrow, anxiety, no regrets, happiness and love.
and I wonder what will this year bring - it will bring me what I give to it!
Life is what we make of it- one moment at a time..

"Nicholas"

Nicholas

My husband and I also own "Babydoll Southdown Sheep" - a rare breed in the world. These adorable sheep grow no bigger than 22 inches in height, have personalities that make you want to watch them all day.
Yesterday, Christmas Day, "Francine" gave birth to a little boy lamb who was immediately was named "Nicholas". Francine, like all great mommies, bonded with him right away and he quickly let the world know he was hungry and full of energy.
As the picture shows, both are doing fine!

26 years of warmth and love

To wake up and find out that it is 14 degrees outside can quickly make one realize this is a day to stay inside.-- fireplace ablazin', hot coffee, lots of good holiday movies, gifts all wrapped and under the tree and it is my 26th wedding anniversary.. we will celebrate later on this week with our son when he arrives here for Christmas. The fact that he will be here soon makes me smile and warms my heart, he has blessed our lives in so many ways.. sigh!

9 days away from home have put me into high gear today getting everything ready for this week of merriment!
My travels always lead to "Once in A Lifetime Opportunities"-
I was 2 blocks away ,with a clear view, of the Conseco Fieldhouse - old home of the Indianapolis Colts- as it was demolished by implosion Saturday morning. After 24 years , the Colts have a new home- you can see it right behind the rumble. In 25 seconds - several explosions the fieldhouse became memories. I got some pretty amazing pictures- WTHR's "you tube" will show you the entire demolition from arieal view.

I have just returned home from participating in a wonderful art show in Woodbridge , Virginia. My Santas quickly disappeared into the hands of new owners , in fact ,we almost sold out. I appreciated all the wonderful ,inspirational remarks about my Santas and once the holidays are over, I am ready to begin on next year's entire line of sculptured characters.
The trip was so enjoyable to be able to spend time with my son and friends, visit places that I so love to see and shop.
Today, I head to Indianapolis for several days . Upon returning, I have gifts to be wrapped and a preparing for Christmas Day. I must quickly unpack and then pack my suitcase again for departure is a few hours away.
The Muppet's Santa's Letters was a cute addition to the holiday season.. they always remind us to
love from one's heart.

Where does my Santa hair come from?
Well, sheep - these are the sheep we raise- Baby Doll Southdown, a rare breed which gets no bigger than 22 inches in height. These ewes are so loveable - know their names, will follow you anywhere and we expect new lambs to be born in January ( 3 ewes due then) and then again in February- (3 more ewes). Shearing of the sheep normally is before they give birth but I think we are holding off since January might be a bit too cold.
My Santas have 100% wool roving for their hair and beards.

Isn't this the cutest idea for cupcakes that will last forever!

My christmas gift this year is wonderful. The Jim Henson Fantastic World Exhibit is at the Atlanta History Museum until Jan 18th. The show was in Washington DC this summer but it arrived after we had moved to Kentucky. I have been fortunate to see the "real muppets" many years ago in Chicago . My gift is a trip to Atlanta to see ...

Jim Henson's Fantastic World is a large traveling exhibit that opened in September 2007. The exhibit will give a firsthand look into the creations, imagination and works of Jim Henson.

The exhibit is being organized by the Jim Henson Legacy and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, with cooperation from the Henson family, The Jim Henson Company, The Muppets Holding Company and Sesame Workshop.

The 3,000 square-foot exhibit will visit ten locations across the United States for twelve-week showing periods, running from September 2007 until June 2010.

Exhibit Features

• Several of Henson's Muppets and Creatures (including characters from The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, and other productions)
• Over 100 framed works of art (include paintings, sketches, cartoons, and storyboards)
• A large collection of rare photographs
• Unique production documents
• Additional artifacts and film props
• Over 30-minutes of special video presentations
• An illustrated timeline of Henson's life and career

AND THEN READ THIS!!!!

Muppet Studios is currently in production on an all new television special filled with songs, mayhem and heaps of holiday high spirits. Entitled "Letters to Santa: A Muppets Christmas", this one-hour television project is set to air this holiday season! Production is well underway and "Letters to Santa" is scheduled to air on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 8:00PM on NBC (check local listings for details).

When the Muppets inadvertently prevent three children's letters from making their way to Santa Claus, Kermit and the gang set off to make things right before Christmas comes. The Muppet are forced to give up their plans of escaping a snow-filled New York City, but needless to say, nothing (not even Miss Piggy's planned trip to the tropics) will stand between the Muppets and a happy Christmas for all.

Directed by Muppet veteran Kirk Thatcher, the special was written by Hugh Fink, Scott Ganz, Andrew Samson and Paul Williams. This musical special will also feature four all-new songs by Paul Williams (songwriter on "Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas", "The Muppet Movie", and "The Muppet Christmas Carol"), and will also include appearances by Whoopi Goldberg, Richard Griffiths, Tony Sirico, Steve Schirripa, Mike Bloomberg, and Madison Pettis.

"Letters to Santa" is sure to bring a heartfelt message about the true meaning of the holiday season and will undoubtedly become an instant holiday classic. So mark your calendars and prepare for an all-new holiday extravaganza staring the one and only Muppets!

We are into day 2 of holiday decorating..
I have the Muppets Christmas movie ready to watch as it has been several years since I sat down and really watched and studied "Miss Piggy". I really do "Believe" she is real - the first time I saw a real Jim Henson Miss Piggy muppet was at an exhibit in Chicago. over 20 years ago. She was totally not what I expected- meaning these puppets are large and her clothing was so detailed. Since my first viewing I have been able to see more of the real muppets in the Smithsonian exhibits, they are amazing.
Would a day with Miss Piggy be fascinating? She is my kind of woman!

Miss Piggy and I are taking the day to get in the holiday spirit.. decorating everywhere!

Maiden America 's Santa Album at One True Media - share slideshows, slide shows, MySpace slideshows, MySpace codes, free video sharing, video montages

Just click and you will go directly to this album


Maiden America 's Santa Album at One True Media - share slideshows, slide shows, MySpace slideshows, MySpace codes, free video sharing, video montages.

Happy Holidays!
I am finishing up the final Santas for the Dale City Arts show to be held in Woodbridge , Virginia this coming Saturday.

"Southern Lights" - Lexington Exhibit

The Lexington Horse Park "Southern Lights" holiday event begins this weekend and I had the opportunity to help the members of the Bluegrass Miniature Society set up their exhibit. The one 1:12 inch miniature which I found fascinating was this beautiful Chocolate Fantasy Table. I am going to find out more about this project as is amazing.
The event includes over 150 light displays - a driving tour thru this beautiful park. Once one finishes driving- the main museums are open to visitors may view the " toy trains"- I have never seen such a large toy train exhibit-the dollhouse/miniature exhibit, visit with Santa, a petting zoo, food, gift shoppe and much more.
I am still busy completing the last of the Santas for my upcoming Virginia events and it is time to get prepared for our holiday visitors.

Night Before Christmas Book Box

I tried to keep it simple as this "Book Box" is going to a show in Virginia in a few weeks.

Rain and more rain- but it has been so needed here in this part of Kentucky..
I attended my Bluegrass Miniature Society meeting Sunday and we are getting ready to set up an exhibit of miniatures at the Southern Lights event to be held over the holiday season at the famous Kentucky Horse Park.
Recently, I attended the steering committee for the national convention to be held next year ( NAME) in Indianapolis. I just found out that one of the ladies I met- her grandfather was the founder of the "Cracker Jacks" company, can you imagine owning every cracker jack prize ( especially when they were really toys), no wonder she is a miniaturist!

Santas galore... yesterday, I was in WalMart and they were playing Christmas music! I just could not believe it.. 2 months away.. I understand the power of suggestion but hey I am just now getting excited about Thanksgiving!
So my Christmas is just limited to my studio, deliveries to stores begin in 2 weeks and I am off to Virginia for a show or maybe two...

Noah tomorrow

This is the last Santa for a few days as I want to begin on my "Noah". I finished up a series of St. Nicholas pins to add to the line for the Virginia show.
One of my santas on Etsy is a featured item in the "Nick of Time" series.