In The Shop

I will be adding more bookplates in the shop. More things to come soon!

Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

The brief rainfall and cool temperatures made for a beautiful day! Any rain is always welcome, but the cloudy, overcast skies which remained even after the rain had ceased made for a perfect Autumn Day. A visit by my Grandsons made me all the more happy and blessed.

Suddenly, all the aches and pains don't matter too much. I actually forget about my aches and pains, ha! Let me share this with you, the best medicine for those aging bones is to have your Grandbabies around you. There's something about their laughter and their voices that does an Abuelita good! Suddenly you feel invigorated and refreshed. The fountain of youth, I tell you!

Updating

Well, saving your template before doing a blog makeover is supposed to save you headaches should you need to reinstall it again. I saved mine, but somehow, the widgets didn't make it through the transition. So, I pretty much have to start over in adding all the links I previously had. I only wish Blogger would offer more templates and especially at least a three column option. I got so tired of seeing the two columns, I went in search of a three column template. It's a risky proposition when you start changing things around, especially trying to edit html code.

If I could keep the simplicity of my previous blog, I would happily do so. I liked having it in white with simple graphics. But I want three columns. So I'll try this new layout for a while. In meantime, I'll also try and find my old links again. Blogger, if you're listening, try giving us more options. It's been years with the same basic style......time for a change.

Jane Austen Exhibition

I just learned through the Sense and Sensibility forum, which is one of my favorites, that there is currently an exhibition in New York at the Morgan Library and Museum of all things Jane Austen! It would be fascinating to learn more about this famous English author's life and legacy. The exhibition dates are from November 6, 2009 through March 14, 2010, so for anyone interested, there is still time to plan for a trip there.

Being an Austen fan myself, I only wish I could someday make a trip to England to visit all the historic places associated with the times and life of Jane Austen. While New York seems more within the realm of possibility, it might at as well be across the pond also. The timing is just not right; but there will be other times and other exhibitions. For now, movies about her books will have to do.

Love,

Timely Arrival

Today has been a nice quiet day, perfect for reading! This book arrived in Saturday's mail, and I had been yearning for some down time to get a feel for it. My first impression was that it very much resembled a bread baking book, and not because of the title or picture. It just feels like a book full of nutritious recipes. It may very well be just that. Nutrition for the soul.

From what I've seen so far, it's going to be an interesting book to get into. I see it as a catalyst for asking myself some good, soul searching questions.  I can hardly wait to share with you'll my perception of it.

I do like the fact that it's a hardcover. A book you can come back to again and again, and still keep its crisp clean lines.

Funny how God works; I've been struggling with a few 'tidbit' questions, the type all of us have to joust with every now and then. And then this book arrives in my lap!

Love,

Boxes

In looking around the Etsy site, I found a neat tutorial for making your own little boxes. What I did to make these two little boxes was use 12x12" scrapbook paper, because it's already square. It just involves a series of folds and a couple of cuts into the paper.

So that's what I've been doing. I'm glad I found this little nugget. It will come in handy when I need a small box for a gift.

Love,

Idalia

Thank You Beverly!

My dear friend Beverly had a giveaway recently on her website Tea Time and Roses and I was the very lucky winner of one of her exquisite pieces of jewelry. I happen to love white pearls, so it almost seemed as though she made the earrings thinking of me! Beverly is just one of those very artistic people who is able to create beautiful handmade artwork: her cards, jewelry, handknit items.... a very talented individual. She actually has two shops: Cri Designs and Tea Time and Roses The Shoppe. I'd say they're a  great place to start for the Holiday shopping season already upon us! So if you're in the market for a nice gift, visit her sites, she has very good selections.

Of course, I just had to show off my earrings and visually share  her artistic talent!

Aren't they just beautiful! And nice packaging too!

Thank you so much Beverly, I will wear them proudly! Pearls go with everything, and I've already got a nice dress to pair them with for our Thanksgiving celebration.

Veteran's Day

A pause is in order to remember all who have served, and all who are serving to protect our country. And prayers for their families as well, especially for those whose loved one gave the ultimate sacrifice.
May the Lord protect our Servicemen and Women everywhere. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Class Worth Taking

This is the last week of registration for a free class over at the Jessica Sprague website called Holidays In Hand.  More details here:

Perfect for my good friend Gloria who recently purchased Photoshop software. It's a good way to get in and learn what all the bells and whistles are for. Besides, Jessica is an excellent Instructor! So, I say, take advantage of this opportunity to learn something new!

Love,

Something New

Boy! I finally took the plunge! I up and started my Etsy shop! Therefore, I've added that 'something' new to my sidebar. Eventually I'm hoping to add aprons to the list as well.

Love,