Five Foot Two

Grateful for Golden Books....

It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.

David Steindl-Rast

Last week a friend of mine bought me a golden book..... 

She did not know.....

That my grandmother's collection inspired me to collect them. We would collect them together, and look in the  BIG BOOK to see how much our dime store antiquing was really worth. (It was never a lot but a book worth $3 received a jump for joy!) I treasure the collection she started, and I love adding to it.

What she knew.....

Is that this particular golden book reminded her of her own childhood. She told me stories of reading and re-reading NURSE NANCY in her fathers workshop, while he worked.

What I know.....

Is that my friends name is Nancy, and she is an excellent Nurse....

So thank you Nurse Nancy from the bottom of my heart. I thank you for bringing fond memories to my mind and gratitude for them to my soul. your the best.

Happy Grateful November!

Curl up with a good book and a cute coaster...

I bought this book at my favorite local yarn store the Bobbin's nest after seeing their sample of the darling coasters. I was able to whip up four in an hour or less. They will make great presents with a recipe card attached and fun drink ingredients depending on the season. Right now apple cider with cinnamon sticks would be fun!!

I can't wait to try different fabrics, this may be my go to handmade gift of the season!!

I just finished some great books, The Choice by Nicolas Sparks and an adult novel by the author of the Traveling pants series Ann Brasheres called The Last Summer of You and Me. It would be a better read if you were vacationing at Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket, but I was in Scottsdale Arizona, by a beautiful pool, enjoying the sunshine instead. it worked out just as well.....

Now if only California would start acting like fall. It is still in the mid 80's everyday. I want to enjoy the crisp autumn weather soon!!!

Oh, have you had a honeycrisp apple yet? Oh my. Run out and get some! I can't stop eating them! I promise a post later. if I don't eat them all before I can get the camera out to take some photos!

Special little visitor...

My friend J came over with my darling Goddaughter and I just loved it!!! She wanted to visit the cats. They had other ideas..... They stayed away almost the entire visit. Finally went she brought me a framed picture of Spencer the cat from the bookshelf and said "please find kitty". I couldn't stand it. So I found and awoke Spencer and brought him to her. She loves cats. She just kept her hand on his back for as long as he would allow. Once he escaped my arms she managed to bring him all of his toys and drop them right in front of him. so sweet. Thanks for the visit J and K!

I like this action shot. Her ponytail is swinging. oh how cute.... In her hands in the other picture is a book I bought for her from one of my new favorite bloggers. She is an artist and she made a book on blurb for her daughter, but anyone can buy one. So cool. Anyone can make an actual book and become published... i have so many ideas.....

Your love language...

Do you know what your Love Language is? Love language is the way that you show and feel love. Learning AND utilizing this tool changed my life in such a positive way years ago that I thought I would share it...it helps you to learn how to show others (friends, spouse, children, etc) love in a way that is relevant and real to them...I would love to hear what you learned...
Here is a 30 second quiz to find out what your love language is.

Relaxing in the sun with a good book....

Things around here have not been too exciting, as you can see.

The boyzz are loving the sun bathing in the early morning. I took this shot of them yesterday. Yes, that is a very BIG belly. He prefers if we don't talk about his weight, he is sensitive. It relates back to the days of his early childhood when he was malnourished before his adoption. So he is entitled to be a little bit HEFTY. okay?

As for me, I am loving A NEW EARTH the newest Oprah book, by Ekhart Tolle. I had read his previous books, but this one seems to be easier to read, and just plain fascinating. A true inspiration. I am only part way through, but I really like it so far. life altering.

As for some more literature and film. I recently saw two movies, Becoming Jane and the Jane Austen Book Club. I am finding the life of Jane Austen very interesting. I love her most famous novels which deal with matters of the heart and a women's opportunities during her era. But how she lived her life and came to be an author in the early 1800's seems so interesting to me. I could go on and on, and bore most of you. But if you have the chance I would recommed the movie Becoming Jane.

So sit back, relax and enjoy the sunshine and a good book! Or movie maybe....

Candy and Me...

Powell's sweet shop- all about candy.
That is my name. I LOVE CANDY! Insert the song now....
I was so excited to learn of a neat little candy store in willow glen last year. It was perfect for the hubby and I. There are a million types of candy in this neighborhood candy store, and for the hubby they serve delectable gelato. yum. His favorite is a combination of dark chocolate and raspberry gelato. My favorite is a combination of lemon or (limon as they call it), and raspberry along with a bag of sour jelly bellys, cherry fruit sour balls, sour gummy worms, sugar babies, and an old fashion taffy stick. This makes for our traditional outing. We walk and eat and chat and eat some more. The darling husband (DH) is usually finished with his gelato before me. He INHALES it. I use a tiny taster spoon and slowly savor every bite. We then usually hit the movies to enjoy my new candy stash. If I am feeling generous, I will share. just kidding. (but not really). The DH does not fault me for my fatal flaw as a candy hog. He learned early on I was serious about my candy. This was about the same time I learned he can INHALE gelato. So when we were out this weekend we ran into a brand new Powell's in Burlingame. Did I mention they have a non stop showing of willy wonka and the chocolate factory, complete with old fashioned movie seating. The DH and I just sat on the bench and watched child after child enter this "sweet heaven". Their eyes grew as large as thier smiles. For this was the first time they had been there. Oh, what a delight!

Here is another lady who is so serious about candy that she wrote a book about it. It is called Candy and me, a love affair. I loved reading this novel. It felt like my life as well. If you get a chance to read it, it will bring back memories of childhood, experiencing the joy of a sugar high.

So as I sit and munch on my starburst jelly beans, and rejoice in the coming of easter soon (that means more jelly beans readily available in the local stores), I have taken on a new knitting project. I saw it on someone's blog last week, and thought it might be something fun and challenging to make.
Darling baby sock mary janes.....
I am on the third row, and I have already used my new knitters handbook twice. Not really a good sign. Wish me well! I have a ton of baby gifts to give away soon. yikes...
So get out and get yourself something sweet!