True Story

Part of a journal spread for an International Moleskine Exchange I am in with a group of gals from Ravelry.

The Pennies from Heaven Post

It's a story that HAS to be told!

I look for pennies on the ground when I walk. I have for quite a few years. I used to just think of it as "Luck" but now I view them as the proverbial "Sign from God".

You see I am not what most people would call "Well Off". In fact I live way below the poverty level. You know what though? It's ok because I never want for anything. I have food, clothing, shelter, my cool stuff, my friends, a great family. I have more than enough.

But I don't have a car which is why I walk everywhere. And in walking I find pennies, and other coins of little value. This is what happened to me today:

I was walking to catch the bus to Champaign when a series of events led me to my first penny of the day. Next I found a nickel crossing Main Street (Honorable REO Speedwagon Way) in Champaign. I went to FedEx and then the Art Coop were I saw this art piece

I thought "Well that's weird" lol

After I got back from FedEx in my boss's car I found another penny in the parking lot. Wow, I'm on a roll! I get all the way back into the building and was ready to get on the elevator when I remembered I didn't lock the car so I went back out and there I found ANOTHER penny in street!

Yeah to you it may only be 8 cents but to me it's a blessing.

Monday I found a Canadian penny in the middle of the Chiropracter's parking lot down the street from my house.

I don't spend these coins I glue them to a small canvas with Matt 6:33 on it- Keep seeking first the kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you.

ETA- I found another penny when we were leaving for home- My all time record is about 40 cents in pennies and dimes up at the Jewel Osco parking lot in Lombard. The snow removal people pushed the snow into a corner and all the change with it.

Still Collecting

Once a collector always a collector. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. As of right now my obsessions are:

• Large/unusual bird scarecrows or sculptures
• Chinese looking tins from the 50s and of course knitting needles and crochet hooks to go in them
• Crinoid Fossil "Indian Beads"
• Old pictures
• China with roses especially unusual pieces
• Whatever those stone encrusted things are- I have an official collection of them now that I found my third piece, a knob at Hobby Lobby.

 

  

 

 

Humanitarian rescue in back alley

Strange sight on the way to the Kingdom Hall Sunday. I  had to go out and investigate after I got home. I rescued the baby doll and will clean it up and make it some funky new clothes. It's a Cabbage Patch Doll from 2004.

Ice Jam at Bird Sanctuary (or as we used to call it The SWAMP)

The weather outside is frightful still. Took these pics Thursday out near the boardwalk where the bird sanctuary is off West Newel Road.

Owl Hats

Not new but I have  limited picture opportunities on this PC at work- It's lunch hour and I'm hungry. Waiting on the boss and her crew to bring me some food. Waiting on Son-In-Law to pick up the cow hats too. Hurry up and wait, story of my life.

All Hail the MIghty Cow Hat and why I'm in a snit

You know what I hate? I hate when my friend whose upstairs apartment I live in comes up and says "Oh you didn't work today?" Uhm I made an awesome cow hat- why isn't that work? I think a better way to put it would be to say "Oh you didn't go to Champaign today?" I am always working when I am home. If you could see the piles/mounds/mountains of art I produce you would most likely nod in agreement. But I do believe in her mind if I do not physically leave the house and travel somewhere I am not working. Why do I let this bother me? Good question Rebecca, good question.

Cow hat pattern by RepeatCrafterMe- I also adapted the owl hat from her pattern-  Headbands/Warmers pattern by TheVelvetAcorn

Anti V Day you know how I roll

No sermon here just something funny I saw on Etsy

I'm not with stupid anymore

Star Wars Toys (The Pressure is Off)

Another month down. Not yet sure if I'll sign up for February. Keep checking back though. I seem to be on a roll!

Now for something completely different....The bad boys of Star Wars and another of my latest obsessions.

Birds on a Wire Cowl (Knitting Pressure Difused)

I never did finish Kathy's sweater. I did however make myself this cool cowl while I was house sitting. I have had this book out at the library off and on for weeks. Making a cloche hat from it now.

I am giving myself permission to quit stressing over the sweater. Deep breaths. You'll get it done eventually (she said not really believing it)

Almost a Sunset (Pressure to See Beauty)

I like living in town but one thing I miss about the farm is the sunsets. This is the only way I get them now.

The Start of my Next Collection? (Pressure to Find More)

I've always been a collector. Rocks, bugs, tins, bells, kaleidoscopes, books, knitting needles, yarn, beads, fabrics, it goes on and on. I have calmed down quite a bit but still have the urge.

Laura gave me this purse recently. It matches my jewelry treasure chest. I feel a new collection coming on!

Frost Flowers (Winter Pressures)

I have had it with these prompts. Well, that and winter in general. Long hard winter, yeah I said it. Long, hard and cold and I have HAD IT!!!

But beauty lurks in the worst oof conditions. These are frost flowers on my bathroom window.

Where I Stand Sunday (Almost Over this Pressure)

Standing with my besties at my first ever Steampunk event.

Change (Could Bring Pressure or Not)

Free writing Saturday, away from my picture stash (new computer woooohoooo!). Guess it's time to suck it up and write.

Let's talk about change.

I, for one, embrace change, but I am always in close contact with people who hate change and they somehow make me uncomfortable with my choices. Is this the peer pressure we have been talking about? I don't think so. It's just that I get tired of defending myself about change.

Bring it on!

New home? No worries.
New clothes? Love them!
New friends? How exciting!
New job? I can do that.

New art techniques, different foods, unknown authors, travel. Oh the thrill of discovery!

For me change makes the world go around.

That said , don't think I am not sentimental. I absolutely am. Love my keepsakes. I just want NEW keepsakes once in awhile.


What changes may lay in store for me 2014?

New business endeavor with a friend involving plants, gardens, cool stuff and flea markets.

Later this year, maybe a new residence.

And all the glorious unforeseen changes that pop up along the way- I can't wait!