Ethnic Scrapbooking

National Craft Month

Although I'd like to celebrate each and every day in March by doing a "craft", life goes on.  As soon as I heard that our local Borders books store was closing I immediately signed up to purchase some of their furniture.  I wasn't sure what I wanted, I have tons of books so shelving seemed like the logical choice, but the ones in the store are so heavy.  I looked at the tables, and anyone who's been to my house knows that another table is NOT needed in this house. (as a Clutter-Free person, I have to be careful of table top surfaces in my house, because the messies think it's a clean spot for THEIR JUNK)

After three visits to the store I decided I wanted one of their "Bargain Table Cubes"  it measures about 4' x 4'  and is made of solid wood with shelving on all four sides.  What I loved about it was the large work surface and the fact that it was on wheels.  Once my fantastic, ultra-terriffic husband heaved it into the car by himself and got it home (thanks Carlton for being a good neighbor and helping get this beast into the house), we realized that it would take 3-4 men to actually get it down the basement steps to the studio...so plan B was in full force.

 

How do I still use this table for it's intended purpose in another room on the first floor.  In comes our very under utilized sun/morning room.  Right off the kitchen and is flooded with afternoon light.  So instead of the studio, it resides in the heart of our home and is a perfect spot for homework, a place to doodle, a place to run through flashcards, great spot for board games or a thousand piece puzzle with Pap-Pap.  I moved all of the various first floor art baskets to the cube, and we have plenty of room to grow. In my mind I call this Tavi's Table.  The grandson needs a spot to do his art (and stay out of trouble).  We'll try it out here for a while and see how it goes.

  Oh, the cost for this little repurposed gem...$125.  Couldn't make this piece for that price.  I've seen some celebrity scrapbookers have similar things made in the $4,000 range.  I'm quite happy with my repurposed item.

My Tribute to Cousin Jeff

Cousin, Jeff related to me on both sides of my family...one of my few double cousins.  I've known Jeff all my life. He went to be with the Lord this week, I know my God is real and that he is there ripping and running for JOY totally healed.

15 years ago he survived a car accident that left him to lead a lif eof a quadraplegic, similar/same injury as the famous Christopher Reeves.   But Jeff was different, he became a minister and ministered to everyone he came in contact with.  Instutitional living is hard, hard on the body, mind and soul, but Jeff had support, he had a devoted mother who has taught me to NEVER, EVER to give up on your child.  His children, his church, his cousins, aunts and uncles have been there. 

I last spent time with him Fourth of July 2009 at our family reunion.  Nothing made him happier than to be with family. I was so touched by how his cousins stepped right up and learned how to transport him and take hime where ever he wanted to go.  We were blessed that he was with us for as long as he was, he didn't have the money and exposure Christopher Reeves had, he had something greater, he had Jesus Christ.  The sheer mental anquish would have been enough to crush me.  I thought of him ofter when I was having hard times, I thought, " his God is my God and if his God can motivate and strengthen him, he can do the same for me".

I can't be there for his homegoing and that hurts, but I don't have to be, because I know he's perfectly healed in his new home, although we miss him here, he's finally where he wanted to be, I have no doubt whatsoever.

Jeff you surely lived out Jeremiah 29:11, God has a purpose and a plan for your life.

 

 

All in a Days Work

4: 00 hour, Uncle Joseph teaches nephew Tavien to ride a bike...but safety first!

 

5:00 hour Jonathan has soccer practice in cool weather...outdoor season has officially begun.

6:00 we play with a Newfie puppy (the little ball of fluff...what joy) and the older New Foundland...LOVE THIS BREED, just need a house with a Barn big enough to hold one...this owner has TWO (the older 13 year old just passed away and he immediately got a new one).

 
 7:00 hour Pinewood Derby at scouts.

 

I envy those who get to scrapbook and craft everyday (Chela) during NATIONAL CRAFT MONTH!  Folks always remind me that my nest will be empty someday...but I don't believe it.