So I guess I am almost back to normal.  I’m sleeping, working, playing and shopping once again!  When I don’t feel like thrifting, you know that I am all out of sorts. I haven’t felt like doing much of anything lately.  However,  on Friday, I made a few rounds of my favorite Goodwills.  I found a few treasures that I just couldn’t live without.  Lo and behold, I was back in the zone.

I am completely obsessed with all things “needle arts” and I couldn’t resist the little hankie girl.  Now that I’ve learned to crochet (sort of) I have the utmost respect for crocheted “stuff.”  While checking out, the man behind me said that his mother has lots of old crocheted doilies.  We had a nice conversation about these mini works of art and how difficult they are to make.  Finally, I had to grab the old high school notebook.  It has hand written recipes in it, and I wonder what the woman was like who owned this cute little book.

I also swung by Michael’s because I had a coupon I wanted to use on some floral supplies.  Now, let me just say, that I do not consider myself a lucky person.  I have gambled twice in my life and was not really impressed by the whole experience.  When I go to Vegas, I like to admire the people, eat and watch over-the-top shows.  With that said, when it comes to shopping, I am really lucky.  I mean crazy lucky.  I remember once while visiting Lumberton, NC, I stumbled across this amazing boutique that was changing their entire inventory.  It was right before my mother and I went to Italy, and I got a brand new wardrobe for 100 bucks!  I always seem to be in the right place at the right time when it comes to a sale.  And so it was, when I walked into Michael’s looking for silk hydrangeas.  Apparently, the craft store is discontinuing their ribbon by the yard.  They had rolls and rolls of scrumptious ribbon for $2.50!  Originally 30-40 dollars a roll.  Holy Cow!  What a deal!  I just couldn’t resist. 😀

Aren’t they gorgeous?  I can’t wait to start crafting with them.  Most of them are wired so they are great for making ribbon flowers.  Yipee!

The doll is one of my post-surgery ebay buys.  She used to be part of a pin cushion, but I’m going to use her for some other project.  I’ve become a bit obsessed with half dolls ever since Christine made me a beautiful bird house.

Isn’t that amazing?  I just love her!

My latest project was inspired by Amy Powers.  I even stole her idea for a bowl of cherries.  I’ve been working on it for a few weeks now, and it’s fun to play with while watching tv.  I decided to title it “joy” and incorporate all the things that bring me joy — flowers, ice cream, kitties,kisses and mermaids!  For other great inspiration, check out Pam Garrison and Rebecca Sower’s samplers.  Pure eye candy!  I could look at their work for hours and hours.

Other things Chucklebutt and I have been up to are fireworks and space stations.  We caught a great fireworks display on the 4th and Chuck got some great shots.

Oooooooooooohhhhhhhh…

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…

I could go on and on, but I won’t bore you with all the super duper shots!

Well maybe just one more-

If you click on the photo above, it will bring up a gallery of some of the best shots from that night!

And finally…

What’s that you may ask?  That is the international space station getting ready to set behind the Superstition Mountains.  Is doesn’t look like much, but it was uber cool seeing it sweep across the sky.  It was hauling!  The only reason I knew about it is because I am married to a geek — a lovable, handsome geek, but a geek.  I think he shot this with a 20 second exposure.

Check out the station zipping directly overhead –

I hope everyone is well and in good health.  Like I said, I am running at about 95% capacity and should be at 100% in another week or two.  Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes.  Stay cool!