My Mother's Scent

Today is Momma's birthday, and so I can't help but find myself combing through old photos and thinking of her.  That happens more often than I'd like to admit.  No special occasion required, really.  But today will be a closet day.

In my mother’s closet there is a long-sleeved t-shirt covered with gold and silver beads.  The beading takes the form of a deer surrounded by snowflakes.  A Christmas shirt.  For this time of year she loved so much.  She had acquired many Christmas blouses over the years, but the whirls and twirls of this one, in particular, are dear to me.  Special.  So special that it’s buried under a pile of clothing for protection.

Christmas at my sister's house maybe three, four years ago?
No telling what kind of snow-scene was on the vest she was wearing...
I love this picture.  She still looked like herself.  And happy!

When my mother departed this world eight months ago, her entire room in my home smelled of her.  After a couple of days, it was just her closet.  Now, it’s that single blouse...barely.

Getting on the bus...and off the roller coaster

I'm sorry I haven't been around lately.  You see, I lost my mother in March, and it's been hard to focus on sewing or writing.  When I do write, I get lost in emotion.  The endless photo search just results in waves of silent tears, and then surrender.  Even when I'm trying not to think at all, everything seems to remind me of her.  Even weird, silly things that you wouldn't expect.

Like today when I put Big Boy on the school bus.

Today's Photo Journal: A Love Letter to My Lego Guy

My husband is amazing.  Our family's been through the wringer this year, and he's been by my side every step of the way.  It takes a special person to be willing to accommodate aging parents in the home, all while working, deploying and helping to raise two energetic boys.  In light of all he does, I wanted to make this Valentine's Day special.

Today's Photo Journal: A Mother's Love

The most precious gifts we receive convey love, thoughtfulness and meet a need.  One of the earliest such treasures of my life was "blankie," a simple pink quilt made especially for a tiny me by my mother's mother.  

Tutorial: How to Patch a Pair of Shorts...(or most anything, really)

When Big Boy hopped off the school bus last week, I immediately noticed a quarter-size hole in his favorite shorts.  I asked if he wanted me to patch them, and of course, he said yes.  I'm tickled that the kids think it's no big deal that I can patch things, shorten sleeves or make them a pair of "comfy pants" (read: fleece) and let out the hem the next year when they're too short.  For once, being taken for granted makes me smile. 

Today's Photo Journal: Legacy of Love

 

When doctors first diagnosed my mother and told her she probably had little more than a couple of months, she did something completely wacky... 

Brilliant, really...

She ran for public office.

Today's Photo Journal: The Chairloom

No more hiding heirloom fabrics in a bin under the bed!...Or hiding heirloom furniture in the attic, for that matter. 

Today's Photo Journal: The View & Lovey Contest Winner!

What a gorgeous day on the Florida Panhandle!  We've been blessed with a few days of rainy weather, and as icing on the cake we're experiencing a lovely sunny afternoon.  Keep reading to find out who won this week's Ribbon Adorned Lovey giveaway!