An obsession...

it's my parents' fault.

No, really it is...

see it all started when I was only a grade schooler....

They (the parents) started to take vacations,

really just weekend trips to 

Charleston SC.

I was,

and probably am..

a spoiled brat, and they had to get away 

every once in awhile, or they might 

strangle me.

So,

a babysitter or grandmother was retrieved and

paid, I suspect, and off they went on a Friday afternoon.

Not a long way mind you,

but far enough that not returning when I cried, was 

only reasonable....

There they had a wonderful time,

and because they are indeed wonderful themselves,

they would bring me "goodies"

gifts,

presents,

bribes....

That's when it started...

this obsession for 

baskets...

I cannot help myself.

I don't even try any more.

I am hopeless.

So,

here is a glimpse at my stash...

enjoy....

Some are old...

having been acquired from antique shops, or junque stores...

Some came from family members to me when
we cleaned out their homes, I cherish those the most-est...

Some are relatively new....

younger than me...

Some are really new...

brought to me last year after their trip...

Yes,

they still take those trips....

I am still a brat, so there is no reason to upset 

the status quo.....

smiles.

And, they had to ask....

Do you suffer from Delusional Holiday Gift Sewing?

The magazine

Vogue Patterns

asks.....

Now let me set the record absolutely straight....

I am not an accomplished seamstress.

I am not an enthusiastic sewer even....

I always pray before putting the presser foot down....

especially lately.

My sweet baboo spent an extended business trip in 

Shanghai recently.

On previous trips,

he asked what I might like....

I said pearls.

He brought me 

earrings,

necklace(s),

and a ring!

Whew!

I love them all 

and frankly, am a bit 

humbled that he would

go to so much trouble,

and expense.

So,

as he was packing for this trip,

he asked again,

"What can I bring you?"

I was prepared this time.

I said that I would love some silk fabric,

so that I could make a blouse.

He came back with the most luxurious fabric you could ever imagine.

And his business partner mentioned how expensive it was.....

Yipes!

So, you see.....

when I sat down to pick a pattern for this fabric,

I was especially cognizant of the difficulty of each 

option.

I have completed 2 out of the three patterns I chose.

(They are being completed by a monkey with 12 thumbs,...me.)

My eyesight is in transition,

(menopause)

and thus, 

I can hardly thread the needle.

So,

back to the 

"Question From Vogue Magazine"...

the answer is 

YES!

I apparently got all cocky....

big-headed....

looney....

(you get the picture),

because I started to plan to make all 

of my Christmas gifts.....

Handbags for girlfriends,

scarfs for others,

felt phone covers for guys,

hats for others,

laptop protectors for some,

and simple stockings for others.....

What am I thinking?

It is November 8th for Pete's Sake!

Guess I should be grateful that a magazine 

brought me back down to earth....

Now, I wonder where that glue gun is?

smiles....

More pearls

More pearls, originally uploaded by ellenmr.

I know...
this man must be crazy.
He didn't have to bring me a thing,
just come home to me in good shape.
But ....
he must have eaten the mushrooms
or
something like that....
as he brought me these too....
How lucky am I?

Rainy Days....

Today, I was blessed with a rainy day...

nothing to accomplish,

nothing to manipulate,

nothing to be responsible for.....

Gratitude

small graces....

big gifts...

The luxury of simply sitting and listening.

It's been a long time coming..

I am so grateful.