I've been keeping the Covid Blues away by spending time in the dungeon... the creative ideas just keep coming.   All will be available on the Primitive Handmades Mercantile tonight - please stop by at 8pm cst  <3

 Covid has changed every normal event and my daily grind during 2020 and I've honestly felt worthless  - or is it helpless (?) at times.  As I was scrolling the internet one day, my eye caught a segment about volunteering for the Salvation Army. While I've always donated to the many buckets we encounter around town, the thought struck me that this was something I could do that is not about me in the slightest.
I went online and signed up for 2 hour slots for the next month - and yesterday was my first day.
It started off a bit rocky ... there was a fellow working the bucket in front of Hobby Lobby as I pulled into the parking lot and parked my car.  I approached him and happily announced that I was his replacement for the next shift!  Well, my grand announcement was met with a look of stunned bewilderment. He told me he was working a 5 hour shift and would not be done until 3pm.  I could tell he was not about to budge or give up his post and as we talked, I realized he was a paid ringer who was counting on those funds.  I let him know I would contact the Major to see if there was another kettle nearby that needed a volunteer and bid him a good day.
While I was waiting for a return call from the Salvation Army, what else could I do but go shopping!  So into Hobby Lobby I went, happily sorting through the crowded aisles for the items I was in search of.  And as I exited my shopping trip, I saw my new friend speaking to a lady and pointing to me.  (was I in trouble already? lol) 
Apparently the error was on their scheduling part - and they proceeded to set up another kettle for me to man at the opposite door.  I was thrilled to know I didn't screw up and drive to the wrong location. 
I happily put my purchases in my car and set off to find my bell and get busy!
I must say, I was so pleasantly surprised by my experience that day.  I greeted folks entering and exiting and played doorman for many during my shift.  With all fall items marked down 80%, there were a LOT of bags leaving the store and Hobby Lobby was even more crowded than normal. They actually had over half of their checkout lanes open ... a *rare* sight in itself!
And I must say... my afternoon shift restored my faith in people. Kindness is an easy thing to extend and 99% of the time, it is met with kindness in return. Many donated, whether it was a large bill or the widow's mite, all were met with thankfulness from me for helping me fill my bucket.  And most everyone I greeted extended the same grace in return.
I have decided to extend my month of volunteering to Christmas - or as long as they will have me.  I so enjoyed my afternoon and God gave me a feeling of worth that came from an act as simple as saying hello and opening a door.
I also might add.... since my retirement, I have gone soft.   lol.... I came home exhausted from standing in the warm sun for 2 short hours. 

 I've been spending some time in the dungeon.  I call this piece "Starry Night" and while he is sold, I am happy to say I've been working on some new snow-kids.
I hope you will stay tuned for these Works in Progress  <3

I always enjoyed posting here and keeping up with friends, but over the past few years, it seemed that Facebook always took the majority of my "internet" time.   I'm gonna give it another go here - and hope to stay current with you all!  I have been spending much time in the dungeon and have a few new items that will be available. Wish me luck ... I don't want to chicken out on this!  :)

Yes... it's been quite some time since I gave my blog the attention it deserves.
I actually came to the site to find a past post I'd made about aprons and the role they have played in kitchens over the years but then it dawned on me .... why haven't I been more active here?  I have always enjoyed writing and posting photos and maybe with the new year brings a new leaf and a new attitude.  Maybe - just maybe - it's time to come back to my roots.  This is where it all began before twitter and facebook and instagram.
So quickly, I will just share what I've been up to this month in the dungeon and leave it at that for now. 
I think of these things with an attitude of what I call "humble pride".  My chest certainly isn't puffed up with ridiculous self love for the ability that God gave me - but I do get great enjoyment from creating with my hands and bringing a bit of joy out.

First off, let me just say here in the Midwest, we went through a great cold spell that kept us locked away and warm inside the house. I was able to spend many hours in the dungeon and had great moments creating in time for Christmas. Thank you for stopping by and catching up. I have missed this time. The following are a few photos of the creations I fell in love with.  I hope you like them!






Santa's Wee Little Helper is still available for adoption.






I loved how this Belsnickle mounted on a Beehive Bobbin turned out.

Please stop by and see these all of the other lovely offerings waiting for you

on the Primitive Handmades Mercantile!

We're waiting for YOU!

Just click the Blog photo below to be taken to the website ...
you wont miss another fantastic offering!

HAPPY SHOPPING!

I have realized that as I get older, time goes by faster.  Maybe not news to many of you, but when you are looking back, you realize just how much has occurred when you weren't paying attention.

Take for example ... my blog!
Mercy, has it really been this long since I posted anything?  The TDIPT Mercantile has been closed for months now and as sad as it was to see happen, time marches on. 

In the course of the last year, I have gone through many life experiences... some good, some not so good, and some downright heartbreaking.  I have laughed, cried and fallen to my knees at times in total dependence on God's mercy.

My husband lost his job in the fall and was laid off for over 6 months. It was a struggle for me watching as he was trying to grapple with the fact that he was unemployed.  Darrell has run some of the larger construction crews, building some of the great landmarks in Kansas City like the Sprint Center. When things came down around him, it was particularly hard for me because I knew there wasn't much I could do besides quietly and solidly supporting him and continually lifting him up to the Lord. During those 6 months, I never doubted God was in control of even this - and was confident He had big plans for Darrell. Because God cares for His children, it was no surprise that Darrell was offered a job with the Kansas City school district the very same week he got notice from the state saying unemployment had run out and he would have to refile.  God remains Faithful and True.



In March, Sully turned 3 years old!  So hard to see this precious boy growing up before our eyes but his mom and dad had a grand birthday celebration for him.  His dad, Darby was starring in a local play called "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" and they invited the entire party to the Landing in St Joe, Mo to watch the play and celebrate with milk and cookies.  What a fun day!




In May, my heart was broken when we had to put our sweet Tuck to sleep.  We tried for several months to relieve the pain and discomfort he was suffering in his back leg and after many visits to 4 different vets and a trip to the specialists, we learned he had bone cancer. I knew it was time one morning, when I realized our sweet boy had diarrhea and was not able to get out of his sick bed to make it to the potty box.  With a very heavy heart, we said goodbye to our precious Tuck. I think I have shed a million tears and I know this sweet boy will always have a special place in our hearts.