Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Spent all weekend at Sam's enjoying the Christmas festivities. Jordan and Candy came over Christmas day to share lots of gifts and eat prime rib and ham dinner.  Then the snow arrived, which put a wrench in my moving plans. Made it home Sunday morning, unwrapped more gifts from Stan and Susan, then napped. 

Snowed Monday and Tuesday. Took my life in my hands and drove to Sam's Tuesday afternoon. Was definitely slippery crawling the hill back up to home.

Snow still here today but forecast says it will be warming up on Thursday. Took a half day off so I could spend all my time this weekend moving. Will definitely need the boys help.

Received a picture of one of Stubbs new owners which made me happy.

Looking forward to 2022 when I will be in a place of my own!!

Diva Wreaths and Trees

On the craft and art sites I follow, I've begun seeing a plethora of "Diva Wreaths" and "Diva Trees."  In most cases, both are stunning. Made me wonder how these new art forms originated.

Apparently, the art stems from BlackGirlMagic, a movement that was popularized by CaShawn Thompson in 2013.  The concept was born as a way to “celebrate the beauty, power and resilience of Black women.”

Diva Wreaths and Diva Trees allow Black women to add their individual style and flair, which aren’t typically seen in mainstream holiday decorations. The popularity of these products has grown through word-of-mouth as they are not sold in traditional retail stores.

For the wreath, a sillouhette or even a color printed face is used to start. Ribbons and ornaments are then adhered to the head to simulate afro styles.  Everyone has their own version or design and the finished product is fabulous.

The Diva Trees use a torso or full-size mannequin to simulate a Christmas or ornamental tree, attired with gowns, ornaments, greenery, baubles, or a variety of glittery and memorable items.

I'm digging the trees and may create one of my own. Not so much a holiday statue but a more year-round work of art. 

On a side note, ran across the following DIY angel baby ornaments. Is it just me or do you think these are beyond creepy??

Love You Forever 🐶

On a somber note, my new place does not allow pets so I had to make the difficult decision to rehome my baby Stubbs.  Thankfully, my boss in Tacoma said her son wanted him so we met up in Centralia last night to hand off Stubbins. I've had him for 12 years so it was a rough decision to make. I'm very blessed and thankful that he's going to a home where he will be loved.  But still hard - coming into my room and no longer saying "Hey Stubbee", his barking at me when it's time for bed, his burrowing under the covers and snuggling next to me, and his complete devotion to me as his mama. I'll miss you my pet.

Travel, Tacoma, and Rocks

Traveled to Tacoma for work yesterday. Thankful that Jordan came over Thursday to put in my new headlights and check all fluids before my trip.

Arrived at bosses house before traveling to the office. Gave her the gravity defying ornament cup for Christmas and she loved it.

Worked a few hours then a group of us, including sis Erin, had lunch together at Stanfords. Yummy food but lots of cheese and garlic!

Today met up with the FB rock club to pick up prize drawing gifts. Came home with an awesome acrylic paint set! 

As part of the drawing, we had to post a rock which meant something to us.  One of the members posted a picture of a Chitty Chitty Bang Bang rock she received from me. 

Hoping to get the keys soon for the duplex so, with fingers crossed, I may be able to host Christmas dinner!  Going to start packing a few things tomorrow.

Good Vibes Happening

Good things are happening!

Submitted an application for an apartment in Sam's complex. They are currently remodeling it so wasn't quite sure how long of a wait it would be.  The landlord called and said he had a 2 bedroom duplex which I may find more interesting.

Stopped by after work, peered through the windows, then landlord arrived so I could take a closer look. New flooring, paint, tons of storage, fenced yard, and garage. Plus W/S/G paid and they even mow the yard!  Gave my thumbs up for references to be called to finalize the deal.

Yesterday the landlord called, approved me to rent the place, and we scheduled my move in date for December 27, 2021!  So excited to have my own place again!

Then received news of my annual bonus, was given a recognition award from my boss, and another kudo from a team of which I was a member.  Ended up with a tidy sum on my Amazon account from the awards so I'm splurging tonight with a purchase of "Christmas in Conneticut."

Picked up a 99 cent cup and saucer at Goodwill, had a Target coupon which provided free ornaments, then glue gunned the heck out of it. Turned out pretty special; posted it on a craft Facebook group and so far have received almost 800 Likes and comments!

Continued my crafting and whipped up three painted holiday pictures along with a gnome wreath I gifted to son Jordan.

Even fit some time in to celebrate daughter-in-law Candy's birthday!

And last Friday had a holiday lunch with our local office.

And believe it or not my Christmas shopping is finished! Yes good things are definitely happening!

Elf Hijinks

Started creating last night and finished tonight another Dollar Tree craft project. A lighted, gravity-defying Elf tabletop display. Isn't it cute??!!

Rockin the Luck!

I belong to a local rock painting Facebook club.  They have a painting challenge every month then draw names from the participants who win an exceptional rock. In addition, sometimes members may do a special challenge. Last week one of the artists asked members to share a favorite secret spot to hide rocks.  There would then be a drawing with three incredible autumn Santa rocks as prizes. 

I've won three of the monthly drawings then tonight my name was drawn first for a Santa rock, which meant I had first choice. Yippee! I selected the incredible Santa above.

Thanks and Friends Giving

Thanksgiving long weekend has come and gone but it was definitely memorable!

Celebrated the holiday with Jordan, Candy, and Sam on Thursday. So much laughter! Had not gotten together with all of them in a long time. It lifts my spirits to watch the boys verbally sparring and trying to top each other with their comebacks and wit. Felt like I had done 100 sit ups my stomach hurt so from the hilarity. 

Sunday was invited to attend a Friendsgiving at Jimmy's and Lexi's. Tons of food and many of their friends, including Sam along with Christian and Tyler whom I've known since they were wee lads. Shared many "remember when" stories of their childhood antics. I'm referred to as Mom by all of them so it's fun to catch up with my "kids."

Picked up an application for an apartment in Sam's complex. Have my fingers crossed that it will work out. The available unit is being remodeled with new flooring. I'm sooo looking forward to having a place of my own.

Also crafted this last week using Dollar Tree items. Wreath for Stan and Susan, one for Sam, and one for Jimmy. Jordan's is in the works.

Have been trying to accomplish a Dutch pour painting, which requires pushing air against the paint. Blow-dry hasn't accomplished this so picked up The World's Smallest Blower from Amazon. Will see if this accomplishes the task!

Happy Thanksgiving!

First off, Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Tired of painting my roots, had an appointment with Abbie my hair goddess to add some lowlights and trim my hair. So much better!!

Beauty is hard work!

Hair done, decided to begin Christmas shopping. Swung by Walgreens to pick up my photo cards and, believe it or not, they are all addressed and ready to be mailed.  Wandered around Target, Walmart, Goodwill, and downtown Longview to find perfect and unusual gifts. Even found a little bed for the Stubbikins, which he loves!

Part of me wants to visit Vancouver Mall but the other part just does not enjoy the crowds, pushy people, aisle vendors, and commercialism.  I may venture to Joann's on Black Friday as they have some killer deals plus they are local.

Finished my 4 Seasons painting and attached it to the Goodwill window frame I snagged for $1.99 and painted. Turned out cute!

Prepared a few mini-canvas pour paintings along with a couple craft projects for gifts. Framed the canvas in cupboard boards picked up at a local thrift store.  Pondering to list these, along with other paintings, for sale on Facebook Marketplace.

Spending Thanksgiving with Jordan, Sam, and Candy. Just love hanging out with my boys because they are interesting conversationalists with a quick sense of humor. 

Enjoy your holiday! ❤

  

 

The Beach Restoreth My Soul

Couple of weeks ago started an art project for Sam. I knew he wanted a painting with black, gray, and red. Pondered what to do then ended up sculpting a bat symbol on the three part canvas with joint compound. Once dry, did a pour paint on it. Turned out awesome. Dropped it off to his place last week and he loved it. Looks perfect on the wall behind his TV.

Joint compound step

Finished product!

Last week went through a few sleepy days. Felt fine in the morning then became so drowsy while trying to work. After three days of this discovered it was due to a new allergy medicine I started taking in the morning - Zyrtec. Now saving that drug to go with my Benydryl to use one at night as needed!

Went to Cannon Beach this past weekend to attend a baby shower. Rode and stayed with sis Julie and met up with sis Erin. So much fun! Definitely schizophrenic weather - sunny, then sprinkles, on to heavy rain and hail, then back to sunny. At least we were able to visit the beach a few times.

Julie and I stayed at the Tolovana Inn. I'd never stayed there before but it was perfect. Right near the beach, fireplace in the room, and across the street from a grocery store. Ideal hotel for a longer stay.

We took a quick stroll on the beach Saturday night, mainly so I could gather up painting rocks. Rainy so I pulled up my hood and Julie, who forgot her hat,, rolled her turtleneck over her head like a babushka!!  

Early Sunday morning met up with Erin and took a longer hike - with no rain! Of course I was in treasure hunting mode and was in luck. Up by the rocks away from the surf I found an old porthole window along with a barnacle shell. Score!!

My porthole find!

Had to add a torch as Erin's posed screamed out for it!

Fiddled around, stopped at Warrenton Goodwill, then arrived home around noon. Such a good time!

Happy birthday to my bestie Lynn along with the older set of twins Jay and Julie. Hard to believe we are inching up on the middle of November!!!

Enjoy the rest of your week! ❤