Rain at Last, Homemade Home Decor, Tea Station

 

Hello Everyone,

We are getting some rain here and the smoke smell is gone. This was the first heavy, adequate rain in this part of Oregon for almost 5 months. 

Today I am sharing some pictures from the Manse, of homemade pumpkins that create some bright spots.  My pumpkins did not grow well this year so I got out old worn out towels, worn clothing and other interesting textiles to make these pumpkins.   I created the ones in the first picture to reflect the colors of the painting behind the wicker settee. 

The mint/sage green ones are from worn out towels.

These next ones I made from some satin scraps of fabric I have had in the sewing stash for more than 20 years, and it feels good to finally use it. Although I don't recommend keeping supplies "forever", this really has been a good thing in my case, since I'm trying not to go out or spend money on fabric.  For you crafters who want details of this project, Dollar Tree had burlap wired ribbon in the craft section and I cut the wire off for the tendrils, using the burlap for the stems of these beauties:

 

Old toys are good props for this, and in the Manse where space is scarce, toys can be used for containers and corner fillers ;-) It doesn't suit everyone but I like it.

One of my children gifted me with this ceramic sheep back in the day and 

I keep it out, always. It looks nice with the background picture and the

two little satin pumpkins.

The dark green ones are made from an old table runner of brocade, also from the dollar store.

Current sewing project here:

Cinnamon sticks smell so nice after all the smoke.

Platters and plates of several sizes were used as patterns to trace around on the fabric. After cutting the circles, hand-stitch around the outer edge of the circles and pull up to gather, stuffing with fiberfill before sewing the opening shut. Then, insert a cinnamon stick, or a piece of wood, or twist a stem from brown paper. 

One of the five refreshment centers I have placed around The Manse:

Another display behind a chair:

To save on space, I sometimes use toys in my decor for the delight factor and as containers for other things: books, florals, even rocks and sea shells.

Another toy that is not in the way when used for pumpkins:

This is an older photo that has been posted before but I couldn't resist including a cup of hot tea:

I hope to be back here pretty soon with a new message for all of you who are so busy at home.

Keeping on Track, Education, Conversation

 

Please enjoy the video while you go about your home today.

I read from George Washington's Commonplace Book, which you can see here.

How to Spot a Scam

 Dear Readers,

There is a new video for your working day at home, on the previous post.

As I have been talking recently to you about reading comprehension and life comprehension, I thought it would be a good time to share with you something I have saved from my email, as a lesson.

See if you can find the spelling errors in this letter. If you can't at first, find the nearest 8-year old, who might be a bit more alert.  I found myself mentally correcting the spelling and ignoring it upon my first reading. 

Spot a couple of grammatical errors, too.

Also look for punctuation errors, such as common words beginning with a capital inside a sentence.

See if you can spot the business errors--things no legitimate business would say in a customer letter.

See if you can detect the expressions that are not generally used in the US.

Have fun looking, and possibly use this as a spelling error lesson.

This also is a good letter to look at, as a warning , since it is one that is commonly being sent around by email to trick people into giving up their information.

You can also look up the company name and find out if it is legitimate, which is something you should always do.

Dear Customer,

Thanks for using Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection. This is an important notification. The Subscription has been Auto Renewed for 2 years & Your account has been Pre Authorised for $299.99

It has been auto Renewed as per E-Sign Agreement Singed by You at the TIme of registration. Thank you for the Completion of your 1 year.

We tried to contact you on your registered number for queries but could not get through

Payment Information
Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection Fire Wall & Network Protection	$299.00
Total $299.00

P.S if you did not place this order then Please call us to Support Team on+1 855-361-4720

(claims Department) Kindly ignore if aleardy claimed.

You have 24 hrs to refund this charge from the date of the transaction without being charges.

Our support team will gladly assist you with any questions or requests you may have – simply contact us through our dedicated channels:

It may take a few hours for this transaction to appear in your account.

Cheers,
The Billing Team

+1 855-361-4720

This Email was sent from a notification-only address that cannot accept incoming email.please do not reply to this message

Good, Better, Best

Hello Ladies,

The new video is at the end of this post, and here is the poem I recited for the "lesson":

Good,

Better,

Best.

Never let it rest

Til your good is better,

And your better, best.

Tea cup: Brew to a Tea

Fabric: Brother and Sister Designs sold by Hobby Lobby

Dark pink gingham check for ruffle: 100% cotton from Hobby Lobby

 

Pattern: McCalls 6958

 I used a sleeve from a different pattern 

Note about piping on necklines: It has to be sewn between the facing and the main piece when sewing on the facing because it will buckle and not have a smooth look. It cannot be "added" after the garment is sewn, if you want the desired results.

Changing Scenes

 Hello Ladies,

I hope to have another talk with you soon.

In the meantime, I'm offering one of the many changing scenes from my window view. Every day I look forward to "take a picture" on my appointment list, and I like the way the colors and the mist and the haze makes the same scene so different each day.

I had company a few days ago and they were remarking about my "new" chair.  It is not a new chair at all. It is Grandma's old chair, which I enjoy changing now and then with different colors of fabrics, covers and blankets--an easy, uncostly way to change the decor.

Speaking of  "changing scenes", I notice this the third stanza of this song contains those words, which I wrote below the video.

Please enjoy the song during your routine at home and I hope it plays in your mind later on too!

My Jesus, as Thou wilt! All shall be well for me; Each changing future scene I gladly trust with Thee. Straight to Thy rest above I travel calmly on, And sing, in life or death, My Lord, Thy will be done!

An Offering, Comprehension

 

                                           There are two parts to the video today.

Part 1:

Part 2:

Fabric: Cranston

Pattern: 1980 Laura Ashley

Tea cup: Brew To A Tea

Newsletter

 Hello Ladies,

As I have a different computer and not familiar with including a printable newsletter, I'll invite you just to paste this newsletter on another page and print it out if you want a hard copy. It embodies some of the speech from the previous video, that is, the admonition to come out better on the other side of difficult times, than when you went in! 

Elect Lady

newsletter

Abundant

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10

ABUND'ANT, adjective Plentiful; in great quantity; fully sufficient; as an abundant supply. In scripture, abounding; having in great quantity; overflowing with.

Don't wait for abundant living.

Don't wait for your life to get better. Don't wait for the world

to straighten up. Don't wait for politics to settle down.

Don't wait for others to cooperate or agree. 

You can come out of the other side of an unfortunate situation BETTER.

Many people have discovered the value of keeping a routine of “better” things to do

that help them progress in life and refine their character.

I suggest making appointments with yourself at home, to do the following:

Better knowledge – stretch your mind by learning something every day. These days information is available at our fingertips and there is no excuse to allow your mind to become stagnant.

Better Bible Knowledge – most people have full schedules and very little time for this but now it is possible to include it in your “appointments” at home.

Better prayer life – make an appointment for personal prayer three times a day.

Better physical fitness – stretch your muscles and get rid of stiffness and pain. There are many online videos with good instruction. If all you do is move your neck or your hands, it is a conscious exercise that has great benefits. Ladies have reported that simple stretches and movements give them more mental clarity.

Better communication – Write your own newsletter with a dip and a dab of things that you are interested in, including your new knowledge and your new activities

More Creative – Take an art class online and order your supplies. You will be so amazed at the results of this effort. An appointment during the week can do wonders for you. Many ladies say they just never had the time for art and if they did, art classes required travel or were late at night. This is no longer necessary and you can enjoy lessons from the comfort of your own dining table.

Better dressed – Every day is special in God's sight. It is a gift! Dressing your best and being clean and well groomed (including clean hair and fresh breath) gives you a real lift but not just for you: it can be an encouragement to others in the home.

Better Homes and Gardens – I have heard that many ladies are happy that they finally have time to concentrate on cleaning drawers, closets, storage boxes, and even redecorating. You can do this too and come out of the other side of these difficult times with a better home and garden. This makes you happy but gives a lift to every passer-by.

Better food preparation – join a cooking class online or look for cooking instruction videos.

There will never be a dull moment if you will follow one food preparation video and prepare something. Not interested in cooking? Try a tea time video which teaches how to make fancy sandwiches and simple treats without turning on the cook stove.

Here is a wonderful recipe sent by Roxy, who is a dear friend, from the blog “Living From Glory to Glory”. I tried it and it turned out right the first time. Be warned it makes a LOT so you might have to freeze some. I didn't use loaf pans so mine was in rectangle deep dish, and I cut it into squares.

Mmmm. Good

Spiced Pumpkin Bread

3 1/2 c. Flour

2 c. Sugar

2 tsp. Baking soda

2 tsp. Salt

2 tsp. Ground allspice

1 tsp. Baking powder

1 tsp. Nutmeg

1 tsp. Cinnamon

1/2 tsp. Ground cloves

4 eggs

1 can (15 oz.) solid pumpkin

3/4 c. Canola oil (I use olive oil or butter)

2/3 c. Water

1/2 c. Chopped nuts, optional

In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients.

In another bowl, combine eggs, pumpkin, oil and water. Mix well.

Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.

Pour into 3 greased loaf pans. Sprinkle with nuts, if desired.

Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes or
Until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.

Cool for10 minutes before removing from pans.

"All The Better For It.'

 

Hello Ladies,

Today I talk about coming out of the other side of a bad situation BETTER in many ways! We've all been given more time at home and it can be used in a great way.  Please listen while you work. 

             

Tea cup from Brew To a Tea 

Dress by April Cornell

(It was once available at Victorian Trading Co.) from where this picture came:

Homemaking Inspiration, Last Reading of Booker T. Washington Autobiography

Hello Ladies,

I hope you get some things completed while listening today.  

 

Here is the summer cotton dress I finished today and the sewing accessories.  The dress design and fabric are based on a 1980’s Hawaii  pattern.

The dress is from this pattern. I added a zipper and a sleeve from an old pattern. (My arms are not yet presentable so I make a longer sleeve) ;-)

Since I am trying to use up fabric bits and trims, buttons, laces, edgings, etc. I had quite an enjoyable time adding things to this garment.

This is a loose, cool dress I would wear at home and if I had to go anywhere, would add a little jacket, bolero, cardigan or blazer to give it a less casual appearance.

 Here is the children's book I was talking about:

Once Upon A Memory

Reflections of Childhood

Brownlow Publishing

Enjoy the hymn and after a few plays, sing along:

Some nature sounds to take your mind off the news:

Inspiration for Home and Another Reading from Booker T. Washington

Good Morning!

I am sharing the dawn's early view with you so you can see the mountain ranges in the distance.

Many women who have been home keepers all their lives have expressed the frustration of being unable to completely stay home and concentrate on the many things that just never get done. Because of the many things necessary to help the function of home life, we often must be "somewhere else" and are often away from home for hours. 

Although in our area we are out and about and everything is open, I have found alternatives to going out,(ordering, sending others in the family out for me) so that I can finally get some things done that I've been agonizing over for years: using up my fabric, painting walls, exercising, cooking classes, sorting through old things, getting books in order, learning something new, etc.

I also never had time to take courses and develop skills and knowledge of things that interest me. Not going out so much has given me the opportunity to take advantage of these online tutorials on subjects I've always wanted to know more about.

Today you will here more about Booker T. Washington, and how he insisted on total cleanliness, both personal and in the house. I thought this was applicable to our homes.  In a future reading I will relate his teaching to his students to "know more than just book learning" so that they could get along in life.

Enjoy this nature sound video for calmness and appreciation of the Creation:

A Little Inspiration From Reading Booker T. Washington and Anne of Green Gables

Hello Ladies,

A quote from Booker T. Washington:

"I believe than any man's life will be filled with constant, unexpected encouragements...if he makes up his mind to do his level best each day of his life--that is, tries to make each day reach as nearly as possible the high-water mark of pure, unselfish, useful living. I pity the man, black or white, who has never experienced the joy and satisfaction that comes to one by reason of an effort to assist in making someone else more useful and more happy."  

Booker T. Washington, 1856-1915

Here is a recording of one of Booker Washington's speeches  recorded in 1908.

Quote from Anne of Green Gables:

Marilla: What use would she be to us?

Matthew:  We might be of some use to her.

Ladies, you might also benefit from these sounds and come away with a sense of well-being, instead of listening to the discouraging reports in media. I like to have some nature sounds to alleviate any tension, and it is good background for housework ;-)

Reading Aloud from Booker T. Washington

 

Hello Ladies,

I hope you get something done while you listen today.

In the radio broadcast I spoke of a dress I just completed and will supply some of the details for you later.  The fabric is from Hobby Lobby and has a Queen Anns Lace print.

The dress is a Simplicity pattern which I re-designed a little to resemble a Western type costume I had seen on Pinterest. The hat is from a Butterick vintage style pattern. I'll try to include pictures of the patterns later.

I have been making a lot of these hats lately and thought I might attempt to include my own personalized version of a  pattern for them--one that I made up, and step by step instructions, in another post (someday).

I have not finished the inside of this one yet, as it needs a binding over the inside seam.

Here is a bouquet of Queen Ann's Lace which grows wild outside, and I've placed it next to the print of the fabric. You can see the rick-rack trim on the sleeve here, as well as in the neckline. 

I figured out how to get a full length picture of myself wearing the dress:

Reading from Booker T. Washington, and Anne of Green Gables

Western View

Hello Ladies,

I've been so busy at home now, with more and more to find, fix and finish. I took a little time off today to read aloud and I hope you get a lot done while listening. My hope is that within the stories  you can find inspiration for the home.

 

 I also enjoy some nature sounds while I do various things at home, and you might enjoy them too. 

I try to find nature videos without ads.

Home for Living and Learning

Hello Ladies,

Please enjoy listening while you work. 

Leisure

Here is a great poem for you and your family to read aloud and eventually quote by memory.

Although published in 1911, it was a commentary on the "hectic pace of modern life."

People who lived aforetime thought their lives were too rushed and full of pressure! Poets and writers admonished people to "stop and smell the roses."

Leisure

by William Henry Davies (Welsh: 1871-1940)

What is this life if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare. No time to stand beneath the boughs And stare as long as sheep or cows. No time to see, when woods we pass, Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass. No time to see, in broad daylight, Streams full of stars, like skies at night. No time to turn at Beauty's glance, And watch her feet, how they can dance. No time to wait till her mouth can Enrich that smile her eyes began. A poor life this is if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare.