Brick-Wall Window

"Hey, Suzy." 

"Yeah, Buddy?"

"What's this window for?"

"Well ... I guess it's sort of a ... decoration."

"Right, because you can't see anything through it."

"Right ..."

The conversation happened at a recent family gathering, but I wasn't bothered.

My capacity for imagination has been with me as long as I can remember. I'm drawn to:

closed doors, latched boxes,

keyholes, pathways, 

abandoned doors, misplaced ladders,

and yes, old windows with a view to nothing.

I've come to realize that my fondness for such things is a Creator-given trait, 

an invaluable gift which empowers me to write. 

And with a little bit of imagination, my friend just might realize that this

brick-wall window does indeed have a view, of sorts. 

Shopping Sweet Spot

Hey! I found a great new store! It's not new, though, just new to me. My Dear Friend Tracy took me there this week for a little "mental health night" - home school moms may have a little less mental health than the average woman out there. Gabriel Brothersis her favorite place to shop, and this store is awesome! They have some of everything: clothes, shoes, housewares, accessories - all of it at LOW prices. The best part is that it is all brand name stuff. Liz was there, Ann Taylor, too. I got clothes with brands from Macy's, Lane Bryant and Kohls - sweater, t-shirt, and jeans for under $20. Had a Ginger Rogers-type dress in the cart, but ran out of time to try it on. Rats! Could've worn that dress to clean baseboards on Wednesdays...

New Direction

fI'm working on some new things! These new ideas are causing me to take EXTRA long, hot showers - where ideas flow freely, of course. No one else in there  asking questions or demanding any attention. Can't hear the phone, or any bickering...actual physical fighting can be heard, unfortunately, and then all my thoughts roll down the drain.  Hate that.

Mom Among Men - I'm going to start adding posts regarding being the only female in a house of males, specifically teenage sons. It's obvious from reading other people's blogs that so many good things are shared among the blogging community. Encouragement, admonishment, advice, warnings - rich treasures! While I've gained so much (and thank you!), I've had a hard time finding other moms, like me, whose sons have stopped playing with Legos and have moved on to other interests. Sure would like some of those wonderful treasures to come my way fit for the season I'm in right now! If I can't find it, I'm going to try to coax it out by putting my own "stuff" out there and hoping to find other moms in my situation who will comment/join in. Thoughts or advice welcome.

Etsy - I'm trying to work my way through setting up an Etsy shop. For a while, my mom and I partnered to make aprons and even made enough for showing in craft shows. I've got a boat-load up there just taking up space. I'd also like to add some fun "junk" finds that will qualify as "vintage" according to the specs on the Etsy website. Thoughts or advice always welcome.

Other Blogs

I can spend alot of time just clicking from blog to blog, exploring other people's lives, ideas, and thoughts on the internet. This is usually done during the still dark, in-between time, after My Oldest Son goes off to public high school and before my Two Youngest Sons wake up to start their lessons here at home. Some great stops along the way: 

*"Frosty's Friends" - a cute and easy dishtowel at Little Birdie's Nest

*Seven Prayers a Day for your children, all scripture centered at Bring The Rain

*Making your blog entries into a hardcopy book - Courney and the Boys

*All things coupon-y and money saving - Nickels-N-Dimes

*A look at the life of an English missionary living in South Africa - Little Fingers and Frosting

*Yum - a chicken soup recipe that looks SOOO good at Posy Gets Cozy

*Children, hymns, "seeing the cross in the clothespin" - A Holy Experience

Revelation

OH!!!  I didn't know how to see the comments!!!  Just thought I was out there posting for myself when My Dear Husband told me that he had left a comment for me on the Eyebrows.  That got me started trying to find it - AND I DID!  How much fun to read all your thoughts!  Thanks!  Not sure how to respond to them really...more learning required, I guess.  Be patient - I'll get it eventually!

1985 APRON - Confession:  I did sadly wonder why no one wanted it when I do think it's so adorable, myself.  Of course, I'm biased.  Krissy left the best story on her 1985. Here it is:

In 1985 I was 4 years old and big things were happening.(haha)Mom had Donnie, whom I carefully named Toto and then dressed like a girl. We moved into a new house where one of the most impressive things was the steps: we could slide down the banister over and over like our own playground indoors and more importantly at night you could sit at the top and watch the reflection of the TV off the window on the landing!! great stuff. 

Thanks, Krissy!  Love the nickname for Donnie - I'll have to try to remember to use that on him, just once, though.  I'll mail the apron to you this week!  Should I try another give away?

s

Jerusalem Earring - A Novel Idea

If this is not an idea for one great historical novel, then I'm a monkey!

_________________________

JERUSALEM - Israeli archaeologists have discovered a 2,000-year-old gold earring beneath a parking lot next to the walls of Jerusalem's old city, the Israel Antiquities Authority said Monday. The discovery dates back to the time of Christ, during the Roman period, said Doron Ben-Ami, director of excavation at the site. The piece was found in a Byzantine structure built several centuries after the jeweled earring was made, showing it was likely passed down through generations, he said. The find is luxurious: A large pearl inlaid in gold with two drop pieces, each with an emerald and pearl set in gold. "It must have belonged to someone of the elite in Jerusalem," Ben-Ami said. "Such a precious item, it couldn't be one of just ordinary people." 

Read the full story at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27643317/