2-15-25
What I Can’t Let Go Of:
This blog is publicly, a politics-free zone, so all musings will be “Otherwise“.)
(just like the NPR Politics podcast on Fridays- minus the “Politics or otherwise” disclaimer.
I just returned from a Galentine’s lunch with four of my ladies.
The day was not just about celebrating our bond, but about celebrating one of the ladies.
Not too long ago she completed her course of chemotherapy. She was hesitant to celebrate right away — she didn’t want to jinx anything. We all get that right?
Test after test has come back clear, so we chose Valentine’s Day
to celebrate her healing and our bonds.
It was such an honor to sit around a meal together and laugh outrageously.
To pay respect for what she has been going through,
how we all chipped in as best we could,
and how we all learned and grew by witnessing her incredible grace through it all.
This friend also made the most amazing thank you gift for each of us.
In her stash of vintage treasures, she had a delicately crocheted doily.
One end was badly damaged, but there were five medallions she was able to save.
She hand-stitched those matching medallions to pieces of quilting fabric which now tops
a wad of batting in beautiful matching vintage cups — matching teacup pincushions.
So lovely and thoughtful!
On Valentine’s weekend, I wish for each of you the treasure of truly good friends in your life!
Prevailing Thought II:
Later this week, I’m heading to DC for a few days packed full of baby-snuggling time!
Can’t wait to wrap my arms around our daughter and bonus son, and get my mitts on our little one!!!
On the Blog This (and last) Week
Did You Know Sea Glass Can Come in Any Color and Any Shape You Want?
With this little technique it can — of course not truly sea glass, but glass frosted with all the charm and beauty you could ask for.
Thrifting SCORE: a Large Stash of Vintage Silverware
Now I needed to know the best way to clean and polish all of this old silver.
This led me down the nerdy path of testing side by side 11 commonly reputed methods that don’t use chemicals or toxins.
SPOILER ALERT: Most are patooey!
Great Shares From Around the Web
Get Your Garden Ready
Wendy at WM Design House has a garden that makes my knees week!
Granted she lives in Southern California, quite different from my Kansas City local where we have several inches of snow on the ground and they are calling for more on Tuesday.
But her post covers all the important steps in getting our gardens ready. So I’m hoping to get one or two steps in every time we have one of those radical 50-degree days.
Easy, a Bit Sloppy, Craft for All Ages
Have you ever made homemade paper?
I had forgotten how much fun this can be until I came across Brittni’s post at Paper And Stitch.
She does a great job of simplifying the whole process. You have enough time to to try out a batch yourself and then be ready to make more with the kids for Earth Day (4-22-25).
What a great way to reinforce the importance of reusing and green living for our planet — our collective home.
YOUR Favorite Finds
Last newsletter, I shared my favorite Galentine gifts.
These two were YOUR collective favorites!!!!
Who says you can’t treat yourself with the same care you treat your special gals?
Talk about Luxury Pampering withOUT the Luxury Pricetag!
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I hope you’ve been enjoying the weekend!!! Thanks for hanging out with me a bit,
Love your blog and most importantly, your willingness to share “down to earth” simplicity ideas. Oh My, your Galentine gift is the Best of the Year!!! It just has so much Gal Power in every aspect of its charm. Thank you for sharing………
Oh Helen, this makes my heart sing!!!
What a sweet story about the pin cushion – a true treasure!
The pin cushions are darling! I just love this idea! My mom passed away last month and we’ve been trying to decide what to do with her China Tea Set. This would be a lovely memento for each of her daughters and granddaughters. Thank you for sharing the idea!