CAW!!! CAW!!!! Noises from the attic...and my head!!

Verteran's Day, 2011

2011-11-11T07:59:00.001-07:00

As we remember the veterans of our Armed Services, let us not forget the freedoms we have as Americans. Thank you, veterans, for your service, both at home and abroad. Thank you to you and your families as well. Let us also remember those currently serving today, as well, and their families, too!! No amount of thanks will ever be enough for the sacrifices made on behalf of all Americans.

WHERE HAVE I BEEN??????

2011-10-07T23:26:00.001-06:00

MY OH MY!!!!! All I can say is.......I have been super busy!!! So busy that obviously I have very much neglected my blog!!

All is well though, with Summer having come and gone, and Fall in the air here at 6,000 feet! Summer was hot. Fall has been more like summer so far....although apparently we might get a drop in temperature and a bit of snow during the night tonight!

My Summer included several trips, with a recent one being to the San Juan Islands of Washington State, and the Djangofest Northwest event on Whidbey Island in Langely! FUN!! FUN!! FUN!!!

If you happen to be local folks, I will be at the Fall Show in Highlands Ranch this weekend. Next week my work will be featured at Four Anns Market in Old Town Littleton!! They are a great antique and cool stuff market, open once a month, Thursday through Saturday. Stop by and find some great pieces, and perhaps pick up a prim doll or two as well!!

My dolls are also available locally at Vintage Vendors in Old Town Littleton on Rapp Street. This great shop of antiques and collectibles is open Tuesday through Saturday, and is such a fun place to browse and visit with the great shop folks!

I will also be at a new Denver area show called Home for the Holidays. This great event will be held at the Washington Park United Methodist Church, 1955 E Arizona Avenue. The dates are October 21 and 22. Friday the show runs from 9-7, allowing time for after work shopping. Saturday the hours are 9-5. Hope to see you there!!

Make sure to stop by Simply Primitives and The Primitive Gathering this month to see what I have available in my Crows in the Attic Primitives shop on Simply Primitives, my Crows shop on The Primitive Gathering, as well as my Annabelle's Attic shops!

Happy Fall!!

Happy Birthday, America!!!!!

2011-07-05T17:07:00.000-06:00

I hope that everyone had a safe and enjoyable long holiday weekend, and have settled back in to the regular routine now!! I had a nice time spent down in Santa Fe, NM with friends from Austin, TX. The guys had a gig at a very nice restaurant/bar one night, and at the Wine Festival the following day. The festival was held at a living history museum location, and what fun that was!! Volunteers were on hand telling about the work and culture of the time, talking about how the farm is maintained today in the same manner as in the 1800's, etc. Unfortunately the smoke from the fires in the area was pretty bad, but not as bad as those that have been directly affected are dealing with, that's for sure. We spent some time in Taos on our way back home, which was fun, too! I love Santa Fe and Taos...... the culture, the art, the climate, the people, the architeture, and much, much more. A great time was had by all!!

Should you ever have an opportunity to visit the museum in Santa Fe, you will not be disappointed!!

FLAG DAY 2011!!

2011-06-14T08:05:00.001-06:00

God Bless America and it's flag!! Today is Flag Day! June 14th each year is the day we honor the American flag and celebrate it's adoption!!

Our flag represents our freedom, and is a symbol of the ideals of the United States of America. Today, and every day, is a time for us to reflect on what our nation stands for, our belief in liberty and justice for all, and what it means to be a united nation.

May we all celebrate the day by properly displaying the flag of our country, and pausing to think about the freedoms and opportunities that we enjoy, while living in the United States of America. God Bless America, land that I love!!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY, AMERICA!!

2011-05-30T12:32:00.000-06:00

God Bless America, our fallen troops and their families, and our active troops and families as well. I hope that all of you are having a safe long weekend, and best wishes for the coming week as this long weekend draws to a close for most of us.

Caw! Caw!! Where does time go???

2011-05-16T18:06:00.001-06:00

I seem to have been repeating that question over and over since the new year began!! Where does the time go??? What is happening to my life???? It is flying past me at lightning speed!!

As the days go speeding by, I have managed to release a couple of new patterns, and create a few new primitive items! Please stop by the pattern sites and finished goods sites, all listed on the left side bar to see these new items!!

You can find this great prim gal, Ella Mae, over on Simply Primitives in my Crows in the Attic Primitives shop. Stop by and take a peek at Ella and other offerings, too!!

I hope that some beautiful Spring weather is blessing your part of the world! We in Colorado have a mix of Spring, Winter and Summer weather, never knowing which kind the day will bring!! The weather here just keeps life more interesting!!

Thank you so much for stopping by!! Prim Blessings to all of you!!

APRIL IS HERE ALREADY!!!!!

2011-04-01T08:24:00.011-06:00

I keep repeating myself, saying....where has the time gone??? And now......APRIL ALREADY!!!! One fourth of 2011 is already behind us. Yes, today is April Fool's Day. However, rather than playing a practical joke on someone, I would prefer to think of today as......OPENING DAY FOR THE COLORADO ROCKIES AT COORS FIELD!!!! GO ROCKIES!!!

Of course, my favorite sports team is the DENVER NUGGETS, who have come a very long way since the mid-season trade awhile back. Sceptics thought the Nuggets were doomed when they let go two name players....but the team has proven the sceptics quite wrong!! GO NUGGETS!!!

I imagine that many of you are enjoying a nice Spring, with green grass, flowers, etc. We just spent a week in Austin.....with the heat, the humidity, the sauna style weather......and are glad to be back in the mountains with the cooler, dry weather of the Front Range. We do have some greening grass, flowers, and trees getting those special Spring green leaves....but April is our second most snowy month. March is our snowiest month. Not sure what happened there...but it was NOT tons of snow falling from the sky!! November is another big snow month....nothing this year. Not good for the environment, so I have my fingers and toes and arms and legs crossed for more precipitation this month. Here at 6,000 feet precip has been sparse this Winter and Spring.

As always, the prim factory has been in full swing, with new creations and new patterns being cranked out, although not as rapidly as I wish! I have to be the world's slowest production person. I am amazed at the number of finished items I see some folks able to produce. Oh well! I am what I am!!

I have a new rabbit, a Kentucky Primitives design, over on Prim Nest, the new marketplace venue by Kelle of Patternmart!! Flocks of little yellow peeps are available on Lemon Poppy Seeds!!! There's a variety of bunnies and some barnyard chicks listed there, too!! Some great new dolls and other Spring things are available in my new listings on Simply Primitives and The Primitive Gathering, too! And don't forget to check out my raggedies on my Annabelle's Attic shoppes on the above sites, as well!! Stop by my raggedy blog while you are browsing, too!!

HAPPY PRIM SPRING!!!

2011-03-23T11:26:00.004-06:00

Spring has sprung!! The birds are singing, green grass is abundant, and the tulips and daffodils are in bloom!! What more could one want here in Colorado on the Front Range???? Well.....we sure could use some snow!! Yes! SNOW!!! March is supposed to be our big snow month....and so far we have barely enough snowfall for the month to measure. Not good. Wildfires are raging. Things are soooooooo dry, it is not a good thing.

New primitives creations are popping up all over, too!!! The bunnies have been plentiful, and today I am working on a few little chicks and such!

I hope everyone is well, enjoying good weather wherever you may be, and looking forward to the next season....if you are so lucky as to live where the seasons actually do change!! That is one of my favorite things about living in Colorado......we have 4 distinct seasons!!

A new finished goods website has now opened, and I am happy to be a part of that venture! Kelle of Patternmart has launched her newest site, The Prim Nest, and you will find my Crows in the Attic Page on Prim Nest HERE!!!

Please use the links of the left side bar to visit alllll of the many sites where I list my finished goods! You will find many everyday prims as well as some Spring and Easter items, too!!

Don't forget to check out my patterns, too!!

Spring Blessings to all!!

.......and the race goes on.......

2011-02-15T11:41:00.016-07:00

Gosh, I used to be a good blogger. I used to do regular posts. I never claimed to be organized. But this is pathetic!

I am so far behind in so many aspects of the tasks I impose on myself. But, I am not going to beat up on myself. Instead I am just going to trudge forth, and work toward better time management!! And, as Mike would say.......It is what it is!!

I am thoroughly enjoying the marketing class that I am taking, and the one thing that I am learning is that there is lots that I don't do correctly!! Oh well.....at least I know that now, and can work toward doing something about it!!

Spring has come to the Colorado Rocky Mountain Foothills....following our first REAL snow of the season. We have had days in the 50's and 60's for about a week now, and it is soooo tempting to believe that this will last. Not true. In fact, as many of you know, I LOVE Winter, and I LOVE snow, and we never seem to get enough to suit me. The ski areas have been blasted over and over again, though, which is a good thing. This has been, I believe, one of the record years at the higher elevations for amount of snowfall. The fantasy of Spring will soon subside, since the forecast is for a high in the low 30's on Monday, with snow Monday night and Tuesday.

I have many updates to talk about, and those of you that want to browse or shop, please use the links on the left sidebar to find all the shops that I sell from. Mid-month is raggedy (Annabelle's Attic) update time on some sites, and lst of the month is regular primitives updates on those same sites. However, Lemon Poppy Seeds updates both on the lst and the 15th, and Country Fried Primitives updates both on just the 15th. I have shared some pictures of some of the new listings, both for Annabelle's Attic and Crows in the Attic Primitives!!

I am trying to do better at putting things on Etsy, but have failed at that so far! Another mistake in my marketing!! HA!! If you are a maker yourself, and need great wool for those prim dolls, or grungy tags, etc, please stop by my Ebay store for those kinds of things!!

Don't forget to look at all the patterns, too!! I have many new ones, and so many unpublished ones, that I have set a goal to get one published each week, to be featured in the Patternmart newsletter!! I have been successful so far, since the lst week of January!!! YES!!! I have not failed at this goal!!!

I will sign off today with a wish for everyone to enjoy the day, appreciate the good things, and why not do something nice for someone today??!!! Prim Blessings to all, Trudy

As the first month flies by me........

2011-01-20T09:10:00.015-07:00

Gosh! I am already behind!!! Can't be true!! What has happened to the first part of the first month of the new year??? And this was the year that I was NOT going to get behind on anything, and was in fact going to be ahead of the game!!! Well, guess what? Not gonna happen. Nope. It was all a dream.

Much has happened in these few first days of the new year, though. Regis is going to retire. Upsets in the NFL. Regis says the Jets will beat the Steelers. Carmelo Anthony has managed to give headaches to many, with the whole drama of a trade. Now the NJ Nets billionaire owner says no deal. Perhaps that helped the Nuggets play better last night as they beat the Oklahoma City Thunder, as Carmelo and Kevin Durant matched up.

In the world of primitives and raggedies, I have published a few new patterns, and have many new finished items in the works. I am forever kept in a whirl with my supply orders for stained tags, wool for doll hair, homespun strips, stained muslin and osnaburg, etc, found in my Ebay Store. (Ebay ID: palmpanda4ever)

I am taking an online course, the second one I have attempted, in an effort to learn how to better use my time, etc. Hmmmmmmm. Guess it's not quite like absorbing by osmosis!! It's one thing to KNOW something, and another whole different deal to USE what you know!! hahahaaa!!! At this point I think I need a course in how to put into action what one knows!!!

I hope all of you have had a fabulous start to the new year, and are keeping up with all those resolutions....eat better, lose weight, etc....the kind that I don't bother making because I know the outcome of that effort!!

Please stop by some of the sites where I offer finished goods and take a peek at my Ebay Store for patterns and finished goods and my Etsy shop, too! Find my finished goods here: Simply Primitives, The Primitive Gathering, Lemon Poppy Seeds, and Country Fried Primitives.

Before we are ready, February will be here, and I hope to have figured out how to get caught up with life!! Many blessings to all!! Enjoy WINTER!!!

WELCOME 2011!!!

2011-01-03T09:21:00.008-07:00

Gosh!! It's already 2011???? OH NO!!! I'm not finished with my tasks for 2010 yet!! Anyone else have that feeling??!! I remember my parents saying that the older you get the faster the years fly by. I remember thinking how silly that sounded, since I knew that it was not a true statement. Time moves at the same pace no matter what your age. Now I get it!! hahahaaaa!!!

Reflecting on 2010 brings many wonderful memories, some challenges, and many successes. Looking forward to 2011 is a challenge in and of itself!! I have so many plans for improvement in my personal and creative lives, more projects and ideas in mind than any one year can hold, trips to take, grandchildren to watch grow, new designs to develop, continuing to work at mastering the art of vegetable and rose gardening at 6,000 feet in a fairly dry climate, learning to manage my time better and become a super organized person, bake more bread, eat less, exercise more, continue on my mission to buy American only, support local independent businesses more, work harder to promote Handmade in America handcrafts, exercise more, and on and on and on.

This is the time of year when I become super energized to clean. Clean the closets, clean the drawers, clean all the little nooks and crannies on the stove, microwave, refrigerator, etc. If only this urge would last all year long with such enthusiasm!! Wouldn't that be grand!!

I love the Christmas time of year, with all the decorations, the children looking forward to Santa, the cookies, the fudge, gathering with friends and family, and those fun kinds of things. I like to leave the decorations up for a long time, as a way of extending the excitement and comfort of the season. By the end of January, I will have put away most, but will have left the snowfolks and other Winter type ornies on the prim tree, and will add some hearts so as to bring the tree through the Valentine's Day time of February.

Here at 6,000 feet above sea level, on the Front Range of the Colorado Rockies, we have NOT had snow to speak of at all until New Year's Eve! At best we got a couple, maybe three inches at most, but that's more than we have had all Fall and Winter. However, the ski areas have been getting slammed, with feet of snow arriving for them! We have had very warm weather, as well, until New Year's Eve, too. We have now seen sub-zero nights, and not much warmer days for a day or so. Tonight is in the single digits, but maybe tomorrow will warm to above freezing once again. On New Year's Day a huge flock of robins came to visit! That has to be a sign of a wonderful year ahead!! I believe these birds do not fly South for the Winter, but instead they are found staying over in a nearby canyon. That is what I was told, anyway!!

I hope this finds all of you feeling refreshed and ready for another year of accomplishment, adventure, productivity, or whatever goals you might have. Thank you to those of you that stop by and visit my blog! Thank you to my valued customers, too. I appreciate those of you that follow my work and have provided homes for some of my creations! May bountiful blessings and great prosperity come to all of you during this new year ahead. Sincerely, Trudy

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

2010-12-24T22:44:00.002-07:00

May the blessings of the season be with you all during this holiday time of the year. Hoping that time spent with friends and family will bring joy to your hearts this season and all the year to come. Thank you to all of you that have visited my blog through the year, and I look forward to sharing time with you next year, too! Merry Christmas!!

THANK YOU, STAMPINGTON!!!

2010-12-11T20:46:00.002-07:00

As I look back over my blog, I realize that I have never given thanks to the wonderful folks at Stampington and Company for selecting more of my work for the second issue of PRIMS magazine!! The wonderful magazine hit the newstands in October, and here in my area, was quickly sold out! If you have not had an opportunity to see this collectible publication, perhaps you can find it at your local bookstore, fabric shop, or artsy craftsy store!! This second issue of PRIMS is also available online from Stampington! Just click on this link to purchase!!

Again, my thanks to Jennifer Jackson and her wonderful staff at Stampington for their amazing work! I am honored to have been selected to share my work with others in this wonderful magazine, PRIMS!!

CONGRATULATIONS COACH KARL!!!!!!

2010-12-10T22:16:00.002-07:00

The Denver Nuggets have a remarkable coach, and once again, Coach George Karl has met another milestone in his career!! Coach Karl has become the 7th NBA coach to achieve 1,000 game wins in his career!! Congratulations, Coach Karl!!! Congratulations on the win over the Toronto Raptors, Nuggets!!

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

2010-12-07T08:47:00.005-07:00

December 7th of each year Americans commemorate the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. This is a day to remember those men and women of the armed services that lost their lives on that day.

HONORING OUR VETERANS TODAY AND ALWAYS!!!!!

2010-11-11T08:04:00.004-07:00

Veterans' Day. A time to stop and thank those that have served our country for you and me. For our freedom. For our nation's safety. For us. Freedom does not come easy. It takes hard work and sacrifice.

I hope that today, and every day, we will all pause and reflect on what our country's men and women in service do and have done for all of us.

Thank you veterans!! Thank you to the active duty troops, both at home and abroad, for all you do for us. Thank you to the families of veterans and active duty troops as well! God Bless America!! God Bless our troops and their families!! God Bless the VETERANS!!!

Great Give-Away Opportunity!!!

2010-11-04T19:36:00.004-06:00

If you have not yet found Pineapple Primitives, come take a look!! She is having a super duper give-away over on her blog!! Although I'm sure that I will win this wonderful kitty (heehehee!!), you might sign up for a chance, too!! :)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

2010-10-31T11:30:00.004-06:00

Gosh....Fall is such a hectic, busy, scattered, and wonderful time of year!!! I must slow down, and take time to smell the pumpkins!! Shows, shopping, slow cooker suppers.....all signs of the changing of the seasons. I have been on many outings to take pics of the wonderful colors here in the mountains and the foothills, and hope to post some of those soon. One show down, two to go. Many new creations, many new patterns, too!! Hope everyone is enjoying this time of year, and I do hope all of you have a safe Halloween!!! This picture is from the wonderful yard of a nearby resident that always goes to the full extent for their everchanging Halloween displays!! Enjoy!!

Time Flies......and Deadlines Lurk!!

2010-09-28T15:00:00.006-06:00

Oh my oooooh my........where do my days and nights go??!!! Summer has gone (well, according to the calendar and the weather reporter), Fall has arrived in some areas, football is well underway, and the NBA is holding training camp with their season just around the corner. Fall means the rush to build inventory for the one show I do each year. September is a wild month in our household since there are a zillion birthdays.....mine, Mike's, daughter's, daughter-in-law's, and granddaughter Sadie's. Whew!!

I have managed to publish a few more patterns, which can be found on Patternmart as instant downloads, and the other pattern sites you see in the left sidebar.

I am proud to announce that I have more work published in the second issue of PRIMS magazine, which you may be able to find on your local newstands any day now!! Be on the lookout for it!! This is a GRAND publication from Stampington and Company. You can follow the link above to order by mail, too!!

Hope this finds everyone well, enjoy the season, and the busiest time of year for many of us!! Prim Blessings, Trudy

WHAT FUN!!!

2010-09-09T17:32:00.002-06:00

I have days like this sometimes, too.............!!! HAHAHAHAA!!! Too funny!! What a silly girl Madison is....today and always!!! Pic shared by her mom.

NEW PATTERNS PUBLISHED TODAY!!!

2010-09-05T19:03:00.005-06:00

I would be the first to admit that I am not a good administrative assistant type person.....and much prefer the hands on creating as opposed to the "office" work or writing up pattern instructions and getting them listed!! I am forever complaining to my friends about how I do not like the computer work!! I'd rather have my hands in the grunge mix and paint, than on the computer keyboard.

But.....I forced myself to finish writing up two patterns today, and have them listed on Etsy and Patternmart, with the other pattern sites to get them soon!! Like I said....computer work and I are NOT best of friends!! hehheeeee!!! Two down.....many new ones to go!! I hope you will stop by and take a peek at the new designs for Itty Bitty Bat Ornie and the Primitive Witch Ornie!!! Prim Blessings, Trudy

Colorado Fences

2010-09-05T12:42:00.005-06:00

I have always had a great fondness for fences!! I see them as works of art, although I am certain they were built as functional systems for keeping something in or something out!! I love fences of all kinds, and especially love the old wooden country fences and rock fences. Today I am sharing some pictures of fences taken during a summer outing or two! Enjoy!!

OOOOPS!!!!! WHAT HAPPENED TO AUGUST?????

2010-09-03T21:43:00.006-06:00

Gosh.....where did August go??? Where is this year going???? Part of the problem with my absence has been my being way more busy than need be, having way tooooo much fun, and running around the countryside too much!!

We spent a few days in Sante Fe, a long weekend in Crested Butte, CO enjoying a bluegrass festival, a long weekend attending the Rocky Grass Festival in Lyons, CO (an annual event for us), and then I spent nearly a couple weeks down in Austin, TX....and now it's September 3rd....my birthday!! Whew!! I have my one show that I do each year coming up in early October, for which I am working hard to prepare for, also. WAY BUSY!!!

I have scads of pictures of various summer outings, lots of wildflowers, great rivers, fences, old buildings and such, and perhaps I will make some time to post those. In the meantime.....here are some pics of the Austin grandchildren. Madison is already 4 1/2, as she proudly tells everyone. Mackenzie is into the terrible two behavior, as she approaches her 2nd birthday in early November. And Liam is already 4 months old!!! Seems like he was born last week!!

SHARING A HALLOWEEN GIVEAWAY!!!

2010-07-29T20:51:00.003-06:00

Stop by Calico Rabbit for this wonderful giveaway opportunity!!! Deadline to sign up is August 7th, with the lucky winner to be announced on August 8th!!

AND I WON AGAIN!!!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT????

2010-07-29T09:35:00.005-06:00

WHOA!!!! MY LUCKY MONTH!!! I also won a wonderful print from another great artist!! Elizabeth Gonzalez is very talented, and I am fortunate to now be the lucky owner of TWO of her great prints!! Stop by her blog and say hello!! You can find wonderful prints and ceramic items in her Etsy shoppe, too!! Thanks so much, Elizabeth!!

I WON!!!!!

2010-07-13T10:35:00.003-06:00

I am so honored to be the winner of this beautiful journal from two creative sisters, Rebecca and Kathleen!! Stop by their blog, Pigtails Paper Trails, become a follower, and be the first to know about their new creations!! They have a great Etsy shoppe, too!! STOP ON BY!!!! You can follow these great Texas gals on Facebook, too!! I hope you will pay them a visit, and tell them that Trudy sent you!! :)

BACKYARD FRIENDS!!!

2010-07-08T10:52:00.009-06:00

With all that I need to be doing....deadlines, orders to fill, etc......here I have been this morning, enjoying the animal friends in our backyard!! I can spend so much time watching and enjoying them!!! What would I do if we lived in the woods???!!!!

The foxes were not in the yard this morning, but I don't believe I have shared these shots with you yet! I haven't seen the coyote in awhile, and I had also stopped feeding the birds, at the suggestion of the local HOA. However, a few days ago, when the little golden guys were searching for their seeds, I had to feed them!! :)

Enjoy the shots!!

My Photo Class Theme for the 3rd....a Day Late Here!!

2010-07-04T17:30:00.002-06:00

Our theme for yesterday's assignment was "Getting Centered"......instead of the usual artistic play, we were to strive for centering our subject....perhaps with symetry on the sides, etc. Although I did not find quite what I was looking for, I did find some things to "center" my view finder on! Enjoy the shots!!

GOD BLESS AMERICA ON HER BIRTHDAY!!!!!

2010-07-04T09:41:00.002-06:00

Democracy and America were born on July 4, 1776. Every year we Americans celebrate the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave in a variety of ways, often including parades and backyard gatherings, hotdogs and watermelon.

I suggest that we all take a moment to reflect on what it means to be an American, what we each can do to continue the work of our nation, and what our responsibilities are as Americans.

Today might be a great day to read all or part of The Declaration of Independence, and put some thought into what it means to be an independent nation, during the days of the signing of the Declaration and now today, in 2010.

I suggest that we take a moment to thank those that have given themselves to serve in our Armed Forces, and to their families, many of which have sacrificed the ultimate.

Stay safe, have fun, and God Bless America!!!

SPLASH!!!!!

2010-07-02T16:56:00.006-06:00

I love a good summer rain.....the kind that you can see building up, with the skies growing darker.......then the thunder...............then the lightning..............then the downpour.

We had one of those events today!! NICE!!! The rain brought the temp down to a chilly 75, everything got a nice little drink of coolness, and then the clouds moved on, the sun returned, and the temperature rose to another 90+ day!!

I love the rain. This kind of rain. The rain the comes....and goes.....quickly!! Enjoy the shots!!

JULY.....A SPECIAL MONTH!!!

2010-07-01T12:53:00.006-06:00

JULY!!! Already!!! Yes, we are already half way through 2010. Hard to believe!! I like to think about the year in terms of how well I have done to reach my goals, the adventures I have experienced, the challenges I have taken on, the accomplishments I have made. I need to get busy!!!!! heheheheee!!!

This is the month that we celebrate the birth of our Nation.....the United States of America. This is the month my late father, Howard Spencer Graves, was born in Leon, WI, in 1922.

In 1969, man first set foot on the moon, during the month of July. That man was Neil Armstrong, an American.

One of my favorite childhood activities was to transfer the comics from the Sunday paper to another paper using my SILLY PUTTY!!! Silly Putty was trademark registered in July, 1952.

The people and events of the month of July are many, obviously. I will leave the further investigation of these to you!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On the creative front, July 2010 brings an end to the amazing e-course I have been participating in with noted artist Kelly Rae Roberts. As that great experience winds down, I have joined an inspirational photography event with Shutter Sister, Tracey Clark!! You might want to jump in for a fun photo experience, too!! Just visit Picture Summer, and sign up!!

July brings updates for Crows in the Attic Primitives on Simply Primitives and The Primitive Gathering, as well as updates on Lemon Poppy Seeds, too!! Both of my Poppy Shoppes have been updated with some great Christmas in July choices, too!! Be sure to visit Annabelle's Attic as well as Crows in the Attic Primtives on LPS!!

Most of all, I hope that you will welcome July, the heat of Summer, the fun in the sun, and all that Summer brings to you! Prim Blessings to all, Trudy

THE YOUNGEST GRANDSON TURNS 2 MONTHS OLD!!!!!!

2010-06-29T12:40:00.004-06:00

Little Liam has now turned a whole 2 months old!!! YEA!!!! He is eating well, and growing by leaps and bounds!! He loves to be held.....nearly all the time some days, according to his mommy!!! Typical guy, huh???!!!

The picture was taken yesterday, when he turned two months old, and had his pediatrician visit. He now is 11 pounds 6 ounces, and 23.5 inches long!!! Such a growing boy!!! He has a ways to go, though, to catch up with his two big sisters!!! Thank you, Amy, for sending the picture of this little guy!!

ANOTHER PAINTING IN THE SKY!!!

2010-06-28T08:58:00.002-06:00

Sunsets are among my favorite things. I only wish we had a better view of the sun rising, too!! :) The sunsets over the mountains are always amazing....and last for a long, long time, and are forever changing. I spend sooooo much time enjoying them, watching them, wondering what will happen next!!

This show was spectacular, as most often happens after a storm passes through. Enjoy the pics!!

OUR AUSTIN STARS!!!

2010-06-26T21:47:00.006-06:00

Thought it was time I shared just a few recent pictures of the precious Austin grandchildren!! I spent part of May down in the heat and humidity, welcoming the newest family member, Liam, to the clan!! The girls have accepted him well, and now Mom has three to corral and care for! The good thing is....Dad is no longer the only guy in the house!!

Madison loves riding her scooter, and discovered that the pavement is hard!! She quickly figured out how to avoid contact!!

Mackenzie is content to play inside with all the wonderful toys in the playroom. She loves dressing up with all the jewelry, a variety of sunglasses, and lots and lots of beads!!

FIRE IN THE SKY ~ I LOVE SUNSETS!!!!

2010-06-26T20:45:00.004-06:00

Sunsets over the Rocky Mountains are just about the most beautiful thing on the planet!! We have some very special ones here!! Tonight is another one, but I have chosen NOT to photograph it. Instead I am posting some pics of a recent evening of beauty!! I would get soooo much more accomplished it we didn't have such a great view from our home!! I LOVE looking at the mountains!! Enjoy the sunset shots!!

SNEAK PEEK!!!!! A NEW PATTERN........

2010-06-24T13:47:00.003-06:00

Caw!! Caw!!!! God Bless America!!! We all need an American Crow....right????? Here is just a sneak peek at the new pattern I am working on.......An American Crow!!! Look for this new feathered friend on my pattern sites (found on the left sidebar) in a day or two....or maybe sooner!!! Don't you just love CROWS????!!!!!

I hope you will take a moment to sign up for my newsletter, too!! Prim Hugs, Trudy

LOOK!!! ANOTHER GIVE-AWAY!!!!!

2010-06-21T11:06:00.004-06:00

Guess what!!! Another give-away...and maybe you will be the lucky one!!

Renee of Crows Roost Prims is having a grande pattern give-away!

Hop on over to her blog to read all about it!!! THANKS, RENEE!!!

We all need more patterns!!! YES!!

PATTERN GIVE-AWAY WINNER!!!!

2010-06-21T10:27:00.005-06:00

Congratulations to Kady of Stoney Hill Cabin for being the lucky winner of my pattern give-away!!!! Whoooo!!! Whoooooooo!!!!! As I closed my eyes, and pulled ONE lucky name from my lucky give-away hat......that was the name that was pulled!!! Stop by her blog, and tell her congratulations!!

For all you others that so graciously signed up for the give-away, but were not so lucky to be the winner, please send me an email!!! I have a special treat for you, too!!! YES!!! You won't be disappointed!! EMAIL ME!!!! (theheadcrow@aol.com) Tell me you want a treat...and wanted to be the winner, too!!You have to be one of those that already had commented and signed up on the previous give-away post, though.

Thanks again to all that stopped by and said hello!! I hope you will come back soon!!! Prim Hugs to all, Trudy

RUSTY TIN ROOF ~ SUMMER 2010 ISSUE!!!!!

2010-06-16T09:45:00.002-06:00

Have you seen the Summer issue of the online magazine.....Rusty Tin Roof?? Check it out here!! It's FREE!!! And......I did an interview for them!! This issue is filled with great articles, free patterns, and more!! ENJOY!!!

And while you are here......PLEASE SIGN UP FOR MY GIVE-AWAY OF PATTERNS!!! DETAILS ARE A COUPLE OF POSTS DOWN....SCROLL DOWN, SIGN UP, PUT YOUR LUCKY THOUGHTS TO WORK!!!

FLAG DAY 2010

2010-06-14T09:07:00.003-06:00

President Harry Truman, in 1949, first designated Flag Day to be celebrated across America on June 14th, by signing an Act of Congress. However, Flag Day had been celebrated in a less formal manner throughout our great nation for many years prior to that.

Fly our country's flag proudly, not just today, but everyday as a reminder of what our country stands for! Be proud to be an American.......and remember the troops that work to protect our freedom.

JUNE PATTERN GIVE-AWAY!!!!

2010-06-03T22:18:00.005-06:00

BIG BEAK CROW ORNIES PATTERN

We all love patterns.....right???!!! And we all love give-aways....right???!!! Free stuff ROCKS!! Since deciding that it was time that I get organized and begin putting some of my creations into published form to share with others, I have been astounded at the response.

Therefore, I thought it would be fun to give away a pattern or two....or three!! Here are the rules!! You have three ways to get your name in the hat.....once, twice, or three times!!

#1 ~ Leave a comment here AND enter your email in the newsletter sign up at the top of my blog!!

#2 ~ Post about this give-away on YOUR blog!! (and let me know you did so)

#3 ~ Become a follower of my blog....or already are a follower!! (tell me you are, please)

So, if you do all three, you will have your name in the hat THREE times.....and guess what???!!! If your name is the one pulled from the hat.........You will receive THREE FREE PATTERNS!!! I'm feeling very generous, aren't I??!!!! Generosity is a good thing! And guess what????!!!!! You get to choose the two patterns you want, besides receiving the one featured here.....my Big Beak Crow Ornies pattern!!! Such a deal!!!!!! The pattern or patterns will be sent to you in pdf format in your email! So easy! Such fun!!

So........the deadline for accomplishing these three simple steps to get your name in the hat for this super duper PATTERN GIVE-AWAY.....is midnight MST on Sunday, June 20th. I will announce the winner here on my blog on Monday, June 21st!!

Now, should YOU be the lucky winner....there's another BONUS in this for JUST YOU!!!! There will be opportunities for you to get some other free patterns, too.....in the manner of a BOGO....buy one/get one sorta deal!!! I'll send you the details along with an email telling you that you are the LUCKY ONE!!!!

Spread the word, do your homework, and my best to you in your hopes to be the lucky winner!!

Prim Blessings and Happy Creating to All!!! ~~ Trudy

MEMORIAL DAY, 2010

2010-05-31T11:24:00.002-06:00

As we take time today to remember those that have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedom, let us not forget those currently serving in our armed forces, and their families, as well. Perhaps today is a day that you might want to consider joining others in supporting such programs as Any Soldier, as a way to show support and thanks. Please stop by their website and take a look!! God Bless America!

PRIMS MAGAZINE ~ THE GREATEST!!!!!

2010-05-16T08:47:00.003-06:00

I hope that EVERYONE has either purchased their PREMIER issue of PRIMS on the newstand, ordered it online, or subscribed online!! IT IS THE BEST!!!! The magazine is filled with sooooo many wonderful works by many, many known and not-so-known primitive and folk art creators. I was honored to be asked to share the pages along with some well known artists in the primitive world, and very humbly accepted. My thanks will forever go out to Jennifer Jackson and the staff at this great Stampington publication. The next issue will be out October lst, and I know it will be just as grande, if not more so!! Subscribe today, if you haven't already, so you don't miss out on a great resource!! Take a peek here!!

SOME FEATHERED FRIENDS NEARBY.......

2010-05-16T08:27:00.003-06:00

The feathered friends are fun to watch, and attempt to capture with the camera, too!! Enjoy!!

SOME FURRY FRIENDS NEARBY.......

2010-05-16T08:12:00.002-06:00

Thought I would share some recent pics of some of the nearby wild furry friends, and a barnyard full of some not furry ones, too!! Enjoy!!

Baby Liam at TWO Weeks!!!!

2010-05-12T17:42:00.002-06:00

The newest little grandbaby is growing and developing, and has been the perfect baby in his first two weeks (according to his mommy!!)!! Big sisters are adjusting, and there have been no crises in fighting for attention, so far!! :) Enjoy the pic of Baby Liam taken today, and big sisters Madison and Mackenzie, too!!

MORE SPRING SNOW!!!!!

2010-05-12T13:38:00.003-06:00

Guess we aren't out of the snow season yet!! However, the forecast had been for lots more until the storm decided to track further to the North. We didn't get more than a few inches last night, but enough to cause the trees to bow down and touch the ground. Not good!! The general rule for our area is.......don't plant until after Mother's Day. Well...hmmmmmmm. I think that was Sunday!! BTW.....Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there....a bit late!! One never knows what the weatherman will bring to the Front Range in Colorado!! Always a surprise!!

LITTLE LIAM AT ONE WEEK OLD!!!!

2010-05-04T16:11:00.002-06:00

Little Liam and mommy went home on Friday, and Mommy (daughter Amy) has finally sent some pictures today!!! Now I will wait for pictures of big sisters with him......or perhaps will just need to take those shots myself when I go visit!! HA!! Amy says that Madison has now proclaimed that she is ready to be a big sister!! We have not been sure that she has relished sister Mackenzie joining the show.....so now we know why!! heheheee!!!!

WELCOME LIAM THOMAS!!!!!

2010-04-28T22:34:00.003-06:00

Thanks to daughter Amy's friend, Lori.....we have pictures of little Liam Thomas when he was just a few hours old!! This precious little one arrived this morning, a couple weeks before we were expecting him, but is healthy and all is well!! Amy is just fine, also!! Big Sisters Madison and Mackenzie have been to see him this afternoon! Amy says the novelty of him lasted about one minute!! HA!! Liam does not look at all like either of the girls when they were born. They looked almost exactly alike for the first several months. Genetics are interesting, for sure!! Liam is the smallest, too. He weighed in at 6 lbs. 13 oz., and 20 1/2" long. Congratulations to all!!!!

THE DAY AFTER THE SPRING SNOW!!!

2010-04-24T21:38:00.002-06:00

When the sky cleared today, and the sun came out, the mountains and the countryside were beautiful!! Everything looked so fresh and clean, and green!! The contrast was wonderful! I hope you will enjoy a peek at the beauty of the Colorado scenery!! Enjoy!!

HELLO, SPRING!!!

2010-04-23T13:33:00.004-06:00

Spring in Colorado can take on a strange look and feel........like today...heavy, wet snow!! Yep!! SNOW!! Thirty degrees and snowing like crazy!! But, as I have said many times, this too shall pass...and soon the flowers and the fresh buds, the green grass and new growth will all be visible again!! I guess our depth is about 5-6" now...and still snowing...... Enjoy the pics!!

Flowers Following an Early Morning Earth Day Rain!!

2010-04-22T12:54:00.002-06:00

As some Spring storms are passing thru, I took the opportunity to visit some of the flowers here at our little piece of Planet Earth. Enjoy!!

A Robin Celebrating Earth Day!!!

2010-04-22T11:20:00.002-06:00

I LOVE the robins, and especially the ones that chose to inhabit my yard, build their nest, and raise their young! After the rain, this one stopped by to say hello!!

CELEBRATE THE EARTH TODAY!!!!

2010-04-22T07:56:00.003-06:00

Earth Day was first celebrated 40 years ago, as a means of increasing awareness of Mother Earth and how we can do our part to take care of protecting and preserving our environment. Perhaps today is a day to take a personal inventory of what we each are doing to care for our own little piece of the world, make changes to reduce our own personal carbon footprint, and increase our participation in Reduce, Reuse, Recycle efforts. Perhaps this is a day to plant a tree, plant some flowers, clean up some litter in a public area, or do something else to make our planet a bit nicer! Think GREEN!! Enjoy the day!!

SOME OF THE LATEST RAGGEDIES NEEDING HOMES!!!

2010-04-15T17:11:00.004-06:00

Happy Tax Day to all!! What a great time to go shopping!!! HAHHAHAA!!!! Here are some of the latest raggedy listings in my Annabelle's Attic Shoppes on The Primitive Gathering and Simply Primitives.

These sweet rag dolls are listed nowhere else but on these two wonderful sites for the next month. You can keep up with all the things going on in my raggedy world over on my other blog, Annabelle's Attic, too!!

Please sign up for the mail list on both blogs, and become a follower of both, as well!! You never know what might be in store for followers!! Raggedy Blessings to all!! Trudy

CHECK OUT THESE PATTERNS!!!

2010-04-13T10:55:00.002-06:00

As I struggle with making time to publish patterns, more and more creations are being brought to completion!! Here are a few of the latest released designs.....all available at the links for patterns on the left!! Thanks for taking a peek!!

THE ROBIN FRIENDS..................

2010-04-10T20:31:00.002-06:00

As I was visiting my friend, the red tailed hawk, I hiked up the trail a bit and found a huge flock of robins!! Enjoy the shots!!

APRIL SNOW ON THE MOUNTAINS.............

2010-04-08T08:38:00.003-06:00

The snowfall of yesterday was gone, for the most part, by mid-afternoon. This morning we have the most beautiful mountains, shining in their new white coats! Love it!! Enjoy the pics!!

APRIL SNOWS......BRING JOY TO SOME!! :)

2010-04-07T10:30:00.003-06:00

MORE SNOW!!! YEA!!! Spring snow is just as beautiful as any snow!! As many of you know, I LOVE the snow!! As you can see from the picture, we had somewhere in the range of 5" of the beautiful, but heavy and wet snow fall during the night and this morning. The snow has stopped now, though, and the sky is clearing with the sun shining brightly. Weather in Colorado is so refreshing! We have had LOTS of wind recently, though. The wind stirred up the dust, filling the air, so when the rain came two night ago.....it rained MUD!! Yep!! Cars, windows, etc.....are now covered with a strange red-brown mud!! Enjoy the pics!

WELCOME TO APRIL!!!

2010-04-06T21:00:00.005-06:00

Goodness!! March is gone, April Fool's Day has come and gone, Easter has come and gone, I have been to Austin to play with the grand daughters, PRIMS magazine has been published and is out on the newstands, the first of the month listings have been posted on the various sites that I sell my wares on.....and much, much more has happened!! Where does the time go???!!!!

Tonight I am sharing some pictures, from this past weekend, of my horse friends that I love to visit. And.....somehow.......I failed to realize that the horse I have named Snow Queen......would actually be better named Snow KING!!! HAHAHHAAA!!! Enjoy the pics!!

MARCH ISN'T OVER YET!!!!

2010-03-24T08:30:00.003-06:00

No, March is not over yet....nor are our Spring snows!! Although it appears that what had turned from a not-so-big storm into a really big storm has now tapered off, we still got hit pretty hard here at our castle! The pretty red blooms began gathering snowflakes yesterday afternoon, and the other shots are from early this morning. Enjoy!!

Return of the blooms!!!

2010-03-20T17:38:00.004-06:00

As the sun and warmth of the day worked to melt away much of the 10 inches or so of snow that fell yesterday, I am in wonder at how the plant life emerges as if nothing has happened!! It is amazing how the flowers just rest under the blanket of snow, insulated, and then return to their former selves without any signs of the heavy, wet, snowfall that had them totally covered just hours before!!

FIRST DAY OF SPRING!!!!!!

2010-03-20T09:53:00.003-06:00

Spring in Colorado brings so many surprises!! We can have Spring, Winter, and nearly Summer all in just a matter of days!! I love the sun shining on the new fallen snow, when everything is such a sparkling wonderland! It's a pleasure to see the bunnies and squirrels foraging for a bit of breakfast, and the birds finding their way to the feeders, and me.......coffee in hand, warm indoors, waiting for just the right picture to take form!! As I was outdoors early this morning, though, in my jammies and slippers, taking some pictures....I noted it was a bit chilly. Yes, it was just a mere 13 degrees!!! To think that just two days ago it was 73.....interesting!! I hope you enjoy some of the pictures that I took this morning, and although this snow is beautiful and I love it.....I know that most folks are wanting to never see snow again. Oh well. This too shall pass!!

The Mountains ~ Morning on First Day of Spring!

2010-03-20T09:49:00.003-06:00

As the sun shines on the mountains to the West, as it rises early on the first day of Spring, I caught these wonderful sites of the snow and the clouds! Enjoy!!

LAST DAY OF WINTER.......AT 6,000 FEET

2010-03-20T09:37:00.004-06:00

The last day of winter brought something quite different from Wednesday and Thursday of this week, when the temps went into the 70's!! Here's what it looked like yesterday!!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!!!! FREE PATTERN!!!!

2010-03-17T09:27:00.002-06:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all...and may the luck of the Irish be with you!! It IS YOUR LUCKY DAY!!! For everyone that purchases one or more of my epatterns on Patternmart or The Pattern Cupboard, you will also received my Spring Pears pattern FREE!!!! YES!!! When I receive notification of a purchase, I will then email the buyer a Thank You, as well as my pattern for Spring Pears!! Such a deal!!! This offer for the free pattern will be granted through Sunday night, March 21st, 2010 at 10pm MST. Thanks for stopping by, and Happy St. Patrick's Day, and Happy Pattern Shopping!!!!!!

NEW RAGGEDIES!!! LOOKING FOR HOMES!!!!

2010-03-16T18:34:00.003-06:00

Raggedies, raggedies, and more ragedies!! I LOVE raggedies!! I hope you do, too!! You can see more of these sweet little gals by visiting some of the group sites where I list my raggedies. Please take a peek at my Annabelle's Attic shops on Simply Primitives, The Primitive Gathering, Lemon Poppyseeds, and Country Fried Primitives. New listings were posted on the 15th!! I hope you will stop by!!

Spring Comes to Colorado.....in Strange Ways!!!!

2010-03-14T18:52:00.003-06:00

Spring in Colorado, here on the Front Range to the Rocky Mountains, is unlike Spring in many parts of the world. We have great warm days, lots of sun, and....then it snows!! March is the second snowiest month of the year for us.....but this year has not brought much of that beautiful white stuff our way. It has snowed all day long today, but only a tiny bit has remained. We may have a few inches by morning, though...which will undoubtedly disappear when the sun comes out. I hear most of you groaning about Winter, and sooo wanting the signs of Spring to come your way. I, on the other hand, love the Winter beauty, and am not ready for it to leave. We have not really had Winter here, in my opinion, and haven't really had Winter since the one of 2007. My opinion is probably not the opinion of most, however!!! Today's pics are of some of the bulbs that have shown their little faces, and opened beautifully in the sun. They didn't feel the need to open up too much today, though!! Enjoy the shots!!

GOT MILK?????

2010-03-12T12:22:00.002-07:00

This picture was sent to me this morning by Madison's mommy........notice the great job of coloring!! Way to go, Maddie!! Madison turned 4 on Valentine's Day! :)

A GIFT........

2010-03-12T09:17:00.002-07:00

Missing your chicken???? This Americana chicken was left in the backyard.....by either the visiting fox or coyote....apparently confiscated from a neighboring yard. However, it's better that the wild animal got away with the dog toy.....or child's toy....rather than the toy's owner!!

SOMETHING NEW!!

2010-03-09T12:01:00.003-07:00

If you have a few minutes of spare time (what's that???!!!) I hope that you will stop by the various places where I have primitive creations for sale and take a peek! I have some prim raggedies listed for Annabelle's Attic at Simply Primitives that are pictured here, as well as MORE RAGGEDIES on the other sites you will find on the side bar on the left.

I have some new primitive creations on all the sites, too, listed under Crows in the Attic Primitives. Pictured here are a couple of items that are on The Primitive Gathering this month.

FIRST ROBIN OF THE YEAR.........

2010-03-08T12:59:00.003-07:00

A few days ago, I saw the first robin visiting me!! He was very busy exploring, and was not interested in stopping his dashing about for me to do a photo shoot! How selfish of him!!

The Unhappy Backyard Squirrel.......

2010-03-03T15:29:00.002-07:00

Although they are fun to watch, I cannot say that the squirrels are my best friends. They dig up my bulbs, they chew up my bird feeders, they fuss at me. This one was NOT happy with me at all today. Fuss, fuss, fuss....chatter, chatter, chatter....and then, the arrival of the little birds at the feeder, eating HIS food.....I could just hear him!!

Short-lived....Signs of Spring!!

2010-03-03T11:29:00.002-07:00

Although soon to be covered by a new coat of snow......here are today's signs of Spring here at 6,000 feet in the foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains!! While folks are flying down the slopes in the fresh powder at the ski resorts up above, Spring is poking its head through the still cold earth. We have had several very warm days in a row....and this is the result!! Love to see this wonderful show that Nature provides for us!! I check on my little green sprouts several times a day, and am amazed at the changes....almost as if you can "watch" them growing!!

MARCH VISITORS!!

2010-03-01T10:49:00.002-07:00

March.....already!!! YIKES!!!! I must get busy!! Where did the past two months go???!!! The first morning of March arrived here with the visit of two of my dove friends. I love them, and have several pairs that hang around. These were basking on the fence this morning, awaiting the arrival of the sun, just as I was. We were under a snow cloud sky, at that time, with the sun struggling to break through. Enjoy the pics!!

AFTER THE SNOW......BIRDS AND A NEST!

2010-02-26T09:24:00.003-07:00

We had a bit of a blizzard late yesterday afternoon and early evening...well, not technically a blizzard, since there was no wind. But there was lots and lots of huge, wet, heavy snow falling, making visibility fairly difficult and the tree branches not too happy! This morning the sun came out brightly, turning the whole landscape into that gorgeous twinkling winter wonderland that I love so much!! Snow is so invigorating, revitalizing, cleansing, and all that other stuff!! I love snow! I heard some pretty bird songs this morning, and took these shots. Enjoy!!

SOME OF MY NEWEST PATTERN RELEASES!!!!

2010-02-20T17:19:00.003-07:00

Here are some pictures of my newest pattern releases.....all available on Patternmart in epattern form, or mailed form, too!! These are all quick and easy designs, with complete instructions, and the recipe and technique for grunging, too!! I hope you will find something that you like!! Prim Blessings, and Happy Creating to all!! Trudy

MORE FROM THE OWL AND THE CROWS........

2010-02-07T10:25:00.002-07:00

More from the owl and the crow gathering! Enjoy!!

THE BISON NEARBY......

2010-02-06T23:34:00.004-07:00

As anyone that follows this blog knows.......I love nature, and the animals that are so accessible to me are always a pleasure to watch. We have a large herd of bison that are kept not far away, and I LOVE to visit them! Here are some recent shots of these gorgeous animals!! Enjoy!!

Meet Mr. Owl!!

2010-01-31T21:34:00.003-07:00

This morning the crows were going crazy. Normally I see only a pair or two around here, but this morning.....there was a crow convention. There were as many as a dozen gathered in a nearby tree, creating quite a stir. I watched them for a long time, taking a zillions shots of them. Suddenly I realized the reason for all the noise!!! AN OWL!!!! I have seen an owl on the fence a couple of times, and wonder now is this might be the same one!!? I am hoping that I now have a resident owl!!! YES!! Here are just a few of the owl pics, and I will save the crow shots for another post. Enjoy!!

NEW CREATIONS....NEW LISTINGS!!

2010-01-28T10:01:00.005-07:00

The New Year has brought much work, many orders, lots of thinking and planning, and a few new creations!! I hope you will stop by to take a peek at my offerings......some from earlier in the month that will be changing out on the lst, and some new ones being offered at the lst of the month!! Can you believe that February is less than a week away??? GOOOODNESS!!! Time DOES fly when one is having fun!! You will find my raggedies and my prim creations at the many sites listed in the sidebar on the left!! Please stop by!!

SUPPORT THE MISSION OF HAITI RELIEF!!!!!

2010-01-20T11:26:00.007-07:00

As I suspect many of you are and have been.....consumed by the news of the situation in Haiti, I feel like life has been moving in slow motion as I keep myself glued to the television, checking on the latest news out of Haiti. Such a tragedy for everyone involved, either directly or indirectly, and a tragedy whose affects are not going to go away quickly. Hopefully our awareness and attention will not go away quickly, either. Just as many have already said, perhaps the one good thing that might come out of this act of Mother Nature is awareness of a country that needs a great deal of help from those more fortunate.

I will never claim to be free of the fact that I often live only "in my world". I have lived all over the Western world, from Alaska to Florida to Europe. I have traveled to nearly every State of the United States, and to many foreign countries from Mexico to Austria. But.....I have never suffered nor lived in a manner that MOST of the Haitian population endures daily.....even BEFORE the earthquake shook their world to a pile of rubble. I have experienced the affects of the Great Alaskan earthquake, but the level of destruction was nothing compared to what we are seeing from the media coverage of Haiti.

As we in the US have been made well aware, there are many, many quick and easy ways for all of us to give either a large or small amount to help any number of great organizations as we reach out to our fellow mankind. Rather than share my own choices for donation, I will direct you to the CNN website for a list of safe and deserving organizations.

One of my own ways of giving is to offer the pictured set of dolls on Ebay, with 100% of the sales amount being given to UNICEF. I hope that you will consider bidding, and will also share this offer with others, and perhaps consider doing something similar yourself.

Over the last week it is wonderful to see the amount of funds that have been raised, with some folks giving only a small amount. Each penny counts. That's a fact. The simple method of texting gives a donation of $10. We can all perhaps find that within our budgets.

Thank you for listening to my rambles. Give from your heart, think of the children and the adults that you can help with any amount, and pray. Prayers work. Prayers are answered. Keep the faith, and never forget the children that need your help. Thank you, Trudy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DIMITRI!!!

2010-01-20T08:34:00.005-07:00

Grandchildren are the best!! Tomorrow our 4th grandchild, and first grandson, turns ONE!!! How time does fly!! He is a happy little guy, and loves his new ride on toy for sure!! Happy Birthday, Dimitri!! Love, Gram and Griz

THE WARM BEFORE THE STORM!!

2010-01-05T10:25:00.002-07:00

It's a beautiful day here at 6,000 feet, as we have some great warm weather prior to the arrival of the next Arctic front! I am so blessed to have such wonderful views from our little home here, and never does a day pass that I don't stand in wonder of the beauty of Mother Nature. I would undoubtedly get far more done if I wasn't standing gazing out the windows so much!!! HA!! Today I am sharing some mountain views from this morning.....mountain views that are ever changing, and have been shown here many times....but this morning caught my eye in particular due to the cloud formations. Enjoy!! The white peaks are Mt. Evans, one of the Colorado 14,000 foot mountains, and it's neighbors!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-01-03T08:23:00.002-07:00

My, oh my!! Where did 2009 go? Every year seems to go more quickly, the older one gets, it seems to me!! I'm hoping that everyone's year ended well, and that 2010 will be better than the last! My only resolution is to be a more frequent blogger this new year....and to improve my photography skills and take MORE pictures!! Enjoy the shots of the setting blue moon, and then again this morning. Happy 2010 to all! May your blessings be many, your health be the best, and may prosperity fall upon you all!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2009-12-24T07:41:00.004-07:00

MAY YOUR HOLIDAYS BE MERRY, YOUR BLESSINGS PLENTIFUL, AND BEST WISHES TO ALL!! LET US NOT FORGET THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!

DECEMBER ICICLES.......

2009-12-14T09:20:00.002-07:00

We have had winter this year......early winter......here at 6,000 feet! Lots of cold, lots of snow, and then....lots of melting, too!!! I love icicles, and have always had a fascination with them. Have you ever watched the travels of a water droplet as it slides down the icicles, and then drops off the end? Pretty cool!! I know......the rest of you are busy getting productive things accomplished while I am spending time watching the change in icicles!!! heheheeeeee!!!! Here are some recent pictures that I thought you might enjoy!!!

THANKSGIVING BLESSINGS TO ALL...........

2009-11-25T23:14:00.003-07:00

Thanksgiving......2009......already here. My goodness! Where has the year gone??? As we reflect on our blessings, let us not forget our troops and their families serving our country both at home and abroad. I hope that everyone enjoys their day, in whatever manner the celebration takes form. My day will include preparation of the traditional meal....the nice fat bird, the stuffing, the mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and on and on! I truly love preparing the grande feast!! And obviously, I enjoy eating it, too!! :) Then there is football.......and I do hope that the Broncos are able to pull off a win, to break this long spell of losses. And.....the Texas/Texas A&M game is being played at the same time, I believe.....hmmmm....that's a problem!! Travel safe, count your blessings, share with others, and enjoy the day!! Blessings to all, Trudy

VETERANS' DAY 2009

2009-11-11T08:52:00.005-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

2009-10-31T11:45:00.003-06:00

HALLOWEEN WISHES TO ALL THE GHOSTS AND GOBLINS!!! HAVE FUN, STAY SAFE, AND SEND ME ALL THE SNICKERS BARS!!!! HEHEHEEEEEEE!!!!

A PICTURE OF TRUE, INNOCENT LOVE......

2009-10-29T15:05:00.003-06:00

Such sweetness.....if only our world could be filled with more of this!! Here is Big Sister Sadie sharing some love with her new BIG baby brother, Gunnar William, who is now already nearly three weeks old!! This precious picture was taken by Sadie's mommy, Jenny, and sent to Gram!! :)

THE BIG SNOW....MORNING, DAY TWO!!!!

2009-10-29T08:35:00.006-06:00

The local news reports that this is the biggest October snow dump here in the Denver Metro area in 12 years!!! Love it!! We at 6,000 feet, looking down on the city, are in heaven if you are a snow lover like me, or fit to be tied if you are not!! HA!! Areas up above us are reporting as much as 32 inches!! WHOOOOOO!! WHOOOOOOOOO!!!!! My spot on the deck where I have been measuring is now showing 22 inches, and it is still snowing!! However, this morning it is a lighter, more powder type snow. This storm is supposed to move out of this area, and out across the plains, by 5 or so this evening. That means blizzard conditions across the Eastern Plains.....stay safe and warm, my friends to the East!! Enjoy the pics!!

THE BIG OCTOBER SNOW!!! DAY ONE......

2009-10-28T19:26:00.004-06:00

Snowing still...and has been snowing all day long. My last measurement on the deck was 15", but rather hard to tell what the actual level was since it has been windy out there in the last hour. It was a beautiful day, with everything covered in a blanket of white!! This is quite a dump for October!! And.....it isn't over yet!!! Supposedly this storm will hang around until sometime tomorrow afternoon, with lots more snow to come our way!! Time shall tell!! Enjoy the pics!!

SALE!!! SALE!!! SALE!!!!

2009-10-24T19:08:00.005-06:00

Halloween is just around the corner, and the pumpkin season will soon be drawing to an end as well. SO....I have decided to have a SALE on some Fall and Halloween raggedies and primitives!!! You will find some great bargains in both my Annabelle's Attic shoppes and my Crows in the Attic Primitives shoppes on Lemon Poppy Seeds and Country Fried Primitives. You will find the raggedies here and here, and the other primitives here and here!! I hope that you will stop by and browse, and perhaps find just the thing for yourself or a gift for another special someone!! Please come by and take a peek!!

Gorgeous Colorado Saturday Morn!!

2009-10-24T10:51:00.003-06:00

It is another gorgeous morning here in Colorado, with the sky so blue, the sun shining brightly, and the bit of remaining snow on the mountains glistening like a crystal wonderland. We are so blessed with the view we have, and I love the weather almost every day!! The inches of snow we got a couple days ago were gone by the next afternoon, except for what remains in the shaded areas. Today is a sunny, 58 degrees already. I understand things are once again changing tomorrow, though, with rain in the forecast.

We have both been very busy this past week, and spent a few days down in Austin the week before. The Austin trip followed Mike's being in Europe playing his guitar for the two weeks prior. I thought this morning was a great day to just lay back, chat, drink coffee, and send the dh MIKE up to the new local muffin shoppe!! We both have been working to eliminate all the junk food from our diets, but how could a pumpkin muffin not be good for me?? Right??? Well.........here is what he returned with!!! And the one he got for himself was in the other health food flavor...chocolate!! Being the usual prankster, I felt he was hiding the REAL muffin. NOT!! Rather than get annoyed, I thought, after hearing his testimonial to my health, well......he is just looking out for my best interest.

I have now learned THE REST OF THE STORY..........the muffin shoppe was sold out of the regular size pumpkin muffins. But...they put some in the oven, and Mike will be returning to pick up the REAL DEAL!!!! HHAHAAAAHAHAAAAAAA!!!!!! Such a great guy he is!!! Love you, Mike!!!

SNOW !!! IS IT WINTER NOW????

2009-10-22T12:10:00.002-06:00

It snowed here ALL DAY yesterday, with most of it melting. But then after dark, it did accumulate, as you can see!! My goodness!! Is this the Fall I love, or is this now WINTER???? I do love the snow, but this is not what I was wanting in October!! Oh well....welcome to Colorado!! Today will take care of most of the snow, since it is now all the way up to 39.5 degrees!!! Enjoy the pics!!

ONE LOSS ~ ONE GAIN!!!!

2009-10-10T23:11:00.004-06:00

As we said goodbye to dear, sweet Precious the Cat, we welcomed the second grandson this afternoon!!

After quite a struggle, this young man was brought into the world by C-section, and weighed in at a whoppin' 10 pounds and 2 ounces!!! YIKES!!!

Although Sadie was hoping for a baby sister, I think she will be a wonderful big sister to this new baby brother...still awaiting his name!! Congratulations to Sadie and her mommy and daddy, and the new baby!! Love, Gram

LAID TO REST..........

2009-10-10T22:52:00.002-06:00

After a good life, the dear sweet Precious was laid to rest on Friday. She had a good long life....all 20 years and two months. Thank you, everyone, for all your kind words.

PRAYERS FOR PRECIOUS THE CAT......

2009-10-05T21:07:00.002-06:00

Prayers are needed for the sweet little Precious the Cat. She is still with us, but it seems that she is sliding day by day. She is not maintaining her weight, although she is still eating and doing all the other daily routines. She loves being held and petted, and wraps her arms around my arm as if to say, please don't put me down. She is a courageous old gal, and we love her. Please keep her in your prayers.

AN AUSTIN VISIT IN AUGUST......

2009-10-02T20:29:00.005-06:00

Yes, against my better judgement, I did venture down to Austin in August.......with a couple of goals in mind! One....to paint granddaughter Madison's bedroom, and two.....see just what this constant 100 degree weather was all about!!! HA!! NOT!!! What a summer they had! Whew!! Glad that is over!! They are actually now seeing some rain in Austin......something quite rare for many months. Tonight I am sharing some pictures of the granddaughters. Madison will be 4 in February, and Mackenzie will be ONE in November!! They are very special girls, of course!! Enjoy the pictures!!