and CASE #2

A lovely little "Christie Baggage" case with quilted fabric lining and mirror.  All "dressed up" with vintage gloves, lace and vanity set.  Be sure to read about more "Cases for Cases" below . . and check back for the next in the "series".

The CASE for the "TRAIN CASE"

These adorable little "box-like" pieces of luggage were first used around 1948 and are called "train cases" because they were used for train travel, basically for carrying toiletries.  But nowadays there are some of us girls who just can't wait to get our hands on one to "cutesify", and load up it with all kinds of paraphernalia.  That could include all the "girlie" things that we think we need or want.  It could be embroidery, knitting, crocheting or other needlecraft projects and supplies.  It could be books, other reading material and writing supplies. It could be papercrafting/scrapbooking goodies.  But then it could also be goodies for going "glamping" with your very best girlfriend(s).   This case was actually one that belonged to (believe it or not) my father-in-law.  I didn't even know it existed until I showed my hubby a picture on ebay of one that was EXACTLY like one that went with the 1966 version of Monarch luggage that was given to me by my parents as high school graduation gift.   He told me he had one like it (the one on ebay) sitting in his shop.  Well, it was this one pictured here and it's not the same.  However, it is in excellent condition.  It was buried under this 'n' that, covered with dirt and sawdust.  I told him I was taking it so I did, cleaned it up and removed the contents which were items my father-in-law had stored in it which included an automobile mount CB radio . . remember those?.   Also some 22 ammo, pair of his clip-on sunglasses, case for his electric shaver . . .etc.  Now it's mine . . ALL MINE!!!  It's clean and ready for my "girlie" stuff to go "glamping" with my best friend, my daughter Robin!   AND, I'm buying one from a farmgirl friend that my daughter and I may just "cutesify" together.  AND, I found another one that is in good condition but missing the mirror (but the only one with a tray)  and needing an "inside job" . . meaning work on the inside.  Add that to a "Christie Baggage" brand one I found last summer that has the mirror and beautiful quilted red lining. . . .

As I told my farmgirl friend, the reason they call them "train cases" is that you get your hands on as many of them as you can, clean and/or "cutesify" them line 'em up and you have a "train of cases". 

Reflections on IRELAND

You can probably conclude from the name of the blogspot that I'm of Celtic ancestry.  Yes, I am . . Scottish and Irish!  I've traveled with my husband, on more than one occasion to the countries of Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.  There are many things in all countries that are very similar but there are many differences. My maiden name is "Gardner" which is considered to be an "occupational" name.  Yes, my dad was a farmer, an orchardman and "gardener" . . as was my mom.  So, I grew up with farm dirt, farm work and all that growing up on a farm means between my bare toes, under my fingernails, on my face and wherever farm dirt . . and work can be!

When I've traveled to these countries of my ancestry it just feels like I'm home!  We especially liked staying in the "Farm B&Bs" which were homes on working farms where they had extra bedrooms for paid guests and always provided breakfast as well.

I took my Valentine decorations down and, in one area of my house, there are things specifically related to St. Patrick's Day.  But on my table I like to set it as would be typical in an Irish tea room with lacy linens, lovely cloth napkins and wonderful china.  In every tea room (and some of the pubs) that we visited in Ireland . . and the other countries for that matter . . we found the tables to be set with these placemats which are corkboard with wonderful (generally) colorful pictures on them.  I bought this set of Irish Cottages placemats on one of our trips to Ireland and like to use them from time to time. 

Our trips to Ireland were such wonderful opportunities and I will always cherish the memories, the momentos and photographs we have.  Remembering the places we were able to visit, the people we met, the food we enjoyed and the great "craic"!   The music is indescribable!  The mist on my face so refreshing . . . and then a cup of hot tea!!!   I'm hoping to visit again . . I know where my passport is!
Slainte!

 

for the LOVE of a DOG

My sweet friend, Bramble, is snoozing all cozy and warm in her "necklace" made for her by our friend, Sharon. (It really is loose, even though it looks like it's not . . her hair is doing funny stuff!)   If you read older posts you know Bramble has recently had surgery on her leg and she is all healed up, back to her normal "cow chores" and power walks with me. She is such a pal and companion. I just appreciate her personality and companionship so much!!!

We have always had dogs and cats as pets and they just add so much to our lives. The dog we had before Bramble was a male American Pointer. His name was Rocky and he was 14 years old when someone driving up our road just stopped and dog-napped him from the side of the road. He had been my pal and power walk companion and was a great dog. He grew old here and we believed he would probably not make it through the rest of the winter. But on my birthday someone took him and I never saw him again. We did everything we could to find him and put the word out in two counties. It just broke my heart and took me several months to process and be able to "let him go" and start looking for another doggie friend.

We have had several dogs just disappear and that is so hard to deal with. We have had some hit by passing cars and while the loss is hard, at least we know what happened to them.

Our canine friends are such a gift and a blessing in our lives and I'm so thankful for the gifts the Lord give us in them. And, our sweet Bramble is our current "gift and blessing" . . . and very spoiled. Thank you Lord for our Bramble!

Teeny, Tiny FARMGIRL

Now, isn't this just the cutest little farmgirl!   This is an ATC made special for me by a gal in an ATC swap group through Yahoo.   She looked at my "likes" and incorporated so many of them into the same tiny, little piece of art.  She told me that she got the "farmgirl", "flowers", "country" and suggests "apron" in the apple strip for an example of fabric one would make an apron out of . . . all in the same interpretation.  I was just tickled all shades of pink when I got this in the mail!  Not only is it cute but it DOES fit me so well and I was just so impressed with Jeri's attention to doing something that incorporated so many of my choices.

I am reminded of the unique characteristics that our Creator has given us to make us who we are, to create our personalities.  And how He has gifted us so lovingly and carefully with talents, skills and gifts . . . unique to us as His individual children.  What a Heavenly Father we have!!!

LOVE SPOKEN HERE

The embroidered "bird" pillow is made from a cover made by Farmgirl Miss Wilma and gifted to me as a RAOK gift by Laurie.  I finished making it into a pillow.  The little pillow is a hooked piece I found at a thrift store for a few pennies, finished it with piping and garnet red corduroy backing, polyfill and have a cute little pillow for my living room  . . and to take "glamping".

Yes, love IS spoken here!  First of all, is the love we have for our God and Savior and for the Gift HE has given us in LIFE!!!   HE is our Provider, Shepherd, Comforter, Healer, Encourager, Redeemer and Loving Father!  
We love our family!  Another gift we have been given by the Heavenly Father is our earthly family.  And, we are blessed with a bunch of folks that are funny, quirky, annoying, unique and altogether lovely!  FAMILY!!!  The most important relationships we have on this earth.

We love our neighbors!  God has gifted us with neighbors, in our rural farming area, that are the BEST neighbors.  I can't think of any that are really annoying or irritating either.  We take turns taking care of animals and propery for each other, we share in needs, heartaches, fun times and laughter!

We love our friends!  Another heavenly gift are those we count as those who have similiar interests, kindred spirits on some level and are those who generally take us as we come!

Love comes in many "colors" and "flavors" but love is still that which we give without strings attached, without expecting anything in return.  It is the language of the HEART!  Our physical hearts are what keep us alive!  Our "love" hearts are what keep us going in the matters that matter, what keep us sane and moving through life, giving us everything we need to weather the storms, manage the obstacles and come out with our spirits, attitudes and our "love" hearts still ticking!

YOU CAN COUNT ON IT!!!
LOVE IS SPOKEN HERE!!!

"RANDOM ACTS of KINDNESS"

A "RAOK" gift to me by my special friend, Debbie

What a different world we would live in if we all, or certainly more of us, regularly practiced this business of "Random Acts of Kindness".   I think the most important part of this is KINDNESS.   Just giving and sharing in a manner that makes someone feel cared for, loved and appreciated.  No strings attached.  No questions asked.  No motives questioned.


The second most important aspect is RANDOM . . . whenever, whatever, and to whomever.  No particular rhyme or reason, no schedule, no assignments . . . just because that "is what I want to do now" and that "is the person I want to share this with".


I am finding such joy and pleasure in practicing random acts of kindness more and more.  I sometimes call it "surprised by joy".  And that just makes my day!!  Recently, while on one of my  many thrift store forays I found a partially embroidered piece that would make a great framed wall hanging or pillow top or something similiar.   Because of the nature of the piece and what I know about a certain friend, my immediate "joy" was twofold; 1) the piece was GORGEOUS, and 2) I knew just who to give it to.  She told me she was delighted to receive it and rarin' to go on finishing the embroidery on it.


I've read, heard and been told many times and many years ago that the best way to get yourself out of the doldrums or a depressed state is to focus on someone else.  It could be just being there for someone who is struggling or it could be an active pursuit of  a "Random Act of Kindness".  I am always humbled, touched and ministered to when I am the recipient!  The thought of someone thinking of me . . . of sharing with me . . . of sending me something that will just make me smile!


I have MaryJane Butters' 2012 calendar on my wall and I have seen that February 17th is noted to be "Random Act of Kindness" Day.   I'm encouraging my farmgirl friends to look around and see who needs to be remembered on this day.  I certainly have plans for sharing with some friends that I hope  are just "surprised by joy".  Who will join me??

"Mr. Teddy" and his big heart just remind me of  the beauty of "Random Acts of Kindness"