Altered Art for Oma's 90th Birthday

How do you celebrate 90 years of life? 

My best friend's mother is celebrating 90 years this month, and in honor of her life the family is gathering cards, greetings and "love notes" from friends and family.

 

I've known Oma (Frieda) since 1973.  It was that summer that Oma opened her home to me and I came to live with my girl friend and her family for awhile on Long Island, NY.  I was so blessed by this family and by their extended community of friends and family.

 

It was during this stay that I learned most of my German cooking skills from Oma and I counted this time as "training" for my marrying into a German family. Oma's family immigrated from Germany in the 1950's  and were first generation immigrants to the US (as are my husband's family who immigrated to Canada).  Needless to say home life in a German family was very different than what I knew growing up in Texas..it was a whole other world from Texas!

 

 German was the language of the home and my high school German did not prepare me for this!  As part of their family I attended a German speaking church and I even attempted a short time with the German Choir!  Learning all the wonderful German songs (sung acapella) at gatherings with their other German friends and family is still a sweet memory for me.  Even now, when we gather together from all parts of the country for special family events, we hold hands and sing the old songs that I learned so long ago.  I had MUCH to learn during my time with this family and Oma was a GREAT teacher.

 

One of the very first things she taught me to bake was a proper Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cherry Torte).  It was a hot, humid day and the whole cake was a flop...but we both laughed (and she was secretly happy that I did not outshine her in my baking skills!) She loves to be the TOP COOK! (and owns that title proudly!)

 

 

To pay tribute to Oma on her birthday, I wanted to create something that would honor her life and the legacy that she has given, no only to me and my family, but for all the memories she has created for those of us who have known her.

 

I started my project with a search for hands...older hands.  Oma's hands are and now gnarled and work-worn from years of cooking, cleaning and caring for her family.  She had a hard life after the war in Germany but her family always came first.  Starting life over in the US was also not an easy time for her and her family.

 

 

The next item I wanted to incorporate into my work was scripture describing the Proverbs 31 woman (but in German, of course!)  I've seen her rise up early to care for her household.  I've also seen those early hours spent in prayer...silently entreating God for the needs of her family.  Oma has worked endless hours and performed countless tasks for others.  After the war, and once her little family immigrated to the United States there were still many hurdles to overcome...language barriers, cultural differences as well the endless tasks of beginning life anew. 

Using a photo program I "married" the two layers to create my base image.  I affixed this base image to my canvas.



 

Next, I wanted to give Oma a visual reminder that even though her life has not turned out as she had planned, and there are still many unexpected twists and turns to come, the Lord has not forsaken nor  forgotten her.

 

To finished the project I added musical notes along the edges to remind her to sing the song in her heart, the songs she has known and sung for years.  I also trimmed out the edge with a vintage piece of lace that she gave me years ago!

 

Each step of the way on this project I thought of all the years since 1973...family, marriages, babies, death.  So much happiness and sadness all held in the same hands...molding her to who Christ has called her to be. I know she has kept all these things in her heart to think on.  

 

I don't know that there is much to "desire" for a birthday once you turn 90...so, to Oma on her 90th birthday...

 

 

I want to celebrate your life!  I know it has not always been easy, nor has it always been comfortable or fair..."God never rejects a weak and weary heart that seeks Him. No matter how broken-down and overwhelmed we are, God welcomes us and is willing and able to help us." Psalm 51:17

I want to celebrate your strength...not in and of yourself, but the strength you gained from your trust in God that He would carry you through...to the very end!

You have been an example to me and to others and I pray you will "finish strong!"

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timotny 4:6-8

 

Much love to Frieda, and to her family, for all they have meant to my life!

 

Till tomorrow...

debi

Thanksgiving Crafts

Time flies...that's all I can say.

We flew to Florida earlier this month and attended a beautiful wedding for my friend's nephew.  It was a beautiful wedding and the ceremony was absolutely incredible.

Two young people who love the Lord with their whole heart...so touching!!!

What young bride is not absolutely beautiful and her young "knight" not handsome?

We had a perfect time and the best was spending time with by oldest (not in an age sense) BFF from college.  We've been friends almost 40 years, and I can only look forward to 40 more years of getting to know her heart and understanding who she is.  She is such a joy to spend time with and I always go away so thankful of such a rich friendship!

As for this week, I have the time off.  I have planned out my week for all the projects, sewing, painting, etc. that I want to get done (plus haul out the Christmas decorations.)  I was well on my way to completing the laundry today when I got the "Grema" call...could I watch the grandkidsl while mom and dad did some shopping?

End of my list and enter a  more of a "free form" time zone!

I actually had been thinking of a Thanksgiving project that the two of them could do together (hard to plan an activity for a 9 and 3 year old).  I searched the internet and found the perfect project. A Thanksgiving Turkey!

The turkey begins with paper towel/toilet paper rolls.  (Luckily I had been saving them for another project!)

We began by painting the rolls in fall colors.  Lauren chose orange, brown, yellow and red.

Next...they painted the rolls in the different colors.

I think Austin needed a nap, but he was actually more interested in when we were going to have a 'snack'.

I think the hardest part was waiting for the rolls to dry.

Once all the rolls were dry we cut 1/2 inch rings from each of the colors. Each turkey needs 9 rings for their feathers. 

Lauren wanted to paint the inside of each of the rings...so another drying period.  (By now we've lost Austin...he's moved on to play with the legos!)  While waiting for the feathers to dry we created our turkey body and the feet.  (Lauren also painted these.)

Once all the parts were dry we began building our turkey.

I used hot glue to glue the pieces together, so Lauren placed the colors in the order she wished hers to be so it would look perfect! Next came the turkey body and the feet.

Austin LOVED his turkey.

Lauren affixed the waddle, eyes and beak and hers was also complete.

This was not part of my "TO DO" list today, but spending time with the kids and talking with them while crafting is a priceless time, and I enjoyed the respite from my list!

Now to be completely open...this is not my idea!  I got the tutorial from a blog, ChildMade. Some really cute craft ideas for kids.

I've included a link to complete instructions on how to make this turkey, but she also has some other really cute ideas with paper towel rolls.  Lauren said she will next make a puppy from the rolls!  Looks like I'll be planning another craft day soon!

Till tomorrow...

debi

Celebrate Rest!

Research shows that the average person is working much longer hours today because we can literally work from anywhere. Our technology allows us to stay in constant contact with others, which means we are always on call. Unless we intentionally set boundaries, we will never rest from our work.

But...what if we were to think about "rest" differently...not just the absence of work but instead as the presence of a Person? 

Jesus did say “Come to Me, all you who are weary….”
 

I read somewhere that the word "rest" is actually closely related to the word "celebration".  Who doesn't want to celebrate.  Wow...that puts a whole new light on the word rest!

Just think..what if God’s invitation to rest is really an invitation to joy—liiving life to the fullest?

 Last week I "celebrated" rest!

I celebrated with giggles and laughter!

I celebrated nature!

I celebrated leisurely dinners on the beach.

I celebrated time with my grand kids!

We all celebrated leaning new and interesting facts about historical sites.

We celebrated silliness...like alien houses...

and the "googly-eyed" guy who watches the door!

Before I left home I looked forward to time with my daughter just laughing and enjoying being together.

While away I was able to enjoy listening to my grandchildren as they talked to each other and just laughed for no reason.

Taking the extra time to listen and hear my husband's heart.

Putting fun things we all looked forward to on our "to do" list each day.

Turning the pages of my novel just for the joy of experiencing a great story.

Pushing pause on my life so I could rest and recharge.

I was able to enjoy time in God's Word, which the Bible says is a light for our path in life.  I took time to journal what He's telling me and what I'm learning about life.

Time to pour my worries and anxieties out to Him, then leave them at His feet.

Time to press into Him so I can hear His voice above all the others in this loud, busy world. Stepping out of the rat race and worshiping Him with abandon...which always lightens my load.

Time to dream dreams and solidify plans.

I accepted the Lord's invitation to joy and rest,

and I celebrated life last week!!

Now...guess it's back to work, but feeling refreshed and ready!

Till tomorrow...

debi

Fresh Linens

Freshly laundered linens...and he thinks they're "fresh" for him!

Love that sun-dried smell...guess he does too.

till tomorrow,

debi

Just Because

In case I haven't told you...I have the best sister ever!

She bought me this cute tablecloth...for no reason!

You already know, of course, that I love embroidery!!!

What you might not know is that I also love chickens!

This has it's original tag Handarbeit (handmade)

100% Baumwolle (100% cotton)

It doesn't say made in Germany...but the words are clues!

It fits perfectly with my new embroidered pillows!  (AND the chicken plates in the background...my sister also gave me those!)  Isn't she the best?

Till tomorrow...

debi

Prissy Hippie

I can't believe I just typed a new post and when I hit save...it was gone.  Oh well...guess I can start again.

What's in a name? How about this name?

 

What a great name for a mother/daughter duo with "conflicting tastes and a shared love of accessories".  Sidney and Nicole Heinle make up this creative pair and they have combined their creative efforts and opened their new etsy shop.

  

Now I guess this is where I should put my disclaimer...this is my sister and my niece.  But hey...what's a blog for if not to promote your family?

What can I say about these two?

Nicole is the "Hippie" part of this duo. She is very "mid-century modern", opinionated (I love that about her), and is over the top artistic!  Nicole is a joy to be around...always smiling and sooooo very smart!  Nicole is one of the brightest architects I know. She's won acclaim in her field of work (think "GREEN") and is also known as a fantastic artist.  I own one of her original mixed media collages.  The piece hangs in a very prominent place in my office.  It makes me smile whenever I look up and see the color and design of her art.

Sidney is the other half of this creative team.  You're probably wondering about the name "Prissy".  Well, (and I'm getting ready to tread onto sacred ground here) I named her Prissy.  When we were small she was called "Little Miss Prissy Pot" (she was a very over the top "girly, girl Prissy type") and I thought Prissy was her name.  It stuck!

Over the years there have been "rules" about her name...when I should call her Sidney and when I could call her Prissy.  Too many rules (and aren't rules made to be broken?)...who can remember them all?

  In college I would start to call her Prissy, suddenly remember I was not to use that name, but couldn't just gracefully shift to Sidney.  What to do?  I ended up with Pre...then added her middle name.  Pre Jean was her name in college.  I'm sure she's the luckiest girl alive...three names!  So many choices to call her (and she'll answer to all of them). 

I'm also sure I'm in way too deep now...I expect a call any moment after I post this.  I will just assure her that not too many people she knows will read this (he he)!!!  ; >}

Her secret is safe with me! (LOL)

I love my sister...but she can be a very systematic and methodical person.  You might say she borders on obsessive (a BIG irritation to me!)  I love to move her things around (off balance) and push her out of her box! My mantra with her has been to "color outside the lines" (the lines are not your friends.)  When she wouldn't get out of the lines I would knock her arm and force her out of the lines.  I've ALWAYS believed her to be creative and now she's showing the world just that! 

The two of them make such a great team.  I know you will love their jewelry creations.

They have also given me permission to offer you

10% off

your purchase if you mention my blog.

Here's a sneak peak at a few of their items:

Flower Child

Girls with a Pearl

Tear Drops

I'm sure you can find something you like! 

Do me a favor, head over to PrissyHippie

and see if you can't find the perfect Christmas gift for someone on your list!

Be sure to mention my blog for your discount!

Happy shopping.

Till tomorrow...

debi

P.S. forgot to mention that you can also follow them on Facebook!

Sisters

This last week my sister and I went on our annual "Sister Retreat."  We fished, floated in the water, napped in a hammock, and laughed until we snorted! (I know...not a pretty thought...but there was nothing snorted out our noses!)
This got me thinking about how sisters "arrive" in our lives.

You see...sisters are a quirky lot.  We can't pick who will arrive or what they will be like.  We can't say that what we really wish is that they should arrive full grown and fully trained!

Our parents don't bother to ask, those of us that were here first, if we wish we had a sister.  What would our answer be?  Do we even understand the question or the implications of how a "younger sister" will change our life forever?!

At first glance, the parents lead us to believe the new small "creature" will be loads of fun.  She'll be a playmate and a confidant.  REALLY?  All she does is cry! And then I begin to notice she's getting way more attention than me! 

Who thought this would be a good idea?  Oh, yeah...those parents!  (The same parents who always think cleaning your room and going to bed while it's still light outside is a good idea.)

"A sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and very much not ourselves - a special kind of double."  Toni Morrison

 
Pretty soon that new, small baby girl settles down and begins to fit into "my" world. I make my first attempt to get to know her. She is kinda fun...a dress up doll!  (She's also pretty slobbery!)  She's always happy to see me and smiles whenever I enter the room. I can begin to see she might be worth keeping around for awhile.

“If you don’t understand how a woman could both love her sister dearly and want to w
ring her neck at the same time, then you were probably an only child.”–Linda Sunshine

She loves to do what I say!  I am the boss of her...and I like that!  I watch her; I play with her; I comfort her.  She is with me all the time.  I like that too.  She's mine...and those parents...I never think they take care of her as well as I do. 

“Sisters is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship.”–Margaret Mead

Time passes and as we grow, we change. 

We begin to choose separate paths. Different life choices. Different friends. Different personalities. We no longer seem to fit together.

“Having a sister is like having a best friend you can’t get rid of. You know whatever you do, they’ll still be there.“–Amy Li

Marriage, children...time and distance.  We became strangers. 

Lost tears and laughter.  Lost years. 

BUT...we are sisters.

We have memories and history we share.  We have family ties.

We still have time...or do we?

My sister and I now enjoy the fact that we live close enough to be able to spend time together.  We have the luxury of taking time off to get away together. Time to relax and reacquaint ourselves with each other.

Shopping, eating, talking, and laughter.

Secrets, shared memories and quiet rest.

I enjoy the time with my sister.  I enjoy who she is and who she has become.

She doesn't let me be the boss of her anymore (sad day!)

But...she is more fun than most people I know!

So...if you have a sister, make time for her (whether she's younger or older than you.)  She knows you better than most...and will put up with more than most!

 

Love you, girl...and look forward to where ever we go next year!

(And how 'bout no black eye next year...too hard to explain that it was a fishing accident!)

“There’s a special kind of freedom sisters enjoy. Freedom to share innermost thoughts, to ask a favor, to show their true feelings. The freedom to simply be themselves.”–Anonymous

till tomorrow...(call your sister!)
debi