My New Checkbook and my Videos on Left Handed Tatting

Well, I've made a decision to make some YouTube videos on tatting.  I researched the videos and couldn't find anything on tatting for a left hander.  I am left handed and have taught over 400 people to tat through the local university's continuing education program.  I have figured out how to do the video with my computer and so I'm going to try it.  The videos I have seen people do are not very clear and they are tatting too fast to follow.  So, I'm going to slow it way down.  We'll see how it goes, but I think it would be fun.  

I have finished my first check book and added it to my Etsy.  I thought it turned out very well and it is easy to get the tatted cover on and off the checkbook.  It is very frilly, so it's going to take someone in love with lace to like it.  Let me know what you think about the check book and also my idea of videos for left handed tatters, okay?

My Birthday

Well, it's my birthday today.  Needless to say, birthdays are not as important to me as they use to be.  I wish they would just go away and not come back.  But today was a very nice day.  The weather was beautiful, my husband was off work (not just for my birthday--just off), and I just had an enjoyable day.  He took me out to eat at one of our nice restaurants that features a "free" birthday dinner, so it didn't cost us too much.  And he also gave me the funniest card I have ever received--I think so, anyway.  So, I made a video of it so I could share it with all of you.  Let me know if you think it's as funny as I do.  I have played it over and over and over . . . . . . 

Another Week Has Flown By!

I can't believe how fast the time goes.  And I never get everything done that I want to accomplish.  However, I did accomplish making another little journal cover.  I have posted the pictures for you to see it. This time, I made a little heart out of clay, watercolor painted it and then added glitter.  It seems that everything looks better with a little glitter these days.  I am also into flower making now and really enjoy making them.  I'm not very good at growing flowers, but I can sure sew flowers :)

I had an interesting Wednesday this week.  I sang at another assisted living home and had to sing for one hour.  That meant singing about 20 songs!  I'm glad my voice held up until the end, but just barely.  I sang lots of jazz standards and threw in some Carole King and Linda Ronstadt, too.  It was fun and I could see that the residents were enjoying hearing all those old songs.  They were even mouthing the words as I sang.  It really did my heart good to see that.  It seems that even though our memory fades, the words to favorite songs never fade.  They are always remembered.  Isn't that strange that we should remember words to music but can't remember what we did yesterday?  I am convinced that hearing music is good for the soul, no matter what age we are.  

My Week - Some Good and Some Bad

This last week hasn't been the greatest.  I came down with a stomach virus and I still don't think I'm over it quite yet.  I do feel better and fortunately no one in my family has caught it from me.  I stayed either in the bathroom (of course) or the bedroom the whole time and didn't even come out in the living area.  


I did start feeling better and even designed a new little notebook cover.  I hope you like it.  I really enjoy making them.  I might even start making some business card holders and maybe eyeglass holders.   That's what I have been thinking about, anyway.  

I found this little shop called "Hidden Treasures" where I am selling some of my items.  They are located down by Coolidge Park and only sell local handcrafted items.  If my local friends are looking for a nice shop to show their out-of-town guests, this is a really unique one.  Below are some pictures of my little area.  I am also making rings that are selling very well--and I have a picture of them, also.  

 I am going to bring some lace to put over the black table to give it a softer look.  If you would like to visit Hidden Treasures, it is located across from where you pay for parking down by the park.  It is next to a cute cupcake shop, if you're hungry.  I hope you will visit it!

I Love Hearts!

In honor of Monday, Valentine's Day, I thought I'd show some of my "heart" creations.  I love hearts!

My Day

My husband and I are off today--well, I'm sort of "off."  I have to teach piano in about 45 minutes.  I have three students this evening, so that's not really what I call "work."  One lady I teach is 60 years old--a little younger than me.  I love teaching her because she appreciates learning so much.  She is about through with Book 1 and ready to go into Book 2 and she is so excited.  


This morning, we had to go to the Social Security office.  Both my husband and I retired "early" at 62 and really were not ready for the hassle of only earning so much per year.  Needless to say, we both went over the limit and things have gotten complicated.  But I think, from now on, we might be okay.  Who knows with the government?  My husband actually over-estimated his income, so they owe us money.  Wonder when we will see that?  


Anyway, we went out to Cracker Barrel afterwards for breakfast, and that was good.  I am trying to get ahead with my Etsy items so that I don't have to rush around and make something if I happen to sell it.  I don't know why, but I've been selling on there lately.  There are many dry periods--especially when I don't pay attention to it.  To be successful on Etsy, one needs to post a new item every few days or at least once a week.  It only costs 20 cents for each post, so it's just the hassle of keeping up with posting.  


This afternoon, we watched the movie "The Sixth Sense" for the first time, and it was a little different, but good.  And "Poof", my day is just about gone.  I really wasted some time today, but it was fun.  Oh yes, I did finish up my laundry and we did go to Sears this morning and look at all the flat screen TV's that are on sale for great prices--$139 for a 19"!  I want the $1,600 TV that is 52" and has the internet, of course.


Well, I'd better get going before I'm late for teaching--and now it's raining outside.  It was sunny this morning.  Hope you are all having good days.

Creating and Enjoying my Grandson

I'm still making my little notebook covers.  I have started making flowers to add to my pieces and they are fun to make.  All this cold and snow has made me want to just sit and tat and sew. 


 But I did have to go to my grandson's school last week to pick him up.(The picture I have included shows him taking nature pictures with his camera.)  I have to tell you a story about that.  When I walked up to his room, there were pictures all over the wall that were drawn by his class.  They were self portraits and every one was so cute.  My grandson started drawing as soon as he could hold a marker so his was very detailed, right down to the blue irises and pupils in his big eyes and his lips and teeth.  There was a question that they answered under their pictures.   It was, "When you are 100 years old, what will you be doing?"  All the answers were so cute!  I laughed and laughed.  Some said, "I'll be driving my car."  Several said, "I will be sitting and watching TV."  Of course, my grandson's was unique.  There wasn't another comment like his.  He said, "I will be very old and have lots of wrinkles."  I guess he spends too much time with his grandma :).