Halloween is ALL around...

Merry Halloween Greetings to you! Halloween is all around. A bit too early? Well, maybe for some. Me, I could make All Hallow's Eve handmades Year round. I love that time of year. Today was a very cool day here....so it got me thinking about Halloween even more. I have been being asked by so many of my loyal customers, for Halloween/Fall patterns and of course my stocking patterns....so I am happy to say, I am working a bit here and there on some fall patterns. I am working on My Little Whimsical Fairies, which can be for year round...

And some of My STOCKINGS!!! I wanted to wait on the stockings until my "Olde Thyme Primitive Stocking Collection" was done, but I can not put it off any longer. I also wanted to compile a book of maybe all of my stockings....but that would take a bit of time. I may still make that book, but it will be handmade by me. It would be from things around home with neat little added do-dads in it. I would only offer so many of them and once they are gone that would be it. It would be neat and it would also arrive signed. It is still something for me to still think about.

Today I made Chocolate Chips Cookies..Mmmmm!! They were tasty and the kids sure LOVE them. I have not made cookies since Christmas...shame on me LOL!! It was so cool today, I had to take advantage of it. So, tonight I have to take a bit of a break away from the special order, so I will be typing my little heart out on the ole keyboard working on the Fairy pattern. I must scoot...I hope you all have a Fabulous Evening. ~Tonya

Just a day....

Well, today was one of those days, where all you can say if someone asks you "How was your day?", I would have replied, "It was just a day." That about sums it up. I worked most of the day. I am trying to get this special order done....it needs to be done.

It has been very hot here....I guess we are on a cool down (for just a wee-bit). Any small reprieve will do. Seems like I haven't had any time for much lately. Time sure is flying by.

Recently I have received so many "Heartfelt" emails. Each and everyone of them mean something different to me and have "touched" my heart. I feel so "Blessed" to be able to be a doll maker...in a world, where my "Works of Heart" touch so many people. ~Thank you~

On that note, I leave you with a quote from Leo F. Buscaglia:

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."

The Eyes...

This Little Sweetie is coming home to live with me! I won this fabulous piece from Karen of Cotton Pickin Ranch. I wrote to her, right after I won and paid for it. I told her, it is those eyes. She has a lot of Soul in that ole face... I can not wait until my Bunny arrives.

Well today is very, very HOT!! So glad that we have air. I don't like the bill, but I will gladly pay the electric bill to not be miserable. I am working feverishly at getting my special order done. I will not be taking any special orders on for a while....I need to get some *NEW* patterns out and some *NEW* Creations are screaming to be made. Sounds funny I know, but I have them nagging at me in my head. So many sketches to bring to Life as well.

Just wait until all of my kiddies are in school this fall....I hope to be a lot more organized and more productive with my time. Well, I am off to go make supper for my kiddies and then work this evening.

Toodles ~Tonya

~Peaceful~

That is how my day was yesterday. It was so nice to have a day to myself. I didn't really do anything special...but it was a very nice day. I sooo Appreciated my hubby taking the kids for the day. They of course, had a BLAST!! Which is always a good thing.

Well, my pictures for the Mercantile are into the "Web Master", Jan....and I so want to post a picture here....it is like money to a kid. It is burning a hole in my pocket *smirk*

Our Kali (our new doggie) had me on my back AGAIN! I was putting them in the kennel for the night and well she went tearing off...I called her name and she came running. I was walking next to Cocoa, not paying attention. I didn't think Kali would run into me, well she came running and she hit the back of my legs, with full force at the same time. It was like someone ripped a rug out from under me! Needless to say, Ibuprofen...is My Best Friend today!!

I heard things cracking in my neck and landed partially on my right hand....so very nice. She needs to settle down! Well, that is it for me folks. I hope the Monday, Monday back to work and so forth went well for all of you. Have a Good Evening.

Peaceful Blessings to all of you ~Tonya

Lazy Bones...

Awww isn't he SWEET!! I was typing away on my ole computer and Lou-Lou meowed at me. He reached up his paw and gently tapped on my arm....he was asking to come up on my desk. He use to do this all the time. I would get annoyed and for the longest time, he didn't do it. Well, today he was wanting a little attention...so I let him. He was even using my "Post It" notepad cube for a pillow....Silly Kitty Cat!

Today, it sure got warm out. I am working on a special order tonight. I got my Mercantile Offerings done! Yay. I will send out sneak peeks to my customers on my email update list before they list on the Mercantile.

Tomorrow I get the day to myself! My hubby is taking the kids to Rapadan...it is a clear water stream, where they can go down the stream, in their air tubes. There is fishing and a sandy little beach too. I will miss out this time, but Mom needs a much needed (way past due) break. I would love to go and take pictures and such....I think we will all enjoy our day, even if we aren't together.

Have a wonderful evening and it is back to work for me.
Smiles, ~Tonya

The Daily Grind...

Well. this is how I have been feeling for the last couple of days! I feel I am constantly busy, but really getting nothing done. I am sure most of you can relate. Today was the first day of summer, but ya know....I feel summer has been here for quite a while.

Oh, there is always tomorrow. Maybe tomorrow will be better. I keep telling myself that. LOL I wrote about patching my kids water slide, well guess what I have gotten to do for the past two days? Any guesses? The glue and patches that you get with the set, not so good!! The glue is junk! I get to eat crow. I did it all nice, spent hours repairing this thing so my kids could have fun. Hubby said, it isn't worth it. I said oh yes it is! He said the patches are going to fall off. Well, I get to eat crow! Crow doesn't taste so good *smirk*

So, yesterday and today....I was out there, stitching them suckers on! Now they should stay! I am bound and determined for them to stay put! There is not that many, but when I do something, I want to make sure to do a good job and to do it right. That is my philosophy...if you are going to do something, do it right the first time. Funny thing is, with this, I thought I had!

So, tomorrow it better go off without a hitch! So now the ole fingers are sore from the thick fabric that the slide is made out of. Stitching that was not a fun task. Well, I best be scooting along. My Mercantile offering is calling my name.

Happy Trails to you.....Until we meet again.
~Tonya

~SPOOKY~ Jack & Scat...

Meet My ~SPOOKY~ Jack & Scat!! I so LOVE the way they turned out, so much so...that I am going to make one for myself. But then again, I have said that before *smirk* I listed Jack & Scat on eBay tonight. I listed it them low and with *No Reserve*...a bit scary, because there is a lot of detail to them...but I know people get sick of seeing the Reserve thing.

I think I Love Jack's face the most.....so very sweet! I think it is the eye's. I am a "BIG" eye person. That is one of the first things I notice about people....and then their teeth. I love to see smiles. So I guess I like to see "Happy" eyes, full of Life. Not to mention, they say that the eye's are "The gateway to the Soul". I think that you can tell a lot from a persons eyes...if you pay attention. That is another thing, I am very observant. I can just sit and watch people, sounds corny, I know. But have you ever really stopped and "watched" people....their body language, how they carry themselves. You can tell if a person is confident or shy. So many things can be told with how we "carry" ourselves.

Well, today I got to "patch" my kids "Six Flags" water slide....oh what fun!! Did you know mice like chewing things such as that!! Oh and what did I say, I love living in the country *chuckles* I sure could do without the mice in the outbuildings! I think I spent a good 4 hours on "patching" and sewing. I sure hope that water slide keeps the kiddies busy for a while. Then you know what will happen? It will just create more spats *LOL* that I will get to be the referee for!! Summer is so much fun...I love my children dearly, but I sure could use a break every-now-and-then.

Well, I need to get my nose back to the ole grind-stone. I have to get ready for the Mercantile, ~Christmas~ In July Folks! Not to mention, I am still working on a special order in between. Have yourselves a Merry Ole Wednesday...I wrote this a bit late to say have a Good Tuesday.

Smiles, ~Tonya

Father's Day...

I would like to wish all of you Father's out there....a Heartfelt "Happy Father's Day". I hope you have a Peaceful day, spent with loved ones. If you are not near your loved, then I am sure they are never far at heart.

Another storm came through last night.....no wireless *sigh* I had a new offering for eBay that I wanted to list tonight. I may try to list it, or wait until Tuesday. Maybe by then, they may have the wireless fixed. There was hail about 5 miles from here, along with 2 tornadoes sighted. It was pitch black here in-a-matter of a just a few minutes. The winds came, the rain and followed by lightning and thunder. The only thing left to be seen from the storm here, is a lot of small branches laying about, with leaves laying in shreds everywhere on the ground. Wireless was knocked out in 5 towns in the surrounding area....Oh Joy!

My new offering...when I started it, it was going to be for the Mercantile. We are having "Christmas in July". When working on this new offering, it did not want to be a Snowman, but rather a Pumpkin-Man. I finished this pieces and appropriately named them, Jack & Scat! It is "SPOOKY" Jack, with his Ole Trusty Cat...Scat. I love this set! I am going to make one for myself before fall. He has the sweetest face.

Today, hubby has to work, so not really much of a Celebration for Father's Day. He knows that his kids love him. *smirk* They all made him sweet little cards.....each one personalized with their talents. I think "Home-made" is BEST! I wish you all a Wonderful Sunday.

Smiles & Blessings...sent your way, ~Tonya

7 Things...

I finally listed a New set of stockings on eBay!! I wanted to get these done sooner, but I guess better late, then never. I am not happy with the pictures, but they will just have to do. I have been fighting a nasty allergy/cold. I am more prone to this because I am asthmatic....so it sets right in to my lungs. Oh what fun! Any time the seasons change a bit, I am sick.

Ok, I was tagged a while back and I am going to make my list of 7 things...that you may not know about me.

1. I moved out on my own, at a very young age of 14. I did just fine and appreciate so many more things in Life because of it.

2. Shortly after I graduated in 1991, I started to go to college to become an LPN. I did not find it my "True Calling". I left school and the teachers were not happy and even called me at home and asked why? They wanted me to come back...I declined.

3. I bought my first home when I was a senior in High School. I guess I started out early in life with many things. :o)

4. I love a slower pace of Life, that is why "Country Life" is for ME! No City would simply do.

5. I ABSOLUTELY HATE Centipedes!! Want to see me move real quick, put one of those by me. I haven't seen one of those in years....if I never seen one again, it wouldn't bother me a bit!

6. I am too hard on myself. I have always been....I guess it is something I need to work on. Meaning, I am my own worst critic.

7. I am afraid of running out of time! Not having enough time. To do, see and say, all of the things I have always wanted to do and have wanted to say, in my Life. There is simply, never enough time.

Ok, I count 7! LOL That is it, I am done! Not much, I know. But I feel I am somewhat of a simple person. Little things make me happy. I hope you all have a great evening. It has been very warm here....and as far as I am concerned, when it is this hot...I would rather be inside working. Tee-Hee. Many Blessings, ~Tonya

Gone Fishing...

Today was "Take a Kid" fishing Day today! It is a day that A Sportsman's Group puts on once a year. It is also sponsored by local business. They give out a fishing pole to every kid, along with some fishing tackle and a treat to DQ, when they are done. We have gone to this every year. The kids always have FUN! This is Miss Sydney....she caught a little Bass. She was so excited!

It was a VERY windy day by the lake. I of course made the kids bring a jacket....but did I?? Ya think that I would listen to myself when I talk *smirk* So, I had capri's on and I was wrapped in a blanket. What a site! I was not the only one wrapped in a blanket at least. This is Miss Courtney, my middle child. She is nine and will be in 5th grade this fall...

There is Mr. Jordan, on the dock with my nephew. Jordan is the taller one. He caught a big ole cat fish and a couple of others. Courtney did catch a little blue gill. All in all, we had a pretty nice day....the tangles were lots of fun....Always! When we were done fishing, we went out to eat and then, hubby said that he would take the kids to another park to give me some, "ALONE TIME"! That was so very nice.

Alone time for Mom is far and few. But when I had time to myself...What do ya suppose I did? I went to Wal-Mart and then went home and cleaned...in peace thou. Crazy right? Well, no one else is gonna do it....so I guess that leaves Little ole Me!

Well, I am off to go get a million and one things done that I need to do. I hope you all have a Wonderful Saturday Evening.

Peaceful Blessings, ~Tonya

The Invitation...

I have been "touched" by so many people in my Life, that without knowing them or have chatted a bit with them...would not know their circumstances.

My sister told me about a book that is a "Good Reading" for all.

"The Invitation" is as declaration of intense, a map into the longing of the soul, desire to live passionately, face-to-face with ourselves and skin-to-skin with the world around us. ~Quoted for "The Invitation".

A poem that is also from this book, that I think is very "touching"...

The Invitation by Oriah Mountain Dreamer


It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.


It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dreams, for the adventure of being alive.


It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shrivelled and closed from fear of further pain! I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it or fade it, or fix it.


I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, to be realistic, to remember the limitations of being human.


It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself; if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul; If you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy.


I want to know if you can see beauty even when it's not pretty, every day, and if you can source your own life from its presence.


I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand on the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, "Yes!"


It doesn't interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up, after a night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done to feed the children.


It doesn't interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back.


It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you, from the inside, when all else falls away.


I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.


Never give up, Never give in! Signing off with All of My Heart ~Tonya

Do you have the time??

Time does not stand still.

You can not buy time and you can not take time.

Time waits for "no man".

It does not matter if you are young or old.

Time is of the essence.

It does not matter if you are rich or poor.

Time seems to pass you by...

Do you have the Time??

A little "Tid-Bit" that I was thinking about. I just always wonder, with being so busy from time to time....how time does not stand still. I think with time, we need to make time. To be with our loved ones. To take that walk, that you have been meaning to take. To just be...I guess.

Well, I finally released my Lydie-Bug & Daisy Flower pattern! YAY!! I am working on a couple others. I have to take a bit here and there...in between sewing, or I may not appreciate my handmades. Plus, not to mention...a lot of you doll makers have been very patient and I Thank you. I am sorry that it took me so very long to come out with the pattern.

Well, I have been tagged! I have to think of 7, yes, 7 things that I have to tell you about myself, that you may not know or that would surprise you. I tell ya, I have been "racking my brain" trying to think of 7. I am having problems coming up with 7, imagine that. I will think long and hard and try to come up with them...then I have to tag 7 people.

Tomorrow is my kiddies last day of school. I think, here in Minnesota....we are one of the latest for kids being done with school??? It just seems to be quite late this year. Well, I am off to work a bit on another pattern. I have to go and work, while the getting is good.

Have a Good one!

~Tonya

Airborne...

I was trying to take a picture of both of our dogs and all of a sudden...SMACK!!!! I was AIRBORNE and right flat on my back! I guess you can say that Cocoa and Kali were having so much fun playing, that they didn't even pay attention. See Kali's stitched area, where they shaved her...for spaying her. Poor doggie.

Some more pretty flowers. I have way more then enough. I will have to thin out the flowers in the fall. I should find someone near, that needs some perennials.

A nest in our olde birdhouse/ladder decor. This is the 4th nest that has been made on this birdhouse. The birds make one very year. One year the little eggs didn't get to hatch, a strong wind knocked the ladder over and the eggs broke.

This ladder is several years old...but hubby and I use to make tons of wood items. You name it, we have made it. I think if we ever went back to making primitive wood items, I think that I would miss my doll making immensely!

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful evening. I must make my kiddies some dinner and then I must work. Hi-ho, Hi-ho...it's off to work I go!

*smirk* ~Tonya

Our NEW Doggie...

Well, it has been quite a weekend! Meet Kali...she is the newest member to our family. She is one of the biggest babies I have ever met. If you leave her for just a bit, she wines. She needs to be by someone all the time. She is so sweet and so very smart. Cocoa is so HAPPY!! They get along wonderful and they are already the best of friends.

We decided against Zach, because he was so very young. We thought Cocoa and Kali, would be a better fit....although it was very hard to see Zach left there, along with all of the other doggies. I sure wish that they all could find a wonderful "permanent" home. My heart was heavy when we left the Humane Society. Kali is almost a year old. She was spayed on Thursday. We took her home on Friday. So, she is being pampered in the house, until she heals from surgery.

Kali made herself at home quite fast. Her she was finally relaxing after a long Friday. We had her on the leash for a while, not knowing how she would act in the house and such. She is wonderful with kids and in the house, what more could you ask for. She follows me around every where and lays at my feet when I am working on my handmades. How could anyone not want her?? Look at that face. So very sweet and innocent.

Some more pretties from my flower beds. I actually played a bit in the dirt this weekend. It was so nice on Saturday. It was nice and cool, so I managed to go and pull some weeds, before the rain moved in. Also, for you pattern lovers, I hope to release some new patterns this month, so keep those eye's peeled. LOL. I have had many of you asking, so you gave me the push....that at times, I NEED!!

I hope you all had a great weekend. I know that I worked on dollies, but they were orders and such. Nothing new for ebay...yet. I just never have enough time in a day. I think that is true for many of us. I would also love to list some new handmades and such on my website, but I think I am dreaming there *chuckles*

Well, I have to get to sewing. This is now my time to get things done. The kiddies are in bed and hubby is at work. So, all is quiet...just think, only 4 more days of school for my kids. Wow, how time flies. Speaking of time flying..........gotta get to work.

Smiles, ~Tonya