Handmade Art Fair...

Be sure to HOP-ON-OVER
Handmade Art Fair
SPRING EXTRAVAGANZA!!

Have you visited ~Handmade Art Fair~ yet? Such a neat site! I love the way it has each artists' page is linked to everywhere they are and what they create. You will have to take the time to stop by if you have not done so lately.

Spring is in the air and I can smell it! It has been one long and cold winter. Bring on the SUNSHINE & FLOWERS. Cheers, Tonya

Such a sweet sweet sight!

As I gather my thoughts this morning and plan out my day, I was looking out the window and I seen not one Robin, but several of them. We tend to mark spring arriving with the sight of these beautiful orange breasted birds. I did see one last week, but only one. We also received snow last week, several inches mind you. As each day passes during the tale-end of winter, I often wonder to myself, how much longer can I handle the harsh, bitter cold and the massive amounts of snow and then spring slowly tip-toes in....I am so very thankful ♥

Since the Robins were still so scarce last week, I knew that there was still a short while to wait patiently and be hopeful that we did not receive anymore snow, while waiting for spring. Meanwhile, we still have quite a bit of snow on the ground, the weather was beautiful yesterday and the temps were into the low 50's. What more could we ask for.

Although, I would love all of the snow to melt instantly, it must be a gradual melt, as they have predicted massive amounts of flooding in Minnesota. It breaks my heart to think that many cities have to prepare for such. Those areas that they have been predicted as flood areas are already making sand bags by the thousands, several thousands and building walls in preparation for flooding.

While Mother Nature has so much beauty to unfold before our very eyes, there is also anger within. The devastation in Japan just leaves my heart so heavy. When will it end? They have endured so much and how much more can they handle. My heart goes out to each and every one of them. Peaceful blessings to each of you and thank you for taking the time to visit. ♥Tonya

I thought I would share...

A sweet RAK (random act of kindness). Sweet Mo at Wings and Paws Whimsies is having a giveaway. She is giving away this adorable Easter assemblage. Mo is celebrating her new endeavor with teaching others to solder and create beautiful master pieces, such as the one above. Stop by her blog and read about her new adventure.

If you are in the Washington/Oregon area, she is teaching classes or you can host a class in your home. I wish I lived close to her so that I could take that class. I love learning and some day, I will learn to solder, even if I have to learn by trial and error. I have learned most of everything I know by trial and error and I must admit, for me, it is one of the best ways to learn.

Mo puts lots of love in to each of her creations, I should know, I am lucky enough to own a couple of her pieces. She is also on the same selling site I am, The Prim Nest, be sure to check it out!

I am happy to say that I have a full week off from school, yay!! I am going to work in my hallway, priming, sanding, and painting. No, I am still not done, but little-by-little, it is getting there. I told you it was a major project. While away from school I am also going to make time to play!

I am so looking forward to spring! This winter has taken every ounce of my patience and I no longer want to see any new snow blanketing mother earth. It is time to move on to spring I say. Here is to being productive this week and taking some time for ME! Cheers, Tonya

We ALL have a voice...

Today, while waiting for my children to get done with school, I really didn't have anything to do. So, I parked in a public parking lot and was reading an art magazine. I had been listening to the radio, but got tired of the commercials, so I shut it off. Everything was quiet and all of a sudden I heard all this yelling and swearing. It was a man and women. I could not see them and did not know where the screaming and yelling was coming from. I rolled down my window and listened. I was looking frantically all over...

Finally, I seen them! The women was toting two large baskets full of stuff. One stacked on top of the other. She was crying and telling the man to just let her go! Quite a few other things were said, but you get the idea. The man was wearing a t-shirt, shorts and was barefoot! Yes, barefoot! Mind you, it was in the 20's with a sleet/snow mix coming down. He was running ahead of her and yelled, you are not leaving! If you leave, I will break that f-ing windshield.

I dialed 911 on my cell phone and hit send. I hung up immediately and thought to myself, I will wait just a bit and see what happens. I was scared for her. Their vehicle was about 6 spaces down from mine and cars parked all around us/them. The windows were wet from the rain and they didn't know I was there.

The yelling, arguing, and swearing went on for a while. He locked himself in the vehicle and would not let her in to leave. He kept opening and shutting the door, yelling and so forth. I thought something may happen because at this time things were escalating. I got out of my van and waved my arms so she could see me and put my hand up to my ear and showed her the phone. I mouthed the words "do you want me to call the cops?"

She yelled to the man and said, if you don't let me go, that lady is going to call the cops. Some more swearing and rudeness came out of his mouth and then he seen me. I stepped closer to their vehicle. He immediately retracted and I think he was ashamed. He said he would never hurt her or break the windshield. The lady said, yeah right! I told them, I have seen to much domestic violence in my life and I am not about to let anything happen on my watch. I told them, I will call the cops if need be.

I waited outside in the rain/snow, until she left. In the meantime, there was a gal that seen the last tail end of it. She pulled up to me, rolled her window down, asked what had happened. I briefly explained. She said, you may have just saved her life. I don't know if I did save her life. None of us ever know what goes on behind closed doors or in a mentally unstable person's mind.

I just know, he was trying to control her and she wanted to leave. He was threatening her and I feel things could have escalated, had I not been there. I just know, when domestic violence (or any violence for that matter) is going on and you hear/see it, you should speak up! It is your civic duty to try to help or speak up! I honestly feel that way.

It is so odd to think that I was not suppose to be there, at that time, and in that place. I never go there and today, of all days, I was there. I do believe everything happens for a reason. Maybe I was supposed to be there to help that gal? Who knows what could have happened. There was no one else around during the whole incident, only me, until the tail end. I was glad I was there and I was glad I spoke up.

I know someone may read this that thinks, well, Tonya probably made things worse. Or maybe thinking that gal is back in that same situation tonight. Well, maybe she is? But I know, I did what was right. That is all that matters. I cannot control what others do and how they handle a situation. All I can do is try to help when I feel someone needs help. I did my civic duty and just thought I would share my story. Maybe someday it could be your daughter, your grand daughter, niece, or sister, and wouldn't you like to know that someone would speak up on her behalf. Something to think about. Peaceful Blessings to each of you, Tonya

~NEW Site---NEW Dollie~

Yes sirree! Finally, a NEW Dollie! The first one this year as a matter of fact. Where does the time go? Tomorrow is already March 1 and this is my first handmade for the year. I can tell you where my time goes and it is generally in the books...

The NEW site is ~The Prim Nest~ I am so glad to be a part of The Prim Nest. I needed something extra to do, right? Not really, but I do really miss creating and I thought I would be able to create here and there. The site will update on the 1st and 15th of each month. I am always going to try to have something new for the 1st of each month and if I get something finished for the 15th, well then that is a bonus!

This is Sweet Lily. All of her lil extra's can be removed and then just be a sweet everyday dollie. I had lots of fun bringing her to life and I do hope that you will stop by and take a peek. I must go and get back to the books and my homework, which seems to be never ending. That's okay, I am up for the challenge and already at my halfway point for the semester! Can I get a whoot, whoot!! Toodles for now, ~Tonya

What's the Word Bird?

I must *CHIRP* about a NEW Site that is going to OPEN on March 1st!
How very exciting! There are a lot of wonderful artists on the Prim Nest site, but you will have to wait until March 1, to find out who the are. I know, no fair *smirk*

Another thing that I must *CHIRP* about is the Prim Nest blog. They have a little bit of a give-a-way going on. You will have to stop by the Prim Nest blog to see what can be won.

I thought I would also share with you a little bit of spring? We DID have some nice spring "teaser" weather here and the birds were chirping. It was wonderful. We had weather near the 50's, then old man winter had to rear it's ugly head again! Yuppers, a winter storm hit over the weekend and we are still in the midst of the storm. We have had a little bit of everything. We have had rain, sleet, wind, snow, thundering, and pretty cold temperatures.

How very disheartening. I was so excited and looking forward to spring, but I knew in my heart-of-hearts that winter was not done. I have had a little bit of time for creating, which has been long overdue. I immensely enjoy creating, but really do not have the time to create with my studies for college.

I hope you enjoy your day. Stay warm, if you are in the midst of winter all over again *sigh* As for me, I am fighting bronchitis or something close to it. You just have to love the joys of winter and the cold season. I don't let it get me down thou...well, not normally! Cheers, ~Tonya

Ever thought about....

Have you ever thought about the ripple effect you could cause with your life had you made one single decision differently. Have you ever thought about the lives you have touched by a certain gesture you made or by a certain random act of kindness.

I wonder if others think about how they may have touched my life. But does anyone ever think about if they did just one thing differently, how it could cause a ripple effect in their life or possibly in others. I tend to ponder about certain things lately and all the "what if's." How can one not think about the "what if's" in their life.

Certain times in your life you can't help but wonder...I will leave you with a poem that I felt was so appropriate for this post.

The Ripple Effect

Life sometimes seems
So short
That it existed
Only in our dreams
But just like the stone
Thrown upon the pond
The ripples and influence
Reach far beyond
One life can touch those
Whom she or he never knew
In special ways
Which bring hope and renew
Our belief that life
Always has meaning
Whether short or long
It's all in believing

-Sharon Jordan

A day to...

Just B-R-E-A-T-H-E!

Today I do not have school. I only have one class on Friday's and my teacher is still detained in Atlanta. Flights were canceled due to the weather and she could not obtain another flight until this weekend. We still had assignments due for her class this week, but uploaded them, online. Technology, what a wonderful thing, but that means NO SNOW DAYS, even if you can't make it to school. HA!

With each new semester comes new stress. The first week or two of every semester is especially stressful, to say the least. New schedules, new classes, new teachers, and everyone must get back on schedule. Now I know why my kids are always so excited for a day away from school. Mind you, I have been working on homework all morning, but the feeling of being caught-up or ahead, is a REALLY GOOD FEELING! For a day or two I felt like a "fish out of water." I am sure you can all relate from some type of situation in your life.

I don't have anything creative to share, but I am learning and growing a lot as a person through my education and experiences. That is worth it's weight in gold! I was also the lucky recipient of a scholarship. That will be very useful and I am very grateful to have been chosen for a scholarship. Filling out the scholarship application, writing the essay and getting a recommendation was a lot work, but well worth it in the end.

Having a goal and working towards something is so very satisfying. You must have the right mind-set, determination and enthusiasm. You must look at each new day as a gift (an opportunity) and be thankful you are given that opportunity each and every day. Have a fabulous weekend. Cheers, Tonya

Another day...

has come and gone. A peaceful day today. Tomorrow, I go back to school. I didn't exactly get a lot things done that I thought I was going to while on break, but did find time to relax and spend time with family. It is good to take time to do that as well.

Quite often we all get lost in our lives and don't always take the time we should. This year, I am going to make more time for myself and take better care of me. As a mom, I always do things for others and worry about others, now it is time to worry about me. Sound selfish, maybe to some, but to others that know me; know that I very seldom make time for myself.

With school, school work, three children, the endless housework and budget, well that does not leave much time for anything really. Just thinking out loud here a bit, I guess. Wishing each of you a better year than last and here is to beginning each new day with beauty all around. Mother nature is a glorious painter of perfection, isn't she? Peaceful Blessings to you, Tonya

No words can describe...

how awesome the Tras-Siberian Orchestra was last night! My mom and I went to Minneapolis, St. Paul and seen their holiday show. It was AMAZING! The music, the lasers, the lights, the video screen wall, the pyro-techno, fireworks and their voices with such magnitude....

it is indescribable! I enjoyed myself immensely and most likely will never forget it. Now, you may think of an orchestra of a bit slow and some may even think a bit boring. Not this orchestra if you have ever heard of them. Trans Siberian Orchestra takes it to a whole new level and borders on the verge of heavy metal in some respects. Some may think of it as just noise, as for me, I like almost all music and thoroughly enjoyed myself and the show.

There was not a moment that went without entertainment. If ever the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is in your area and you like all types of music, I highly recommend this show! We were on the second level, facing the stage, and we were able to see everything! The laser show from above was phenomenal to say the least! If you search Trans-Siberian Orchestra on youtube, you will be able to see some of the show, but video does not do the show justice at all.

I had a blast with my mom! I must tell you, my mom is such a trooper. She just had a total knee replacement on Dec. 13 and she didn't let it stop her one bit. This is the second time my mom has been to the show and she would go again and again. I enjoyed my time away, now back to reality. Cheers, Tonya

Merry Wishes...

Wishing each of you a Merry Christmas.
May the Magic of the Season be forever in your Heart.

Today.

This is what it looked like today, as well as this evening. Snowing, blowing and huge drifts. Snow and more snow. We are going to break record snowfall for Minnesota in December this year. The kids got out of school early today, but not early enough. In my opinion, the schools should have closed at about 10 a.m. It was terrible out and you couldn't see past our property line at about 8:30 a.m. but the superintendent never takes the country roads into consideration. They closed the schools three hours early...

The roads were so bad today that a bus went into the ditch. No one was hurt, but they never think of those poor bus drivers that have to take all of those children home. I have nothing but great respect for every single bus driver out there. The crap they have to put up with, I don't think they get paid enough.

I knew the schools would close early today and I honestly don't think they will have school tomorrow. I also don't think that I can get down my driveway to take the kids to the bus, even if they do have school. It would do no good to plow the driveway now, the wind is to fierce. The drifts are tall and when I picked the kids up at the end of the driveway today at about 1:30 p.m. the drifts were pretty high then and I almost got stuck a few times.

I am thankful I am done with school until January! YAY!! I got all straight A's and am pretty happy with myself. It was a lot of hard work, but it was a challenge that I was/am up for. Just think, I already have one-quarter of my schooling out of the way. Time sure flies when your having fun. :) I am so happy for the break from school thou, I can breath and catch my breath. I was up in my studio playing today. I am making some last minute things for gifts.

This past weekend, the kids and I went to my mom's house, stayed the night and baked our little hearts out. One of my sisters was there with her son as well. We made all sorts of goodies, we even made homemade caramels. YUM! They turned out absolutely PERFECT! Wishing each of you a wonderful week and a Magical Holiday Season. Cheers, Tonya