On a Whimsy

 I recently shared with you all about my neighbor, Mashel and her soon to open children's consignment and boutique.  Well it is no longer "soon to open". I am so excited to report that today is the day.  The day that On a Whimsy will open it's doors for the very first time.  I have been sewing for weeks preparing for the opening day.  Yesterday I put the finishing touches to my little dolls,  added these sweet tags.....

packed them all up.....

and headed to the shop.  I would be seeing it for the first time---and it was everything I has imagined it would be.  I was greeted in such a welcoming way by this delightful garden.

I knew from the moment I walked in that this was going to be a special place.  It was filled with all of the vintage charm that I adore.  Mashel has such a wonderful talent for displaying items using vintage pieces that she collected from garage sales.  I took lots of pictures....here are just a few.......

Oops I guess that was more than a few pictures--but everything is so cute I could not help myself.  If you live locally I know Mashel would love for you to stop by to say Hello.  The shop is located in Ingomar at 820 West Ingomar Road   Pittsburgh. Well I must get back to sewing--I have so many things I would love to add to the shop.  I can't wait to show you all the project that I just finished---but I will leave that surprise for another post :) 

A Baby, Bittie Bugs, and a Beagle

 

Yikes what a title but all such happy/fun things I can't wait to share them with you.

A Baby

It has been about 12 years since we have had a new baby in the family. My son is twenty and my niece and nephews are all in their teenage years.  Before you all start wondering what is she thinking???--she is 45--Not to worry I am not the one having the baby.  My sister-in-law, Kim is the new mommy. The baby is due on August 24 and we are all going to be surprised to learn if it is a boy or girl.  It will be Stephen and Kim's first baby and they love the idea of surprise.  Let me just say I CAN NOT WAIT!  I think it is safe to say that the whole family can't wait.  This is going to be one very loved baby.  We had Kim's baby shower last weekend and I wanted to share just a few pictures of the fun day.  First the new mommy---doesn't she look beautiful...

Kim's mom, Liz---Liz's mom (the Great Grandma) and Kim

The two excited Grandmas Liz and Edith (my mother-in- law)

My mom, Edith, and family friend Marian

The quilt that my mom made to welcome the new baby.

I am so thankful that God has blessed our family with this precious gift.  I am so looking forward to showering this little one with tons of love.

Bittie Bugs

A few more dolls for the consignment shop and upcoming craft shows.....I love making these bittie bugs---their little antennas make me smile.

A Beagle

OK now you can say "What is she thinking?" 

But look at that face how could anyone resist it.  Alex and I sure couldn't.  After having Sassy, Alex decided  he loved her and the Beagle breed so much that we should get another.  And for those of you who really know me,  I don't have to tell you how much of a dog lover I am. I thought about it for oh a second and agreed.   So two weeks ago we decided to meet some rescued Beagles that were looking for forever homes.  We went with the intent to visit a little 4 month girl puppy named Clair.  I must say she was adorable!!! Toward the end of our visit we met Gene.  Alex and I looked at each other and we both knew we just had to add him to our family.  Gene came from a very high kill shelter in Ohio and was rescued by a wonderful foster home where he lived until we fell in love with him. Gene (we call him Geno) came to live with us on Saturday and I could not love him more.  He is about 3-4 years old and the biggest teddy bear/couch potato one could ever meet.  He is so gentle and after only being a part of our family for a few days has found his perfect place among us.

Gene aka:  Geno, Gene Gene the dancing machine, or Bubba was welcomed to our family with a special treat from Brewster's (a local ice-cream shop)   I actually think I saw him smile after he finished his tiny doggie sized scoop of vanilla ice-cream topped with a milk bone.

Welcome to your forever home Geno

A Happy Hello

No one really knows how they will react when life brings situations that have never been experienced. I can remember the birth of my son (our first and only child) I knew my husband and I would be overwhelmed with happiness but my husband's reaction is one that I will never forget. He actually leapt for joy. I could never have anticipated that reaction. In the same way I could never have anticipated my reaction to my father's death. Things I was feeling were hard to explain and definitely were not a part of my familiar personality. My creative spirit seemed to have disappeared and I did not enjoy spending time in my craft studio. I knew time was passing one week turning into two and here we are almost two months since my last post. I had no desire to write or even to keep updated with you all my blogging friends. Now don't get me wrong I have been spending tons of time with my mom, I joined a ladies Bible study at church,  and I even had a wonderful two day girl's sleep over with Kate and Emma (a fun post at a later time) but I just was not myself. But as the days are passing I find that I am returning to my familiar self. I am excited to create once again and have been super busy in my craft room. My neighbor will be opening a children's consignment shop and boutique and has asked me to create some items for the shop. I am so very excited--I have such a heart for children and it has been a dream of mine to have a children's speciality boutique. I am thrilled to be a part of hers. So to end this "return" post on a very happy note, I would love to share with you what I have been working on.....

Now that my post has been written, I am anxious to catch up with all of you.  I am sure I have missed so much.  So off I go to visit---look for my HELLO  :)   xoxo