Don't walk but run on over to Leigh's Blog for more Thrifty Thursday

http://lbratina.blogspot.com/

My entry today is a item I had been looking for.

I could find the bag but not the cart.

So when I found them both on Monday, I knew they were mine.

I have been wanting one to put my garden tool in.

We keep them in the basement and I make 50 trips back and forth

when I am working in the yard.

Spring is in the air Yall!

When I went to Google to get a good spring picture this one was just what I was looking for.

old bed springs,

who would have thought.

Guess I am going to have to check out the old mattress.

It has been a beautiful few days.

I have enjoyed so much.

I am again work on a new event, and it is taking up alot of time.

A Bunco Tournament to raise $ for Relay for Life.

If you are interest, let me know

Sunday, March 29th

$10.00

Just check back tomorrow for my new find.

I went junkin with a friend on Monday.

And I had been looking for one for awhile.

Got your curiosity up?

Check back tomorrow.

Thrifty Thursday

First off, I too had a hard time coming up with a subject this week.

So I took my camera and strolled around the house and outside as well. Then I saw this pitcher. I have several. They have so many purposes. This one is holding my gardening tools, I have one that I put flowers in, one that holds kitchen utensils and another that I water my plants with. They are less than a dollar at the thrift store and have multi uses. So next time you hit the thrift stores, think outside the box. Re -purpose and re- use is the name of the game. I am planning a junkin trip for Monday, can't wait to see what new treasures I can come up with.

I enjoy creating!

Don't you?

But I have question,

What do you do with them after you have enjoyed them for awhile?

I just hang them to the ceiling and admire them alittle longer.

I can't toss them out, I give some away, but not everyone has the same taste I do.

I have boxes full and this only one wall in my studio.

I am up for suggestions.

Have a happy day!

Phew

The Ironing Board Smorgasbord was a success.

The shop was full for the full 2 hours.

We ate, laughed and had fun.

Now on to the new event.

If you play Bunco

and live anywhere close.

Check back for details.

Yesterday was a good mail day.

I got this book, I had been waiting for, my new spring issue of Creating Keepsakes.

I tried to wait .......

and wait......

and wait......

not to look at it.

I have so much I need to be doing to prepare for the Ironing Board Smorgasbord.

But as I was trying to print a few items, I saw it, staring me down.

So I had to peek.

I shrieked with excitement

I drooled

I couldn't put it down.

I love it gals.

I do so enjoy the re-use of old junk.

And these girls have it going on.

Happy Thursday Everyone!

It is time for another Thrifty Thursday!

My name is Jerri and I am a Junker.

I have had this compulsion to collect junk for a lot of years.

I can't throw anything away.

So this is the results of my many boxes of small Junk.

I call them

Jerri's Junk Bracelet.

SIDE NOTE: My friend Barbara called yesterday and said, I think you need a few hours junking, so I will work the shop and you go junkin.

So I am out the door,

you don't have to tell me twice.

Go by and check out everyone junk, I mean treasures here:

http://lbratina.blogspot.com/

My partners in Fun!
Adults playing, kids in the house.
Moral of the day......
Act your age or
you will be in the bed with your back for a few days.
More later.....

ALABAMA SNOW 2009

In the mist of all the excitement of a new baby & birthdays, I forgot to show off Grandson #2. His birthday was February 24th, he is 4. He got new shoes, basketball shoes, He loves to show them off. He was so proud. When ever I tried to take a picture he wanted to make sure I got a pic of the shoes, basketball shoes. The mind of a 4 year old, so simple, so happy, so excited about shoes that has a Michael Jordan on them, the basketball man.

Happy Friday !

DD went to Hospital at 9 a.m to be induced. So we waited.......and waited.......and waited......

until this nurse got off duty

in came new nurse. She said let me check , and

Meet Jevon Markee Cade

Born February 25, 2009

8:02

6 lbs 14 oz

20 1/4 inches long

Thrifty Thurday

Welcome!

Today I would like for you to meet

Big AL

Have you ever been to a pound to pick out a new puppy?

And all the puppies are jumping and barking and would jump through the fencing if they could, to get alittle attention.

And then you spot him, the perfect pet, maybe it is the twinkle in his eye or the way he cocks his head to one side.

Anyway, you just know.

He is meant to be yours.

AL was meant to be mine,

he stand guard

in my studio.

Watches over all the mess,

sees to it that nothing is moved until I come back to work on a project.

He is balding alittle, maybe getting on in years, but he still has purpose.

He is my friend.

Baby is coming today

February 25th

A Wednesday child

Ash Wednesday

Week and a day after his oldest brother, birthday

a day after his big brothers, birthday

Happy Birthday, Jevon

I will text pictures ASAP.

New look and a busy weekend.

So how do you like the look?

I think I will live with it a week or so and see how it grows on me.

Went to Auction this weekend and Birthday parties.

So I will update later with all my goodies.

Not alot of people at the auction so this was to my advantage.

LATER

Thrifty Thursday

It is time for another episode of

"Thrifty Thursday"

Today we will dream of a day, a day a long long time ago, when Jerri had a guestroom.

A room that was always neat and tidy.

A room that was filled with grandmother memories.

Handkerchiefs and costume jewelry, so beautifully displayed on her dresser.

This cute little trinket dish empty, so guest could read the words.

Guest you are welcome here

Be at your ease

Get up when you are ready

Go to bed when you please

We are happy to share

such as we've got

The leaks in the roof

the soup in the pot

You don't have to thank us

Nor laugh at our jokes

Sit deep and come often

you're just one of the folks.

Yes, there was a time when there was a guestroom.

Filled to the rim with memories and "Thrifty Finds".

I keep adding to the items that will one day fill the room, until then

they are packed away.

Join us next week when a guest arrives and I have to show him the door.

I might be able to squeeze you in a closet somewhere.

11 birthday licks and one to grow on

Happy Birthday

Malik

It's all in the name

My parents wanted to start their family and tried for 5 years.

Mother was sick at her tummy and just knew she was pregnant. The old doctor, knew mom and daddy wanted to have a baby so bad and had been trying for awhile, and he thought they were trying too hard. So he told her to go home and tell Jerry, (My daddy) that you are having a baby. So she did and they ....

lets just say celebrated.

And I was born 12 months later.

Yes, I said 12 months. Mother said it is on my records.

So there they were at the hospital, and mother had a name picked out.

Dodie Ann Doty

First and last name although spelled different they sound the same.

Do you remember this little girl?

On the T.V show, MY THREE SONS.

Well, mother thought this would be cute to have the same first and last name.

What kinda drugs was she on you ask?

I wish I knew.

I think it was my grandmother that talked her out of it. And her reasoning was that it took so long to conceived me that you might not have another, so name her after her father.

Thank you Grandmother!

A Valentine MeMe

from Dust Bunny Hostage!

"If you would like to play, here's how: tell me by leaving a comment on this post {SAYING THAT YOU WANT TO PLAY} and I will assign you a letter. Then post ten things you love that begin with your assigned letter on your blog. Explain the rules with your ten things and when others comment requesting a letter, assign one to them; thus, the chain continues

Okay, this is my twist.

My letter is "S"

With today being Valentines Day and and the fact that hubby and I are going away for the rest of the weekend.

Alone in a hotel, with my man, big king size bed and I don't have to make the bed. I am so looking forward to ..............

The "SWEETS" that will be on my pillow.

It couldn't be better unless we were at the beach with the

"SEA, SAND and SUN"!

But just being alone with each other no matter where is enough.

BUT............................

Lounging on the beach with my "SUGAR LIPS" maybe reading a little

Nicolas SPARKS, getting in some SWIMMING, and watching SUNSETS with my

SWEET THING would be very romantic.

Not that I don't adore my grand "SONS" , but we would go alone.

Enjoying each other.

I would have to do some SHOPPING to bring back SOUVENIR'S.

and if I found a SCRAP BOOKING STORE, I would have to check it out.

We could SLEEP late, ring for room SERVICE,

and, well you get the picture.

Enough said.......I off to pack.

Happy Valentines Day!

Found this while surfing today, and read what they had to say-
What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?
You Are Level-Headed and Trustworthy
You are fair, honest, and logical.
I try.
You are a natural leader, and people respect you.
You never give up, and you will succeed... even if it takes you a hundred tries
You are rational enough to see every part of a problem.
You are great at giving other people advice.
Ask my DD if I give advise?
You are friendly, charming, and warm.
You get along with almost everyone.
I can be friendly to anyone, for awhile anyway.
You work hard not to rock the boat.
Spot on- I am always the go between in conflict
Your easy going attitude brings people together.
At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible.
Unfortunately, this is me, I think, do you think I am flaky?
But for the important things, you pull it together.
You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel.
My parents always thought so.
You're always up to something.
You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you.
You're very intense.
You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble.
But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.
I think my bestest friend can tell what kind of fun we use to have.....but she better not.
You tend to be pretty tightly wound.
It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.
Some mornings I see a room design on-line and I have to re-create it at the shop.
You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly.
You don't stick with any one thing for very long.
You can see this in all the un-finished projects I have in my studio.
You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time.
Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.
Stay tunes over the weekend I will tell you the story of how I got the name "JERRI".

Join us for Thrifty Thursday

@

http://lbratina.blogspot.com/

I am a thrifty shopper, if you know me at all you know this. And when it comes to junkin I am even more thrifty. I buy for the shop and for me to create art. But sometimes I will just bypass a item for the store for a Bingo game to use in my projects. With that said: This is a old photo album, ratted and torn to be used in my art projects. If it had been in good condition, I would not have bought it, it would have been out of my price range and I would want to rip it apart and so I would have passed on it.

One man's junk is another man's treasure.

Just in time for Valentine's Day.

All you need is red candy melts from the cake decorating department.

&

Pretzel rods.

I went to this web page

http://gourmetmomonthego.blogspot.com/

and copied the crayon papers.

Created this last week. Kay brought the shade in thinking I could strip it and re-cover it. I had a different idea. It sure has been noticed, and that is the name of the game. It might not be a piece you would put in your house but...I got your attention. The store was busy yesterday. Maybe people was anticipating the storms we are going to have today. That's okay, I have a few more ideas up my sleeve to work on today.

We have had a beautiful weekend.

It was 70 + degrees.

It felt like spring.

The baby Shower was Sunday.

My sister in law , made this to hang in the babies room. Isn't it cute?

We all just loved it.

It was a good weekend.

Let me tell you like it is....

The building I rent, for my shop was a Pharmacy for years and years.

But upstairs is the Masonic lodge.

There are bars on the windows, because it was a drug store.

The Drug store moved out and the building was empty for over a year.

I moved in 3 years ago.

As you see the sign is still here, it belongs to the Masonic lodge.

But... and this is a big BUT!

I have people daily coming in looking for the pharmacy. Young and old.

Some sit in their car and wait until I open at ten, follow me in and hand me their prescription.

So I smile, say No I am sorry the Pharmacy moved and is now located beside Dollar General on 79 Hwy. ( everyone knows where Dollar General is located)

They smile, drop their head and apologize as they tuck their tail and leave. I try to tell some people that it happens all the time. They just couldn't know how many. I sometimes wish I had kept a tally, just a tick mark on the calendar of the hundred of people that is looking for the pharmacy.

January and February can be a lonely time at the shop. Antiques are not at the top of any ones must have list. And with the hard times we have seen in the last month or so, I do understand. It does give me time to create without being interrupted. And time to come up with unique ways to generate customer to our shop. I was reading a book the other day and found a unique way to have a "Ladies Night Out". So let's just say the wheels stated turning and spinning and I have come up with a fun evening. It is called a "Ironing Board Smorgasbord". Each booth will decorate a ironing board, along with a sale, and serve a snack. The event will be March 9th, starting at 6. An after hours event. I have been creating unique items to sale, we are holding back items to display at the event. So it should be a must see. So mark your calendar and I will see you there.

Phew....What a weekend.

No special events or outings just busy.

At home busy and we didn't get a lot done.

DD is trying to prepare for baby 3# to arrive.

Dusting, washing curtains, putting the toddler bed back into a baby bed, Taking bunk beds apart, moving #2 grandson into a big bed, ( he was so ready).

So ....Phew....

I am going back to work to rest.

A beautiful Day

Moss on a Block

A camera

Look at that blue sky

Alittle brittle, worn out

A fallin limb

A nice walk in the yard.

I have been trying to finish the Baby Shower invitation for Dear Daughter. Cause

when she went to the doctor on Tuesday, she had already started to dilate. So we may have a baby at the shower. Shop is slow this week and so I had time to create. Signing up for CKU next week, it's in Nashville in May. I really enjoyed it 2 years ago. So have a nice week.

Busy Weekend

It all stated Friday -

Jenn came to the shop and we planned our Croppin Chicadees Retreat in April.

We are having a Carnival theme and funnel cakes.

Yeah!

On Friday evening

We took dad and Mom out for dad's birthday. Mexican, my favorite.

Saturday, I had company at the shop, and we was busy. And that evening we met my bestest friend and her hubby at the Cheesecake factory.

YUMMY!

There is still half a cheese cake in the fridge.

Did I say YUM!

On Sunday, I had a daughter of the Nile meeting.

Ladies, I am so glad to say the Shriners hospital had not one but 2 pool tables donated to them. So the $ we raised with the crop was spent on DVDs - Wii- and games- and items they needed. Over 3000.00 worth.

Yeah!

It didn't end there.

Monday I was at the hospital with Mom, she had a little surgery.

All is well and I am going back to work today to get some rest.

Do You See this Picture?

I am still so upset.

For 2 years now I have ask my customers to write a few word in Christmas cards that I mailed to Walter Reed Hospital.

I heard a report last year that said none of the cards that was not addressed to a specific soldier would be delivered, this was after I mailed them. So this year I put a return address. And when I went to my box a week or so ago it was full.

FULL of returned cards that might have put a smile on a soldier's face.

So my question is, who made this decision?

I understand the privacy issue but I am still upset.

I was trying to do a good deed and so was my customers.

I got this address from church.

Our church also sent cards the last two years.

This makes me so mad!!!!

New Projects

I was a busy girl last week! I completed a couple of pages, as soon as I got the new Creating Keepsakes Magazine. And I don't think I have shown you the clock, I created just after New Years. I just jerked all the clock guts out and put in a picture. Add beads and Wow, it looks great.










I am trying to create alittle more this year, I have a new grandson on his way, so I need to get a handle on these albums. The heart is his first page. I am using one of the new 8 1/2 x 11 albums, sideways. I like it.

Have you complete a page or project this week?

I had a itching to go "junkin" today. I wanted to go so bad

I took Grandson #1, AKA, grumpy.

And I just had to show this.

Yes, there was a smoker in this house.

Yes, it is nasty.

Yes it is broke in places .

Yes, I will be taking it apart.

Yes, I am so excited.

Yes, it cost $4.99.

(Jesus) said to them all, "If any want to become my followers, let then deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me". Luke 9:23

Just a thought:

Each of us has a part in making this a better world for all people.

January Blues

With all the colors of Christmas packed away, comes the January Blues.

No, I am not sad, my friend.

It is a year of color over here-

http://www.artsymama.blogspot.com/

I joined and love it.

I have been inspired to create through the Winter Blues.

There is alot of on going projects out there. So don't sit there join one.

http://embers.typepad.com/e/

and

http://www.teresamcfayden.typepad.com/

http://joli-paquet.blogspot.com/

Some are free.

Doesn't the picture just inspire you to create?

I am "Lucky".

I create almost daily. I have a room in my home and at the shop to leave a project until I finish.

My mind is always thinking, and there is not enough time in the day to complete them. . I have projects lined up to start. Many have to wait until I get that spark of inspiration.

I was not ready to take down my tree at the shop, so now it is a valentine tree. I get to show off all the items I have created or received in the last few years.

I am working on my inspiration word for the year.

My word is

FAITH

It has been hard to put unto words why I picked this word.

Here it is January and I have started alot of projects.

I started a color journal, I have done a few Valentine items, a few scrapbook pages, decorated a clock, searched the Internet for baby shower ideas for DD. So what will I create today? Well, I will have to serf through blogland and see what inspires me.

Stay Tuned.

This is my first project of the year, just a wall hanging made of a book cover.

Still using the unique and unusual items to create my projects.

Kinda slow right now, still taking down the Christmas at the shop, it took weeks to put it up and now it is taking weeks to take it down.

Have already booked the Crop 2 Help Retreat for 2009.

It will be September 25-27.

I already have a theme my little jewels.

Seems the Retreat house is getting booked up rather fast this year. Seems the word is out, about the great location and set up.

But don't forget the Croppin Chickadees Retreat in April. Have you let me or Jenn know you want to come? Just drop us a e-mail to make sure.

DD went for a ultra sound yesterday, the baby had been sitting on the placenta. All is well and he weighs 4 and a half pounds. Seems he has been gaining weight and Jessica has been losing.

And yes he is still a he.

That's all folks!

This is my latest page. It was from a trip to Savannah, a few summer ago.

See the black ribbon, dried up typewriter ribbon, the journal card, from a card of buttons, and the flower off a old hat.

Next time you sit down to create,

Use the unexpected.

Be unique!

Make it you!

2009 Inspiration word

Faith

Faith that my family will survive 2009

Faith that I will be a better friend and person in 2009

Faith that I will achieve that I want.

Faith in myself

but most of all more Faith in Jesus Christ

and what he has planned for me.

I believe I heard a blowing noise and a little cheer as I put put Malik on the bus this morning. First day back at school. I need this quite time. Oh yeah, the 3 year old is in bed but I will have a hour anyway. What do I do.........ummmmmmmmmm I could clean, na. I could read....na. I could read blogs......why not. I will be glad when all the Christmas clearance stuff is gone from the shelves. I have spent more this year than ever before. But I have had an idea......wait for it........I am thinking about having my Jerri's Jingling Jubilee in August this year. So I have been frantic buying up supplies before they get gone. I really enjoy the creating and the girls that come, but it is so close to Christmas that it is hard to get everything done, for any of us. So expect a Christmas e-mail in August.
I have had Tuesdays off for the last few months and today , I go back to work too. And it is raining, there is Christmas stuff all over the store, and I have a couple of projects I want to competed too. So what will come first............
I did create a few scrapbooking pages over the last week or so, and one turned out great. I will get pictures ASAP.
So lift up that mug of coffee, here is to school starting back and alone time.

I have joined a "year in Color" over at Artsy Mamas ( http://www.artsymama.blogspot.com/ )

It is a year of fun for $12.00. I am already looking at things in a whole new way. Gonna complete a few pages in my color journal tonight. So check back for updates or join yourself... It is going to be fun.

I tried to post yesterday and I tried to explain how each and every year
I start the year off trying to stick to a diet, only to fail sometimes with in 24 hours.
But instead, this year I am so thankful for what we have that losing weight seems so menial.
In the reality of this economic struggle, can you find something to be thankful for.
Of course we can.
Our lives has changed in the last few years.
Maybe not what we had thought our middle years would bring.
But we make the best of it.
We all struggle and have problems but human nature has taught us to deal with the event in our lives.
As a nation we elected Obama to be our next president. Although i did not vote for him,
I respect that the majority has.
And I am looking forward to change.
2009 can be a great year, if you let it.
What is the saying,
"Don't sweat the small stuff".
So I guess what I am trying to say is,
relax, enjoy what we have.
Try and except change.
This is a hard one for me.
But I am going to try.
Happy New Years!