November ~

Yep, with another full year coming to an end, I'm sitting here this morning with so many thoughts of what to say.  It seems in my efforts to post more often has been spaced farther about.  We've (the sand people, ha) finally been getting a reprieve from what seemed like the longest summer on record.  Now enjoying a cooler and much appreciated rainier climate.  It's so wonderful when we get any rain I just want to enjoy this blessing.

Upon opening my page I noticed that a blogger I follow posted; Winter Rain In The Desert - I had to share her beautiful pictures with you via links.  Margarethe Brummermann has a wonderful blog called Arizona: Beetles, Bugs, Birds and More - I hope you check it out.  I need to take the time also I missed many of her posts; and others.  (Breaking news)!  It is snowing 7AM Sunday morning - :) snow! Though short lived is now mixed with rain a desert refreshing for the sand people. :)  Our mountain this morning has completely vanished in all the cloud cover I can't wait to see it's beauty when it reappears.  :)

This morning I'm missing my companion Sweet Sophie - she pasted away with bone cancer in September.  Sophie (mostly, and not to forget Miki) had many adventures with me to share and was always close by while posting.  She would definitely be enjoying this weather!


Miki not so much she enjoyed warmth and liked being cozy, however, not when she was on a good hunt!  Both are dearly missed.

Earlier this year I started posting on the newest activity or projects with many "phases" - involving the building of the shed / Taj mahul as I refer to it and I planned updates.   Well LOL!  I took several pictures most of which were deleted I'm sad to say.  I also had, what I thought, comical story lines to go along with a few.  One example would be a picture of the mover I took sitting under the tree waiting patiently for the completion of the shed.  When finished a fine place for it to spend out of the weather when not in use.  Well it's finally in the building - though the building is mostly done.  What a process it has been for this shed/ Taj mahul project!  The projects first posting was in February and over the months were irritations, frustrations, many starts and stops - to numerous to write in  "phases" intending to be somewhat humorous; lead us to where the shed is today - oh / Taj mahul.  And, bless his heart, my dad worked both physically and mentally at the point of obsession that we are so happy its just about done.  Posted are a series of photos and without the tales ~



For myself, I did work on a few of my own projects and actually planted winter greens in the semi-restored garden.  Though I don't want to make this post any longer and I have much more I'd like to say, I'll close for now.

In ending Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.  It has been a very tough year and I still can say I have much to be thankful for.

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7 EVS

I needed to post a couple more as you can see the mountain is still covered and hasn't been out at all - now being 4:45 PM and the garden looks cold but I hope they make it.  I didn't get any straw yet or make covers :(  I need to work faster :/

Reilly's Blanket ~

It took some doing with some delays but it finally went into the mail this week!  Yippee! After the birth of our grandson Logan, our great niece arrived just about four months later. Neither, I'm sad to say, I've been able to hold and hug.  I'm hoping to one day soon. Babies can grow so fast and I was hoping to get this done for Reilly to use - Lap quilts are nice to! LOL

I had fabric I used on another blanket for a special little girl I got the above I idea from.
I used part of the fabric to boarder.

A few of the blocks are the same as in Logan's all made in like manner.  Three of the children's are blocks copied from a quilt that was made for our gram in the early 90's.   For hers the kids made a few blocks each and I choose a few more suited for Reilly a bit different from Logan's.

When I saw the print I thought of Reilly and used it in blocks and backing.

As with Logan, I made a pillow for Reilly using the pattern on my pillowcase totorial here.  I just shrunk it down.

I'm pretty much pleased with how it turned out.  :)  Reilly received her blanket/quilt - I was waiting to post this tutorial but not wanting show it before it was seen by recipients. :)  I hoping to post a picture of Reilly and her blanket soon.

Yippee!! Reilly got it.  .  . I'm happy happy happy ~

Times When Enough Is Enough Already ~

Of course, it all started out like, hummm:

For instance, our poor truck had been through it, three windows decided to drop and the mechanism that makes them work broke and needs replace.  This happened before with our truck and until we got it fixed we simply propped it up with a stick.  Not perfect but a temporary fix.  :)  So now three, Argh!




Of, course when money is tight repair jobs can be
some slower.  The tires are in sad shape and are in need of replacing but I thought at least for now I'd get some air in them.  So I got the pump out and hooking everything up - battery was DEAD! Forget I said! Moving on.  However, I'll add it wasn't until recent that we've been able to even drive the truck.  :/

While driving the van a tire blew .  .  .  Don't get me started!  The van tire of course has been repaired and drivable.  Yay!  I'm thankful for the van - though - it's the most uncomfortable vehicle I've driven; it gets me from point A to B without to much trouble.  :)  A blessing - really.

I still have all the other things going in our lives here, not to forget our little blessing

Logan we haven't seen yet - what a joy he is, even by photo and video clips.  He has a smile that will light up a room!

When I started blogging Refracted Lite in 2008, my first post stated, I was hoping to inspire others as many have inspired me over the years.  I really don't know how inspiring I've been recently - I never seem to get any posting done.  Sure, I do have many drafts going but they seem to loose the meaning if I can't stay on it.  Have you ever been so busy - and yes, I've been a broken record, as I read this morning - "I am weary God but I can prevail." Proverbs 30:1 NIV  Busy ~ not just in the physical sense but mentally.  Sometimes the mind just will not quit!  I've allowed myself to fall into it - the trap.  :/  Feeling mentally drained!  My sister once told me she didn't have the luxury of time to blog.  I've thought on that and thought on that; with know response other than - how I do things have changed.  Moving here was a hard one and one that requires more even in steps.  Everything is laid out in distance and example would be 190 + steps one way for laundry, depending on how fast I'm moving and the strides I'm taking.  Boy I miss my laundry room.   I'm also 5 or 6 years older! yikes!

And, like you, there are things that go on in our lives I'm not at liberty to share adding to the "Enough."  I purchased a book called Women Who Do Too Much, by Patricia Sprinkle.  "How to stop doing it all and start enjoying your life."  I bought this book for my sister who didn't have the luxury of time.  Funny, I thought I gave it to her and recently found it in a packed box.  I've since then started reading! LOL  I managed the first chapter before I crashed.  One quote I'll share,

"Will you remember to thank me for little mercies that make these days easier." Patricia Sprinkle

Yes, I'm thankful for them making my days easier.  Sometimes I/we can forget :( the Lord sends us mercies in times when all we see is "ENOUGH."  I miss the things I used to be able to do in Ohio, but I can honestly say that about every place I've lived.  The Lord always blesses me with something else.  I'll close with that thought an photo's below of my new favorite place I've been blessed to have here.  Cottage Bakery here in Safford - So to all of you that live in the area PLEASE support them!  They're what I call a REAL bakery, wonderful people with delish baked goods.

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions (mercies) never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."  Lamentations 3:22-24 NIV

What Could Be Better Than This?!

Well, there is a lot that could be - but I'm excited!  I'm truly hoping that this Tractor Supply will be as great as the one we shopped at in Ohio.  It was where I purchased my last couple pairs of 550 Levis and ladies - without stretch!  I'm not a stretch type of gal and it's very hard to find jeans that I like without having to look at mens.  So I'm excited and I'm hoping!  Tractor Supply also has other wonderful things and best of all - - - it's not Walmart!  Yippee!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 NIV 

Or the world might say "All good things come to those who what!"  Patience ~ Yes?  

I like the scripture verse better and the best part is that God NEVER changes.

I'm excited!

Throw Rug Tote's ~

Most of us have them or inherited them - either grown tired of them or they've started to wear out.  Now what to do with those old or new little throw rugs?  The older rugs still may have some usefulness so why not give this a go.

This is another idea I wish I could take credit for and I have NO idea where I saw this.  It's a cool one I'll say that - who doesn't need an extra tote for something - I apparently like tote I see to have made enough of them over the past several years.  :D

What you will need:
Throw rugs
Grommets & placement tools
Strong good quality thread
Needle(s) suitable for heavy fabrics
Webbing for straps or other

When making two you don't make the same mistakes with the second. LOL  The second tote was thought out better and went much faster.  Measurements etc. were quickly made since I did all the figuring with the first.  First bag I placed grommets last - I did not do that with the second tote.

Grab the throws you'd like to use.

Since it is fringed I didn't pin entire both sides,

so I could turn down for a decorative look.

Figured out where I wanted the handles to be and placed grommets.
Since the throw was thick I had to use 4 grommets on each side.  See below.

Measured out 28" of webbing for 2 handles.  Then as in picture above
folded over & pinning sew as close to edge as you can.  This is for a
loop in grommets.  Do this at both ends then sew together making handle. 

That was the first tote.
Second tote I decided to place grommets first.  If you've never used them or if you have and forgotten - there is a front and back and a easier way than the first tote I did. :)  I had the right stuff lost directions finally decided to look on line here it was a good refresher.

I then knew what this was for! LOL hole placement~

Before you put top and bottom of grommet together,

make sure you know which is top and bottom. :) 

I needed to use as above for added thickness with fold.

Some thoughts ~

When I first decided to do this - I folded it in half, pinned, threaded my machine but didn't use proper needed for the project, and it was a bit of a struggle.  Also I was originally going to just sew the handles on.  I think - :)  Anyway, I headed into town and "search" for a size 14 - 16 machine needles to finish the job.  Next day got up and started on the grommets! LOL Afterwards I thought was I going to sew on the handles!  I do like the grommets better and on the second tote - I did them right.  (Photo's were taken with camera and cell - explaining coloration changes).

Again here's how to install grommets.

Pillowcase Tutorial

Though a small thing I feel good that I've accomplished this little project.  :)  I saw this in Ohio and even purchased the instructions - however it is with my my other misplaced patterns.  So Saturday while in town I went to The Jack of Arts where they were giving little demo's of this pillowcase.  I was pleased to get the refresher!  So I went ahead and purchased the fabric below with instructions.

It's simple but it helps to have the visual when doing.  For me anyway ~ I love how it goes together though and if I had come up with this it would have taken some thought and some more.  LOL

Once you have one done it takes nothing to throw more together once you have your fabrics chosen, measured and cut out.  As my Gram would have said, LICKETY- SPLIT!

For each pillowcase you will need:

3/4 (27") yard of your main fabric
12" by width of the fabric (selvage to selvage) for the cuff
optional accent strip (trim) 1.5" by with of fabric

I measured the width of fabric to be 43"

Pick out fabric.

Cut off this.

With right sides up lay together as so. If using trim fold  & press in half  wrong sides together.

Cuff 1st, main piece, then trim if used - pin.

Once pinned roll main piece toward pinned seam.

Re-pn. I will resemble a tube.

Sew pinned seam together using 1/2" seam.

Pull fabric right side out press trim down and cuff flat.

Fold with right sides together press and pin cut seams.

Stitch as close as you can to the edge. Yes on right side, side and bottom.

Turn inside out (right sides together) press where you just sewn to flatten.

Sew a 3/8" seam over the "L" shape (side & bottom) you just sewn.

Turn right side out - you now have a clean seam - seamless.

Very nice pillow to enjoy are give away!

If you have any questions ask away I'll do my best to answer.  It truly is a quick case to put together; in fact post took more time.  :)

I have to say that our little town seems to be getting active once more.  It a wonderful thing.  With the efforts of A Step Back In Time - cool little coffee shop reminiscent of those I've visited and lived near in other places - doing what they cant to generate business.  It's sad when a town starts dying without the support of the community.  I've/we've always choose to support local business first.  Personally I can't stand Walmart and choose to stay out as much as possible.  In fact unless I can find it elsewhere I just don't need it.  :)  However, sometimes I'm forced without a choice.  :(

So kudos' for all who are working hard to keep our town active and alive.  I'm continuing to add some favorite places around town to do above are two.  Below a few more:

Cottage Bakery   also Olney B & B you can check on home page.  I LOVE going here!
Gingerbread Co.  (Facebook)
Debbie's - great for crafters.

There's a lot more than meets the eye and I'm hoping the community will really give shops there due and support them.