The Purple Heart

My friend Ann is an interesting woman, loving person, very giving, extremely smart, so encouraging and just a wonderful friend. I first met Ann a few years back when she joined my Take Peace group. This is a group who loves Tasha Tudor and is keeping her legacy very much alive. I was matched up with her on a Christmas exchange. Group exchanges are so fun as you really get to know your partner. You know how you just kind of click with certain people? Well, Ann and I just clicked.
Last year, we both experienced very difficult health issues. Ann actually almost didn't make it.It's often at those times that you realize how much a friend means to you. Well, the struggles we faced only brought us closer together.
Ann is an Episcopal minister. She retired last year, another difficult part of her journey. We are currently working through the book Woman of the Bible. It's a year long study and it's great to be sharing it with a friend. Her insights on life and her experience as a minister bring a different dimension to our bible study. She is so open and honest.
So, we have become very good friends. We have never met in person yet, but we intend to!
Today, I got a delightful card in the mail with a little purple knitted heart! So sweet. She sent me a print out from her blog about this adventure. She award little hearts to people who do special or caring things and really don't get credit for it. We don't need to get credit or recognition but how nice to be surprised by this sweet little gesture.

So she awarded me with one and it arrived in the mail today. I was so touched, I cried. Things like this are so dear and are very encouraging.

So, go out there and spread some joy or happiness or help. Who knows, you may get a purple heart.
Thank you sweet Ann.

My Primitive Side of Valentines

Happy Saturday! The sun is trying to come out here in Oregon today. It is very mild and we are in for some sunny and warm days ahead this week. It is beginning to feel like spring here. I have been doing a little house cleaning and plan to work on the rest of my Valentine treats to get mailed off on Monday.

Most of you see my more Victorian side, filled with tea and dolls and pretty things...all pink and mauve. I love that part of my world. But I do have another side, that my Jimmy REALLY likes. It's more primitive, but as we live in the Pacific Northwest, we don't see all the wonderful old primitives that the east coast antique collectors enjoy!

Anyway, I thought it would be fun to pick out a few more primitive hearts around our home to share with you as we begin the count down to Valentine's Day!

I am just going to let you enjoy the photos. Some are little projects I have made, some were given to me, some are Etsy finds and others I have had so long, I can't remember where they came from! So just enjoy and get in the mood for February 14th!

Remember, you still have time to sign up for my Give Away! Scroll down and leave a comment on the Give Away post!

Vintage Crocheted Pincushions and Thimble Holders

I know some of my blogger friends collect the crocheted pincushions with ribbon trim. I think they are wonderful but I have been collecting pincushions that are a bit different. These are also crocheted, but  have chicken wishbones in the center that help to hold thimbles. Sometimes they are called "make-do's" . All three of my examples ae a little bit different.

You can see part of the wishbone if you look carefully. See how it forms a little cradle to hold the thimble? Isn't that just sweet?

A little different design, but still a pincushion and a thimble holder.

Another pink sample. The heart below does not have a pin cushion, but it does have a nifty thimble holder.

When I was doing a  bit of research, I found this little crochet book for"Gift Novelties".It was published in 1938.

It included a page with the instrucions for making a simple wishbone thimble holder.

I got to watch my grandbaby Otto this morning! I just love that little guy, but he sure is growing up to quickly.

February 2nd

February 1st

Happy February! A new month and a fun one at that. I love Valentines Day and hearts and flowers.
I'm going to do a Valentine's advent type calendar on my blog. I need something to get me back into blogging and this will be a fun way to do it. After working on my Etsy the past few days, I am going to have a fun crafting day today. It's time to start working on my Tasah Tudor Valentine exchange. The cards have to go in the mail next Monday...yikes! This sweet February angel is on my Etsy. So cute.
Remember to keep your heart right and your attitude good. Enjoy the month.

Is Your Heart Good?

I like to pick a theme each New Year's Eve to focus on for the New Year. 2011 was a year of JOY for me and it was a word filled with many blessings.
As I was searching and waiting for my word for 2012, my husband and I had a conversation about a family gathering and some of the people there who really had a "good heart" and were trying to do the right thing. We were talking about it and I thought it might be good to focus on the phrase-Is Your Heart Good? I can watch for, honor and keep my heart GOOD this year. I think part of keeping your heart good is keeping a good attitude.
So there it is....Happy New Year to you all and remember to keep your heart good as you go into this brand new and hopeful New Year!
Much love and may God bless you!
Linda