"Here's the Hearse.... Waiting for Halloween! :)

"The Hearse Song"

Don't you ever laugh as the Hearse goes

by, for you may be the next to die.

They wrap you in a big white sheet from your

head down to your feet. 

They put you in a big black box and cover

you up with dirt and rocks. 

All goes well for about a week, then your

coffin begins to leak.

That is just part of a Childrens Traditional Rhyme.. The rest is a little gross and

squeamish... I didn't want to gross you out

but the kids love to sing

it :)

Happy Hallow's Eve!!! 

Be safe and have fun on Halloween!!!!!!

"Halloween Wreath"

This is the Halloween Wreath I made . I saw the idea 

off Pinterest. I didn't add as much because

my wreath wasn't as big and I also didn't want

to spend lots of time. It actually

looks frumpy today when I

took the picture. Oh well :) 

This was my Inspiration Wreath. I found this

on Pinterest. It was made by Jennifer Suggs.

I think her wreath is amazing. 

My Wreath was made with a black wreath. Spanish moth,

leaves, flowers (Things I had on hand)

Witches boots I had made last year

for my "Halloween Boutique" and a

Witches hat I made also. Burlap bow and

fabric flowers just cut out

of scrap fabric. A dollar glittered "Happy

Halloween"

I coffee dyed the muslin for the boots and witches Hats.

Funny thing is I don't even drink coffee. :)

So, off to the 99 cent store to

look for coffee. I knew that

stuff would be of use to

me one day. 

Hope you have an Awesome, safe, fun-filled

Halloween! 

Walking at "Hart Park"

A member of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the William S. Hart Museum is less than an hour's drive from most areas of Los Angeles.

The William S. Hart Park and Museum is the former retirement home of the famed silent film actor and director who produced a series of hit Western movies in the early 1900's. His beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival Style Mansion – now the Museum – exhibits an impressive collection of Western artwork by noted artists Charles M. Russell, Frederic Remington, and Joe de Yong, as well as mementos from early Hollywood, personal furnishings and effects, and artifacts representing multiple Native American cultures.

The Museum also includes an historic 1910 Ranch House that exhibits Hart's tack and saddle collection, personal furnishings, and additional Hollywood mementos.

 William S. Hart 

 Flowering bushes

 Back of the Ranch House

 The "Ranch House"

 Cactus and nature all around this park. 

 There are lots of trails at the Hart Ranch. I love these

Rock benches. It has been a great place to

sit and pray and contemplate life. While looking

over the Valley.

Sitting on the bench overlooking the valley.

(Picture Below)

Both the Mansion and the Ranch House are located in scenic William S. Hart Park, where guests may enjoy visiting a live collection of farm animals, a herd of American bison, a vast picnic area, a series of hiking trails, and a charming Western-themed Gift Store.In 1921, Hart purchased a ranch house and surrounding property. He built a 22 room mansion which today houses Hart's collection of western art, Native American artifacts, and early Hollywood memorabilia. Hart lived at the ranch nearly 20 years until his death in 1946. In his will, Hart gave the Horseshoe Ranch to the County of Los Angeles. It was to be set aside for the use and enjoyment of the public, at no charge.

Today, the Horseshoe Ranch consists of 265 acres. Both the ranch house and the Hart residence are open to the public. An assortment of animals reside at Hart Park, including a small herd of bison which were a gift from the Walt Disney Studios in 1962.

I had more pictures but, I didn't know I was recording and filming instead of
taking pictures on my I phone. So, I am going to retake those pictures. There is so much more to see at this big Ranch. So, stay tuned. I only live
5 minutes away from it :)

Thank you for looking :)

Halloween Paper Chandelier

 This is a Halloween paper Chandelier hanging from our light above our kitchen
table. It is 

book pages folded like an accordion .

 Hanging from it are pictures of all my kids and my Grandkids.

My son-in-laws too. I put funny titles on them. This is

my Grandson, Parker when he was just a baby. He is 5 now.

So, I need to make a new one. It makes me laugh though. He

is so sweet. His title on his says. "Does not cuddle!" He even

has a pumpkin hat on.. Funny :)

 This is the paper chandelier. I think it is

a fun addition to Halloween decor.

My kids even made sure I had all of them up.

They notice everything :)

This was my inspiration... Check out this cute "Birthday Chandelier!"

So sweet.. Check out this blog too. Really fun

stuff..

Craftingchicks.blogspot.com 

"Let's take a Walk"!

I am going to take you on one of my walks I take almost

everyday.. Sometimes I do a jog/run.. Sometimes I

just need to walk and mediate and pray. So, this

is the area in which I live in California. Come

and Enjoy :)

These are the red bushes I see everywhere 

 on my walk. They are 

very vibrant and so red during this Fall Season. 

This is taken on my walk while I am on the

sidewalk looking over the Valley.
Beautiful View! 

 This is a park that is completely off limits and a secluded area in the

neighborhood where I walk. It is down in a gully like area.
This is where "NCIS" is filmed. I am taking this picture

on a sidewalk looking down. This is a very steep hill

that I have to climb. Once I came down the hill

and had to go all the way back up because

they were filming "NCIS"... I got a sneak peek

of Mark Harmon :)  It was worth

the walk up the hill !!

 This is the path that is off limits to cars. It was

to be for used for the surrounding homes but,

now I just see "NCIS" filming there! :)

 I live where there are so many oak trees. Acorns falling 

everywhere. Squirrels everywhere getting Acorns.

I tried to take a picture but, they are

fast little creatures :)

This is the start of my walk. You can't tell but

it is a very steep hill. Good for getting the

Heart pumping!  There are rabbits, lots

of birds of every color. So much

beauty of Nature here. Lizards

everywhere also. 

 This is some of the scenery I get to enjoy on my

walk.

 This is sage like bushes that are everywhere. They

smell very fragrant and I really enjoy the smells

on my walk. There are lavender bushes

and eucalyptus. I love the

smells on my walk :)

I hope you enjoyed the walk.. Especially the beautiful nature that God created for us to

all enjoy. This is just one of my walks that I take. It is about an hour walk for me. Sometimes

I jog it... Sometimes I just need a good walk. Stay tuned for more walking adventures. I live in

an area filled with walking trails.  The one great thing I love about this new area we live in.

  "Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder"!! 

SO TRUE!!

Halloween has come to "Our" House!

Well, It is finally Here!!

 HALLOWEEN!

The decorating of the House that is.. I love to decorate  the house

fun and spooky all together  I just added Pumpkins everywhere

sprinkled about. Black netting and Cheese cloth to drape around

mirrors and lamps.  Monster hands and witches boots and

witches hats... Skulls around and lots of 

Spiders.
Old photographs of people long ago.

                         The air is finally getting cooler and the leaves are finally dropping.

I think the "HALLOWEEN"

season is starting 

to 

show up!

Coffee Filter and Book Page Rosette Wreath

This is just a little project that I have been working on.. So easy, so fast and hardly
cost me a penny.. Well, maybe a "Pretty Penny".. ha!

                                               Coffee Filter and Book Page Rosette Wreath

To Make:  1 Straw or Foam Wreath
                 Brown and White Coffee Filters
                 Hot Glue
                 Book Pages
                 Buttons
                 String

You can wrap the wreath but, I left it because I decided to Hot glue the Coffee Filters in the Wreath

1. I just pushed each filter into the wreath one at a time with a sharp object--  i.e.Pencil, crochet hook... Whatever.

                DO THIS WHILE WATCHING X FACTOR OR THE VOICE... HA!

2.Then alternate brown and white coffee filters all the way around. Push into wreath and hot glue so it will
    stay as you go. You don't need a lot of glue.

3. Take some old book pages.. Mine were 11x14. I cut them to size.
4. Accordian fold the book page.. I used about two to each rosette.
5. I made smaller sizes as seen on wreath.
6. Then assemble wreath.
7. Glue Book page Rosettes on Wreath.
8. Glue a bow string to front and add a button if you like.
9. Add embellishments as needed.
10. SMILE!  Your wreath is done..  Looks so Pretty!!
                           

My New Granddaughter.. "Sofia"!!

Meet Sofia!!!

A special event occurred, Our Daughter Stacey, our 3rd Daughter, had her baby." Sofia" was born on August 25.  Sofia was born into a Beautiful, Chaotic, loving
Family..  "Welcome, Baby Sofia"!!  We are so happy to have you in our Family!!

She is a beauty. Now, one month old. She is growing and changing everyday.
The hardest for me is that I live 3 hours away from her. I miss her and want to
cuddle and love her. My daughter, Stacey has done a wonderful job being a Mommy
to Sofia. I am very proud of her. My other 2 daughters have filled in as wonderful
Aunts to sweet Sofia. Brooke and Lauren live in the same town and are so good to visit them and
help Stacey out. I am so proud of my Daughters. 

I am making some Hair bows for her and have so many ideas of fun things I want to
make for her.. Lots of pink and ruffles.. Now, I just have to get my sewing machine
fixed :(

I am a blessed Woman. Being a Grandma is an added joy. I have Parker who is 5, and Nikos who is 21 mo. and now Sofia who is 1 month old.. They are truly blessings in my life. I love them so much and miss them terribly. 

I am looking forward to seeing them in 2 weeks and they are going to get smothered with lots of kisses and hugs :)

I just got back from a 5 day trip to NYC with my son, Ryan. He had some business there

regarding his Music, so I went along. Afterall, I am his Mother!

We had an eventful trip. We were busy and went from place to place. He went to Magazine interviews, 

was on CNN, met Radio People. Sang for a Showcase. Yet, we still had  time to enjoy

some of the sights and have some fun in this Huge, exciting, City. One of

the funny things is that Ryan, is a Foodie.. He loves Food.. So,

we went to some of his favorite places that he saw on the Food Network or

that some of his friends recommended. I have to say, that one

of our favorite places was the "Magnolia Bakery in NYC..

It was Delicious.. He especially loved the "Banana Pudding" 

It has vanilla wafers, whipped cream and bananas and Pudding.

I have tried to make this before and it was OK.. but, They

must have a "Special Ingredient"  because there version

was "OH SO GOOD"!!!  I also loved the Peach Crumb Pie.. Oh..

even thinking about it now makes my mouth water!  :)

So, if you are Ever in NYC, you have to go to

MAGNOLIA BAKERY!

Tell them... Ryan sent you ! lol

http://www.bopandtigerbeat.com/2012/07/exclusive-ryan-beattys-ep-cover-art-song-snippets/

Well, A lot has been going on in our Home.. Yes.. we moved to a new City after living in our previous home and area pretty much our whole lives. .. It has been exciting and adjustment. I think we are starting to feel like it is "Home"..
I still don't have it all decorated like I would like and have had to downsize some and make some changes.
Isn't that what life is about??  Learning to be in Acceptance.. I have had to really learn to "Let Go"  and Accept things as they are.. It has been a hard but good lesson for me. The funny thing is that we have had more Friends and Family come and stay with us in the past 6 weeks that we had in our last house of 3 years.
So.. I haven't really been that lonely :)

The other exciting thing is that my Son, Ryan  an aspiring Singer and Songwriter is really doing very
well.. It has been a Journey with him learning to adjust to the crazy schedules and management of time
etc.. There is a lot of driving and driving and adjusting. Yet, he is an awesome Young Man and has
a Passion for Singing. It is in his "Blood".. He has been singing since he could speak.. So, we aren't
really shocked that for now this is his path.

He has a EP coming out on July 24 available on I Tunes.. An album coming this year too.. He was nominated for a "Teen Choice Award".  Which is Aired this Weekend.. His Sister, Brooke gets to
be his Adult Chaperon.. Pretty exciting for her too.. He gets to walk the "Red Carpet". So, for a
Teen 16 year old it is exciting for him.   He recently had a concert at the Legendary "Roxy" in Los
Angeles.. It was a great Concert and was a step up for him since he is moving from a "You Tube"
Star and now a "Real" Singer/Songwriter..  Very exciting for him.

Lots happening in our Family.. Our third Daughter, Stacey is  having a Baby. She is due close to her Birthday, August
23. She is having a "Girl".. So, she is having our first Granddaugher. We are very Happy and
excited. More Grandchildren to Love!!

Well, a lot more exciting things happening to come.. Yet, Life isn't perfect for us.. We still have our trials and challenges. Days of worry and fear.. It doesn't last long though. Our Faith and Hope remains Strong.
Everything has a purpose and plan. We are just trying to follow God's will.. We know in the end it is
all going to be OK!!!!

Moving!

(Our new area)

Well, after months of prayer,pondering and waiting.. We are

finally making our move down south. It is a bittersweet feeling.

We have lived in the Valley for 25 years. We have many Family

and friends that live here. I will miss them all!

I have so many wonderful memories here. Now..

time for a new chapter of our lives. So, the end of this

week, Kenny, Ryan, Kev and I move to new

adventures. I leave behind my 3 grown girls and 2 grandkids with one grand child

on the way. I will be back many times to visit!!! I love them so and just

can't bear being away for very long!

To my family and friends that I leave behind....

I love you all and you are treasured and Loved..

Life is eternal and I know we are bonded forever!

Plus.. thank goodness for modern technology!

I will stay connected through my blog and facebook and

texting! 

Adieu! for now :)

 This picture turned out very blurry. bummer! This is a "Fairy Painting"

that I did for my most special friend, Kim.  She is precious to me and

she loves fairies and all things magical :)

Just another view of the Fairy girl hiding in the flowers.. I really liked how it

turned out. It is whimsical and fun. Just wish I would have not hurried and

took a better picture of the painting.  I definitely don't have a knack for

photography! 

"Painting Paris"

 This is the sketch before I painted.

This is my Finished painting. Not the best light

for a picture. It looks a lot brighter and vivid

in real life..

Just practicing and enjoying painting..

I have a lot to learn yet it is

a fun journey. :)

Sketch and Paint!

First I sketched out my design.

Since I am not very confident in my drawing abilities.. I

just decided to go for it!  I changed the design

a little. 

This is the finished Painting..

I think it turned out pretty

good. 

"It's tough being King!"

I guess I am going to keep practicing.

I really enjoy learning new techniques

and forcing myself just to "Let Go" and

Not expect Perfection!  

After all, I am completely far

from Perfect.. 

Phew! 

Painting on Canvas!

 My Color Inspiration Page. Torn out of a

Better Homes and Garden.
Wonderful Color inspiration found there.

I have been taking the Donna Downey "Canvas Create Series"

This is the January class she taught. This is

my version of what she taught. I had

a lot of fun using different paint mediums and adding

textures. 

This is for my Daughter, Lauren...

I "HOPE" she likes it!

Online Classes!

 A  Valentine class by Christy Tomlinson that I am

taking online.

A fun mix media class I am taking online with Donna Downey. 

I have always liked to Doodle. This is a fun

online class to help in my "Doodling"...

I love learning and I especially love learning new ideas with art and crafts. Since my goals included taking new classes, I started off January with a BANG!  

So wonderful that with modern technology, if we are unable to leave our homes to take a class, we can take one in our own home at our own convenience.  I love that!

So, I have my work cut out from me.. These are challenging classes for me since it has been years since I have painted and  I have lost my touch at "Doodling"..

Well, I have found that once I commit to something and start.. I eventually get it done.. We shall see!