polka dots and picket fences

HEWWOO?? Anyone Still Here??

2011-06-22T11:47:00.003-05:00

HEWO? Is anyone still there??? For anyone still holding out hope, after all this time, you can find me over here: Dottie Pearl

If you are dealing with abandonment issues, you can silently stalk me at the new blog ;) Would sooooo love to catch up with all of you and will be out doing some super stalking soon too :)

How HOT Can it Get??!!

2009-06-30T09:40:00.010-05:00

Oh my goodness! HOW HOT CAN IT GET?? I always thought TEXAS was closer to heaven than the rest of the world but.....I don't know...this month, I am beginning to think maybe we are closer to the other place!! heehee

(here's the readout from the Jeep!)

This heat makes it difficult to do anything outside unless.....you have one of these neat little babies!!

The Little Missy is away at camp.....Hurry home kiddo soooo we can swim!

(pic from last summer...no! I didn't color my hair again!)

Project Update:
Here's the latest bracelet line I have been toying with. They are all wonderful scriptures and verses surrounded by 40-50 year old vintage pearl buttons. Hey just thought about it....pearls and scriptures....Pearls of wisdom, heh? Here's my favorite one so far:

I couldn't get a good picture...pooey! The scripture on this bracelet is Psalm 31:1 "In You oh Lord, I put my trust" In Proverbs the bible talks about remembering the God-given things our parents taught us. It says we should keep them written on our heart and tie them about our neck! Ha! guess we could literally translate that to a necklace?? how about a bracelet? No, seriously the point of that scripture is to continually keep these good instructions in front of us! It goes on to say in a later verse that these very same instructions will lead us and keep us in our sleep. I like that! I'm telling you guys....these have been a hard few months of RE finding myself! (just proofreading and it hit me....refresh, repurpose, recycle, re-love!! ha! who would have known this would mean ME!! and not my house!!) I couldn't have remained in one piece with sanity intact without encouragement from my walk with my Daddy GOD!! Sometimes we have to go through some things to truly feel the depths of HIS love!
Love you guys!!

Long Time No Talk.....

2009-06-19T07:57:00.009-05:00

HI!!! to all my sweet blog buddies! Thank you all for the super sweet and encouraging emails! And yes...MONICA...I am blogging sooooo stop your darn nagging!!! Sometimes I forget that even the most mundane things can be interesting to friends. It's hard to sit in front of this computer and think of things to say! I sometimes think that everyone else in the world has such interesting and exciting lives, how could they possibly want to hear what this unemployed, overweight, almost forty, CRAZY WOMAN has to say?? But from all of the emails and phone calls and texts (I love you Mandy!)...I suppose you guys are just crazy enough to WANT to hear from me!!!! and that my friends, makes this creative crazy gal smile!!!! I won't bore you with a long "catch up" post but instead just show you a few things I've been working on!

I discovered glaze products and have been in a "glaze daze" for 2 months now!! I am constantly looking for things to glaze!! This pic is of one of my favorite charm bracelets I made out of scrabble tiles. RECYCLE, REPURPOSE, REUSE!! THAT'S MY MOTTO, BABY!!! I love how the pinks turned out and the words AMAZE, INSPIRE, and COURAGE.

These photos are of a bracelet that I sold in my Etsy shop. JOY, CREATE, BECOME, LAUGH, COURAGE
I simply love this bracelet. It personally speaks to me! It serves as a reminder to "be JOYful", Always put some of my heart in everything I CREATE!, Strive to BECOME who I want to be, LAUGH often and sometimes at myself! and lastly have the COURAGE to do all of these things no matter what is happening! (exact description from my shop :)heehee!)

.....and speaking of laughing at ones self....I decided recently to visit the local "hair school" thinking I could get some fabulous highlights and a haircut that even MY budget could stand. Well...the highlights, although they took FIVE HOURS came out great!!!! The hair on the other hand weeeellll....I will have to "scrunch" it until it grows out! what do you think? Hubs loves it....go figure!

p.s. I haven't killed the azaleas....not yet at least...

Mid Life Crazy?

2009-05-02T20:49:00.005-05:00

Just thought you might like to see a tiny sliver of what rolls around in my brain 24/7!

I need to blog but how will I explain the long break. I could make up an elaborate story...involving swine flu, little people and strange social disorder......or maybe a crazy month long vacation to a secluded spot where no internet was available.....or maybe I could tell them I was in rehab.....no one would believe that....or would they?? hahahaha or maybe just ignore the huge elephant in the room....what elephant?? I don't see anything!

Did I miss someone's birthday? I feel like I did...who the heck is it?

I wonder if my azaleas should be planted on the side of the house or in front? Oh what the poo....who cares, I most likely will kill them before anyone gets to see them!

The dogs have fleas again....crap! now we have to treat the yard. Why isn't that smelly stuff I put on their neck working? Do we have super fleas....killed them so many times they now have super mutant strength? It could happen!

Dang it! I HAVE GOT to balance the checkbook! Or I could just keep spending till the card is denied...no embarrassing moment ahead there?? naaah!

Oh pooodittle I don't have a stinkin clue what I am wearing to the banquet tomorrow night. Not that it matters...I am HUGE and might as well wear a tent! Hey, maybe I could bedazzle it? Ha! That would be some serious repurposing.......

The whole fam will be here next Saturday....I wonder if they will expect my house to be "spotless"? I mean, I just sit at home all day since I got layed off, right?.....

Speaking of next weekend....what AM I GONNA GIVE MY MOM?? I don't have a clue! I am sure an organized woman would already have this taken care of.

180 what??? Surely this freaking thing is broke!! Maybe if I hit it a few times and then try again??.....Hitting it sounds WAY to appealing at this very moment!

I thought I saw an old boyfriend today. I wanted to melt in to a puddle under the table!!! While I was hoping he wouldn't notice the "chubbed out" version of me I heard them call "order ready for Jim, order ready for Jim" I realized my old flames' name was NOT Jim!! Whew, that was close! Or maybe he saw me and said to his date....hey there's this girl over there and I really don't want to talk to sooo....just play along when they call me Jim, ok? Whoa, Paranoid much??

I wonder if Monica will sell me her treadmill?....I wonder if my fat a** will actually use "said" treadmill? Or will this one become a clothes hanger like the last one???

Oh MY Holy goodness... my brain won't freakin shut off! Is there a switch somewhere?? (actually I believe the magic switch does have a name....W-I-N-E)

Am I looosing it??? probably....Maybe this is my sick version of mid life crisis? More like MID LIFE CRAZY!

40 is coming....I don't want to talk about that! I SAID I DON'T want to talk about it! NO! I mean it!! ok.....fine.....8 months, 13 days and 2 hours until FREAKIN FORTY!! THERE! Now, can we not talk about it?? thank you

Did I download the pics from the camera? no....where the fudge did I put the download cord? Maybe if I would actually clean the house I would know where things were!

Speaking of house cleaning....I still need to do dishes.....why do I loath dishes soooo bad?

EWwww...Harley! did you just fart....ugggghhh!

Did the hubs just drive my car past empty so that I will have to put gas in it on my way out? THAT IS SOOOOO FREAKIN FRUSTRATING!

Did I leave a load of clothes in the washer? Oh, that's gonna smell nice and ripe by now!

OH MY GOD!

I AM EXHAUSTED!!

......is it any wonder??

Now that I have allowed you a peek into the psycho ramblings of my brain, what do you think? Normal? Freak of Nature?? Psycho? Mid Life Crazy?. Anyone who really knows me knows I am freaking nuts!!!

Goodnight all my sweet bloggie peeps.

Sometimes It Took a Dog To Help Us See

2009-04-04T08:29:00.005-05:00

The Hubs and I watched Marley and Me last night. And YES, I cried, thank you very much! (shhhh...don't tell the Hubs I told you, but sooo did he!) The author, John Grogan wrote of how he had learned valuable life lessons from his special dog. Here are a few of John's quotes:

"Marley taught me about living each day with unbridled exuberance and joy, about seizing the moment and following your heart. He taught me to appreciate the simple things - a walk in the woods, a fresh snowfall, a nap in a shaft of winter sunlight. And as he grew old and achy, he taught me about optimism in the face of adversity. Mostly, he taught me about friendship and selflessness and, above all else, unwavering loyalty."

"Was it possible for a dog - any dog, but especially a nutty, wildly uncontrollable one like ours - to point humans to the things that really mattered in life? I believed it was. Loyalty. Courage. Devotion. Simplicity. Joy. And the things that did not matter, too. A dog has no use for fancy cars or big homes or designer clothes. Status symbols mean nothing to him. A waterlogged stick will do just fine. A dog judges others not by their color or creed or class but by who they are inside. A dog doesn't care if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his. It was really quite simple, and yet we humans, so much wiser and more sophisticated, have always had trouble figuring out what really counts and what does not. As I wrote that farewell column to Marley, I realized it was all right there in front of us, if only we opened our eyes. Sometimes it took a dog with bad breath, worse manners, and pure intentions to help us see."

Wow! That's good! In my life, I have never seen a more loyal love than that of my ever present shadow, companion, lap heater, tear licker, running partner, gaurd, my Harley.

He pines and mopes when I am gone. He only eats when I am home. When I drive up to my house and see him looking out the window, I know that he hasn't moved from that spot for quite literally hours. He is standing watch. Waiting for Mom to return. Watching every passing car, hoping it is me. And boy howdy WHAT a welcome!! He can hardly contain his excitement! He never fails to meet me with great enthusiasm. He is never too tired, too busy, too moody, too preoccupied or too lazy to give me the most gracious homecoming! We could all learn from my Harley. What about you, when your family comes home, do they feel you are excited for their return? Do you meet your hubs at the door with a big smooch? Do your children know that you have thought about them all day? I know, I'm preachin' to the choir, right?? Maybe this is just for me?? I want all of my families homecomings (rather they have been gone for hours or days) to feel as exuberant and the ones I receive from my Harley. Well....minus the licking of course! That might be a bit awkward!

Is it possible for a dog to point humans to the things that really matter in life? I look at my Harley and agree with John Grogan, he is the clearest, most vivid picture of exactly what loyalty, courage, devotion, simplicity, and joy look like. "Sometimes it took a dog....to help us see"

The Demon Triplets-Shame, Self-Doubt and Accusation

2009-04-02T17:26:00.013-05:00

Have you ever felt like when things are finally falling in to place, and you begin to feel an excitement about the future, then WHAM! every demon in hell is released on you!!!! This has been been the case for me lately. I am reminded of a excerpt from one of my all time favorite books, Captivating.

"..the long and sustained assault on femininity, on woman, is part of something much larger, the most wicked force the world has ever known. The Enemy bears a special hatred for Eve. If you believe he has any role in the history of this world, you cannot help but see it.

The Evil One had a hand in all that has happened to you. If he didn't arrange for the assault directly then he made sure he drove the message of the wounds home into your heart. He is the one who has dogged your heels with shame and self-doubt and accusation. He is the one who has done these things in order to prevent your restoration. For that is what he fears. He fears who you are; what you are; what you might become. He fears your beauty and your life-giving heart.

You really won't understand your life as a woman until you understand this:

You are passionately loved by the God of the universe.
You are passionately hated by his Enemy.

As so, dear heart, it is time for your restoration. For there is One greater than your Enemy, One who has sought you out from the beginning of time. He has come to heal your broken heart and restore your feminine soul."

"Shame", "self-doubt" and "accusation".....Those are the exact names of those stinking triplet imps that have been doggin' my steps for days! I hope this helps and encourages you to celebrate your feminine, life giving heart and do not believe the assaults from the triplets!

PS...Speaking of things falling in to place.....check out the latest little cutie for my Etsy shop!! This is the best to date!!

Severe Blog Neglect!

2009-03-30T21:18:00.005-05:00

Hello to all of my sweet bloggy friends! I have finally completed something! Yay me! It's funny, but I thought being unemployed meant I was going to have a spotless house, finished projects, lunches packed, dinner on the table by 5:30, dogs bathed, lunch dates with girlfriends, garden weeded, daily walks taken, plenty of time and energy for "on side business" (watch Australia.....then you'll understand!)with my hubby, house painted, books read, lots of quiet time, and last but not least, my blog would flourish!!! Somehow, not being at the ole 9-5 job became busier than when I worked!! How'd I do that?? I think I put sooooo many pressures on myself! Do you guys do that? I guess that is a woman thing! Enough rambling on....Here's the latest little creation! I am totally crushing on this one!! I can see how much my sewing skills grow with each new project I tackle.

Check out the magnetic snap and cute green lining and pocket fabric!

Speaking of the movie Australia, I had the rare joy of having all of my babies home on Saturday!! We had a fabulous dinner (Chicken Fried Steak, yummmmmm) and kicked back to watch a movie together! Did I mention that we pigged out on brownies and ice cream too!! I love family time! (notice my dog baby is in the middle of the mix!)

**NOTE** hubs says I misquoted the movie....he said it is "wrong side business" not as I said "on side business"...hmmmmf! I am still looking for a way to incorporate the quote "big fat cheeky bull" from the movie into my blog! ha!****

And the Winner is......

2009-03-13T18:02:00.005-05:00

And the lucky winner of My 1st Giveaway is......Nikki from the Blah, Blah, Blah Blog. Everyone head over to Nikki's blog to tell her congrats!! WOW! What a fun first for me! Thanks to everyone who stopped by!

I have finished up the purses for Little Missy's 16th Birthday!

This one is lined in brown and this print is soooo fab!!!! It is super roomy and double reinforced seams soo she can load ALL of her stuff in this bag!! :)

This Vans inspired bag is a bit shorter and I toyed with a stiffer interfacing to give it more oooomph! It doesn't photograph well....my camera had trouble focusing on this print!...I added an elastic loop on the seam of the back panel and now need to add a BIG button on the front to finish the closure! What do you guys think about adding a different color BIG button like bright yellow of blue to make it a bit more funky??

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Lotsa New SITStas!

2009-03-12T20:40:00.006-05:00

I had such a blast meeting all of the SITS girls on Tuesday! Giveaways GALORE!! It was literally an all day party! What fun! By Tuesday night I wasn't feeling too well. Too much party?? Actually I caught some kind of nasty bug from the hubs and am just now getting my strength back! Talk about a party pooper!

I will draw for my giveaway tomorrow! My sweet newbie blogger friend, Sami will be coming over to help me with that!

Tonight I got a sudden burst of strength and starting working vigorously on some projects for the Little Missy's 16th Birthday!! She is the biggest fan of my purses, and is always trying to sneak away with them soooooo...here's a teeny little sneak peek of a couple I am working on for her.

This is such a poor picture but this bag is coming together BEATIFULLY!! **squeeeeels**

You would have to understand how nutso my teen is about Vans to understand the true beauty of the fabric I chose for this bag!
look closely to see even the socks are vans!

Enough babbling on....I have to get out there and leave some late night comment love for some of my new friends!!

Here's a pic of the new friends I made on the way to the mailbox today.

My 1st GIVE AWAY! Brown & Aqua Yo-Yo Bangle!!

2009-03-10T10:37:00.007-05:00

The SITS girls are having a Spring Fling!! With tons of giveaways!!! Soooo...I decided it was the right time to do a little giving myself!! Since this super cutee brown and aqua bracelet has really gotten a lot of attention on my etsy shop, I thought it would be the best one to give away!!

I am sooo loving how great these yo yo's came out on the fabric wrapped bangle!

Comment this post for one entry. Follow this blog for 5 entries. Post about my giveaway on your blog for 2 more entries! I will draw an entry on Friday and announce the winner Friday night!!

Mental Blogging A.K.A. Talking to Yourself

2009-03-09T13:30:00.016-05:00

Am I the only one that mentally blogs?? Oh come on...You know what I mean! You are driving down the road, taking the dogs for a walk or waiting in line in the grocery store and a great blog idea unfolds. There you are, mentally jotting down the whole post. Tell me I'm NOT the only one! I do it ALL THE TIME....so much so, that I believe I have told you guys things when actually I haven't! I decided it was high time I tell you a few things I have obviously NOT told you in real life! Just know I am always talking to you guys in my head! (does that make me crazy?)

Thought I showed you this:

My mission style coffee table that I repainted for a more cottage style!!

Or these curtain rods made from broomsticks...betcha wondered what happened to the ragballs from this post, huh?

silly me....can't believe I didn't show you THAT!!

Remember how I talked about how fabulous my aqua and brown bedroom was gonna be?? Well....after an unfortunate accident with an ink pen in the washer WITH with my bedding, my room may have to take on a whole new color scheme!! I am mad at aqua and brown and am not ready to kiss and make up! My new best friend might be red and ivory toile! (NO I am not willing to consider counseling for me and ole a&b! sometimes it is just best to say farewell!)

This one was really big! Remember when I told you about my Christmas Toy

well....she didn't last!!! I broke two things off of it by mid January!! Sears stood behind the product and gave me the cash back!! YAY Sears!!!
My new, new toy looks like this:

My sweet Wilson went off to college with my oldest daughter! I do miss that pain in the bootie! (the dog not the daughter....geez guys!)**more clarification needed here...I miss them both but only one of them is a pain! heeeheee** I would have a pic of the two happy roommates here.................

but Meggie still hasn't sent me ANY!!

I have a new obsession with drinking lemon water

...just thought you might want to know....

I made my sweet Little Missy two purses

one super cute plaid one for her trip last weekend and a lightweight, soft "flour sack" style one for everyday.

Remember the rockin' Amy Butler fabric and pattern that I got on my Birthday??? Well here it still sits...

I cut out the pattern but that is as far as I get....I am intimidated...Ms. Butler stop bullying me!!

Ok, I think you guys are all caught up now!!!

Weebles Wobbles and Failing Forward

2009-03-06T11:44:00.007-06:00

Are you a child of the 70's like me?? Did you ever play with Weebles?? We called them "Weeble Wobbles" Remember the slogan from tv?? "Weebles wobble but they don't fall down"?

Wikipedia defines Weebles as children's roly-poly toys shaped like eggs with a weight at the fat, or bottom end, they wobble when pushed, but never fall completely over. How funny is that??? I feel like a Weeble Wobble...roly-poly and weighted at my fat end! I wobble when pushed but NEVER fall completely over!! Mind you, I belive I have kissed the earth on a few of those wobbles, but never stayed down!

One of my all time fav authors, Dr. John C. Maxwell recently wrote an article entitled "Failing Forward" that really struck a chord with me.

He told how Vincent Van Gogh failed as an art dealer, flunked his entrance exam to theology school, and was fired by the church. He also explained that Albert Einstein was expelled from school and even failed his college entrance exam!!! I couldn't believe it when I read that Michael Jordan was cut from his sophomore basketball team!! WOW! Some would say these guys were FAILURES!! Thank the Lord their stories didn't end there.....And neither does mine!!!! In a failing economy I was recently layed off from my job. (I definitely wobbled then!) But I can't let that become who I am! Maxwell goes on to say that "failure didn't stop Vincent Van Gogh from painting, Albert Einstein from theorizing, or Michael Jordan from playing basketball, but it has paralyzed and prevented countless others from reaching their potential." I will not be paralyzed by my latest encounter!!! Will you??? What has happened in your life lately that has made you feel like a failure?? Made you feel like you are wobbling? Like your little weeble self might not wobble back upright? Will you let this event define "who" you are??? NOT ME!!! Maxwell goes on to say: "In the face of adversity, shortcomings, and rejection, they (achievers)hold onto self-believe and refuse to see themselves as failures."

Maxwell gives seven principles for "Failing Forward"

Reject Rejection
I will not base my self-worth on my performance. I will maintain a healthy self-image.(ooops...does that mean no more roly-poly/fat end jokes??) I will learn from my mistakes!

Don't Point Fingers
If I blame and point fingers at others I become a victim!! I will take personal responsibility for my decisions!! Cuz, GUURL!! I am no one's victim!!!

See Failure as Temporary
I am not permanently stuck in the current failure! It is TEMPORARY!!
I will not wallow in failure, I WILL look forward to success. Maxwells words: "By putting mistakes into perspective, achievers are able to see failure as a momentary event, not a symptom of a lifelong epidemic." Now that's just good....

Set Realistic Expectations
Unrealistic goals doom people to failure...... nuff said...chew on that for a minute!

Focus on Strengths
Don't invest time on trying to change your flaws while not spending time investing in your strengths. I loveeeee how Maxwell sums this up: "You're built to give your talents to the world; be diligent about finding expressions for them in your career."

Vary Approaches to Achievement
"In the Psychology of Achievement, Brian Tracy writes about four millionaires who made their fortunes by age 35. On average, these achievers were involved in 17 businesses before finding the one that took them to the top. They kept trying and changing until they found something that worked."

Bounce Back
I will have a short memory when it comes to my failures!! I will not let the memories of my mistakes eat away at my self confidence!! I will quickly forget the negative emotions of setbacks and press forward resiliently. I will remember that the past can not be altered but I can learn from it!!

Maxwell sums up his article with this:

"I believe it's nearly impossible for any person to believe he or she is a failure and move forward at the same time. For those who have been downsized, let go, or bankrupted, the temptation may be to internalize failure. My hope is that anyone who has suffered setbacks recently will be able to separate life's unfortunate events from their self-worth. Failure, like death and taxes, will happen. Your response to failure holds the key to your future."

Wow! Has he been readin' my mail, or what!?? Couldn't have come at a better time!!
Just remember if we are like those little Weebles and just keep bouncing back, with good attitudes and belief in ourselves we too can wobble back upright!!!

You can read the full article at Giantimpact.com or Maxwell has a book entitled "Failing Forward" also available.

Back in the Saddle Again!

2009-03-04T17:51:00.008-06:00

Ok Guys! I had lunch with a gal pal today and then went thrifting with another friend. WOW! I can say that today is the first day that I really stopped and enjoyed NOT working the ole 9-5er!!!! I kept having to "retrain" my brain.....I mean.....I always spent my lunch hour looking in these places and having to hurry! I had to tell myself a hundred times today...."you have time....stop, take your time and enjoy"!!

Thought you might enjoy seeing a few of my finds!!

I found these little ribbon belts for .75 cents! I'm thinking the blue one and the solid red one will make dandy purse straps!! and the "D" rings are great for purse making!!! and Oh boy, Oh boy I loveeee those little bamboo rings! Watch for those to show up on a bag real soon!

Aren't these just the sweetest little vintage hot pan holders?

And look at these super huge wooden purse handles!! These may be on the first purse I make!! Only one problem....I MAY not be able to give this one up!!!!

I fell in loveee with this small decor shelf!! I think I will remove the metal detail and put a vintage fabric over it instead...what do you think??? I'm kinda diggin the blue paint and will probably leave it be.

Here's a pic of all of my thrift store find this week! Do you see those fabulous brown and orange placemats???? I'm thinkin' apron!!! and check out the red/yellow/navy combo placemats with red and yellow napkins! I love those! Did anyone notice the wood bread box?? and YES another chandy!! YAY!!

I can just hear Gene Autry singing the words now..."Back in the Saddle Again....out where a friend is a friend......"

I had a blast and am feeling more like myself than ever!!! I have enjoyed taking care of my family a lot more!! Yay for MOMs!!!

ps...have you checked out my etsy shop yet?? SHAME ON YOU! go check it....dottiepearldesigns.etsy.com

HELLO, My Name is IDIOT!!

2009-02-24T12:51:00.003-06:00

Well.....I am always complaining about not having enough time to do what I really want...blog, read, create, decorate, socialize, take care of my family.....well....I guess my prayers were answered....In a twisted sort of way. On Friday, I received the news that my employer is shutting down my division....I have joined the ranks of the unemployed. Even though this happened on Friday, I am sitting here on Tuesday afternoon, fighting back the nausea in my stomach, still unable to completely digest the whole thing. I am a VERY (annoyingly so, at times) upbeat, positive person. I suppose my desire is to always bring a positive outlook to those I touch, and when I simply can't put my "pollyanna" spin on things, I just go silent.

I know I am rambling a bit but I should have felt this coming....I mean who doesn't watch the news and think, "that could be me"??? I was literally told to "pretend" to be busy at work.....thus....I began blogging! (I know.....I am a naughty secretary!!!) I would be an idiot to feel secure in that job!! Hello, my name is idiot!

I guess with all of that being said....It is time to see what I am really made of....I mean, this blog was created to share the creative ways that I was able to re-use, re-cycle and re-purpose my thrift store and garage sale "finds" with little to no money! Well....looks like someone is "calling me out" and asking me to prove it when the chips are down! It will take me a bit to digest all that is happening with me sooooo...please be patient and walk through this "adventure" with me.

Lotsa Love and HUGS,
Idiot (Tracey)

A New Baby in Houston!!!

2009-02-16T14:52:00.001-06:00

Miles-1, originally uploaded by Houston Zoo.

I am sooooooo in love with this little guy!!!! He is the new baby giraffe "Miles" at the Houston Zoo!!! I soooo badly want to go meet him in person!!

New Creations!! YAY!!

2009-02-16T09:17:00.005-06:00

I have not been blogging as much lately because I have been working on getting my Etsy shop up and running. Go check it out. There are changes still to be made, but overall I am pretty happy with how it is coming together. You can find me on Etsy as "dottiepearldesigns"...my sweet grammy's name...she would be sooooo proud!!! Here are some pics of the latest creations:

(remember the "If You're Cheap and Ya Know It..." post?? The last purse was created from some of those fabric swatches I got at Garage Sale!!)

ps...if anyone could help me figure out how to do the etsy display widget thingy on my blog....shoot me an email!!!

CAN NOT BE QUIET BOUT THIS ONE.......

2009-02-11T16:14:00.005-06:00

I try very hard not to get “on my soapbox” about issues, as I feel my blog is not the appropriate place for that. I use this blog as a creative outlet, a place where people get excited about creating, decorating or just plain ole trying something new!! But, after hearing all of the hub bub about certain celebs and their domestic violence episodes of late, I MUST SAY SOMETHING!

The numbers are alarming. I heard this on the news last week:
Numbers from the State Attorney General's Office reveal that a third of Texas teens (did I hear that right....yes...teens) are abused in some way in their romantic relationships. The numbers also show that half of all reported date rapes involve teenagers, and nearly half of adult sex offenders say they committed their first offense before the age of 18.
It’s not just adults, it is our teens!!! This makes me want to cry.

I thought I would share with you a pretty good definition of abusive relationships from the National Domestic Violence Hotline

What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.
Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure or wound someone.

You may be in an emotionally abusive relationship if your partner:
• Calls you names, insults you or continually criticizes you.
• Does not trust you and acts jealous or possessive.
• Tries to isolate you from family or friends.
• Monitors where you go, who you call and who you spend time with.
• Does not want you to work.
• Controls finances or refuses to share money.
• Punishes you by withholding affection.
• Expects you to ask permission.
• Threatens to hurt you, the children, your family or your pets.
• Humiliates you in any way.
You may be in a physically abusive relationship if your partner has ever:
• Damaged property when angry (thrown objects, punched walls, etc.).
• Pushed, slapped, bitten, kicked or choked you.
• Abandoned you in a dangerous or unfamiliar place.
• Scared you by driving recklessly.
• Used a weapon to threaten or hurt you.
• Forced you to leave your home.
• Trapped you in your home or kept you from leaving.

(for the full list go to National Domestic Violence Hotline)

If you answered ‘yes’ to these questions you may be in an abusive relationship; please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) or your local domestic violence center to talk with someone about it.

Ladies....this issue is very dear to my heart....tears dropped from my eyes as I reviewed the list and had to say "yes" to more of them than I care to remember. When I was younger, I lived out this nightmare for myself. Please know that if this is you....help is available! There is life after this....a happy, contented, full, joyful life!!!

If I am talking to you.....here's a few of my "quotes" that I held on to dearly while walking through this time in my life:

Jeremiah 29:11 (New King James Version)
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Isaiah 49:16 (Amplified Bible)
Behold, I have indelibly imprinted (tattooed a picture of) you on the palm of each of My hands; (My Daddy God has me always on his mind!...I AM worthy of THAT kind of unselfish, unconditional LOVE!)

and lastly, sometimes it takes the simplest of things to "hold on to" that really help us through;

Christopher Robin to Pooh Bear:

"You are braver than you believe.

You are stronger than you seem.

You are smarter than you think."

DO NOT.....I REPEAT DO NOT believe what you are being told!! Find that place deep down inside yourself that knows you deserve better than this and GET OUT!!!

BIG HUGE HUGS!
Tracey

Seven Years Ago Today......

2009-02-09T08:45:00.007-06:00

I couldn't stop smiling

NOTHING could have burst my bubble (not even news that THERE MIGHT NOT BE A CAKE!! OH WELL!! Let them eat the grooms cake!)

I entered in to the best partnership of my life

I DID NOT want to take that dress or the tiara off! (notice hubs is already in street clothes!!)

I felt like a princess

I knew I was embarking on the most important journey of my life

I married my absolute best friend in the whole world

I said "I DO" to man of my dreams, A man of heart, integrity, wit, creativity and passion.

Happy Anniversary to my sweet hubs!

BAGtastic!!

2009-02-04T09:13:00.014-06:00

I saw this tutorial on "how to make bamboo handled purse" at Little Birdie Secrets and abSOlutely fell in love, love, love!!! I took her instruction and added a liner and pockets!! I love this purse!!!!! Looks like I will have to make some more of these little puppies!!

ps.....I already have a set of handles and new fabric for the next purse....see if you can spy the fabric in this next pic of the Little Missy exhausted after performing a dance routine at last nights basketball game!

Yep, that's it..she's laying on it!!....along with all of the other "stuff" in the back seat of my car!!
(she still has on "performance make up".....NO she doesn't wear it like this normally...I knew you were worried!)

0 MILES TO EMPTY

2009-02-02T11:41:00.009-06:00

Have you ever been here? ZERO MILES TO EMPTY? I think that's where I am right now. I am running on fumes. I seriously NEED to REFUEL. Spiritually, Physically, Mentally....ALL of me. Have you ever felt like you were running on empty? Coasting on fumes? Or perhaps, broke down?

I am no stinkin' good at New Years resolutions so maybe I need to have "February Resolutions" instead. What do you think?

Here's what I know NEEDS to be resolved:
I NEED to slow down and refuel!
I NEED to give my body healthy fuel to run on, give me energy and keep my brain sharp.

(photo from diet.glam.com)
I NEED to exercise or at least get my booty movin' towards a more "active" me!
Last but certainly not least......(I swore when I started this blog that I would never get all "up in your face, preachy"......and I still won't!! no worries)
I really NEED me some time with my Daddy God!!!! I need that quiet devotional time to reflect, repent, restore and re-FUEL!! I need spiritual fuel too!! We all do! What do you do to refuel?? I REALLY love long walks. It really reminds me of everything dear to me and seems to bring me back in focus. It gives me time to think, to admire the Masters handy work, to regain balance and to whisper my thank you's to the One who makes it all possible!

It is a beautiful day with clear skies and a temperature of 60.....sounds like this blogger needs to put the computer down and go for a nice walk!

Exorcism Needed??

2009-01-29T10:23:00.008-06:00

Ok guys….my husband thinks I have lost it! He has threatened an exorcism! My children have disowned me. My parents refuse to comment. All because I have apparently committed the unforgivable sin...I have started listening to country music……..There! I said it! It is now out in the open!! Don’t judge me! You see.....I have been under a LOT of stress lately and I NEED an outlet! I have found that if I put the radio on the Classic Country Station, I can sing at the top of my lungs with the greats like, Waylon or Willie or maybe George or Patsy or belting it out with the likes of Kenny, Johnny and June or Charley, Roy, Conway and Eddie!! I’m tellin’ you people, It is the best stress relief!! So, for all of you who are stressed out, worried about the economy, your kids, your job, your spouse or what ever it is that's troublin' your sweet little mind, I thought perhaps you needed a little country in YOUR life today!! Soooo.....wherever you are right now....turn up the volume and let the stress relief begin!! C’MON you KNOW you WANT to sing along!! Go for it!

No need to thank me....everyone could use a little Waylon and Willie in their life!
or....if these guys aren't to your liking....try something a little more "classic"

I'm really diggin' that spiffy outfit of hers!! Perhaps this little seamstress (ha!) will have to whip one of those getups out for rodeo this year!!! hahaha!

Amy Butler's Wide Leg Lounge Pants Vintage 70's Style!

2009-01-26T08:42:00.013-06:00

I ab-SO-lutely LOVE me some Amy Butler!! I headed out to Barnes and Noble and picked up her book "In Stitches" on Friday.

BOY HOWDY am I glad I did!! I have been hording a nice sized little stash of vintage 70's sheets and pillowcases. (perhaps you may have seen the apron I made from one of them here??) Well...one of those fun little sheets just became my new "lounge pants", using the pattern included in the book! I lived in them all weekend!!!! Can't wait to make more!

Upcycled Pillowcases

2009-01-20T14:06:00.003-06:00

In my previous post "Fun Weekend Project" I promised I would show you some of the other crafty ways to UPcycle a pillowcase. Sooo....here are a few I found.

Check out this super cute bag made by the Farm Chicks

Calamity Kim made these precious drawstring bags that totally put my little guys to shame!!

or this cute bag fromburdastyle.com-I am totally in love with this website! Open source sewing what a great concept! If you are a newbie like me it's a great place to find tutorials and there are lots of free patterns too! (FREE!! That's one of my favorite words!)

or here's another gem! also from burdastyle.com

or check out pillowcase nightgown

or this apron at recycleyourday.com

or this dress at the Red Instead blog....and it comes with instructions!

how about these "lounge pants" for little girls from Jane's Apron? LOVEEEE IT!

or a skirt from DIYlife

or how cute is this one???? from Bella Dia???

ok....just one more, super cute one from craftlog

Wonderful Weekend!

2009-01-19T15:02:00.019-06:00

What a GREAT birthday weekend!!!
My sweet Hubs took me to the BIG fabric store in downtown Houston.
We are talking 30,000 square feet of fabric!!
I was in complete AWE! I wanted to look at all of it, touch all of it, take all of it home!!

Didn't take me long to hunt down the Amy Butler fabrics! I love her stuff!!

If you've never heard of her check her out at amybutlerdesign.com

I just love her designs!

a few of those beauties came home with me!!! Yay for Birthdays!!!!

As if that wasn't already a FULL day!!...we decided to stop by Old Town Spring for lunch on our way back home!!

We had the most enormous chicken fried steaks I have EVER seen from a historic spot called Wunsche Bros!! (Calories don't count on Birthday weekends...right?)

We had a great time walking around and shopping a bit!! Wow...it is hard to come back to the ole 9-5er after a fun weekend like that!!!

Happy Monday to all!

p.s. thanks ladies for all of the wonderful birthday wishes! **blushes* Ya'll made me feel VERY special!!

39

2009-01-16T11:26:00.005-06:00

39 years ago today, a baby girl was born in a hospital in Houston, Texas. When the doctors announced her birth to her mother, the mother quickly replied, “No, it couldn’t be my baby, I’m sure I just had another boy”. However, after some convincing the mother was elated to find out that her hopes for a girl REALLY had come true. I believe they described that baby as a “butterball” hmmmm….somethings haven’t changed!
Today, I celebrate 39 (mostly) wonderful years on this earth.

A big ole shout out to my Daddy God for all of the lessons learned, experiences lived and blessings you have showered on me!!!