Getting back into the swing!

Getting back to the swing of things. There is something of great comfort to me about the change in season and rhythm of life. It does my mind and spirit good!

Today was a great day! My friend D. and kids came over and we went on our annual blueberry pickin' trek. We picked in the morning, came home and made lunch for the kids, then got busy!

We canned 16 jars of blueberry preserves with some left over to snack on. We are pretty proud of ourselves and let me tell you the blueberry preserves are something to die for. And to think the berries were free at our local blueberry park, that makes it even sweeter!

I have always enjoyed the organic process of picking fresh food and then preserving it for later for my family to enjoy. It seems like a lot of work but I sure do enjoy the satisfaction that I get from it. D. and I enjoyed the afternoon, chatting and laughing the day away. I can't think of a better way to get back into the swing of things!

If Friends were Flowers I'd Pick you too!

I got a lovely gift from my friend Laura at Layers of Color! What a delight to get this from her, she is so gracious. And she is the kind of friend I can truly be myself with, warts and all.

This is a little gem! I had admired it when she posted it on her website- Wow!- to think she had created it for me. These are some of my favorite colors too. She is the fair haired beauty and I am the dark haired maiden. Thanks Laura, I would pick you too!

It is School Time

Goodbye lazy summer days! It is time for the new year to begin. Yes, any mother in her right mind knows that the new year starts Sept. 1st! Whoever thinks the new year starts in January is completely off her rocker!

I'm sure many of you are like me in some ways, eager to get back to the "normal" schedule of life. Get out all the new shiny crayons and put clean pads of notebook paper into brand new 3-ring binders. Organize drawers, closets, and backpacks. Get schedules and calendars organized. Oh, the beginning of the school year it is still my favorite. I hear many a mother claim,"Oh, I can't wait for school to start!" This has many conotations as you can imagine.

However, the new school year looks a bit different for our family than it did for me as a grade school girl off to catch the bus in my new plaid skirt my mother made for me. The Lord in all His gracious wisdom has lead our family down the homeschooling path, which is a bit different, but,very exciting none the less! I thought it would be fun to share what it looks like for us come September :o)! This is what "Oh I can't wait for school to start" means to me:

• New paper and crayons, notebooks and pencils.


• New clothes and new shoes-we have to capitalize on all those sales of course!


• Organizing schedules and calenders and organize all our meals. No, I am not a Martha Stewart wannabe, it is completely for survival purposes. My family likes to eat. However, I like to do other things with "my time" other than cook (like write, blog, craft, do art, read, make gifts etc.) SO... I do this so they won't starve and I survive mentally- get it?! It also helps me keep our groceries within budget and keep us eating well balanced home cooked meals which I really want for my family too.


• I am also busy, busy, in August preparing lesson plans, curriculum, field trips,co-op, lessons, sports registrations, ballet lessons, music lessons, gym activities and other fun opportunities for our learning, as well.


• I clean out our school room with the help of three little schoolroom elves(my kids-who by the way are benefiting from this home school thing!) We have a great time looking through all that was accomplished last year and organizing it and making room for the new things of this year. Cleaning and organizing their desks and work areas with all that is needed for the school year.


• This year we decorated a half finished schoolroom. I am pleased with the results. This summer I sewed the cushion for the window seat, my chair, and the lace curtain on the bay window. I painted the post on the stairs, my husband finished the carpet on the stairs-nice job honey! I refurbished an old frame in the attic into a bulletin board and we networked the room with a printer and laptop. I also added some decorative elements to the room for my enjoyment and my mom, bless her heart, gave me all the decorative pillows on the window seat. They are from her own home and fit perfect with what I have going on!

This might be different than what you are thinking the beginning of school to look like. While this may sound overwhelming it really isn't! How can that be you ask? Because it is a desire of my heart placed there by the Lord. When the Lord calls you to do something for Him, he also places the desire in your heart and fuels that desire through the prompting of the Holy Spirit!

Thankfully, I don't do all this in my own strength! Not only is the Lord with me, so is my family and we work together towards the common goal of life long learning. This is a large part of what homeschooling looks like for us. It is not all about me exhausting myself and being in control, I gave that up a long time ago...it is just not worth it and besides it wasn't a very good example to the very ones I was trying to influence, our children.

I hope that as you get ready for school, whatever that may look like for you and your family, I pray that the Lord will bless you, inspire you but most of all continue to teach you, may you always be a student ready to learn from the greatest teacher of all!

Look What I Won!

Cathy from Victorian Garden Gourmet found my website and left me a wonderful comment. So when I visited her site to reciprocate I found out she has

a monthly give away, isn't that a fun idea!

Here is the sweet tag!

So naturally, I left a comment and sure enough I won! What is so great is what I won. A gift basket sampling of some of her products. I couldn't believe it when it came, it was like getting a Christmas gift in the mail. It came packaged beautifully in a sweet little tin bucket with clear cellophane and a lovely ribbon too. I was so excited that I torn into it before I took any pictures but I am sure you can use your imagination. Here is what I got:

Lavender Sugar, Wedding Soup Mix, Naughty Nancy's Nautical Herbs, and

White Pizza Cheese Spread

Is your mouth watering yet? So, here is a big thank you to Cathy and The Victorian Garden Gourmet, go stop by and see what she has that might tickle your tastebuds!

Fruit of the Spirit - A Swap

I did a personal swap with my friend Sally S. She came up with this great idea of doing a Fruit of the Spirit book-I was totally on board with this idea! In the Bible there are nine attributes that come from having the Fruit of the Spirit, they are: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. We each created a page with the attribute and then references a verse from the bible to go with that character quality. Great idea Sally!

So, how many of us don't need more of these attributes in our lives? I know I do, especially in the areas of Patience, Faithfulness, and Self-Control! Listen to me it sounds as if I have the others all figured out doesn't it?...don't get me wrong, there are plenty of days that I run out of these too. It seems as if these others are qualities that come easier to me, you know the ones I don't have to work so hard at :o)! But alas, I'm a fallen soul and I will always come up short. So, the Lord's grace means so much to me, you see, I don't really deserve it and I get it anyway! Incredible.

This is just part of this wonderful little treasure that I received. I wanted to share Sally's work with you because I think it is so beautiful and what she created very much represents me! She captured the feel of the things that I love with great detail and care. The wonderful thing, is that Sally and I have not met face to face and have known each other for only a short time. That is the Lord, isn't He good! I hope you will visit Sally's site Lydia's Lineage. She is so insightful and filled with the love of our Lord. After your visit you will feel blessed. May your heart be filled to overflowing with the Fruit of the Spirit Sally! ~Keep looking Heavenward, Heather

Look What I Just Got-Precious!

I am a bit late in posting this I actually received this at the beginning of the week. This is a personal swap I did with a wonderful gal named Sally S. Visit her blog at: Lydia's Lineage you will not be sorry. I can't even tell you what a blessing this was! I was filled with such joy at this token of friendship Sally! It just took my breath away. Isn't this just lovely? I love the worn blue hankie, buttons, strips of material and ribbon! All things I just love, but then take a look at this old fashioned image, it is so tender, a picture of true friendship and sisterhood in Christ. I am so honored! You made my week. It has been a busy one so even to take a moment and gaze upon this lovely piece of artwork really gave me a relaxing moment of reflection. Thank you dear Sally...I can't wait for our other swap too. Many kind thoughts of you, Heather

What a Blessing

My friend Amy at Razz Pizazz Boutique just sent me this and I am really blessed by it. Thanks Amy. This is a wonderful opportunity to bless someone else too. I love being able to share the blessings and joy that God is bringing into my life. There are many wonderful women and connections that I have been making this year that the Lord is using to teach and encourage me! You girls are awesome! Your willingness to share information, encouragement, your faith and prayers with me have meant so much to me, you truly have lit up my life!

For those that are wondering, this is how the blessing candle is spread:
The idea…it’s a game of tag with a difference, rather than looking inwardly, we look outside ourselves and bless, praise and pray for 3 blog friends. By participating in this endeavour we not only make the recipient of the blessing feel valued and appreciated, but we are having some fun too. We’re going to see how far the bloggin’ blessings can travel around the world and how many people can be blessed! Recipients of a bloggin’ blessing may upload the above image to their sidebar if they choose to. If you receive a bloggin’ blessin’ please leave a comment on this thread here so that we can rejoice in just how many blessings have been sent around the world.
I will now pass this onto a few other ladies.

Laura of Layers of Color -You inspire me with your art, friendship, faith and generosity

Jill of Remembance Press-You have lifted me in prayer and have been my teacher, encouraging me in my writing and givng me a place to do that

Nancy of Homeschooling is Life-You are just a ray of sunshine and give your heart freely

Ali of Miss Ali's-I wouldn't have a website without your beautiful design work

Alice of Painted White-I love your style and sweet heart, thank you for our recent interview exchange that was fun!

Thanks girls my life is changed because you are in it! I hope you will stop by and visit with these wonderful ladies...if you do, you can't help but be blessed!

Spring Sale

Spring is Bursting into Bloom with some great sales!

I have been a busy bee trying to get all things ready to burst forth alongside of spring and I am really excited to bring to all some New items available at my website The Patchwork Heat Co. I hope you will grab a cup of tea and come on over for a visit. But in case you are short on time here is a sneak peak at what is New for Spring.

Wouldn't it be lovely to give your Mom a special corsage for Mother's Day that would last for years to come? Well, you can! For the month of April in plenty of time for Mother's Day, all my Ribbon Rose Pins are 20% off!


Here is another great sale beautiful reproduction vintage needle cases for the special Mom that sews or quilts! Vintage needle cases will be on sale for the month of April at 10% off. Happy Spring! I hope you will come by for a visit leave a comment! Happy Spring Blessings!

Birthdays Abound!

Well, as many of you have been reading I have vowed this year to give gifts that I have made so I thought that I would showcase some of the things I have been doing since it has been a birthday bonanza around here starting with my daughters friends, sons friends, then daughter's, then son's, then husbands, then other daughter... Phew anyone dizzy yet?

Well, without further adeiu ,enjoy the gallery of some of our birhtday gifts!

My younger daughter's birthday gift: a plaque with befitting bible

passage on it for her to hang in her room

This is a piece of art I did for my Husband for his birhtday. My husband is the strength of our family, like the old oak tree.

My daughter and I made this for her friend's birthday-isn't it so cute! We used an old hot chocolate tin, cleaned it out and made a little sewing tote out of it. Using paper, lace, craft peals, material, fiber fill, silk flowers and then we made the lid into a pincusion and stuffed the inside full of sewing goodies and fat quarters-she loved it.

Tangible Art For Intangible Feelings

I have a wonderful artist friend, Laura of Layers of Color, who someday I will post an interview with but, until then I wanted to share something that she created. Wednesday's Child full of Woes Bottle! (Click on her website above to check out what she did) This piece is so like her too, full of symbolism! Her art is lovely, her piece reminded me of how important it is as an artist to take the intangible and give it form. She took her woes and shut them up in a bottle. A clever cathartic way to tangibly "put a cork in it!" Sometimes we need to don't we? I know I do and this project got me to thinking and creating. Here is my own version! This is what I came up with. I used recycled coffee drink bottles and lots of fun papers, embellishments and ribbon, of course!

Often there are times in my life when I am struggling or I am moved emotionally and I am unable to articulate my feelings about it. Sometimes, I have articulated it too much and I don't want to hear the words come out of my mouth any longer(neither does my husband:o). These are times that I need to create a tangible reminder of the thing I am struggling with to remind me of my victory or that I am still wrestling in process. Sometimes it is just good to get it out...get it out of me, quit my yammerin' and complaining and well, put a cork in it! Instead, I should create!

The bible talks in Matthew 6:21 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

This is applicable to my life and I can interpret this passage a couple of ways. As a positive, My heart can be filled with the love I have for my husband and children my treasure is my family... but what if I spend too much time dwelling or allowing my heart to ruminate on a struggle in my life does that struggle then take shape and form as part of my treasure? I think it does, when we think on the struggles and negatives of life they infect other areas of my life and soon my treasure is a heap of tarnished and dingy struggle that I have learned to love and admire and hang on to, when frankly I shouldn't! I have become burdened, disappointed, frustrated and miserable but I am not going to let go of the tarnished heap of struggle why? Because it is my treasure. Have you seen Lord of the Rings? It could be likened to Scheme's Precious. Get the picture? Seems a bit ridiculous...but really how often do we do this? The bad relationship or the over indulgences and sin. We come to like the struggle or chaos. Weird!

I am here to tell you that life is much better without the tarnish. Sparkle is much more fun and freeing! So this project got me to thinking about putting those unlovelies into something and doing the same with the lovelies too, to remind us of "whatever is true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things...and the God of peace will be with you." Phil.4:8,9b The rest we can just cork!

I am going to follow Laura's example, but I think I am going to make one called woes and one called wonderfuls! Hopefully I will have more wonderfuls than woes!

Let Me Introduce You...

I have had the privildge of meeting some amazing women this year, who totally inspire me not only in business, and art, but as wonderful women in spirit too! One of those women is Alice Wingerden. This lovely gal has a great eye for antiques, does wonderful still life photography and acquires beautiful vintage collectibles. (check out these vintage earings, do they come in other colors?) She is also a web designer and does digital collaging. Talk about multi-talented I love that! When I wrote to her inquiring about a Christian Artists website she graciously welcomed me and shared her thoughts with me! I have to tell you that, when I got her notes for the interview, I could swear I was reading about myself! God is so good at finding us new friends!

She is a true kindred spirit! I would like to introduce you to :

Alice Wingerden, Proprietor of Painted White!

"Here at Painted White, we hope to bring uniqueness and inspirations to your life! If you enjoy all things vintage, handmade, and one-of-a- kind, you are sure to love our little shop."

-Alice W.

Could you tell me a little about yourself?

I am 26 years old...married to my best friend, Joshua, whom I met at the tiniest church ever (like 25 people!). We fell in love within my first year there...but didn't start "officially" dating for quite awhile (we are both shy ;)! Once we did start dating though...we were engaged soon after and were married on Oct. 1st, 2006. We have an adorable Cairn Terrier, Renoir...our spoiled baby who keeps us on our toes! We live in a townhouse in West Henrietta, NY...just south of Rochester.

How did you get started in your business? How long?

I was actually working on a Masters in Art Therapy and discovered "altered art" at an internship that I was doing. I became quite enthralled with creating and began to feel the pull (that I had felt often in my life) towards starting my own business...art & decor related. I ended up leaving the program I was in (for various reasons...not just to start my business)...but ended up working at home selling on eBay. I eventually created my own website (in 2006). Joshua has been so supportive through it all which makes it much easier!

What is the spark that ignites your creativity? What is your creative process like?

Usually my creativity moods come when I see something inspiring...it can be anything from an upclose photo in a magazine of old ephemera to a pretty chandelier that I see in an antique store. I usually end up working all hours of the night (I am quite a night owl!) when I have a project that I just can't put down.

Can you tell me where your appreciation for vintage and antique things comes from?

My mother, Janine...she brought me to lots of auctions, flea markets and church sales as a child. She is actually an antique dealer and has always brought home lovely finds just for me. I have always had a penchant for old things...my mom loves to tell the story about when my sister and I would go to flea markets and there would be brand new dolls...never used...and old, ratty dolls...and we always chose the old ratty ones!!! We knew they needed a good home ;) ...and I guess that feeling continues...like when I see an old door on the side of the road...I HAVE to go back and get it! I would love to have been born in the Victorian Era...the clothes...the homes...the furniture...the decor...I love it all.

How do you feel that your business is a reflection of God working in your life?

It is completely a reflection of Him working in my life. I absolutely would not be able to do this without God in my life. He is my strength and support...especially when things seem to be going against me (lack of finances, lack of support from friends or family, etc.) . I owe it all to him that I am able to live out my dream.

Do you own a shop/ art studio/ office? Where do you do your work from?

I currently work from my home. I have the master bedroom as my studio...we moved into this home in October, and I still have not organized this room...so it isn't used much yet for creative work...except for things relating to the computer. It actually is just a HUGE storage room right now for all my supplies.

My dream is to own my own shop someday though...hopefully within the next five years. My main line of selling will most likely continue to be the internet (because of my website designs)...but I would love to have a shop for the joy of decorating it and having a beautiful space for customers to come!

Thanks Alice for sharing with us. I love your eye for all things lovely. Don't you just love her gallery, so fresh and bright? Be sure to visit her website Painted White with Alice W. where you will find wonderful treasure. Also visit her blog Romantic Thoughts where you can read about the romantic life to wonderful french music playing in the background, ah, I felt like I was back in Paris. You will not be disappointed.