Pumpkin Cottage

Pumpkin Cottage
sit and visit a spell
Showing posts with label Siblings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Siblings. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Soul Siblings

Growing  up we spoke of the soul.
Mystical mysticism. 
We were taught we have a soul to give God.

Love is the intersection of the soul.
My soul floats with  joy when it is in love.
The soul is the intersection of the spirit.

These kids won't remember a time without each other.
And so it is with close siblings.  

































Junk Bonanza, Del Mar, California
had the best photo ops. 

Thursday, April 10, 2014

The Power of Craft


There are two ways of spreading light:
to be the candle or the mirror that
reflects it.
                          Edith Wharton



There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/e/edithwhart100511.html#WObpEZSilTUe4IGu.99
There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/e/edithwhart100511.html#WObpEZSilTUe4IGu.99
There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/e/edithwhart100511.html#WObpEZSilTUe4IGu.99
There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/e/edithwhart100511.html#WObpEZSilTUe4IGu.99














When Mr. Lee and I started dating we had
a teeny tiny difference of opinion.
Mr. Lee called my acrylic paints "craft"
paints in a condescending voice. 

In my heart I was a homemaker
who needed to craft.
Oh yes, I worked outside the home
but that didn't define me or bring
the satisfaction of crafting. 

Reading about crafting and crafters
is almost as satisfying.






















Embroiders' art and book.
The book Hoopla, by Leanne Prain


Mr. Lee's comment was a put down. 
Definitely, a put down. 
True Mr. Lee is the
artist but I get
more crafting done, because
without the meditative qualities
of making stuff my soul
would wither.

Another great book:
Creative Block: Get Unstuck, Discover
New Ideas. Advice & Projects from
50 Successful Artist

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Grace at Thanksgiving

Ephesians 1 15:23
Romans 12:2

Grace is what we receive but don't deserve.

My oldest sister, Mericia, was deeply faithful.
She was 18 years older and very old
fashioned. Today,  she would
probably be the poster child for traditional
values.

Not me, in 5th grade I became a feminist.
Accepting of all people and unconventional.
Commencing my magnetism for
wounded souls.
Hippie spirited.

At home, we were raised traditionally,
at celebrations,
men would eat first, then the women and then
the women would clear and wash up.

Boys were given enough rope to hang
themselves and girls were watched closely.

Yeah, whatever, this is America and I was not
going to conform. 

With two small children, my beautiful
36 six year old sister was diagnosed
with cancer.  A death sentence of 6 months.
Her physician sent her home
to get her affairs in order.

She kept journals and recorded a
message for each of  her children.

She prayed daily for a little more
time with her children. She was
faithful and didn't complain.
In a twist of cruelty, from the
radiation, she lost the ability to tear.
She could cry but the relief from tears
did not come.

My witness of her suffering,
her unwavering faith, and
commitment helped plant the
seed of compassion.
She held a deep belief,
no matter what
suffering was sustained
here on earth, her
reward would be in heaven.
She believed this with absolute conviction.

I am a better person for having
loved her. By witnessing grace,
my spirit grew.

Mericia lived on
for 7 years beyond her diagnosis.
She'd say, "We never know."

Be grateful in all things.
Not only the good, but
what develops our spirit,
what expands our servant
attitude, and in all things
prepare for His
kingdom.

For these things and so much more
I am truly blessed. 
Happy Thanksgiving my beloved. 

            Mr. Lee's siblings.  Top: Patrick, Ginny, Mr. Lee 
                       Spouses Bottom:  Denise, John, me                   



Monday, October 21, 2013

British Love

Uncle Joe, my brother, texts or emails  me
nearly every day.  Usually with nuggets of
wisdom, shared interests, or tidbits
of pop culture. 

Dancing Queen
























Joe writes, 
In America, we have stupid reality TV.
In England, they have The Fabric of Britain
documentaries on knitting, embroidery and 
wallpaper.

Obviously, we don't watch reality TV,
stupid or otherwise, at Pumpkin Cottage.
We, like Joe, do enjoy
thrifting, handmade crafts, granny art, books,
celebrities, style, and design with
eclectic sensibilities.

Wings at the ready.


























Uncle Joe, recommendations for the
week.  David Sedaris on Fresh Air.
The program is not yet available on
the link provided.



American Halloween

   
Jewelry by the British duo Tatty Devine.  
These girls are so cute and inspiring.


Friday, January 4, 2013

Happy Birthday

Over the holidays.
Someone asked, "What's the relationship?"
I answered flatly, "Siblings."

Me (5) and Joe (7)
























In my mind, I said DUH.
Joe and I look alike.
We have similar mannerisms.
DUH.  We are siblings.
Only 23 months apart.

Us in the snow.



















Joe has a good memory.
He may remember a time
before me.  Really, he remembers
all kinds of stuff.
He was always thinking.
I was happily flitting around.
Without a clue.


My First Holy Communion. 
























It is much the same today.
My mind.  Happy Happy Joy Joy.
Joe's mind.
Design. Films. Old time actors.
Literature.  Seriously, volumes of books.
A lot of transgressions.
Death with a side of Death with Death dressing.
Not morbid, just matter-of-fact.

Not to say there aren't memories
of transgressions in my head.
There are plenty....but they sit in a dustbin most of the time.


I digress.

Happy Birthday to my husband's favorite sibling.
I said that out loud, too.  There was silence.
Whatever, it is true and funny. 

Happy Birthday to my closest sibling.
Happy Birthday to a much loved Uncle/Tio.


To the guy who knows my taste.
Shops for me.  Finds true treasures.
Indulgences my desire to only see happy films.
Understands and shares my passion for granny art.
Sympathizes with my  hunched back.

Thank you for sharing my life.
I won't have wanted it any other way.
For keeping mother alive in my heart.
To many more years of shared memories,
road trips. thrift stores. and I Love Lucy
episodes.

Happy Fiddie.  

Word of the Day: Sibling