Well now.....

I see by my last post that February slipped right by me and here we are at March 1....oh dear!

Not even going to start an explanation, some of you know somewhat how the past month slipped by me and I just don't want to waste another minute on all of it!!

All Good Things coming from the Lane today!

Thanks to all of those who have responded and signed up for March classes.  I sent an email to all of those who requested, if you didn't get one and would like to be in the know....shoot me an email and I'll get you on "the list"!

There are still a few openings in Andrea's Needle Felting class....

come join us and make two of these adorable sheep.  All supplies included and you'll have your tools to take home to create more of whatever your heart desires.

Class is scheduled for Thursday March 16, 11am at The Primitive Willow

If you would like to join us please email me at yellowdoglane@gmail.com

A sneak peek at the "Breath of Spring" project....

this above pic looks rather "pink" and for those of you who know me...NO PINK HERE!!

a better of the true colors!

Obviously in the beginning stages in cloth but I have it mostly together in my head.....

and there is absolutely no laughing at that statement!!

A runner, stitched with a mix of pennies and more on a linen like prairie cloth backed with a muted calico.  I'm excited to get the finished model done to share and plan to work on it some today.

Only two spaces open for this all day workshop here on the Lane.  Arrival at 9:30 with a welcome coffee cake and coffee, lunch and a departure dessert.  All of this and class time with all you'll need to complete the project!  Email me for more info!

These are on the "to finish" list for today as well.....

wool eggs for Easter decor.  They're almost set to be aged and stuffed.  If I can gather enough of them for an offering at The Primitive Willow Spring Open House you'll find a bowl full there on

March 10 & 11

"Springtime at the Willow"

11-6 both days

Be sure to check the times for sure on the FB page The Primitive Willow.

Kim has rounded up so many nice springtime offerings for you, make sure to stop in and see!

If by chance I don't get enough of the eggs finished up I will be having a small offering sometime soon at www.picturetrail.com/yellowdoglane

Gosh, think that's all the news for now.....hoping to hear from some of you to fill the few class spaces up.  More coming in April if time allows so stay tuned.

It's a dreary first day of March here in Michigan but I'm going to make it a sunshiny happy one in my heart and mind.....hope you'll do the same!

From the Lane,

Sharon

My gosh.....

here we are finding ourselves at the last day of January!

Where oh where do these days go?

Many of you are Michigan Girls so you know that our winter here has been somewhat of a mild one so far.....but that also makes you take in to account that it is only the last day of January.

Winter here is most likely far from over, even if the Ground Hog doesn't see his shadow in a couple days!  What the heck does he know anyway, he's in PA!

I am limping along with the new hip.....heading back to the Doc on Thursday for a X-ray.  He didn't like the report of the sort of pain I'm having after standing, walking and pretty much normal activity.

I don't like it either.  

Finished stitching this design up yesterday and will be in pattern form in a day or so and available to purchase as a PDF, paper or kit! 

Flower and background color can be of another choice if you choose the kit, just need to know before I cut and pack.

My finish will be as a pillow.....you can choose a different method to finish if you please.

I just think a nice fresh pillow for each season is a good thing to have.....makes a decorating statement to welcome the new season without a lot of effort.

Now, I am off to pick up the Girls.....they are at the Doggie Salon getting groomed and spoiled by Miss Kelli.  Sophie I'm sure will be tired....Ivy I'm thinking will be energized!

The will both be more beautiful and smelling oh so pretty though.

Watch soon for a schedule of classes for here in the Cellar Studio as well as those at

The Primitive Willow.  I am working on it.....really, I am!

Enjoy the beauty of winter....it will turn to Spring.....soon!

From the Lane

Sharon

On the Road Again.......

yes, that's me behind the wheel, and yes, it does feel good!  I took the big trip to town, 5 miles round trip.  I know some of you are saying, "what's the big deal", right?  

Let's just say that seeing I had not driven since November 30, 2016, the ground was snow covered and I was using a walker....it was a big deal to me, and yes again....it took courage.

The skies were blue, the sun was shining....and although it was bitter cold, I truly enjoyed my little jaunt to town and back.  My stops were the Credit Union where there isn't a drive thru so I parked and made my way in and out without a hitch.  After that I was feeling really courageous so I stopped in to see Cindy at The Primitive Willow.  Of course they practically rolled out the red carpet for me there.....but they try to do that for everyone, so nice to have someone greet you with such warmth!  

If you haven't stopped in to the Willow yet, or even if you have but maybe not yet this year....

you need to put it at the top of you list of things to do.  That beautiful old building has undergone a complete change over from Holiday/Christmas to looking like Spring is on it's way.....

it looks fabulous and you are certain to find a treasure to take home with you.

While you're there don't forget to check out our wool corner.....just restocked all the Valdani threads and waiting now on the arrival of two large wool orders, some new notions and bolts of fabric.  

Several different kits are available for wool appliqué and I will have a schedule of upcoming classes to share with you soon.  Wool appliqué, needle punch and needle felting are a few that are on the docket for the New Year.  Interested in receiving this information?  Just send along an email to me at

yellowdoglane@gmail.com and I will add you to the list so you'll be among the first to know what we have to offer and when!  

January classes are being offered for our 

"Love Dove"

A wool applique project that is great for beginners and still fun for the experienced.  

A few open seats at the January 25 class, 11am at The Primitive Willow as well as a couple of open spots on January 19, 6pm in the Cellar Studio on YellowDog Lane.  

I will also have a few kits available if you can't make the class and would like to pick up a kit to make on your own.  The finished project is a sweet pillow, just add the stuffing and the thread for stitching and you'll have a new treasure!  

Thank you to all who have called, emailed, stopped by, sent cards and stayed in touch and on top of how my recoup from my hip replacement has been going.  You are so appreciated!

The update....still one day at a time, not as quickly as I'd like to be progressing but still there is progress and less pain.  I'm certainly not totally back in the saddle again, but.....

I am on the road again, and I hope to be back to doing everything very soon.  

Doc appointment tomorrow, 5 1/2 weeks out and I'll see where we go from here!

I will be back to teaching class on the 18th, maybe cutting a head or two of hair here and there and I am happily already designing and stitching away almost every day!

Hope to see or hear from you soon.....

From the Lane.....

Sharon

My word for 2017......

The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or vicissitudes with self-possession, confidence, and resolution; bravery.

I made a list....a rather long list, of words....words that I thought could possibly be

 my "word" for the new year.

A few days ago I even had a word that I had decided on.  Yup, that was going to be my word for the year for sure....I had even entertained some things I could write about that pertained to this word.  

Then, day before yesterday I decided I would write this post and get ready to share my "word" with all of you.....

for the life of me, I couldn't remember the "word",  no really, couldn't, can not remember what the word was that I had so carefully chosen to be my "word" for the next year.  It started with a P.  

That's all I remember.  

I know Doris is smiling, maybe even chuckling a bit as she reads this.  She shared with me that she wanted to choose a word but was afraid she wouldn't remember what it was.  I told her to write it on a nice little card and carry it with her....what a grand idea, obviously I hadn't made it to that step yet.  

So...I go back to my list and ponder.  What word do I choose now?  All the while of course wracking my blank brain, trying to remember that P word that I had embraced to be mine for 2017.

Nothing, zero, blank as a black board after the custodian leaves the room.

So, I say to myself.....good Lord Sharon, just pick a new word...is it that hard?  Put your Big Girl panties on and pull one off of that list.....or out of the air.  Come on.....have a little.....yup.....

COURAGE!

It's all so clear to me now that this was truly meant to be my "word" for 2017.

I think I have my work cut out for me but I am up for the challenge.  I am ready to be courageous and face each new day of this new year with COURAGE....

the courage to do something new.....or just something that makes me anxious.  The courage to stand up for myself and for others.  The courage to do what is right, not because it's popular or because everyone else is doing it, but because it's right.  The courage to say it's okay if someone chooses not to be my friend and the courage to not try and make everyone happy.  The courage to get out of bed every day and be thankful that it is a new day, a new day to have courage to face all the future holds for me.....good or bad, happy or sad.  The courage to leave the past behind and step in to this new year and each new day and thank God for this Good Life and may He forgive me 

if I don't love it enough.

Did you choose a "word" for the New Year?

I hope I've inspired you to do just that....and if not, I am hopeful that you will follow along with me on my quest to find COURAGE in each new day of 2017.

I wish you Enough....

Sharon

Another Year......

almost in the books, with me, as I'm sure many of you, asking myself "where did the days go"?

It really does seem like it was just a few weeks ago that we were ringing in this year of 2016 and now here we are with 2017 staring us straight in the face!  

"The older you get the faster it goes"..... I remember my elders speaking this line many a time, and oh how right they were.

So now we'll be hearing of all the New Year resolutions everyone will be making....and then of course most likely breaking by about mid January.  Lose weight, exercise more, give up sugar, and well...you all know the long list we see each year at this time.  

I don't do a resolution, I use to, but like most I'd already sent it down the drain barely before I got started with it.  My dear friend Tilda, or as some of you might know as Patricia Byers, suggested a few year back of adopting a word.....any word that might have meaning to you, and then build on that word through out the year.  I have been doing just that since....I love that idea, and somehow when you take your "word" and use it, you do make a difference.  Maybe in your life, or maybe of another.  

I haven't decided upon my word yet, but when I do, I will for sure share it with you.

I have however been reflecting back on this past year, and I ask myself, did I do good....I don't mean, did I have a good year but really, did I DO good.  Did I do good to others, or for others?  Good without asking or expecting anything in return.  Good to those even though they weren't so good to me.  Good with no expectation of being glorified or recognized.  I'm not sure, but I think I did.

This brings my thoughts to my Emma's words a couple of weeks ago when I asked her for something else to add to her Christmas list....her answer was, "all I need is your love, Gma"..... and then to the actions of my Adam and Hailey....they have no children, both work hard and have what they need and mostly what they want.  They know of a struggling Grandma who has her young grand daughter with her....Adam goes to the Grandma's place of work and asks her if they might get the little one some "extra" gifts to open on Christmas.  Of course the Grandma's pride makes her decline but Adam insists, he gets a list, Hailey takes the list and checks it off.  Needfuls, such as shoes, sweatshirts and leggings.  Adam delivers the gifts on Christmas Eve and tells the little one that he is delivering for Santa and she can't open until morning.  

Now I sit and think of these things and I know in my heart that somewhere along the way....

most likely not in this year of 2016, but in a year long ago when Adam was small.....and maybe at some time along the years with Em.....

I did good.  

Now....I will have to ponder some today on a word for 2017.  

Wondering what Tilda's word is.....and maybe if any of you will adopt a word for the New Year?

Enjoy these last few days of this old year....

and look forward to all the new days ahead of us to do good!

From the Lane....

Sharon

And the Hip.....

continues to heal.  Slow is the progress as far as I'm concerned....the Doc and the PT say I could be the poster child for hip replacement....if this is good, I don't even want to think about the poor!

It doesn't help that I have a lot of frustration mixed in with the healing process.  I know in the last note I said that I was actually liking having the time to just sit and enjoy my holiday decor, well...

lets just say I've looked at it enough...I'm ready to move on.  

I'm all about doing my own laundry, sweeping my own floors, driving myself and as much as I despise going to the grocery....I would just love to hit those aisle about now!  Not to mention just one shop or store where I could actually buy a gift that I could pick up, touch, smell and put in my cart or basket.  I'm going to try a load of laundry in the morning, I'll get it done alright, it's bending over and getting it out of the front loader and into the dryer....maybe I should video that process....

I may see if I can position the vacuum in front of the walker and attempt that job as well.  

Driving.....don't worry, I'm pretty sure even I am not quite ready to try that so that will rule out the shopping part too....unless of course I can talk Big Pops into taking me.  And that is another big doubt on my list....if we had a crate big enough for him to comfortably put me in when he leaves for work in the morning, that's most likely where I'd be.  He says he doesn't trust what I might try to do??  I don't understand his thinking.  Seems a bit over protective to me.

I have been blessed by some of my family and wonderful friends though and I know the sanity that remains with me is because of them and all they've done....and of course Pops.  He is my rock for sure.  You know that my niece BJ came and stayed a few days the first week home and she was God sent for sure....niece Kate was on board for any of my needs as well.  She would text me daily to see what she could do and if I needed anything.  Of course Em popped her head in daily to see how things were going and brought along a tasty bag of peanut butter snicker doodle thingy's that were really good!  Hailey was my errand runner and grocery getter as well.  

The boys, they checked on me to be sure all was well and had I asked anything of them they'd have been here to do whatever, but.....they're boys, all I need to say!  Chad did bring me that very tasty Chili though....and a beer!!

All of these are family and kind of goes without saying.....but the friends.  

When I think of what all of the friends, some of course just like family, have helped with, my heart just swells.  I hesitate to list the names as so many have been here to lend a hand that I'm afraid I would leave someone out but I must mention at least a few.....

Patty and Bill, two full meals brought in, Patty spent a full day with me at home when Wayne had to be back at work and Bill toted me to the Doc.  

Terri and Keith, a lasagna large enough to feed an army and the most wonderful lemon pound bundt cake to go with it.  Terri also spent some time here with me when I needed a care giver.

Now Keith....bless his heart, came and got the Girls, loaded them up and off they went to the Groomers...then back a couple hours later to pick them up from the Groomers and drop them back at home.  Not many that would even think of offering that service!

Maxine, my DIL's Mother made several calls to lift my spirits, before and after surgery and then showed up with a full meal and spent a couple hours with me just visiting....

My Stitchers....that wonderful group of Gals...I had told them we wouldn't be able to have our Christmas get together, so....they got it all together and brought it to me.  Talk about a much needed day with a group of such good friends.  Courtney, a sweet young friend of mind, also a Stitcher had a sick little one and still she brought the most wonderful comfort food casserole up for us.....

Mama Kate.....food, phone calls, notes, text and emails....just like a Mama!

I could go on for quite a bit to tell of all....so many calls, cards, emails, meals and just the support.....

I can't begin to put it to paper how blessed I feel to have such wonderful, caring, selfless people 

in my life.  Some people do things for others for the recognition, to have their picture plastered somewhere touting their good deeds or so they can tell everyone all the have done.

That surely wasn't the case here, all of those listed and the many more that aren't.....their deeds came straight from the heart.  

I realize how busy everyone is....days are filled with work, kids, grandkids, volunteering and much more, not to mention that it's the Season so even more busy.  Still so many took time out from their days and evenings to lend a hand in one way or another.....

I am humbled by the outpouring of love and concern.  I can only hope that if a chance comes that I can be of help to someone that I will be as giving as all of my Angels have....

I do believe there are Angels among us.....

Thank you God for this Good Life and Forgive Me if I don't Love it Enough....

Sharon

It's Christmastime.....

here on the Lane!

No.....now don't be shaking your heads and getting a lecture ready....I didn't do this decorating after my hip replacement!  Most of it was done with the old hip and a bit of it was completed by my sweet niece BillieJo when she came to stay with me a few days when I first got home.  

I kept if fairly simple this year, and not much outside at all....and it's all okay.  In fact, I'm rather liking it!  Best thing about it right now is actually having the time to sit down, relax and enjoy looking at it all.  I usually never been afforded that...or should say I've just never taken the time...and I'm kind of liking that part of it too!

I did take the photos I'll share with you, as well as put them in to the album.  There is no semblance of order to them as you will see, nor is there much as far as captions go....but they're all together in one album for you to view and all you have to do is ask if you want to know what something is....in fact I encourage your questions and comments.  They'll give me something to do while I am sitting back, relaxing and taking all the holiday cheer in!!

If you would like to step in and see 

Christmastime on the Lane ~ 2016

you can to to

www.picturetrail.com/yellowdoglane 

and click on the album justly titled.

I hope you'll enjoy the tour and I'll look forward to reading your questions and comments :)

Take good care.....

From the Lane,

Sharon

Hip, Hip......

and not so much Hooray.  Really....I thought this new hip thing would be celebratory.

Not so much....yet.  

Many of you are aware of the total left hip replacement I went in for last week.  Others, it will be news to you.  I've known for over 2 years that I was going to need a new hip.  I put if off for as long as I could.  They told me that I couldn't hurt it any worse than it already was and to let them know when I thought it was time.  

I decided the new part was needed over the summer.....after the umpteenth time of having to crawl from the back woods garden to the house because I was unable to right myself up from all fours to my feet.  There were other instances like that as well, I was very careful not to try any stunts out by the mailbox though....can you imagine me crawling up the driveway from the road...in full view of passers by, with two YellowDogs racing around me and licking my face?  I know, it conjures up quite the site doesn't it.  

After lots of appointments and many tests to be sure of what would be done, the "new part day" finally arrived....last week Thursday, so as you read this, I am a week past surgery.  After two nights in the hospital I was released to my "caretaker" Wayne....yes, Big Pops in charge, or at least I let him think he was.  He was pretty much on his own until late on Monday when my niece BillieJo arrived to step in to the caretaker position.  It's amazing how much differently men look at the job of caretaking as opposed to women.  I should know this....I grew up with brothers, no sisters....sons, no daughters.  Guess I never though about it....now as I think about it, it makes me smile.  

"They" think if you have food and the TV remote it will be pretty much all good.  

Chad was here for our homecoming with his homemade chili and a special brewed beer....you should've seen the look on his face when I told him I couldn't have the beer, it was priceless.  Adam offered many times to go get me something to ear, "what sounds good to you Mom"....my answer was most often, "nothing really".....again a priceless look.  Pops was continually bringing food items in to "share" with me....it would make me feel better.  Trevor's offerings were to "stop over and get the new TV set up", he brings "hot doritoes" to share.  See why thinking about it makes me smile.....

Now the Girls....there is a couple of full course meals waiting on the counter.....Cammy & Patty.  Kate and Mary stop by daily to visit and see what there is to do.  Emma pops in and offers her help if needed.....of course Billie is here to stay up until just a bit ago.  She cooked and kept things tidy, did the laundry and cared for the YellowDogs.  She did some decorating for me and made sure I took my meds on schedule.  The Girls put lotion on my legs and feet after my showers....Kate and I did some internet shopping, Emma got the nail polish out.  

It's true what they write,

"Men are from Mars ~ Women are from Venus"

One thing that puts them all together in my book....their hearts.  Their thoughts and ideas are different as night and day....but not their hearts.  The hearts are all big, and caring and full of love and concern.

So who cares where they're from....it's the heart that matters.

These hearts have filled my heart to overflowing....how blessed I am to have so many wonderful people in my life.

Boy, Girl....Man, Woman...YellowDog, Gray Kitty

Filling my heart and life with so much love and I am thanking God for all of you.....for every gesture, big, small...spicy, sweet....hot, cold.  All gestures of kindness, friendship and love.

"Thank you God for this Good Life, and forgive me if I don't Love It  Enough"

Now, up and onward to healing.... will keep you posted as to how it's going and I hope to share some pictures of the Lane house decked out, rather simply for the upcoming holidays.  Thinking I will have a story or two to make you smile as well..... 

From the Lane,

Sharon

November 22, 1933.....

a joyous day eighty three years ago.  The day a beautiful baby boy came into this world....the seventh sibling in a brood that would eventually be 16.  All supported by one income which left them absent of many material things but that absence was filled with love.  The love that became evident as this baby grew into a young man.  Joining the US Air Force at the age of 17 and faithfully sending his extra military pay home to help with family needs.  

Love that was evident when he met a young woman with two small children....she stole his heart.  So did the children.  The love was mutual.  An instant family was born and several years later he was blessed with a biological son.  

Never, not once, did he ever give more love to the last child than he did to the two he "got with the package".  Those words were my Mom's.....  A package we were, and one he accepted willingly, never begrudging the choice.  

He raised the children equally...teaching them to be kind, not to judge.....good manners and how to treat others.  Teaching gratefulness, equality, fairness and most importantly love.

The most kind and loving, most understanding and upstanding, most fair and loyal.....

the most wonderful man I would ever know.  

The man I called "Dad".

He is missed ever so much, most especially on this day every year but his absence is felt almost daily.

He left us with so many wonderful memories that we are so thankful to have.....

He was a Giver in every sense of the word.....never a Taker.  He instilled so many good qualities in us by example.  My wish today is that he looks down on me and smiles with some pride in what he sees.

With love Dad.....

Happy Heavenly 83rd.....

Dance one of your famous quick steps with Angels.....

Your Daughter....

Sharon

Punch Needle Workshops.....

two separate offerings for you to join us to learn to punch needle!

We will be making this sweet winter project...."StarGazer"

  

If you are interested in joining us for one of the workshops please email me at

yellowdoglane@gmail.com 

and I will send along all of the details for each Workshop.

Would love to have you join us....

Workshops will be filled on a first come basis but I will consider adding more dates

if the interest calls for them.  

Hope you're all getting a chance to enjoy this beautiful fall day that we've been gifted with here in Michigan....and to those who aren't in this beautiful state I hope your day is as glorious!

Will look forward to hearing from you.....

From the Lane,

Sharon

Dreary October Monday.....

here on the Lane.

The Girls are taking advantage of it.....

I haven't had the chance so much.....

Wanted to let you know that I'll be working at The Primitive Willow on Wednesday, 11am-5pm 

and will have Open Stitching in the special area Kim has set up for us.  

Bring along a project you're working on or let me set you up with something to get started on.

The coffee will be on and you also get to browse the shop and all the wonderful goods to boot!

Kim has a sale going right now on all of the reproduction cabinets....10-30% off!  Great time to get that cupboard you've been wanting!  

Please rsvp if you plan to come stitch with us as the space is somewhat limited.....betting we can always make room for one more though.

I am in the process of putting together a schedule of classes for those of you who have been wanting to join in the fun and I promise it will be posted and sent along to you very soon.

I had to wait until I knew what was happening with Big Pop's and his back and then my hip....

we're falling apart here on the Lane!  

Will work in as many as possible before years end and look forward to a new year filled with lots to offer.  

The new rustic wool Moire Threads are soon to be on their way to the Wool Corner at the Willow....

excited to get them in to offer to you and to work up a project with as well.  

Please let me know if there are other things you might like to see at the Willow along these lines....or along the Primitive Country Decor line as well....I will pass the latter bit of info on the Kim and I know she'll do her best to get you just what you want!

"Christmas at the Willow" 

is scheduled for November 4 & 5 and I know you're going to love all the great things you'll discover under the tree!!  Or should I say trees!!

Hope to see you on Wednesday....

to stitch, to shop, to browse or just to have a cup of Joe and say "hey"!

From the Lane,

Sharon