SummerTime.....

seems to be giving us Michigander's all that we want with heat.  

I, for one, am not complaining though....as the snow will be flying well soon enough!

The flowers are loving the heat it seems.....

Coneflowers, marigold....basil and orange mint

Tansy and Rosemary, and....

Two little mischief makers under my feet while I try to water, deadhead and gather a bouquet!

They keep my life here on the Lane busy and interesting to say the least.

Busy this afternoon with some sketching of some new designs....wool appliqué and punch needle.

My take on Heart in Hand, a lumpy pumpkin and a sweet Angel among them.  

A studio full of busy, happy Stitchers today inspired me to get busy on these and what better place to be on a hot afternoon than in the air conditioned comfort of the Cellar Studio~

Will share the new designs soon.....

If you've a hankering to come stitch with us we have open stitch the first Wednesday of each month, 10am-2pm, and first Thursday evening, 5-9pm.  

Just shoot me an email or ring me up to let me know you'll be here, we'd love to have you join in the fun.  Bring along a project you're working on or we'll help you choose one here to get started on.  

Now....back to the drawing board,

and remember....

take time to stop and smell the flowers!

From the Lane,

Sharon

Goodness.....

here I am again, coming in to write a note to you and thinking I need to apologize for my absence.

I couldn't believe it when I looked at the date of my last post and seen it had been a month since I visited with you all.....

Not to make excuses but....as most of you know I was busy readying things for the 

SummerTime on the Lane gathering that was this past Saturday and in the midst of that process the July 4th holiday fell and we made just a bit of time to steal away to the North Country.  

Anyway....I'm sorry for such a long absence, but as usual....life!

I struggled the latter part of last week at keeping my thoughts to the job at hand.  Found my mind wandering here and there and wondering....wondering why sad things happen to good people.

I received news early Tuesday morning that friends of mine tragically lost their son in a car accident.

He was alone in his car, the other driver was injured but not seriously.  

He was twenty eight....28 years young.

I have known his parents forever, graduated and friends with his Dad through out school.  His Mom was a few years behind us but also a friend.

They were all hair clients of mine, Mom Lorie, Dad Rick, brother Danny, sister Amy, Grandma Theda, Grandma Judi (my step sister)....and Kyle.

Kyle the sweetest kid with the white blond head of curls and the biggest blue sparkling eyes....

and always the biggest smile you could want.  

I was unable to wrap my mind around it all...and even more so after leaving the funeral home and seeing the grief in the faces of all his family and friends.  

My heart aches for all.

Twenty eight years....and his Dad said to me,

 "we can't ask why, we can only be thankful for the years we had him".

Next time you hug your babes, squeeze them a bit tighter and thank God that you can.

We did have a wonderful day here on the Lane Saturday for our SummerTime gathering.

Such a wonderful group of ladies...and ah yes, a few great men!  It was so good to see everyone and I need to thank you all again for making the day such a success.  As always, it wouldn't happen

without you!

The Girls are getting along famously and Miss Ivy is growing like a weed in the summer!

I have gone back to this pic often in the past week....it makes me smile!

Stitchers on the Lane this week Wednesday and twice next week.  Busy day tomorrow getting ready for the group....and I so look forward to seeing them.  Some of the best therapy a gal could ask for, a group of friends gathered together to stitch, share stories, eat, laugh....well you get the picture.

Until next time.....

which I know will be sooner....

From the Lane,

Sharon

The Girls are bonding......

and it makes for one happy Momma here!  I had began to worry a bit about Sophie and her accepting Ivy into our pack, but.....that good heart of hers won out and now they are becoming best pals....

This picture tugs at my heart....it so reminds me of the days with Grace and baby Sophie.  I am counting myself once again blessed!

Wanted to let all of you who requested an invite to our SummerTime Sale that I sent them out on Friday, I think it was.  If for some reason you didn't get yours and you requested please let me know and I will send it individually.  

I apologize to all if yours came through and it showed all recipients.  I cannot for the life of me figure out why it's doing that.  I have it checked to send as the "group", showing no single addresses and I also BCCd it.....still they all come up in my email.  Makes me so frustrated.  I need to get my bestie Terri to take a peek and see if she can figure it out.  Between her and her hubs Keith, who both taught computer classes, I'm thinking they might be able to help!  

Anyway....so sorry for that, I did try!  If yours didn't come through, let me know and I will resend it!

Wishing all of you and the Dad's in your life a Happy Fathers Day.....

For those of you who are lucky enough to still have your Dad in your lives, feel blessed....

For those who aren't as fortunate, feel blessed with the memories you hold in your heart of your Dad....

For all of you who had a wonderful Father figure in your life, whether it be your biological Dad, Step Dad, Father in Law or someone who was Like a Dad to you....feel blessed for that as well, there are many who never had the luxury of any of these.

I was blessed many times over and although none are with me now, the memories make me smile mostly.....some make me stronger and some a little sad, but still....

I feel blessed.

From the Lane,

Sharon

Please give a big welcome to......

Miss Ivy Lee!

our newest and I must say very sweet addition to YellowDog Lane!

She is adjusting well....wishing I could say the same for Sophie.  They say that with a large number of adult dogs it takes some time for them to welcome a puppy to their home, so....we are being patient and waiting for her to come to terms with Ivy in her own time.  We are also praying that it will be soon.  Ivy is trying so, so hard to be accepted and I'm sure that soon.....

We are all headed out to the Carriage House now to work on some items for the sale coming in July.  I have lots of blue swirl granite that I've decided to part with and will be cleaning and pricing it today....and organizing.  I have quite the mess out there in the upstairs right now!  

A good day for such a job though as it's rainy and dreary here and even a bit cool.  They're promising some much warmer weather a bit later in the week though so will take advantage of the good work day today.  

Invites for the sale will go out the end of the week.  Watch your email for them.  If you haven't requested an invite and would still like to, please do so asap.  Send to

yellowdoglane@gmail.com  

Some have said their emails have been sent back to them, not sure what is up with that but if you try and that happens or has happened you are also welcome to call with your request

231-629-1385

You will most likely get voice mail but leave me a message with your name and email address and I will be sure to add you in.  

Now.....off to work we go,

Sharon, Sophie and Ivy

Happy Friday......

and a very warm one here on the Lane!  After a couple of morning with the woolies on the heat is on compliments of Mother Nature.  No complaints, let it be warm when it should be and cold and snowy when it's time.  Pure Michigan!

Last call for requests for invites to our sale here at YellowDog Lane coming up in July.  It will be by invitation only.  For your invite please email me your request at

yellowdoglane@gmail.com

I will be sending out invites sometime within the next week with all the info you'll need to make plans to join us.  This sale will not be advertised or announced other than by invite.

Something different...you know me, out of the box!

Also wanted to tell you that you can now see my punch needle patterns featured on

www.patternmart.com

Available as instant downloads or as mailed paper pattern.  

I will be adding the the Seasons & SaltGlaze Wool Appliqué patterns as well, very soon.

Of course, if any of you are interested they are available directly through me here on the Lane!

Think about joining us for one of the Open Stitching sessions or join us for a group class....

we have a great time and would love to have you.

Now....I am off to pack a bag for a short trip I'll be making tonight and then I hope to get out and enjoy a little of this good ole' summertime weather!

Have a great weekend....

Do something fun...

Make someone smile :)

From the Lane,

Sharon

Oh for gosh sakes.....

I have absolutely no idea why you all received, or I am assuming all, a post from September 24....

of 2015??  No idea.  Thanks MaMa Kay for the heads up on that!

I spent time yesterday putting together a really cool slideshow of pictures from all around the homestead....all three houses, the gardens areas mostly, along the Lane....just lots of pretty shots, in my opinion, that I wanted to share with you.  

Well.....putting it all together was a cinch, getting the thing to post was nothing short of a nightmare.  

It posted finally but it wasn't a good quality so I took it down and tried another way.  I finally got a slideshow of the same pics to upload but it wasn't the same neat format....I didn't really like it so I deleted.  Next thing I know a post from September comes through.  Good Lord, what next!?

I would really like to share the cool formatted slideshow and I am not giving up yet on getting it sent, so.....if you get some random post from April of August 2014, you'll know I'm working on it I guess!

A bit of a peek at what I had going.....

I will keep at it.  Keep your fingers crossed that I figure it out, but please don't hold your breath.....

that could be a dangerous choice for your health!

The not so neat formatted one is up on FB for those of you who like my page there but I really want you to see the cool one, so....try, try again!

Enjoy this beautiful day,

From the Lane....

Sharon

Off the Grid....

to use a catch phrase....at the Cabin, UP North....two curves past the last power pole....

that means no electric, which means no internet, no television....thinking it's kinda like heaven!!

Truthfully though, we do have a generator so that gives us the power we need for all that we want while there.  I can get a text and send one as well....if the timing is good.  The phone rings but most times can't answer it.  Make a phone call out?  Yes, if the booster is on and you're in just the right spot on the sofa!  Emails and internet....nope.   So of course I think of a million and one things I'd like to pop on here and share with you all, and I have the time.....then I get home and I forget most everything and have no time!  Still so good to be home.....

In my last email I mentioned the notion of a sale here on the Lane, sometime in June is what I shared and asked you to email me if you would like an invite.  Thank you to all who responded, I have added you all to the "invite" list and I will be sending those soon.....just one minor change, I'm thinking the sale will be in July instead of June.  The date will be shared with you on your invite and I will be sure to give you plenty of notice so you can RSVP....I just don't feel I can pull it all together like I want to by mid June and through encouragement of some wise friends will do it in July!  

If you haven't emailed me with an invite request and you'd like to join in the sale, there's still time.

Email me at yellowdoglane@gmail.com with your request and I will add you to the group.  

Lots going on here at the Lane right now and busy times these next few weeks.  

Open Stitch here in the Cellar Studio tomorrow and  Evening Stitchers on Thursday.  New punch needle and wool applique designs, too.  

If you would like more info on Open Stitch and/or our classes here on the Lane, just give a shout.....

we'd love to have you join us.

Hope you're all enjoying this beautiful day....

Till next time!

From the Lane,

Sharon

And they bloom......

The wild Lupines....here on the Lane.  For over twenty five years I have admired the waves of blue lavender blooms waving across the fields here on our homestead.  First as we build the barn back in the 1980's, then as we built the Saltbox in the 90's and through the 20+ years of living there.  As we started construction here on the Lane we tried to be careful to not disturb these beauties any more than necessary......and I wondered.  No more to wonder....they are here, they are blooming and they are as beautiful as ever!  

One very special memory that makes these sweet wild flowers so dear to my heart is this.....

taken by their Mom, Tammy.  Makes my heart smile each time I look at it!  Where do the years go?

Seems like just a short time ago these two were strolling across the Lane to the Farm House....now they drive to see Gma at the Lane House.  Still making memories.....I am blessed!

One little note of business....we are planning a bit of a sale here on the Lane in June.  It will be an unadvertised sale and I will be sending out email invites with all info to any of you who would like to attend.  Please email me at yellowdoglane@gmail.com to let me know you'd like to come and I will add you to the group.  I will be sending out all invites the first part of June!  

Something a bit different.....think it will be fun!

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday weekend.  Hope it is filled with family, friends and fun!

Take a few minutes to wander through some wonderful flowers if you are able....

come wander through the Lupines on the Lane if you like.  Carry a memory with you of someone you have loved and lost.....reflect and remember.

From the Lane,

Sharon

This Little Tree......

and such a strong little tree at that.  How strong, you ask?  Well lets just say that five years ago this little gem stood guard of a very special place to me....to many in fact.  

This sweet weeping cherry stood guard at the front porch of Saltbox Farm.....it stood day and night, through sun and snow, rain and shine.... for about five years after being gifted to me in remembrance of my Mom after her passing.  It was placed by the shop for all to enjoy....and I think to eventually teach us.

You see, this tree not only stood those years at guard but it remained standing after a fierce fight with a fire from which we lost most everything.  

At that time I truly thought "everything" was lost....now five years later, yes it has been five years come May 22....I realize that all wasn't lost.  Lots of tangible goods were destroyed, many irreplaceable items charred beyond saving, gifts cherished by some who aren't here to regift.  

My beloved Saltbox Farm Home....not the house we lived in but the place that made the Farm what it was.  Not just a building but walls and a roof, a stairway, doors and windows all filled full of wonderful memories where friendships were formed and much more.  

I also lost my purpose for awhile but I muddled my way through the repurpose of the pole barn, just not the same.  But nothing is ever the same, I'd tell myself, change is good right?

We moved this little tree from it's home by the shop and relocated it out in the gardens near the "new" shop.  Each year I have waited for it to bloom to no avail.  The first year it barely leafed but seemed to get a bit better each spring.....and then, while walking to the Barn the other day I looked up to see this sweet little tree smiling back at me just full of blossoms.  

I stopped, I stared, I smiled.... and then I shed a tear or two.  

I think my little cherry has been waiting all this time for me to move on and past the loss, 

waiting for me to find my purpose and find the joy that the Farm gave me.  Waiting for me to realize that it was out there, I just had to look.   

I had a thought today of moving her to the new house here on the Lane....but on second thought, figured that from the looks of her she is pretty happy where she is.  She can watch over the Lane, the Farmhouse and even see the top of the house by the Road.

How blessed are we to have such a strong presence to make sure all is well here at our Homesteads!

Thank you all for the wonderful memories of past years.....and for all the new ones to be made as we embrace the changes put in our paths and refuse to let the challenges of the past, present or future define us.

Have a wonderful week!

From the Lane,

Sharon

April Snow Showers.....

are just plain ridiculous. 

And now on to more pleasant subjects.

Season's and SaltGlaze....

in punch needle!  Ronda has finished the models of all season's and the patterns are in the works!

Visit Ronda at

simplethymeprims and see her offerings!

I am having a bit of a love/hate relationship with Facebook....as if that's anything new.  I would truly like to just close it up and do all of my news and updates from here but I'm afraid I would be leaving out many who might want the news of what's happening here on the Lane, so.....

I will continue with it, for now anyway and see if they will address my Page issues!

It would help me to know how many of you are actually receiving this update to your inbox....if you could just send a quick reply or leave a comment it would be appreciated, and help me decide what direction to take.

I do have the plans in the works for a Spring/Summer Sale.....haven't decided on a date for sure but thinking mid May.  Lots of antique smalls, some great primitive furniture pieces, 

handmades, wool, candles, soaps.....and well, some of all the wonderful offerings you remember from the Farm!  We will be using the Barn at Saltbox too.  It's a perk to know the new caretaker so well!

I think that's it for tonight....I feel like I've bounced you all over in this post.  Hope none of you took a bad bounce!  

I'll leave you with a picture of one of the wonderful hand wrapped willow wreaths we'll have to offer.

....from teeny tiny cuties, to big bold and beautiful ones!  Great for indoors or out.  

Wishing you all a wonderful week.....
Open Stitch here on Wednesday....10am-2pm.  Just RSVP to join in the fun!

From the Lane,

Sharon

Stitching time......

Stitchers will be gathering here at the Lane tomorrow night, Wednesday...and of course the regular groups gathering in the month of April and beyond so I thought it appropriate to share this now as an important FYI for them and all of you who stitch.

Now, I am always working on the "mental preparation", I mean we're always thinking about what we're going to sew, stitch, punch or hook next....aren't we?  Never ever would we think of a 

lackadaisically approach to something so important....right?

For sure my dishes will be done and it goes without being said about making the beds, I mean, you know....to stitch and not have the threat of a fire and the fire department arriving to find an unmade bed!  Not gonna happen here.  My mind will be free.

Making myself attractive could require a bit more work but I do always try....I have those dresses out on the line right now and will bringing them in shortly to iron them up for the classes.  

The chalk is at hand and I have pockets in all my sewing dresses so I can just tuck that tube of lipstick and my powder right in.....just in case you know.  How horrid would it be to have a visitor or heaven forbid my husband to come home unannounced and find me in an uplipsticked, unpowdered, wearing a dirty dress mess!  

Not gonna happen :)

Gosh, I feel so much better having shared all of this with you.  Please feel free to share with any of your friends who don't happen to read my page....you just never know when....

We will be starting an "Open Stitch" here on the Lane on the first Wednesday of each month, 

10am-2pm.  Gather up a project you're working on or if you don't have one I'm sure I have a kit or two here that you'd like to get started on.  Lots of wools and threads to choose from and sewing novelties as well.  

An RSVP is required to attend so I will know how many to plan for.  

Coffee with all the fixings, water and a munchie of sorts to enjoy as well.

Cost to attend will be $5.oo and include all of the above as well as a coupon towards future purchase!

Call 231.629.1385 or email yellowdoglane@gmail.com 

to RSVP.  Come join the fun here on the Lane.

You might like it so much you'll want to join a Cellar Group!

I bet this makes you even more happy that I shared all the Sewing Prep info with you :)

Make it a great day.....

From the Lane,

Sharon