Ranger Ride.....

and so much more.

Last Saturday afternoon, we loaded the Girls into the truck, threw a couple of shovels in and grabbed a cold pop for the ride.  Taking the back roads, well, I guess that's about all there are is back roads from the Lane to MaMa Kay and Bernard's Forty.  We love back roads.

At one time the Forty was blessed with a home.  We can tell by the remnants of the foundation that remains.  We wonder, MaMa Kay and Me anyway, what might have happened that the house no longer stands.  We also think about the lady of this former home and how myrtle must've been her choice for planting.  Maybe just a couple foundation plantings.  Many years ago for sure.  

Myrtle multiplies.  I'm sure the lady never dreamed a couple little plants would now be acres of myrtle surrounding the foundation of her former home.

MaMa Kay came driving the Ranger, loaded with empty pans.....pan of every size, style and color, even a blue swirl granite one.  Bernard was already digging clumps of the beautiful green cover and filling the pans.  Wayne joined in the digging....as did I, for a minute. 

 Then MaMa says, "get the Girls and we'll go for a ride".....and oh my what a wonderful ride it was!

Over the trails and through the woods.  Past the many beautiful ponds, a little culvert stream and oh my the wonderful big rock piles!  This was a Ranger full of very happy Girls for sure!

Following a week of some very sad days dealing with our Sophie, she's next to MaMa, and her newly diagnosed illness, this was an afternoon of joy.  For Sophie I know as she was so happy as she ran the wooded trails and splashed in the waters edge.  For Ivy just because she loves any adventure, most especially when it includes water she can plunge into.  

The joy most especially filled my heart as I watched Sophie enjoy this beautiful day....and I know it filled MaMa's heart as well.

I smile each time I think of MaMa Kay clutching the Ranger wheel around the curves and through the little valleys......while exclaiming "makin' some memories, makin' some memories".

The Boys dug myrtle and talked hunting....

The Girls walked, talked, ran, splashed....laughed and I did dig, a little.

Memories, wonderful memories were made by All.  

Thank you MaMa Kay and Pops Bernard....for the big truck load of myrtle and the help with the digging and loading.

For the walks, talks, rides and laughter.

Thanks for makin' some memories oh so dear to our hearts.

And thanks Lady of the House for planting the myrtle.

From the Lane,

Sharon

She didn't think she could.......

but oh my, can she!

Sherry.....

always a Stitcher but mostly with machine as she has Rheumatoid Arthritis that has ravaged the joints in her hands.  Discovering YDL via my FB page she and friend Pat made a stop in to The Primitive Willow to check out the wool they had seen was offered.  I happened to be in the shop helping out that day and we were chatting about the different wools, colors etc.  Sherry shared that she had been doing her appliqué with the machine, of course I told her she just had to try doing the hand stitching with the wools.  Wools are so easy to stitch on, I always say they're "butter like" and they're so forgiving.  Encouraging her to take a class from me.....it was then that the light came on and they both exclaimed, "you're YellowDog Lane"!  My response, "Yes, I am"!!....and that was just the beginning of two new friendships!  

Sherry and Pat are both official Cellar Stitchers, Primitive Willow Junkies, Lovers of my YellowDogs.....and most importantly in our wonderful circle of friends.  

I don't know about all of you, but I have those days when I get up in the morning and get ready to face a new day.....or sometimes when I get ready to turn in after a busy day.....and even at times when I lay awake unable to sleep fitfully.  Those times when I question if anything I do is of purpose....days when I wonder if I made someone smile.....was kind to all......or inspired someone.  

I always said it made me most content at the end of a day at Saltbox Farm if I knew that I had inspired someone to collect an antique, redecorate a room or simply love a new candle they had purchased.  Not ever so much what was in the cash drawer at the days end.....but that I had inspired someone.....in some small way.  

Yesterday was a very good day for me.....I smile now as I share this with you, just as I smiled at my reflection in the mirror last night as I readied myself for bed.  I'm not sure who's smile was bigger....

Sherry's as she told me how excited she was that she really could hand appliqué, loved it and thanked me for inspiring her.....or mine, at the thought that I had inspired her to do something that she loves.

I think both Pat and Sherry would agree that their visit to The Primitive Willow held so much more than they ever expected.  They left with wonderful goodes from the shop, got to know Shopkeeper Kim, her Helpers and even a few of the other great customers.  They have a wonderful new shop to haunt, stitching on the Lane, classes at the Willow....not to mention a whole new circle of friends.

All of this over a search for a piece of wool.....

Did I ever tell you that wool is forgiving.....kind of butter like to work with.....oh and yes, it even forms friendships!  

And yes, Sherry can!

From the Lane,

Sharon

April, Sweet Sophie, Heilda's Heart.......

giving me lots to share with you today so a simple intro didn't do the trick!

Happy April for starters...although here we are at the third day already.  We had a wonderful weekend here in Michigan and were able to get much done outdoors in preparation for the warmer months.

Although they are predicting snow for us here mid week we shall not let that turn our smiles into frowns as it is April and it can't stay around too long!

Our Sweet Sophie is feeling not at all herself these days.  She was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, Masticatory Muscle Myositis.  It affects the muscles of her temporal area and the jaws and is treated rather aggressively with steroids.  The side effects of the meds scare me more than just a bit but it is the only treatment option available for this disease so we decided we needed to go with it.  Please say a prayer for our sweet Girl for healing and good health.

A new punch needle design is ready from YellowDog Lane and will be available in pattern form very soon.  This was designed for my Grandma Heilda, born in 1881, initials at birth H C 

I only wish I had been blessed with more time with her.....

Open Stitch here on the Lane this Wednesday as I'll be in the Studio working on putting kits together for future classes and offerings and hopefully a bit of slow stitching of my own!  

I am in hopes of getting things in order to offer up a few things for purchase from my PT site 

www.picturetrail.com/yellowdoglane

on Wednesday evening as well.  More on that a bit later tonight or tomorrow......

Thank you for your interest in our happenings here on the Lane.....

We enjoy sharing with you and we also love hearing back from you!

Take good care,

Sharon  

Memories sparked......

by a sight, a scent or a simple sound.  

Some bring smiles, others a breath of sadness but all are part of and make us who we are today.

I was blessed with many memories this past weekend while working at The Primitive Willow...

so many familiar faces....or a voice if I hadn't seen the face quite yet.

Mary, Donna, Sharon, Lois.....oh and Nancy, sweet Nancy who kept needing to hug me "just one more time"..... and so many more.

and then the baby, Michael Todd, named after his grandpa's.   His sweet Momma Lindsey was kind enough to let me snatch him out of her arms, a solid little bundle of love for sure.

Sparked a wonderful memory for me of many years ago, right after getting Saltbox Farm up and running.  A sweet Mom, her daughter and tiny little grandson came to shop.  Well, you can't shop with a baby in your arms, so of course I got the baby.  In case you didn't already know.....I love babies....and dogs, yes....those two the most...and most people!  I carried that little guy around the shop that day as Grandmom & Mom shopped, thinking maybe their first visit to the Farm, but most definitely not the last....no, just the first of oh so many.  As I write this and think of them one memory sparks another, and another and oh yet another.....I could write a little book of the memories these precious ones have given me....

Thank you MaMa Kay, Marney and Cael....who is for sure not a little guy any longer!

I snapped this picture a bit earlier today....with the sunlight coming in the breakfast nook window.

Another memory....the beautiful bird I named "Gert", after my Grandma, one of them.

I was a lucky Girl, as I had more Grandmom's than most.  Ah yes, a lucky Girl.

My most recent spark of a memory was just a few moments ago....while writing this note to you, the sound of AirMed thundering overhead the Lane.  I swear I never hear that sound that it doesn't bring the thought of my sweet, sweet Dad to mind....and tugs at my heart.  Twenty one years he's been gone but still that memory of him, all of us, waiting.....waiting for a call that there was a donor match for a new heart for him.  That call never came, AirMed never landed nearby to fetch him.  

The transplant coordinators comment "I don't think God could find a heart good enough for him".

I think she must've been right.

Not a day goes by that I don't think of him and wish he were here with us.....not one single day.

Wrap your heart around all those memories you have....happy or sad, they're you.

Make some new ones today in this beautiful day God has given us.....

be kind, show gratitude, be happy.

From the Lane,

Sharon

A Breath of Spring....

sneak peek at the project for this early Spring Workshop here in the 

Cellar Studio at YellowDog Lane

Not quite at the finished stage yet but getting there.

You know of course, it has to have a name, so I'm going with....

"NoPatternPennyRunner"

Finished size will be approximately 11x30, stitched on a linen like prairie cloth with all wool penny stacks stitched atop.....a few little quirks to add interest....and now I'll be adding some hand stitching to personalize it.  FUN!  Lots of pennies to cut with lots of choices in wool colors for you as well.  I will be offering several options for you to cut your pennies making it fairly quick and easy.

The runner will be backed with a pretty old style calico fabric in a very muted neutral pattern.  

"Breath of Spring"

in the Cellar Studio

at YellowDog Lane

Tuesday, March 28 ~ 9:30-3:30

Coffee and Coffee Cake on Arrival ~ Full Light Luncheon Fare Mid Day

~ Warm Dessert shared with Friends before Departure ~

In between all of this we'll be creating the "NoPatternPennyRunner"

Complete Kit for finishing included with all of the above!

~Cost for the Workshop and Day on the Lane~

$72.oo

Two openings remain for this date.  I would be happy to look at scheduling another Day on the Lane if the interest is there.....

yellowdoglane@gmail.com

Have a blessed weekend!

We have beautiful sunshine again today!

From the Lane,

Sharon

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