Happy Thanksgiving

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have never a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off of your thighs!
- Author Unknown

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Teresa aka Tess

Needle, Thread, Fabric and Jude

I log onto blogland and check those blogs that I am following each day, or at least I try to check each day. I've been following Jude Hills' spiritcloth blog for some time now. I don't even remember how I found her I just know that looking at her wonderful spiritcloths or quilts can be very addictive. I am not only amazed by what she can do with needle, thread and scraps of cloth but I find her stories behind the cloths fascinating. She has brought to my mind the many hours I would sit and watch my grandmother or an Aunt sew. A wonderful friend from so many years ago had taught me how to embroider and cross stitch. Oh how I wish I had paid more attention and kept up with this wonderful craft.
I came across a bag of upholstery samples at a yard sale several summers ago and bought them. I recently found where I had stashed that bag and decided to give it a try. I decided to embroider over the designs already there. I find time most evenings to sit and work on this little piece with needle and found embroidery thread inherited from my late mother-in-law. I'm so glad I didn't throw that box out or sell it; those threads have come in handy many times. I find even just a few minutes of time spent sewing on this piece helps calm me.
If you love sewing, quilting or stitching of any kind and if you love endearing stories you must visit Jude's "spiritcloth" blog or her "what if" blog. If you haven't picked up needle and thread in a while she may just inspire you to give it another try. I am and I know it's not the best but it's my best try and with time I'll get even better at it. Time is one of the subjects of Jude's blog post today. I agree with her in that we all should slow down and take the time needed to make something with our own hands for our friends and loved ones. These handmade items are often the most cherished. Wouldn't you agree?

http://spiritcloth.typepad.com/spirit_cloth/

http://spiritcloth.typepad.com/what_if/

Wishing you all a good and restful weekend,
Tess

Another Postcrossings Update

Remember my past blog about postcrossings.com? If not read it here in my September posts or at my AC site here:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1013602/post_crossings.html?cat=4

I had sent out about 10 cards and only received 3 myself so I was beginning to feel discouraged. Not any more! This week there has been a surprise in my mailbox everyday. I even recieved a postcard and my 1st Christmas card this year both on the same day from kind postcrossings members. It's been lots of fun and even my husband is starting to get excited about it.

I love the red roofs on this card from Leiden.

We both found this card very comical. I want to believe too, how about you?

This is a homemade card from Italy.

And my very first Christmas card this year. It's a bit early I know but hey, it's from the Netherlands. She even included a couple bags of tea and a nice little tree pin in the card. Thanks Karin and Merry Christmas to you too.

Well that's my update. I have more cards and have added them to my postcard wall at my postcrossings site. You can view them there and if you get bored and want something to do check out all of the cards that have been downloaded at postcrossings. There are cards from many different countries, some beautiful, some inspirational and some downright comical.

Enjoy the rest of your week. Hey it's almost Friday, I better get some sleep.

night night,

Tess

Poets Reading Update

Greetings this fine Veterans Day. If you missed my poetry reading today you can still hear me and other wonderful poets and authors read by logging onto http://www.internetvoicesradio.com/ Enter the site and look to the left and click on What's Happening. On the next page scroll down until you find the list of topics. You are looking for:
November 11 30 Minute Poetry with Dianne Tegarten
The entire show is there for anyone to listen to at anytime. I have to say this was a wonderful experience. I felt out of place and humbled by the quality of some of the other poets and yet when it was my turn to read it just flowed. You must listen to Christian read his poetry. He writes poetry in the written word style and it is meant to be heard with jazz in the background. Even without the music I felt the jazz. He is a wonderful poet and speaker. I was amazed at how easy this was and if you write poetry and have never read it out loud to yourself or another, please do. What you hear in your head and how it sounds when you read it may be the same and it may not be. I had to read my selections out loud several times to really get the tone I was hoping for. I was so nervous but listening back to it I don't think I came across that way. I am so grateful to Diane for giving me this opportunity. I hope you will find some time to make a cup of tea and tune in and listen to this wonderful broadcast.
Blessings to you all,
Tess

Poets Reading with Diane Tegarden

I've been invited to do a live reading of my own poetry. Can you believe it? I know I couldn't at first. I met Diane years ago at Ryze.com. We finally spoke for the first time last night. Oh how we connected, I so enjoyed our conversation. She was so easy to talk to. She has helped assure me my voice is ok and I can do this. Reading my own poetry out loud to an audience is like opening an old wound and inviting others to throw stuff at it. Well atleast that was how I felt until last night. I am proud of my writing abilities. I'm not really as educated as most poets or writers are and I've allowed that to hold me back, but not any more. So join me with Diane if you will. With all the excitement of the election and

After all the ballyhoo and bombast, it's time to take a break with us!

The Storytellers, Poets and Bards of the World join Diane Tegarden, poetess and author, as she hosts half-hour poetry readings on Internet Voices Radio with her gregarious guests!


WHERE: http://internetvoicesradio.com

LISTENERS CALL IN# 866-977-4887

WHEN: Every Tuesday in November (11th, 18th, and 25th)

TIME: 2:30pm PST/ 3:30pm MST/ 4:30pm CST/ 5:30pm EST

Join us for a charming half-hour of unique poetry and author's chat as Diane and her guests read you their poetry and discuss the larger social issues touching their lives.


HERE IS THE SHOW SCHEDULE:

Date= Show Theme= Guest Names

Nov 11th= Miracles=
Guests: Billy, Christian, Teresa Mahieu, and Wanda

Nov 18th= Loneliness=
Guests: Lillian B., Maria A., Arvind, and Marva

Nov 25th= Domestic Abuse=
Guests: Ally, Marsha, and Lillian Brummet.

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Grab a cup of coffee, sit back and relax. Take this break from your everyday world to enjoy the new vistas brought to you by these fresh, original poets!

**************************************************************************

You may or may not recognize some of the names. But I have confidence that one day they'll be known and you'll be able to say I heard him or I heard her read that poem out loud. You can find many of these fine poets and authors on ryze.com or associatedcontent.com among other places. I've posted some of my poetry here and at http://www.associatedcontent.com/tess1960

May you all be blessed with a wonderful day,

Teresa aka Tess

My Etsy Shop

Did you know I have an etsy shop? Neither did I, well not until recently anyway.

A while ago I registered on etsy.com to be able to purchase handmade items from wonderful crafters and artists. I had forgotten all about it. I remembered while visiting dj Pettitt's etsy shop ( http://www.djpettitt.etsy.com/ )and thought why not open a shop myself and give it a try. DJ is one of my favorite artists. Her artwork is so inspirational. I am a habitual crafter, I have a need to keep my mind and hands busy. I am always learning or teaching myself new crafting or art skills.

I painted some baby shoes a while back for a craft show here locally and had some left so I've added them to my shop. I got this idea from a craft magazine, several of which I buy regularly.

I like recycling things and altering items. I recently found painting and collaging on old license plates to be a fun and creative outlet. I've painted several of these as gifts (shhh) and decided to add some of them to my shop.

It's been fun coming up with ideas for hangers and embellishments for these car tag wall hangings. Kids love them, at least my granddaughter does.

So if you wish to have a look here's my etsy shop addy:

http://www.tess1960.etsy.com/

We're having Indian Summer weather here, it's been beautiful outside. The temps been in the 70's and the leaves are turning such beautiful colors. I hope you all are enjoying the start of November. The holidays and colder weather will be upon us before we know it. Consider buying handmade or making your holiday gifts yourself this year. Handmade can be lots of fun and most people will appreciate that special personal touch. (Another shameless plug for etsy.com, I love that place.)

Happy day,

Tess