Musings

Indulging in Some of the Olympics

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Surely I can’t be the only one enjoying the Olympics? Granted, I am watching via Peacock and that has taken some getting used to…and I’m pretty sure I’ve missed some things…

I am particularly fond of skating so I’ve been focusing on those programs.

I’m always amazed at the beauty of the work on the ice. They make it look so effortless but we all (should) know just how physically demanding these programs are. The costumes add another layer of awe.

I was astonished, not to mention thrilled, to see Scott Hamilton contribute his thoughts. Always a favorite on and off the ice.

As I watched the various programs I found myself thinking back to other Olympics I’ve watched over the decades. It astounds me when I consider the amount of time…

Don’t mind me…I am settling in for a few more days of pure pleasure and amazement…

Crafting

Getting My Craft On

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It feels like forever since I sat down to actually craft in my craft space. Like, I need to dig it out… Long (short) story. This past month I’ve been looking at who I am following to get my inspiration back. Let’s take a look:

Paper Crafting and Card Making

Laurel Beard has returned to her YouTube channel with a new series to help us use what we already have.

Ardyth uses her YouTube channel to experiment with process in ways I might not always want to attempt but am fascinated by none the less.

Call Me Crafty Al creates some amazing card sketches. I’ve used her Sheetload of Cards sketches for years. They are a great way to make a lot of cards with a minimum of supplies. Al (aka: Alicia) has expanded the content on her channel so be sure to click the link to see what she is up to.

Jackie Bolhuise from Klompen Stampers is a long time Stampin Up demonstrator who specializes in quick and easy cards with minimum supplies. She has several series of card templates that are useful and well considered.

Cathy Zielsky is a card designer and a product designer who uses her graphic design background to create some beautiful cards. She does not focus on one particular brand (not even her own) but showcases a variety of brands and supplies. Catch her Wednesday Live show for some interesting banter and beautiful cards.

Gina K. Designs is one of those channels that has a wide variety of topics when it comes to paper crafting. If you are wanting to learn more about Gina’s product line, gain insight with her tips and tricks, this is one to check out.

Fabric Arts

Chelsea She Sews Seams is a great place to go when you are looking to learn how to sew. Lots of encouragement. Lots of great ideas. A great place to relax and learn to take things one step at a time. Chelsea is a great teacher with easy to do projects that are actually useful.

Sew Sew Lounge is one of those sewing channels that landed in my feed even though I have no desire to learn how to make garments. Toni is a long time sewer who loves to share her experiences in the sewing room (good and bad). She has a broad knowledge base that could be quite helpful if you are interested in garment sewing.

Quilting Arts

Missouri Star Quilt Company is a long time favorite. They started out teaching basic quilt making with a focus on pre cuts and have expanded into embroidery and other fabric arts. If you want to learn how to quilt or find a new pattern or test out a new fabric art craft, Missouri Star is the place.

These are some of my favorite YouTube channels. Many have blogs or websites with more information. Grab a cuppa your favorite drink and settle in to see what they have to offer.

Musings · Podcasts

Dropping Names

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I am one of those folks who enjoy good conversation. Podcasts can be a great source for that. When Jonathan Frakes & Brent Spiner announced their new podcast: Dropping Names with Brent and Jonny, I was eager to see what these two long time friends would come up with.

I wasn’t disappointed. Check out Episode 1 with LeVar Burton:

If you enjoy good conversation with interesting people, you’ll enjoy this.

Cartoons

A Look Behind the Scenes

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As I look back, I’ve been a fan of animation since I was very small. When I was a child, The Flintstones and The Jetsons were on Prime Time TV. Folks gathered the family around the TV every week for the Wonderful World of Color.

As I grew up and learned more about my favorite shows I developed a curiosity about all the things behind the scenes. I am, after all, that person who loves the extras on the DVDs. 😀

West of Neverland on YouTube has been a great place to learn all the ins and outs and back stories of classic Disney animation. Dennis has pulled together lots of great information, putting it in context and providing something more than just dates, etc.

What I love about the channel is the look back at how and why things were done. This was when cartoons were hand drawn and painted. Filmed cell by cell. There is a lot of information about the process and the people behind the camera. You will learn about characters, voices, and some of the oddest issues with censors.

Click on the link above to check out the channel. If you like it don’t forget to subscribe – I think you’ll find it a welcome addition to your feed.

Musings

Sliding Into February

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A Few Odd Thoughts

As I write this, the 9 or 10 inches of snow that arrived last weekend is slooooowly melting but there is still a ways to go before it is gone. We are currently below freezing and while the sun is out the outside temperature is somewhere around 16 degrees and not exactly encouraging anyone to be out and about.

Truthfully, this could very well be the new norm for winter around here.

In the last couple of decades I’ve watched the weather patterns shift. What used to be rather quiet has become a bit more severe while the quiet has moved south or east, depending.

Taking January to rest, regroup, rethink, recover has been a blessing. Many folks have not had that privilege. Others have discovered that it was not just a blessing but necessary to retain, or recover, their sanity.

My efforts here are to provide a place of peace and quiet. I look to offer respite from the chaos and insanity. It is my way of being one of the Helpers that Mr. Rogers talked about. I hope you find the space to sit back and focus on something that might be silly, thought provoking, and maybe peaceful. A healing spot, if you will.

Recently Glen and Friends Cooking over on YouTube started experimenting with rough puff pastry and the results have been…encouraging. I especially enjoyed his Cooking Without A Recipe video. “He’s playing with his food, again!” came to mind as I watched. (I love it when folks feel comfortable enough in the kitchen to do that!) I think the end result was a good one and worthy of trying again.

Also over on YouTube, Dropping Names with Brent and Jonny was a pleasant surprise. It is one of those few podcasts that I hope to follow for a very long time.

I’m thinking more about Vintage these days and it appears I am not alone. There is value to looking back to see how folks used to do things. I’m noticing folks making the choices to try some things for themselves.

While I don’t know that I feel like it is time for February, the calendar has other ideas and it might be a nice change of pace to try different flavors. I love chocolate but… 😀

As we head into February and start to think about Spring and maybe a garden, January’s exit might actually be a welcome one. I don’t know about you but I feel the need to air out the house. Well, maybe not quite yet but soon.

Musings

Slowly Easing Into

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January has been a very slow month for me. Intentionally so. I took time to rest, to reconnect, to disconnect, to think, and to make some decisions (choices?) about what I want to do next.

A lot of the folks I follow on YouTube have done the same. So have a lot of folks I follow who are not on YouTube. Frankly, I think the world just needs a bit of Something Else.

I have projects in my home that have been sitting on the sidelines for longer than anyone cares to consider. Even, okay especially, me.

I have a new kitchen toy that I want to start learning to use but I also have a lot of older kitchen toys that have not been used and should find new homes. As I have very limited space, it is important that I tackle the space issue soon. And why keep things that I no longer use?

I could say that this came about because of a new program Mr. Carrington has devised for his home, I think he is referring to it as ‘Sort my home’ or some thing similar. He can tell you more about it if you visit his YouTube channel.

I like the idea of taking January to ease into a year rather than turning it into an overwhelming time where there is pressure to make decisions, choices, changes before we have had a chance to really think things through.

Here’s to taking the time to figure out our next steps!

Food · Musings

Celebrating the Amazing Dolly Parton

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I am one of those folks who remember Dolly Parton before The Look arrived. The hair, the nails, the…everything else. <G> Way back when she was still with Porter Wagoner, Miss Dolly graced our TV sets every Saturday afternoon.

I think I fell in love with her and her music then.

Dolly is one of those people who are not afraid to be themselves and speak their truth. In her case, with a grin and a twinkle in her eye.

If you are interested Dolly has her own page over on Substack. Click HERE to check it out. I enjoy the weekly posts looking back at her life. She writes there much as she writes her songs.

And for those of us who love good food, Taste of Home has a collection of her recipes. Click HERE to check them out. Be warned, there’s a lot of good food on that list. LOL!

Miss Dolly is an amazing human being who brings joy everywhere she goes. Celebrate her talent, her heart and the joy she shares.

Audiobooks · Books

From The Reading Table: I Love Suggestions!

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I’ve been reading Charlaine Harris’ blog and books for a Very Long Time. I enjoy her books and I enjoy her reading list.

I always look forward to her latest blog where she shares her reading list. I always get some great suggestions for my own To Be Read List.

Her January 5, 2026 blog post has some great information, not to mention inspiration. Click on the link and see what you think.

Cooking

A Return To Basics Plus

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Leave it to Nichole over at AllRecipes to come up with The Best collection of Easy Dinners. She provides the tips and tricks you need to learn the basic tools to cook without a recipe.

Don’t panic! It is easier than you think. Check it out:

Once you are comfortable with these easy dinners you can create all kinds of meals.

Which are your favorites?

Around the House · Books

From The Reading Table: Clean In 15

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Clean in 15: Create a Clean & Happy Home in Minutes by Iwan Carrington

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I’ve been a long time subscriber to Mr. Carrington’s YouTube channel and have followed along as this book was created.

I thought I knew what to expect when the book came out. I am already half way through and am gobsmacked. I don’t think he missed anything.

I love the color coding as it makes things easier.

The organization is excellent.

While he does provide what I call ‘things to think about’ regarding acquisition of tools and cleaners, he also provides recipes for cleaners (etc) you can make yourself. And those are easy to do and cost effective. If you know Mr. C, those are his hallmarks.

He has included information on the symbols and labels that we see on pretty much everything.

And, yes, he provides routines for actually cleaning in 15 minutes or so. But not just for the inside of the house. Mr. C has added the outside areas to his list of routines.

The book is designed to go in with your cleaning supplies for handy reference and is easy to maneuver to find the information you need when you need it.

I knew this book would be a great tool for anyone who needs to know how to clean pretty much anything. I was not disappointed. I also think this book would be a great gift for those who are embarking on their first home (campus dorm, first apartment, etc.). As one who has been cleaning for longer than I care to admit, I think it is an excellent resource for folks like me.

This is one of the handiest books you will ever own.



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