Wednesday, April 30, 2014

LINK PARTY! Twenty Wishes {April Update}


It's FINALLY here! Time to link up your April update or get started and share your Twenty Wishes for 2014!  (Here's my original list of  Twenty Wishes 2014 and Twenty Wishes 2013!)



You can read more on why we started this project back in 2013 here, but the gist is that life is too short. Too short to not really strive for those things you really wish to do or wish would happen. SO this year we're all going to make a real effort to mark those wishes off our lists! First you'll write and then link up your list of Twenty Wishes here. In doing so you're entered in this month's giveaway! (There will be a new one each month.) Then you'll work on those wishes throughout this year coming back here the last Wednesday of every month to link up and share your progress. Here's a button to add to your side bar to remind you to come back and link monthly, and to serve as a little encouragement to work on marking off your wishes!!
Truly Lovely
This year we are doing things a little differently. Mostly in an effort to be more organized than last year... But again, the link up will be the last Wednesday of every month. Each month one or two of our ten hostesses will offer a little something as a giveaway for those that link with us. So, allow me to introduce your hostesses for the 2014 Twenty Wishes project...

Kassi & Kayli @ Truly Lovely
Sarah @ SaturDIY
Kristine @ The Foley Fam
Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

We aren't requiring you to follow anyone, the only mandatory entry is linking up to this party with your list of 20 wishes. BUT the more you do the more entries you'll receive and I can personally promise you if you do follow, like, etc andyof these awesome ladies you WILL NOT be disappointed!

So, link your wishes and enter the giveaway through the Rafflecopter form below! 
Starbucks from Nay.jpeg



a Rafflecopter giveaway

I hope you win!

;-)  -Marci

'Can't wait to see what everyone has accomplished!  It's such an inspiration!

 

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

LINK PARTY! Tuesdays with a Twist #56

Welcome to another fantastic party!

Back to the Basics
 
 
We're your co-hosts:
 
 
Each co-host will be sharing her own picks for Features. This gives everyone a better chance of being featured.  Be sure to check all of our blogs!
 
 My features this week are...  (drum roll please)

Quick and Easy Charm Necklace from Robin



at Happy at Home.  How pretty!

and The Ugly Truth about my Studio from Penny 



at Penny's Vintage Home.  She has a unique idea about wall paper!  I love it!
 
If you've been featured we'd love for you to grab a button.


Back to the Basics


We all love comments!  Please hop around and show some love!

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Friday at 11:59pm.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 

Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!
*Pictures should be your own* 
By linking up you give us permission to use these photos
 (with proper link backs) in our features. 
And now for the party!

;-)  -Marci 

Monday, April 28, 2014

20 Wishes {April Update}

Here's my Original Post of 20 Wishes for 2014!  Below are my February updates in BLUE! March updates in Green!  April updates are in RED!

1.  Celebrate 28 years of marriage!
Done!  My first post about it is Right Here!
And here is my Second Post about it!
There were actually two posts in April.  HERE and THERE.
 
2.  Vacation in Colorado.



Check!  You can find a teaser post HERE.  We took so many photos, you'll be reading about our trip for quite a while!

3.  Attend concerts.

Fitness Goals - Last year, one of my 20 Wishes led me to a Cross Fit gym.  Working out has taken on a whole new meaning for me and I am usually in the gym five days a week.

A little setback in this department!  Between being out of town for our anniversary and having a yucky stomach virus, my workouts have been pretty weak in February.

March has been a better month for workouts.  I haven't missed any.  With the Opens going on in CrossFit, there's a lot of added excitement about giving your very best effort.

While on vacation in Colorado, I visited CrossFit Thornton and had a great time with them, working out three times!  It was fun to mix it up a little.  Everyone at this gym was GREAT!  I am so proud of myself for making it to the gym even though we were on vacation!

4.  I want to be a size 4 by May 1 and maintain it thru the rest of the year my life.

This isn't going to happen by May 1, but I'm leaving on the list and will let you know when it does happen!  ;-)

5.  Run four 5ks, one in each quarter of the year.

My running schedule has been inconsistent, at best.  I need to either make time for it or scratch this one off the list.  We'll see.

 
6.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Handstand Pushups, no modifications.

Exciting progress!  I completed a modified workout with my toes (not knees) on a box, the last modification before going for the 'real' ones!  It's hard to describe the sense of accomplishment when progressing to a new level!  I'll now start splitting reps between real ones and toes on a box.

7.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Pull Ups, no modifications.

8.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Toes to Bar, no modifications.

Definite progress here.  Yesterday I completed a workout with Toes to Rings!   Every single one would have counted.  Also, my trainer, Gil, kept encouraging me until I got my first real Toes to Bars this month.  Thanks, Gil!

9.  Get stretchy enough that I can do the splits again, both sides.

Did you see my Word of the Year Craft?  It's about flexibility!

If those get accomplished:  Bonus Goals are Double Unders and Ring Dips.  Oh, and I'd like to know how many grandmothers across our great nation are choosing Cross Fit goals?  ;-)  I'm going to need gobs of support and a whole lot of tenacity.  Those are going to be tough to achieve!  If you have any quotes, tips or advice, please send them my way!

Sewing Goals

10.  Complete a quilt for each of my children.

One down!  Wanna see it?  Click HERE!

11.  Inspired by Marissa at Rae Gun Ramblings, sew something for myself monthly and join the fun at "Sew Our Stash"

January's deadline snuck up on me, but at the last second, I made a Maxi Skirt!  I love it!
February's project was a Raglan Sleeve Top!
OK, so March didn't happen.  If you read This Post, you'll understand why I'm not being too hard on myself!  ;-)

12.  Inspired from Adventures in Dressmaking,  follow Susannah's Sewing Resolutions.  Basically, I should fuss and worry over my pattern and fabric choices for ME just as much as when I am sewing for someone else.  Well, DUH!  ;-)

I have an exciting sewing project for May that I can't wait to show you.  Last night, I went to a fabric store and TOTALLY followed this one.  It took me a  L O N G  time to choose fabric, thread and buttons, but I am so thrilled with my choices, I just can't stop grinning!

13.  Take a photography class.

14.  Learn photo shop.

15.  Make my own herbal salad dressing.

16.  Create and write down 3 recipes for artisan cheese.

17.  Re-Vamp my "Herbs:  A Place to Begin" presentation into a one hour program.

This one is complete, too!  My 30 minute program became a one hour class.  I gave a presentation in January and have been invited to give another one in April!  This time, they want a 15 minute program!  ;-)  Another re-vamp will be needed!  That's OK, though.  Each makeover gives me a new idea.  Did I mention my Word of the Year is about flexibility?  ;-)

18.  Learn more bloggy techy things.

19.  Monetize and grow my blog.

20.  Read and blog about 26 books.

This goal is on track so far.  'Still reading and posting book reviews.  I wrote about my 100 Books to Read in a Lifetime, too!  Do I get bonus points for that?  ;-)
'Still on track!  Being part of Literary Junkies makes it even more fun!
 This goal is looking good.  What can I say?  I {heart} books!  ;-) 

Whew!  It's very rewarding to check off items on my 20 Wishes list!  I hope you'll join us on Wednesday for the link party!  I'd love to see what you've done!

;-)  -Marci

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Book Review: A Piece of my Soul, Quilts by Black Arkansans

by Cuesta Benberry
 
 
This is a book about an amazing quilt exhibit by the same name at The Old State House Museum in Little Rock, Arkansas. 
 
 
 
You can reach this collection's link by clicking HERE
 
 Amazon's Book Description:
 
Arkansas is well known for its rich tradition of upland folk arts. Little, however, has been reported from the lowland areas, particularly on African American contributions to the state's cultural heritage. A Piece of My Soul: Quilts by Black Arkansans seeks to rectify that oversight by drawing attention to the extensive, important collection of African American quilts in the Old State House Museum in Little Rock.
 
Over seventy-five individual pieces of patchwork art are presented in this publication in full-color plates, each with a commentary by the exhibit's guest curator, Cuesta Benberry. The book details the importance of quilting to black Arkansas; the quilts' uses, materials, and construction; and what each piece says about the artist and her beliefs. We are granted a glimpse into the living conditions and cultural mores of the quilters' lives. Regionalisms, such as the unusual custom of renaming traditional quilt patterns for things seen in the farmyard, such as Rooster Tail or Chicken Feet.
 



All I can add to this description is, "WOW!" 
 
Not only are there stunning photographs of quilts, there is the wonderful history behind them.  Why did the quilter choose that fabric?  How was it used and by whom?  What an inspirational collection!
 
What books inspire you?
 
;-)  -Marci

Friday, April 25, 2014

Hummingbirds?

After checking the Hummingbird Migration Map I see they are W A Y past Arkansas already, but we haven't seen any yet!
 
 photo 87ba836b-9d8d-4698-b716-5118610749e3_zps4d154b9a.jpg
 
I'm just curious.  Have you seen any Ruby Throated Hummingbirds this Spring?
 
 photo DSC_0053_zps339e763f.jpg
 
My Garden is waiting for them!
 
;-)  -Marci

Thursday, April 24, 2014

A Sunny Day in the Ozarks





These photos were taken near Table Rock Lake during our weekend getaway anniversary celebration.
 
;-)  -Marci

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Link Party Feature!

Exciting announcement!  There is a lovely link party going on right now at Green Willow Pond 
 
 
 
called What We Accomplished Wednesday!  Oh, and get this! 
 
 
 
My Vintage Peony Wreath is one of the features!  Thank you, Deborah!  I hope everyone has time to join the party!
 
;-)  -Marci

LINK PARTY! Tuesdays with a Twist #55

Welcome to another fantastic party!

Back to the Basics
 
 
We're your co-hosts:
 
 
Each co-host will be sharing her own picks for Features. This gives everyone a better chance of being featured.  Be sure to check all of our blogs!
 
 My feature this week is...  (drum roll please)

Peppermint and a Free Printable Monograph PDF from Kristi

Free Printable Peppermint Monograph Page - The Mind to Homestead

at The Mind to Homestead.  How pretty!
 
If you've been featured we'd love for you to grab a button.


Back to the Basics


We all love comments!  Please hop around and show some love!

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Friday at 11:59pm.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 

Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!
*Pictures should be your own* 
By linking up you give us permission to use these photos
 (with proper link backs) in our features. 
And now for the party!

;-)  -Marci 
 

Monday, April 21, 2014

April Results for The Great Blog Train

God’s Growing Garden

 
The 16th GREAT BLOG TRAIN was a blast! - We all safely reached The Adirondacks - our destination. It was a wonderful trip with 48 boxcars!! We (the Engineers) would like to thank all of you for travelling with us and we hope that you all had a wonderful time!
The Giveaway Winner is: S.V.H.
(I have contacted the winner by email)
Congrats!!!
W   A   N   T   E   D  :
The Great Blog Train by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo BlogTrainDestination_zps2925d251.jpg

(Being a "Destination Cohost" means that you get to pick our next destination!!  It also means that you will post The Great Blog Train on your blog on the first Wednesday of whatever month you will be cohosting (1 different cohost per month).  We (the engineers or hosts) will provide you with the html code for the blog hop & for the Giveaway - all you will have to do is add into that post some information on the destination that you picked (like population, known for, location etc - basic family friendly facts) and add a few pictures.  Also, if you cohost we ask that you promote it on your social media sites) (We are now scheduling for the fall/2014).
If you are interested in being a Co-host for the Great Blog Train then please click HERE and fill out the form (THANK YOU!!)

We are now featuring the top 3 Boxcars!  (These are the links that received the most clicks)





#2  "5 Days of Strawberry After School Snacks" by "StuckonaCloud"  
5 days of strawberry after school snacks @ stuckonacloud.com


#3  "Change Your Thoughts & Change Your World" by Darlene Nemeth

Chalk Board Printable Quote about Gratitude


We will be promoting these wonderful featured posts on Twitter & google+ (use hashtag GreatBlogTrain to follow along) #GreatBlogTrain
and these features have also been Pinned to the "Great Blog Train" Pinterest Board


And don't forget - next month the April "Caboose" will be featured on all 5 of the Hostesses blogs!





 

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Vacation in Colorado. Check!

It was wonderful to spend time in and around Denver, Colorado!
 
 
Here's a brief overview of how we spent our time.  More details will come later!
 
Day 1:  Hays, Kansas
 
Day 2:  Denver and Thornton, Colorado
 
Day 3:  Golden, Colorado
 
Day 4:  Boulder, Colorado
 
Day 5:  Colorado Springs, Colorado
 
Day 6:  Georgetown, Colorado
 
Day 7:  Travel home.
 
My blog may be somewhat quiet as I tackle laundry and catch up work!  We took over 200 photos during our trip.  'Can't wait to show them to you!
 
;-)  -Marci


Friday, April 18, 2014

Book Review: Almost Home


cover image of Almost Home by Pam Jenoff

by Pam Jenoff

From bestselling author and Quill award nominee Pam Jenoff comes a rich, ambitious, and startling novel about a woman who must face a past she'd rather forget in order to uncover a dangerous legacy that threatens her future.

Ten years ago, American Jordan Weiss's idyllic experience as a graduate student and coxswain at Cambridge was shattered when her boyfriend and fellow crewmember, Jared Short, drowned in the River Cam the night before the biggest race of the year. Since that time, Jordan, a State Department intelligence officer, has traveled the world on dangerous assignments but has managed to avoid returning to face her painful memories in England. When her terminally ill friend Sarah asks her to come to London, though, Jordan finds herself requesting a transfer to the one place she swore she'd never go again.


My Review:  WOW!  This was a very fast paced spy novel that I could not put down!  While it's not a short book, it was a quick read for me, as I was intrigued and kept turning pages!  The main character, Jordan, is haunted by the death of Jared.  The author flips between two time frames.  One being Jordan's current life as she adjusts to her move back to England and that of her college days spent with Jared.  I loved this book and want to read more by Pam Jenoff.
 
Have you read any of this author's works?  Which ones?
 
 
;-)  -Marci

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Link Party Feature!

March Themed Blog Hop features have just been posted at God's Growing Garden!  Get this!  My post about Tablescaping Fun
 
Photo by Dawn Denton
was one of the 'most clicked' links!  How exciting! 

God’s Growing Garden
 
Thank you, Angie!  A new party begins tomorrow so hop over to God's Growing Garden and join the fun!
 
;-)  -Marci

Roaring River State Park in Missouri

Check out their website:  Roaring River 



 

 

 

 
Roaring River is one of our favorite day trips.  These photos were taken during our anniversary weekend getaway.
 
;-)  -Marci 

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

LINK PARTY! Tuesdays with a Twist #54

Welcome to another fantastic party!

Back to the Basics
 
 
We're your co-hosts:
 
 
Each co-host will be sharing her own picks for Features. This gives everyone a better chance of being featured.  Be sure to check all of our blogs!
 
 My feature this week is...  (drum roll please)

Happiness is... Coloring Pages for Adults
 


I love it!  What do you think?
 
If you've been featured we'd love for you to grab a button.


Back to the Basics


We all love comments!  Please hop around and show some love!

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Friday at 11:59pm.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 

Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!
*Pictures should be your own* 
By linking up you give us permission to use these photos
 (with proper link backs) in our features. 
And now for the party!

;-)  -Marci 
 

Link Party Feature

At the wonderful Tutorial Tuesday link party going on right now at Hope Studios,
 
 
my Bandana Dogs are being featured!  Thank you, Jennifer! 

 
;-)  -Marci

Monday, April 14, 2014

Literary Junkies {April}

Do you love books?  Please join the conversation by answering at least one of the questions in the comments below!
 
Marcie with a Book.

Everyone is also welcome to write a post and join the link party tomorrow!
 
Pink Heels Pink Truck


Here are this month's questions:
1. What are you reading right now? Tell us about it!
 
Planting Dandelions by Kyran Pittman.  I've only just begun so don't really have a feel for it yet.
 
2. Divergent, Hunger Games, or Twilight. Which do you prefer and why? (If you've never read them which do you think you'd prefer?)
 
 Hmmm...  I have not read any of them, so not sure, but I love the idea of strong females overcoming obstacles.   I think each storyline holds its own appeal
 
 
3. TV Series Based on Books they start out very close to the book to draw in the fans but then will start to separate themselves by changing things and adding characters. What are you thoughts on this?
 
 Isn't that what authors do as they write a series of books?  Everything evolves!
 
4. You've just been recruited to help a movie studio bring your favorite book to the big screen. What's the movie and who are you choosing to play the main characters?
 
My favorite book this year was The Girls of Atomic City.  The Untold Story of The Women who Helped Win World War II, by Denise Kiernan.  I would love to see their story in the movies.  Strong female actresses of all ages and races would be needed and only a few men.  I love Sally Field, Natalie Portman, Kerrie Washington, Amie Adams and Lucy Liu.  As for the men, they would be top bureaucrats and would need to be older.  I'm thinking Sam Elliott and Ed Harris.
 
 
5. Going back to the above question, do you keep it word for word the same or do you use this chance to change little things you thought would make the book better?
 
I think this is such a remarkable time in history, most of it would speak for itself with minimal changes.  The book focuses on the work the women were doing even though there are a few snippets of how they meet their husbands.  Maybe I'd add some romantic details.
 
 
6. After you finish a physical copy of a book do you keep it for a reread, put it on a shelf to collect dust, donate it to Goodwill, or do you just not purchase physical copies of books?


The card in my wallet I use the most is my LIBRARY CARD!  ;-)  I usually return the book to the library!


;-)  -Marci

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Book Review: A Light in the Window

by Jan Karon
 
A Light in the Window
 
Here is a synopsis from Book Rags
Once again, as in Karon's previous novel At Home in Mitford (1994; see separate entry), separation and loneliness are underlying themes. Father Tim's restful vacation in Ireland with his cousins Walter and Katherine has given him time to think about his future in Mitford. Still not ready to commit to marriage, he intends to give Cynthia a Waterford crystal vase and maybe his mother's amethyst brooch and accept her invitation to "go steady."  However, Cynthia's career interferes with such a casual relationship. During most of the novel, Cynthia lives in a New York city apartment and keeps in touch with Father Tim through love letters.
 
My thoughts?  What a charming book!  I hate to tell much about it because I don't want to spoil the story for anyone interested in reading the series.  Cousin Meg though, completely steals the show in this book!  She is such a funny surprise character!  I so love reading about the daily trials and triumphs of Timothy.
 
What characters have surprised you lately?
 
;-)  -Marci
 


Thursday, April 10, 2014

Garden Guests: Photographing Critters

The north side of our front yard is a certified  National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat.  Really!  We have a certificate!  You can do the same by providing food, water, cover and places for wildlife to raise their young.  It is so much fun to see all of the critters that stop by for a visit.  I've begun a new series of posts to show you our Garden Guests. 

If you would like to see more, check my Gardening Page!

As hard as I try to turn the knobs and push the buttons correctly on my camera, I must admit my photo sessions don't always go as planned.  About a bazillion pictures are taken.  The photos will be downloaded and I start looking through them for that ONE photo that will be just right. 

 
Not that one.
 
 
Nope!

 
Umm... No.
 
All of these photos are of male cardinals.  Can you tell?  ;-)  Any advice on photographing critters?  I'd love to hear it!
 
Blogging music.  I love Joe Cocker's voice.  Here is "With a Little Help From my Friends".
 
 
 What's happening in your back yard?
 
;-)  -Marci