Greetings Everyone

Life is Good Great.

I have been rearranging my ducks (life) as I will have my 2nd spine surgery on Friday February the 5th. Everything should go smoothly : )

The Neurosurgeon is super.
He laid the law down to me as I did not follow the other instructions 2 1/2 years ago : (

I was approved, the other day, for my SSI Benefits.
It has been a long {6 years} winding road to be approved.
I can now breathe a sigh of relief!!!

I still do NOT have a photo of my 6 month old grand daughter in the tutu I made her : (

Malaika has had company at her apartment and is a sweet thoughtful hostess.

So, Mom {me} has to be patient; especially since I will be recuperating soon.

I bought my URL {http://a-Bohemian-Market.com} over a year ago for 5 years.
I have been unable to find anyone who would create it for an affordable amount.
I will enroll, after I have recuperated enough to sit in a classroom, in a local adult night school that is teaching Dream Weaver so I can do it : )

I want a place to sell my many vintage jewelry findings and paper products.
It is late 9:36 pm and I started this early this morning : )
gotta go to bed

Peace

carole

Good Morning everyone

I feel mentally well and recharged : )

Physically I think I am older than my 60 years.

I am grateful for so much and glad I fall asleep without aid of medications each night.

I seem to have issues with my Followers/Friends gadget so before I became a raving maniac

it will not be on my side bar any more because it is frustrating to keep adding and watch it disappear : ( Honestly, I love blogging and the dear Friends I have met and the new ones I meet but since all of you know who you are...Mission is accomplished!!!

I will continue to follow all of the super and wonderful blogs!!!

Pleas click the above photo and peruse this blog!!!

What a graphic designer she is. Her blog is pure delight!!!

I am still sorting through, literally, hundreds of photos taken during these Christmas holidays to find the pictures of Lil Malaika to show everyone.

Here is Lil Malaika, in her Mommie's bed, saying no more photos : )

Actually she just fell over as she is almost 5 months now and has not quite mastered the skill of sitting up too long by herself : )

 

I like this picture of Lil Malaika and her Auntie Shana, my oldest daughter.

Today is a busy day for me as I have an Etsy order to mail off, need to list more items to sell on Etsy and just breathe deeply and enjoy life : )

Peace and Love to all

carole

Bohemian: Vesele Vanoce

These little photo's were taken with my daughter's cell phone as she lost her digital camera.

I sewed this very large Christmas stocking the other day,

per my daughter's request,

 as she wants to use it as a prop for Little Malaika's first Christmas photograph.

Yes, I think she is the best Christmas present ever : )

I have lots to post but I have been transferring the photos and important information

I have on this computer's hard drive to a couple of 8 gigabit flash drives so that I will

not loose everything when it crashes.

The Cyber guys who serviced it said to be prepared for the eventual demise : (

I have to go through the photographs so I can show you the beautiful pictures of presents I have received all the way back to earrings I won from Darla in October : )

I promised I would take picture in them and I will do this when the daughter comes over

Christmas eve.
Tia (Mz. Smoochie Lips to us old timers : ) of  
Domestic Underground blog made a decoration with the focal point a very pretty bird and said in her post "whomever wants this send me your name and address" I almost broke my finger writing so fast!!! Well, she sits on the top of my desk looking so queenly.

My friend, Sharon at A Fanciful Life blog, sent me so many lovely presents that it was mind boggling!!!

Then (ta dah with a drum roll) Sweet Carol Anne

Carol Anne's Boutique blog, sent me a creation that made me swoon!!!

Please when you have time visit all of the above blogs as I look to them for delightful inspirations!!!
I am so happy with the ending of the year that has allowed me to deal, positively, with
many challenges I thought would make me pass out : )
I found, through many discussions with many friends, that life serves us surprises and
  fortunately I am here to talk about them!!!
Oh, I finally got my brace for my left leg : )

 I tried it on and I almost walk normally.
It is rather exciting for me as my left side has me walking with a gimpy stride.
This is for many years because of an aneurysm I had when I was about 24.
Then I had botched foot surgery that severed a main tendon in my left foot.
Then the spinal stenosis surgery made me limp even more.
Most people I have met only notice if I am tired and I have to think to lift my foot : )
At least my brain still works : )
 Sometimes, I feel not regular and then I think of how truly fortunate I am : )
Now all I have to do is go to Ross's or Nordstrom's Rack and find a pair casual
leather walking shoes (they have to be 1 size larger to accept the brace and my foot)
so I can start using it.
Thank you dear ones
Merry Christmas 
around the world!!!
  Merry Yule!, God Jul!, Christmas Alegre,  
Joyeux Noel, Frohe Weihnachten,  
Hauskaa Joulua, Boas Festas,  
Vroijk kerstfeest, Gladedlig Jul, 
 Natale allegro,  
Feliz Navidad, Maligayang Pasko
Happy Hanuka, Peaceful Ramadan,  
Vesele Vanoce,

peace

 carole

The Hospital Window

I read this and it put several things into perspective for me this morning. 

I am in awe of people that face adversity with an open heart and show strength while enduring pain (emotional, physical, etc) I cannot imagine. 

What will my words say to them?  

I know strong women & men, my Mom, and several on the blogs. 

I admire them and hope I would be as strong as they when my time comes.

 The Hospital Window

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.

Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man could not hear the band, he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days, weeks and months passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.

She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his firstlook at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.

It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you to live and get well soon to have a look at all the nice things of this world.' 

Epilogue: 

There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.  

Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.

If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.

'Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present.'

I am glad to have people on blogs to know, meet, listen too, talk with and enjoy the company of many people.

Thank you!!!

peace

carole

Sunday computer malfunctions

Hello and cheers to all:

I am on my way to take my computer to the repair guys as I have some spyware and malware that is shutting my computer down : (

See everyone in a couple of days!!!

I got my chocolate fudge from Grandma Yellow Hair's give away and it is so delicious; my daughter, Shana, said it is too good. Like addictive good!!!

Will write about it and other stuff when my computer is well again.

I miss everyone already!!!

 l

Love, Peace and Big Cheer for this wonderfulChristmas!!!

Peace

carole

Good Morning:

I found {No, it was not lost : )} the neatest blog last night.

They are having a SUPER Give Away.

http://becausewebelieve-art.blogspot.com/2009/11/bwbas-1st-year-anniversary-bash.html

Click on the above photo link and photo and see their site : )

Then sign up for their marvelous Give Away.

It made me smile and what JOY there is to behold!!!

Lil Malaika did a sleep over here last night. First time.

It is the first time my oldest daughter Shana, almost 35, had a baby stay all night with her : )

I am truly enjoying using these photos with the words applied to them : )

Click on the photo and it will take you to the site.

Have a GREAT day; I have to package up a couple items I sold in my etsy shop : )

Peace

carole

Sunny Sunday

Today is a happy new day.

I have family, friends and I like life : )

My daughter's are spending the day together with Lil Malaika : )

I am here thinking I have been rather droll and not very social thinking

about my ailments. That is so not cool. I am glad I am able to think, dream, share,

create, laugh, be happy, look to the future and have so many women I can draw

good from!!!I am coming out and I do not have something nice to say I am not going to say anything!!! My new life's thought and I will follow it.

I have been busy this weekend listing in my etsy shop and dressing one of my clay dolls.

I have to work on this blog and redo my blog roll as it disappeared off the front page of my blog. Irritating yet technology happens : )

Thinking of all of YOU!!!

Hugs & peace

carole

Saturday

Good Morning

It is a bright & chilly {45 degrees} outside; I sit on the balcony and drink coffee as it gives me thoughts of the bistro's on the Left Bank in Paris.

I use to sit out there and drink black coffee (Not Americano) and hold the mug/bowl tightly to keep my fingers warm. The gaiety even in the Artic freezing cold was so rejuvenating : )

I never saw an unhappy face. Faces in deep thought, concentration, heated & serious conversations, secretive yet never unhappy. I would have my legs wrapped around a chair leg and chewing on a croissant (actually savoring it while it melted in my mouth) and gazing at all of the life around me. The birds pecking at the ground for tidbits.

I am recuperating from the flu; went to the doctor Tuesday morning to see my Urologist; appointment cancelled as she had an emergency to tend too so I rescheduled and went to my orto-Spine doctor and rescheduled an appointment there. Around 1:00 pm I threw up : (

I got on the bus to get back to my daughter's in Canoga Park and it was all I could do to sit upright. I finally got into her apartment and continued throwing up. I was so tired and my muscles ached terribly. I stayed in bed, literally for 2 whole days sleeping off and on. all I could ingest was water. Thursday evening I could finally sit up yet it hurt. I attempted to answer some e-mails and could not stay upright.

Today, I am grateful to sit here and be able to converse : )

I went to the market to buy some items for Thanksgiving dinner. I am going to bake a turkey breast as both of my daughter's like just the white meat. Malaika, the new Mommie, asked for her Nana's okra, tomato and corn dish so I will prepare that for her. I will make the cornbread stuffing, fresh green beans and fresh baked sweet potatoes. Malaika does not like sweets so no baked pies this year as Shana, the healthful one, does not use processed sugars and I am not into Stevia yet. Shana will make the cheesy macaroni and cheese as we all enjoy that. We are making the dinner {I am; Shana will prepare her things at Malaika's} and taking it to her sister's in Los Angeles so the 3 of us can be delighted in the company of Lil Malaika on her first Thanksgiving : )

I am so glad to be able to sit and say hi to all.

Now, I am going to be even more productive and go to my etsy shop and list some vintage brass finding's.

Everyone have a lovely day!!!

Much happiness and peace!!!

carole

P.S. Something happened and my favorite blogs disappeared off my main page : ( I cannot think right now and figure out how to get them back. Theya re still on my About Me page. Sometimes Blogspot mystifies me : )

Jan at Bobby Pins Boardwalk Blog is having a Give Away

This is a bowl of Hedge Apples. I had seen them in magazines but now I (we) have a chance to win them in Jan's Quicky Give Away!!! Please click on the link and join in on the fun. It is over on Wednesday November 18th, so do not be late.

Here they are in the woods. Click on the photographs

you will go straight to the Give Away blog!!!

I wish I lived close by so I could pick them up too : )

Fun Friday

I remember growing up and being allowed to think, dream, play and make a mess creating!!!

My Mom would let me sew (yes, I learned to sew on a Singer treadle sewing machine at about 6 or 7).

On his way home from work, my Dad would stop at the butcher's and bring him a huge sheet of white paper so I could draw on it. I would lay on the hardwood floor and draw to my heart's content. I could look at anything and copy it : ) If any of you are old enough to remember the pirate on the back of book of matches...that was one of my favorite things to draw. I remember imagining what a pirate's life would be like : )

I am going for a fitting on December 1st for a brace for my left leg. I had a stroke when I was 24 and the muscles in the left leg atrophied; I was very fortunate as it is only about 1 1/2 inches difference in my legs. I was paralyzed totally for about 6 months yet with the assistance of friends, doctors and the wonderful staff at U.C.L.A.'s Neurophysiology ward I am pretty okay. The physical therapy made me cry and cuss yet I have lived a normal life for the last 36 years because of it. Now the past comes back to haunt me physically; I have been walking, rather painfully, with a cane for some time and I am bending over to relieve it : ( Yesterday I sewed a black, red and pink tulle net tutu for my youngest grand daughter Lil Malaika. I have made tutu's before and I want her to grow up knowing she is special and that magical times can be anywhere, any place and any time. My oldest daughter asked me why black? I have no answer : ) I wanted it to be different and not just pink. It seems most of her clothing is pink or has pink in it : )

This is the tutu...the black tulle is the bottom layer, then red and the pink is on top.

I took the photos on Shana's antique rose velvet settee.

It is so layered and gathered you barely see the black tulle. There are 3 layers, 6 yards gathered tulle in each color and the waistband is a 2 inch wide black Victoria's Secret elastic.

So, it is very full and sticks straight out like a ballerina's short tutu : )

I wanted to show you what I ahve been up too as Shana, will take it to Lil Malaika on Sunday Novemeber 15th and I am sure they will take photos of her with it on then.

There is a lady, Karla Nathan {Karla's Cottage} who has chronicled her Grand daughter Sugar Wings and I want to give Lil Malaika a sparkly life too : )

I suppose I am like all Grandma's and want my grand children to have a charmed life. It is so cool having this little girl so close as my other 3 live in Cleveland Ohio and I am in Southern California.

This is Lil Malaika the other day in her Halloween green velvet with white velvet wings fairy costume : ) She is close to 3 months old in this photograph. The hands are my youngest daughter, Malaika, proudly holding Lil Malaika up for auntie Shana to take the picture : )

I am living a wonderful life and wanted to share with you : )

Peace

carole

Blog Award from Maggie

My sweet friend Maggie (aka Lucy) sent me this Kreativ Blogger Award.

 

The rules for acceptance are:

~thank this person who nominated you for the award~
~copy the logo and place it on your blog~
~link to the person who nominated you~
~name 7 things about yourself that people may not know~
~nominate creative bloggers~
~post their links~
~leave a comment on each~

 Thank you so much Maggie!!! 

1. I am totally shy : )

2. I have sewn and drawn since I was about 6; my Dad would stop at the Butcher's store and bring me sheets of white paper to draw on while laying on the hardwood floor. I could look at anything and draw it; remember the match books with the pirate or clown on it?

3. I would rather be bare foot.

4. I drink black coffee and unsweetened tea.

5. It takes a lot for me talk to a person the first time on a telephone.

6. I love Armenian food; dolmas, pita bread, shish kabob (I grew up eating lamb) and Armenian Easter Bread Choreg. As kids we got to pick the grape leaves and the Mom's would cook and prepare them : ) Uummm, good!!!

7. I wish I did NOT need a cell phone.

I nominate:

Sharon (A Fanciful Life)

this is a lady with a big heart, soft words and super creative abilities!!!

Plus she has the sweetest cats : ) 

Mary (IsabellasCloset)

Mary is one of the dearest people I am privileged to know : ) 

I can ask her anything and not wonder if she will answer : )

She is open & honest; one of the most creative women I know!!!

 Maggie (Just Between Us ~ Grandma Yellow Hair) 

Maggie is so cool and I enjoy her candid style!!!

 Phyllis (Bella Bliss)

I have known Phyllis since I started blogging and thought she was stuck up; 

she let me know what a kind & caring Christian woman she is. 

I totally agree.

 Tia (Domestic Underground)

Tia is a edgy female that has enthralled me for years; then I lost her : (

I am so Happy to once again have her in my life. She makes me laugh and she is a creative force!!!

 Carol Anne (Carol Anne's Boutique)

This wonderful lady is the definition of gentle and kind; plus we have the same name only spelled differently : ) She shares her vintage photos with us.

 Mary (Crash and Smash)

Mary is a lovely lady in Texas that has a birthday close to mine : ) 

She is very lovely too!!!

June (laughing With Angels)

Wow, this is a lady who lives like she talks/writes. 

A strong velvet Angel; with gossamer wings and Peonies scattered about. 

Sharon (Shardon Exclusives)

I met Sharon through a give away and through her Christian work I have found a life's friend!!! Plus she is a master beader!!!

Betty (Shes Sew Pretty) A California lady whose husband makes a perfect pot of coffee, her daughter-in-law bakes the best cookies and Betty, the nicest/sweetest/crafty/artsy lady!!!

 Now I will go leave a comment on each of these wonderful ladies blogs so they can claim their award. I also know about real life and if you are busy like I think you are; just claim your Kreativ Blogger Award and keep going : )

  

Thank you

Peace

carole

Wednesday Winkles : )

Little Malaika saying hi to everyone : )

Her Auntie Shana, bought her this little blue sweat suit with a hoodie jacket. 

I gave her the pink heart shaped sunglasses : )

I have a "thing" about the use of pacifiers : (

I did not use them with my 3 daughters; 

yet everyone, within my daughter's friends, says it is okay to use them. 

What do you think?

My daughter's say I am old fashion : )

I am in the San Fernando Valley working on the dolls I learned to sculpt

out of paper clay. I am having a blast and can't wait to show them : )

Take care and enjoy this beautiful autumn season we are in!!!

Peace

carole

Wonderful daughter and even more wonderful Granddaughter

This is the most current photograph of my eldest daughter, Shana

and my newest Grand daughter, Little Malaika

who will be 3 months old in about 3 days.

Little Malaika's wonderful Mommie, Malaika, took the beautiful photograph.

It is embellished by my friend Mary because I am

clueless when it come to using any photo type editing program : (

It is a beautiful sunny, with a slight breeze here in Southern California.

The birds are chirping, wind chimes are melodic as the leaves of the fully grown Ficus trees sway in the wind. 

I was trying to catch up with blogging and it is difficult. I have Internet access only on the weekends because my daughter does not have Internet access as she is totally engrossed in Mothering her first born baby : ) That is a good thing!!!

So many great blogs and the photographs and the wondrous words have me captivated.

So, dear ones, enjoy this wonderful day and keep your loved one's close to your heart!!!

Be happy, all!!!

Peace

carole

Angels

This morning I read the most beautiful posting from this blog:

Laughing With Angels

Why "Laughing With Angels"
Please read this ladies heart rendering post

the tears flowed from me even on the 2nd reading.

I had to go and look up 'Angelman Syndrome'

There is a wealth of information on the Internet.

  It is NOT that unknown.

I wrote the lady who's blog I am referring you to and asked her

permission to post it here. She was kind enough to tell me yes : )

Sometimes, I complain about all of my maladies and then I read about

a wonderful woman and her family. I am pulled up short and know how lucky

and fortunate to meet people of this caliber on our blogs : )

This brown curly haired bow Angel makes me think of her son!!!

He has his Angel with him!!!

When I read passages about women of this caliber it makes my heart swell!!!

So, this beautiful day I dedicate to June. She is wonderful!!!

How nice Bloglandia is!!!

Thank you for sharing with us, June!!!

Love and Peace to everyone

carole

Sweet Marie Zine October 19th Give Away

My Artful Adventures Give Away

This charm and necklace is the lovely prize!!!
So please click on the above photo and enter her 
giveaway.
My Artful Adventures Zine Celebration Give Away

 

My Artful Adventures Wonderful Give Away 

Is this zine just too beautiful or what? 

It is free. 

Please click on the above links to go to her blog 

to enter her Give Away.

On October 19th 

You will be able to click on her link

and download your own free copy : ) 

I am going to enter right now!!!! 

Much Love

carole