From somebody's trash to my treasure. I like to re-style & re-create what was once a cast off. Isn't that what Jesus does with us?


Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Saying Good Bye ...

You think that you'll never do it again. Once hurt, twice shy kinda thing. Have you been there?
We have been hosting Chinese elementary students in our home for four years now. After the first time I said I can't do this again.
You take two lovely people into your home and then think you can just say good - bye after a week or two. Not that easy. It's an emotional roller coaster for sure.
But each time the email comes around and they are in need of host families, we are one of the first to sign up. My girls take turns offering up their bedrooms. They say they don't want to do it again, but every time they are all giggly over their new - found friends. They don't want them to leave. Good byes are hard and long. 
This year I had the privileged of leading the group. I was so honored to be able to communicate to the whole group (33 students and 3 chaperones) through a Chinese/American translator. We taught daily English classes and then toured our local hot spots. It was so much fun! We only lost a student once! HA! Her friend left her behind as she noticed the time and poor Tina (her American name) was stuck in a mall with 10's of entrances. Finally I tracked a slightly shaken Chinese teenager down.
They come to learn the language and get a taste of your culture. One year our "daughters" made us a traditional Chinese dish of rice and chicken. We'll never forget the two pound bag of MSG bought at the local Asian store for the meal. They said they had to have it. They used one table spoon for the dish. We promptly through it away when they left. HA!
In general the kids have always been very polite and cooperative. They "try" our American sandwiches and cereals, but if you ask them if they want Ramen noodles or white rice they are quick to take you up on it.

I love hosting the students because they are not as inhibited as the adults. They will tell you if they like something or don't. Even if their culture is not that up front.
Even though it was very hard to say good bye again this time, I would do it all over again. I can hardly wait until next summer!
Until then, my Chinese friends.
Tammy


Sunday, July 20, 2014

Missing China

Happy Monday!

I've had one of the greatest weeks of my life recently! I spent it touring 33 Chinese students and their chaperones around Pennsylvania.
More Pictures and stories to come! Now I need to catch up on some much needed rest!
Tammy

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Victorian Lady

Hello Dear Friends --
How's your summer going?
You know how I've found it fun to name the furniture pieces I've found? Well I have another one for you!
Meet Victoria!


My sister found this Victorian beauty along the curb and rescued her. I'm always amazed at what people throw away! She had plans to paint her until I offered to buy her. 
Here she is at the head of the table. I think I will eventually give her a fresh coat of white. For now, she's all scrubbed and looking a little tattered in some places.
Enjoy the sunshine!
Tammy 


Saturday, July 5, 2014

Chevron Basket

Still at it, my friends.
I gave this little basket a bit of a makeover. I was in need of some Chevron around my living room. This is what I came up with. Like?
Behind this wall is our hall closet. It's always been a bit of a problem. It's very deep, with two large platforms. I've never really known how to best organize it and so over the years it's become somewhat of a dumping ground.
Today I took the rod from my daughter's closet to see if it would fit in here. It does! And with that one little fix we are able to store so many extra coats and jackets.
I love me an organizational project. How about you? Do you like to organize? What have you organized lately?
Happy July 4th weekend my friends!
 

stars and stripes forever,
Tammy


Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Have I held you in suspense long enough?
I wish I could tell you I found an envelop of money in the drawers of Cecelia, but instead it was three BIG, Black Wolf spiders!!!!!!
The first one was found coming out of a drawer in my drive way as I hoisted Cecelia out of my jeep. (I was so thankful when I discovered the spider outside of my car and not IN my car especially as I was driving!!!!)
The second one also snuck out of one of the drawers while I was cleaning her off. But the third one ran across the floor in my sun room as I finally dislodged the two bottom drawers that were jammed shut.
The Wolf spiders move lightening fast! I was both surprised and horrified! Thankfully with help from my youngest we caught and ousted the last one.
I've been moving Cecelia all around the house for the best fit. First I had her in the sun room and then to my kitchen to add some color there. I used C.C. Caldwell's Chalk Paint on her to give her some nice shabby appeal. Do you like?
But now she is back in the sun room at the far end of my farm table. I like her there. Although lately I couldn't help but think of her as my dresser in my bedroom. Maybe another day (sigh).
I'm dying to show you these DARLING little suitcases I painted. I got them at the Luckett's Fair and used C.C. Caldwell's Chalk paint in Vintage White. I have a few more touches to add and I'll be sharing them here!
Take Care my friends!
Tammy