Sunday Morning Quiet Time

     It's VERY early here at my home and even after the last two days of high energy craziness, I find myself awake and blogging to YOU!!  This seems to be happening alot lately (not the blogging part--my bad, I know I need to blog more!) I wake up before my alarm goes off and lay in my bed trying to solve the problems of the world---well, at least those in my own life!

   What thoughts are going through my head at 4:30am in the morning?-----"remember to pay the insurance bill today, it was due yesterday';     'what am I going to feed Brayden (my grandson and best baby in the WORLD) for breakfast this morning, I don't have any eggs';     'I need to sort through all the vintage clothes I just bought on Friday and get them ready to post in my new internet shop---www.mykitschycloset.etsy.com';     'can I stay in my pajama's all morning or will I have to get dressed at some point--I don't want to get dressed or go anywhere today!';  and my all-time favorite----'can I go back to sleep or should I just get up and get on with life?!?'  What---you were expecting me to have REALLY deep, earth-shattering thoughts?  Nah, not at 4:30am in the morning!!!!

   But seriously, I have found myself thinking more and more about my life, past, present and future, and I have been concerned with what I've found.  I think all this is probably brought on because I will be having a "BIG" birthday in a few months----the big 6-0!!!  Just typing it makes me shutter-uugghhh!!   Anyway, I've started to wonder what my life would have been like if I had made 'different' decisions in my younger days.  Maybe not have married so young or started a family so soon.  Perhaps if I had stayed in college and become a graphic designer as I had planned.  Or perhaps me and my best friend at that time, Jackie, would have traveled to foreign lands to absorb all we could of their artist cultures.  Or even have done some missionary work here in the states or overseas--perhaps.  But dwelling on 'what could have been' does no one any good!

     And then I begin to see the faces of my children, I see then as the little ones they once were and remember the precious adults they have become.  I remember all the pain and illness my mom has gone through the past few years and I cherish every moment I still have with her.  I feel the warm breathe of my grandson Brayden as he falls asleep on my shoulder, his sweet body cuddled in my arms, and I realize........I am blessed.

   There is a wonderful scripture in Psalms 90--"Teach us to make the most of our time....and make our efforts successful.  Yes, make our efforts successful!" (NLT)  I believe that's what everyone wants in life, no matter your religion, no matter your nationality, no matter your race, political leanings or life-preferences.  We all just want to matter, to have our efforts in life be successful!!

     And although success can be measured differently by different standards, in my own eyes I am successful!  Was this the life I planned for myself so many years ago--definitely NOT!!  But is this the life, with all it's struggles and hardships and pains, that is making me the person God intended me to be----absolutely!!

     And so this early morning 'thought session' becomes a time to thank my Heavenly Father for all that I have and all that I will become.  I'm not were I need to be but I'm on my way, and that's ok!!  And so I leave you with a few pictures to enjoy and I pray you are blessed as I have been blessed.......

 

Brayden showing me his banana--cheeky fellow!!

 

My son Jonathan and I at the beach

 

Brayden and I visiting my mom at the nursing home

My daughter Brittany (Brayden's mom) and momma

My grandson Tyler age 7 (Jonathan's son) who lives in Michigan--we haven't seen him since he was 3 yrs old

 

 

 

    I hear Brayden stirring and must fix breakfast---God Bless all and any who read this!!

Pat, A Remade Life
 
 

Vintage/Retro Clothing Shop will open soon!

     You know, I've NEVER been accused of just doing 'nothing'!  In fact, it's always been the other way with me---I do too much!!  My 'problem' has always been that I like so many different things, I love doing different projects, creating art and trying new things.  That's really not such a bad thing unless you can't focus--and that's always been my issue, lack of focus.

     I've been reading a book lately (also a hard task cause most books can't hold my interest for long) about a group the author calls 'scanners' people who are just like me and love many different and varied things.  People like us are often looked at with a 'jaundiced eye'---you know, like we're crazy!!  Well, I'm here to tell you we AREN'T crazy, we just have very creative minds that continuously finds interests in different areas!!  Now, that's a mouth full, but what it means is we love life and want to participate in EVERYTHING!!

     Ok, so I'm pretty much liking this book, but it still feels as if something is just not right.  I just can't find peace in anything for very long.  So I have begun to pray and seek God's mind on why He made me this way and what I'm doing wrong.  He really is such a loving Father to us and I know His plans for me are good.

     It finally came to me not too long after I started seeking Him that there MUST be focus in one's life--it's ok to love/participate in many different things, but in order to have true peace--there MUST be focus!!  At least, that's what I am finding for my own life.  Without focus our minds flitter about from here to there, thinking this thought, that thought, never landing on one thing and often not completing what we are working on.  Without focus, there is no peace, true peace of accomplishment, cause you are always running from one issue/project/thing to the next, taking no time to enjoy and dwell on what you've done---again, this is what I am finding in my own life, maybe it's not true for you.

     With all that say, I'm still working on my focus and where it needs to be.  Wish I could tell you I've found it, but at least I'm getting closer and closer.  And there has been great joy in that knowledge-that I'm on my way!!

     And so now to the title of this blog-post:   I have always loved fabrics/materials and I'm finding out more and more that I love vintage/retro clothing.  Everything/project I've been working on lately seems to revolve around textiles of some kind.  I even like to call myself a 'textile artist.  My mind is constantly coming up with ideas involving fabric/textiles of some kind or another!  Therefore, I will be opening a new shop on etsy soon that will sell retro/vintage clothing, some even altered by me to enhance it's look!!!  I am excited and nervous about this, all at the same time!!

     And above all, I will look at it as a new adventure, a new path to walk down not always knowing where it is leading but trusting that my heavenly Father is guiding my steps!! And if it's NOT my true path, then I've had a good time walking it and I'll just look for another!!

     Here are a few pictures of some of the clothing I have in my 'hoard':

1950's-style oriental dress-beautiful

Everyone needs a retro Harley Davidson shirt!

I LOVE this sweater--maybe I should keep it?!

Anyone remember neheu jackets/dresses?

Very ornate silk blouse/dress from India

Can you say vintage 1950's!!

Oh my, I think I had a set like this back in the 60's

Very classy knit dress from the 1980's

I look at this and want to change my name to "Moonbeam", what's up with that?!!

Well, that's it for now, another page out of my life but one I gladly share with you!

God bless all and any who read this,

Pat, A Remade Life

'like' us on facebook (please):  Remade Life Emporium

My Wonderful Mom

      It's been a while since I've posted pictures of my wonderful mom.  I took a day off work this past Friday and went to spend some time with her at the nursing home.  She was in a fine mood!!  It was 'Go Texan" day (for those who don't live in Texas, we have a 'Go Texan' day during rodeo season and everyone dresses up in their best western attire!)  and the residences were dressed in cute cowboy hats and bandannas.  Mom was soooooo cute in her green cowgirl hat and bandanna so I caught her with my phone camera and thought I would share the pictures with you.  She is doing very well right now, although she is still wheelchair bound and has been since she broke her leg again this past October.  She has had so many problems/issues over the past 5yrs.--numerous surgeries, 2- broken legs, breast cancer and so much more.  She is my hero and I love her very much.

     I have, of course, included pictures of my little 'pooterman'!!  He will be 2-yrs old this Wednesday and I must say I love every minute of every day since he came into my life--yes, even the smelly diapers and the temper tantrums (well, maybe NOT the smelly diapers so much!).  He is the love of my life and I thank God without ceasing for making me his 'Gigi'.

     God is good and has blessed me so much and so many good things are coming--I'll share with you as things happen!!

 God Bless all and any who read this!
Pat, A Remade Life
be sure to 'like' us on facebook - 'A Remade Life Emporium'

'Aren't I cute?!?'

Momma having fun

Brayden showing off his '6-pack'!!

Me with an attitude!!

Brayden loves his food!

Working hard in the back yard!

My beautiful mom!

"Whatever" Purses are here!!!!

     As some of you may know I had foot surgery almost 5 weeks ago---and, although it went very well, a reaction to the meds and edema in my foot caused me to be laid up a little longer then usual.  Now, I am NOT one to just lay around and watch soaps (and what's up with cable?!-all those channels and nothing good to watch!!!) so I decided to try to get a little creative work in.  However, not being very mobile kinda limited what I could do.

     So, I gathered as many bolts of laces, trims, fabrics, kitschy items and STUFF that I could grab, sat myself down on my sofa, propped my foot up on a pillow and started sewing!!

     The one rule I made myself stick to was "JUST HAVE FUN"!!!   Under no circumstances would I let myself stress out over, 'does it look right?", 'is it too small', is it too big', is it kitschy enough', 'is it too odd'!!?? and on and on and on........NO!!

    And so I just started grabbing whatever was within my reach and sewed it on the purse.  Some purses turned out cute, some turned out a little odd, but ALL were fun to make!!!  And it was GREAT therapy as I recovered.  As a matter of fact, it was sooooooooo much fun that I decided to finish them up and I've posted them in my etsy shop for sale- www.aremadelife.etsy.com  .

     And that's how the "Whatever Purse" was born!!!  I do plan on continuing making them, even though my foot is doing better.  (I'm still in that silly 'boot' thing but will hopefully be out of it soon!)  Here are a few pictures of my Whatever Purses---let me know what you think!

Please be sure and leave me a comment, let me know what you think!
And be sure to 'like' us on facebook--'Remade Life Emporium"
Until then, God bless all and any who read this,
Pat, A Remade Life
www.aremadelife.etsy.com
www.lovethatvintagestyle.etsy.com

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!!!!! This is the time of year when everyone is full of love, sweetness and.......chocolate!!! It is a time when we let those around us, those we hold so dear, that we love them and appreciate their contributions to our life. This is a good thing, however, there are many, many people out there who have no one to hug them, no one to reach out and let them know they are loved. This is a sad thing. And so, our challege to you is the find someone today who might seem lonely or sad---let them know they are loved, they are worthy and give them a kiss---well, a 'chocolate' one for sure!! We are 'A Remade Life' would like to wish everyone out there in 'blogsville' a very Happy Valentine's Day!!!!! God Bless all and any who read this!!! Pat, A Remade Life

Saying Good-Bye to a Wonderful Woman

     We experienced the loss of a wonderful woman the day before Thanksgiving, my precious mother-in-law passed away.  In truth, she was actually my 'ex' mother-in-law since I've been divorced for over 20 yrs, but she has always been "Mom Gill" to me.  She had been ill for several years now, including a recent pace-maker operation and Alzheimer's.   She had become confined to a wheelchair, mainly due to her loss of balance which had caused several broken bones from falls.  Her little 90-yr old body just could not take anymore! 

     She was an amazing woman, raising 9, yes 9, children while moving from base to base---my father-in-law was in the air force.  I believe it was the loss of her husband, my ex-father-in-law, just 1yr ago, that took a major tole on her.  She and "Big Morris" as she called him, had been married for 76 yrs!!  She told me stories of moving to Panama and arriving at the base in the middle of the night.  She turned on the lights to their base home and found........it was FULL of giant roaches!!!  Not one to get discouraged, she cleaned one of the rooms, placed all 6-young children in there to sleep and then spent the rest of the night 'de-bugging' her new home-----and she was pregnant with her 7th child at that time!!!  AMAZING!!

     I was very fortunate to have her in my life.  She was a wonderful example of the Proverbs 31 woman:
                                "She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
                      She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
                      Her children rise up and call her blessed, Her husband also and he praises her:"
                                                                                                          Proverbs 31:26-28

     I could say soooooooo much more about this wonderful woman, her creativity, her stamina, her LOVE for all those she came in contact with.  She was a constant inspiration to me and I will miss her greatly.

     And so I say, "Good-bye, Mom Gill--rest well in the arms of Jesus.  I will see again someday"

God Bless all and any who read this,
Pat, A Remade Life

Mischief Is In the Air!!

     I don't know about you, but when the mornings start getting a little cooler (and I do mean A LITTLE--it's still about 76 degrees in the mornings and topping out around 94-100 by the end of the day!!) and the trees start thinking of shedding their leafs.....well,I find myself feeling all frisky and, dare I say it, mischievous!! NOT in a bad way, but kinda like wanting to run up behind people you know and yell "Boo", then giggle and run off! What?...you don't think of doing that kinda thing?! Well, you should!!

     As I get older (I just had a b-day last month) I find myself thinking more and more of my childhood and all the things the kids in the neighborhood use to do. Things like staying outside until our parents practically dragged us back inside; or playing tennis in the middle of the street until we just got too tired to chase the ball anymore; or just sitting on the street curb and talking...not about anything in particular, just talking.

     Those were good days, but these days can be good too! So I invite you to 'get a little mischievous' (in a good way!) Grab your best bud and go running through the sprinklers before it gets too cold, or invite friends over for pizza and have a food fight (in the backyard of course--NO ONE likes to clean the kitchen!), or just sit on the street curb and talk about nothing in particular---I think you will find it will help to 'cleanse' away all your tensions and stress...and hopefully give you a refreshed outlook on life!

      Before I leave you, here are a few pictures of my curent ongoing project, one I am very excited about. I may try to have a 'grand opening/reveal' before the holidays...at least that's my goal. There is still lots to work out and I can't reveal too much at this time but will try very soon!!

Well, that's it for now----anyone in the mood for pizza!?!?!
God Bless All and Any who read this,
Pat, A Remade Life

Good bye to Boston

     Did you ever have one of those weeks were every time you turn around there is a major event occurring?!  Well, a few weeks ago was my week.  On a Monday in mid-February, my sweet dog Boston passed away.  Boston was our sweet, gentle and quiet brown Labrador.  We got him when he was just 7 weeks old and had him for almost 18 yrs. well past the age most labs live I was told by the vet.  Boston Baked Beans was his full name and we often called him simply 'Beanie'.  If I had to give a one word description of Boston is would have to be 'unassuming'.  Boston was a humble, mild dog who never demanded attention but stood quietly by and waited for you to notice him.  He was never pushy, always patient and never complained if you forgot to love on him.  He was simply always 'there' waiting for your love.  My now adult children grew up with him, Brittany the youngest was only 7 when he came to live with us.  At 25 she has a hard time remembering life without Beanie.  And the kids needed him--their lives had become upset with divorce, moving to a new place with no friends and a new school.  So Boston quietly helped them transition into a new life.   He was good at that.

     Over the last yr we had to confine him to the kitchen due to his lack of controlling his bladder and bowel movements.  He even accepted his confinement with grace, although he would 'escape' if we left the baby gate down!  But mostly he just enjoyed the cool tile on warm summer days and a nice place to cuddle in the winter cold.  And occasionally he would sunbathe in the backyard and quietly watch our other 2-dogs chase the squirrels!

     It has been several weeks since he passed and yet I still find myself looking for him in the kitchen and for a brief few seconds, thinking he is simply outside and not gone forever.  It will take a long time before I stop looking for that sweet face.  After all, 18 yrs is a long time to have just a wonderful companion.

     "Good-bye, sweet Beanie, you were an important part of our lives and we will never forget you--rest well dear friend, you've earned it."

God Bless All and Any who read this,
Pat, A Remade Life