Finally, The Flowers!

This just makes me a happy (Montana) gardener~ I took these photos the other day

on a trip to Wagner's Nursery...

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is about remembering those who have died in our nation's service. None of my family died while in service but I still like to remember them on this day, and they are all still living. My dad served in the Air Force in the 50's but never had to be in a war; my guy Jim served in Vietnam with the Air Force 1964-1968; my nephew Tyler just graduated from the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs a few days ago and my Uncle Bill served in the Army during World War II! In my collection of grandma's treasures I have a stack of letters my Uncle Bill wrote to my grandparents and mom while he was stationed in Europe in WWII. I have read every single letter. My grandma had them tied up in this bundle. They are so awesome! The one on top is dated 1945. He was 20 years old at the time!

Vintage Baby Clothes

What do you think? I have all of these vintage baby clothes from my grandma's trunk and I want to display them. I thought hanging them in the window of my studio/bedroom would look kind of nice. I don't think they can fade much more so I'm not worried about the sun. I'd rather use them than keep them in the trunk... Just an idea!

For the Love of Books

Have I mentioned I LOVE books? Since I was very small I have been obsessed with reading and books (give me Nancy Drew anyday...). My mom was a librarian. I took library science classes in college but they had no degree in it at MSU so I got my degree in Elementary Education. I have lots of children's books (I still buy them, though my kids are not so young anymore), lots of other books I've collected, both new and vintage. So - I pretty much never pass up a university library book sale. Really had to control myself yesterday, but I walked away with three vintage books - a story on rabbits (my other fav), one on snowflakes, and the other gorgeous one on growing violets~ I don't have a scanner so the images aren't that great, but the violet book has lots of beautiful pictures~

Vintage Treasures

The other day I went to the Senior Center for lunch with my guy's 89 yr. old mom and her friends. I loved it. I really enjoy their company. Little did I know, but downstairs in the basement of the center is a place called Second Hand Rose... oh, my! Why didn't anyone tell me about this place? We have very few thrift stores or antique stores in this area, and we never have flea markets like I see all of you blog ladies going to. So when I went down to this place I was pleasantly surprised! Lots of vintage linens, laces, crafty things, and so much more. I only spent about 10 minutes in there. I was overwhelmed. I found this really cool gingham apron, vintage cotton fabric, and a beautiful vintage tablecloth with blue flowers~ I have lived here 23 years and I had no idea this place existed! I'll be back!

JunkFest 2010

I'm so excited that we are going to have the 2nd Annual JunkFest right here in our area on Saturday, June 19th! There will be lots of vendors, food, music, "junk hunks" to carry your purchases out to your car, and 'trash-to-treasure' demos by me! I'm really looking forward to this. If you are in the area stop by! Go here for the Antique Barn website and here for the Antique Barn blog. Photos courtesy of Antique Barn.

View From My Backyard!

It is such a beautiful day I really don't want to be inside... I've snapped a few photos to share with you and then I'm on my way back out! Have a wonderful weekend!

What My Boys Did (For Me?) On Mother's Day!

No - none of this is me! I wouldn't be caught hanging dangerously off of cliffs! But apparently my boys would. It was a great day for climbing on Sunday so they took advantage of that. Gives me the 'willys' everytime they tell me they've been climbing. Often they'll send me a photo or video while they're in action - it scares the bejeezus out of me!

Nice Mom That Quilts!

My friend Pat, who's in my Art Quilters group, submitted this fantastic quilt to Quilting Arts magazine. There's an online article that tells her story on how the quilt was designed and made for her son who was stationed over in Bagdad. So very proud of you, Pat! Go here to read this fantastic article!

My Mom

My mom, Susan, is one special person! This is her high school graduation picture - 1956! She still looks much the same! She has been through a lot - heart attack at age 58; full recovery; stroke at age 71; pretty much full recovery! She's doing well. I attribute it to her being the original 'health food' guru and healthy lifestyle lady... no white bread, soda pop, or sugared cereal for us as kids. I think it's served her quite well. I am very happy to say she is still with us and enjoying life! I love my mom!

New 'Zine

I love 'zines and I ordered a great one the other day from Lee at The Way I See It. It's called Twigs and Feathers. There are a lot of great ideas and creativity! I think the first run has sold out but I believe they'll be making more issues available. (Photo courtesy of Lee's Esty).

Who's the Winner?

Sorry I'm a day or so behind. I ended up getting a job interview in Helena so was out of town for a day or two! Went to our cabin at the lake while we were there. Still pretty cold here in Montana! Speaking of Montana, I have a giveaway winner - can you believe it is someone with a Montana connection? The Random Number Generator picked #2 and that was KarenSue of Sue Bee and Butterflies . Congrats, KarenSue. Please email me your address! I have a few surprises already to send but will be hitting the antique stores, etc. this weekend so I'll probably pick up a few more things! Thank you all for your wonderful comments. I really appreciate it! Hope you'll continue to check in and see what's happening here!

Hello, Spring?

This is what is happening today - (view from my office). Oh, yes, we need the moisture, but I want sunshine!!!

Fabric Addiction

My name is Jamie and I'm addicted to fabric. What can I say. I have been stricken with this affliction since I was about 6 or 7. I think I still have pieces of fabric that I collected since I was that age (40+ years ago!). I know I still have pieces from the late '70s - early '80s. So, because I can never have enough, today I went to one of the local quilt stores, Main Street Quilting Company, for some textile therapy! I couldn't resist this new fabric from Moda called Cherish Nature. Check it out here. I love the eggs. I only bought fat quarters but I'm pretty sure I will need more of the egg fabric! I also really, really like the turquoise background. We are fortunate to have four, (yes, FOUR) really awesome quilt stores in our tiny little town of less than 30,000 people. Amazing! Lucky Me! If you're ever visiting Bozeman (or Yellowstone Park) visit these quilt stores:

Main Street Quilting Company

Reproductions Fabrics

Quilting in the Country

Quilts on Broadway

In the Garden

SW Montana has such an incredibly short growing season. As I read many of your blogs I envy your photos of the wonderful lilacs, tulips, etc. already in full bloom! I grew up in Northern California - Marysville and Chico, to be exact - and I have the fondest memories of all the wonderful plants that grew in our garden and for a lot longer than only three months! The past few days here it's been snowing - yes, s-n-o-w-i-n-g! But, there are a few grape hyacinth, daffodils and tulips peeking through and a really scraggly looking bunny rabbit!