Shameless Self Advertising!

Just in time for the holiday baking cycle, I have re-opened my PruittCreations shop on Etsy!

I have redesigned my shop to cater to the home chef!  Aprons, table runners, napkins, towels etc.  Be the best dressed hostess at your holiday event or family gathering!  Take a quick look at my offerings.  If you don't see what you might like, convo me -- I would love to do a special order for you!

Flirty skirt full apron

Mommy and me!

Linen hand towel

Best dressed hostess! 

Well, whatcha waitin' for?  Go on over and visit:  PruittCreations  

Thanks!!

Icy Stairs

"I wonder why grandma doesn't like the stairs,

Is she scared of them?

I wonder why grandma is slow on the stairs,

Does she think they are slippery?"

(Quote from Grandma Doesn't Like the Stairs children's book by Linda Pruitt)

I have shared my scary page with you in a previous post and now I have finished working on the slippery stairs page. Previously I shared the preliminary sketch of the slippery stairs page in my Sunday Sketches post. (You can find it here.)  I made notes at the bottom of my icy page sketch as to the progression that I wanted to paint the final art.

Working on the page, I wanted it to look more icy and not just snowy.  I found that making it look right was most difficult. I did a practice sky wash with a second wash for the clouds; you can see it in the left top of this next picture.  Then I added the liquid mask, which was a very old product, I think I will need to buy some new masking product.

 Here is how it turned out:

I don't think it turned out like the image I had in my mind.  I was envisioning using a little lavender color in the final work, and the old liquid mask did not erase well,  so I am considering doing it over again. 

Have your say: You think it turned out enough like the sketch?
Linking to BlueChairDiary Sunday Sketches.

Practice Pieces

(Ongoing series on the Grandma Books)

The box I pulled from the closet had some practice pieces for the first book in the series.

The book is called, Grandma Doesn't Like the Stairs!  My granddaughter, Taylor, had asked me one time when I was visiting her house, why I was slow on the stairs in her house.  I guess she was used to everyone in her family running up and down the stairs.  It gave me an idea for a book and then a series of "Grandma Books".  (I should be an expert on that subject, since I have so many grandchildren!!!! You can look at my profile--About Me tab--for a peek at my family life! )  This first book is obviously dedicated to Taylor! She is now 13 years old and in junior high school.

Thanks Taylor!

Enviromental Preferences

Ever thought about what kind of terrain you prefer to live in and why? 

Many of us have not had a choice of the environment that we live in, because jobs have taken us where we currently live.  Many of us have been in that particular area for many years. Some of us have moved around frequently and have lived in many areas.  And, a few of us have been in our home town and it's environs all of our lives. We don't often think about our personal preferences, but, just for the sake of this article's question, "What do you prefer and why?"

I have resided in four different states--Texas, Missouri, California and Oregon--and not in that order.  Some areas I have loved, some I have tolerated.  Now, mind you, I am not talking about the people of these states.  Granted, in each area the culture and customs of the people are different, but I have found that I have loved all the people that I have met and still have friends in every area.

Some areas that I inhabited, to remain unnamed, were actually just an occupation of sorts, because I barely tolerated the setting. One such place was in a flat land with no trees anywhere, except where man had planted them, barely even shrubs native to the area.  Mostly grass land and tumbleweeds. The 'native' people loved it!  A friend bought a piece of property there and built a house.  When we went to see her new house, she stood in the driveway and said, "Isn't it so beautiful here!  You can see for miles around!"  I could see nothing but dirt and sky.  My feeling was shock, I felt it was stark and desolate.  It felt uncomfortable and exposed. 

As to the territories around each place that I lived, I won't go into each one, but I do have a preference.  As you can probably ascertain by the  last sentence in the previous paragraph, I need an environment of coziness with a feeling of cover.  I prefer a forested area.  There is just something about a habitat of old growth living green pines, firs and oaks with a lush undergrowth of ferns growing on fallen trees and underbrush where birds hop in and out looking for forage, that I truly love.  It gives me that warm, comfy feeling of being under my favorite quilt on a frosty morn. And like the patchwork quilt, my preferred environment would be so much more to look at than just dirt and sky.  My dream home would be in a cleared section of that forest, house facing the south to capture a little morning sun, and I would be in heaven!

How about you?

Fall Small Stone

Photo is by pbphoto on Etsy

Misty drops on my forehead,

Wet grass underfoot.

Leaves of yellow and brown,

Crackling under with each step.

Crisp moist Fall air

In my nostrils.

Aw, Autumn

you're here again!
 lp

Photo is by phpoto on Etsy.  Please take time to visit the shop!  (click the link above) Thanks!

Planning vs. Just Starting

Writers often just start writing and see where it takes them.  Sort of like a journey to discover what is in a head and how it will come out on paper in the end.  Do you write like that?  Or do you make a plan?  Most of us were taught in school to make an outline before we start to write our story, essay or thesis.  The trouble with just starting is that you get lots of sentences on the paper, capturing your thoughts, but they may be disjointed, and scrambled.  At some point you must fit them together to present the overall picture. 



Writer's Friend by frenchiefoo Etsy shop



On the other hand, some of us plan extensively before we write.  We think about it.  Test out several scenarios in our mind.  Talk about it, bouncing ideas off of a friend.  All this should be a part of the process to good writing and, I find, helps dispel writer's block.  I have been blogging for almost three years now and have experienced writer's block several times.  I believe this is due to lack of a plan.  I have learned, the hard way, to sit down at the beginning of the month and scribble out some probable blog posts for the coming days.  This planning keeps me focused and on track with consistent posting and takes the pressure off of trying to come up with something new all the time!

A plan is important. 

Plan your writing. 

Plan your blog posts in advance. 

Do some "homework" setting your plan to paper.  It can always be revised as you go, but a good plan (outline) is essential to good writing. Try it, and see if it helps you have a better writing product or blog.

JOP Writing Party - Week nine

Jumping Off Places Writing Party!!

WELL, look at me, I haven't written anything all week!  What is that?  I advocate practicing our writing and I don't write anything!?  It's been a crazy week.  And I have had writer's block.  I am writing a story about Abby, (see the tabs above) and I am stuck!  Been mulling over some angles but have not decided which way to go with it.  I guess you could say that it is all part of writing. 

So, don't feel bad and go away  if you don't participate for a week or so.  Keep coming back, read what everyone has written and enjoy!  Maybe it will stimulate your creative juices! 

Now for our Friday linky party! Practicing our writing skills, is what this is all about!  Write something cute, sad, inspiring, scary, or awesome! Just WRITE!

First lines for writing something this week were found in my April 15th post.

A review of how our party works can be found at the top of this page under the Jumping Off Places tab. If you have written something for this week, please drop down to the link part of this post and add your name and your URL. Then everyone who visits will be able to come read your creativeness!

First Lines for Next Week --Week TEN--

1)  She browsed the offerings in the street market, all the while pulling along her whimpering little boy.
2)  As I entered the office, I noticed it was filled with diplomas, degrees, and official looking certificates.
3)  Her smart gray suit belied her chosen profession.
4)  The squirrel in the tree sat extremely still with his eyes fixed on the stealthily moving cat below.
5)  Gasping for air, I literally thought my lungs would burst!

Spring Bee

The bee flitted from blossom to blossom in an erratic pattern. It felt like my life, the erratic pattern but without the flowers!  I chose to forget about my life today and enjoy the little bee while I sat in the sun on the patio. After all, it was the first really warm day in a long time.  I guess that's what the insect was taking advantage of too!  I watched him busily flit from the cherry tree blossoms to the forsythia to the tulip beds with determined ambition. My life should be so determined.  I really am blessed, like living among the flowers, but my attitude has been in the pits.  If I could just go about my business like this little bee, I would soon be basking in the honey!  Well, I guess the break on the patio is over, it's time to go back to the computer and back to work!  Bye little honey bee!

(The awesome art listed above is from Claire Burke on Etsy!  I love her style of art illustrations of children and animals.  Please visit her shop.http://claire.etsy.com/ )

What next, Sasha?

"You want me to adopt her?! Mom, you've lost it! You know that I'm already way too busy ALL THE TIME! My family, the shop, home schooling, the farm, watching after you!" Suzanne practically shouted at her mom, which was surprising. "But, Suz, you . . . . " Abby tried to say. "No, mom, I don't want to hear it!" she shouted, as she rose from her chair, put her cup in the sink and went for the back door! "Well, Sasha, that went well!" The cat meowed back, as if understanding just what was said. Wiping off the table and adding her cup to the sink, Abby headed for the wing chair in the living room with Sasha right behind her. "I didn't see that coming!" She picked up her embroidery, did a couple of stitches, and sat it down again. Rising from the chair, she paced across the Persian rug a couple of times then headed for the phone. She dialed the number and waited for an answer. "Ms. Cathy Griffith, please." After leaving a message for Ms Griffith, since she was not available, Abby went back to pacing. She sure hoped Suz wouldn't stay angry with her. She just wanted the best for Patricia and for her own family! Suzanne would never have a little girl of her own. There were no girls in the Hamilton family, hadn't been in generations. Always boys. Suzanne was resigned to it. "She loves her boys and I do too, Sasha. But I just wish she could have a girl. Sasha, maybe I have overstepped my bounds."

Common Writing Errors

Since this is a Creative Writing blog, today I want to start a new column (continuing blog post), to be posted on Saturdays, entitled "Common Writing Errors". Those of you who blog might be interested in this on-going discussion. I will not be posting anything on Sundays, so you can visit anytime on the weekend and find this column. Don't get me wrong, I don't have all the answers, and YOU WILL find errors in my writing, but I want to do better, and I am sure that you do too! I will do the research, and I hope that you will benefit as much as I do. Today's error has to do with the words 'than' and 'then'. I commonly find this error in written communications of all kinds. Business e-mail messages, web sites, pamphlets, EVERYWHERE! On lots of ocassions, I even hear people speak these words incorrectly. The word 'then' is an adverb and has to do with time, as in "Then he went to the store". The word 'than' is a conjunction and is used in comparisons. "I would rather go to the store than stay here and clean!" Often I have seen erroneous sentences like: "We will be participating in the meeting than having a potluck." "I'm smarter then him!" Most commonly, 'then' is used in the comparison mode. And . . . . one freebie Hint of the Day: Make sure you re-read your blog before posting, preferably in another font. It helps you catch your own errors before posting.

Thoughts Delivered

(Abby's story part 18) Since the morning sun was no longer streaming in the front window, it was a little cooler to sit at the dining room table as they talked. "Suz, you saw my pros and cons list. But I want you to know that I, also have looked at all the things that have happened in my life over the last several years as to how they relate to important decisions. I think it has helped me see more clearly." "You sound like you have really been thinking about this, mom" said Suz as she tilted the lovely porcelain clad kettle that was always ready on the stove and filled her china tea cup with hot water. "So, what do you mean?" she asked, while dipping her tea bag up and down in the water and taking her chair at the oak table.

teapot available from REtroGalore on Etsy

"Well, I mean that I have thought about your dad's death and where that has left me--both emotionally and financially. I thought about my heart attack and fitness level--or lack thereof! I though about the purpose of this family farm--emphasis on 'family'--that we are all in this together for a favorable and profitable outcome. I thought about adoption as a long term commitment and my age. And I think that I have decided that adopting Patrica is not for me, as much as I want it. I was thinking that I wanted her to have a stable home, and she got along so well with Paddy and Owen. I could see her here in this house, filling it with laughter and chaos. My heart is full of love for her and, I know, all the other children who need love. But I think that my stamina is not the greatest and my years on this earth may be more limited that I would really like to admit. So, I have come to this conclusion: I have decided that adopting Patrica is not for me, as much as I want . . . " "Oh mom," Suzanne interrupted, "I know that this was hard for you, but I really do think it is for the best. Little Patty will go to a good home, I know it! You needn't worry." "Suz, you didn't let me finish! I am no longer worrying. I want you and Terry to adopt her!"

A Tear and a Small Stone

(Small stones are short written thoughts that describe what you see or think succinctly. See the tab above for more info.)

teardrop locket by oceanblueseaglass on Etsy

"Tears cleanse the heart, release emotion whether joy or grief,

and are encased by God as preciousness." -lp

JOP - Silent Music

(This is for Jumping Off Places.) On the top of the piano sat a beautiful gilded frame with a yellowing newspaper clipping inside. The date read, July 16th, 1948. The frame sat upon a gorgeous linen embroidered doily. This was obviously the treasured focal point of the room. Everything else in the room was dated and a bit understated; a Victorian settee with a simple wool rug underneath, one oak pressback chair in front of the Steinway and next to the three legged swivel piano stool, rows of music books in a simple bookcase by the huge double leaded glass windows with mahogany shutters to close the bottom half when needed. The room's purpose was clear: it was to be filled with music, just music, during lessons and, the master's alone. Life in this room had not changed much since the late forties. I stood taking it all in and trying to imagine what had been played in this room in all those years, trying to hear masterpieces and sour notes alike--all mingled together in a symphony that no one would now hear.

Moles and Decisions

(Abby's Story - Part 17) Ronda was a short little lady with a round face and dark hair to match her dark eyes. The smile she wore was all over her face and twinkled out her eyes. One could readily tell that she was happy and friendly! After speaking with her for a few minutes, Abby decided to excuse herself and head for the office in the back of the shop. Suz, probably already having decided that she wanted to hire her, entertained Ronda for a few minutes, enlisting her help folding some linens on a shelf.

Towels available from pruitthandcrafts on Etsy

Abby took the time to look over the application lying on the desk. She was wondering if Ronda had been a punctual employee at her last job, or if she had skipped around from job to job. BLAM! The back door slammed, as Owen ran up to the desk! "Owen, you know you are not supposed to run in the shop! What is up with you?" "Grandma, we found a mole hole in the garden. And a few of our baby carrots are missing! I came to tell mom!" "Your mom is busy right now, and mole stories can wait. Why didn't you go get your dad? He's better equipped to help you with a little mole" instructed Abby. "But, grandma, he's way out at the shed in the back 40!" Owen protested. "Well, I'll let your mom know and you head back to the garden. As soon as you see your dad, let him know. We can't have a little mole ruining our harvest!--And don't slam the door this time!" Owen scampered out the back door again, this time closing it carefully, as Abby headed to the front of the shop. Suz and Ronda had finished rearranging the linen cupboard and were standing at the cash register. "Everything looks fine, I would agree with your decision, Suzanne, and I hope that Ronda can join us for some of the morning hours around here. Also, Owen will have some news for you when you go home, and I need your help with that decision, soon."

Shop Appointment

(Part 16 of Abby's Story)

“Nearly two o’clock,” thought Abby, “I need to stop working on this list and get over to the shop!” Leaving the tablet lying on the dining room table and she headed to the back door, down the steps, and following a well worn path across the yard behind the house till she reached a vine covered arbor gate. Through the gate was a large parking lot of gravel and a rustic building, formerly a large shed that currently served as the family farm shop. The building was a simple board and bat construction with corrugated tin roofing. Abby remembered when it had a large sliding door on the front and a dirt floor. The previous owners had used it to house their tractor and their mechanic shop. The heavy wood door slid open to allow the tractor easy access. When she and the family purchased the property, they had remodeled the building for their retail operations.

As she rounded the corner of the building to the front door, she noticed only one car in the parking lot, which was not unusual, this early in the season. While pulling the glass door open, she inspected the front window displays that Suz had been working on for the last week.

"Suz, these look sharp! You've done a nice job. Is that our applicant's car out there?"

Reading the List

(Part 15 of Abby's Story--You can start at the beginning here.) Suzanne set her lemonade glass down on the little crocheted coaster, saving the beautiful finish of the old oak tabletop, while she read the list. Pros: 1) I love kids! 2) I have the finances to support a child 3) I love little Patricia Cons: 1) My stamina is not very good. 2) Health concerns/life expectancy, I'm nearly 65! 3) Limits on my freedom-I already raised ten kids! 4) Total changes to my everyday routine

Lemonade dress by CappysCloset

Questions:

1) Schooling? Where? How? 2) Her family's involvement? If any? 3) Will it prevent me from helping other kids? "Mom, these are all good questions. I see that you have been seriously thinking about what to do."

"I have, Suz. Even though I have all of you, I still have time to give to someone else."

"Well, I think that you should make another list. This one should be about you're daily routine, as it is now and how it would be if you had a child living with you. Can you do that?" asked Suzanne.

"I believe I can, I have be thinking about it.''

"OK then, we'll talk again, once you have completed the list. Let me know. Now, I saw the vegetable order ready on the porch table, I'll have to be going to get to Clark's in time. By the way, I liked that gal, Ronda, that came for the interview. I would like you to meet her, and see what you think. She's coming back tomorrow around two. Can you come over to the shop at that time?"

Jumping Off Places - Delays and Disappointments

Friends- I am sorry to say that there will be no post for "Jumping OFF Places" today. My hubby and I have had a huge disappointment, and I really don't feel like posting anything. We are taking a few days away. I felt an obligation to let you know why it is not here today. Can you let me off the hook today and we'll pick up where we left off next Friday? Thanks! Linda (Abby)

Vegetable Order and Decisions!

(Part 14 of Abby's Story--You can start at the beginning here.) Breathing heavily, Abby opened the gate of the vegetable garden and sat down on the bench just inside the fence for a rest. Pulling weeds from the flower border had been a little more bend-over exercise than she needed. "You done?" asked Suz, as she placed an arm load of lettuce and squash on the garden table. "No, I just need a breather. I need to pace myself." "Well, don't over exert. The flower bed can wait." Suzanne kept busy loosening and aerating the soil around the tomato plants. "But we do have this vegetable order to deliver to Clark's Corner." "Yes, I know. I just wanted to give a bit of time for the flowers, too. Anyway, I can use this rest time to talk to you about something. Since little Patricia stayed with me, I've been thinking. I really need an outlet for my love for children, but I don't know how. I've made list of pros and cons of reasons to adopt, but I am still undecided." "Adopt? Oh, mom, I know that you have a big heart for kids, but at your age? Can't you do something else that will pacify your passion?" "Patricia's family is giving her up and she needs a home!" Abby retorted with vigor! "I understand that, mom, but I worry about your health. You just said that you need to pace yourself. You already volunteer at Thomas House. They love you there. And you can still have the kids stay in the summer for a week at a time." Abby put her gloves away on the garden shelf and replied, "You are probably right, but my heart just bleeds for that little girl. I wish she could have a good home." Putting her gloves away too, Suzanne walked toward the gate and said, "I understand mom. I would like to see your pro and con list and talk to you about it later; right now I've got a gal coming to interview for the shop sales position. Why don't you go make some lemonade and I'll be over later to talk." "O.K., I'll spend a few minutes washing the veggies and packaging the order, then I'll go in and make the lemonade. See you later."

Pros and Cons

(Part 13 of Abby's Story)

. . . ? . . . ? . . . ? . . ? . . ? . . . . . ? . . . ? . . . . ? . . .

Hair Clip by bourdiers on Etsy

Abigail's day mostly done, she found herself again in the wing chair enjoying the warmth from the fireplace. Tonight, as she lifted her feet to the footstool and pulled the Afghan over her legs, she was well into thought . . . . "Am I too old? I still love kids. Being a foster mom or adopting just appeals to me. But . . . where could I do the most good? After all, I have a large enough home and am fortunate enough to be able to afford all the expenses. I could care for a child, easily. I could love a child. I really enjoyed having Patty here with me for a week. But then . . . I was tired. It does take a lot of energy to follow after a little one and make sure they are always safe and entertained." As she pondered adding another log to the fire, she thought better of it because it was almost time to turn in. As the warmth from the fire began to die, the afghan felt so good. She sure enjoyed her quiet time; would that be sacrificed with a child in the house? Thoughts were flying in her head. Tomorrow . . . tomorrow she should make a list of pros and cons, and talk with Suz about possibilities. necklace by noyasilverjewelry on Etsy

Abby's House Guest

(Part 12 of Abby's Story)

The house had never been so "lived in" in such a long time! Toys on the oval rag rug between the wing chairs, and in the chair. Sasha didn't know where to plop herself down in the evenings. Crayons on the kitchen table with lots of artwork tacked on the refrigerator and on the dining room wall. Dishes in the sink--not rinsed and put in the dishwasher. Towels and pint-sized clothing items to pick up from the bathroom floor, guest towel to hang back up on the rack and shampoo lids to return to their originally planned positions.It wasn't Patricia's fault at all, there was just so much activity right now with the beginning of harvest season. It was nice having little "Patty" stay for the week, but we had been running all week and things needed to get done! New laborers were showing up needing direction. The storefront was opening this weekend, shelves still needed to be stocked and new applicants for the sales position were arriving in response to the sign in the shop window. Last minute deliveries needed to be signed for, and in the midst of all this, a house guest from Thomas House!

"Whew! But, then, I knew it I was going be like this, the only time for it was before the harvest season, I just didn't think about it being the last week before the season started!" Abby argued to herself,

Dolls by polywen on Esty

"And, Patty had been such a delight! But my Paddy was a little confused having a 'Patty' around; they have had so much fun playing in the yard, hunting for caterpillars and bugs between doing the chores. I'd call out 'Patty' and they would both come running!" She smiled at the thought as she picked up the toys from the chair and placed them in the small cupboard. "I'd do this again . . . next year--next spring or, maybe even, after harvest season."