Sorry For The Interruption

Wow! I can't believe it's been over 3 months since my last post.

Well, actually I can believe it...you see, I've been working a "real" job, with crazy hours

So I was either working or sleeping.  And sick.

Apparently I've been sick for close to a year, but I didn't know it, and it all came crashing down around my head on September 24.

I thought it was just a really bad case of heartburn, but continually got worse, and then when my heart started beating crazy, hubby took me to the ER.

After getting my heart regulated, I was admitted for observation, and a few blood tests.

Then an x-ray.

Then a CT scan.

Then an echo-cardiogram.

I was there for 5 days, and felt like Alice that fell down the hole.

Every day brought me a new doctor, and another diagnosis.

I have A-fib (which brought me to the hospital)

brought on by Type 2 Diabetes.

And while checking the x-ray a spot on my lung was discovered (hence the CT scan).

So they did a CT scan directed biopsy.

Which brings me to stage 1 lung cancer.

Yep, this non-smoker got lung cancer.  Go figure.

So now, I work when I can, while waiting for the results of the latest PET scan and for a surgery date.

All while learning all I can about diabetes.

The plus side to all of this?

1). God provided the right doctors at the right time to discover the lung cancer that otherwise would have become too severe before I noticed any symptoms.

2). I'm finally getting myself into shape with a better diet and exercise.

3). All my kids will be home for Thanksgiving...and I don't have to cook. lol

The moral of my story?

Life is short...enjoy it and spend time with those you love, and do the work you love.

Today.

Be blessed,

Debb

YBC Book Review - "After The Boxes Are Unpacked" by Susan Miller

Have you ever moved?  Or have you ever felt alone and outside the circle?

I just finished Susan Miller's book, "After The Boxes Are Unpacked"

for Tyndale Publishing.

I requested this book because we are working at selling our house and then move back home to NY. (No, not New York City....there is a whole state that is much nicer than that city. lol)

I thought that this book would have more actual packing and moving tips, but it didn't.

It was about letting go of your past lives (and homes and communities) and learning how to fit in with the people in your new communities.  And how to learn to lean on God in the process.

Back in the early 80's, my ex-husband moved us from New York to Texas...and I was miserable.

I was a new Christian, just discovered I was pregnant with our 3rd child, and in an unhappy marriage.

I could have used this book.  It probably would not have saved my marriage, but it might have helped me to enjoy the communities where we lived.

This book is full of encouragement, and scriptures, and comment sense suggestions on how to remember your "old" life without too many tears, and how to start your "new" life in new surroundings and make new friends.  Even though I am moving back to my hometown, I will still be able to use the suggestions in this book, and we look for a new church, a home in a new area of town, and to help my kids find new friends.

After her last move across the country, Susan was led to start a support group in her church for newcomers.  Out of that came this book, and Susan has also started the Just Moved ministry, a non-profit organization to help everyone, weather you need a group, or would like to start one.

I give this book 2 thumbs up.

Be blessed,

Debbi

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book, but this review is 100% my own opinion.

Storewide Sale

As I shared before...The Yankee Burrow Co. is heading in a new direction this year with more emphasis on home decor and original artwork.  So I am having a sale...

50% off everything in my shop with the coupon code CLEANHOUSE50.

Another reason for this sale is....

WE ARE MOVING!

Not just into a new house, but a new "old" state.

We are moving back to New York sometime this summer/year to be closer to family,

and while I'm excited, I'm also kind of bummed.  I'm gonna miss NC...the mountains, the sunsets (and sunrises), the HEAT!!! lol

I am also feeling overwhelmed.  While our home is just under 1000 square feet, which is tight for a family of 4, we also have 3 outbuildings...one of them is my art studio...which is full of STUFF.

So please, help me clean my inventory so I don't have to pack it and move it 5 states!

Just a quick click to share this post would help me tremendously!

Here's a few more items you can get...cheap...

Chunky Crochet Square Cowl

A cowl is a great fashion accessory for every season, and the tweed colors of this cowl are warm and beautiful.  This cowl is squared, but we also have a tapered cowl of the same yarn for a tighter fit.

Lilac Beaded Purse

Speaking of fashion accessories...you can never have too many handbags...and this lilac beaded bag is a roomy 12.5" by 10.5" and is lined so no worries about your comb or keys poking through the gorgeous shell pattern of the purse.

There is also much more available...so check out my shop...and don't forget to use the coupon code CLEANHOUSE50 to save you money!

Be blessed,

Debbi

SACE 2015 Fall Show Sneak Peek #2

Only 2 weeks left till my favorite craft show of the year.

The Statesville Artian and Crafters Expo.

Let's see who else is going to be there....

I love journals...I have books stashed everywhere in my house.  No Evernote for me. lol.  Glenise shares her handcrafted journals created with vintage finds in her Etsy shop Stone Bridge Lane.  I can't wait to see these creations in person.  My favorite one in her shop is this Brave Girl Journal.

For the accessory lover, we will have Debra from Outtadabag. She creates bags of all shapes and sizes.  I really like this Chili Pepper Bag.

For those of you outside of the southern United States, and outside North Carolina....this is a corn hole board with the colors of the NC Tarheels.  After moving down here, I quickly learned that THIS is the team to cheer for, at least if I want my neighbors to talk to me. lol.  Susan from Design Crazy has these, and so much more to offer.  Painted glass.  Upcycled pieces.  And some AMAZING barn quilts.   

The artistic tool of choice for Robert and Billie is a scroll saw.  And they are very talented with that saw.  Check out the detail of Santa Clause on sleigh during his midnight flight.  They have a lot more to offer on Specialties Crafts.

Here's another great looking Santa, this one is from Flowerpot Friends.  Cheryl and her hubby just let their imaginations run wild with flower pots...so very cute.

There are soooo many other artists that don't have an online presence, so you need to be sure to stop by The Statesville Christian School in Statesville, NC on Saturday November 21.  Look for me, I'll be there too. :)

Be blessed,

Debbi

YBC Book Review - The Gracekeepers by Kirsty Logan

I finished reading "The Gracekeepers" by Kirsty Logan, but I have to tell you, this story is never really  finished for me.  I enjoyed it so much, the story just wrapped itself around my heart.  It is one of those stories that just lives inside you, evoking emotions and making it hard to put down.

The story is captivating and inspired in part by Scottish myths and fairy tales, but it could also be about our world. In Gracekeepers, there are two worlds, two peoples, those who live on land, and those who live on the oceans, with hints of those who may live in the oceans. Callendish lives on a small island, alone, overseeing funerals, when she meets North who works on a circus boat. And once their lives meet, their worlds change. You feel that their paths were destined to cross from even before their birth.  I don't want to spill the beans, but I do highly highly recommend this book for all those who love fantasy.

Kirsty Logan's writing style is ethereal, and misty, perfect for this story. You don't just read this book, you feel it. And when you're done...the story stays with you.  I was amazed when I discovered that this is her debut novel, she is truly a talented storyteller.  She has definitely become one of my favorite authors and I look forward to her next novel.  

I so enjoyed this book, I know I will be reading it again. And again.

I give this book 5+++ stars.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for my honest review.*

Be blessed,

Debbi

YBC Book Review - The Tank Man's Son by Mark Bouman

I enjoy meeting new people and learning how God can, and does, change them.

And that's what I found from my latest book,

"The Tank Man's Son" by Mark Bouman.

This book was totally engrossing, and I found it hard to put the book down.  I really enjoyed Mark's style of writing, it made me feel for him, and his whole family.

The beginning of the book gives you the back story of his parents lives before they met, which gives a good foundation to help you somewhat understand the behavior of his Dad.  And his Mom.  And Mark does not just tell of the dark parts of his life, but also pulls you in with the lighter side, and the fun, every child can find in difficult situations.

The story wraps up with Mark as an adult, and how God turned his life around, and helped Mark not only forgive his father, but to reconcile with him.  The only down side to this story is I would have loved to learn more about Mark's life as an adult, his college years and the struggles he faced himself as an adult.  It almost seemed like the part of his life where God was working was just an afterthought in this book.  He could have gone more into depth, and even if it made it a larger longer book, it would have been worth it.

Mark Bouman and his family served as missionaries to Cambodia for more than 20 years.  

Here's a video trailer for the book.  

watch on tyndale.com

I give this book 5 stars.

Be blessed,

Debbi

Where Did August Go?

Wow....

It's already the end of August and my last post is from the end of July....

where is the time going?

I remember as a child that time seemed to move so slowly, spending my days playing around and wishing for summer, then wishing for Christmas, then wishing for more.

Now it's like I'm just barely getting anything done.

My to-do list can go on forever, as soon as I knock one item off, 2 more get added.

Let's see...

local farmers market

local craft shows

new website

new blog look

new crafts to try

on-line classes to improve all of the above.

Then add in summer trips and vacations.

A 4 day church conference (of which I was on the planning committee)

An emergency last minute trip home for family.

And planning for a new year of homeschooling....high school level.

But I'm not complaining.

Because all this work just means I am alive.

I have the ability to get up, and move, and think, and do.

And I praise God for every hectic, crazy, exhausting day.

Now for a lighter touch...

This is Hannah's first day of school picture.

Be blessed,
Debbi

Our Sunday Brunch - BBQ Hawaiian Bagels

Yesterday I made a quick and easy light meal for brunch.  I love quick, easy, and light.

You want to see it???

Take some bangles and toast them under the broiler.  I used plain bagels, but I'm sure any flavor would just add to the taste.

While the bagels were toasting, tear up some large leaf lettuce for your salad.  I prefer red leaf lettuce, but I only had green.  Really any lettuce will do.  Just an FYI, the large leaf lettuce is more nutritious that iceberg lettuce.  Wash, rinse, and spin dry.

Next up, some BBQ sauce.  I just use what ever flavor I have handy.  Then a pineapple ring, some smoked ham, and shaved cheese.  Then pop this back under the broiler.  While that's melting, I finished the salad with some tomatoes, carrots, and corn.  I like tortilla strips and hubby is partial to croutons.

Broil just enough to warm through and melt the cheese...and there you have it.

All the different flavors, from the bite of BBQ to the sweet pineapple to the smoked ham just all work together to tingle your tastebuds.

So, what is your favorite easy Sunday brunch meal?

Be blessed,

Debbi

The Statesville Artisian and Crafters Expo 2015

This is a little late in posting, but a few weeks ago I attended my first craft show of the season.

The Statesville Artisian and Crafters Expo was held in our local mall.  While the show was ok, and the promoters worked hard, there was very little foot traffic.  I think that was because the mall is dying.  :0(  When we first moved down here, the mall was at full capacity, but now there are only a handful of shops there.  I heard that the owner of the mall is letting all the leases expire so they can tear it down and build a strip mall, but I don't see that happening.  That whole area of town is is shrinking.  Oh well, at least I made my booth rental and a little extra by the end of the looooong day.

Here's a few pics to lighten the mood.

This is Rena....she does thumbprint art, AND she had her 18 day old baby with her.  I was impressed. 

This is my spot.  

And this is Mabel...my new mannequin.

My new blue shelves and the modge podged heads, you almost can't tell where the cat chewed one of the noses off. lol

How this for a business card holder? Thank You Pinterest. The only problem was that kids kept playing with the slinkys causing the cards to fall.

 

I met lots of talented people there, and you can see pictures of all the vendors on the SACE 

2015 facebook page.

Now my next show in May is...

Faith Community Fest.  This one looks like a lot of fun.  I bet Hannah doesn't spend much time at our booth during this show. hahaha

Are you participating in any shows this year?

Be blessed,

Debbi

One Week Left Till The Start Of My Craft Show Season

Friday was the first day of spring (and Hannah's birthday) 

and that leaves me only 1 week to complete my preparations for....

my first craft show of 2015!

While munching on birthday cake, I found some more display ideas on Pinterst....

(I love love love Pinterest)

Yesterday I got my canopy...it's bright pink!  You know how I love color!

What tips do you have for a successful show?

Be blessed,

Debbi

Yes...I'm Still Here

When did my life become so hectic?

Oh yeah, when I got great ideas of more things for me to do. lol

I've started taking some on-line classes to renew / revitalize my writing skills for more freelance copywriting / blogging jobs.

We've switched Hannah's homeschool from mostly on-line to mostly workbooks, which is better for her, but more work for me.

AND....

I've decided to jump into the craft / art show scene this year, with 4 lined up already, besides my weekly table at the local farmers market.

So to prepare for ease of portability and set up, I hit up Pinterest for some ideas.

Hat Stand

I've been on a real hat kick lately, and these stands would be perfect!

Suitcase Jewelry Display

And how about this great jewelry display?  It's made from an old suitcase, and I just happen to have one in the shed!

rack necklace display

I also like the idea of using a great vintage rack head for some of my long necklaces.  And I just happen to have one of these lying around also.

3 tier display stand

And for my new line of candles, this sectional stand would work great.

Add caption

I already have shutter shelving, but they were somewhat difficult to set up, but these are arranged differently, so I'm going to try it this way.  Of course, I'll need to buy new wood for shelves, but you got to spend money to make money. :0)

So, what do you think?  Do you like any of these ideas?  What do you do for your craft show displays?  I'd love to hear from you, because I am excited, and very nervous. 

Be blessed,

Debbi

Head Colds....Yuck!

Want to know what I hate?

Colds.

More specifically....head colds.

They make me feel all stupid and slow.

Want to know what I love?

God.

More specifically....The God.

The God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob.

The Great I Am.

And His Son.

Jesus Christ.

Fully man, and yet fully God.

And it makes me feel good knowing that while Jesus was fully man, He struggled.

With hunger, and pain, and

head colds.

:0)

Be blessed,

Debbi

"Great is His faithfulness; His mercies are new every morning."

Lamentaions 3:23

The Young Entrepreneur's Guide To Starting & Running A Business - A Book Review

I got this really great book last month from The Crown Publishing Group, "The Young Entrepreneur's Guide To Starting & Running A Business", and it has revived my dream of a unique brick and mortar shop in downtown Statesville.

This book is not just an overview of running a business, but it is 480 pages of information, personal entrepreneur's stories, and step by step instructions for dummies like me to follow while pursuing my dream.  From writing a business plan, to looking for funding, to managing your money, this book covers it all.  I have highlighted parts, noted parts, and have stuck pieces of papers with ideas into its pages, and I am sure that I will be referring to this book often, if not daily.

Here is some info on the author Steve Mariotti.

"Steve Mariotti is the founder and president of the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), a non-profit organization that has taught over twenty-five thousand young people across the country how to start their own small businesses."

You can purchase this book from Random House here.
 "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Would you like to hear my dream?

(Besides being a famous author) I would love to make The Yankee Burrow Co. a physical presence in downtown Statesville, NC.  Statesville just updated and improved it's downtown business section with brick sidewalks, benches and outside tables, and actually narrowed the streets in encourage tourists to stroll and visit the local shops in historic buildings. I love it.

My shop would be for local artists and craft masters, but instead of "renting booths" they will offer amazing pieces that I get to approve of first, so the quality will be high.  That's the front of the store.  As you walk to the rear of the store, I will offer local handcrafted, made in America, supplies.  Gumbacher paints, beads, local spun yarn, that sort of thing.  There will be a section where artists can offer classes, or do demonstrations, and I will also have a section for my customers who are hesitant to purchase "expensive" high end unique jewelry.  I've noticed that way too many people are buying junk jewelry with the idea that since they didn't put money into the piece, if it breaks or turns their neck green, just toss it, no big loss.  I want to "re-educate" customers about buying local and supporting small business, and if they purchase a high end piece of jewelry, and want something new, I will "re-sell" their pieces of wearable art.  

Sometimes I get so many ideas running through my head I start talking to myself.

Do you have a business dream?  Get this book, and start down that road.  To get what you need to make yourself happy, you need to gather your courage and take that first step.  What's your dream?

Be blessed,

Debbi