Karla Nathan – Page 17 – Karla's Cottage

Beading and lessons

By Karla Nathan / March 2, 2024

While staying with Sissy, I spent most evenings beading after being with Bobbie during the day (I was painting while sitting with Bobbie, it helps me to stay busy).

Sissy would cook something healthy and delicious, we’d watch some tv, pet pups, and play with jewelry supplies. Sometimes we’d cry together, too.

I will treasure these times with both of my sisters. While tragically sad, these days were also shining moments in my lifetime.

The three of us all love making jewelry, but Bobbie was just too ill at the time. Although she couldn’t make any pieces then, we could still talk about beads and design and we looked through what she’d been working on previously.

She had racks and racks of bracelets and necklaces in every color of stone.

I took her advice and ordered some high quality gems from Tejas beads, and was so pleased when they arrived.

Thanks for the tip, Bobbie, these are beautiful.

I already miss having my big sister to look up to and talk about things with. I don’t know if she had any idea what an influence she had on my life. From an introduction to painting as a child, to finding peace in adversity. And finally, in learning about how to gracefully face some of the biggest challenges life offers.

She left this world bravely and with little complaint. Typically, I whine about any tiny thing. I’m going to try to learn from her last weeks and be a stronger person. She was quite an example of calmness throughout her life, but even more so at the end of it. And she looked good while doing it. She kept up her skincare routine, wore lipstick, her sparkly watch, and pretty rings through it all.

I’ll follow her example of excepting what we cannot evade, being calm under pressure. Then put on some lipstick then order more great beads from Tejas.

Looking forward to a happy crowd during First Friday Weekend at Good Juju

antiques/junking, paintings

By Karla Nathan / February 28, 2024

I’m rather shocked that I have anything to show you for First Fridays.

But here it is, I’m ready for the sale.

I’d driven home with Rich when he came to say good bye to Bobbie, and spent a couple days turning my Valentine display into a springtime set up. Then flew back to Indy to be with Bobbie.

In that short time, I flipped my space and brought in new goods. Complete with a whole wall of Easter goodies.

It’s not nearly as full as I typically do, but it is set up and ready for visitors and I am happy to see it that way.

And so very glad that I do not have to tackle this now, at the last minute.

It’s a relief to have the hard part behind me so I can simply look forward to all of the nice people who will be coming in to shop.

And of course the fun fellow vendors I work with.

Hanging with my buds and chatting with shoppers will be good for my soul.

The atmosphere at Juju is always cheerful.

And I could use some of that.

It will be good for me.

If you are coming by, please visit me to say hi. I will be happy to see some friendly faces.

Art therapy for myself

family, paintings

By Karla Nathan / February 25, 2024

While my sister was ill, I wanted to be with her as much as I could.

Living in Kansas made that hard to do. But my sweet husband covered the home base while I was away. Even through a tiny dog’s lingering illness, multiple emergency vet trips, then nursing Sugarwings through a round of Covid before catching it himself.

I made as many trips to Indiana as I could, just to sit by Bobbie’s side and be there if she needed me.

My Good Juju buddies covered for me during February’s first Friday weekend since I was in Pendleton with family.

My other sister took me in as a semi permanent houseguest and we had a lovely time spending evenings together eating dinner in front of the tv while watching horror movies and then playing with piles of beads and making jewelry. She made tasty meals for us and we worried about Bobbie together.

Each morning, I’d gather up my lamp, folding table and supplies to take to Bobbie’s house and set up a work station near her.

At first she would sleep most of the morning, then welcome the endless parade of people who loved her and wanted to visit in the afternoons and evenings.

As days passed, she’d sleep more but was always so happy to see the many people who wanted to spend time with her.

Bobbie was one of those special beings who just made you feel good to be around.

And she’d always been there for everyone else. So they wanted to be there for her.

You could tell how beloved she was by the driveway full of vehicles, tables full of flowers, phone calls and FaceTimes, meals dropped off, and packages from a lifetime of friends and family who needed to be near.

At first, I was painting these quick, little nature studies to fill my booth and also keep myself grounded. Then I started sharing them with visitors and family as they came to see my sister.

I enjoyed gifting them as mementos and must’ve given away dozens.

They are sketched onto old book pages with a sharpie, then roughly colored in with water solvable markers, washed with clear water on a brush.

After they dry, I touch up the lines with the sharpie again and add highlights with a white pen.

The backgrounds of some are iridescent watercolor that Bobbie gave to me.

Every little sketch I gave away was an appreciation to everyone who showed love to my sister, helped her or her family, fed us, and wanted to be near. Thank you, to you all for your kindnesses to the Valentines.

Valentine Strong

family

By Karla Nathan / February 22, 2024

Today is Bobbie’s service.

This is a little sketch I did for her, of a phrase the family repeated and followed. “Valentine Strong” was represented by the dedication and love my nieces showed their mom through her struggles and illness.

By Bobbie’s husband, Doug, taking such loving care of her through his own battle with dementia.

And the phrase shone bright in Bobbie’s eyes as she was determined to appreciate her last weeks and all of the people she loved.

My sister was brave, strong, and never complained. I was so proud of her and her entire family. I cherish the time I had with all of them at this turning point in our lives.

Bobbie

family

By Karla Nathan / February 18, 2024

My sister, Bobbie, took things slow. Literally, she moved slowly in all matters, and I’d often find myself 20’ ahead of her wherever we went. Or perusing the dessert menu as she started in on her salad. But her slowpoke tendencies weren’t simply due to not moving fast.

Bobbie savored life. She was mindful and present in every thing she did. She took her time and enjoyed every bite of a meal, looked at the sky for pretty clouds as she walked along, or at the ground for a lucky penny someone might have dropped. (Her daughters knew this trait and would encourage it by secretly tossing coins down ahead of her. Did Bobbie know they were teasing? Or did she just enjoy the treasure hunt? She’d end up with pockets full of change, either way).

Every step along her path there was something to be taken in, looked for, or appreciated.

Life was always a treasure hunt for Bobbie. Like a magpie, she’d gather up sparkly objects like twinkle lights, holographic pieces, and her favorite- diamonds. Then fill her nest with items that pleased her.

Little did she know, that the greatest treasure of all was herself. She was such a fun companion, a person who would always listen, never judge. A person with a sharp wit, always ready with a quick joke or a pun. Someone who enjoyed sharing laughter and pure silliness, who never missed a touristy photo op to pose by.

If there was a ten foot tall ice cream cone, a gaping jawed, giant shark, or a one eyed pirate statue in front of a building, Bobbie has a photo of herself with it.

Multiple photos, too. No matter how the pictures turned out, deleting was not allowed. She treasured every snap a camera grabbed, because each represented more to her than just a likeness. Every photo held a history of what just passed. They were a keepsake of a moment of joy, or someone she loved.

Bobbie’s love of history was a gift to all of us. She researched, gathered information, and as many photos as she could to build family stories and share her finds with all of her relatives. While record keeping with an artful flair, she made genealogy books and recipe collections that brought the past into the present.

Her silly side had her playing with pictures and using her own photo magic to create entertaining scrapbooks and cards. She loved editing photos and making cards signed with love. Those cards were sent for birthdays, congratulations, or sympathy, and to everyone she cared about. There was sincerity and thoughtfulness in every envelope she addressed. Because of all things, Bobbie was loyal. If you were her friend or her family, you had her loyalty. She shared in your joys and sorrows.

Bobbie genuinely cared deeply for the people in her world, and they could always feel it. When she gave you a hug, or told you that she loved you, you felt it in your soul. The word “heartfelt” suits her to a t. She was calm and gentle on the surface, but her feelings for family, and all of those that she cared for were fierce, and strong in her heart.

Happy Valentine’s Day

Uncategorized

By Karla Nathan / February 14, 2024

Wishing you love.

A good detour

dogs, family

By Karla Nathan / February 10, 2024

On our long, meandering, and full trip to Florida, we took a slight detour on the way home to visit some of our North Carolina family. While there, we decided to park our trailer at Rich’s brother’s home for a while. That saved us the effort of hauling it right back out that way again this spring.

Driving without a trailer is soooooooo much easier than hauling that hulk across country.

Do you know what isn’t easy? Backing a camper up an icy hill in mountain country. I rolled down the window and hung my body out of it to see where the fishtailing, slip sliding trailer was headed and to give Rich a heads up in case it decided to slither over the drop off. I couldn’t stand in the driveway to help with directions because this thing had a mind of its own and I didn’t want to put myself anywhere near where its path might take it.

After getting it in place, the rest of the trip home was a breeze. And now we have it located in one of our favorite places, tempting us to zip back out again soon. Thanks for the parking space, Bro!

While in Boone, we took the doggies to the nursing home to see Rich’s mom.

And had a great night out with his brother.

It was a quick trip, after another visit with the dogs to see Joan the next morning, we were right back on the road. With our load lightened, we made the 14 hour drive in one swoop. If we’d been pulling that trailer, it would’ve meant a break over night and a two day drive.

I was touched to see some of my artwork in Joan’s room.

And the dogs adored all of the attention they got there. Honey especially. She has that classic, golden retriever personality that craves petting and attention. She figures everyone she meets cannot wait to love on her. And at the nursing home, she was right.

She doesn’t always get it right. When she is at the dog park, dripping mud from head to toe, she isn’t as popular as she thinks she should be. But visiting the assisted living center? That is a dream come true for a golden retriever.

Christmas finery at the Guncles’ home

family, guncles

By Karla Nathan / February 6, 2024

We are getting close to Valentine’s Day but I have Christmas pictures to show you from the Guncles.

We were there to stay with them in January, and they were leaving it all up to make us and some other guests coming soon feel festive and soak in some of that warmth and joy filling the house.

There were trees everywhere and at first I was worried about 8 dogs at once admist the fragile forest, but we had a door to close on the ruffians when needed.

And this treasure trove of Shiny Brites had a fence around it.

Of course, sweet Bella and our tiny Dorothy weren’t trouble makers.

Bella was very busy caretaking, poor, sick Zacky.

Itty bitty Perry couldn’t knock a tree over if he tried. But he’d never try. He knows they make a great backdrop for his handsome poses.

It was an honor to see how many of my handmade pieces were in the space.

One of his trees was devoted to all handcrafted items that he and I had made over the years.

Including my painted ones.

When family is spread all across the country, and we rarely are together at the holidays, it’s a special treat to get to see the Christmas decor in their homes.

And the Guncles’ home? It’s a treat no matter how it is decorated, or what season it is.

February’s First Friday at Good Juju

antiques/junking, family

By Karla Nathan / February 1, 2024

It’s First Friday weekend at Good Juju.

The very next day after the January sale, I scurried back in to bring in new goods and do a make over for February.

The next day, we rushed to flee the Midwest with our camper before the horrendous cold and snow descended all the way across the country and we would be trapped.

Our timing was only slightly flawed, we drove in snow for about eight hours- but we did make it south and on our way to Florida.

Of course, I made time to pack craft supplies for the trip!

I had a day of making bunnies and mice with Guncle Randy, and took advantage of a wet, chilly day at the KOA to make some schroomies.

So, when we returned from not so sunny, but slightly warmer, Florida, I brought my newest creations into my booth and rearranged a tad bit more.

Originally, I had planned to leave again in a week to go to Indiana.

But my sister, Bobbie, was not doing well, and we three sisters like to stick together.

So I took a couple days to unpack, clean up from the burst frozen pipes, redo a little in the mall, then hit the road again.

My pals and booth neighbors, Angie and Beth are covering for me while I am away.

If you could, please send loving and healing thoughts to my dear sister.

She is the bravest person I have ever known. If I was feeling as bad as she was, I’d be all complaints and worries. Not her.

I have always admired and looked up to her. She is witty and fun, with an air of calm and kindness about her.

Seeing her steadfast ability to keep those traits through a very debilitating cancer makes me appreciate her even more.

I am very lucky to be able to pack up and drive back to Indy again to be with her.

I hope to get back after this sale for another redo. I kinda have to, those snowflakes and valentines need to be switched out from some springtime flowers.

My husband might drive out for a family visit, and I’d ride home with him and fly back to spend more time with Bobbie.

Because I want as much time with her as I can.

Mistakes made while planning for Disney World (I should know better)

family, Travel

By Karla Nathan / January 29, 2024

Florida was chilly and our evening at Magic Kingdom was downright cold!

But did we care? Well honestly, yes we did, we were shivering.

More important- did we let it stop us?

No!

We mortgaged our entire future and hit the stores to buy some layers, and stayed on into the night. I’d packed what I thought were plenty of warm items, but had soon discovered they weren’t enough. Sugarwings needed warm, heavy sweat pants over their jeans, I needed one more cozy sweatshirt.

I never go to Disney without scarves/shawls. They keep the sun off you on hot days and prevent cool air conditioning from giving you goosebumps when inside. For our below average temp day, I packed a fuzzy, cuddly, shawl, some gloves and a hoodie. It’s just hard to know for sure what you’ll need for the entire day, no matter how prepared you think you are.

On our second day, we were joined by Dewdrop and my boy for time at Epcot and of course I preached and nagged ahead of time about broken in shoes, layers, and warm socks. Did people listen? Well, a little bit.

At Epcot, your car is much more accessible than at Magic Kingdom, so I brought extras to leave in the parking lot, and besides for a few issues, we did fine.

Once again, the weather was not ideal, but the company was. But if you are prepared, it doesn’t stop you.

And sometimes it means crowds are lighter. I’ll take lighter crowds with a light drizzle any day.

We stayed at the Coronado for the first time, I booked one of the poolside rooms in the auxiliary buildings, not in the tower. And surprisingly, we used the adjacent pool as well as the main pool quite a bit. Florida cold is different than Kansas cold, and the temps fluctuate so much that you can squeeze in a swim at the heated pools even if the weather is subpar for the south.

Pool snack bars are our favorite places to eat when we get a chance. And at Disney, the food at them is usually better than at some of the resort food courts.

Another mistake I made was not bringing food to keep in the room. My son and Dewdrop had to cancel joining us (or so we thought) plus Sugarwings and I mostly share meals. I had a few drinks in the room for us, and we were fine.

Then we got the happy surprise that the other half of our group was coming after all! A grown man and a teen require more food than I’d planned on. Seriously, even if it was just two of us, I should’ve had fruit, yogurt, and other snacks in the hotel fridge.

We had a late night at Epcot and realized we were hungry after getting back to the room. I had not packed a scrap or tiny tidbit of anything to eat. We all went to bed a little hungry, so I got up early, walked the trail over to the main building, took out a second mortgage on my house and filled up a bag with pastries, juice, and fruit to surprise everyone with breakfast in bed when they woke up.

The pink sprinkled donuts as big as your head were as good as they looked, but for under ten bucks, we could’ve eaten much healthier if I’d simply thrown some groceries in the cooler before driving to Orlando.

Even though I hadn’t planned as well as I should’ve, the weather wasn’t close to ideal, the trip was short, and half our group could only make it half the time- I treasure the time we had there.

We found Hidden Mickies (This is the back of a koala’s head in Small World), explored, laughed, and just hung out together.

With my husband retired, and our budget tightened, I know what a splurge going to these parks is. Rich doesn’t like being there himself, so it is very generous of him to send me off on my own or with family while he does other things.
Sometimes I feel very selfish about my obsession with this place. I tell myself that I am done with it, I’ve been enough. And I’m fine with that.

For a while.

Then, thoughts of Mickey shaped food start popping into my head. And I’ll find myself reading recaps of other’s trips and travel hints online. Next, I’m looking at calendars to see what dates kids are out of school that can mesh with a quick trip that direction, or sneaking an extra vacation day onto another planned trip to somewhere sorta nearby to slide in “just a little visit” while I am so close.

Mickey, I have tried, but I can’t quit you. I’m a Disney magic junkie.

Author name: Karla Nathan