family – Page 18 – Karla's Cottage

The Grandfather Tree Resin River and Rock Table

By Karla Nathan / April 23, 2020

I don’t think that I ever followed up on my story about our Grandfather Table. I shared the process of creating it, and there have been photos of it in the background here and there.

But I haven’t shown you the complete finished product.

Last fall was a full, and emotional time for me. With my son’s family splitting up, trying to get their house (that we owned) fixed up and listed before the real estate market hit its winter doldrums.

(There is not a day that goes by, that I am not thanking my lucky stars and feeling blessed that we sold it before winter, because this spring’s selling period? Oh, I think you know how the corona virus has affected that!).

A lot was going on, throughout the heartache of the family readjusting to its new arrangements and relationships. My husband retired, we had family trips, I hurt my shoulder, had a concussion, hosted A Snowbird’s Song, and well, just kind of hung in as best as I could.

But now? Life is on a much more laid back course for us here at the cottage. And the problems that I thought were so huge last fall seem petty now.

All of that stress about my husband quitting his job? Gone. Even though our savings sure took a deep dive now, with the suffering so many are going through without jobs, I have nothing to complain about.

We have a home we won’t lose.

We have food.

We have each other.

Having my husband home, by my side while we go through this together has made me love the fact that he retired so early.

Who knows what might happen with our retirement savings, we might both need to find jobs when possible, but it is something we will face as a couple.

Sitting together at this table, each morning, drinking coffee, looking at the wildflowers he picked for me in the woods, I am comforted.

The history of this table, and my husband’s sweet, sentimental reasons for having it built mean even more.
(You can read the background HERE)

To my husband, the tree reminds him of telling stories to the grand fairies under the old oak it was built from. Family stories of his grandfather.

To me? I was fearing that it was going to always remind me of that rough time last Fall, when I was heartsick and injured, worried and tired. Facing much bigger problems in my life now, and not just in mine, but world wide devastation from this insidious virus, this table has come to represent something else to me.

A solid relationship, as strong as the oak.

And hope for the time ahead, when family can once again gather around this table together.

Little bunnies hopping away

Corona virus, family, holiday decor

By Karla Nathan / April 6, 2020

This afternoon, I bundled up some bunnies and dropped them off at the post office.

I had snipped quite a few of this critters out of foam. It felt a little bit like whittling.

Well, I think it did, I have never actually whittled before…

Anyway, they were a fun craft for me, when I wasn’t feeling up to spending time in the studio. I was glad to have something to work on, and even happier to share them with some kiddos I know.

After writing out some instructions for painting, and for making their own with some foam included in a few packaged, I added some flowers and tidbits for decorating and got them all boxed up in time for Easter.

One went to Angela and another to Gail, from giveaways on FB and IG. I kept this one, that I had painted for my own Easter decor.

Our holiday display is pretty low key so far, but if Sugarwings has anything to say about it, our home will be strewn with rabbits and eggs from one end to the other.

Actually, that sounds kind of cheerful. I hadn’t really planned on doing much besides gifting these squishies, but I am liking the idea of having the grand fairy decorate for me.

A Later in Life Career Change

Corona virus, family, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / March 19, 2020

Before spring break, in what seems like a lifetime ago, Sugarwings was in the school play.

And we picked up one of her friends for our family outing to the Shriner’s Circus.

Now, we are adjusting to social distancing, and no school in Kansas, even possibly past August.

Mr. Pop, my husband, is the new Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, and PE teacher.

For now, we have asked Bill Nye the Science Guy to telecommute lessons in his area of expertise, because we can’t handle that one.

I got lucky and was hired to teach Art. Our first lesson was about the color wheel, and complementary colors, displayed in Sculpy.

I am called, Mrs. Gram and will also be the lunch lady. Sugarwings made the schedule and has been a model student. I can already see her making the honor roll if she keeps it up.

One day down..

Good luck to all of you out there who have surprisingly become teachers, too. If you have any tips, I’m listening.

A Stop Along The Way

dogs, family, paintings, Travel

By Karla Nathan / March 9, 2020

On our long, long drive to Florida, we made a side trip to Helen, GA. We had family to visit, and were excited to see them, not even knowing what a gorgeous, little tourist town they lived in.

We had unpleasant weather, not the best to be pulling a camper along twisty, mountain curves. But the scenery was still spectacular, if spooky.

Being in a truck with three freshly bathed dogs on a long trip, started out as an adventure.

The rain soon turned it into a wet, muddy mess.

Luckily, our family was made up of understanding, dog people. It all worked out.My SIL, Sharon keeps a mop handy for their big dogs too.

She and I got out to explore the town a shop a little.

The town is on a river in the mountains, and I hope to return in nicer weather for some hiking and floating.

On this visit, we stuck to indoor activities, and I found these fantastic, vintage beaded pieces at the local antique mall.

Most of the trip was spent catching up and chatting in their new, hillside cottage. I was touched to see a plethora of things I’d made over the years.
Like this kitchen island.

Way back when I had a furniture business, I was always building pieces out of scraps of this and that.

I used to paint a lot of trays too.

So many trays, boards, signs, cabinets, whatever had a blank space, got all flowered up.

Well, not always flowers. This cabinet was damaged so I added a mouse hole.

She had an old watercolor of mine too.

It was sweet of her to keep these around.

At the moment, I am recovering from knee surgery. If you tried to get ahold of me to sign up for Bluebirds Song, I will be getting back to you soon.

St Augustine isn’t exactly near Disney, but it really isn’t all that far away…

family, Food and Drink, paintings, Travel

By Karla Nathan / February 27, 2020

I took advantage of being in Florida and made a day trip to Orlando. My sis, Terry and her fun husband were there on a spur of the moment trip.

It was pretty dang cold out for that part of the country, so we thought we would try something different. Instead of going to a park, we had a sightseeing day.

And we based our wanderings around whatever reservations we could get for meals. If you know much about Disney, you might know about the big hoopla around making reservations for meals 180 days in advance. They book up that quickly, especially character meals.

I’ve discovered that people hoard those reservations and make as many as they can, deciding at the last minute which to keep.

You can usually snag a good one with the 24 hour window there is to get refunds on deposits when cancelling.

We were lucky to get into tea at the Grand Floridian for lunch and dinner at Storybook Woods with Snow White.

Along with the Evil Queen.

Both restaurants are in hotels, not in a park, so no ticket was required. But we still got to see the Magic Kingdom fireworks over Wilderness Lodge when we arrived to dine with Snow and Dopey.

The rest of the day was spent riding the skyline and monorail to sightsee at hotels along the way.

I’d never seen the Grand Floridian before and loved all of the details.

Of course, Disney is all about the details and art. This giant mosaic is at the newest hotel, the Riviera.

Keeping with our laid back attitude, we took a break at the Riviera in the kids’ craft room. Dale got some hot chocolate, we watched a movie on the big screen, and I did the day’s project.

It was a lesson in doing an animation cell, where you paint on the back of the clear plastic, then flip it over when done. This is what the back of mine looked like.

We took the time to watch a bride arrive for her wedding, a teeny girl dressed as a princess get a photo shoot, we meandered through lobbies, gift shops, and looked around Disney Springs.

You never know what sights you’ll see when you slow down and take the time to look.

Like a biker paying tribute to Walt, or a cross eyed Elsa made of crystals.

I can’t say that I have ever had a bad day at Disney, but this lazy, no plan, wandering around day, sure was extra special.

The Great Camping Adventure

Dew Drop, family, guncles, Travel

By Karla Nathan / February 24, 2020

We have only had minimal beach time so far, but when we made it to the shore, it was the best!

Some trips required jackets and were quite short.

But even a chilly, brisk walk on the beach is uplifting to the soul.

The dogs agree.

And so did Dewdrop. She and her dad drove down from North Carolina to see us, and get a bit of Florida sunshine.

Uhm, at least that was the plan…

Our camper is TINY.

Or should I say tiny?

We have two adults, two big dogs and one little Twinkle living in it. Add a cold, relentless rain and two more people? Since one was a little fairy with a bad cough, it simply wouldn’t work.

The solution? We found the only hotel with an indoor pool that had a single room left (it was Daytona 500 weekend, and not only were the hotels full, they were doubled in price).

And we could check in at 9am so we had a place to get the kiddo out of the rain and take advantage of the free breakfast that morning as well as check out day. (Two free breakfasts that I didn’t have to make in the camper took away some of the ouchiness of paying twice the cost of a room that night.)

Did I mention how teensy weensy the camper is?

A meal outdoors is nice, but indoors, impossible. it was even nicer after Guncle Randy gave me a box of lace curtains from an estate sale, and our “dining room” had a bit of privacy.

I have never done anything interesting to the interior of the camper, it is not only on the extra small side, it is dark and gloomy too.

If we decide to do more of this, I see a makeover coming.

And do I think I want to do this again?

Yes, I think I do…

Camping is a affordable way to travel with our dogs. Bad weather complicates things, but that can happen on any trip. You just have to adjust and make the most of it, and I feel like we have made this work.

After being here almost two weeks, I’ve got lots of ideas on how to do it better next time.

Such as not bringing as many clothes with me. Traveling with dogs means hitting the washer and dryer a lot, so I shouldn’t need to bring that much along and take up valuable packing space.

I was doing laundry quite often. (Thanks, Guncles! They live near by and welcomed the whole crew, dogs, laundry and all.)

And feeding us royally!

While the kids were here, we stayed in Guncleland a few days and helped rebuild their deck.

The family bonded over hard labor, good food, laughter and togetherness.
And it was a welcome break from what I was calling, “The Crappy Camper”

So was exploring old town St Augustine.

It hasn’t been a perfect trip, but there have been moments of perfection.

Yes, I’d do it again.

Highlights for 2019 of trips, redos, art events, and more

celebrations, family

By Karla Nathan / January 1, 2020

While 2019 had some very rough moments, there were some major highlights for me too. Sugarwings and I have spent maybe about 10,000 gajillion hours together in the studio, and this year, she seemed to come into her own with coming up with well executed, interesting projects.

There were many times that she would show me something and I'd be surprised a kid had done it. Like these hot glue roses. Really nice!

I also got to host a few gatherings, like "Love Bird Song" for Valentine's Day, where I became addicted to cutting carrots into heart shapes and made up excuses to have visitors just to serve more heart shaped carrots.

Sadly, though, the day after the class, I slipped in the studio and conked my head. If you are going to be keeping track, this is Concussion #1.

And Art Event #1

My buddy, Karen came to the cottage to teach in August, and we had a great weekend with friends.

Art Event #2 (these aren't in order, I am just counting them)

Then, one big ole, wonderful, weekend happened in November with A Snowbird's Song, and I am still feeling happy thoughts thinking about that get together!

(And yes, I am planning on doing one again in November 2020, please come and join the fun!)

Art Event #3

In February, I taught at the Cozy Castle, with two Valenting projects.

And guess what? I will be doing that again this February!! It will be a bittersweet experience, her gorgeous home has sold, and this will be my last visit to see her while I happen to be in Florida vacationing. I am quite glad to get one more night in that lovely place.

Art Event #4

In April, Jenn Hayslip invited me to teach at Jekyll Island where I roomed with my Honey Bunny, Guncle Randy.

Art Event #5

We laughed our fluffy little bunny tails off, and had a great time with great people.

After I taught at the Cozy Castle, my husband and Sugarwings met me in Orlando, and we drove down to Ft Lauderdale for some winter getaway beach time.

Then, he played golf with friends while she and I hung with Mickey.

And if you are going to be keeping track, this is Disney #1.

After Jenn's event in Georgia, I was flying home from Jacksonville, and of course, had to spend time at Guncleland while there. And when in Florida, I thought it would be smart to meet up with Terry and Dale to make a lil visit to Disney again..

Disney #2

We spent a day at Universal too.

And oops! See the forehead starting to turn color?

Yep.

Concussion #2, I got dizzy on a ride and fell face first into a wall of lockers.

June held a trip to Park City to Terry's grand masquerade/family reunion.

Where we had some exciting dress up time, and bonding with loved ones.

All of the other trips were flying (mostly on free flights from Southwest points) but I took a cross country trip to pick up Dewdrop by car and stopped in Indy to see my family there.

And I got to spend a night at my fab friend, Lori's beautiful home in Louisville too.

During a roadside antique mall stop, I found these curtains that inspired a bathroom redo when I got home.

Redo count? #1

A huge moment in last spring was redoing my studio. I straightened, sorted, painted, and rearranged to make a much more useful space. It was a week of nonstop hard work, but I still am uplifted by the redo everytime I walk in there.

Redo count #2

Redo count #3 A not so interesting redo, but one I was proud of myself for tackling was power washing and repainting this garage all by myself. Although, if I knew what was ahead of me, I probably would have just taken the time to rest up instead…

Because that is when my son's family broke up and we had to do a major redo on this house to get it on the market before the brief, fall selling season was over. We tore down out buildings, repainted the shed, cleaned out the garage, repainted ceilings, bathroom cabinets, stairs, and all but two rooms. Then hauled gravel and shovelled it into the driveway, redid flower beds, mowed and mowed and trimmed and trimmed, and hauled off all of the household of filth and junk and everything else the temporary renters had left including maggots in the kitchen and well, I won't get into that, I am letting it all go….

The house looked homey and welcoming after our nonstop month of work and it sold with multiple offers in less than a week, so, as I said, I am letting the rage and exhaustion go.

Or at least trying.

Redo count? #4- to #4,000?

It felt like more.

Having a houseful of doodle babies to come home to every day, sure made me feel better. I loved every second of time I had with these wonderful pups, they were my smartest, sweetest litter, ever.

After we finished the house, we flew the kids to Clearwater Beach and to Disney. We wanted them to know that even though our son wasn't with their mom, we loved them and they were family. Also, we wanted to celebrate my husband's retirement.

He left his job just as we started working to get that house sold.

Disney count #3

Clearwater is where this happened.

Concussion count #3

My Dr. says that if I were an athlete, I would be benched.

After A Snow Bird's Song, I had one more trip, another reunion. This time, for our annual Sister Trip to Florida, we were joined by my sister's kids. It was such a joy to spend time with them, even though the weather at home in KS was warmer than it was in Sarasota most of the week. We just wrapped up in lots of blankets and layers and enjoyed the patio anyway. Luckily, before the time we had to go home there was sunshine and a couple of perfect days.

But for the Disney count? Nope, I didn't sneak out for a day at the park, the count ended at 3. Each was loved and appreciated, but I think that might be the end of my Disney days for a while, our trips will be different now with my handsome husband happily retired.

The year ended with a room full of love. I had cried my heart out while getting that house ready to sell, not thinking we would ever have another big family dinner together.

But, I am lucky to have these people in my life. And even with the changes, disruptions, unheavels, and moves, they came together for the holiday and that meant the world to me. This year had its rough times.

But it sure had its good ones too.

Thank you, 2019 for the lessons and for the love.

Holiday Blessings

fairies, family, sea shell fairies

By Karla Nathan / December 30, 2019

Our weather on Christmas Eve and Day was spectacular. Upper 60s? In Kansas on December 24th? You just never know, some years are blizzards, others are meant for being outside.

We found a new trail behind the dog park that lead to the river, and on my first steps along the bank, I spied a rock that looked like an angel wing.

Of course I had to make a Beach Blessings angel as a thank you.

Dewdrop harvested some algae to make the wreath and as I placed it in the angel’s arms, I saw a teensy, heart shaped rock to add to it.

We had two days of walking weather, with various family members going along each day. Kansas might not have gorgeous scenery, but I still appreciate our time in the woods when we can get it.

I would love to live somewhere more interesting, with hills or beaches, but I figure a person should make the most of what they have and look for the best in it. I am lucky to live in a town that cares about making trails for its citizens (and dogs). And am also quite lucky to have a few acres of our own woods to enjoy.

And winter walking weather in Kansas was a pretty nice Christmas present!

i should’ve made a bigger thank you angel…

Our Cottage Christmas

celebrations, Dew Drop, dogs, family, holiday decor, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 27, 2019

Could I describe Christmas as both laid back and lively at the same time?

Maybe what I mean is that we had a lot of fun with simple pleasures.

Like princess cocoa parties with melting snowmen cocoa bombs while using Nanny’s china.

Decorating sugar cookies and gingerbread men together.

Taking advantage of the unusually, lovely weather by going for long walks.

In jammies.

We had a build your own calzone/pizza bar, so everyone got their favorites and it was a group effort for Christmas Eve dinner.

I chopped and sautéed most of the toppings the day in advance, then Ryan helped with the rest.

We had a house full for both days, with almost the entire family sleeping over, staying up late to watch holiday movies, using the hot tub to relax, and playing the games that were given as gifts.

I think what made it all so wonderfully sweet was that there was nothing at all formal about it. There was a nice, casual flow about the holiday.

We went light on gifts, with easy meals, took a few walks, had a wonderful time with everyone under one roof.

Dewdrop will be with us for the rest of winter break, so there will be more family fun time to come.

Sugarwings has plans for surprising her lil sis with elf pranks every day. We will see some movies, hang out in the studio to make things with all the new art supplies they got, and of course, snack away on those beautifully decorated cookies.

I hope your holiday was a blessed one too.

Actual grand fairies

Dew Drop, fairies, family, holiday decor, Sugarwings, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / December 22, 2019

Making Sugarplum fairies has kept me so busy that I am just now wrapping gifts, today.

My husband is in Chicago at a Chiefs game, Ryan is at work, Sugarwings with her mom, and Dewdrop won’t be arriving with her daddy til tomorrow.

That means I have an empty dining room to spread out gifts and get them packaged up. I just finished my shopping yesterday, on a fun day out with some of the family, letting them choose their own pressies instead of trying to surprise them.

As much as I love surprises, sometimes you just gotta let them do the picking. And even though I’d heard that yesterday was the busiest shopping day of the year, I still preferred strolling through stores with people I love and going out to lunch over ordering from Amazon at home.

It felt more like Christmas that way. Oh, I used Amazon for quite a bit, but a shopping date was like the icing on the Christmas cookie to top off my holiday festivities.

I also made some gifts, like this Sully Sugarplum Fairy for a great niece. It is as pink, glittery, and gaudy as possible for a very sweet lil princess.

I used another photo of her on a card.

This banner is for The Guncles’ nature tree. They can take them apart to use as ornies or hang as is.

I used the painted brown paper table covers from a Snowbird’s Song as a background. I also made use of it as wrapping paper this year.

Speaking of wrapping paper, I’d better get to work. I am sitting at the table having my morning coffee, surrounded by stacks of gifties and rolls of paper.