family – Page 21 – Karla's Cottage

More from Florida, our big night out, and some crappy seashell fairies that made me happy

family, sea shell fairies, Sugarwings, Travel

By Karla Nathan / March 14, 2019

Our trip to Ft Lauderdale was excellent. The hotel was at the beach and within walking distance to shops and great food.

Sugarwings liked to stop to browse on our way to dinner each night, and couldn't bypass anything this color. Her new favorite color (and you know with little girls, "FAVORITE COLORS" are quite a big deal) is blue. But she was drawn repeatedly to mint-ish green blue-ish aqua tones. Maybe it was the influence of the beach?

Our nightly walk down the beach to dine was a highlight of a trip filled with perfect moments.

We were lucky with our hotel, and had a room in an ideal spot. That happened in Orlando too. Have you ever noticed that even if you are at a great hotel, if the room is remote, you aren't as happy with it? Long waits for elevators, struggles getting luggage to it, etc. In Ft Lauderdale, our room was near the stairs that led down one flight to the pool/lounge/breakfast/gym area that had an express elevator right to the beach access. How convenient!

Plus we had a balcony with an ocean view, a major item for the criteria that makes a perfect room.

In Orlando, our room at the Carribean beach Resort, was distant from the main building, but right by the pool, bus, and the snack bar. Since at that part of the trip it was just the grand fairy and myself, I was glad to have a room near the snack bar. After she was asleep, I could step out of my door and refill my never ending Disney mug and not worry about her. Or get coffee in the morning while she dozed.

The location of a hotel room isn't always a choice when you travel, but I always try to get it targeted to the best spot I can. It makes the trip even better for me if I can.

Our days ran together in Ft Lauderdale, going from the pool to the ocean to the pool to our stroll down the beach to find seafood at night. It was so relaxing and wonderful that we didn't want to even leave the resort area.

We had reservations one night at a City Club owned by the company my husband works for, and we practically had to drag ourselves out of our casual fog of beachiness to make ourselves go there for the evening.

And we were so glad that we did!

The Tower Club was on the top floor of a downtown building and we had great views.

And they gave us each a white rose. We carried the blooms with us as we walked around after dinner. Since we were checking out and moving on the next morning, Sugarwings found a couple of little girls to hand our flowers to. I think she enjoyed sharing them as much as she enjoyed carrying them for a while.

The food was even better than the view from the windows.

But the dessert???

Oh my!

The chef sent us these cupcake topped sampler parfaits.

I'm glad we had the chance to show our little wild child another side of life. To put on a pretty dress, take an Uber, and go to a top notch restaurant in the city.

We all loved our special night.

Every bit as much as our time on the beach.

Even though the shells I came across weren't the best I'd seen at other beaches, I was still able to cobble together a thank you fairy.

Sugarwings scrounged up a few more shells for me and we made another one too.

While the fairies themselves were kind of crappy in comparison to other sprites we have crafted before, the joy behind them was no less. And as we walked away, my husband spotted a circle of kids around the fairies in the sand and talking about them.

Which makes them right up there on my list of the best fairies ever! I leave them in hopes of a child finding them, and as a thank you blessing to the beach. I rarely see anyone notice them, so it was extra special this time to know that someone had.

Uhm, is your hair purple?

celebrations, family, Travel

By Karla Nathan / March 8, 2019

Last fall, when I visited Disney World with my sisters, I was surprised to bump into my husband’s uncle and his family.

This year, we had a similar co-inky-dink, by finding out through FB posts that a nephew was there at the same time for his Princess’ 4th birthday!

Does this mean that our family magically comes together in strange ways? Or simply that we are bad at communicating and the only way we will see each other is to accidentally bump into relatives in large, public places?

Whatever the reason we met up, I was thrilled.

We were at the end of our trip, and only had a few hours of overlap time where we could visit before our afternoon flight.

Then fate stepped in again.

Our flight was CANCELLED.

Which caused Sugarwings to miss a day of school, and my husband to miss prep for a big call he needed to be on, but me?

Did I use the word thrilled already?

Yep, that is how I felt! These guys live far away and we rarely see them. My husband has been able to watch the baby grow up, because he had to make business trips to their city

I’ve only had a few visits with her, so she barely knows me.

I crafted this scrapbook for her, in hopes that a birthday at Disney was a memorable event for her, and we’d be associated with those memories.

Their family was staying at….

The FOUR SEASONS.

A bit of an upgrade from the Carribean Beach Resort where we were.

Not that I ever would complain about Carribean Beach, we have had some wonderful trips staying there, Sugarwings and I were in heaven with our girls weekend,and consider it a favorite hotel.

But there aren’t many places that compare with the Four Seasons.

We joined them for the afternoon by the pool (many pools), and ended up being gifted with a gorgeous suite. The only problem with it, was that we had to get up at 4am to fly home, and that wasn’t nearly enough time to revel in the luxury.

From the balcony, you can see fireworks from three Disney parks.

The pool area was ideal for kids, there was also a lazy river and some big slides.

I made the mistake of wearing my tie dye, hippy hat into the lazy river, and proved that riff raff like myself doesn’t belong at fancy places.

Pink and purple dye ran down my face and shoulders, ruining multiple towels before I realized that I was leaking color everywhere.

If anyone asked where I got purple highlights, I’ll just say they are from the Four Seasons Spa.

Thank you, Damon, for the special day, and to Sully for spending her birthday with us!

Disney Magic

celebrations, family, Sugarwings, Travel

By Karla Nathan / March 5, 2019

During my many segmented trip to Florida, Sugarwings and I spent some time at Disney while my husband took off with buddies for a Guys’ Golfing Getaway.

And we made the most of every moment.

We were up extra early to spend time at the park while it was quiet. I love the atmosphere before the herds of mouse eared tourists arrive.

Speaking of mouse ears, these are what Sugarwings bought with our little bonus for turning down Mousekeeping.

If you decline having your room cleaned, and set your own trash outside the door, calling for extra towels as needed, you get a gift card.

She bought the Purple Potion ears with the card, so she was responsible for helping with the room. They were cute and sparkly, but I don’t know how many times those sequins scratched my face when I was getting a hug.

And I got lots of hugs! That was one happy kid.

We splurged one night for the fireworks dessert buffet, and we were both pretty dang happy when we were led to the never ending treat buffet!

I don’t know if I’d pay extra to do it again, but I was glad we treated ourselves on this trip. The park was crowded due to a Princess 5K, and we probably wouldn’t have had such a good viewing point without the special seating.

While the parks were pretty crowded, I felt like we were blessed with some sort of magical pixie dust that luckily led us through our days with no hiccups

Somehow, we stumbled into being at the front of dance parties,

And with up front, personal seating for the parade.

We just happened to be at the beginning of lines to see characters, not even realizing that they were setting up for a line to form.

We also seemed to end up in places where crowds were not. Maybe because we like to linger over decor and details.

We took time to enjoy the little things, like shining a flashlight over your hand on the sidewalks in Pandora to leave a glowing pattern behind.

We took our time as we liked, but then hurried onto the next activity, used the ap to schedule fast passes on the go, and do mobile food ordering.

Some of our timing was planning, some was luck. Often, we came around a corner just as something fun was happening and joined right in.

We didn’t realize we’d be able to see Epcot fireworks from our hotel, that was a pleasant surprise!

A fun photo op was never passed up, either.

Maybe because it was just two of us, it was easier to maneuver the park?

And the fact that we preferred playing with statues to standing in lines made the day easier. We didn’t care about the big name rides. We enjoyed our fast passes, then only went to attractions with no or little waits.

Instead of waiting two hours to be frightened by a Yetti, we joined the Wilderness Explorers and earned badges while walking along shady trails. We always took time to talk to the Cast Members (employees), and got lots of tips about where to go and when.

And when we got back to the hotel too late to suit up and swim, I let her jump in, as is for a few minutes the pool was still open.

I’ve been to Disney World many times, and it doesn’t always go this smoothly. It was one of the higher crowd days, and should’ve been harder than it was.

But our theory of zigging when others zag, taking our time, enjoying what was right in front of us, and planning out what we could, sure made this a perfect visit!

Or was it pixie dust, after all? Possibly, Tinkerbell recognized a fellow fairy and shared her magic to make our days go smoothly?

Making the most of a getaway

celebrations, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), family, Travel

By Karla Nathan / February 17, 2019

I’m using my mini work trip to teach a couple of pretty projects at the Cozy Castle as the perfect excuse for a Florida vacation. Sugarwings and her Pop Pop are joining me tonight for a trip down the coast to stay on the beach a few days.

After sunning and swimming, we are headed back to Orlando to drop off my Handsome Husband for a golfing weekend with his buddies.

Then, the grandfairy and I are free to run amuck at the Magic Kingdom til it is time to meet up and fly back to Kansas.

Well why not? I was already going to be in Florida anyway… with airline points and companion passes, all flights were free. Hotel points went a long way too, not quite covering the beach stay but helpful. I have a Disney Credit card that racks up points for discounts.

I love wringing as much as I can out of a getaway, and putting the week together like puzzle pieces to see just how much I can squeeze into one flight. And of course, how could I not try to wrangle a trip to Disney in while I’m sooo close to the Happiest Place on Earth?

Snowday Adventures with the Pack

dogs, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), family, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / January 16, 2019

We had the most perfect snow!

No roads were closed, the temps barely got below freezing, there wasn't a hint of wind. I could get behind winter if snow days were always like this.

We had a great time in the woods with the dogs, and I really enjoy watching the interplay between the pups. They are slowly, but surely becoming a "pack", not just a bunch of dogs that live together.

While Albie isn't exactly lovey dovey with the Bigs, he participates in outdoor hunts with them and they have a routine, where he checks underneath the roots, while they scout out the upper level.

He is pretty proud of being one of the big dogs and works hard to keep up.

Actually, he is pretty much on the sidelines, and they don't even acknowledge his help. I don't think he notices, he feels like he is in on all of the action. Twinkle, on the other hand, knows she isn't invited and watches from a few feet away when something important needs to be dug up or chased.

Albie never misses a move, and keeps a close eye on what is happening, in case he is called upon.

He may be delusional, but he is happy.

Over time, we have come a long way with the relationships. And now, on the other end of the learning curve that time created, Twinkle is becoming a Senior dog, and losing her vision. Out in our woods, we have to keep an eye on her so she doesn't wander off and can't find us.

Not that we would ever consider leaving her behind! These walks in the woods are her happiest times.

She isn't the only one who loves them!

Me too.

Our Cottage Christmas

celebrations, Dew Drop, family

By Karla Nathan / January 3, 2019

Our Dewdrop was home for the holiday and we made the most of the time with her. Lots of snuggles happened, lots of fun too.

Christmas was a repeat of Thanksgiving. It was such a good day, why not do it again? We made gingerbread houses, walked in the woods, laughed, and ate together.

A perfect family day- plus presents!

Ki Ki made this house from graham crackers.

Yes, she is skilled in everything she does. Give her a bit of fabric and you get a custom pair of shorts, made without a pattern and fit perfectly. Give her a box of cookies and you get a Victorian mansion.

This is just the beginning of the mansion, it turned out just wonderful.

Just like our Thanksgiving, we had ideal weather.

Just right for enjoying some time outdoors and working up an appetite for homemade pot pie. We had vegan and chicken varieties, and I was smart enough to make them up a couple of days early so I could pop them into the oven and enjoy our time together instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

Because no one wants to feel trapped at Christmas…

Well, most people wouldn't.

Our gingerbread homes made a pretty centerpiece for the dinner.

We had more than we could even fit onto the table. Now that the parties are over, we will load them up, and take them out to the woods as a gift to the fairies.

We have enough of them to set up whole communities for the fey.

And we are up for any excuse to go for a walk in the woods together.

PS- I am thrilled to announce that I will be teaching a class in Florida at Karen Hillman's Cozy Castle!!!!!!!!!

Details here

I'll be posting photos and more info soon. I hope to see you in sunny Florida for a day of friendship, creativity, and fun with my ruffly wings and romantically inspired autograph book projects

A year of seashell fairies, beaches, and sea glass- BLESSINGS and THANKS

celebrations, fairies, family, sea shell fairies, Travel

By Karla Nathan / December 31, 2018

2018 was a year of oceans and celebrations for me, I took advantage of turning 60 by getting in as many celebratory trips as I could. This heart wrapped flock of fairies, that says "Thanks" and "Blessed" sums it up for me.

The first part of the year was a flurry of making plans, daydreaming over possibilities and destinations. Looking at Disney resort and cruise options, perusing AIRBnB for getaways, talking to sisters and grand fairies about all of the what ifs and where tos, taking our time to get things just right.

All of the details of planning itineraries, booking rooms, and thinking about the fun, was every bit as exciting as taking the trips. I had charts, I had lists, I had logged hours of looking at houses online and scrutinizing photos to see exactly how good the views were from the rooms in the pictures to make sure we had the perfect place to enjoy ourselves on our getaways.

The beach house where I met my lifelong friends at in St Augustine during April to celebrate our 60th birthdays together was so nice, that my sisters and I changed our plans for fall to stay in the same place for a few days then. I found sea glass both times!

Not just sea glass, but a shell that looked like a set of teeth.

Perfect for our Halloween/Hocus Pocus themed vacation!

That ideal view from the beach house we rented also inspired some artwork, and I spent an entire summer learning a paint pour technique.

It was a year of Disney Sister Trips too, while in Florida, I was able to sneak in magical trips to see the mouse. First with sis, Terry, then with the four grand fairy sisters, then with Sissy and Bobbie!

One of the very best memories of the year was waking up to see the sunrise at Cocoa Beach with Sugarwings and making a fairy on the sand together.

How can you beat a day like that?

Believe it or not, you can! We headed to a Disney cruise ship that morning and sailed off to the Bahamas for my birthday and more beach time there. I found un-ending sea glass at Atlantis, and strolled the beaches of Disney's private island with four grand fairies and my handsome husband.

Where I made a Grammie fairy.

We had a quick trip to Florida later on, and I had very little time for wave watching, but did get to go for a walk along the marina in Ft Lauderdale, where I made a riverbank fairy. I found one tiny shell for her to hold.

In October, I found plenty of black shells to make a witch.

Guncle Randy joined my sissies and I in St Augustine, and I made a sprite for each of us.

I'm thankful for my blessings. My beloved husband, sons, grand fairies,sisses, bro, great friends, and wonderful trips together. I think that the message I wrote in the sand will be my words for the upcoming year- "Blessings" and "Thanks"

And I wish a blessed New Year to you too.

PS- I am thrilled to announce that I will be teaching a class in Florida at Karen Hillman's Cozy Castle!!!!!!!!!

Details here

I'll be posting photos and more info soon. I hope to see you in sunny Florida (as you can see, I adore Florida!!) for a day of friendship, creativity, and fun with my ruffly wings and romantically inspired autograph book projects

The countdown is on

dogs, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), family, holiday decor, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 19, 2018

Our family is on the countdown to Christmas and trying to fit in as many festivities as we can.

Sugarwings and I went to see the plays Elf, Rudolf and Annie…

checked out the holiday displays at Legoland… (although, Dorothy and Toto were faves, even if they weren't Christmassed up like the rest of the bricks)

we’ve sipped cocoa by candlelight and the twinkling of the tree…

are going to go to see the Nutcracker movie…

and have been making as many holiday crafts as we can.

We had a gathering to craft with friends too, and the group took a field trip to the Lecompton Territorial Museum to see the Midwest’s largest display of vintage Christmas ornaments.

Lecompton was important during the Civil War and is a town full of history.

And great, old ornaments!

In between, I’m trying to get things wrapped to place under the tree or in the mail and flying off to loved ones. Trying is the key word there- heck,I’ve not even finished shopping, let alone wrapping.

I hate to see the whirlwind wind down, I’ve been loving every minute of it.

But before you know it, Christmas will be here. And that means Dewdrop will be back from North Carolina to join in on our fun!

The King and Queen of Hearts

celebrations, family, paintings, Valentine's Day, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / December 8, 2018

My sister, Bobbie Sue just celebrated her 50th anniversary with her husband and their darling daughters threw them a party, that truly surprised them.

Their last name is Valentine, and my silly sis LOVES goofy photo ops. So, I painted these cut outs for them to pose in as the King and Queen of Hearts.

Other party-ers had some fun with them too.

After measuring my largest suitcase, I cut plastic, corrugated poster board to fit the bag and primed them before painting the royalty with holes cut out for faces. Then, I flipped them over and painted the other side for double the fun.

The fairy and gypsy were done with lots of glitter and metallic paints for a sparkly effect.

The entire evening was a sparkling night of fun! My nieces rented a limo to pick their folks up at their farmhouse, and we all piled in for the ride "out to dinner". But instead of dinner, we went to greet the room full of family and friends ready to jump up and yell, "SURPRISE!!!"

It was all pretty cute, and the kids pulled it off with an amazing skill of twisting the truth around so no one guessed what was coming.

Personally, I was quite impressed with my own ability to spin tales. I possess a super power that until now, has lain dormant. Wow, I am a very, very good liar!!!!! I even had them pull up the online menu of the restaurant we were pretending to go to. And faked plans to visit old friends so I could sneak out and deliver the painted photo op boards.

The twisted untruth about meeting up with old friends, ended up turning around and becoming the real truth, and I got to visit some high school buddies I hadn't seen in years. That was the icing on the cake for this wonderful, but too quick trip to Indiana.

Well, not all of the icing. There was some delectable cake too.

And cousin time, that included seeing a long lost stepsister.

And of course, I never get enough sister time.

Yes, it was a beautiful weekend, and I was thrilled to be a part of the celebration of this love. These two are truly the King and Queen of Hearts.

A North Carolina Birthday Girl

celebrations, Dew Drop, family, Travel, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / November 28, 2018

My husband had a business trip to North Carolina, and while he was there, he offered to snap up Dewdrop from her Asheville home and bring her to KS for Thanksgiving. Since he'd be getting her on her birthday, I couldn't miss the event and had to come along to celebrate with them.

Before we scooped her up, we spent a night in Raleigh and ate a fancy meal at the City Club there.

(That last photo might look as tasty as the others, but is a light fixture, not candy. And the first one? That is candy! Cotton candy pork belly appetizers, wowzers!)

And we had a scenic drive to Boone where we passed through some misty, Christmas tree farms.

We stayed at Banner Elk, with Rich's Mom and brother, at their mountain house with this pretty view.

It changed to this overnight! Even prettier.

After our zig zag trip from Raleigh to Boone to Asheville, we drove to Charlotte and visited a nephew and his sweet baby. They made our Dewdrop feel very special with some birthday surprises.

They even treated us to a night at the trampoline play place. I didn't think I'd be doing any jumping, but once I saw how much fun the rest of the group was having, I had to start hopping around myself, and bounced around for almost an hour and a half, hating to end when it was time to go.

This is my new favorite thing to do!

The next morning, our thoughtful nephew made some Mickey shaped pancakes to keep the party going for the birthday girl before we flew home to deliver her to her family who had been missing her for way too long.

We will be seeing her again at Christmas, and while I'm heartbroken not to have her daily, I'm very happy to be able to visit with our North Carolina relatives when we do the kid-switcheroo. It was a lovely trip.